ATF Universe
FIVE
Chris made his way back to the hospital later in the day. Earlier he had fallen asleep in Vin's room and the nurses let him stay until ten o'clock. That's when the nurse's shifts changed and they kicked him out. Vin was still asleep when he left and he hoped he stayed that way. Vin could be cantankerous while he was in the hospital. Buck and JD went to get his Ram earlier and dropped it off at the hospital with a note on the dash saying they were going into work. Chris figured he better make and appearance and headed for the Federal Building when they kicked him out. He had to catch up on the paper work that Vin's little show had interrupted yesterday. When he finished for the day he said he was heading back to the hospital. The others said they would stop by later. Chris pulled into the hospital and parked. He went inside and made his way to Vin's room. As he got closer he saw the doctor leaving Vin's room."How is he doc?" Chris asked.
"The incision looks fine," he said. "There still some tenderness in the area but that's to be expected. He's running a higher fever than I like and I've switched antibiotics. Unfortunately they might make him more nauseous."
"Oh he's going to appreciate that," Chris smiled.
"I know but I want to get his fever taken care of," Dr. Finley said. "And since he's allergic to penicillin we have to use something else. Other than that he's doing fine."
"He was pretty miserable when he woke up this morning," Chris commented.
"I'm afraid he's going to feel worse," Finley said.
"Why?"
"I want the nurses to get him moving around and sitting up in a chair," he explained. "It will help honest."
"Oh I believe you," Chris said. "I'll try to convince Vin. So how long does he have to stay?"
"A few days," Finley answered. "I want to make sure that fevers down before I release him."
"Thanks doc," Chris said.
"Any time," Finley smiled as he moved down the hall.
Chris walked into Vin's room a saw one of the nurses taking blood. She looked up as she saw him walk in and smiled.
"You're just in time," She said as she finished taking Vin's blood and placed it on the tray. "As soon as I remove the catheter you can help me get him in the chair."
"Sure," Chris said as he walked around the bed. He noticed Vin had his eyes tightly shut. "Hey cowboy."
"She done yet?"
"Almost," Chris smiled as he watched her pull back the covers.
"Aw hell!" Vin exclaimed as the embarrassing procedure was finished.
"All done," she announced. "Now let's get you up and moving around."
"Don't want to," Vin complained. "I just want to lay here."
"I know but it's the doctors orders," she said. "Chris right?"
"Yes."
"I'm Margaret," she smiled. "Or Maggie whichever you want. You can help me sit him up."
Chris noticed the only thing Vin was hooked to was the IV and morphine. Maggie told Chris to take Vin's shoulders and sit him up as she swung his feet off the bed. They were going good until Vin moved the wrong way and he yelped. Maggie told him to relax a few minutes before they moved on. Vin rested his head against Chris's chest as he tried to control his breathing. When he was ready Maggie told Vin to let them do the work as they lifted him off the bed and onto his feet. As soon as Vin was up he doubled over and leaned towards Chris who was on his right side.
"Damn it hurts to stand straight," Vin cursed.
"I know but you need to walk over to the chair," Maggie said. "You can't do it like this."
"Wanna bet," Vin said gritting his teeth.
Chris shook his head as Vin stubbornly shuffled towards the chair bent over like and old man. They each took his arms and helped him. Chris noticed Maggie had draped blankets over the chair and when Vin was sitting down she draped the blankets over Vin's legs and his shoulders.
"Thanks," Vin said weakly.
"You just relax for a little while," she said. "I'll be back later."
Chris watched Maggie walk out grabbing the blood specimen as she left. He turned back to Vin and saw him hit the morphine.
"Still hurt?" Chris asked in sympathy.
"Still?" Vin said raising his eyebrows. "It hasn't stopped."
"Well you had to go and hide your appendix," Chris teased as he pulled up a chair.
"Weren't my idea," Vin grumbled. "What the hell did the doc use, a damned pitchfork to dig it out?"
"I don't know you'll have to ask him," Chris said and saw Vin shiver. He grabbed the extra blanket on the bed and draped it over his shoulders.
"Thanks," Vin said as he pulled it tighter around him.
"Anytime."
"So how long they keeping me?"
"You can hardly walk and you want to leave," Chris said.
"I can be miserable in my own apartment," Vin said as he tried to get comfortable.
"Well look who's out of bed," Buck said as he came in holding the 'hand' of a mylar balloon that had feet and was weighed down to be on the floor. It was brightly colored and said Get Well on the front. "I brought you a friend. He's a short little guy."
"You referring to the balloon or JD?" Vin teased as JD walked in.
"Hey!" JD cried. "Just for that I'm not giving you my gift."
"Sure you will kid," Buck said placing the balloon by the bed. "Since it's from both of us."
JD handed Vin the box and when he went to reach for it the incision pulled and he cursed. Chris took the box and opened it. Inside was a gameboy.
"Aren't there enough of these floating around the office?" Chris asked sarcastically.
"There's only two," JD said.
"Yeah two too many," Chris said.
"You can never have too many," Buck smiled and took it from Chris.
"Are you OK?" JD asked when he noticed Vin shivering.
"My feet are cold," Vin said.
"JD go see if the nurses have something for his feet," Chris said.
JD bounded out the door as Buck set up the gameboy. JD came back a few minutes later followed by the rest of the team.
"Here ya go, Chris," JD said handing him some slipper socks.
"Ah, Mr. Tanner, it's good to see you up and moving," Ezra said.
"Uh huh," Vin said as he tried to take the socks from Chris. "I can do it."
"Sure you can," Chris said and didn't give them up.
Vin sighed and let Chris put the slippers on his feet. He really wanted to do it himself but he knew the others knew that he couldn't. He really hated being sick.
"So what are y'all doing here?" Vin asked grumpily.
"Well, Brother, we came to keep you company," Josiah said.
"Yeah and to make sure Buck and JD don't drive you crazy," Nathan said.
"What are ya gonna do just sit here and watch me sit here?" Vin asked.
"Well I see a table over in the corner and places to sit for everyone," Ezra said as he pulled out a deck of cards from his pocket. "Might I suggestion a game of chance?"
Vin smiled as they all agreed. He really didn't want them just to sit there and watch him. He suspected Ezra knew that and asked to play cards. When everything was set up Ezra began to deal.
A half-hour later Maggie peaked in to see if everything was all right. She smiled when she saw them sitting around the table playing cards. Earlier the cute black agent had come out and asked if they could get a box of tongue depressors. When Maggie asked what they were for she smiled and handed him a box. She watched from the door as the men threw the tongue depressors in the middle of the table as thier bet. Vin was eagerly playing and she knew this was exactly what he needed. She decided to give them another fifteen minutes before she got Vin back into the bed. She quietly left the room and they didn't even notice.
Chris was keeping an eye on Vin. He could see Vin was starting to get tired. He was leaning further to the left and Chris could see his hands shaking. Vin drank some water while he was sitting at the table and Chris was just waiting. He wasn't surprised when Vin raised his head and looked at him. Chris grabbed the basin and Vin threw up. Buck moved quickly behind him and held his shoulders. When Vin was through Buck helped him sit back.
"Come on let's get you back in the bed," Nathan said.
"Shouldn't we wait for the nurse?" JD asked.
"It's not that far, JD," Buck said. "We'll just pick him up and put him back in the bed."
"No I can walk," Vin protested.
"I believe that's what the doctor wanted," Ezra said.
Chris and Buck helped Vin to his feet. Buck was on Vin's left and pulled him up to stand straight. Vin cursed and punched Buck almost knocking Chris over when he leaned all his weight towards him. Vin leaned heavily against Chris as he caught his breath.
"I'm sorry Vin," Buck said placing his hand on his back. "Didn't mean to hurt ya."
"Is alright," Vin said between gasps. "I just can't stand up."
"Side hurts huh?" JD asked ducking down to Vin's level.
"Just a bit," Vin smiled.
"Well gentlemen shall we proceed?" Ezra asked as he draped the blanket over Vin's back to save him any more embarrassment.
"Thanks Ez," Vin said.
"Was getting drafty?" Josiah asked with a smile as he pushed the IV pole.
Vin gave him a dirty look and they started for the bed. Maggie came in as Chris was swinging Vin's legs up on the bed. Vin curled on his side and Maggie handed Chris the pillow. Vin gladly hugged the pillow and was soon fast asleep.
"Here I came to do my job and it's already done," she smiled as she checked the IV and pulled the covers over Vin.
"He wasn't feeling so hot," JD said.
"I'm not surprised since the doctor changed his antibiotic," Maggie said. "He stayed up in the chair longer than I thought he would."
"Well, brothers, shall we call it a night?" Josiah asked.
"It's still early we could go over to The Saloon," Buck suggested.
"I must decline," Ezra said as he pulled on his suit jacket. "I have to call Mother tonight."
"Where is she this time?" Nathan asked.
"To be honest I don't recall," Ezra said. "I had a message on my machine this morning telling me to call tonight and some other things."
"So I guess were all heading out," JD said.
"Looks that way kid," Buck said. "See everyone in the morning."
They all filed out leaving Chris alone with Vin. Maggie said visiting time was almost up but told Chris he could take his time. Chris ran his finger through Vin's hair and let his hand rest on the back of Vin's neck. He leaned in
lose and whispered in Vin's ear.
"See ya in the morning cowboy," Chris whispered and left.
SIX
Chris drove to the hospital from the ranch wondering if Vin was giving the nurses a hard time. Vin could be difficult when he wasn't feeling well. Chris missed him out at the ranch. Vin usually came out to the ranch on the weekends. He tried to get Vin to move out with him but Vin' refused to give up his apartment in Purgatory. He told Chris if he left he was sure the gangs would move back in and it would go back to the way it was. Chris knew Vin wanted the kids to have an easier life than he had and Chris didn't push the issue. He didn't want to lose Vin over something petty like that. Chris just missed coming home to someone at the house. He pulled into the parking lot and went to pull into a space by the door when he was cut off. Chris slammed on the brakes and blasted the horn. The driver of the other car stuck his hand out the window and gave Chris the finger. Chris reined in his temper and drove away looking for another space. He found one not too far away and pulled in. Chris walked into the hospital and made his way to Vin's room. As he walked passed the nurses station he smiled at one of the nurses."Good morning Mr. Larabee," a young nurse said.
"Just call him Chris, Sue, it will save time," Maggie said as she walked up.
"How's Vin?" he asked.
"He's doing better than yesterday," Maggie said. "Still walks bent over guarding his side. He just won't straighten up."
"He says it hurts too much," Chris said.
"I'm sure it does," she agreed. "His incision looks good we just can't get his fever to come below 100 degrees."
"That's better than yesterday," Chris smiled. "He still nauseous?"
"Yeah," Sue said. "We tried him on some toast but it didn't stay down. The only thing he can keep down is Jell-O."
"Figures," Chris said. "Vin likes sweet things."
"It's probably the change in antibiotics," Maggie said.
"My bets on the morphine," Chris disagreed. "Vin doesn't do well with it."
"Maybe Dr. Finley can switch him to an oral pain meds," Maggie said. "I'll find out. He's awake playing with the Gameboy the other two children brought him."
Chris smiled at her description of JD and Buck. Sometimes Chris felt like he was the leader of a bunch of two-year-olds. Chris walked into Vin's room and heard the distinctive blips of the game. As Chris walked around the bed he found Vin asleep holding the game. Vin was still on his left side curled around the pillow. Chris reached out to take the game and Vin's eyes sprang open.
"Sorry," Chris said. "Didn't mean to wake you."
"It's alright," Vin sighed. "Been sleepin' too much any how."
"Best thing for you," Chris said as he pulled up a chair. "So how ya feelng?"
"Alright I guess," Vin said. "Everything still hurts."
"Everything?" Chris asked glancing at the door.
Chris decided it was safe enough and leaned in to kiss Vin. The younger man sighed in pleasure and closed his eyes. Chris ended the kiss and sat back with a smile.
"Ok so there's a couple of places that don't hurt," Vin smiled as he looked at Chris. "So how long they keeping me?"
"Don't know," Chris admitted. "Last night Dr. Finley wanted to keep you until they got your fever down. But of course you're being stubborn and it won't go lower than 100."
"Not my idea," Vin protested. "So what's been going on?"
"Nothing," Chris said. "The office has been quiet."
"So you finally shot JD and Buck," Vin said with a smile.
"Haven't needed to they're behaving," Chris laughed. "The whole crew was going to come by after work if you're up to it."
"Yeah that would be great," Vin said. "Maybe we can play cards again."
"You know Ezra will play cards anywhere as long as someone has money," Chris said.
"Or tongue depressors," Vin chuckled and winced.
"I wouldn't recommend doing that," Chris said with a straight face.
"Thanks I'll remember that," Vin said in disgust.
"Well I have to run," Chris said. "I have a meeting with Travis at eleven."
"OK," Vin sighed wistfully.
"Here's something to remember me by.
Chris leaned over and kissed Vin again. He finally ended the kiss and stood up. I'll see you later."
"Ain't goin' no where," Vin said and watched as Chris left.
Vin sighed wondering what he would do once they released him. He knew Chris wouldn't let him go back to his apartment by himself. Vin also knew that he didn't want Chris to think he was obliged to take care of him. Vin carefully reached over to the phone on the nightstand and dialed a number.
"Ezra Standish residence."
"Hey Ez," Vin said.
"Mr. Tanner is everything alright?" Ezra asked sounding surprised to hear from him.
"Yeah everything is fine I just need to ask you a favor."
"Proceed."
"Ya think I can stay with you when they spring me? I know Chris ain't goin' to let me go back to my apartment."
"Wouldn't you prefer to stay with Mr. Larabee?" Ezra asked confused.
"I don't want him to think he has to just cause we're.......you know," Vin said quietly.
"I see," Ezra said. "Don't you think Chris would want to take care of you since you are lovers."
"I reckon," Vin admitted. "I just don't want to be a bother to him or a burden."
"I believe Chris would want you to stay out at the ranch because he cares about you," Ezra said.
"I know he does," Vin sighed. "I guess I just don't know what to make of it sometimes. Ain't never had someone care so much before."
"Not even Miss Nettie?" Ezra asked.
"That's different," Vin said. "I ain't in love with Miss Nettie."
"You know you are welcome to stay with me anytime," Ezra said sensing Vin just wanted another option. "But don't you think Chris might be hurt if you did."
"Yeah I guess," Vin sighed. "Boy this is harder than I thought."
"Relationships always are," Ezra laughed. "We have time to decide. It's not as if they are releasing you today."
"Thanks Ez," Vin said
"My pleasure. Mr. Tanner," Ezra said and heard Vin hang up.
Ezra finished getting ready for work. He thought about telling Chris about their conversation but changed his mind. Ezra knew Vin meant what he said about not being a burden. He had felt that way when he was a child whenever his mother would drop him off at various relatives. Ezra just hoped Chris had the patience to deal with Vin's idiosyncrasies or their relationship was doomed to fail.
+ + + + + + +
Chris sat in his office watching the clock. They had one more hour before the day was done. The others were as eager to leave as he was. They wanted to go see Vin and bring him the gifts people in the office left with them. Josiah was having a hard time keeping JD and Buck out of the chocolates. Nathan said they could just wait until Vin opened them. Chris knew Vin wouldn't be happy when he found out he couldn't have any. Chris cursed and started to rearrange the files on his desk for the tenth time when the phone rang.
"Agent Larabee."
"Mr. Larabee this is Dr. Finley."
"What's wrong?" Chris asked quickly.
"Nothing, Mr. Tanner is fine," he said. "The HMO review board has decided he can go home."
"They what?" Chris asked confused. "He still has a fever?"
"I know," Dr. Finley said. "But it's not that bad and they think he can recover at home."
"You're kidding right?" Chris asked angrily.
"I'm afraid not," he sighed. "The HMO's are trying to cut costs wherever they can."
"What do you think doc?" Chris asked.
"Doesn't matter what I think," Dr. Finley said dispassionately.
"You want him to stay," Chris guessed. "But they voted you down."
"I assure you. Mr. Tanner, will be fine at home," he said. "You would just have to keep and eye on him."
"Great! Just great!" Chris said angrily. "When are you releasing him?"
"Whenever you can get here," he answered. "His paper work is all drawn up and will be waiting at the nurses station."
"Thanks," Chris said and hung up the phone.
Chris got up and grabbed his keys off the desk. He walked out of his office and into the bullpen.
"Buck I need you to go over to Vin's apartment and pack him some clothes," Chris announced and threw Buck Vin's keys.
"Sure Chris," Buck said as he caught the keys. "Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Cause the hospital is discharging him as soon as we get there," Chris growled.
"You're kidding?" JD said in surprise.
"Apparently Vin's HMO thinks they know what's best for him," Chris said.
"It's been happening a lot," Nathan said. "If you want I can stay out at your place for the night."
"Thanks, Nathan, we'll be OK."
"But we were going to visit with Vin tonight," JD said.
"We still can," Buck said. "We'll just do it at the ranch."
"Sounds like a plan," Josiah said.
"Let's go kid," Buck said grabbing the keys to his pick up. "We'll meet you at the hospital."
Half an hour later Chris pulled into the lot at the hospital followed by Nathan's Cherokee. Josiah and Ezra decided to ride with him. They parked the vehicles and entered the hospital. As they headed for Vin's room Carly stopped them.
"It takes all of you to pick up one guy?" she asked teasingly.
"The rest of our party will be joining us shortly," Ezra said. "They went to procure proper attire for our recently liberated comrade."
"I see," Carly smiled.
"Vin know he's getting out?" Chris asked.
"We told him earlier," Carly answered. "He was excited and tried to stay awake but he fell asleep."
"How is he?" Nathan asked.
"His fever is still 100 degrees," Carly said. "He was actually able to keep down some lunch but I think Dr. Finley wanted him to stay."
"We'll I guess we better go wake him up," Chris said and headed for Vin's room.
They walked into Vin's room to find him sitting up in the bed. He was obviously trying to go somewhere but having little success.
"Hey Pard where do you think you're going?" Chris asked.
"To use the john," Vin said grumpily.
"Let me help you," Chris said and moved to his side.
Vin didn't refuse as Chris helped him off the bed. He still guarded the incision as he shuffled to the bathroom bent over. Chris held onto his left arm as Ezra followed behind pushing the IV pole. When they got to the bathroom Chris took the IV pole from Ezra and closed the door. Buck and JD came in as Vin was making his way back to the bed.
"Nice butt," Buck teased.
"Aw hell!" Vin cursed and tried to cover himself.
"Did you get the clothes?" Chris asked giving him a dirty look.
"Yup," Buck said with an unrepentant smile.
"We just grabbed some sweat pants and a button down shirt to leave here," JD said holding up a bag.
"I take it I ain't goin' back to my apartment," Vin said.
"No," Chris said. "You're coming out to the ranch."
"But I..." Vin stopped and look towards Ezra. Ezra smiled and inclined his head at Chris. "Alright."
"You don't want to stay at the ranch?" Chris asked.
"It's not that," Vin hedged.
"Then what!" Chris demanded. Vin bit his lip and looked at Ezra. Chris wondered at the silent exchange.
"I just don't want to be a bother," Vin admitted and looked away.
"You're not a bother," Chris said. "Besides I want to."
"In sickness and in health," Josiah said in his deep baritone. "You've both made a commitment."
"I don't remember marryin' him," Vin teased smiling at Chris.
"Might I suggest you getting dressed so we can leave this depressing environment," Ezra said. "The industrial tan of the walls clashes with my ensemble."
They got Vin dressed in the sweatpants and Chris helped tie them below the incision. They sat him back on the bed and JD bent down to pull on his socks and sneakers. When the he was done JD packed up Vin's cowboy boots and the clothes he originally came in. They left his shirt off since he was till attached to the IV. Carly came in a short time later carrying a small bag and placed it on the bed.
"Alright who's the lucky person Vin goes home with?" she asked.
"Chris," JD said.
"I should have known," she smiled and started pulling things out of the bag. "These are his antibiotics and pain meds. The instructions are on the bottles. Also there are some extra bandages to changes the dressing on the incision. Vin has to be on a bland diet. Also soft foods like pasta, oatmeal or what ever he can handle. Absolutely no hot spices."
"That leaves out Josiah's chili," JD said.
"Also since he won't have the IV any more and he still had a fever Dr. Finley wants him to drink pedialite," Carly added.
"That's for babies," Vin protested.
"Yes but it has electrolytes and other things that will help," she said.
"Don't worry he'll drink it," Chris warned.
"I bet he will," she smiled. "Let me just take out the IV then all he has to do is sign the release papers."
She pulled on a pair of gloves and carefully pulled the needle from Vin's hand. Once it was out she cleaned it with and alcohol pad then laced a bandage over it. As she was finishing Sue walked in with a wheelchair. Carly handed Vin the papers and he signed them. They got him into his shirt then into the chair. Chris gave JD his keys and told him to bring the Ram to the doors. JD ran out the door as Buck yelled at him to slow down. When they got to the front doors JD was waiting for them. Sue pushed Vin next tot he Ram and Chris opened the door. They helped Vin into the Ram with an occasional curse from the sharpshooter. Chris smiled when they were done and walked around to the driver's side. He climbed in and the others followed Chris out to the ranch.
When they got to the ranch Chris pulled up close to the front door. Vin had fallen asleep against the door and Chris hated to wake him.
"Vin," Chris said gently. "We're here."
"Hmmm, what," Vin said sleepily.
"We're here," Chris repeated as he helped Vin sit up.
Josiah was waiting by the door and when he saw Vin wasn't leaning on the door he opened it. Chris unhooked the seat belt and handed it across to Josiah. Nathan moved in to give Josiah a hand a he helped Vin out of the truck. Once his feet were on the ground Vin stood up as far as he could but was leaning heavily against Josiah.
"This is going to get old fast," Vin complained when the incision pulled.
Josiah chuckled as he helped Vin into the house. Chris went ahead to turn on the lights. Nathan walked on Vin's right incase Josiah needed help. Ezra brought up the rear carrying the bag from the hospital. Buck and JD were stopping to get pizzas and some movies. They deposited Vin in the middle of the couch. Josiah grabbed the quilt off the back of the chair and Vin gratefully wrapped it around himself. Ezra pulled off Vin's sneakers and dropped them on the side of the couch. Nathan and Chris were in the kitchen getting him something to eat. Josiah went to join them and Ezra picked up the remote and sat next to Vin. He flipped on the TV and started surfing the channels. Ezra settled on an episode of "Faulty Towers" when he heard a hiss of pain from Vin.
"Are you alright?" Ezra asked in concern.
"Yeah," Vin grumbled. "Jest tryin' to tuck my feet up but it ain't happenin'."
"Allow me to be of assistance," Ezra said.
Ezra reached down and helped Vin pull his legs up onto the couch. Vin cursed as he almost fell over and caught himself. Ezra chuckled as Vin finally got comfortable and pulled the quilt completely around him. JD and Buck showed up a few minutes later and placed the pizzas on the table in front of Vin. Chris walked over with a bowl of plan pasta with a little olive oil and salt and pepper. Vin looked at the pasta then the pizza and sighed. He took the bowl from Chris and started to eat slowly. The others grabbed pizzas and Ezra sighed and went to grab a slice. JD stopped him and handed him another bag that had linguine with clam sauce. Ezra thanked JD as the kid popped a movie in the VCR. He sat on the end of the couch and Buck was sitting between JD and Vin. Chris and Ezra went out to the kitchen to get drinks. They made a couple of trips and on the last one Chris came back with an empty bowl and placed it on the table.
"What's with the bowl?" JD asked.
"It's for Vin," Chris smiled. "Just in case."
"Thanks," Vin said annoyed as he handed Chris his pasta. "I'm done."
"You hardly ate anything," Chris protested.
"I eat any more and I'll end up using that bowl," Vin said.
"He ate enough Chris," Nathan said. "Give him his pills."
Vin sighed as Chris dropped two antibiotics in his palm. It was too early for the pain meds. Vin swallowed the pills and leaned back on the couch. Chris sat down on his right and ate his dinner. As usual they ended up making fun of whatever movie they ended up watching. When they first one was over JD asked if he should put in the second one.
"I think we better go, " Buck suggested.
"Why?" JD asked.
Buck pointed to Vin who was sound asleep leaning on his shoulder. During the movie Buck felt Vin slowly leaning towards him.
"I guess that's it for the evening," Nathan said.
"We'll help cleanup," Josiah said.
"Wewill?" Ezra asked raising an eyebrow.
Josiah swatted his foot and Ezra got out of the recliner. Buck stayed where he was and gave orders. Vin slept on oblivious to everything going on around him.
"Hey Nate you think you could come by tomorrow and stay with Vin?" Chris asked. "I need to get some food. I don't have anything in the house for him."
"I have a better idea," Nathan said. "I'll run out during lunch and bring the groceries to you."
"Great thanks," Chris said. "I just don't trust leaving him alone."
When everything was cleaned up they came back to the living room. Buck was gently shaking Vin.
"Leave me alone," Vin mumbled. "Come back later."
"Sorry Pard," Buck laughed. "I can't."
"What?" Vin said sleepily.
"We're heading out," Buck said.
"And you're going to bed," Chris said.
Vin said they could just leave him on the couch. Nathan said no and they got Vin on his feet and walking towards the bedroom. That was the furthest Vin walked and Chris could fell him begging to shake as they got to the bedroom. Nathan wanted to put him directly to bed but Vin insisted on brushing his teeth.
"JD go get his pain medication in the kitchen," Nathan said.
JD trotted out and disappeared. Vin walked to the bed with Chris's help and climbed in. When JD came back Chris got a glass of water as Nathan handed Vin the pill. Vin took it without protest and curled up with the blankets pulled around him. Chris went back to the living room to say good night. Nathan said he would see him tomorrow as they left. Chris locked up the house and went back to the bedroom carrying the empty bowl from the living room and placing it on the nightstand. He went into the bathroom to wash up. When he was finished he came over to the bed and carefully climbed in next to Vin. Vin was on his left side and Chris picked up his arm and gently moved closer to Vin as he placed Vin's arm over his chest. Vin sighed in contentment as he cuddled up to Chris.
"This alright?" Chris asked not wanting to hurt him.
"Yeah," Vin said as he laid his head on Chris's chest. "You sure are more comfortable than that pillow."
"Need anything?"
"It's a little cold."
"Hell it isn't cold, you're just hot," Chris said.
"Still cold," Vin insisted.
Chris carefully moved away from Vin and off the bed. He went into the closet and came back with the down comforter. He threw it over Vin then climbed back in the bed. Once they were settled again Vin quickly feel asleep. Chris turned on the TV and stayed up for a few hours. When the news was over Chris turned off the TV and shut the lights. He hugged Vin tighter and the younger man mumbled. Chris smiled as he kissed the top of Vin's head. It was good to have him back where he belonged.
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