It was early Tuesday morning, the sun barely up, but the promise of a beautiful spring day hung in the air. Chris Larabee left Vin Tanner's apartment building and walked briskly towards the main thoroughfare two blocks away. The newspaper kiosk was located on the corner of the busy intersection. He plunked his coins into the receptacle, retrieved his paper and headed back to his lover's apartment. Since this area was known for it's gang and drug activity, Larabee glanced around, keeping his mind on the surrounding area.

Chris reached the front stoop of the apartment building, climbed the few steps leading to the front door, and sat down on the top step. Opening his paper, he scanned the front page, but chose the 'Sports' section to read dropping the rest on the step in front of him.

Vin walked out of the front door and looked around. He handed Larabee a hot mug of coffee as he sat down next to him on the steps. Chris glanced at Vin, nodded his thanks and asked, "What section you want?"

"Sports?" he asked hopefully.

"Sorry pard," and went back to the article he was reading.

"The funnies then," reaching for the stack of papers at Larabee's feet and thumbed through the different sections until he found the one he wanted. Vin sat reading the various comic strips for a few minutes, his mind clearly on other things. He looked over at his lover, then up the street, back to the paper in his hand, biting his lip, making up his mind, he started, "Cowboy?"

"Hmmm," Chris answered.

"Can we continue the talk we started last night?"

Chris frowned at him. "I thought we already decided it, pard." He stated, "I thought we agreed not to say anything," and went back to his paper.

Vin took a deep breath. "No Chris, we didn't decide on anythin', remember? Ya got mad and stalked out of the room." Vin reminded him, trying not to get angry. "I still think ya should tell Buck 'bout us." He glanced over at his partner.

"And just what in the hell do you think that will accomplish?" Larabee growled.

Tanner sighed, "Buck knows somethin' is goin' on. Ain't it just better ta tell him 'stead of his finding it out on his own?" He let out a breath and continued. "Come on Chris, ya know how Buck gets when he has wind of somethin' goin' on and he's not privy to it. He's like a dog with a bone. He's gonna find out. Don't ya think it's just better ta tell him and be done with it?" Vin made his case.

Larabee turned to face him, scowling, "I told you last night, pard, Buck is not going to take this little revelation well. First he's going to be in denial, then question my sanity, accuse me of being disrespectful, and then blame you." He stated in his dark quiet voice. "Hell Vin, I can't explain this to myself, how in the hell do you expect me to explain it to Buck?" He growled. Chris took a deep breath and continued. "You know how Buck is, he can't keep a secret like this. You know he'll tell JD! Shit, neither one can keep a secret!"

They glared at each other, "Ya don't know that, cowboy, anyway, Buck and JD can keep a secret." Tanner answered defensively.

"About national security, yes, about peoples private lives, no! You've heard him Vin, and what if this gets out? Buck will tell JD! What if one of them blurts it out at the office or worse, the Saloon, what do you think is going to happen? I don't know about you, pard, but I'm not ready to give up my career and everything else I've worked so hard for." Chris stated more harshly than he'd intended. Larabee turned back to his paper, dismissing the subject.

Vin, however, was not to be dismissed. He looked at his soulmate in disbelief. "So yer sayin' if it comes to a choice, me or the job, you'll take the job?"

Chris put his paper down and looked at Tanner. "You know I didn't say that!"

"Well, excuse me cowboy, but that's exactly what ya said!" He retorted and pushed himself off the step. "I'll be goin' for my run now."

He started down the steps, warming up as he went, "And don't worry 'bout Buck, Chris, 'cause there ain't gonna be nothin' for him ta find out about." Vin quipped as he started up the street in a slow trot.

"Vin...Vin!" Chris called to the disappearing back. 'Well that went well', he scowled to himself, 'shit', he thought. Actually, more than once he'd weighed the notion of taking Buck out for a drink and telling him about Vin. That he and Vin were together as a couple. Of course, Buck was not going to understand Larabee's involvement here. Sarah had been like a sister to him and Adam...Adam..., he closed his eyes, fighting back tears. Adam had been the next thing to a son to Buck. This was going to hit the big man hard, he was going to view this as a betrayal to his family's memory. Chris didn't know how to explain this to anyone.

Vin wasn't his first experience with a man. When he was with the SEAL's there had been someone, but before they could explore those feelings, his friend had been killed. He hadn't understood that situation any more than he understood his feelings for Vin.

Plus, Buck was always trying to pair him up with some woman, especially Mary Travis. He and Mary had attended a few social events together, but had never officially dated. The big guy just couldn't understand that he and Mary were just friends.

Larabee had been shocked to find Mary at the Saloon one Friday night, a few months ago, expecting to be his date. Come to find out, Buck had called her on his behalf. Well, they had laughed it off, but it still had been embarrassing. Chris was sure that was when Buck's curiosity had been aroused.

Larabee knew he was going to have to deal with Buck, he just didn't have a clue, how. He was sure Buck wouldn't end their friendship although it may cool for awhile. But then, maybe not. With the big guy, you just couldn't be sure how he would react to a situation.

He knew Vin wanted to tell their friends that they were a couple and yes, he'd like to shout it from the rooftops, also. He loved Vin! He hadn't told his lover that, but he tried to show it everyday. And Larabee knew Vin loved him, too. But since they were both new to this lifestyle, well Chris wondered, how you told another man you loved him without it sounding corny.

With their careers, alternate lifestyles were never encouraged nor accepted. Even if he weren't Vin's boss, if this were ever found out, one or both of them could lose their jobs. Vin could always go back to bounty hunting, and Chris guessed, he could do security work. Maybe even start his own company. Well, it was something to think about, anyway.

'Shit', he scowled again. Even with all the reasons not to tell Buck, Larabee knew this was an argument he was not going to win. That bothered him even more. He was used to getting his way. To bending men to his will with just a look or a glare. And, although as team leader, he gave his men a lot of latitude, his was still the final word. He had always controlled every aspect of his life and career, except with Sarah, and now with Vin.

Chris smiled remembering the first and only time he'd tried to tell Sarah she wasn't going to do something she wanted to and found himself talking to empty space. She let it be known that they were partners, simple as that. Now Vin, at work it was all business, but at home, Vin was like Sarah. They were partners and Tanner no more took anything off of him than Sarah had. They had been together now about seven months, but from the beginning, both of them understood the rules and where they stood with each other. Simple as that!

What a crappy way to start the day when last night had been so perfect. Chris smiled at the memory. He went back to his paper, deciding that once Vin returned, they'd talk it over and straighten things out. And somehow, he would figure out a way to talk to Buck about this.

---

Vin started his run, slowly at first, then set a leisurely pace. In his mind he set his course. The grade school was about a mile away, so he'd run by the school, cut across an open field and back home. It was about two miles, maybe a little more, but he figured he'd be able to clear his head and be able to talk to Chris once he was back home without anger getting in the way. He usually ran a longer course in the mornings, but he'd gotten a later start today.

He really wasn't angry with Larabee. He understood Buck was not going to take the situation well, but it was better to tell him than have him find out on his own. If Chris just thought about it rationally, he was sure he would agree, but Chris was anything but rational.

When he had approached the subject last night, Larabee had blown up and stormed from the room. A short time later, he'd followed, giving his lover time to cool down and get his temper in check. The conversation had then been forgotten as Larabee distracted him. He smiled at the memory, wondering if that was how Chris got around Sarah. After all, Chris was a master at mind-blowing sex and artful lovemaking. The trouble was, once the sex was over, the problem remained.

He loved Larabee and there was no doubt he was loved in return. No one could touch another's body so reverently, the way Larabee touched him without there being a lot of love behind those caresses. And, while they were both new to this lifestyle, Vin felt he was adapting a lot easier than his lover. Of course, he thought frowning, Chris was older and more set in his ways.

He had run about a mile when he turned the corner and headed for the school half a block up the street. The school was on the left side of the street, so he was careful to stay away from traffic and school buses.

He hated fighting with Chris and decided once he was home, they'd talk, iron this out and make-up. If Larabee was still there, that is. The man could be a royal pain in the butt, sometimes, he thought ruefully.

As he ran by the school yard, he noticed a man arguing with a young boy about five or six years old. The guy appeared to be scolding the child. Vin assumed the kid just didn't want to go to school and was fighting with his father about it. He ran on to the corner.

At the corner, Tanner heard a woman scream, "He's taking my son, someone, stop him!" Vin stopped, turned around and saw the man, he thought was the boy's father, pushing the kid into the frrontseat of his car, a Ford Escort. He started running back towards the car, shouting at the mother, "Call 9-1-1." The mother was running towards the car, also, shouting again, "Por favor, don't let him take my son, stop him!"

Vin dodged a school bus and ran up to the Escort, "Stop!" he shouted. "ATF, stop this car, now!" He smacked the trunk lid of the car with his hand.

The back door of the car opened. Tanner could see the kid, scared, sobbing, and calling for his mama, but getting ready to jump from the slow moving vehicle. Vin grabbed the boy as the car lurched forward. The back door swung closed, narrowly missing Vin and the child in his arms. Tanner shouted for everyone to stay back, as the driver was desperately trying to get away. He turned away from the Escort and set the boy down, noting that the mother had caught up with them. The mother grabbed her son, hugging him tightly, while saying, "Gracias senor, gracias, gracias..."

Turning back to the small car and the driver, Vin hit the side door with the side of his fist, "ATF, stop this damn car and get out, now!" He ordered.

The small Ford lunged forward again, but was hemmed in by parked vehicles and Vin. There was no place the driver could go and Vin reached for the door handle. He saw the side window being lowered, saw the muzzle of the gun sticking out of the driver's window and before his brain could register what it was, he saw the flash and felt the impact as the bullets hit his body. He flew backwards, landing hard on the ground. Pain seared through him from the inside out. He gasped, tried to breathe, tried to move, tried to get up, but he felt glued to the ground.

'Boy was Larabee gonna be pissed by this turn of events' he thought. Vin prayed someone had called 9-1-1 because he didn't want to die here in this street. Besides, he needed to let Chris know he really wasn't mad at him. 'Man, could this day get any worse', Vin wondered. His last coherent thought was of his lover as he tried to call his name. "Risss..."

---

Chris folded the last of his paper, checked his watch and frowned. They would have to start getting ready for work soon. He frowned again, something was wrong, he could feel it. Larabee stood up and glanced up and down the street, but saw nothing unusual. Where was Vin, he wondered, he should have been back by now. Something was wrong, his gut told him and he never ignored his gut feelings. That was what had kept him alive all these years. Then he heard the sirens. 'Vin,' he thought, God, he hoped they weren't for Vin.

Larabee fished his keys out of his pocket, picked up his paper, coffee mug and climbed into his truck. Starting it up, he sat there a few minutes to think. Tanner usually ran by the school, so that was a good place to start looking for him. As he neared the building, he saw the crowd gathering and noticed the ambulance had arrived. Chris parked his truck. He knew that whatever had happened, his partner would be in the thick of things, so he headed into the crowd flashing his badge. Once he gained access to the inner circle of activity, he saw Vin on the ground, covered in blood, with a large pool of blood under his body.

Shocked and scared, he tried to get close to his partner, thinking, 'God, no Vin, no'! He reached for his lover's hand, but a police officer held him back. Chris was having none of that. "Get out of my way," he growled savagely.

"Sir, you have to step back and let them do their job," the police officer urged.

"What the hell happened here?" Larabee wanted to know. "Is he going to be all right?" he asked looking at the paramedic.

The policeman noticed this guy had a badge and was trying to check it out. "Do you know this man?" The officer asked Larabee.

"Yes, he's my partner," Chris answered, "He works for me! His name is Tanner, Vin Tanner! I'm Special Agent Chris Larabee, we're with the ATF! Now what the hell happened here?" Chris growled again.

"I'm Officer Grey. We're still investigating this shooting, sir, but your friend was shot by the driver of this Ford." Officer Grey pointed at the abandoned automobile. "He has escaped on foot, for now. We're still trying to get the facts together, but near as we can tell, your agent stopped a possible child abduction. We'll get him, though, don't you worry."

The police officer didn't normally give civilians information on their cases, but he was, after all, with the ATF agency, a Fed, and the way he was glaring at everyone, well, the officer wasn't about to go up against this guy.

Officer Grey watched as the paramedics worked on the young agent. He hoped he'd be okay, but it didn't look promising.

Chris hovered over the EMT's accessing the damage and working on Vin. He heard one of them call into the base and wanted to scream at them to just get him to the damn hospital.

"Base, we have a white male, approximately 26 years old, with a gun shot wound to the upper left side. There is an exit wound..."

Both paramedic's worked together to stablize Vin for the trip to the hospital, applying dressings, starting IV's and oxygen. Finally, Vin was ready to be transported. The senior EMT looked at Larabee as he took ahold of the gurney to help lift Tanner into the ambulance.

"You know this man?" He asked.

"Yes, he works for me," Larabee stated flatly. "I'm going to ride with you!"

"Okay, can you give me some information on him?"

"Like what?" Larabee wanted to know.

Once Tanner was loaded into the ambulance and Chris had climbed in behind them, he laid his hand on Vin's ankle. It was the only place he was allowed to touch. Tanner had no color and he was afraid for his friend. Worst of all, their last words had been in anger. "Come on, pard, don't do this to me," he whispered silently.

We need his name; age; allergies; insurance; occupation; and home address?"

Larabee answered the questions as they were asked.

"Vin Tanner; 27; no allergies; goverment insurance; ATF Agent. Why do you need his address, you're not taking him home, are you?"

The senior paramedic looked up sharply to see if this man was joking, but by the look on his face, the EMT guessed he wasn't. "No Sir, we're taking him to Community General Trauma Center. I just need it for my records."

'Get ahold of yourself, Larabee', Chris shook himself mentally and gave the paramedic Vin's home address.

"Will he be all right?" Chris asked quietly. His partner looked bad and Larabee bit his lip, frightened.

"I can't be sure," The EMT answered, "But he's young and appears to be in good health. That's all in his favor."

Chris nodded, holding on to that information and for the first time noticed Vin's shoe was missing. Where was his shoe, he wondered. Vin loved those sneakers. He always said, even though they looked ratty, those sneakers had been broken in right, great for running in. Well, he'd have to go back to the scene and find Vin's shoe. Chris shook himself, again. 'Get a grip, Larabee, you can always buy Vin a new pair of running shoes,' he growled to himself.

As the ambulance pulled into the entrance of the emergency room, Vin was wheeled into a trauma room amid a flurry of activity. Everyone with just one thought, to save the young man's life.

---

Chris was in shock as he paced the waiting room. Insurance forms had been filled out and returned to the receptionist's desk, now all he could do was wait. Not really his strong point. His one flaw, he knew, was that he had absolutely no patience. Oh, he had other flaws, all right, but being short on patience and temper was right at the top of the list. Larabee glanced again at the clock on the wall and was surprised to see it was almost 9:30 in the morning. He figured he'd better call in to work and let the others know what was going on. Chris searched for his cell phone, then remembered, other than his wallet, keys and some change, everything else was still on Vin's dresser. He looked around for a pay-phone and dialed into the office.

"ATF offices, Special Agent Jackson; how may I help you?"

"Nate, it's me, Chris."

"Chris? Chris, where are you?" Nathan inquired, knowing his boss and Vin were never late.

"I'm at Community General Trauma Center, Nate." His voice thick with emotion. "Vin's been shot."

"What! What happened? Is he okay? Vin's been shot." Larabee heard Nathan telling someone in the office.

"Nate, I'm calling you guys to let you know what happened and to let Josiah know he'll be in charge. It'll probably be a few days before I get back to work."

"Chris, what happened? Wait a minute, I'm putting you on the speaker phone in the conference room." Nathan said.

Larabee glanced around the crowded emergency room and noticed the police detectives looking his way. He took a deep breath, getting control of his nerves, steeling himself for what was to come. "Chris?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah, I'm still here," he answered. "Everyone there?" he questioned and heard everyone answer to the affirmative that they were indeed all accounted for, with JD saying, "Was that Vin? There's something on TV about a shooting..."

Larabee interrupted, "Listen up guys, all I can tell you is that Vin went for his morning run and ended up getting shot. There was a lot of confusion at the scene, but basically, Vin stopped some pervert from trying to snatch a kid by the school and was shot in the process. I don't know how bad it is, so far, no one has told me anything." He paused, took a breath and continued. "Soon as I know something, I'll let you know. Josiah, you're in charge. Ezra, would you call the judge and let him know what's going on." Chris really hadn't meant it as a question, he already knew his team would carry out any instructions.

Nathan spoke up, "Chris, were you with Vin when this happened?"

Chris squared his shoulders and closed his eyes briefly. Vin was about to get his wish, because now the questions would start. "No, I was at his apartment, but I didn't go running with him. We had coffee this morning." He said evasively. "Any more questions?"

"Is Vin going to be all right?" Josiah wanted to know. He hated the thought of losing his good friend.

"Honestly, I don't know, Josiah. They're still working on him, but it doesn't look good." Chris choked out. "As soon as I know anything guys, I'll call you back."

"Chris," Buck spoke up, "You want me to come down there and wait with you?"

"No, but thanks, Buck!" Larabee answered gratefully. "And Ezra, tell the judge I'll call him as soon as I know something definitive."

"All right, Mr Larabee, I'll take care of it and you take care of Mr. Tanner."

Chris grunted an answer and hung up the phone. Closing his eyes to stave off the impending headache, he thought about his lover. 'God Vin, you have to be all right. Please don't do this to me,' Larabee begged the powers that be.

---

Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler from the Special Victims Unit, watched as the man dressed in black talked on the telephone. He fit the description given by Officer Grey, at the scene, as the wounded agents partner. And to be honest, Detective Stabler thought, this guy just looked the part of a Fed. His face held a scowl darker than a thundercloud and the frown he was wearing didn't invite any friendly overtures from others.

Stabler disliked working with the Feds. They came in like gangbusters, took over your case, shoved you aside and left you reeling as if you had been through a tornado. You had to fight every step of the way to keep control of your case and to get any information from them. Well, this was their case and no way was the Feds taking over!

In all probability, Agent Tanner had saved the boy's life. The driver of the car had escaped on foot, but they knew who he was and an APB had been issued for his capture. Stabler hoped he would be arrested soon, but for now, at least, they had a name and a picture from the DMV. All known family and friends were being questioned and all known hangouts were being watched.

Their unit had been looking for this guy for several months. They had two dead kids and several reported, attempted abductions. This predator targeted poor neighborhoods looking for easy marks. He'd hang around a school, befriending the kids, giving them money or video games, acting like their friend. The schools had cooperated, warning the children about this monster, but some kids, starved for affection, were drawn to him.

He had left few clues at both of the crime scenes and the kids he had tried, but failed to take, had been too frightened to talk to the police. So this was the first big break they'd had.

This morning had been pure luck. The mother had an early parent-teacher conference and was headed for her car, afterwards. Agent Tanner was running by the school just as the guy was trying to force the boy into his car. The boy was fighting back, however, and had climbed over the front seat into the back. The mother had spied the scuffle and screamed, trying to get someone's attention. Tanner, hearing the mother's scream, had noticed what was happening and stepped in to help, thus saving the boy's life. Problem was, the young agent might lose his own for his actions.

Stabler just hoped Tanner would be all right. Larabee was hanging up the phone, so he and Benson headed towards the scowling agent.

---

"Are you Special Agent Chris Larabee?" Detective Stabler asked.

"Yes," He answered.

"I'm Detective Stabler and this is my partner Detective Benson," he introduced themselves. "We're from the Special Victims Unit. You came in with Vin Tanner?" Stabler continued.

Larabee nodded that he had and shook the detectives hands. "How's your man doing?" Benson asked.

Chris shrugged after shaking hands with the detectives. "I don't know, no one has told me anything yet. They're still working on him. Do you know what the hell happened out there?" Larabee asked, keeping a tight control on his emotions.

"Well, we'll need Agent Tanner's input, of course, but from what the witnesses at the scene say," Stabler checked his notes. "This guy has been hanging around the school for a few days, talking to the kids, getting to be their friend, I'd guess. This morning he made his move on..." Stabler checked his notes again, "The boys name is Raul Gonzales, 6 years old. Tanner jumped in and stopped him. Your man probably saved the boy's life." Stabler finished.

"Do you know who the sonofabitch is that shot Vin?" Chris growled, his control slipping. "He's always watching out for the neighborhood kids, so he would try to stop a scumbag like that!" Larabee continued, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

"If his family needs a ride to the hospital, we can send a car to bring them here." Detective Benson intervened, giving Larabee a chance to calm down.

Chris took another deep breath, let it out slowly and answered. "Vin has no immediate family, but thanks."

Benson continued, "We understand you guys are with the ATF?"

Larabee nodded his head, pursed his mouth. "Yes, Vin is a member of my team," Chris said aloud, but thought, my friend, lover and soulmate, too.

"It's rough when one of your men go down," the detective sympathized. "Can you tell me from your perspective what happened?"

"Vin and I were having coffee. He finished his and left for his daily run..."

"You didn't go?" Benson asked.

"No, I stayed at his apartment. When I heard the sirens I decided to check it out, see if I could help in some way. When I arrived at the scene, that's when I saw it was Vin. I should have gone with him, but I didn't." Larabee fought to keep his emotions in check. He knew he had to stay detached from his feelings or he wouldn't be able to handle this. Especially if Vin died..., shit, he couldn't even think it. Chris knew he had to stay strong for Vin's sake and for his.

Detective Benson wrote something in her notebook. Chris guessed it was something about idiot agents not watching their partner's back, he thought guiltily and grimaced.

"Well, Agent Larabee, I guess that's all we need from you. My partner and I will need to talk to Agent Tanner, once he's stable and able to give a statememt."

"What else can you tell me about the asshole that shot Vin?" He asked the detectives.

"He escaped on foot, but as we said, we know his name. A Gabrial Rickens. He'll be picked up shortly. You know the drill, Agent Larabee. He won't be free for long." Benson assured him.

"Thanks, I appreciate the information, detectives. I hope you'll keep me informed." Chris added, gratefully. He knew they could refuse to give him any information, so he was thankful they had shared what they had.

"Of course, Agent Larabee. Our partners are like family, sometimes closer than family." Stabler smiled. "When one goes down, be it a cop on the beat or a Federal Agent, we all feel it." Detective Benson nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." Chris said quietly.

---

Dr. Mark Sloan walked into the waiting room and called, "Is there a Mr. Larabee, here?"

Chris swiveled around and walked towards the waiting doctor, extending his hand. "I'm Chris Larabee, doctor. How's Vin?"

"Mr. Larabee, I'm Dr. Sloan." The two men shook hands. "We've been able to control the bleeding, but he's still critical. He was shot twice in the upper left side of his abdomen," the doctor demonstrated by using his own torso, "The bullets exited the body at this point." Again using his own body as an example. "Mr. Tanner has lost a lot of blood. Right now he's being prepped for surgery and will be headed upstairs in a few minutes. I understand you have his medical power-of-attorney?"

"Yeah, I do. May I see him," he almost begged.

"I think that will be all right, but only for a minute. He's pretty much out of it. He may not even know you're there. He's been in a lot of pain. Besides the blood he's getting, we've been giving him medications to make him more comfortable. I'll take you back to the trauma room," Dr. Sloan turned to leave, still talking to Larabee. "Dr. Carroll will be performing the surgery. He has an excellent team, Mr. Larabee, so Mr. Tanner will be in good hands.

"Thanks, Dr. Sloan."

"Doctor!" Chris tensed, not realizing the detectives had followed him. "Any chance we can talk to Vin Tanner before surgery?" Detective Benson asked.

"And you are?" Dr. Sloan queried.

"I'm Detective Benson and this is my partner Detective Stabler. We need to talk to Mr. Tanner as soon as possible. He's a material witness to an attempted child abduction and we need to get his statement." Benson stated.

"Right now, detective, he isn't able to talk to anyone. It would be best to wait until after surgery." Dr. Sloan informed them.

"How long do you think that will be, doctor?" Stabler asked.

"Well, let me see," Dr. Sloan considered. "Sometime tomorrow would be my guess."

"Not before?" Detective Stabler pressed.

"I'm sorry, detectives, but Mr. Tanner is very critical. If he makes it through the surgery, he may be able to talk to you sometime tomorrow or possibilty the next day. You'll just have to wait and see." Dr. Sloan admonished.

"Okay, we'll check back with you tomorrow." Stabler said. Both detectives nodded at Larabee and started to leave the waiting room. "I hope your partner makes it okay," Benson said gently, patting Chris on the arm.

"Thanks, me too." Larabee nodded back and followed the doctor into the white sterile hallway.

"He's probably already on his way to surgery." Dr. Sloan told Chris. "That's him, there!"

Chris followed the doctor into the trauma division and spied Vin being pushed along the hallway on a gurney headed for the operating room. "Wait!" Larabee cried out and caught up with the gurney. He tried to take ahold of Vin's hand.

Tanner's eyes fluttered, but the movement from the overhead lights made him feel sick so he closed them again. He could hear Chris's voice, but couldn't grasp what was being said.

Chris said softly, "Vin, I'm here, pard, you're going to be all right, you hear me, cowboy, you're going to beat this. You have to be all right!" Chris choked out, touching Vin's hand lightly.

Vin could hear Chris. It sounded like he was humming, but Vin knew, Chris wasn't one to hum a tune. He thought there was something he had to tell Chris, but he couldn't remember what it was. Too bad, because he knew it was important. If only he could remember... Vin slipped back into the dark void of medicated unconsciousness.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you have to stop here. The surgical waiting room is on the third floor. Someone will let you know when he's in the recovery room." Chris stopped at the double doors and watched as Vin disappeared down the hallway and into the elevator.

---

Chris found himself pacing the surgical waiting room. Every few minutes, it seemed, he was checking either his watch or the clock on the wall. He wished now, he'd let Buck come down to wait with him. 'Shit!' he thought, he hadn't called the office back to let them know Vin was in surgery. He started towards a bank of pay-phones, when, off the elevator came Buck Wilmington.

Chris blinked his eyes, "Buck!" He said startled.

"Howdy there pard," Buck said. "We've been calling your cell, but you haven't answered, so, we thought we'd come down and find out what was happenin'. Josiah said it was all right, him being the boss and all." He smiled.

"God, Buck, I am so glad to see you! Vin's been in surgery for almost two hours now. I'm sorry, I completely forgot to call you guys when he went up. Shoot, I'm sorry." Larabee chastised himself. It was true, in his worry for Vin, he'd forgotten everything else. "Anyway, I don't have my cell with me. It's at Vin's apartment."

"That's okay, stud, The guys are parking the cars, they'll be up in a few minutes. Ron, from Team One said they'd take our calls. Ya know, Vin is well liked and everyone is worried about him."

Chris looked at Buck like he'd lost his mind and then smirked. It was true, Vin was well thought of by almost everyone.

Ron was the SAC for Team One. Vin had once worked for Team One for almost a week on a bust they had going down. Afterwards, Ron had sent Chris a glowing review of Tanner's work.

"Buck, remind me to send a note to Ron, thanking him for covering us today."

"Sure will, pard. You want to wait until the others get here to let us know what's going on?" Buck offered, sitting down on the couch.

"Yeah, I only have to say it once, then. I really don't know all that much, anyway."

Chris sat down next to Buck on the couch, and ran his fingers through his hair. He put his head in his hands and prayed silently. Buck laid his hand on Chris's shoulder and squeezed.

"Don't worry pard, Vin is young, he's strong and healthy. He'll come through this just fine."

"I hope so, Buck, it's just that there was so much blood. I don't think he ever regained consciousness. Not while I was with him, anyway." Chris whispered.

"You drive yourself over here?"

"No, I came in the ambulance. I'll need you to take me to get my truck, if you don't mind. If there's anything left of it, that is." Chris sat back into the couch. "I left it by the school, unlocked. I don't think I set the alarm, either." He winced.

"Damn pard, I've never known you to be a gambling man." Buck remarked. "You'll be lucky if there's anything left." He smiled. "You must really like Vin, stud."

Chris looked over at Buck, "What makes you say that?" He asked.

"Well, hell Chris, we've been friends for 'bout fifteen years now, and I ain't ever known you to get up at four or five in the morning to come and have coffee with me. In fact, I believe many a night we were just getting in at that hour." Buck grinned.

"Yeah Buck, those were the days, weren't they?" Larabee answered quietly. The friends shared a memory for a few minutes, then, "God, what if he dies? I don't think I'll be able to handle it." Chris gave voice to his fears.

Just about that time, Josiah, Nathan, Ezra and JD walked through the door.

The friends settled in around a couch grouping, while Nathan went to see if he could find out anything. Ezra had stopped at a Starbucks Coffee House and brought everyone's favorite brew. Nathan soon came back empty handed, unable to find any information on Vin.

Chris told them what Dr. Sloan had said to him in the emergency room and explained what the detectives had said, also.

Buck asked Chris, "Do you know if they've caught that bastard yet?"

"I don't know," he said looking around at the others. "I haven't heard anything."

"Perhaps we should consider a guard for Mr. Tanner's room. Can he identify him?" Ezra inquired.

"Chris, a guard might not be a bad idea, especially if he can identify him," JD added.

Chris rubbed his chin, "You know guys, I don't know if Vin saw him or not. But they know his name and the detectives I spoke with say they have a picture of this asshole. His name is Gabrial Rickens. I agree, though, a guard on Vin's door is a good idea. It can't hurt and we know he's dangerous. And trying to kidnap a kid in front of all those people, really doesn't show much in the smarts department."

Chris reached into his shirt pocket and handed Josiah a card. "This is one of the detectives on the case. Why don't you call her and talk to her about it. See what she says." he said pensively. He was glad the others were here. He sighed. 'I should have known from the start I needed my family with me,' he thought.

---

Dr. James Carroll walked into the waiting room and asked for Chris Larabee. Chris rose from the couch, along with the others and introduced himself to the doctor, shaking the man's hand. The doctor looked around at the others and Chris added, "These men are all Vin's family."

"I'm Dr. Carroll, Mr. Tanner came through the procedure just fine." He nodded and smiled at the men. "We did what is called an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Once we were in, we found one shell had nicked the spleen causing internal bleeding. We performed a splenectomy or a removal of the spleen. Mr. Tanner is in recovery and he'll be moved to the surgical ICU in the next hour or two. Any questions?"

"Is he going to be all right?" Chris wanted to know.

"I'm very optimistic. The next twenty-four hours are crucial, but he's young and appears to be in very good health. Anything can happen, of course, but I'd be surprised if he didn't make a full recovery." Dr. Carroll explained.

"About his spleen?" Buck started.

"People can live quite well without their spleen. He should be fine." Dr. Carroll assured them.

"When can I see him?" Chris wanted to know.

"After he's moved to the ICU, you'll be able to see him, but only two at a time and for only short periods. If you have any other questions, here's my card, please feel free to call me." Dr. Carroll left the room.

The six men looked at each other and then at Nathan. "I really can't add to what the doctor just said, guys. And, as the doctor said, people can live without their spleens." Nathan confirmed the doctors words. Returning to the couch, everyone made themselves comfortable.

"Chris, I'll call Detective Benson, and get started on that guard for Vin. After all, we don't want anymore surprises." Josiah said, reaching for his cellphone.

"By the way, Mr. Larabee, Judge Travis asked that you call him as soon as you know anything." Ezra related the message.

"Thanks Ez, anyone got a phone I can use?"

Five cellphones landed on his chest and in his lap.

---

Vin slowly became aware of his surroundings. He looked around; it was dark, but warm. He had the feeling he was in a cave, but he didn't feel threathened or frightened. He could hear Chris calling softly. Vin glanced around again and noticed a light coming from above and a ladder leaning against the wall of the cave. He began to climb towards his lover's voice. Reaching the top of the ladder, he rolled onto the ground, and feeling a sharp pain in his chest, Tanner sucked back a gasp of pain and tried to find Chris.

Larabee could see Vin's eyelids moving slightly. 'He's waking up,' he thought and once again, softly, called to his partner. "Vin, come on now, wake up." He touched Vin's face and in a loving gesture pushed the hair back from his forehead. "Come on, Vin, open those eyes, pard," Chris continued softly, gently caressing the side of Vin's face with his calloused thumb.

Tanner opened his eyes, looked around, tried to focus and leaned into that caress. He tried to smile at his lover, but the smile turned into a grimace of pain.

"Hey there, pard," Chris whispered gently.

"Cowboy," he whispered back, "Where..." Vin closed his eyes and tried to organize his thoughts.

"You're in the hospital, Vin."

"How...," Vin tried to ask, but ran his tongue over dry lips.

Chris took a small spoon of ice chips and placed them in Vin's mouth. "Do you remember what happened?"

Vin slowly shook his head no, closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep.

Chris sighed, but glanced up when Vin's nurse entered the cubicle. "He woke up for a few minutes," he told her.

She nodded, smiled and said, "I could tell by the monitors. That's definitely a good sign." She checked his vitals and IV lines, straightened his blanket and smiled at Chris. "He's going to be asleep for awhile. Why don't you guys go get something to eat. Rest is really what he needs right now. We'll keep a good eye on him," she assured and left Chris alone again.

Chris looked out the window. It was getting to be late in the afternoon. He really needed to go pick up his truck and bring it back to the hospital. 'I hope there's still something to bring back', he thought ruefully. In Vin's neighborhood, thieves could strip a car quicker than he could draw a breath.

Larabee walked out of the cubicle and into the waiting room where the others were sitting. "How's Vin? Any change?" Buck asked as Chris entered the room.

"He woke up for just a few minutes. He went right back out, but the nurse said that was a good sign." He sat down and looked around at his men. "She said he would sleep for awhile and suggested we go get something to eat."

"Good idea," Nathan said and looking at Chris, continued. "Have you had anything to eat today?"

Larabee thought about that morning. They had planned on stopping on their way to work to have breakfast. Then, there was that stupid argument and Vin had taken the run to hell. "No," he shook his head.

"Chris, why don't we go pick up your truck, or what's left of it," Buck smiled, "Then meet everyone over at Joe's Steakhouse? Is that okay with everyone?" Buck looked around at the others, who were nodding in agreement.

"Sounds like a plan, Mr. Wilmington," Ezra said. "Frankly, I'm famished!"

"I could eat," Larabee admitted. "I need to stop by Vin's place, too." he said with a sigh.

"Okay, lets get this show on the road," Josiah said, rising. "We'll go over to Joe's, get a table and order for you and Buck. It shouldn't be too crowded, it being a Tuesday, but you never know." Josiah looked over at Chris. "You guys want your usual steaks?"

"Sounds good to me, Josiah, but hold off ordering. We'll call you when we leave Vin's apartment. I'm going to let Vin know we're leaving, so he won't wake up and think he's been left alone."

Chris hated leaving Vin, but he was also concerned about his truck. He stopped in Vin's room before leaving with Buck.

"Hey pard," he whispered, "Were leaving the hospital to get something to eat. I'll be back shortly. You just rest now and I'll be back, I promise." Chris kissed Vin's forehead lightly and left the cubicle.

Unknown to Larabee, Buck stood in the doorway and watched that gentle kiss. A shudder of disbelief clutched at his heart as he quickly turned away and headed for his truck, thinking, 'No, not Larabee, it can't be.'

---

As they neared the school, Larabee could feel himself tense up. He prayed his truck was still there and hopefully in one piece. Buck turned the corner and drove up to the school. They spied the truck, parked away from the curb and at a definite angle. There was a parking ticket on the windshield, but otherwise the vehicle seemed to be intact. Buck parked behind the big Dodge Ram and asked Larabee, "How drunk were you when you parked this morning, stud?"

"Fuck you." Chris answered with a grin. Slipping out of Buck's truck, they walked around the large black Ram inspecting it, but everything looked good. Chris snatched the ticket off the windshield as he muttered a muffled curse. He opened the unlocked door, expecting the worst, but again, all was fine. Even his coffee mug and paper still lay on the seat from the morning.

"Hey pard, you must live a charmed life, because it looks like your truck was left alone," Buck said, clapping Larabee on the back. "Let's see if you still have a motor."

Chris scowled and popped the hood, but again, all was well. He climbed into the cab and started the engine, which purred into action. As he looked around, he saw Vin's sneaker laying in the gutter across the street. Getting out of his truck, he walked across the street, picked up the bloodied shoe and stared at it.

In the middle of the street was a large dark stain where Vin had been shot. Fascinated by the shoe in his hand, Chris had not realized Buck had walked up to him and was staring at the shoe, also. He was startled when Buck asked, "Is this where it happened?"

"Yeah," he answered almost in a whisper.

"Is that Vin's shoe?" Buck wanted to know.

"Yeah," Chris answered again, turning the shoe over in his hand, still staring at it.

"Come on, pard, let's go to Vin's place, then head for Joe's. I'm starved," Buck said, trying to get Larabee to focus on something other than Vin's sneaker.

Chris looked over at Buck, nodded his head and both of them walked across the street to their trucks, Vin's shoe still in his hand. "Okay, Buck, let's go."

"Ah, pard, you really think Vin's gonna want that shoe?" Buck asked.

"No," Chris shook his head to clear it and tossed the sneaker into the truckbed before climbing in and heading for Vin's apartment.

---

As they climbed the steps to Vin's fourth floor apartment, Buck watched as Larabee looked through his keys. He knew Tanner and Chris were close, but why would he have keys to Vin's apartment. He understood people sometimes shared their keys, but as far as he knew, no one else had Vin's key. Buck knew Ezra and Vin had become good friends, along with JD, but JD had never said anything about having Vin's doorkey, prompting Buck to ask, "So, you have a key to Vin's place?" The key however had been unnecessary as Tanner had left the door unlocked that morning.

"Yeah." Chris opened the door, let them in and started for the bedroom. He shucked his jacket and dropped it on the unmade bed. Buck followed and watched as Larabee put his shoulder holster on. He checked his gun and slide it into the holster. Picking up his cell, Chris checked his messages, then clipped it on his belt. Turning, Larabee looked at Buck, leaned back against the dresser, folded his arms and said, "I have something to tell you, Buck, so you'd better sit down."

Buck leaned against the doorway. "Fire away, stud," he said to Chris.

"I don't know how to say this, so I'll just be straightforward with it. Vin and I are a couple."

"A couple of what?" Buck replied testily. He knew he didn't want to hear this.

"A couple, Buck, like Sarah and I were a couple. Vin and I are together." He looked his friend in the eye as he said it.

At first Buck stared at Chris in disbelief, shook his head as if trying to clear it, then stared at his friend again, yelling, "YOU'RE FUCKING VIN, CHRIS, IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO SAY?"

"Why don't you yell it a little louder Buck, there's at least three people over in Boulder who didn't hear you," Chris said in a low dark voice, trying to keep control of his temper. Losing it now, would serve no purpose.

"What the hell's wrong with you, Stud, you lost you're damned mind or somethin'?" Buck consciously lowered his voice and continued, "You having a mid-life crisis, Chris? What's going on with you? What?"

"No Buck, I'm not having a midlife crisis..."

"Vin did this, didn't he! I always knew he was a little fag. What did he do, Chris, get you drunk, seduce you? Huh, tell me, how did he git ya to think this is what you wanted? Well, I won't let you do this, pard! Putting shame on Sarah and Adam's memory, like this. How COULD you do that, I just wanna know how you could do this to them!" Buck's face was red with anger. He paused, took a deep breath, let it out slowly and said again, "I won't let you do this!"

Chris kept his arms crossed and held tight. He was trying very hard to control his volatile temper. Vin would be so proud of the way he had kept a tight control over his emotions. Thinking of Vin gave him an inner peace and again, he took a deep breath. He had told Tanner it would go down like this, but it was too late to go back now. And he knew what he said in the next few minutes would decide the fate of his and Buck's friendship. Chris took another deep breath and spoke quietly and carefully.

"I'm sorry, Buck, that you think I'm shaming Sarah and Adam's memory, I'm sorry you think you can dictate what happens in my bedroom and I'm really sorry you feel the need to blame Vin. The truth of the matter is I came on to him. He had never been with a man until I made the first moves. And we were together before he joined the team." Larabee took another deep breath and in a quiet voice said, "Vin and I have deep feelings for each other. We love each other and I'm just hoping that you can find it in you to accept it, even if you don't respect it." He signed again, looking at Buck.

Larabee hated feeling desperate, but at this moment he was very nervous and scared that he and his friend would say things that could not be taken back. He was determined that was not going to happen.

Buck looked into Chris's eyes. "I can't even begin to imagine you with a man, Chris. And what about Mary?"

"Mary! What does she have to do with any of this?" Chris asked, perplexed.

"She's in love with you, stud!" Buck started to raise his voice again. "If you just opened your eyes and looked, you could see that. And she's a whole lot better for you than Vin!"

"Do you mean better because she's a woman, Buck?" Chris asked. "Anyway, Mary's not in love with me, we're just friends, that's all!" He stated.

"What about your career? And what about the others? What are you going to do about them? You tell me, Chris, how are you going to tell them!" Buck was so angry, he could feel his face burn. His hands were balled into fists. And not for the first time he wanted to punch Larabee.

"I guess Vin and I will tell the others, together. As far as my career goes, well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. We've been very careful, and we've kept it out of the office. But, what about us, Buck? Do you think you can get past this?" Larabee, realizing Buck anger, asked placatingly.

"I don't believe for a second you came on to Vin, not a straight arrow like you, pard. I ain't ever known you to look at a man like that. This is Vin's doing."

"Well now, Buck, that ain't exactly true." Chris pushed himself off the dresser, picked up his jacket and started into the living room, slipping back into his jacket. Buck followed.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" Buck roared, "You telling me you had feelings for me?" Buck was aghast at that thought.

Larabee sighed, again. "No Buck, but you remember Billy Graham, the Chief?"

Buck still wanted to punch Larabee in the nose. There had been a lot of times that they had been naked or nearly naked together. They had been in the SEALS, had shared a lady or two and had collapsed in strange beds together many times after a night of drunken carousing. Chris had never looked at him or made him feel uncomfortable.

"Of course, I remember Chief. He was a good friend, a good man, and a good teammate. It was tough when we lost him. Hell, I thought you were going to kill Hawkins over that. So?"

Chris smirked a wicked grin and wagged his eyebrows at Buck.

"Not you and the Chief, Chris. I know you two were close friends, but... I don't believe it!" Buck flatly stated.

Chris locked Vin's front door and they started down the steps. "Didn't you ever wonder why he didn't marry Jolena while we were on extended leave?"

"Well yeah, but I just figured he got cold feet, that's all." Buck shrugged.

"We didn't go as far as Vin and I, but we shared some interesting moments. We had feelings for each other, but then he was killed..." Chris turned away.

"This happen to you a lot, stud, taking up with men, I mean?" Buck retorted.

"No, Buck," He glanced over at his partner, " Twice in my life it's happened, first with Billy, then with Vin. Please don't ask me to explain it to you, because I can't. Hell, I can't even explain it to myself." He paused, "But what about us, can you get past this?" He asked his friend again.

"I don't know Chris, you gotta give me time to get it straight in my head. I feel like I don't even know you."

"You're not giving up on us, are you? We need you, pard, both Vin and I."

"I ain't quitting the team, if that's what you're worried about. I don't give up on my friends, but I'll never be able to look at Vin quite the same way. But... well just give me a little time." Buck shrugged as they walked out of the apartment building.

"Sounds only fair, Buck." Chris answered.

Buck flipped open his cell and called Josiah to let him know that they were on their way.

---

At Joe's Steakhouse the other four men gathered in an alcove, reserved for large groups and families, wanting to sit apart from the patrons sitting in the main restaurant. Chris and Buck arrived just as the salads were being served.

"How's the truck, Chris?"

"Still there, Josiah. I know it's unbelievable, but no one had touched it," Chris answered with a smile.

"I talked with Detective Benson and she agreed that Vin should have a guard on his door until this creep is caught. She assured me she would take care of it right away."

Chris nodded, satisfied that the two no-nonsense detectives he had talked with would keep Vin safe. He needed to get back to the hospital as quickly as possible, though.

As the steaks were served, Chris realized just how hungry he was. It had already been an arduous day with no end in sight. He dove into his meal with gusto.

Buck was usually quiet. He had known Chris all these years, but hadn't really known him at all. And what was up with the fact that he wasn't attracted to him. He was good looking, kept in shape and a fun kind of guy, Buck wondered, then chastised himself for wondering. He wondered what the others would think about this little arrangement. Then he asked himself again, why hadn't Chris been attracted to him? 'Stop it' he told himself. Determined to get this out in the open, he addressed Larabee.

"Chris, isn't there something you want to tell us?" Buck threw down the gauntlet.

"Not here and not now, Buck!" Larabee said in a low dark voice. "Drop it!"

"What's going on?" JD asked looking around at the group.

"Chris?" Nathan queried.

Chris pushed his half eaten dinner away roughly. He looked around the table at his team, sighed and said, "Okay, you want to know what's going on, I'll tell you! Vin and I are together." He continued to glare around the table, daring anyone to say something, but was shocked when Ezra smiled and put his hand out. Josiah and Nathan pulled out their wallets and placed $20.00 each in Ezra's hand. Obviously, there must have been a side bet, because Josiah also placed a $10.00 bill into Nathan's hand.

"What's going on?" JD continued to look at his teammates.

"You knew? You know..." Buck sputtered.

"Well no, not exactly. We suspected, though. Didn't you, Buck? I mean, you've known Chris longer than any of us at this table. We were sure you knew, but just wasn't saying." Nathan ventured.

"Will someone tell me what's going on, here!" JD fumed.

"Vin and Chris are together as a couple. Have been for quite sometime, apparently." Buck grumbled

"You and Vin... You two are fags!" JD said incredulously. "You can't be, Chris, you're so...so..." JD exclaimed. "I've always looked up to you, I've always wanted to be just like you. And Vin! Vin and I were friends. I mean, You can't be, you were married and all..." JD stopped his rant and sputtered.

Chris's glare darkened as he stared at JD, "And," he hissed.

"Leave the boy alone, Chris." Buck defended JD.

"JD isn't a boy, Buck, he's a grown man, entitled to his own thoughts and opinons" Larabee hissed again.

"Well, me and Buck ain't gonna work for no...no..." JD looked over at the other men, then at Buck. "We're leaving the team, aren't we?" JD said, sounding petulant. "What?" He said shrilly while the other's stared at him in amazment.

Chris stood up, threw some money on the table, looked around at his team and said in a quiet controlled voice. "I'm going back to the hospital. Anyone wants to transfer out, put the papers on my desk and I'll sign them when I get back to work." He turned and walked out of the restaurant.

The team watched as their leader stalked out of Joe's Steakhouse. Josiah placed a hand on JD's shoulder. "Vin and Chris are the same men today, they were yesterday." He said. "Vin is still your friend and Chris is still a formidable boss. Both of which has saved your ass several times over. So, what has you so upset?"

"I don't know, it just all seems so wrong, somehow." JD stammered.

Buck spoke up, "I'm staying with the team, JD." He looked around at the others and knew they were staying, too. "Chris... and well, Vin too, were..., well, are my friends. I don't have that many real friends that I can afford to lose any. It ain't in me to run out on 'em. But we have to make sure the other teams don't get wind of this, though."

"Maybe Vin will leave the team." JD mused.

"JD, Vin is fighting for his life. We aren't going to make him fight for his job, too." Nathan admonished. "Anyway, Chris would never let that happen. We would never let that happen."

To JD this was all a disgusting mess. He loved Casey and couldn't ever imagine laying with a man. "What do you think they do together?" JD wondered out loud. The other team members smiled at each other and looked to Josiah for his wisdom.

Josiah sighed, being the oldest brother among this mismatched group sure had it's moments, he thought.

"JD," Josiah began, "they express their love much the same way that you and Casey express your love for each other. That's all you need to know, and if you want my advice? Just don't think on it, since it is really none of your business. They've kept it out of the office and in their bedroom."

"Are you really thinking of leaving the team, JD?" Nathan asked.

"No, of course not. What did you say, when he told you, Buck?" JD was curious.

"I reacted pretty badly, I guess. I can't believe Larabee hasn't punched someone's lights out by now." Buck shook his head in amazement. Tanner was good for Chris. He knew that and the team knew that. Buck wrapped his arm around JD's shoulder. "Let's go to the hospital and keep Chris company. Let him know, we are here for him and Vin."

While Ezra settled up with the bill, Nathan arranged for the rest of Chris's steak to be made into a sandwich. After all, Chris needed to eat to stay healthy.

They left the restaurant and headed for the hospital to keep a vigil over their ailing brother and teammate. Buck mentally kicked himself, again. He couldn't stop wondering why Chris hadn't been attracted to him.

---

Vin slowly opened his eyes, looking around, he saw Larabee sitting in the chair next to his bed. His eyes were closed, he appeared to be sleeping, but Larabee's hand lay on his. Tanner let his eyes roam the hospital room, trying to remember what had happened to land him in here.

Slowly he took stock of what injuries he may have. His feet and legs didn't hurt and his arms felt okay. He wrapped a thumb around Larabee's finger and moved his head to check the tubes running into his body. Raising his head, the pain assailed him at once and his gasp turned into a whimper.

Chris heard the whimper and was instantly on his feet, hitting the demerol pump a few times, holding tight to Vin's hand, helping him ride out the pain.

"Just relax pard, ride it out," he said softly. "It's okay, breathe now, just ride it out."

Chris brought Vin's hand up to his chest and held it tight. With his other hand he caressed Tanner's cheek and gently pushed the sweat-soaked hair off of his forehead.

"Shhh, just take it easy, kid," he told him. "You're gonna be okay, I love you, just take it easy, that's it."

Once Tanner relaxed back on the bed, he looked into his lover's eyes and whispered, "I must be dying."

"No..., no, you're going to be fine," Chris smiled. "You're going to be okay," he repeated. As the painful bout subsided, Tanner looked at the other man and frowned.

"Cowboy? You okay?" He asked in a hoarse whisper.

"Hey you, shouldn't that be my question to you? You're the one laying in this bed." He asked, still caressing Vin's cheek with his thumb.

"You look like shit, cowboy!" Tanner said quietly.

"Yeah, well that's what happens when you decide to step in front of bullets, pard, you get to sleep and I get to stay up and hold your hand."

"That what happened?" Vin asked in a raspy voice.

"Don't you remember?"

"Not really," The sharpshooter mumbled closing his eyes again, trying to draw up a memory.

Larabee stood back as the nurse entered the cubicle.

"I see you're awake now. Would you like some ice chips?" The woman asked.

Vin nodded yes, and savored the feeling of the ice melting in his parched throat. "Here's some more, not too fast. There, how does that feel?" She asked. The nurse checked his vitals and the IV bags. Took his temperature, straightened his blankets, patted his knee saying, "You're doing fine. Why don't you get some more rest, now?" and left the area.

"What time is it, Chris?"

"About 3 a.m., You need to take the nurse's advice and go back to sleep."

Tanner nodded and closed his eyes. But just a few minutes later they flew open, reaching for Larabee, Vin clawed weakly at his shirt front, "Oh hell, the kid, Chris, is he okay?" Tanner gasped as the pain hit him again. His hand held tight to Larabee's shirt.

"Shhh, he's good, Vin, home with his mama, where he belongs. Thanks to you, he's fine." Chris held Vin's hand while the pain subsided.

As the painful bout neared its end, he relaxed and looked over at Chris. "You're sure..., he's okay?"

"Yes, the boy is safe and at home. You need to rest now."

"'kay," he whispered, closed his eyes and slipped back into a much needed sleep.

Chris watched as his lover and best friend settled down into a peaceful slumber.

His memories traveled back, arriving at the hospital earlier in the evening.

---

Larabee had arrived back at the hospital, after the fiasco at the restrauant, in a glum mood. He'd had no idea that Josiah, Ezra, or Nathan even suspected anything between him and Vin, but JD's response had unnerved him. He had known Buck would be shocked and act accordingly, but JD? The kid had really surprised him! And here he thought the younger generation was more open and accepting than his generation was. Well, so much for that line of thought. It would, however, surprise him if anyone asked to transfer off of the team.

Once back at the hospital, he'd run into Vin's guard. The woman was seated at the entrance of the ICU unit and was checking ID's of everyone who entered that department, much to their annoyance.

As Chris started through the door, she jumped up and stopped him from entering, refusing him admittance. That darkened his mood even more.

"Sir, sir, you can't go in there," she'd said.

"Why not?" Chris had growled and hit her with a laser stare.

"I need to see some ID before you can enter!" She reiterated, giving him a glare in return.

As Chris fished in his pockets for his wallet, he told himself, she was just doing her job and took a deep breath. Buck sidled up next to him and clapped him on the back.

"Hello darlin'," Buck smiled his best Wilmington smile and started around the guard and Larabee.

"Where do you think you're going, baby cakes?" She smirked at Buck. "Either you show me some ID or you don't go in there."

"Now darlin', me and Chris are Vin's colleagues. We don't look anything like that man's picture you got taped up there."

"Look sweet cheeks, some big muckety muck wanted this door guarded and I'm not about to lose my job just because you think you can sweet talk your way around me, because you can't. Now let's see some ID!" She finished with her hand out.

Buck turned back to Chris, "I reckon Vin is in good hands," he said while handing his badge and ID to the guard. He checked her name badge. She was a nice looking woman, Buck noticed, and wondered if he could get her phone number.

"Miss Natalie," Buck smiled at her while acknowledging her name.

About that time the rest of the team appeared and after showing their badges was allowed to enter the ICU area.

---

Shaking his head at the memory, he made sure Vin was sleeping peacefully before he left the area headed towards the waiting room and sat down.

"Guys, go home! It's 3 oclock, go home." he said to his team. "Vin woke up a few minutes ago, but he's back asleep. So go on home." He admonished his team, grateful for their presence and support, but guilty that they had been here most of the night. He knew, however, that they were worried about Vin, too.

"Are you heading home, Mr. Larabee?" Ezra asked.

"No, I want to be here when the doctor makes his rounds in the morning. His nurse said he comes in early."

"Why don't you come over to the loft and get a few hours sleep, stud. I'll set an alarm for you." Buck offered.

"Thanks Buck, maybe after I talk to Dr. Carroll. I could use a shower and a nap, if that's okay." Chris noticed JD was frowning.

"Sure pard. Come to think of it, I even remembered to bring the change of clothes you keep at the office. They're still in my truck."

"That's great Buck," and looking around at his team, said "Look guys, Vin knows you're here, so go home, get some sleep and you can visit with him tomorrow...err, later today." He looked around and continued. "Someone has to show up for work in the morning, and tell Ron, I really appreciate his help today." Chris finished.

The four team members moved towards the door, but Buck stayed where he was.

"Go on home, JD. Take my truck and I'll grab a ride with Chris after we talk to the doctor."

After everyone had said goodbyes and left, both men made themselves comfortable. Pulling chairs together, they put their feet up and relaxed. Buck sighed and looked over at his long time friend.

"I won't pretend to understand what there is about Vin that makes you want to... well, do whatever it is you two do and no I don't want to know," Buck put his hand up in a comical defensive manner, "But pard, it obviously makes you happy."

"Yeah Buck, I am happy!" he murmured quietly. "I'm not saying it's all smooth sailing. We have our differences and I'm certainly not an easy person to get along with. Anyway, so far, we've been able to work through any problems."

"Well hell, Chris, you and Sarah had your differences. No...," Buck coughed and stammered, "Well, whatever you and Vin are, when there's two people involved, nothing is smooth sailing all the time."

"It's a relationship, Buck!" Larabee looked at him with a small grin.

"Yeah, okay, whatever," he grinned back at Chris, shaking his head. "I still gotta get my brain wrapped around this."

"Are we okay, Buck?" Larabee asked again.

"Yeah Chris, I've seen you through a lot of things, I reckon I can see you through this, too." Buck clapped his friend on the knee.

Both men continued to relax and make small talk. Larabee checked on Vin several times during the early morning hours, but Buck, unsure of his feelings towards Vin, stayed in the waiting room.

---

Vin was slowly awakened a little after six in the morning by the hospital staff, taking blood and checking the various lines ending in his body. His nurse raised his bed, so he lay in a reclined position, which was much more comfortable than laying flat.

Seeing Vin was awake and more alert than he'd been, Chris stayed with him, wrapping his fingers around his hand, giving what comfort he could.

Buck stayed in the hallway outside Vin's cubicle, still unable to face the sharpshooter. He wasn't sure he could keep his doubts and suspicions from showing on his face. And really, he had no wish to upset Vin at this point. They could have their talk later.

Larabee wanted to tell Tanner that everyone on the team knew about their relationship, but because of JD and Buck's reticence, he was afraid that the knowledge would upset him and now was not the time for that.

Vin lay with his eyes closed, resting, but could tell something was bothering Chris.

"What's wrong, cowboy?"

Chris, taken by surprise at his partner's words, smiled and tried to deny anything was amiss.

"Hey pard, you're laying in that bed shot to shit and you ask me what's wrong?"

Vin opened his eyes, looked at Chris, whom he could read like a book, and wondered again if he was dying.

At 7 A.M. Dr. Carroll made his rounds. After checking his chart, the incision, the exit wounds and the various results of tests returned, along with his temperature. Dr. Carroll asked if he could meet with Chris in the hallway. Larabee nodded, but Vin wanted to know what was going on.

"Doc, talk ta me," he stated weakly. "Am I dying?"

"No, not on my watch," Dr Carroll assured him with a smile. Vin wanted to believe him, but the worried look on Larabee's face scared him.

"You're doing fine, Mr. Tanner." The doctor assured him. "You have a little fever, but that's to be expected. We'll start an antibiotic to take care of it. You'll be fine in no time." Dr. Carroll reassured him, again. He instructed the nurse to change the dressings, switched some medications, and added the additional antibiotic. "Tomorrow, I think we'll move you to a regular room. There we can get you up on your feet and get you moving around."

The doctor looked at Chris, "When we move him, will the sentry go with him?" He ask with a grin.

Larabee smiled, "Yeah, we'll take her with us. Hopefully, we won't need her much longer."

"Thanks doc. What sentry?" Vin sighed.

"Your welcome, young man, you just keep improving. You're making me look good." The doctor smiled at his patient and left the room.

Buck had followed the doctor into the cubicle area, but had remained out of the way. When the doctor left, Vin saw Buck standing there. "Hey Bucklin, I didn't see ya, there." He looked again to Chris, "What sentry? What's he talking about?"

"It's just a precaution, Vin, in case that lunatic decides to come back and finish the job." Larabee exclaimed.

Vin looked over at Buck and tried to smile, happy to see his friend. His grimace of pain, brought Buck over to the bed, knowing he could not stay angry at Vin, tousled his already messy hair, smiling. "Hey there junior, I can't leave you alone for a second without you getting into trouble."

"Yeah, I reckon that just proves I need my big brothers looking out fer me." Then looking at Chris, then back at Buck, he said, "Take this cuss home, Buck, he looks like shit. Probab'y looks worse 'n I feel."

Larabee started to protest, but Buck said, "Don't worry, junior! We just wanted to hear what your doc had to say. We're headed to the loft now. You'll be okay for awhile, won't you?"

"Yeah, Buck, I'll be fine," giving them his customary half grin. "Go git some sleep, cowboy, I'm gonna take a nap myself." He hoped he didn't die before Larabee returned, because he didn't want to die alone. Everyone kept saying he wasn't dying, but there was a lot of tension coming from Larabee and Wilmington, so what else could it be. He sighed and closed his eyes to keep the tears at bay.

After saying their goodbyes, they left the hospital. In the parking lot, Chris muttered, "Thanks Buck!"

Buck answered, "Hell stud, there ain't no way I could stay mad at Vin. Now, after he's home, I will have a heart to heart talk with him."

Well, Vin had wanted him to tell Buck and he had. Chris smiled, now Vin could suffer the lecture. They climbed into Larabee's truck and headed for the loft and some much needed sleep.

---

Gabriel Rickens stood in the shadows, across from his house, or rather, his mother's house and watched the cops watching the home. He was extremely angry, as was the devil that lived in his head. His name and picture was on every television and radio station. Tomorrow his picture would be on the front page of the newspaper.

He almost had the kid talked into going with him and if that cop hadn't interfered he'd be a free soul now. But no, that bitch had screamed and the cop had stuck his nose into his business. He'd barely escaped as it was, and only because everyone's attention was on the cop laying in the street. He thought someone had chased him, but they must have given up. He'd layed in wait in an alley, gun ready, but no one had followed.

He'd hidden in that alley for a long time afraid to move out, but the devil kept telling him to seek another shelter. So, Gabriel had ventured out, pulling his baseball cap low on his forehead, ducked into a tavern and slide into a back booth. He'd ordered a beer and sat wondering what he should do, then a breaking news story broke into whatever had been on the TV. There was his picture and his name flashed on the screen for everyone to see, along with the account of this mornings disaster.

Gabriel looked around at the other patrons, but no one paid him any attention. He couldn't believe the cop wasn't dead. He'd shot him twice, point blank, in the heart. Well, that was where he had aimed, anyway. This couldn't be happening, he thought.

Since moving back to Denver from Florida, his luck had gone from bad to worse. Not that it was all that good in Florida. The authorities had been closing in on him there, also, and he had barely eluded the police before heading back to Colorado. And since being home, he had been thwarted at almost every turn.

The devil was hungry and getting more so every day. What was he going to do? Now he couldn't even show his face outside. He patted the gun, just to be sure it was still in his belt and ordered another beer.

As the day had wore on, the news people kept showing his picture and updates on the cop, who it turned out was not a cop at all, but some sort of Goverment Agent. Although, Gabriel knew he'd always think of him as 'the cop'. During the afternoon, a reporter gave the cop's name, stating he was still alive and at an undisclosed hospital. However, she was standing in front of Community General Hospital during the newscast. 'Hell', Gabriel thought, he'd grown up in Denver and recognized the hospital entrance immediately. His mother had, had him committed to the psyche ward as a teenager in this very hospital. He grinned a very devilish grin.

'You have to kill the cop', the devil said. 'It's all his fault that everything has gone so wrong, all his fault you had to leave Florida, all his fault our searches have gone awry. All our bad luck is his fault. We have to kill him! Kill him'!

Gabriel left the bar, his haven, and found a second-hand store. There he bought a set of clothes and changed into them. He left his ballcap low on his forehead, effectively hiding most of his face. He called Community General Hospital and ask for information on Vincent Tanner. When he was transfered to the Intensive Care Unit, he hurriedly hung up the telephone. 'I gotcha now, cop', he thought. He had tried to go home before going to the hospital, but there sat a car with a surveillance team still watching his mother's house.

It was evening by the time Rickens arrived at the hospital. He made his way to the floor where the ICU was located and there sat a lady, checking ID's, at the entrance of the unit. He watched surreptitious as she checked that everyone, even hospital personnel, had proper ID, so a disguise wouldn't help get him by her.

As he watched, a tall man dressed in black tried to get in, but she stopped him. Then, another larger fellow, smiling and teasing her, was detained. Both showed their badges and Gabriel was sure this was the cops friends. A few minutes later, four more men appeared and after showing ID was allowed to enter.

Disappointed, Gabrial left the hospital and found a diner that was open all night. He, once again, sat in a back booth and ordered dinner from a bored waitress. He glanced around looking for a television set and relaxed when he was sure there was none.

He stayed at the diner as long as he dared. He tried to call his mother, but when she didn't answer, he hung up quickly and decided to go to his basement retreat. He was safe there. No one knew about this deserted refuge. It was where he brought his playmates.

Gabriel was tired, exhausted really. It was almost dawn and he needed to rest. There were drugs here and Gabriel was sure he could subdue the guard with a drug, then put something into the cops IV, killing him. He lay on the couch and was asleep in no time. Before he drifted off, the devil told him 'once the cop is dead, you can have your life back. He needs to die, so we may live'.

It was after 5 P.M. when Gabrial awoke. He set about gathering the ingredients he'd need to mix the drugs. Once the drugs were mixed, syringes were filled and stored in his backpack, he wandered back to the diner and had dinner. Tomorrow, he'd go back to the hospital and take care of things there. Then he'd find another State to move on to, where he could continue to search for prey to feed his devil.

---

On Thursday morning, Vin had been moved to a room, out of the ICU, but still on the surgical floor. After the move was completed he lay exhausted and napped. Then it was noon and he finished a liquid lunch, consisting of broth, jello and juice. Larabee stopped by to visit and Tanner begged for some coffee and something to chew on. He'd told Larabee to get him a hot dog with some mustard and relish, but the stubborn bastard had refused, saying he wouldn't be able to hold it down. Vin scowled, 'what did he know anyway?' Then the team had arrived for their visit.

As he listened to the banter going on around him, Vin could tell something was off. JD sat in the corner of the room by the window with a sullen look on his face. Josiah was telling a story about... well he wasn't sure about what. Buck would occasionally rub his shin and Chris would touch his right shoulder in an effectionate way. Ezra was standing next to Chris with a long face and he wasn't sure where Nathan had gone off to.

Vin wondered again if he was dying. Had they brought him to this room to die, away from other patients? Chris and the doctor, both said he was going to be okay, but would they outright lie to him? No, he had to trust Larabee, but what else could all this tension be?

There was a light knock on the door and two people walked into the room. Chris introduced them.

"Vin, everyone, this is Detectives Benson and Stabler. They're the detectives assigned to Vin's case." Everyone introduced themselves and shook hands, except JD who stayed in the corner.

As Ezra shook their hands, he asked, "Have you caught that odious miscreant that is responsible for Mr. Tanner's wound?"

"No, not yet, but we feel we're getting close." Benson answered Ezra, then looked at Vin.

"Mr. Tanner, we need to talk to you about the shooting at the school."

"Call me Vin and there ain't much I can tell ya." He said in a weak voice.

"You didn't see him at all?"

Vin shook his head no and went on, "The boy was ready ta jump from the back seat and I caught him. Everything after that is like a dream and kinda blurry."

As the interview went on, Natalie, the guard on the door, stepped into the room and announced in a quiet voice, "He's here. He's trying to look like he belongs, but it's definitely him coming down the hallway."

Everyone turned, looking out the door and there he stood, looking for the guard, his hand in his backpack. The detectives started for the door with Larabee's men on their tail.

Gabriel saw them and turned to run. Elliot Stabler called to him and started to chase him down the hallway, but Rickens was now running for his life. Benson turned to Chris, "You can follow, but stay back unless you're needed, understand!" And followed Stabler down the hall.

"JD, you stay here with Vin! Come on," Larabee shouted to the others as they raced after the detectives.

"Wait, I don't wanna stay here! Why do I hafta stay? Wait, I...," but everyone had already left. JD was so angry, he was fuming. 'How dare they go off and leave him here with Vin.'

"JD? Are you okay?" Vin asked, concerned for his friend.

JD had had enough! He wheeled around and glowered at Vin, his temper flaring. "Hell no, nothing is okay! How could you do this to me, lie to me like that? We were friends, Vin, we hung out together! I didn't know you were a queer, now everyone's gonna think I'm a queer. How could you do that to me? Huh," JD's hands were balled into fists, his face red from his fury. "God, how could you do this to Chris, first you take him away from Buck, then you turn him into a fag! You do this to all your friends? Huh, do ya?"

---

As the group had left the room, Natalie had positioned herself at the door. Gabriel had turned and fled as soon as he had seen the others start after him. Buck, however, worried about leaving JD with Vin. He knew JD was still angry, so halfway down the hallway, he slowed and turned around, heading back to Vin's room. Arriving at the door, he heard the last of JD's tirade, pushing past Natalie, he entered saying, "JD, what the hell..." Buck's voice penetrated JD's anger.

Vin listened as JD yelled at him, hearing only the words queer and fag. He looked around for Chris, but panicked when he found himself alone. Vin, now knew he wasn't dying, everyone knew about him and Chris and blamed him. Even Chris was gone and once again he was left to fend for himself. He knew only two ways, fight or flight! He was too weak to fight, so flight was the only answer. He pulled himself into a sitting position. The pain slammed into him like a train. He gasped for breath, but couldn't breath, couldn't get air in or out. He felt sick, felt bile rise in his throat. His wide panic stricken eyes looked around for an escape, but found none. There was a ringing in his ears and he thought his head would explode as pain assailed him. Vin's eyes rolled up in his head and he thought he heard an alarm sound as he slid into nothingness.

---

In the mean time, Detectives Stabler and Benson were on the heels of Rickens. Stabler kept calling for him to stop, there was no where for him to run. Rickens had tried a few doors, but found them locked, then he happened on to the stairwell. He almost fell before he realized he was on the stairs, but righted himself, regaining his balance and continued his downward escape. At the main level, he exited the stairway and knocked the three people down that was in his way and proceeded towards the main entrance.

Elliot Stabler hit the seat cushions of the couch running, flew up over the back, and tackled Gabriel from behind, bringing him down in a bone jarring heap. Benson had phoned for backup during the chase and was putting handcuffs on him when the backup arrived. Team Seven had slowed at the lobby, and was helping the people up that Rickens had knocked over during his useless flight for freedom.

As he was being lead out by the uniformed officers, Rickens was screaming incoherently about death and demons. Once in the squad car, he started fighting the officers and trying to kick out the windows. He was further restrained and taken away.

Larabee glanced around, took a head count and for the first time noticed Buck had left the chase.

"Looks like they have this well in hand, so let's head back upstairs." Chris said to the others.

---

Buck had grabbed JD by the shoulders and propelled him out the door into the hallway as medical personnel worked on Vin. Dr. Carroll nodded as he entered the room.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Buck bellowed.

"I...I'm s...sorry." JD said in a contrite voice, "I didn't want to be left behind, so, I guess I took it out on Vin."

"Dammit JD, You shouldn't have upset Vin like that. The guy's fighting for his life, for Christ's sakes. Chris is gonna take your head off." Buck sighed, looked around trying to calm his emotions. "Why don't you head back to the office and I'll deal with Chris."

"N...no," JD took a deep breath, "I gotta face him sooner or later. I'd rather it be sooner, get it over with."

Buck shook his head and tried to smile as the team came off the elevator. Stabler had come up with them to send Natalie back to her command for another assignment. Before she left, she shook hands with everyone and winked at Buck.

---

"Ya shoulda seen it Buck, JD," Nathan quipped, "He didn't stand a chance, but that devil fought like the dickens. Had to be shackled."

Ezra joined in, "That miscreant is setting up a mental neurosis defense, screaming about demons..."

"He'll probably get it, too," Josiah added.

"I need to get going, I'll e-mail you a copy of my report, Larabee, if you want." Stabler shook Chris's hand.

"Thanks, I'll appreciate it. That was a great tackle, detective." Chris smiled.

---

At that moment, Dr. Carroll came striding out of Vin's room and stepped in front of Larabee and said in a dark voice. "I want to know exactly what happened to cause Mr. Tanner's blood pressure to shoot so high?"

Buck took a protective stance in front of JD. "JD didn't mean anything by it, doc."

"What's going on, Buck?" Chris asked looking from JD back to Buck.

JD stepped around Buck, "I was just so damn mad," he said. "You told me to stay with Vin, but I didn't want to, so I guess I sorta took it out on him. I'm really sorry, I didn't really mean anything by it, I was just so damn mad." he squeaked out, regretfully. "I'm sorry, I'll go back in and tell him how sorry I am. I didn't mean him any harm."

Chris was seething! He narrowed his eyes and stared at Dunne in disbelief.

JD felt as if he was warding off blows, Larabee's stare was so intense.

Chris mentally shook himself, gave an audible sigh, tore his eyes away from Dunne and asked the doctor, "How is he?"

"Mr. Tanner's blood pressure reached an exceeding high level. He's been heavily sedated and given medications to bring the BP down into the normal range. He's being monitored every 15 minutes." Dr. Carroll frowned and continued, looking at JD, "Don't you understand, in his condition he could have suffered a severe stroke and died? If I have to, I'll have you banned from the hospital."

JD was stricken! "I didn't mean to hurt Vin, I w...won't do it again, I promise. I'll apologize to him." Looking at Chris, he said again, "I'm sorry, I really am."

Dr. Carroll spoke up, "He'll be asleep for quite awhile, why don't you all go home and come back later. Rest is what he needs at this point."

Chris ran his fingers through his hair, sighed and looked at his men saying, "Why don't you guys head back to the office, I'll call you if anything else happens." To the doctor he said, "When Vin wakes up, he'll need someone here he knows and I can calm him down if he wakes up agitated. I can keep him calm."

"Okay, I'll be back in a little while to check on him. I'll see you then." Dr. Carroll turned and left.

The four men turned to leave, Buck clapped a dejected JD on the bowed shoulder. "Don't worry, It'll be all right. I'm going to wait here with Chris. Josiah, will you sign me off for this afternoon and tomorrow?"

"Sure Buck, you'll be more useful here than at the office, anyway."

The team promised to be back that evening and said their goodbyes.

---

Buck and Chris strolled back into Vin's room. Buck dragged Natalie's chair into the room and both men made themselves comfortable. After a few hours of making small talk, Buck went to the cafeteria and brought back sandwiches and coffee. As they finished eating, Buck started.

"Chris."

"Yeah."

"I know you're really mad at JD right now and what he did was..., well, there's no excuse. But, I'm thinking we should let Vin and JD settle it between themselves."

Chris looked over at his friend and frowned. "Do you think that will solve the problem, Buck? If JD feels that strongly against Vin and I, I'm not sure it can ever be settled."

"Truthfully, I don't think JD really knows how he feels. There's been a lot going on the last few days and I reckon he's just angry Vin didn't tell him, himself, about you two."

"You may be right about that, Buck, but Vin's close to Ezra, too and he doesn't seem to be shocked or crazed by the situation."

"Ezra is older than JD and a lot more mature in his thinking. Vin and Ezra had harder childhoods and are more experienced than JD, so they're more accepting of others lifestyles and differences. Wouldn't you agree?"

"When did you get smarter than me?" Larabee asked with a grin.

"Hell, pard, I've always been smarter than you. You don't see me taking on jobs that involve headaches and stress, do ya?" Buck laughed.

"Yeah, I see what you mean," he grinned, "And you're right, Vin and JD have to settle this. It's between them, not us, I just wish JD's timing would have been better. I think we should wait a few days, until Vin is a little stronger and feeling a little better."

Buck Wilmington smiled. This was the old Larabee talking. Vin had brought his friend back home. How could he not be forever grateful!

---

The afternoon passed slowly. Storm clouds had gathered and the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance as the storm moved closer to the city. Lightening streaked across the sky as the rain started to fall. The wind kicked up and a cool front moved through the area.

The gloomy weather suited Larabee just fine. He and Buck made small talk, actually Buck talked and Chris nodded from time to time. They watched over Vin all afternoon, determined to be there when he woke up. A few times one or the other had gone for coffee as the walk eased tired muscles and stress.

Rickens had been placed in custody and Natalie had returned to her precinct. Buck had her telephone number and had promised to call her soon. All that remained was getting Vin back on his feet and, eventually, back to work.

The sharpshooter started to stir, showing signs of awakening. Buck and Chris stood up and walked to the bed, Chris taking Vin's hand and holding it to his chest, while the ladies man laid a hand on his leg and rubbed lightly.

Vin woke slowly, feeling sluggish, his brain foggy and unable to focus. Blinking his eyes to clear his murky head, he noticed Buck standing close and tried to smile. Glancing up at his lover Vin knew he was holding his hand and nodded to him.

"Hey sleepy head, it's time you woke up," Buck said softly. "How ya feeling?"

"Don't rightly know." Vin answered, closing his eyes for a moment. As the memory of JD assailed him, unbidden tears sprang to his eyes. "JD..." he rasped, trying not to show his emotions, but was too weak to put up his defenses. "I'm sorry Chris," he drawled hoarsly.

Buck stepped closer to the bed, "Hey Vin, you have nothing to be sorry about." he assured, "And JD's sorry about them things he said, junior." He smiled at the patient and gave a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

Vin Tanner looked at Larabee, his blue eyes watery from unshed tears.

"It's true Vin," he nodded, "JD was pretty upset and he wants to talk to you about it, if that's okay with you." The man in black smoothed Vin's hair off of his forehead.

He gave a small shake of his head, "No cowboy, you were right! I should'a listened to ya."

"Pard, listen to me, you were the one that was right. I should of told Buck about us when we got together. You were right and I was wrong." He looked at Vin with what he hoped was a comforting smile.

Tanner looked at the ladies man and rasped, "Did I just hear the great Chris Larabee admit to being wrong?"

Buck laughed, "Yup pard, I believe you did!"

"But JD..." he asked in a low gravelly voice.

Buck spoke up, "Look junior, JD was just blowing off steam and he's real sorry about it. He wants to apologize and let ya know how bad he feels. If you'll let him, that is."

"Yeah," he sighed, "I'd like ta talk ta him. Is he here?"

"I'm sorry pard, but it's late. Everyone has been here and gone home. It's almost 11:00 oclock now, but everyone will be here tomorrow and you and JD can talk then. Is that all right?" There really was no choice, but Vin was more receptive if he thought he had a choice in a situation.

He nodded, he was tired anyway and not sure he could withstand the confrontation right now. He closed his eyes, then opened them again when he heard the door of his room open.

The nurse smiled and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

"Okay, I think."

"Well, let me check you over." She turned to Chris, "I'm sorry, fella's, but you are going to have to leave. My patient needs his rest, but you can come back tomorrow." She smiled at both men.

"I guess we're being thrown out of here, but I'll see you first thing tomorrow before I go to work."

Chris wanted nothing more than to kiss his lover, hold him tight and assure him everything would work out fine, but with Buck there, he didn't dare. Telling them was one thing, showing them was another. And he just didn't have the energy for a fight tonight.

Vin nodded, tried to smile, "Take him home Buck, hell, he still looks worse than I feel."

The Wilmington smile was in full bloom, "I'll take care of Chris here, and you take care of you and get the sleep you need. We'll see ya tomorrow."

Chris squeezed Vin's leg in an affectionate gesture as they left the room.

---

The following morning, the sharpshooter was awake and sitting up in a chair, obviously feeling better.

Chris walked into the hospital room and was happy at the sight that awaited him. "Good morning, pard, you look like you're feeling better!"

His lover smiled. "Yeah, done took me a short walk, had breakfast and now just waitin' ta see the doc. You goin' inta work today?"

"Yeah, I thought I'd make an appearance and make the judge happy. I have a few reports I have to turn in. It has been a few days since I've been there." He smiled, stating the obvious. "But if you need me, I'm just a phone call away."

"Chris, I ain't a baby. I can spend a day in the hospital by myself." He grinned to take the sting out of his words, then sighed, "I need ta talk to JD, though. I was sure our friends would be more exceptin' and tolerant of the situation. I never thought JD would..., I mean, I figured..., hell Chris, I don't know what I figured anymore." He looked away.

"Vin, everyone is taking it okay. I think JD sort of looks at us with a hero worship and I guess the idea of us sleeping together tarnished his heroes a bit. But JD is a grown man and it's time he figured out that we aren't heroes, just regular guys." He finished, shrugging.

"Well it's easier ta live up to being me than someone's idea of me." He huffed a breath. "Buck seemed okay with it."

"Yeah, I think he will be..err...I think he is." Larabee hedged.

Tanner lifted his eyebrow.

"You've got to understand cowboy, I didn't know if you were gonna make it, so I just told him straight out about us. Aside from being shocked and disappointed I hadn't told him sooner, he took it pretty well. Nathan, Josiah and Ezra had figured it out already. It appeared they even had a bet going." Chris laughed.

"A bet? What..."

"Hey pard, I didn't ask! You want to know, you ask." Still smiling, he kissed Vin lightly. "I've got to be heading out, I'll stop after work with the others. You need anything, have one of the nurses call me."

"Okay cowboy, I'll be here, see ya later."

Larabee left for the Federal building, feeling better than he had for days.

---

Entering team seven offices, he greeted everyone. He assured the team that Vin was feeling better and looked to be on the mend. Plans were made for visiting their friend and lighthearted banter broke out among them, focused on whether they should take sandwiches or pizza to the hospital that evening.

At noon, Buck and JD went to a restaurant nearby their offices. Buck could tell that JD wanted to talk so he suggested the eatery. After ordering, JD played with his fork, but said nothing. After a bit, the ladies man, tired of the constant motion, took the fork away from his partner and said, "Spill it, JD!"

The young man looked dismayed. "I don't know what to say to Vin, there, are you happy?" He huffed.

"Are you going to talk to him today?"

"Yeah, I guess so, I just don't know what to say is all." He said, calmer.

"Well, how do you feel about all of this?"

"I'm sorry I yelled at Vin," he said, "But I'm not sure how I feel about them." JD sighed, "I mean, Chris and Vin, I can't even imagine it. They're so, well you know what I mean, they're both so macho, and their demeanor and posture, well, just screams alpha males. You know what I mean, don't you?" He let out a breath.

JD, take a breath!" Buck said. "Go talk to Vin, it'll be all right."

"I just hope he doesn't ask for my approval or anything." JD sighed again.

"I'm sure he won't." Buck sighed, "Chris said they've been together for awhile and they haven't asked for anyone's permission yet." Buck screwed his face up in a look of dismay. He still couldn't wrap his brain around the idea of Chris bedding a man. "Look JD, I can't tell you what to say or not to say, but just remember, Vin will sense if you're not truthful with him, so don't try to bullshit him. Just say what's on your mind and let it go at that."

"Okay, I guess I'll leave early and visit with him. You know, Vin and I really are good friends."

"I know JD and don't worry, I'll let Chris know where you're off to if you leave before he gets back from his meeting with Travis." The men finished their lunch and headed back to work.

---

Around three in the afternoon, JD left work and headed for the hospital. Chris was still in his meeting with Travis, so JD sent an e-mail to his boss informing him what time he had left.

He peeked into Vin's room and found him sitting in a chair, leaning back with his eyes closed. As he entered the room, Vin opened his eyes and looked to see who it was.

Expecting to see a nurse, he was surprised to see JD. "Hey JD." Vin said apprehensively.

"Vin," JD nodded, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't. I was just restin'. I been walking that hallway all afternoon," he grinned, "Just thought I'd sit and rest a minute."

"How ya feeling?"

"Good JD, real good." Vin sat a little straighter in the chair. "Doc says if I keep improvin' I can go home, maybe, by the start of next week. I'm hoping by Monday."

"You going to the ranch?"

"Reckon so, you know Chris, a real mother-hen if there ever was one." He gave JD a half grin, "Says he's takin' a week off 'cause me and Peso will be out mendin' fences if we're left on our own."

JD laughed, "He's probably right about that."

Vin continued to grin. "Reckon so." He agreed.

The two friends shared a genuine laugh, their camraderie returning.

"Look Vin," JD started, "I'm really sorry."

"Ya don't have ta do this JD." He acquiesed, bowing his head.

"Yeah I do, please just let me finish. Okay?"

"Okay." He sighed.

"I really don't care about you and Chris. It was a shock, I'll admit, but once you think about it, it's not to surprising. You two have always been real close. But yeah, it was a shocker." JD laughed nervously. "Anyway, I really wanted to go after that nut, be in on the takedown, but then Chris told me to stay with you. Well, I guess I just sorta exploded. I took it out on you, and that wasn't right." JD pulled another chair over to where Vin was sitting, sat down, breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. "I never even considered the guy coming back up here."

"He wasn't too smart, was he?"

"No he wasn't. Trying to get to you in a crowded hospital, with a guard at your door. Not even Buck could talk his way around her. She was tough, man!"

Both men laughed at that image.

"It really didn't matter. I couldn't identify him anyway."

"You couldn't?"

"Nah, I never actually seen his face. His window was dark. I was trying ta get him to open his door when he shot me. Don't see how he ever got that car out of that space though. He was jammed in there pretty tight."

"He didn't. He jumped out of the car and ran before anyone could stop him. It was all over the News. They said you were in an undisclosed hospital, then they did a broadcast in front of the hospital. Boy was Chris mad!"

"I'll bet. I reckon that's how the perp knew where ta find me."

"Yeah, had to be." He answered. "Are you still mad at me, Vin?"

"Nah JD, I wasn't mad at anyone, especially you. I've been after Chris to tell Buck about us, but knowing Chris, Mr. Tactful himself, he probably just blurted it out then gave Buck a take it or leave it glare. Probably never gave the big guy a chance to take it all in."

"I think you're right about that. After you came out of surgery, Buck took Chris to get his truck. They met us at Joe's Steakhouse and when they got there, Buck was steamed. It went downhill from there." JD paused. "We okay, Vin?"

"Yeah, JD. We're okay. Ya still gonna hang out with me?" Vin asked hesitatly.

"Of course, Vin! I'm really sorry, man, I didn't mean those things I said. I'm really sorry."

"Me too, and thanks." He really was grateful. Losing JD's friendship and respect would have hurt a lot.

About that time Buck stuck his head around the door. "Hey guys!"

Vin and JD looked toward the door as the rest of their friends stepped into the room.

"Chris said he'd be by later, Vin. He had some paperwork to finish up before he could take off for the night." Buck smiled.

Everyone made themselves at home, turned on the game, divided up the sandwiches and drinks, completely relaxed for the evenings visit with their friend and teammate.

---

Epilogue

It was Tuesday. Larabee turned onto the driveway that led to his home. His lover sat next to him in the truck, head back and his eyes closed. Even with his eyes closed, Vin could still picture the white fence than ran along the the road. Trees scattered in the pasture, the horses nibbling on grass and the clean smell of the air. He was finally free from the hospital!

The young boy, Raul Gonzales and his mother had come to see him at the hospital. They'd had a good visit, but Raul expressed dismay at testifying at any trial of his abductor. Rickens attorney was opting for an insanity plea, so it was unlikely there would be a trial. However, Vin assured Raul that should there be a trial, he would be there to help the boy through it. Vin was unsure if he would be called to testify, since he hadn't seen who had actually shot him. He'd already given his statement twice, so it was a wait and see kind of thing.

Chris pulled up to the sprawling ranch house, hit the garage door opener and pulled into his space. They climbed out of the truck and Chris picked up Vin's bag and the sack of take-out. Together they entered the kitchen and Tanner headed into the den and gingerly sat on the couch. The wound was healing nicely and if he didn't make any sudden moves the pain was mininal. It would be awhile before he could eat anything heavy, but he was okay with that. At least he was alive to eat, he thought.

Chris walked in and handed Vin a tray with a bowl of thick soup, ginger ale and his medications on it. He headed back into the kitchen and returned with his own food. After lunch, they retired to the bedroom for a nap. Vin tired easily and Chris just couldn't let him out of his sight.

Undressing to their t-shirts and boxers, they climbed into the bed, Tanner laid his head on Larabee's shoulder. Chris tucked his chin into Vin's hair, wrapped his arms around him and kissed the top of his head, saying softly, "I love you so much pard. I've missed holding you like this. I was so scared that I'd lost you and I couldn't stop thinking about our last words being said in anger. That will never happen again Vin, never! Let's agree to that." He whispered.

"I know cowboy." He sighed and snuggled closer to his lover, kissing the broad chest lightly. "When I was shot, all I could think about was that you were gonna be mighty pissed at me. When I woke up and ya said ya loved me, I was sure I was dying and ya were just saying goodbye ta me. I love ya too, Chris! I agree, if we're gonna fight, and we will," He grinned, "Let's finish it before going ta bed or havin' ta go someplace else. Or we can always call a halt to it, make up and continue it later when we have the time."

"I'm not sure we can always call a halt to any argument, but we can always agree to disagree. How's that." Chris laughed.

"Whatever ya say, cowboy." Continuing to kiss his way down his lovers body.

"Hey, as good as this feels, let's not start something we can't finish." Running his hands lightly down Vin's back.

He sighed, "'Course, you're right. I'd never be able ta go the distance. I hate this." Returning to his lovers shoulder.

"I know, I hate it too, pard. But once you're feeling better, watch out!" Larabee grinned. Wrapping his arm around Vin's back and carding his other hand through his hair, moving it down to lightly touch his cheek. Chris heard the soft snore, kissed the top of Vin's head saying quietly, "I love you, pard," before drifting off to sleep.

Together they slept, secure in the love they shared.

THE END