Jackson and Larabee soon realized that the first two days had been relatively easy -- what followed was pure hell. Vin's battered body stiffened so badly, even the slightest movement brought intense discomfort. He wasn't a good patient and keeping him still proved Nathan's greatest challenge. Chris was an amazing ally. He was able to convince Vin to do most things Nathan ordered -- usually after a decent argument between the obstinate tracker and equally stubborn gunfighter. When Vin became agitated, Chris was able to calm him with a few words of reassurance.

**********

Nathan laid the back of his hand on Vin’s arm. “Skin’s cool," he frowned.

“He’s shivering. Why? It isn’t cold.”

“The night air. His body’s having trouble keeping warm. Help me shift him to one side of the bed.” Chris followed Nathan’s instructions and watched as the healer laid down, balancing precariously on the side of the narrow bed. Jackson nodded to Larabee, who eased Vin onto his side. Nathan wrapped his arms around the trembling man. “If this doesn’t work, we’ll have to strip him. Works better skin against skin.”

“Oh, he’ll love that.”

Nathan winked at Chris.

In about five minutes, Vin’s shivering stopped. Nathan held him for an hour before stiffly climbing from the bed. “Don’t think my back can stand much more. I want to make some more broth.”

Chris adjusted the blankets around Vin, who had been sleeping for about three hours. It was the longest period of uninterrupted rest he’d had since he’d regained consciousness. Perhaps the large amount of laudanum Nathan had forced into him could take the credit.

It wasn’t long before Vin started trembling again. “He’s shaking again,” Chris called out to Nathan.

“Then get into bed with him.”

Chris slipped his boots off, gently slid Vin to one side of the bed and then climbed in himself. Rather than rolling Vin onto his side, Larabee threaded his arm and shoulder under Vin, pulling the sleeping man onto him. At least then, he wouldn’t have to cling to the side of the bed like Nathan. Chris didn’t know what do with his right arm so he wrapped it loosely around Vin’s chest, careful not to put pressure on his broken ribs.

Vin’s chest rose and fell evenly. Chris listened to his friend’s breathing, which was just a little laboured... but he was sleeping and that was what he needed.

************

Nathan watched the broth bubble as he stirred it. “How’s he doing?... Chris?”

Nathan tasted the broth and screwed up his face. “No wonder you’ve been complaining about the taste, Vin. Chris? He okay?” When Larabee failed to answer, Jackson placed the spoon on the table and peeked into the bedroom. His tired face creased with a wide smile. Chris was lying on his back sound asleep, Vin’s body overlapping his chest. Nathan walked in and tucked the blanket around the two of them.

“Sleep well. You’ve earned it.”

**********

"Might be a bit of that in here. Not sure." Nathan grinned, looking into the steaming cup.

“Yeah. Not bad, but we needed to warm you up and he fell asleep.”

“I’m awake,” Chris mumbled.

“Well get the hell out of my bed, Larabee. I don’t mind sharing, but I like my bed fellows to be softer than you.”

Chris smirked and stretched as much as he could. “Bet Inez is soft.”

“Oh, and this is my bed,” Chris pointed out as Nathan eased Vin up, allwoing Chris to climb out. An involuntary cry escaped Vin‘s clenched jaw.

Nathan grimaced in sympathy. “As soon as you‘ve finished the broth, I‘ll give you some more laudanum.”

“Better than I expected. Need you to drink some more of this yummy broth.”

Nathan put the mug down and picked up the special bottle he’d ordered from a hospital in San Francisco.

“You aren’t strong enough.”

“Wanna bet.”

Vin started to rise, grinding his teeth until he got half way, but he didn’t have the strength to sit up. He flicked his pained eyes to Chris who wrapped his arm around his back and eased him the rest of the way.

“What they hell do you think you’re doin’? He isn’t strong enough to sit up, let alone, stand.” Even as he spoke, Nathan could tell he’d lost this fight. “Alright, you stubborn fool. Whatever happens, don‘t let him fall. I don‘t want to have to deal with one of them ribs going through his lungs.” He moved around and nodded to Chris. Each of them threaded an arm over their shoulder and lifted. Vin groaned as his body was hauled upright. His breathing came in staccato.

“Vin?” Chris checked.

“Feel great.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“A man who can piss on his own, ain’t a man.”

“Where the hell is that written.”

Vin’s chuckle was interspersed with moans. Together, Chris and Nathan guided Vin outside. He shuffled between them, negotiating the single step with difficulty.

“Okay. Let go.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

Nathan peered around Vin to Chris who shrugged. Carefully, they peeled Vin’s arms off their shoulders, held him for a few moments longer and then let go -- both hovering two inches away.

Vin remained stationary for a few moments, waiting for his trembling legs to stop shaking. When they didn’t, he cursed and took an unsteady step.

“What are you doing? Where are you going?”

“You don’t... think I’m gonna... do it here... with you buggers... watchin’, do ya?”

Nathan made an exasperated sound in the back of his throat. He’d had enough. When he stepped forward to stop Vin, Chris raised his hand and then draped Vin’s arm across his shoulders.

“I can do it.”

“Well make it quick or you’re going to be using Nathan’s bottle.”

“Over there. There are some trees.”

“You need a tree to aim at?” Chris demanded. “Do it here.”

“In your ass, Chris. Hey, where are my clothes? What the hell am I wearin’?”

“Ezra sent it out. It’s a night shirt.”

“It’s a damn dress! You think this is funny, Larabee?”

“It’s a man’s nightshirt. Lots of men in the city wear them... that’s what Ezra said. Nathan thought it was a good idea because it’s like a hospital gown.”

“Then Nathan can wear the damn thing!”

Jackson couldn’t help chuckling as he headed inside to reheat the broth. Chris had things in hand.

Moments later, Chris called out to him. Nathan jogged outside and shook his head. Vin was sagging in Chris’ arms. “I told you it was too much for him.”

The pair carried their semi-conscious friend back to his bed.

**********

“Vin, it really would be easier if you used the damn bottle. You passed out last time,” Chris complained, helping Vin to swing his legs over the edge of the bed. Nathan had left for a walk. The healer needed a change of scene and Chris had encouraged his exhausted friend to take a break.

It had been almost a week since Vin’s life hung in the balance. While he was still in considerable pain, he was out of danger.

“This isn’t going to be easy on our own.”

“I’ve been pissin’ on my own for years, Larabee.”

Chris smirked. He wrapped his arms around Vin’s back and started to lift. Vin stiffened.

“Hang on, let me change my grip. Vin?” Tanner had started to pant and the pants were accompanied by a noisy wheeze.

Chris released Vin and crouched in front of him, his face blanketed with concern. “Vin? Vin, you okay?”

The wheeze increased and Tanner started to gasp. Chris panicked. He was just about to shout for Nathan when he realized the pants, wheezes and gasps were laughter. “Vin?” Chris stared at him and his relief melted onto his face in the form of a smile. “What the hell are you laughing at?”

“Us, Cowboy.”

Chris chuckled. “You ready to try again.“

Chris glanced at his friend. “She’s visited you every day, for the last three.”

“Huh?”

“You even answered her questions yesterday.”

“Not surprising. Nathan’s got you pretty high on laudanum.”

“He’s a damn good doctor.”

“He saved your life.”

“Yep. Reckon I owe him.”

“Reckon I do to,” Chris admitted quietly.

Chris successfully got Vin on his feet, outside to relieve himself, and back into the bedroom in only a few minutes. When he lowered Vin to sit on the edge of the bed, Tanner groaned loudly.

“Okay?”

“Haven’t given this much help since I was changing diapers.”

They stared at each other. Chris’ Adam’s apple jumped. Hastily, he eased Vin back and spun away. “I‘m going to put on some coffee”

**********

Chris entered the kitchen and cursed. He ground his teeth and controlled the urge to lash out at something... anything.

“Won’t be long. I’m going to get this broth boiling.” Chris squeezed his eyes shut. He heard Vin moan and grunt. “Just lie still. I said I won’t be long.”

Larabee exhaled slowly, attempting to rise above the emotions threatening to drown him. He turned to pick up the pot and spotted Vin shuffling through the door. “What the hell!” He rushed to his friend as Vin’s knees buckled. “You damn fool!” Chris put his arm around Vin’s back, turned him around and guided him back to the bed.

“Huh?” Chris asked, as he guided Vin’s shoulders back down onto the bed. Vin’s eyes closed briefly.

“When them... bastards were askin‘... where you...”

“Nettie’s coming.”

Vin glared at Chris. He knew he was trying to change the subject.

“I can see her wagon. She’ll be here in a moment. I better get some broth on to boil.”

“Has Nettie seen me in this damn dress?”

Chris smiled.

The smile on Chris’ face faded. He sank into the chair beside Vin. “My wife and child were murdered by men I’ve never been able to find. I have to believe they were after me and thought I was in the house that night.”

Chris shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Chris blinked as he considered the information.

“I mean, you’re always sticking your nose where people don’t want it. I don’t want the damn broth you keep forcin’ me to drink. When can I eat something decent?”

“When Nathan says so,” Nettie stated, entering the room. “Well, well. You’re awake.”

Vin smiled when Chris excused himself. Nettie stopped beside the bed. “Well, let’s have a look at you? You’re startin’ to look like you again. Not all swollen up like a bullfrog.”

Nettie smiled, leaned down and kissed his cheek. “You had me worried, boy. Had him outside worried too. Ain’t never seen him so emotional. Now, you close your eyes and rest.”

“I’m fine. Not feelin’ tired.”

Nettie snorted. “Them eyes of yours are sagging. Close them.”