The Magnificent Seven Fic - 'A Hiking We Will Go' - 2/3

[azombiewrites]

Title: A Hiking We Will Go
Rating: PG
Warnings: Strong Language.
Fandom: The Magnificent Seven
AU: ATF
Main Characters: Ezra, and the rest of the guys.
Summary: Chris and Vin decide that it would be a good idea to go hiking for a week. Ezra doesn't want to go, but he has no choice.
Disclaimers: The guys are owned by CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp.
Spoilers: None
Status: Complete
Total Word Count: 25,059



Day Three

The next day started out early; to early as far as Ezra was concerned. They had forced him to rise at the same time as the sun. He now sat huddled against a tree, his knees were pulled up beneath his chin and a blanket did it’s best to keep out the chill of the early morning. Ezra was freezing. Vin had started making the fire but it would still be a while before it would be able to warm him. So he was stuck with what body heat he had left and a blanket that was more than useless. His stuff had already been packed away by the others, not because of his hands but because he won’t be able to sneak back into bed.

He was miserable. There was no way in hell he was going to do this again. Another itch began so he scratched. His green eyes looked for Nathan, if the dark man saw what he was doing, he would yell at him. ‘Keep the bugs away’ they had said, that was a joke. He’d never had so many mosquito bites in his life. Ezra hadn’t failed to notice that none of the others were scratching. They obviously gave him the wrong stuff, probably just water. Maybe it was Chris’ idea, but how did you put water into a spray can. No, it was his luck, things like this always happened to him.

“Hey Ezra,” he was grateful for the distraction and searched for the owner of the voice, “you cold or something.”

“Of course I’m cold JD,” Ezra replied, “why else would I be sitting here like this wrapped in a blanket that’s too thin for it’s own good.”

“You bought it Ezra.”

Chris had to remind him of that.

“It’s not cold Ezra.” Vin glanced at Ezra over his shoulder.

“You’re not cold, I am.”

“If you got out of that blanket and walked around for a while, you’ll warm up like the rest of us.”

“I’d rather have a hot cup of coffee laced with scotch.”

“Give me a few minutes.”

“Thank you Vin.” He glared at Chris. “At least someone is looking after me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with your hands.” Chris muttered.

“Not according to Nathan.” Ezra smirked.

“Bastard.”

“No need to bring my father into this conversation Mr Larabee.”

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

“Something bite you on the ass?” the Southerner asked innocently.

“If you’re trying to aggravate me to the point where I won’t bring you again, you’re mistaken.”

“I’ve already been assured that I won’t have to come again.”

“By who?” Chris stood up and looked around at his friends, none of them would look him in the eye.
“Which one of you told him that?”

There was no answer.

“You’re coming again.” Chris threatened him.

“No, I’m not.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t like the outdoors.” Ezra shrugged.

“That’s it, you don’t like the outdoors.”

“That’s it.”

“You’re coming again.”

“ No I’m . . . “

“I’m not going to argue with you about this Ezra. Not now anyway, it’ll only ruin the trip if we walk around mad at each other.”

“Okay by me.” Ezra glanced quickly at Vin who winked at him in return.

“Coffee’s ready.” Vin informed them. “Someone else can make the breakfast.”

“I’ll do it.” Josiah volunteered.

________________________________________

The seven men stood on the bank of the river that was inviting them to swim in it’s cold waters. Only six of them were willing to take it up on it’s invitation. T-shirts were removed, shoes and socks were thrown onto the ground. Jeans and shorts were also stripped from the body, leaving the men to swim in their underwear.

“Good Lord,” Ezra moaned. He hung his head and covered his eyes. “Why don’t you just go all the way and skinny dip.”

The six men looked at each other, shrugged then removed their underwear.

“You coming in Ezra?” Buck asked him.

Ezra looked up and saw six naked men standing before him. His eyes rolled towards the heavens.

“I was kidding.”

“Good idea though Ezra,” Vin put his hands on his hips. “The great outdoors, warm weather, cold water . . . “

“Just make sure that nothing bites it off Vin.” Ezra smiled and gave him the two finger salute.

“I ain’t got nothing to worry about Ezra.” Buck was full of pride. “Even if something takes a bite out of me, there’s still plenty left to please the ladies.”

“Not from what I can see.”

“No need to be like that Ezra.”

“Thought you were going swimming.”

“We are.” Buck nodded.

“Then you better hurry up because you’re shrinking with each passing minute.” Ezra lowered his eyes.
Buck blushed with embarrassment.

“He’s right Buck.” Chris slapped him on the shoulder. “You better get in the water, hide what’s not really there.”

“Chris!” Buck ran after him into the water.

The others followed and a water fight soon erupted. Ezra watched for a few minutes then decided that it was a good time to catch up on some sleep. He was already sitting beneath a shady tree so all he had to do was lie down and make himself comfortable.

He was beginning to drift into the world of dreams when he felt himself being lifted from the ground. Ezra automatically began to sing (according to the useless information given by President Jed Bartlett) to scare away what he thought was a bear. His eyes flew open in fear when he heard the laughter.

The Southerner began to fight but his efforts were useless against the six men. They carried him to the edge of the river bank and after the count of three, threw him in. Ezra forced himself to the surface of the freezing water and he searched frantically for the men.

“What the hell did you do that for?” he began to walk back to the river bank.

“You looked bored.” Chris told him.

“Had to let you have some of the fun.” Buck added.

“You needed a bath.” Josiah smiled at him as he stormed past.

“Where you goin’?” Chris frowned at him.

“I’m going to change into some dry clothes, then I’m going for a walk. I need some me time.” Ezra picked up his back pack and walked away from them.

Chris shrugged. “Last one to the other side makes the fire and cooks tonight.”

________________________________________

"Imbeciles, oh the indignity of it all.” Ezra had finally managed to remove his wet clothing and now stood naked amongst the trees. He hoped that there were no other hikers in the area, especially the female variety.
In his mind a voice yelled ‘snake’, he quickly turned around, his eyes were expecting to find the others watching him, his clothes in their hands. It would leave him with nothing to wear. That sort of thing happened in the movies, it could easily happen to him. He would do it himself if he’d thought about. Six angry men, all of whom would be naked, searching for their clothes and the man who had stolen them. No he couldn’t, they would seek payback for the rest of his life. There was no one there.

He dressed as fast as he could, just in case. Khakis and a loose fitting t-shirt, the wet shoes stayed off. Once he was dry, he slapped his backpack over his shoulders and began to enjoy his time alone. He would enjoy it even more if he was sitting on the couch at home in front of the television which would be showing an extremely good program. The malt scotch would taste like perfection as it flowed down his throat. Ezra didn’t have that sort of luck though, he was stuck here for at least another four days.

Ezra could hear the river in the distance and the laughter that told him his friends were enjoying themselves. The water he’d been thrown into was refreshingly cold. He regretted not spending an extra few minutes getting out of the water. The thought of emerging his entire body didn’t sit well with him but he could walk through the river’s shallow shore.

Ezra made his way to the river and left his back pack on the shore. He put his right foot into the water first then his left. The cuffs of his trousers began to soak up the water. Ezra bent over and folded the legs of his trousers up to his knees. The cold water felt good and he wiggled his toes feeling the sand and small stones move between them. He looked around at his surroundings, the large trees provided plenty of shade but the sun was still able to break through and shine down onto the floor beneath it. The light glinted off areas of the water making it look crystal like in it’s appearance.

He moved deeper into the river until the water sat just beneath his knees. Ezra used the rocks to find a path through the water without having to go to deep. His intention was to walk as far as he could without falling in. The sounds of nature flowed around him much like the water around his feet. Ezra was enjoying the lack of noise that was being made by his friends, the occasional scream of fun still echoed in the air though.
A foot slipped and landed between two rocks. Just great. He lifted the leg but it seemed to be caught on something. Ezra grabbed his knee and pulled his leg out from the rocks. It came free and he moved forward again. He had to be more careful.

His left leg gave out beneath him and he fell forward into the freezing water. The knee deep water saved him from any more injuries. Ezra wasn’t sure what was wrong with his leg, there seemed to be no pain or any other sign that something was wrong. He turned himself over and lifted his leg so he could see it.

“Fuck!”

Something had embedded itself into his calf halfway between the knee and the ankle on the outer side of his leg. It was curved with a sharp point at the end, it was much like a fishing hook, only larger and thicker. The piece of metal was at least five inches long with a hook on the end and as thick as his fore finger. He wasn’t going to be able to pull it out, the thing was going to have to be cut out. Nathan. Aw hell!

The agile fingers on his left hand carefully touched the object that had entered his body without his permission. His handsome countenance grimaced at the resulting pain; it was beginning to hurt. The area was also beginning to swell with a reddish tinge.

He couldn’t sit here like this, he had to get up and make his way back to the group. Nathan was going to enjoy taking this thing out, but Ezra wasn’t going to enjoy the pain that he would cause. Ezra stood up and gently put some weight on his left leg, the pain started at the ankle and worked it’s way up to his thigh. He took a step to test his leg, it took his weight so he continued. It took him at least fifteen minutes to find his way back, by then the pain had become excruciating. He could barely walk on the limb now.

Ezra fell to the ground in a sitting position, his arms were held downwards to ease his fall. The left leg didn’t touch the ground. He watched as the others continued to play like children in the water. He felt guilty by interrupting their social activity, they were enjoying themselves.

“Nathan!” Ezra called out to him.

The men turned around at the sound of the Southern accent.

“What do you want now Ezra?” the ex-medic began to wade back to the shore.

“I seemed to have stood on something.”

As Nathan got closer he could see the pain etched on Ezra’s features. His dark eyes drifted to the leg that was hovering above the ground. The piece of metal that had pierced the limb caught his attention. His movements became faster as he struggled to move through the deep water.


Ezra could no longer hold the leg up, it was causing more pain. He lowered the leg until his heel touched the ground. The movement forced a shot of pain through his leg but eased after a matter of seconds. The new position was making the pain more bearable.

“How’d this happen Ezra?” Nathan crouched before the Southerner and examined the wound with his brown eyes.

“Nathan,” Ezra calmly made a suggestion to the ex-medic, “could you get dressed please. That really isn’t a sight I’d like to look upon while your cutting open my leg.”

“Uh, sure Ezra, just give me a sec to put some trousers on.” he looked at Chris when he stood up, his leader had put on his tight black jeans before checking on Ezra (how he could put on something so tight when he was wet, Nathan didn’t know). “Don’t let him touch it.”

“You don’t have to worry about that Nathan.” Ezra assured him.

Nathan took the opportunity to grab his first aid kit from his back pack.

“Can you guys get a fire started,” Nathan didn’t look at anyone in particular, he knew someone would do it, “then boil some water for me.”

Nathan prodded the injury, he did his best to ignore the intake of breath that came from his patient’s form.

“I’m going to have to cut it out Ezra.”

“Why?”

“I can pull it out but I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to clean it properly. It could get infected.”

“Fine, whatever, do what you have to do.” Ezra glared at him.

“How’d it happen Ezra?” Chris asked him.

“I went for a walk in the water, my leg slipped in between a couple of rocks and came out with that thing in my leg.”

“You went paddling in the water?” Vin would have found it funny if it wasn’t for the piece of metal in his friend’s leg.”

“Tell anyone and I’ll will have to kill you, all of you.” His glare turned on Chris and Vin who sat on either side of him. Buck, JD and Josiah and taken control of the fire.

The scalpel (Nathan always packed the extra things that he was sure he would need when on an outing with these men, something always went wrong) was sterilised in boiling water then held over the wound. Ezra clenched his teeth, it couldn’t hurt any more than it already did. But it did. Ezra cried out in pain when Nathan cut along the wound. He reached out for the nearest thing and grabbed onto Chris’ forearm with a death grip.

It only took Nathan a couple of minutes to cut and remove the offending piece of material but Ezra’s body was left shaking, his breathing was short and ragged. Shit that hurt! His green eyes watered and his teeth bit into his bottom lip. The knuckles on his hands turned white and he closed his eyes to concentrate on stopping the blackness that was close at hand from taking him. When it passed he opened his eyes and slowly turned his eyes to his leg. There was blood everywhere, he’d never seen so much blood before.
Nathan applied pressure to wound causing Ezra to attempt an escape. He failed, but of course he would. Two men were there to hold him down. It was another five minutes before the flow of blood eased to a trickle. Ezra’s eyes shifted to the ground beneath his feet, a pool of blood was only just beginning to soak into the Earth.

“Nathan, is that a lot of blood?” Ezra looked up at Nathan then back down at the large puddle.

“You’ve got plenty left Ezra.” Nathan assured him.

“It looks like a lot of blood.”

“I’m going to stitch this now Ezra.”

“You didn’t say anything about a needle and thread Nathan.”

“Look at it Ezra, it needs to be stitched.”

Ezra looked away, he wasn’t going to watch. He realised that he was still holding Chris’ arm but decided it was best not to let go, he was going to need to hold onto something.
Five minutes later Nathan was wrapping a bandage around the limb.

“We need to get you out of those wet clothes Ezra.”

“Where’s your back pack Ezra.” Buck asked him.

“Down the river with my other wet clothes and boots.”

“You changed before you went for another swim.” Buck smiled down at him.

“Yes.”

“Okay.” Buck shrugged and grabbed JD by the shirt and dragged him along behind him. “We’ll go and get them for you.”

“Could you tie yourself to a tree and allow the ants to eat you while you’re there.” Ezra asked him politely.

“Sure Ezra, anything for you.” JD winked at him.

Vin pulled the wet t-shirt off Ezra before the undercover agent could protest verbally or resist physically. Chris reached towards the band of his trousers. Ezra yelped and slapped the hand that was trying to undo the button and zip.

“Ezra! There is no need to be modest.” Chris growled at him and reached for the trousers again.

“That has nothing to do with it.” Ezra pushed Chris’ hand away a second time. “I don’t like having another man undress me.”

“Ezra!” Chris’ tone held a warning.

“I can take my own pants off thank you.”

“Go on then.” Chris folded his arms and waited.

“If you don’t mind, I’ll wait until my dry clothes are delivered.”

“Take them off, or we’ll do it for you.”

Ezra’s green eyes stared at Chris, he quickly glanced to Nathan then Vin. They were prepared to do what Chris had threatened.

“You want me to sit here in the clothes I was born in? I’ll freeze.”

“No you won’t, it’s a warm day.” Nathan nodded towards the sun.

“What I do for you guys, and what do I get in return,” Ezra undid his trousers and slipped them down to his hips, then he was stuck, “nothing, absolutely nothing,” he looked to his left side then his right side, he needed to lift his butt off the ground. It was going to be difficult with only the use of one leg. The pain from putting the injured leg on the ground was something he didn’t want.

“Use me.” Chris moved closer.

Ezra leaned on him and used his left hand to pull the trousers and boxer shorts down. Nathan grabbed them and pulled them from the Southerner’s legs.

“Nathan!” Ezra scolded him.

“Sorry Ezra but I’m not waiting all day.”

“I wasn’t going to take all day.”

“Here you go.” Buck dropped the back pack on the ground and lay the boots and clothes in the sun to dry.
Chris opened the pack and pulled out a dark pair of khakis. “These are almost black Ezra.”

“I was hoping to ruin them on this fun filled trip.”

“You’re having fun?” Chris asked sarcastically.

Ezra didn’t have a comeback for that one.

“Chris,” Nathan got everyone’s attention with his serious tone, “I don’t want him walking on this, we should camp here then leave in the morning.”

“We could be at the cabin tonight Nathan.” Josiah reminded him.

“I know, but I don’t want Ezra walking on it yet. Knowing him,” Nathan nodded towards the Southerner, ”he’ll open it up and I’ll have to listen to him complaining again when I have to stitch it up a second time.”

“You heard the man.”

“Do you think one of us should go ahead and call the ranger, get someone in here to take Ezra out.” JD asked.

“Certainly not!” Ezra growled. “It’s simply a cut, that’s all.”

“Simply or not Ezra,” the ex-medic smiled, “when did you have your last technes shot?”

“Last year, remember. Vin pushed me over when I made that remark about his hair, and I still say I was correct on that particular subject. I landed on a heap of rubbish and cut myself on a rusty tin. Nathan, that needle hurt like hell and I don’t want to have another one.”

“You won’t have to Ezra, you’re up to date.”

“Good, can I get dressed now.”

“Sure, but you may require some help when it comes to your pants.” Nathan smiled.

“I can handle my pants on my own!” Ezra was starting to get embarrassed.

“You want to use me again?” Chris leaned towards him.

Ezra thought about and decided it would be quicker if he allowed them to help him dress the lower half of his body, rather than spend endless minutes trying to do it himself. He would only embarrass himself further. He’d no doubt fall on his naked butt and have his friends laugh at him. Hell, Vin probably had a camera with him.

“Okay! You can help me but I don’t want to hear anymore about it, especially from other agents or secretaries, receptionists, Judges, cleaners, or anyone else that works in the ATF building.” he lowered his voice. “Do you understand me?”

“Quit talking Ezra, you’re going to shrink so much you won’t recover, then we’ll really have something to tell people.” Buck slapped him on the shoulder.

“You’re a dead man if you do!” Ezra snapped at him.

“He’s right in a way Ezra.” Nathan told him. “You keep sitting there and talking all the time, you will get cold.”

“Then you better hurry up and help me.” Ezra grimaced.

Once his boxers were on, he felt more comfortable. The trousers were next and they were followed by a thick pair of socks. Now he just needed a shirt, he began to rummage through the back pack for one.

“How about this one Ezra?” Buck held up one of his own t-shirts for him.

Ezra looked up at the shirt and frowned at the man who held it. “You want me to wear a t-shirt that says ‘I’m
gay and proud of it.”

“It’s your birthday present, just thought you might want it now rather than later.” Buck winked at him.

“You’re not trying to tell us something are you Buck?” Chris stood up and took a step closer to his friend.

“What?” he noticed the way the others were looking at him. “NO! A young lady gave it to me.”

“The ladies name wasn’t John was it?” Vin nudged Ezra with his elbow.

“No, . . . I’m not . . . it was a joke . . . ,” his gaze turned back to Chris. “I’m not gay, you should know that.”

“So the young lady was gay.” Nathan nodded.

“She wanted to sleep with you to prove that she really did prefer women over men.” Chris suggested.

“You talk alot about women but how often do we actually see you with one?” JD frowned at him.

“But I’m always bringing women home, you’ve seen them JD.”

“Yeah I have and I always thought that they looked more like men than women.” the young man shrugged.

“Transvestites Buck? Is that what you’re into now?” Chris placed his hands on his hips.

“I am not gay, I do not . . . “

“Your t-shirt says you’re gay.” Ezra nodded to it.

“I am not gay! I do not fancy transvestites and I don’t go out with them. I go out with women. WOMEN!
I’m a ladies man remember!”

“So you keep trying to tell us.” Chris argued.

“You’re jealous, that’s what it is. I get more women than any of you and you’re jealous.” Buck wore a winning smile. “Jealous.”

“So you wear a t-shirt that says you’re gay so women won’t come near you?” Josiah asked him.

“Wouldn’t that make the men approach you?” JD wanted to know.

“You’re all jealous. The women love me and you know it.”

“We only know it because you keep telling us.” Chris told him. “I haven’t met a woman that agrees with what you say.”

“Women love me, you’re jealous and I hate all of you.” Buck glared at them. “That is the end of the subject!”

“You brought it up.” Ezra reminded him.

“You, I hate most of all.” the ladies man pointed at the undercover agent.

“The subject is dropped if you cook for the rest of the day.” the leader of the team offered.

“I can’t cook, you know that.”

“We’ll, there are some things that even you can cook. Hot dogs, with ketchup, mustard and onions.”

“That I can cook.” Buck growled and walked away.

“Why not start on it now Buck, I’d say that we’re all pretty hungry.” Chris yelled after him.

“I’m not that hungry,” Ezra spoke up, “and I still don’t have a t-shirt on.”

Nathan grabbed the back pack and pulled a long sleeved t-shirt out. “Here.”

Ezra reluctantly took it, the shirt wasn’t the one he had been looking for but he wasn’t ready for an argument with Chris or Nathan. He pulled it over his head then put his arms through the sleeves.

Nathan moved forward and placed a palm on Ezra’s forehead. “At least the fever you had has gone. You might get another one with this leg though. Will have to keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get infected.”

“It’s going to get infected?”

“I didn’t say that, I said I have to check it to make sure it doesn’t.”

“And if it does . . . ?

“They’ll take your leg off.” Nathan told him.

“What!”

“They’ll take your leg off.” he calmly repeated.

“They’ll take my leg off . . .”

“He’s pulling your leg Ezra.” Vin slapped him across the back of the head.

“Oh and ow.”


________________________________________

It was official, Buck couldn’t cook, not even hotdogs. All he had to do was warm the hot dogs, and fry some onions. He wasn’t even capable of doing that. Chris suspected that Buck had done it on purpose so they wouldn’t make him cook again. It wasn’t going to work. Josiah had taken over and saved what was left of the meal. The rest of the group had been grateful.

Now they sat around the campfire like they had the night before. Well sort of like they had. JD lay on his side, he was fast asleep. Buck was complaining about the afternoon he’d had, his voice was a whisper, he’d been threatened three times already and he finally got the point. Chris lay against a fallen tree, his ankles crossed and a cup of coffee resting in his hands. Vin was flat on his back, he was watching the stars, a very stupid smile lined his face. Ezra was also sleeping, he had laid down half way through his meal and fallen asleep. Nathan had checked him to find that a fever had returned. He knew it would happen and he was going to have to keep a close eye on the Southerner. The ex-medic was sitting next to the sleeping man. Josiah was with him. Both men sat in a comfortable silence.

An animal cried out in the darkness causing Ezra to jerk awake and sit up suddenly in fear for his life.

“What was that?”

“Owl.” Josiah told him.

“You sure.”

“I’m sure.”

“It wasn’t a bear?”

“There aren’t any bears around here Ezra.” Nathan felt like he was trying to comfort a child.”

“You sure?”

“Jesus Ezra, go back to sleep.” Nathan growled at him.

“How am I supposed to sleep knowing that there may be an animal out there that wants to kill me.”

“An owl won’t kill you Ezra.”

“It will if it wanted to.”

“Don’t act like an idiot Ezra.” Josiah hit the back of Ezra’s head.

“Ouch . . . was that the owl?”

“You are such a pain in the ass.” Nathan pushed the Southerner down onto his back. “Go to sleep.”

“I don’t want to go back to sleep.”

“Shut up then.”

“Okay.”

Nathan began to enjoy the silence once more.

“My leg hurts.” Ezra decided to inform them.

“I gave you something for the pain an hour ago.” Nathan growled.

“Still hurts.”

“Shut up Ezra.” This time it was Josiah who wanted to go back to the silence

“Sure.”

Josiah looked up when he noticed Chris heading towards them. He sat down cross legged next to the larger man. He didn’t talk, the silence of the group was comforting. Buck was no longer complaining, JD was asleep, and Vin was busy doing other things.

“Chris.”

“What Ezra?”

“Leg hurts.”

“Really.”

“Yeah, hurts quite a bit actually.”

“And what did Nathan do about it?”

“Told me to shut up.”

“Then do as you’re told.”

“Tell him I don’t want to shut up.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I too want you to shut up.”

“No wonder I’m not having any fun.”


Chris hung his head and shook it in frustration. He was beginning to regret bringing the sometimes irritating asshole with them. Maybe Ezra was right, he should have left him at home where he could sit alone for a week. No. It wasn’t right for Ezra to be alone like that. It had been that way all his life, now that he had a family it wasn’t going to happen again. Not if he had anything to do with it.

“You’re still coming next time.”

“Next time I’ll break a leg, that way I’ll have to stay at home.”

“If you break a leg Ezra, it’ll be because I broke it.” Chris smiled.

“Aw hell, I should have stayed in Atlanta.” Ezra mumbled.

The three men were shocked by the statement. They also hoped that he was joking.

“Why?” Josiah asked.

“No reason really,” Ezra replied, “I’m going back to sleep.”

“Ezra,” Josiah tried again.

“I’m tired Josiah, I want to go to sleep.”

“What did you mean by ‘should have stayed in Atlanta’?” Chris reached across Josiah to nudge Ezra’s shoulder.

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“You meant something.”

“Nathan,”

“Yeah.”

“My leg does hurt.”

“I know Ezra but I can’t give you anything now.”

“Okay.”

“Later.”

“Okay.”


________________________________________

Day Four

Ezra knew he had to wake up, he just didn’t want to. His leg hurt, his head hurt and he wasn’t a very happy man. He could usually cope with their sense of humour, the threats that were never carried out, the name calling, the exchange of sarcastic comments but last night was different. He understood Chris’ reason for forcing him to come but now . . . now he thought that Chris was regretting it.

Nathan was right, he was ruining the vacation for everyone else. He should have stayed at home, they would be having more fun without him. He would make more of an effort if he wasn’t hating the situation so much.

“Want some coffee Ezra?” Chris crouched down next to the waking man.

“Hmmmm?”

“Coffee, you want some.”

“Thanks.” Ezra rolled over to face the other side, he was still tired.

“What about breakfast?”

“Sorry.”

“What about breakfast.”

“Not hungry.”

“You okay Ezra?” Chris didn’t like what he had heard the night before. It gave him the impression that not only wasn’t his undercover agent enjoying himself, he was taking what they were saying to heart. That was unusual for Ezra, like the rest of them his back was covered in oil, sarcastic comments slid off his back. The last few days it was as if the oil had been replaced by velcro, everything stuck and it was beginning to effect him. And it had everything to do with forcing him to come on the hiking trip. It was a mistake, he knew it now. He should have waited until Ezra was ready to come of his own free will.

“Yeah.”

“Coffee will be ready in about ten minutes, I’ll bring you some over.”

“Thanks.”

Chris made his way back to the camp fire. He was no longer a happy man. He wanted to enjoy this trip, use the opportunity to spend time with Ezra on a social level. Ezra joined them at the bar for a drink, they had their poker nights, days of watching the superbowl or baseball but nothing like this.

“How is he?” Josiah asked him when he sat down next to the fire.

“Don’t know Josiah.”

“He’ll be alright.” Nathan assured him. “His leg was sore, he was tired and he didn’t want to be here. It was something he said on the spur of the moment.”

“Who said what?” Vin asked the three men.

“Last night Ezra said that he should have stayed in Atlanta.” Chris said.

“You shouldn’t have made him come Chris.” Vin decided to say what he’d been thinking since they left Ezra’s place.

“I thought it would do him good, that he’d get over it when he started to enjoy himself.”

“It’s been three days Chris and he’s not enjoying himself.” Vin told him. “Thinks he’s not being a friend because he isn’t.”

“What do you mean by that?” Buck joined the conversation.

“Just what I said, he thinks that because we’re friends he should be enjoying being with us and because he isn’t, he thinks he’s not a friend.”

“Did you explain it to him.” Chris looked at Vin.

“Yeah I did.”

“I won’t make him come next time.”

“I wasn’t going to let you.” Vin smiled at him.

“You’re the one that assured him that?”

Vin nodded then stood up. He walked over to where Ezra was and sat down beside him. He nudged the man in the chest to let him know he was there.

“What?”

“You okay Ezra?”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t really want to be back in Atlanta, do you?”

Ezra sighed but kept his eyes closed. Vin would be sitting in front of him but he didn’t want to look at him. He just wanted to stay where he was for the rest of his life. Hidden under a blanket.

“No, of course not, don’t know why I said it.”

“Yes you do.”

“I don’t want to talk about it Vin.”

“Chris knows he shouldn’t have made you come.”

Ezra knew it, Chris was regretting bringing him along.

“I can go home now.”

“Not yet, we have to get you back to the car first.”

“Go away then and let me get some sleep.”

“No.”

“Vin.”

“No.”

“Fine, but I’m not talking anymore.”

“That’s okay, but I’m still not going anywhere.”

“Whatever.” Ezra muttered and pulled the blanket even further over his head.

________________________________________

Ezra had insisted on walking on his own, he’d claimed the pain wasn’t too bad. An hour later, a permanent grimace of pain was fixed on his countenance. The back of his shirt was soaked with sweat from the effort of walking on an injured limb. He now walked with the aid of a makeshift cane.

They were only thirty minutes from the cabin where they could use the radio to notify the ranger of the
injury suffered by a hiker in their group. Ezra was having as much trouble walking with a tree branch than without one. The fact that they were walking up hill wasn’t helping him at all. He also refused any help that was offered to him. He knew he was being stubborn but he was angry, this wouldn’t be happening to him if Chris allowed him to stay at home where he wanted to be.

Chris and Vin were getting away with walking on either side of him. An attempt of trying to hit Vin with the wooden leg almost caused the undercover agent to fall; he didn’t try doing it again.

“Are we there yet?” JD asked the group in front of him.

“No we’re not!” Buck yelled over his shoulder.

The ladies man was leading the group of seven men. Nathan was staying as close as he could to Ezra. Josiah walked with JD.

“Are we there yet?” Vin called out.

“NO!”

“Just asking.” Vin muttered.

“This isn’t the Simpson’s Vin.” Chris told him. “JD isn’t Bart and you’re not Lisa.”

“Fine!” Vin sulked.

“Are we there yet?” Chris growled at Buck.

“Go to hell!” Buck ordered them.

“Are we in hell yet?” Vin smiled.

“I’m going to kill you!” Buck stopped and spun around. He was glaring at Ezra.

“What did I do?” Ezra asked him.

“Nothing, that’s what’s tellin’ me that you put them up to it.” Buck took a step forward. “Getting me back for the snake thing are we?”

“I got you back for that already,” Ezra couldn’t help smiling, “your nose remember.”

“Why you little . . . “

Ezra took a step back as Buck moved towards him. The only thing he was able to do was to trip over his makeshift crutch and begin to fall. Ezra reached out for something that would keep him upright, that something was Chris Larabee. If he was going to go down then so was the man who had forced him to come on this hurrendous hiking trip.

Chris knew what was going to happen as soon as he felt Ezra’s grip on his arm. A part of him wanted to push the Southerner away but that wasn’t the right thing to do; not to a friend, especially a friend who was hurt. He would do what he could to stop Ezra from being injured anymore than he already was.

He reached out with his other arm to get a better grip so he could stop Ezra from falling. But luck wasn’t in the mood to be nice to either man. They fell and both men hit the ground hard. The steep angle of the ground caused them to begin an unstoppable spiral down the hill.

Chris could hear Ezra’s sharp gasps of pain as they rolled down the hill. The injured leg must be taking a beating. He could feel his own pain as his body continued to hit the ground as it rolled. His arms tried to hold Ezra as long as he could to protect him from the injuries he was capable of receiving from the fall.

Ezra could feel the pain as it shot up his leg to the rest of his body. This was going to hurt when he came to a stop, he knew it, it was the way his luck was going. He would never go on a trip like this again. Even if he had to stand in a corner with a loaded gun in his hand, and threaten Larabee with death if he tried to force him to go with them.

Chris’ painful grip held him and protected him for only a few seconds longer. Their tangled bodies soon seperated as they went their own way. It seemed like he was rolling at a high speed for ever. His pain finally stopped when his head struck a rock but his body continued to roll. He didn’t feel his arm break when the large tree trunk stopped his fall.

Chris on the other hand felt everything. He stopped counting the amount of bruises he knew he would have in the morning. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ezra hit a tree. Ouch! That had to hurt. He hoped that all it did was hurt, that he didn’t receive another painful injury. Chris’ mind stopped thinking about Ezra when he also hit a tree. The bone in his left calf snapped in two. He cried out in pain and cursed the man who had caused him to fall.

Nathan and Vin were already side stepping down the hill. They had tried to grab the falling men but weren’t successful in their attempt. The only thing left to do was to follow them and hope they didn’t get hurt. Each man groaned inwardly when they saw Ezra and Chris slam into the trees at the bottom of the hill.

Josiah, Buck and JD soon followed them. Nathan moved quickly towards Ezra when he saw that he wasn’t moving. Vin went to Chris, he could see his friend clutching his leg, his face was covered with an expression of pain. This wasn’t good.

“Don’t move around Chris!” Vin told him when he reached him. “Nathan will be right with you.”

“Ezra?” Chris tried to look over Vin’s shoulder.

“Nathan’s checking him.” Vin shifted his position so Chris could see.

“Oh Jesus, he’s not moving. Vin, he’s not moving!”

Vin stayed silent when he realised what Chris’ words meant. Ezra couldn’t be dead. But how many people broke their neck during a simple fall; it was something that happened all the time.

“NATHAN!” Chris yelled as he ignored his own pain.

“He’s breathing Chris!” Nathan called back. “You stay put, I’ll be right with you.”

“Take your time Nathan.” Chris muttered. “I’ve only broken my leg.”

“That’s gonna hurt.” Vin informed him.


“You think!” Chris spat at him.

Chris didn’t dare straighten his leg out, he was already in too much pain. His body felt like it was broken all over. This was supposed to be a pleasant trip, one where they would enjoy themselves. He shouldn’t have forced Ezra to come. The man had a way of ruining everything. No that wasn’t right, Ezra hadn’t wanted to come. He couldn’t blame Ezra, he had been forced to come.

“Someone get my First Aid kit.” Nathan was pressing his t-shirt against the back of Ezra’s head in an attempt to stop the bleeding but he required a pressure bandage.

“I’ll get it.” JD turned to make his way back up the hill. He used it as an excuse so he didn’t have to look at the wound on Ezra’s skull or the obvious broken arm. The bone was attempting to puncture through the skin so it could reach the outside world.

“Use your shirt or something and press against this. I’m going to check on Chris.” Nathan told Josiah.

“He’ll be okay Nathan.” Josiah assured him.

Nathan nodded and made his way over to Chris. He pushed Vin aside and looked into Chris’ green eyes.

“Tell me to save me looking.”

“I hurt all over but I think I’ve broken my leg.”

“Is your head okay, you didn’t hit it?” Nathan asked him.

“No.”

Nathan felt the leg through the jeans pants leg. Chris cried out in pain and tried to pull his leg away.

“Sorry Chris.” Nathan hated doing this to his friends. He always seemed to be causing them more pain.

“That’s okay Nathan.” Chris grimaced. Gawd that hurt.

“Vin, find me some thick branches that I can use as splints. I’m going to need four. Ezra’s broken his arm as well.”

“He okay?” Vin looked over his shoulder a second time. Ezra was still lying on his stomach. He couldn’t see the Southerner’s face.

“Not sure, I’ll have to wait until he regains consciousness.” Nathan let out a deep breath. “I want to stop the bleeding first,” he saw the confused expressions, “he has a laceration on the back of his head. Once I’ve done that, I’ll come and set your leg.”

“I’m not in a hurry Nathan,” Chris stared at his leg, “not in a hurry at all. Take your time.”

“I’ve got pain killers in my kit, you’ll be okay Chris.”

“As long as you’ve got plenty, you know what Ezra’s like when it comes to pain.”

“Yeah and we also know what you’re like.” Vin smiled at him.

“I have no problem handling pain . . . “

“The splints Vin.” the ex-medic reminded him.

Nathan left them to it and went back to Ezra. JD had returned to the tree that Ezra was lying against. He sat Nathan’s bag on the ground next to Ezra and stepped back.

“JD, why don’t you help Vin to find some splints for me.”

“Sure.”

“I’ll go sit with Chris.” it was the first time that Buck had spoken.

“It was an accident Buck.” Josiah could see the guilt on his face.

“He stepped away from me Josiah, that’s why he fell.”

“It was an accident.”

“Whatever.” Buck turned away and went to sit with Chris. He couldn’t look at either man but he couldn’t stay away either.

Nathan used a bandage to press against the still bleeding wound. It was almost ten minutes before the bleeding stopped. He hadn’t realised so much time had passed. He could have given Chris something for the pain while he waited. He quickly wrapped the wound. With Josiah’s help they turned Ezra over onto his back. Nathan laid the broken arm down in a comfortable position. He then lifted the eyelids to find both pupils equal. That ruled out the possibility of a concussion but he still had to watch Ezra for a delayed reaction. Nathan decided that the broken arm could wait. Ezra still hadn’t regained consciousness, he wasn’t feeling anything. Chris was. That leg needed to be set. He left Ezra in Josiah’s capable hands.

“You ready?” Nathan asked Chris when he returned to his side.

“No.” there was actually a touch of fear in Chris’ eyes.

“I’ll give you something first, it won’t be as bad.”

“Oh great.” Chris muttered.

Nathan pulled a syringe and a vial of clear liquid from his bag.

“How did you get that stuff?” Vin asked in surprise.

“I have friends.” the ex-medic winked at him.

“You can’t just hit me over the head with a hammer.” Chris grimaced.

“Don’t have a hammer.” Nathan shrugged.

“A rock?”

“Not one here that’s big enough, besides, your head is too thick.”

“I don’t like needles Nathan.”

“Who does.”

“Ow!”

“You didn’t even feel anything.” Nathan growled at him.

“You could have warned me first!” Chris rubbed his upper arm

“And have you act like a baby.”

Nathan took a pair of large scissors from his bag and began to cut through the thick denim material. The bone hadn’t pierced the skin, that was good. He placed two long branches on both sides of the leg. They ran from the ankle to the mid-thigh. It was best if the entire leg was imobolised.

“On the count of three.”

“That won’t work with me Nathan, you’ll pull it on the count of two.” Chris grab two handfuls of Earth and tensed up.

“Relax Chris, it’ll be easier for both of us.” Nathan warned him.

“How can I relax when . . . FUCK!” Chris’ sentence ended with a scream of profanity.

“That was a bit unfair Nathan.” Vin knew how badly that would have hurt.

“Maybe next time you can do it!” Nathan growled at him.

“Sorry.” Vin nodded at him.

“So you should be.” the ex-medic didn’t look at him, he was too busy splinting the broken leg. “Hold this.” he waited until Vin did as he was told. “I don’t do this because I enjoy causing pain, if it wasn’t for me, you people would have been dead six months after you joined the team.”

“I know Nathan, I’m sorry.”

“I’m not!” Chris growled. “At the moment I’m hurting and I don’t like it.”

“You can apologise later.” Nathan told him.

“Now that depends on how long I hurt for.”

“If it has anything to do with me, it’s going to hurt for quite a while.”

Chris didn’t like the sound of that, he didn’t like it one little bit.

“Buck,” Nathan called out to him, “can you help Vin carry Chris back up to the top.”

“Sure Nathan.”

“I’m going to take care of Ezra, then we’ll bring him up.”

“You need any help?” Vin asked him.

“No, Josiah and I can take care of him. You stay with Chris. Give me a yell if he needs anything.” the ex-medic stood up and walked away without looking at the three men.

“Think he’s mad?” Vin looked at Chris and saw the pain etched on his features.

“Yeah I do, but at the moment I don’t care.”

“Still hurts?”

“What do you think!”

“I think it still hurts.”

“Why couldn’t he have waited until the pain killer kicked in.” Chris growled as he tried to shift himself into a better position.

“It still would have hurt either way Chris.”

“I know.” Chris sighed.

“Come on, let’s get you up that hill.”

“And how are you going to do that?”

“Carry you.”

“Damn it! Ezra’s going to pay for this.”

“It was my fault Chris,” Buck told him, “not Ezra’s.”

“I don’t care who’s fault it was, someone is going to pay for it!”

Josiah had watched as Nathan set Chris’ leg, a part of him was grateful that Ezra wasn’t going to be awake to feel it when it was his turn. He turned to look at, the face he was staring into was becoming pale, too pale.

“He show any signs of waking up yet?” Nathan asked Josiah.

“No.”

“I’ll set his arm and check his leg.” Nathan nodded. “At least this one isn’t going to complain.”

“Something wrong Nathan?” JD asked him.

“No, I’m going to be calm about it, the man is in pain. As long as he apologises later it’ll be okay.”

“I’m sorry.” JD frowned.

“Not you, him.” Nathan nodded towards Chris.

“Oh.”

“JD, can you help me splint this arm.”

“As long as I don’t have to look.”

“You won’t have to look.” Nathan assured him.

Nathan easily pulled the bones back into place then placed the splints on either side. He used more bandages to hold the splints in position. Another bandage strapped the broken arm to Ezra’s chest. The wound on the undercover agent’s leg had been torn open. Nathan took the opportunity to thoroughly clean it before he stitched it again. He knew the wound to the back of Ezra’s skull was also going to require stitching. It took him fifteen minutes to take care of Ezra’s injuries.

“Think you can carry him up the hill Josiah.”

“Be my pleasure Nathan.”

Josiah wasn’t able to sling Ezra over his back, he had to carry him in his arms like a child. It made it a little awkward for him to move back up the hill. He was worried that he would fall and take Ezra with him.

Nathan and JD walked behind him to help his forward movement. It was slow going but they finally made it. Josiah walked towards Chris and lay Ezra down beside his leader and friend.

“How is he?” Vin gripped Ezra’s shoulder and squeezed it.

“I don’t think there’s a concussion, won’t be sure until he wakes up. Had to stitch the head wound and re-stitch his leg.”

“Are we going to head to the cabin or wait a while?”

“Think we should go now, it’s only thirty minutes away, a bit longer with these two injured.” Nathan explained. “I don’t want them spending the night out here. Ezra’s already getting a fever from the leg, I don’t want that to get any worse.”

Vin moved his hand to feel Ezra’s forehead. Nathan was right, there was a new fever starting.

“I’ll take Ezra, he’s not that heavy.” Josiah picked Ezra up a second time and began to walk in the direction of the cabin.

Buck and JD picked up the backpacks they had been carrying for Chris and Ezra and followed Josiah, that left Chris to Vin and Nathan.

Vin and Nathan replaced their packs onto their backs and helped Chris to his feet. It was going to be a long thirty minutes for all of them. At least they weren’t going to have to listen to Ezra complaining. No, just Chris.

But Chris didn’t say a word during his ordeal. His eyes were glued to the form in Josiah’s arms. He couldn’t see the Southerner’s face but he could see his legs moving in time with Josiah’s steps. It wasn’t until they finally reached the cabin forty five minutes later that he did say something.

“This vacation sucks!” Chris informed everyone as he was helped through the door and into the cabin.

“It wouldn’t suck if you left Ezra at home.” Vin told him.

“Who the hell asked you!”

“No one, just thought I’d remind you that none of this is Ezra’s fault.”

“Did I say it was his fault! When did I say it was Ezra’s fault.” Chris growled. “I know it’s not his fault.”

“Chris,” Nathan helped him to sit down next to Ezra’s prone form, “you need to rest. Try to stay calm, it won’t take the medics long to get here.”

“I AM CALM!” Chris yelled at him.

“As long as your calm.” Nathan smiled at him. “Just give us a few minutes to get these bunks comfortable then you can lie down.”

“Nathan.” JD called to him and waved him over to the radio that sat close to the door. He had used the headphones so he would be able to hear what they were saying on the other end. Chris had started yelling as soon as he stepped through the door.

“What?”

“They can’t get here until the morning.” JD whispered.

“Who can’t?”

“The medics.”

“Why can’t they be here until the morning?” Vin heard what JD had said and joined the conversation.

“The helicoptor is down, won’t be able to get it up in the air until tomorrow.” JD explained.

“It’s not the only helicopter in the area.” Nathan stated.

“There are two more, they’re both on loan, no way they’d be here before tomorrow night.”

“Did someone inform God that Ezra was going on a vacation?” Vin asked seriously.

“Josiah!” Nathan growled at him and used his finger to indicate that he should join them immeadiately.

“What’s up?” Josiah looked at each of them.

“Did you tell God that Ezra was going with us on a vacation?” Nathan stared at Josiah, he was very serious about the question.

“I did mention it in passing.” Josiah frowned at Nathan. “Why?”

“They can’t get here until the morning!”

“And you think God has something to do with that?”

“Who else would do this too him. An imbedded object in his leg, a broken arm, a head injury and almost every one of us is pissed off at him, and now he has to suffer through the night until they get here.”

“Not to mention Chris.” Vin added.

“You have a point there.” Josiah nodded. “I’ll go have another word with him.”

“Vin, you want to help me with those two.” Nathan nodded towards Chris and Ezra.

“I’m not tellin’ him.” Vin shook his head.

“Coward.”

“Sure am.” Vin smiled.

“I’ll remember that the next time we make a bust.” the ex-medic growled.

“I’m just a coward when it comes to Chris.”

“Really.”

“Yes.”

Nathan shook his head and walked across the room to the three bunks that were lined side by side against the wall. He checked to make sure they weren’t damp and that they were clean. His next step was to gather some blankets, he was going to make sure that Ezra and Chris were kept warm. Some of them were thrown roughly towards Vin.

“You can make that one for Chris, that way if it isn’t comfortable, you’re the one he can complain to.” Nathan said smugly.

“Gee, thanks Nathan.”

“You’re welcome Vin.”

“It’s getting a bit sore down here Nathan.” Chris informed him.

“Give us another minute Chris.” Nathan smiled at Vin.

Josiah came back over to Nathan. “Okay, I had a word with God . . . “

“What’d he say?” Vin asked knowing that there wasn’t going to be a truthful answer.

“I’m waiting on an answer.”

“Oh.” Vin rolled his eyes. That was a truthful answer.

“Josiah, can you put Ezra on here for me.” Nathan patted the bed then stepped out of the way. “Then Chris.”

“I can get myself on the bed.” Chris told them.

“No you can’t!” Nathan leaned over him. “I’m not in a pleasant mood Chris so do as you’re told.”

“Or?” Chris pushed him.

“You won’t get another pain killer until the medics get here.”

“Like that’s going to worry me, they’ll be here soon.”

“They won’t be here until the morning, JD called them already.”

“WHAT!”

“So settle down and do as you’re told.” Nathan warned him.

“Damn!” Chris slapped his good leg then glared at Josiah when the larger man bent down to pick him up.

“Cause me any pain Josiah and I will kill you!” Chris promised him.

“You won’t kill me Chris.”

“Why not?”

“I have God on my side.”

“Not after I’ve finished with him.” the blond growled.

Josiah hesitated, Chris would do it to. He carefully lifted him and laid him on the small bed next to Ezra’s.

“That hurt?”

“No, now piss off and leave us alone.”

Josiah looked at Chris with a strange expression on his face.

“I’m not impressed Josiah, my leg is broken, it hurts and I am no longer enjoying myself. Go away and leave Ezra and me alone. All of you!”

“I’m not leaving Ezra until I’m sure he’s okay.” Nathan sat at the end of the bed that Ezra lay in.

“As long as you don’t talk to me or Ezra.”

“Whatever you want Chris.”

“I don’t want to bring him on another trip.” Chris nodded towards Ezra.

“We decided that it was God’s fault that all of this happened.” Nathan sort of smiled at Ezra.

“Why’s that?”

“Because Josiah told God that Ezra was going on vacation.”

“That’ll be right, ruin it for Ezra and the rest of us. Sometimes I wish Josiah would tell that man to mind his own damn business.”

“You don’t complain when he save’s Ezra or one of the other’s lives.” Josiah argued with them.

“He was the one responsible for injurying them in the first place.” Chris retorted.

“God’s an alien.” Ezra muttered through the throbbing pain in his skull.

“Ezra?” Nathan shifted further up the bed.

“No God, just an alien race that left us here.” Ezra continued.

“Ezra, can you open your eyes for me?”

“No, don’t want to.”

“Then I’ll do it for you.” Nathan lifted the right then left eyelid. The pupils were still normal.
Ezra swiped at him with his good arm. “Why can’t I move my right arm and why does it hurt so much?”

“You broke it when you fell.”

“I fell?” Ezra frowned and turned his head away from Nathan’s voice.

“Yes and you took me with you!” Chris informed him.

“Chris?”

“Broke my leg.”

“Well, that teaches you for bringing me along.”

“Fuck you Ezra Standish!”

“Only if you allow me to sleep first.” Ezra took a deep breath and let it out with a loud sounding sigh.

“Does that mean he’s okay?” Chris asked Nathan.

“Might, not sure yet.”

“Does it at least mean that you can go away for a while.”

Nathan growled at him and stood up. With a final glare at his leader he turned away and walked back to the others.

“He’s in a foul mood,” Nathan told the others, “I wouldn’t go near him.”

“Ezra?” Buck asked.

“Woke up but he’s out again. I think he should be okay.”

“How are they going to cope until the morning, that’s at least fourteen hours away?” Vin looked at Chris and received a cold glare for his trouble.

“I’ve got enough pain killers to see Chris through until the morning.” Nathan answered. “Ezra should sleep through the night, he’s not going to really feel anything for a while.”

“You think it’s okay to leave them alone?” Buck questioned him again.

“It’s either that or death . . . our deaths that is.”

“I’m not going near Chris.” Vin shook his head.

“Me neither.” JD agreed

“So we just leave them like that.” Buck growled.

“Chris will call me if he needs anything.” Nathan shrugged.

“Great, just great.” Buck moved away and sat on the floor and leaned his back against the wall.





Part One | Part Two | Part Three


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