Disclaimer – I do not own M7 and if I did the series would still be going.

AN: I apologise for any spelling or grammatical mistakes in advance. I have moved house so no internet access, unless I use a friends for a couple of weeks so updates will be sporadic, hope you enjoy this chapter, any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Ahhh the joys of Christmas holidays, poor Chris, but he gets to enjoy some of the holidays and maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel health wise that is, but not quite yet.

The Pain of Paperwork Two.

Vin's very soul cried out with pain for his distraught friend, he joined Buck in giving the sobbing man a hug.

"Get inside before you all end up sick." Josiah's voice boomed from where he had been stood watching, he wanted to go and comfort Chris and his brothers but they needed to get in out of the snow and wind.

"Come on Big Dog." Buck and Vin helped Chris stand; the blond seemed unable to stop sobbing as they led him inside.

JD rushed into the kitchen he began to prepare mugs of hot chocolate for his cold and wet friends.

"You two get changed Ezra and I will help Chris." Josiah took over guiding the keening man, Ezra followed them into Chris's bedroom as Buck and Vin rushed to get changed out of their wet clothes.

"Let's make you more comfortable." Josiah quickly began to strip the sick man with Ezra's help.

"Did God want to punish me for some reason?" Chris huskily asked Josiah, he tried to help undress but his fingers where useless with cold.

"God love's you Chris." Josiah saw Chris shake his head.

"No he hates me." Chris coughed then continued his explanation. "He allowed my wife and child to die in a painful and horrible way."

"God did not do that Chris, Fowler did." Josiah took the towel the quiet southerner held out and briskly rubbed the thin legs.

"But he allowed it, they where my life Josiah I have nothing left now." Chris sadly declared not seeing the looks exchanged by the two men.

"Chris you will see them again when it's your time." Josiah took the cold hands in his as the ill man sat forlorn on his bed.

"No I won't." Chris stated his head bowed.

"What do you mean Chris?" Ezra did not understand why Chris did not believe he would see his wife and son again.

"I'm going to hell." Chris did not see the shock on Josiah and Ezra's face at the softly spoken words.

"No Chris son you will see your family in heaven when it is your time." Josiah reiterated he rubbed the cold hands he held.

"No I'm going to burn in hell when I die Josiah." Chris was convinced of this fact. "I'm a bad person, Sarah and Adam paid for my misdeeds."

"No Chris you're not." Josiah wished that Chris would meet his eye so that he could see the belief in them.

"You don't know what I've done." Chris shook his head; he wondered why Josiah was not seeing how evil he was. "I've hurt and killed people."

"Haven't we all Chris?" Josiah saw Buck, Vin and JD nod at his words, they had all defended each other in the line of duty at one time or another, sometimes being forced to kill.

"What my pa said is true." Chris voice sounded so weary to the other men. "I'm a bastard and I'm going to burn in the fires of hell and damnation."

Josiah kept his hold on the hands he was trying to warm even though Chris attempted to pull them away, coughing harshly.

"I don't believe that Chris." Josiah released one hand and then gently lifted Chris chin so that the green eyes met his own blue ones. "And neither do any of our brothers here."

Chris tiredly shrugged his shoulders he just wanted to lie down and go to sleep now, he was so tired, and ashamed of his actions, once again he had allowed his grief and rage to overwhelm him and that was the actions of a weak man he needed to stop wallowing and focus on finding out who ordered Fowler to murder his wife and child.

"Come on and have the hot chocolate JD's made." Vin Texan accent twanged, he was upset and horrified that Chris believed he would not get to see his wife and son when it was his time to pass on.

"I." Chris blinked tiredly as Josiah pulled him gently to his feet, Chris shivered with cold, he found himself immediately bundled in the thick dressing gown he normally only wore when the weather was extremely cold, or he was sick as in this case, he gave Ezra a grateful smile.

"Come on Big Dog it will warm ya up." Buck moved out of the way as Josiah guided the shivering man back into the large living area.

Chris sank onto the couch between Josiah and Buck, he gratefully took the mug which JD handed over, and he took a small sip of the hot liquid.

"Merry Christmas Guys." Buck grinned at the other men; he had noticed that they where now into Christmas day and he was determined that today would be a good day.

"Can we open presents yet?" JD quickly gave Vin the chocolate drink he had prepared, as he eyed the presents under the tree.

"No way Nathan's not here." Josiah grinned at the disappointed look on the youngsters face.

"Oh well." JD's disappointment was fleeting as his natural exuberance reasserted itself.

Chris still felt really cold; he cradled the hot mug in his hands, hoping the heat would transfer itself into his hands. He did not realise he was still shaking until the larger man pulled him against him and Josiah threw a blanket over the two of them.

"Buck I'm not a woman for you to cuddle." Chris grumbled as he was cuddled close by the furnace that was the womanising Buck Wilmington.

"You're not soft enough for me Stud." Buck poked the other man in the side as he shivered against him.

"Keep your octopus hands to your self Bucklin." Chris mumbled soothed by the steady beat of the man's generous heart.

Buck chuckled at Chris's words; he waited a few minutes as he felt the sick man's breathing slowly as Chris relaxed against him, the shivering finally stopping as the ill man warmed up. Buck with Vin's help then manoeuvred the now sleeping Larabee so that his head was on a cushion on Buck's lap and his feet where against Josiah who simply tucked the blanket around them.

"Here he might need this." JD handed Buck the oxygen and then went back to sprawling on Chris's recliner.

The members of Team 7 still awake began to chat with JD trying to guess what he would be getting from the other men. Vin laughingly telling him he had been a bad boy and would be getting a lump of coal, giggling when JD threw a pillow at him.

Buck felt the sleeping man tense up.

"Burning." Chris whimpered.

Buck frowned down at the mumbling man; he ran his hand through the sweaty blond hair.

"Burning God help me." Chris moaned as he began to shake.

"Easy Chris." Buck continued to stroke the sweaty head.

Chris seemed to settle to Buck's relief, he noted that Josiah had lifted the Chris's blanket covered feet onto his lap and was gently massaging them.

"Did he just say he was burning?" JD quietly asked.

"Yes JD, but its fine, see he's sleeping again." Buck could see the sadness on his friend's boyish face as he looked at the sleeping Larabee.

"Maybe we should all go to bed, I'm sure being up early tomorrow to open presents is going to be an experience." Ezra stood up and stretched.

"Come on Chris time for bed." Buck gently shook the bony shoulder.

"No." Chris grumbled as he snuggled against the pillow.

"Come on Cowboy you'll be more comfortable in your own bed." Vin nearly laughed as the blond sat up folded his arms across his chest and then snarled grumpily.

"Shoot ya all." Chris stood up slowly and began to trudge to his bedroom; Vin jumped up and pulled the oxygen tank behind the slowly moving man.

Chris sat on the edge of the bed, he began to cough luckily he thought it was only a few body shaking hacking coughs, crawling under the covers Chris heard Vin moving around, he shut his eyes and tried to relax shivering he pulled the covers around himself.

"See you in the morning Chris." Vin quietly closed the door over; he left a gap so that if Chris needed them they would be able to hear him.

Chris opened his eyes, sitting up slowly he looked at his watch he had placed on the bedside cabinet. Standing up he ignored his body's aches and pains, and the desire to cough, he now had something new to add to his list of complaints as he rubbed his ear which felt painful and strange. Chris decided that he would get a shower and get dressed then possibly attempt to help see to the horses.

Standing under the pounding spray Chris could feel a headache building, he began to cough which caused the pain he was feeling to ramp up, gritting his teeth when the coughing fit ended Chris determinedly began to wash himself; he leant against the wall panting as the world spun sickeningly. Gut churning nausea suddenly hit Chris like a punch in the stomach, nearly slipping in his haste he just about managed to get to the toilet as his body rebelled and his stomach emptied. Gripping the toilet bowl tightly Chris continued to heave; screwing his eyes tightly closed the vomiting man ended up on his knees in front of the toilet.

Chris realised he was getting colder the longer he stayed on the bathroom floor, pulling himself to his feet he made his way back to the bed, laying back down Chris tried to calm his pounding heart, it felt like a hammer was repeatedly hitting his head, and on top of everything else his right ear felt painful and his hearing sounded strange and muffled.

"Just great." Chris fumed as he rubbed his ear, he was glad that his back was not asking for attention, he decided to try getting dressed.

Vin poked his head around the door; he found Chris sat on the bed clad in a pair of black jeans with the rest of his clothes in a pile next to him, with his head in his hands. Moving over to the still man, Vin noted Chris rubbing at his head, Vin was not sure Chris was even aware he was in the room, which was quite surprising, not wanting to startle the other man.

"Chris you ok?" Vin looked into the weary pain filled green eyes, he felt Chris's head, Vin frowned at the heat he could feel from the other man.

"I'm fine Vin." Chris gave the other man a small smile. "I'll be right out once I get dressed."

"Don't forget to take your meds Chris." Vin new how reluctant Chris was to take the pills he had been prescribed. "Especially the antibiotics."

"I've taken them." Chris tiredly began to dress, he had even taken some of the milder version of the pain pill Frasier had prescribed as he wanted to try and enjoy the day. He especially did not want to ruin it for any of his friends or cause problems for Nettie or anyone else.

Vin's concern grew as the man seemed to keep his head as still as possible as he got dressed. Vin thought he maybe needed to get Raine to take a look at him, that is if Chris would allow it.

Vin followed Chris out of the bedroom to where everyone was gathered, he kept his concerns to himself as Chris seemed slightly unsteady on his feet, and the blond finally made it to his recliner and gratefully sat down.

"Happy Christmas everybody, so who's going to open presents first?" Chris ignored the nausea churning in his gut.

"Open mine first." No one was surprised when JD piped up bouncing in place.

The seven men and Raine began opening presents, with much laughing and chuckling till only Chris's presents to the men remained, Raine had happily received a pair of gold looped ear rings from the pale man.

Each man held a large shoe box sized wrapped present, as one they looked at Chris who simply nodded his head encouragingly. The men eagerly ripped of the plain paper, silence greeted the opening of Chris's gift.

The men all found themselves the recipient of a hand carved wooden box, intricately carved with various symbols of good luck, good fortune and with images relevant to their individual personalities.

"It's beautiful Chris." Vin ran his hand over his present, he could see extremely detailed native American symbols and images over the box with a number of other designs which where important to him, he had to smile when he noted that Chris had even carved in his Ranger unit insignia .

"Simply stunning." Ezra could not believe the depth of feeling that must have gone into each of their individual presents. He ran his finger over the designs on his box, smiling when he ran his finger over a poker chip and what looked like a poker hand of four aces.

"Truly magnificent." Josiah could only imagine the time it took the sick man to complete each individual gift, he held the box closer so he could admire the workmanship, he ran his finger over the representation of Buddha Chris had included.

"Wow." JD traced over the surfaced amazed at the detail's he could see, he ran his finger over the prancing horse in awe at the concentration it must have taken to get Lady's likeness in the wood.

"I don't know what to say." Nathan was too stunned for words, he ran his finger over the carving representing his knowledge of the healer arts, and he felt Raine rub his shoulder.

"Is this what I think it is?" Buck blinked back tears as he looked at the gift in his hands. He could not get over his surprise that Chris would give each of the men such a personal gift. Buck traced his finger over the Seal Trident; he blinked back tears as he looked at his sick friend.

"I thought that maybe you would all like them." Chris shyly declared. "Open them there something inside to start your box off."

Each man slowly removed the animal they found nestled within the box; all laughed when they looked at their own and each others animal and birds.

"It's a keepsake box as Sarah used to say." Chris could see how close to losing his composure Buck was, he gave the man a smile.

"Are you going to tell us why we got the animals we did Big Dog?" Buck returned the smile with one of his own as he wiped a sleeve across his face.

"Alright who wants to go first?" Chris waited to see who would nominate themselves.

"Do Buck first." JD almost begged.

Chris chuckled then coughed into one of the tissues he had pulled from the box on the recliner beside him, the men waited for the episode to end, Chris panted as he fought to pull in enough oxygen for his burning lungs.

Raine quickly moved beside the gasping man, she rubbed the thin back, feeling every rib.

"Just breathe Chris." Raine felt every cough rattle the too thin body.

As the coughing stopped Chris gratefully accepted the glass of water Nathan held out to him.

"Thanks." Chris resignedly took the oxygen that JD was holding out to him, he finally managed to catch his breath. "Buck's wolf."

Buck looked at the wolf carving he held in his hand, he could almost swear that Chris must have somehow got the animal to pose for him.

"Buck's always been there as part of my family and he's my second and a loyal as anyone can ask for and that just seemed to epitomise everything good and noble about a wolf." Chris could see how proud his words made the moustached man.

"Vin next." JD leant against the recliner Chris was sat on.

"The eagle, Vin needs to fly, to be free and not to be caged." Chris simple words struck a chord with all the men.

Vin could almost see his eagle flying high in the clouds, he stroked the carved bird once again amazed at the detail he could see and feel.

"Ezra's got a fox." JD needlessly pointed out.

"Cunning, resourceful, and loyal to those closest to him." Chris gave the surprised looking southerner a friendly smile; he waited until the man understood he meant every word he had spoken.

Chris looked at JD wondering who the man would ask about next.

"Josiah." JD could see the profiler leant forward eagerly.

"The bear fierce and strong, and capable of great tenderness as well as violence to those who threaten what he holds dear." Chris nodded at the heavy set man who gave him a toothy grin in return.

Josiah almost laughed as he looked at the expression on his bear's face it looked so calm and serene, not at all what he expected.

"Nathan you're next." JD grinned at the smiling medic.

"The owl represents a seeker of knowledge, a guide and someone who's open minded." Chris felt Nathan pat his knee.

Nathan hoped that he could fulfil what Chris thought he represented, he rubbed the smooth carving of his animal.

"So only you left." Chris gave the younger man a grin.

JD impatiently waited he leant forward holding his carving securely in his hand.

"Curious and inquisitive, while showing courage belaying its size the racoon." Chris nudged the younger man.

"I'm hungry." JD laughed as he declared his hunger for all to hear.

"No surprise there son." Josiah looked at the blond who calmly returned his stare.

"I'm going to check the horses." Chris began to get ready for his trip to the barn.

"There all done Cowboy." Vin saw Chris nod he had heard but the blond continued to get ready.

"Not a cowboy." Chris was glad none of the others accompanied him outside, he had found it very rewarding carving the individual boxes and animals for each of his friends. He remember giving Sarah something similar for her birthday one year and again just before Adam was born, so that they could keep mementoes of their son's achievements and milestones. Seeing the looks on his team mates faces had made the time and effort worthwhile even with the heartache and pain of remembering the look on Sarah's face when he had given the same gifts to her.

"Buck is Chris alright?" Vin quietly asked.

"I think he's just remembering giving Sarah a box like this for mementos of Adam's life." Buck sighed as he slowly stood up, he wanted to give the man privacy but he did not want to leave Chris outside for too long. "I can't believe he did it, they're stunning."

"I'm going to put mine in the bedroom for safe keeping."Josiah was followed by the rest of the men who headed to their individual rooms.

Chris headed back into the ranch house; he smiled when he heard Nathan and Raine giggling in the kitchen as they prepared a hearty breakfast for them all. He stood watching as Buck teased JD as the two of them set the dinning room table.

"Hey you ok?" Chris jumped slightly as Vin's voice sounded in his left ear.

"I'm good." Chris could see Vin was not convinced but the long haired man did not push the matter.

"Breakfast won't be long." Raine happily announced as she smacked Nathan with the wooden spoon she was using as he attempted to steal food.

"Was he getting frisky?" Buck chuckled as Nathan scowled at him; Raine smirked as she snuggled up to her man.

"He's adorable." Raine sniggered as Nathan turned back to the pan he was stirring.

Chris settled in his chair at the head of the table, he had to laugh as the rest of Team 7 and Raine began to tuck into the hearty cooked breakfast.

"So what time are we going to go to Nettie's?" Buck looked at Chris who he noticed was rubbing at his ear. "Chris."

"Sorry what did you say?" Chris tilted his head to the side his ear felt like it was stuffed full on cotton wool.

"What's the matter with your ear?" Nathan asked.

"It's nothing." Chris waited expectantly for Buck to answer his question.

"Chris let Raine take a look at your ear." Nathan seriously expected Chris to say no.

"Fine." Chris was not going to argue today of all days.

Raine waited for Chris to sit on his bed, she had moved the three of them in here so that the sick man would not feel like everyone was watching him, and Nathan had accompanied them into the quiet room, placing her bag on the bed she could see Chris was waiting for her to start.

"It looks like you may have an ear infection." Raine heard Chris sigh. "Hopefully the antibiotics you are on will clear it up, are you in any pain?"

"No more that usual." Chris sat still and waited for the two medical personnel to finish.

"Alright, have you taken the pain pills Dr Frasier gave you?" Nathan new how determined Chris could be about not taking pills which made him lose his legendary control.

"The mild one's yes." Chris smiled at the look on Nathan's face; he could take pills when he had to.

"Maybe next dose you should take the stronger ones." Nathan suggested.

"No." Chris emphatically declared.

"Chris." Nathan was going to have to insist, he looked at Raine to back him up.

"You want to enjoy the day Chris and being in pain will not let you do that." Raine reasonably offered.

"I don't want to make a fool of myself." Chris shot back.

"We won't let you, and if you take it before we go to Nettie's then you'll be ok." Nathan could see the moment Chris accepted what they where telling him.

"If you say so." Chris could tell that Nathan and Raine were determined to get their way and he decided to just give in, he was amongst friends and if he took the pills now he may be fine for the time the spent at Nettie's, and his ear was really aching now.

Nathan and Raine watched as the unusually subdued blond man swallowed the pain medication.

"Why don't you get some sleep until we've got to leave for Nettie?" Nathan suggest somewhat surprised when Chris curled up on his side on his bed, Nathan realised then that Chris must be feeling even sicker than usual to give in so easily.

"Can someone come and wake me at one o'clock." Chris looked at his watch and noted it was nearly ten am.

"Alright Chris." Nathan thought about telling Chris to use the oxygen, as he was about to Chris began to snore heavily as he rolled onto his back.

"That was quick." Raine watched as Nathan covered the sleeping man with a blanket from the end of the bed and connected him to the despised oxygen supply.

"He's exhausted and recovering." Nathan wrapped his arms around the woman; he squeezed her gently as they both looked down at the sleeping Larabee.

"And now he has an ear infection to add to everything else." Raine returned Nathan's hug with one of her own.

"Chris come on Big Dog time to wake up."Buck gently shook the thin shoulder; he waited patiently for the green eyes to open.

"I'm up." Chris squinted up at his friend, he really wished he could stay at home rather than going to Nettie's as his ear was screaming in pain, he felt hot and sick and the pain medication he had taken was not reducing the painful sensations he was experiencing from all his bodies aches and pains.

"How you feeling?" Buck did not think Chris realised he was unconsciously rubbing his right ear.

"I'm ok, give me five minutes and I'll be ready to go." Chris sat up, groaning as his world spun sickeningly, Chris breathed slowly as he tried to ignore the feeling.

Buck grasped Chris shoulder as the man went white as a sheet, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"Chris." Buck opened his mouth to shout for Nathan and Raine.

"I'm fine Buck just sat up a bit quickly that's all." Chris was glad the urge to throw up was passing; he slowly made his way to the bathroom to take care of business.

Buck decided to wait for Chris to finish he sat on the bed; he could not believe that Chris had an ear infection to go with all his other wounds and illnesses. Raine had told the men not to worry and to just keep an eye on the sick man, she was confident that the antibiotics and pain killers he was already on would effectively deal with the problem.

Washing his hands Chris plastered a blank look on his face; he would not be responsible for ruining anymore of the holidays for his friends. He would simply suck it up, he could handle it after all the pain and discomfort were not the worst thing he had had to contend with in his life.

The men piled into the couple of SUV's and made their way to Nettie's, no one commented on the fact that Chris seemed to be slightly unsteady on his feet and whiter than a ghost, he was sat in the passenger seat as Buck drove. Buck kept shooting glances at the quiet man who rested his head against the window while he absent mindedly rubbed his head.

Making the way into the house the men exchanged greetings with Nettie and Casey, the smell of food cooking made most of the guests to sniff appreciatively, all except Chris who swallowed feelings of nausea.

Nettie smiled as the men and Raine settled on the various chairs and couches in her large family room.

"So would you all like a drink?" Nettie had to laugh as JD and Casey where both gently shaking each others brightly wrapped presents. Her guests called out their requests with Vin and Josiah both offering to help; Nettie noted that Chris had not answered her question. "Chris would you like a drink or something before dinner?"

"Water will be fine." Chris could feel everyone's attention on him. "Let's open presents."

Josiah had to smile at Chris attempt to take the attention off himself; he could see that he was not the only one who had understood what the sick man was doing.

"Right Casey come help me child, you can come to JD." Nettie led the giggling youngsters into the kitchen.

The opening of presents took the group some time as Nettie and Casey had to open presents from each of the men, there was much laughter as everybody eagerly unwrapped their gifts.

Nettie with the help of Raine, Josiah and Vin put the finishing touches onto the Christmas dinner, finally everything was ready and on the table.

"It all looks lovely Nettie." Chris praised, he then had to cover his mouth as he began to cough, to his everlasting relief it was a brief episode, and he wiped his eyes and took a breath. "Smells great too."

"Would you do the honours of saying grace Josiah?" Nettie smiled back at the man who looked immensely pleased by her request.

"Certainly Nettie it would be my pleasure." Josiah bowed his head. "Thank you lord for this bountiful feast, for the gifts of love and friendship you have bestowed on us all. Amen."

"Amen." Responses where quick in coming.

"Pass the carrots." JD handed the vegetables to Vin who scooped up a large portion.

"Would you carve Chris?" Nettie offered.

"It might be better if Buck or one of the others did it." Chris wondered if he could get away with just having his glass of water, the food looked lovely but he could really not face eating at the moment, but he knew that he could not get away with not at least trying some of the food piled high on the table.

"I'll do it." Buck happily carved into the large turkey; he could see Nathan was carving the enormous ham joint.

"Do you want turkey or ham Big Dog?" Buck could see the indecision on the pale face. "Maybe a slice of both?"

Chris nodded slowly, he handed over his plate, and once he got it back he quickly took small portions of potato's and vegetables as well as stuffing. He slowly chewed the turkey, swallowing felt like he was eating broken glass; Chris kept using his water to force the food down.

Buck could tell that Chris was struggling; he was unsurprised when after a few mouthfuls the ill man gave up, and Chris settled back in his seat and continued to sip at the glass of water he held. Buck caught his eye and Chris gave him a tired smile and shrugged half heartedly at his friend.

"Try an eat some more Chris." Nathan quietly requested.

"Maybe later Nate." Chris pushed his plate away; he had eaten his fill small as it had been.

Nathan nearly jumped as Vin kicked him under the table scowling at the blue eyed Texan Nathan moved his feet out of range.

"Vin leave Nathan alone." Chris commanded smiling at the men to show he was not upset by their actions.

"But Chris." Vin whined pouting at the chuckling Larabee.

"Children not at the table." Nettie warned laughing as the group burst into chuckles and sniggers.

Chris's laughing turned into painful coughing, Nathan rushed to his side with Raine following, the harsh sounded coughs sapped his strength, making his throat burn, his eyes watered and the pain in his head and ear seemed to increase ten fold.

Buck, Nettie and the others could only watch in dismay as Chris attempted to breathe through the harsh wet sounding coughs that rocked his frame, any colour he had had in his face was gone as the coughing showed no sign of stopping.

Chris staggered to his feet; he needed to find a bathroom as he was coughing so much he was going to vomit. He felt somebody holding him up as desperately headed towards the downstairs bathroom.

"We've got you Chris." Nathan held Chris upright as the man coughed, he could feel every cough shake the man, and he looked into the worried brown eyes of his girlfriend as she rubbed the thin back as Chris lost the battle to hold onto the contents of his stomach. Chris got no relief though as he continued to cough and cough, each one causing blinding pain to erupt within his head.

Raine was relieved when Chris finally stopped coughing, she could tell that Nathan was essentially holding the smaller man upright as he fought to regain control of his breathing. Panting Chris felt Nathan guided him to sit in the chair that Nettie had given to the worried looking Buck.

"Do you need any help?" Buck stood by the bathroom door not wanting to crowd the group.

Chris did not have the energy to answer Buck; he was too focused on not passing out or embarrassing himself further by puking over Nathan or Raine. He should have stayed at home then he would not have ruined Christmas dinner for everyone, head bowed Chris wrapped his arms around himself.

"Chris." Nathan looked at the bowed head; he frowned when the man simply shook his head in denial as he continued to hug himself.

"I'm sorry." Nathan looked appealingly at Buck as Chris apologised repeatedly.

"Chris its fine." Buck smiled at Raine as the concerned looking woman moved to let him get to his now rocking friend.

"I'm sorry." Chris mumbled he rubbed angrily at his ear as the pain seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.

Buck took hold of the hand that had been rubbing at Chris's ear, he stood waiting for the sick man to look up at him and when he did not Buck gently tapped Chris's head to get his attention.

Looking up Chris waited for Buck to show his displeasure, he could not help the flinch as Buck's large hand stroked his head.

Buck did not expect the other man to flinch away from him; he kept his sadness off his face as he looked deep into the slightly glazed pain filled green eyes.

"Chris it's fine ok." Buck could see Chris did not really believe him, the sickness and pain where making the normally confident man doubt himself and his friends.

Nathan could hear the other man's breathing it was still too fast and the green eyes seemed unfocused and dazed, Nathan noted Raine had picked up Chris wrist and was taking his pulse.

"You need to try and calm down Chris." Buck did not like the looks being exchanged between the two medical professionals; he would hate to have to take the ill man back to hospital on today of all days. He continued to gently run his hand over the sweaty blond hair, he was glad the man was accepting the comforting gesture.

Raine nodded at Nathan as the pulse under her fingers slowed as Chris calmed, she could only imagine how tired and weary the wounded man was. She would suggest he lay down and tried to sleep, she knew Nathan had brought Chris's meds and maybe they could persuade the man to take a dose to help with the pain he must be feeling from coughing, he must have strained or pulled some muscles and his throat and lungs must be burning from the repeated coughing, although he never complained about it. Nathan must have had the same idea as he quickly left the room to return with the pills and a glass of water, he had briefly stopped to let the others know that they would be out shortly and not to worry. Raine had been surprised that the other men where not stood at the door like Buck had been.

"Take these Chris." Nathan held out the antibiotics and pain pills.

"I'm fine." Chris eyes blinked wearily.

"Damn it Big Dog just take the bloody pills." Buck barked he immediately regretted his actions as Chris flinched and covered his right ear as if the loud noise hurt.

"Buck." Nathan chided the moustached man. "Here Chris take the pills and maybe you should lie down for a bit, I'm sure Nettie won't mind."

Chris swallowed the pills, he allowed Nathan to guide him to the bedroom, and he kept his head down and avoided looking at the angry Wilmington.

Buck felt shamed as he took in the state of his best friend, he wanted to apologise to the man for causing him further pain.

"Chris." Buck stood back as Nathan guided Chris towards the bed, the blond man curled into the foetal position with his back to the door and Buck.

"I'm sorry Buck ok." Chris whispered he simply shut his eyes and wished the day was over, he had decided that he would stay in the bedroom so that everyone else could enjoy the rest of the special day without him.

Buck's shoulders dropped as he starred at the injured man lying tense and still on the bed.

"Come on Buck." Nathan nudged the man out of the room, he closed the door over so that they could hear Chris if he needed them.

"What an idiot." Buck muttered to himself, throwing himself on the couch next to Vin he ignored the questioning looks being sent his way.

"Buck it'll be fine." Nathan could see the self disgust on Buck's expressive face.

"No it won't he thinks I'm mad at him or something." Buck's self loathing could be heard by everyone. "You heard him apologise to me and it should have been the other way round."

"Gentlemen does someone want to enlighten us before you go any further." Ezra had no idea what had happened between the group and he wanted to know what had occurred to upset the normally easy going rogue.

"Just a misunderstanding." Nathan quickly spoke before Buck.

"Buck?" Josiah could only imagine what had upset the normal jovial man.

"I shouted at Chris and I didn't mean to." Buck expected the other men and Nettie to get angry with him.

"And?" Josiah pushed for further information.

"He thinks I'm angry with him when I'm not." Buck growled. "I'm angry at the situation."

"Buck you're allowed to get angry, we're all upset by what's happened." Josiah calmly told the agitated man, he noted the other members of the team nodding in agreement.

"But Chris said sorry and then shut me out." Buck so wanted to go check on the sick man.

"I'm sure when he wakes he'll understand after you explain it to him." Vin patted the sad looking mans knee.

Coughing made the group look towards the room in which the object of their concern supposedly slept. Vin made to get up to see if the coughing man was ok, he paused as Nettie stood.

"You boys need to calm down and relax, I'll see to Chris." Nettie could see Vin wanted to argue she gave the young man a stern look, he reluctantly sat back down. "Buck you and Chris are closer than brothers and because of that you'll both be fine, now stop your worrying over nothing boy."

Nettie pushed the door shut as she quietly entered the room, she could tell the sick man was not sleeping as he had tensed up as soon as she had walked into the room. Moving round the bed so that she could see Chris's face, she sat on the edge of the bed, noting that Chris had his eyes shut, and his fists clenched as he held them under his chin. Nettie did not think the ill man could be comfortable, but it came to her that maybe that was the point of the position he was lying in.

"Chris son are you alright?" Nettie waited for a response from the man on the bed.

"I'm fine; you should go back to the others." Chris did not bother opening his eyes to witness the disgust he could imagine the older woman was looking at him with, he was pitiful and weak, ruining Christmas dinner with his sickness.

Nettie reached out a gnarled hand and brushed back the stubborn lock of blond hair that had fallen onto the man's forehead; she felt the man attempt to pull away from her gentle touch.

Chris just wanted to be left alone, he did not deserve any compassion or sympathy, and he could not understand why Nettie was being so careful as her hand stayed gently stroking his aching head.

"Look at me child." Nettie quietly commanded, the pain filled eyes slowly raised to meet hers. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Chris quietly insisted, he again tried to move away from Nettie's gentle touch.

"Chris Larabee you stop that right now." Nettie almost smiled as the man froze, she would have to let the others know that Chris's temperature was going up, as he felt hot to her touch.

Chris stayed where he was after Nettie's command, he raised his right hand and rubbed at his ear, it felt like it was on fire and the pain pills he had taken where not easing it.

"Does your ear hurt Chris?" Nettie caught the man's bony hand as he rubbed at his head and pulled at his own ear.

"No it's fine." Chris hoped Nettie would leave it at that.

Nettie saw the green eyes close as Chris curled even tighter in on himself if that was at all possible. Nettie made a decision, leaving the room she made her way into the kitchen she would see if she could help alleviate the sick mans pain.

Returning to the room a short time later, Nettie considered the man on the bed, Chris had not moved from his foetal position.

"Chris roll over for me." Nettie instructed, surprised when she was obeyed. "Lift your head a minute."

Chris found himself doing as Nettie commanded, he rolled over and lifted his head, as he lay back down he felt heat surround his painful ear, he went to sit up confused.

"What?" Chris's felt Nettie push his head pack onto the heat.

"Trust me Chris." Nettie did not move her hand from the man's head she simply began to run her fingers through his hair and down his neck.

"OK." Chris mumbled, he was surprised the heat seemed to be helping.

Nettie sat quietly beside the silent man, she noted when the tense body slowly began to uncurl, smiling to herself she watched his fists unclench tucked up under his chin as Chris seemed to finally give in to his bodies need for sleep.

"Come on in Buck." Nettie could see the moustached man chewing on his lower lip as he stood watching by the door.

"I don't want to disturb him." Buck deep voice whispered.

"I think he'll sleep for a little while." Nettie had not paused in her stroking.

"Will the hot water bottle help?" Buck moved closer to the bed inexplicably drawn closer to the kind hearted woman who gently handled his sick friend.

"Yep it'll help." Nettie looked down at the sleeping man; she just wished she had an easy fix for all the rest of the man's ailments.

"He really doesn't need anything else to go wrong health wise." Buck saw Nettie nod in agreement.

Buck and Nettie talked quietly in deference to the sleeping man; they discussed Chris and his eating, with Nettie listening to Buck's worries about the man lying so still on the bed.

"Chris will get through this Buck, he's strong and he has you and the others." Nettie stood up and patted where she had been sitting. "Why don't you take a minute Buck?"

Buck had to smile as the older woman left the room; Buck was surprised to see nearly two hours had passed since he had first entered the room. He turned his attention to Chris and to his surprise found green eyes starring warily up at him.

"Hey Chris." Buck smiled down at the sleepy looking Larabee.

"Buck." Chris wondered why Buck was smiling at him; he had thought he had upset his friend.

"I'm good Stud, you should go back to sleep." Buck made to move off the bed.

"Buck stay and talk to me." Chris moved further across the bed so that the taller man could stretch out next to him.

"Here Chris put this under your ear." Buck handed the hot water bottle to Chris who then laid back down.

"Thanks." Chris sighed as he lay next to his close friend and brother.

"Chris I wasn't mad at you before alright." Buck began his explanation. "I'm angry at the situation not you."

"I'm trying Buck." Chris offered the other man.

Buck was confused what did Chris mean.

"Pity Party again hey." Chris shrugged self consciously.

Buck could have hit himself at the other man's words.

"No Chris I'm sorry I never meant to yell at you." Buck once again tried to make the other man understand.

Chris looked deep into Buck's warm blue eyes and realised that the other man was completely sincere in his desire to apologise.

"OK let's just enjoy rest of the day." Chris fully intended getting Buck to go back to the others. "Maybe you should go back to the others, I'll be fine."

Buck scowled down at the sick man, he knew that Chris intended to hide out in the bedroom, but Buck was not going to allow that. Chris deserved to enjoy the day with what counted as family.

"Come with me." Buck did not want to leave his friend behind; he wondered how stubborn and resistant Chris was going to be.

"I'm not very good company." Chris quietly responded.

"Nothing unusual there Big Dog." Buck was pleased to see Chris smile in answer to his insult.

"Alright." Chris sat up; he wondered if he could take the hot water bottle with him, Buck solved that problem by simply scooping it up and standing up bouncing on the spot as he waited for Chris to get off the bed. Chris gave the man a fond look as he acted like JD with the happy hyperactive bouncing.

"I think JD was trying to persuade the others to play Twister." Buck chuckled at the thought of Ezra playing twister. "Come on hurry up Chris we maybe missing the fun."

Chris followed Buck into the large family room, he laughed as he spotted Vin, JD, Casey and Ezra playing twister with the rest watching. Buck sat on the large couch and before Chris could move to the comfy looking chair, the moustached man pulled Chris onto the seat next to him and Nettie.

"Buck." Chris grumbled he had wanted to sit alone so that he could be out of the way.

"Red hand right Vin." Nettie called smiling as the long haired man contorted his body.

Chris looked at the assorted limbs of the four people playing the game, Ezra was at the bottom of the pile, with Casey at the top, with Vin and JD squished in between. Grinning to himself Chris leant forward he caught the blue eyes and smirked.

"Chris?" Vin did not like the mischievous twinkle in the laughing green eyes.

"Mr Larabee pray do not do anything you may cause to regret." Ezra whined when he realised he would be crushed if any of the others fell, why he agreed to play was something he could not fathom.

"Really Ezra." Chris taunted.

The others watched as a bony hand reached out.

"No Cowboy No."Vin struggled to stay still as the bony hand crept towards him.

"Too late." Chris sniggered as he ran his fingers along the Texan's side, chuckling as the man let out a squeak and then collapsed on top of JD who in turn fell on the yelping southerner.

"Stop it Chris." Vin howled as the finger's continued to dance up his sides.

"Did Vin just squeal like a girl on her first date?" Buck laughed as the pile collapsed.

"Squished like a bug." Chris teased the man mumbling at the bottom of the pile, he grinned evilly as he changed targets and went for the pinned undercover agent.

"Help." Ezra squawked as he felt the fingers aim for his ticklish sides. "Please."

Nettie had to laugh as the blond tortured both Vin and Ezra who where laughing so hard they could not escape.

"Stop I need to pee." JD was also being attacked by Chris, as he managed to keep all three men tangled on the floor, Casey had managed to escape.

"If you pee on me I'll kill you." Vin threatened and then snorted as he was unmercifully tickled. "Now I have to go too."

"Oh somebody save me please, I do not wish to drown." Ezra wiggled in an attempt to escape, he glared a Nathan who had sneakily nudged his hand so he was foiled and fell flat on his face again.

"Ouch watch the elbows Vin." JD wheezed giggling as he squished the wriggling Ezra.

Chris sat back on the couch as he watched the men untangle themselves, he could see the threat of dire retribution in the now ruffled Standish's eyes, and he simply lifted an eyebrow in challenge.

"I'll get you for that Cowboy." Vin chuckled as he stood up.

"I'm so frightened."Chris grinned as he sat back.

"I'm going to make some sandwiches if you boys are hungry." Nettie headed to the kitchen with Buck, Raine and Nathan following to help.

Chris held the hot water bottle against his ear, he smothered a yawn, he automatically took the plate Nathan held out to him, before he had a chance to open his mouth to tell the healer he was not hungry the man spoke first.

"You didn't eat much at dinner." Nathan stated, he saw resignation on Chris's face. "There's desert to come if you eat something."

"Gateau and cream?" Chris asked, Nathan was pleased to see Chris take a bite of the turkey and stuffing sandwich Nettie had made for him.

"So who wants desert?" Nettie smiled as some of the men, Raine and Casey groaned, while Buck, Vin and JD all looked hopeful.

"Death by food." Josiah groaned he wondered if it was too rude to maybe undo the top button on his trousers.

"What a way to go." Vin happily declared.

"Maybe in half an hour or so." Nathan could see the Texan pouting when he heard Nathan's idea.

"Indeed a temporary reprieve from the excellent food is a brilliant recommendation." Ezra rubbed his full stomach.

"I get the idea we have to wait for desert." Vin grumbled, he grinned at Nettie. "Just means I'll digest some more and have room for a much larger bowl."

Chris shook his head at the other man's twisted reasoning; he yawned and scowled when he saw Buck smirking at him.

"Do you want me to refill the hot water Chris?" Nettie took the bottle from the man.

"So who wants what desert, we have black forest gateau, apple pie, and Christmas pudding?" Nettie patiently waited for her guests to decide what they wanted.

"I'll help you." Chris slowly stood, he was looking forward to this and he would try and make a dent in the portion Nettie dished out for him, he carried back a couple of large bowls handing them to Nathan and Raine, going back for more he was joined by Josiah.

Soon the sounds of eating filled the room, as JD put on "It's A Wonderful Life" on the DVD player, so they all settled down to enjoy the movie and the various deserts.

Chris dug a spoon into the rich looking desert, he savoured the mouthful, Buck watched out the corner of his eye as Chris hummed in pleasure as he ate the spoonful of rich black forest gateau smothered in cream. Buck turned his attention to his heaped bowl smacking his lips together in appreciation.

"Buck, Chris is gonna spill." Vin warned as the blond was struggling to keep his eyes open, his chin dipped to rest on his chest.

Buck reached over to take the nearly full bowl off the sick man.

"No get your own." Chris growled, he sleepily dipped his spoon and savoured the small bite.

Buck snorted but removed his hand, the others laughed as Chris glared sleepily at the smiling Buck.

"Mine." Chris waved his empty spoon at his friend.

Buck waited five minutes chuckling to himself as he felt the blonde lean against him, he reached out a hand and gently removed the spoon from Chris's loose grasp, and he slowly lifted the bowl and handed it to Vin. He looked up as Nathan appeared in front of him, the dark healer placed a large hand on the sleeping man's forehead, and he saw the frown on the man's face.

"Nathan?" Buck looked to the man for answers.

"He's hot." Nathan stated as Chris continued to sleep leaning against the tall ladies man.

"Of course he's warm Nathan he's sleeping on a hot water bottle and the furnace that is Buck Wilmington." Vin quietly put in.

"Maybe you should just let him sleep, he's eaten and drunk more than I've seen him do in a few days." Josiah waited to see what Nathan would do.

"Leave the man to sleep and see how he feels when he wakes up." Nettie ordered, she saw Nathan nod in agreement. "Come on lets get the board games out."

Buck and Nathan moved Chris so he was lying down on the couch, they placed the refreshed covered hot water bottle under his head, and the oxygen on the heavily sleeping man, who barely stirred, and they covered him with a blanket and then moved to join everyone else at the large table to play Trivial Pursuit.

Chris tried to open his eyes, but he was so warm and comfy, he did try and do as the insistent voice requested.

"Chris come on Big Dog you need to wake up now, we're going home." Buck called he knelt down by Chris as he waited for the green eyes to open, he could see the man was trying to wake.

"Buck move and I'll carry him." Josiah nudges the kneeling man.

"Don't carry me. I'm awake." Chris mumbled he still had not opened his eyes.

Josiah smiled the leader of his team sounded like a grumpy child when he last spoke.

"Come on the sit up then Chris."Buck patted the thin blanket covered shoulder.

"I'm sleepy." Chris tiredly announced.

Buck shook his head as the man made no effort to move.

"Cowboy if you don't get up Josiah is gonna carry ya." Vin warned Chris.

"Oh alright." Chris pushed the blanket off he sat up immediately feeling its loss.

Buck without a word took the coat JD held out, he put it on the yawning and shivering Larabee who to his surprise did not make any comment, bending down Buck started to lace up the boots Chris had forced his feet into.

"Come on lets get you home." Buck pulled the other man to his feet.

"Bye Nettie, bye Casey." Chris found himself enveloped in a hug from the older woman, he returned the gesture.

Chris sighed as he settled on his bed, he adjusted the hated oxygen supply and closed his eyes, he could not believe that Christmas day was over, he hoped that this time next year things would be better. In fact he hoped that this time in a week things would have improved, he could not believe how weak and tired he felt. Snuggling under the covers Chris planned to go see Judge Orrin Travis after his doctor's appointment on Wednesday, he had three days almost to try and show that he was not a complete wreck.

Buck and Vin with JD's help dealt with the horses, Chris usually gave the father and son who normally did the duty the time off over the Christmas holidays. Buck hurried back into the toasty warm ranch house; he gave Nathan a grateful nod as the man handed him a filled mug full of hot chocolate, Raine handed two more over to the shiver JD and Vin.

"Cold outside." Vin muttered. He handed JD his mug as he snuck up behind Ezra who was just entering the family room as usual looking dressed and ready for the day except for the yawn the man was attempting to smother. Vin chuckled as he grabbed the southerner and placed his ice cold hands on the regal neck.

"Tanner I am going to decimate you." Ezra snarled as he chased after the laughing man.

"But you're so hot Ezra." Vin teased as he evaded the growling Standish.

"What's going on brothers?" Josiah chuckled as Ezra jumped over the couch and tackled the laughing Texan both men ended up in an undignified heap on the floor as they wrestled.

"Vin stuck his cold hands on Ezra." JD stuffed a slice of toast in his mouth; nearly choking with laughter as Ezra found himself pinned and tickled by the mischievous long haired man.

Buck was surprised that Chris had not been woken by the unmanly squeaking Ezra was doing as he was assaulted. Buck decided to investigate he slowly entered the main bedroom surprised to see Chris curled up on his side still asleep, Buck moved closer expecting the green eyes to open at any moment. Buck noted that the oxygen was still in place and Chris's chest rose and fell steadily, he could hear the congested snores from the man. Reaching out his hand Buck felt the heat off the other man's forehead, Chris still had not reacted to his presence or touch, Buck wondered if he should call Nathan and Raine to check him out.

"Buck?" Nathan had noted the missing Buck and Chris.

"He's still sleeping Nate and he feels hotter than normal." Buck worriedly told the other man.

"Let me see." Nathan moved to sit on the edge of the bed as Buck moved, picking up the to thin wrist he took the sleeping man's pulse, he nodded satisfied at the slow and steady beat under his fingers. Placing his hand on the blond man's head he noted the heat. "Can you go get the thermometer so I can check his temp properly?"

Buck rushed from the room, he returned with Raine who carried her doctor's bag, without fuss she handed Nathan the digital thermometer she carried. Nathan gently placed it in the sleeping man's ear, all three waited for the beep.

"102.5" Nathan read the display. "If it goes any higher he could be in trouble."

"Maybe see if we can bring it down." Raine went into the bathroom, she returned with a couple of towels and a bowl, placing it on the bedside table, Raine dipped the towel in the water. "Strip him down Nathan."

Nathan and Buck stripped t-shirt and sweat pants from the sleeping man leaving him clad only in boxers. Raine handed the men towels and the three of them began to attempt to bring down Chris's temperature.

Fifteen minutes later Raine smiled in success as she read off the display from the thermometer she had removed from Chris's ear.

"It's slightly higher than normal but we'll keep an eye on him." Raine pulled the comforter over the still sleeping man.

"But he hasn't woken up at all." Buck was still worried.

"He's just sleeping Buck, watch." Lifting the comforter Nathan ran his nail up Chris bare foot, the man moved and mumbled unintelligently.

"Alright if you're sure?" Buck followed the other two out of the room.

Chris rolled onto his back; he opened his eyes as squinted up at Buck who seemed to be looming over him.

"Buck what you doing?" Chris stretched and yawned.

Buck face broke into a wide grin at Chris.

"You've been sleeping for ages Chris we were getting worried." Buck sat at the edge of the bed, he reached down and felt Chris forehead, and the man was still warm but not overly so.

"So what time is it then?" Chris sat up, his right ear still felt painful, but he felt better than he had in quite a while.

"It's six o'clock." Buck could see the confusion on his friends face. "In the evening Big Dog, you've been sleeping seventeen hours."

"Oh." Chris now realised he was not wearing the clothes he went to bed in and his bladder was making itself known.

"I'll let the other's know you're awake and dinner should be ready in half an hour if you want to shower and get dressed." Buck headed towards the bedroom door.

"Bossy much Buck."Chris muttered as he headed to the bathroom and the shower.

Buck bounded into the living room and happily announced to the men who had turned towards him as he came out the bedroom.

"He's awake and just getting a shower." Buck grinned; throwing himself on the couch next to Ezra he impulsively pulled the other man close and gave him a hug.

"Mr Wilmington what pray tell are you doing?"Ezra puzzled voice was muffled as Buck squeezed him good naturedly.

"Just thought you could do with a hug." Buck released the other man, he then turned to Vin who was sat on his other side, grinning he wrapped the smaller man in a brotherly hug.

"Buck." Vin laughed as the moustached man proceeded to give each man a hug.

Chris stood watching his friends, he smiled as JD and Vin squabbled over who got to play what character in the fighting game they where playing. Josiah and Ezra sat studying a chess board, Nathan and Raine where cuddled up together reading something off a laptop. Chris did not see his closest friend, he then sense the other man come up behind him.

"Hey Big Dog, what you doing?" Buck moved to stand beside the blond man.

"Just watching the guys." Chris headed towards the kitchen for something to drink. "Does anybody need anything?"

A chorus of no's were the replies Chris heard as he filled a glass full of orange juice, he looked into the large pots cooking on the stove, noting one filled with rice and the other filled with what looked like some sort of curry.

"Dinner will be ready in ten minutes Chris." Nathan had gone into the kitchen to stir his turkey curry. "JD wants to watch Miracle of 34th Street while we eat."

"Sounds good." Chris left Nathan to his cooking he settled in his recliner and watched the two men fight on the television. "Kick him JD."

"Hey no fair." Vin scowled at the laughing Larabee.

"Go on JD smack him." Chris had to laugh at the disgruntled look on the long haired mans face. He chuckled as JD crowed with triumph as his fighter knocked Vin's out.

"I kicked your butt Vin." JD smiled in delight. "Thanks Chris."

Chris moved to the recliner as the men settled to eat, he took the small plate Nathan held out him, thankful that the other man had only dished out a small portion for him. Chris began to eat, he once again only managed a few mouthfuls before his stomach said it was full, resting the plate on his knee he would try and eat a bit more in a while.

Vin caught the plate before it slipped of the other mans knee, he noted that Chris had not even twitched as Josiah tucked a blanket over him.

"Nathan he's only been awake an hour." Vin gave in to the urge to check the sleeping man's temperature, relieved that he did not feel hot or anything.

"Chris has been through a lot its going to take a while before his body recovers and settles into its normal rhythms." Nathan saw Raine nod in agreement.

"But he's not eating enough to keep a bird alive." Buck wanted reassurance from the medical members of the group; he did not think he was the only one.

"I know and hopefully his appetite will increase as his health improves." Raine was unsurprised by how concerned the men where over the sick man. "He has nutrient shakes and the like to make sure he gets everything he needs."

"Stop worrying guys I'm fine." Chris opened one eye and surveyed the members of his team, he gave Raine a smile. "I'm just tired and full, maybe I'll eat again later."

Nathan wondered into the kitchen returning with a glass full of the food supplement that Dr Frasier had prescribed, he handed it over to Chris who looked at it with ill concealed disgust. Huffing the blond took a sip, and then another, surprised at the slightly sweet taste.

The movie continued to play, Buck noted that Chris was not the only one succumbing to the lure of sleep; JD had sprawled next to Josiah and was leaning on the older man as he slept. Vin was blinking sleepily and Ezra was struggling to contain a yawn. Buck chuckled as he looked at Nathan and Raine who were cuddled together on the other recliner in the room; they made such a cute couple.

His attention turned to Chris as the man began to cough; he cringed as the coughing seemed to shake the man to his very foundations. He waited to see if the coughing would wake the man or if it would be a short episode.

"Bloody ear." Chris mumbled as he rubbed at his right ear.

Buck headed for the kitchen he knew there was a hot water bottle in one of the storage boxes in the utility room, filling it he wrapped it in a towel, making his way over to Chris he found sleepy green eyes watching his approach.

"This could help." Buck offered his towel wrapped bundle to the other man.

"Thanks Buck." Chris sighed in relief as he placed his painful right ear against the hot water bottle. "Looks like the films finished."

"Do you want to watch something else?" Buck fully expected the ill man to refuse, and go straight back to sleep.

"Maybe we can play chess or checkers." Chris could see he had surprised his gregarious friend.

"Yeah ok, I set up the board." Buck carefully carried the hand carved chess set over to Chris; he placed it on the table between then. "You can go first stud since you may need the advantage."

"Really Buck." Chris gave the other man a shark like grin.

Buck blinked then chuckled, he was glad to see some of Chris fighting spirit returning, he settled himself in for a good battle and watched as Chris moved his first piece.

Buck looked at his watch he was surprised to see it was nearly eleven o'clock, he had drawn out his last move, because he could see that Chris was struggling to stay awake, he noted that the other man had finally nodded off. He had managed to get Chris to eat half a slice of toast and drink a couple of glasses of water and juice, so he was happy. Now to suggest the sick man goes to bed, tilting his head Buck considered simply carrying the thin man to bed, but then he would have to wake Chris to take his meds. Decision made Buck reached over and scooped the sleeping man up, he ignored the grumbling voice.

"I ain't a child Buck I can walk you know." Chris muttered, Buck dropped the man on his bed.

"Take your pills and go to sleep." Buck waited while Chris for once obediently swallowed the required medications including the pain pills.

"Here Chris." Vin handed the man the refilled hot water bottle.

"Like having keepers." Chris muttered as he pulled his comforter over himself as he curled on his side using the heat from the hot water bottle to relieve some of the pain from his ear. "I was kicking your arse Bucklin."

Vin chuckled as Chris began to snore; he stood back as Buck placed the oxygen on their sleeping friend.

Once again the men where surprised that Chris had not risen with the sun, to nobodies surprise Buck had taken it upon himself to go check on the missing Larabee, finding Chris still sleeping, Buck reached out a hand and felt the sleeping man's forehead, nodding to himself as he discovered that Chris was not overly warm. Buck leaned closer to Chris he could see something on the pillow the sleeping man was lying on, turning on the lamp on the bed side table Buck cringed in horror.

"Nathan get in here."