Artie stirred slowly, not sure of where he was, nor why his neck felt stiff as a board. He opened his eyes and realized his forehead was leaning on a hand that wasn't his; then it all came back to him. He had fallen asleep in his chair, leaning over his unconscious best friend. Gordon let go of the hand he had been clutching all night as he tried to straighten up. He squeezed the offended muscles in the back of his neck, and let out a long sigh.

He felt the soothing hands gently begin to kneed the tension away from his neck. She was so silent, he hadn't heard her come in. He closed his eyes and leaned into the strong touch that had moved down to his shoulders.

Her voice was soft and lilting, Have you had anything to eat?



Then I guess I had better go get you a little something.

He grabbed her hand before she could leave, Please don't stop yet.

Noreen smiled at him and once again began to massage his upper back. Artie relaxed into the warm hands caressing him, sighing deeply. He moaned in pleasure as she worked up his neck and began threading her fingers through his thick hair, softly tugging on the curls.

You need to relax Artemus. It's not good for you to be this tense. She was silent for a moment, then continued, I'm sorry that I became angry last night.

You had every right to be; I shouldn't have lied about who I was

They were quiet for a few minutes while Noreen continued to rub him, then finally, Artie stood and pulled her into his arms, holding her close. He stroked her hair and breathed in its fresh scent.

I knew you would wind up hurt....

I'm not

He pulled back and looked into her eyes, searching out the sincerity. Smiling, he bent down and gently touched her lips with his. She looked into the deep brown eyes, which were slightly shiny with emotion.

What are you going to do?

It was a simple enough question, but it caused his chest to burn with the conflict of the feelings swirling inside him.

Jim's going to need me, Noreen, and I have to be there for him.

She could sense his worry, and how much he cared for the man lying unconscious in the bed.

She drew his face into her hands, What if he never wakes up?

Artie pulled away from her, unable to bear the thought.

He has to..he just has to.

Artie, I didn't say it to be hurtful—

—I know that. He pulled her into him, crushing her body against his, God, I know that.

She could feel the fear pulsate out of him, and stretched her arms further around his back. Artemus simply allowed her to hold him tightly, clinging to the comfort it brought. The weak voice from the bed, startled them both.



Gordon let go of Noreen and sat on the edge of the bed, taking Jim's hand in his own.

Here, Jim. I'm here.

With much effort, the blue eyes slowly fluttered open. A frown creased West's forehead. He had heard Artie's voice, he knew he had, but his partner wasn't in the room. West licked his lips and swallowed, trying to alleviate the dryness. The man sitting on the bed reached for a glass of water on the beside table, gently cupped the back of Jim's head with his hand, and poured some water into his mouth. He didn't look like the man West knew, but it was Artie's voice that came out of him.



Jim nodded and continued to stare at Artie, uncertainty filling him; the old codger sitting on the bed couldn't be Artie. But then again he had seen his partner take on hundreds of identities.....

Nice disguise, you shouldn't have....

Relieved that West had awakened, Artie answered with his patent annoyance, I didn't.

Fake beard?

James my boy, it's the real thing. Artie tugged on his own chin, See? Stays put!

Jim's voice sounded groggy, You look so thin

Gordon could see the worry in the tired blue eyes, and he ran a comforting hand through West's hair, Hey, Jim, I'm fine. You just concentrate on getting better, okay?

West nodded slightly then fell back into a deep sleep. Artie let out a heavy sigh of relief. His eyes flooded with tears as he adjusted the comforter tighter over his partner.

His voice was a mere whisper, Thank God....

Noreen wrapped her arms around Artie's chest, kissing him on the head.

Come on, let's get some breakfast in you, and then you can lie down and rest for awhile.

I'm okay.

She could sense that he was already putting distance between them.

Please don't do that, Artemus.

Do what?

Don't push me away.

He stood and faced her, I'm not.

She looked into the depths of chocolate brown and knew he didn't even realize he was doing it.

Her voice was filled with resignation, You already have.

Artie frowned as he watched Noreen quietly leave the room.

***********