Emerald Mini-Series: Ezra's Injury Story 2.2: The Video Game by Lu

AU: Emerald's Universe (inc. ATF, which was created by Mog) Emerald's Universe created by me.

Rating: PG

Type: Gen/Humour

Main Characters: Ezra, Chris

Notes: This story is inspired by my knowledge of how serious people can take video games at times. Emerald isn't in this story very much as it's more about Ezra.

Em - Em - Em - Em - Em - Em - Em

Ezra Standish sat contentedly on the sofa in the ranch's den with a video games control pad in his right hand. He stared at the TV screen while occasionally pressing buttons on the control pad. Occasionally swear words came from him when his character was hurt. Lucky for him the boys Vin and JD were at school and he didn't have to feed the swear jar as they were far from earshot.

Chris Larabee came running when he heard Ezra shout loudly, sounding in pain. The man heard a familiar short tune from the TV and glanced at the screen. It displayed the familiar words "Game Over!" and Chris grinned. Ezra had been getting killed in this game for days, but wouldn't give up. The blonde ATF leader walked into the room and sat on the sofa beside the defeated southerner.

"I simply don't comprehend why I can't defeat this particular level's boss - I'm doing exactly as the walkthru tells me," said the frustrated southerner.

"I'm sure if the boys were here they could help you," said Chris, who had no idea about killing things in computer games.

"If only I were able to use an invincibility cheat," said Ezra, looking like he was ready to completely give up on the game that he had been so determined to beat only the previous day.

"Cheating's not right, Ezra. The boys would never cheat at this - what sort of example would you be setting them if you cheated?" said Chris, turning the volume up on the baby monitor as he spoke.

"Perhaps you should check on Emerald if you're so worried about my daughter," suggested Ezra. His daughter, Emerald had been very quiet so far that day and the fact that the monitor was turned up very high now, told Ezra that Chris was very concerned.

"I think I should - she's not usually this quiet for so long," said Chris.

"If I weren't under strict orders to stay off my leg for long periods of time I would accompany you, Mr Larabee," said Ezra.

Chris went out of the room to check on the daughter of the unfortunate man who had broken his leg the previous week.

Chris went into the baby's room and checked Emerald. Her diaper was still dry, her breathing was regular and she continued to sleep. Chris breathed a sigh of relief and went back to Ezra.

As he reached the doorway, a cheer broke out from the room. Chris went into the room to see what had happened.

"I've defeated the boss at long last," replied the southerner happily.

Chris reported that Emerald was fine and congratulated Ezra on his long-awaited success.

"Did you try something different this time?" asked Chris, who had thought Ezra would never win the level.

"I followed a different piece of paper," said Ezra.

Chris picked up the piece of paper lying beside Ezra and studied it.

"You cheated," commented Chris angrily.

"I knew that if I somehow defeated the boss I would finally be content. It was the last resort, believe me," said Ezra.

Chris walked to the games machine and turned it off. He glared angrily back at the shocked southerner. "If you're going to cheat at games, I won't let you play on the boys' video games any more."

"What else am I expected to do while I am subjected to sitting still all day?" asked a very upset undercover agent.

"There's a few chores you can do sat down," said Chris, with a sly smile on his face.

Ezra groaned in annoyance.

The End