Brazen lulled on the edge of wakefulness remembering the night before. Plissken had been awake most of the night. To her it was the first time they had talked seriously. He had revealed they were heading to a place called Deadwood in South Dakota. It was his hometown and there was something endearing to her hearing that Plissken wanted to go home.

Susan had no desire to climb out of the blankets. She was more than happy to just lie on her side, Plissken's bicep under her head and his arm wrapped protectively around her. It was all very nice except for the wandering hand. That had been part of what had woken her. It was hard to ignore after all the time that had passed since they'd been in each other's arms but he was in no condition. Sighing Brazen took his hand and cupped it in hers.

It was a moment before she heard a pained groan. Susan moved to roll onto her back and see what was wrong but bumped into Snake. He had turned to his side wrapping his other arm tightly around her. Brazen was sure she'd never even heard of someone so persistent. Scruff brushed against her neck and lips, soft, passionate kisses down her neck. Susan felt the tingles race over her skin from his hand wandering circles near her navel. The rings were working lower leaving a hot feeling in their wake. God, did he know how to command her body. The touch irritated her. It wasn't that she didn't like it. In truth, it was the exact opposite but knew nothing could come of it. That was the annoying part.

"Snake!" Her voice was groggy and hostile. "Stop it."

He grumbled some curse or another then pulled back. Brazen felt terrible about pushing him away but there was no sense in them both getting worked up. Plissken pulled farther away tugging the blankets from Brazen. Cold air rushed under the comforter. Susan scowled.

"Do you mind leaving the blankets?" She snapped rolling on to her back. She looked up at Snake sitting next to her. Plissken was struggling to reach his pants folded near the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting up." Snake grumbled finally getting a hold of the belt. He pulled the pants near him and grimaced.

"You can't get up." Brazen heard more worry in her voice than she would have liked.

"Fuck, I can't." Snake struggled with the pant legs getting stuck on his foot.

"You need to rest. Where are you going?" Brazen bolted up trying to catch his gaze.

"Away from you." He snarled the words in a tone Brazen hadn't heard in weeks.

"Why?" Susan was shocked. Had he got well enough he was going to run off again? Plissken turned his intense stare on her. He snatched her hand roughly and shoved it down to the tail of his snake. Plissken's whole body shivered when her hand came into contact with his body. His eye filled with anger, pain, lust, disappointment. His expression reminded her of the night outside the bar after that kiss.

Susan sighed realizing that there would be no arguing with him. Slowly she pulled her hand away. The sour look in his expression intensified then abruptly diverted to the pants.

"You can't even walk." Brazen pleaded but Plissken continued with his task. Susan felt helpless watching the pain distort his face. She couldn't let him get up and start wandering in the cold again but there was no way they could do what he had in mind either. It appeared there was no winning against him. Susan crossed her arms watching him dress while she fought to come up with a solution.

Plissken slid around bunching up the bedding as he pulled his boots closer. Brazen watched his back flex and felt a hot shiver crawl over her skin. Even bandaged and bruised he had appeal, a lot of appeal. Smiling, hidden behind Snake's back, Brazen got an idea. Brazen slid up behind him and touched his shoulder gently.

"Don't fucking touch me." Snake shrugged off her hand.

Susan didn't let his actions deter her. She moved closer kneeling behind his back. Leisurely she slithered them up over his shoulders and leaned in to whisper close to his ear. "Snake."

Plissken's eye turned to glower at her.

Susan felt her confidence failing under his intensity. Brazen kissed his cheek just in front of the ear to escape his stare.

"Why don't you stay here?" Susan let her hands skim down his chest as far as she could reach. "I'm sure you're hungry." She left the word a little lusty to keep him guessing about what she meant.

"Yes." Plissken's words purred as he leaned back against her body. That was exactly the response she had expected from him.

Brazen continued to whisper against his ear and caress his chest lower, down near the cobra's head. "Why don't I go make some lunch?"

She felt his body tense in aggravation but she ignored it and continued with her ploy. "After you eat then we can talk about dessert." She pushed her body flush to his feeling the weight and heat. His head reclined back on her shoulder turning so he could look at her. There was curiosity to his look but it was more devious then anything.

"Why can't I just have dessert now?" The persuasive rumble in his voice was irresistible but Brazen kept control.

"If you do I won't have the energy to make lunch." A huge smirk spread on Plissken's face as she spoke. Susan turned just enough to kiss his lips. She felt the surge in her body when his hand tangled in her hair pulling her closer for a better kiss. Susan managed to slip away.

"Not yet." Brazen smiled and backed away. "You lie down and rest. I'll bring lunch in a little while."

Reluctantly, Snake yielded to her tease and lay back down. Susan pulled the blankets up over him but stayed well out of his reach. She knew all too well what would happen if he got his hands on her now. She could feel his gaze following her as she dressed. It was hot on her skin and even worse when she caught sight of the way he watched. Susan was still wondering what she was going to do with him. Maybe he would fall asleep after eating? She could hope at least when she left the tent to start a cook fire. It would hold him off for awhile but not indefinitely.