Title:  Tender Loving Care

Author (s):  Kaly

Category:  Adult Het; ATF

Pairing:  Vin/OFC

Archive:  Yes

Author's note (optional):  This story is the second in a continuing series.  I was under the weather and imagining what it would be like to have a man like Vin taking care of you…and here's what came of that.  Feedback is welcomed and enjoyed

Disclaimer:  The men of Magnificent Seven are not mine (alas); never were and never will be.  They belong to CBS, Mirisch, MGM, Trilogy…and anyone else I neglected to mention.  No money is being made with this story and no copyright infringement is intended.  The character of Alicia "Lacey" Morris is my creation.  Thanks to Mog for the use of her ATF sandbox in which this story plays.

A Little Tender Loving Care

 (also known as "The Further Adventures of Vin and Lacey")

Lacey rolled over, groaning at the harsh buzz of her alarm clock.  Tired, bleary eyes stared at the numbers shining a pale green glow throughout the room.  'That's about the shade of green I feel like right now,' she thought, slapping at the snooze button before running her hand through her sweat-dampened hair.  She and Vin both had a few precious days off – a rare occurrence since they'd started seeing each other, and were planning on a nice private camping trip.

What she hadn't planned on was getting sick.  The latest flu bug had been passed around her office for several weeks now – nearly everyone had come down with it at least once…except for Lacey.  She'd been thankful for escaping the illness thus far – some had such severe strains that they'd been out for a week or more at a time.  'Well,' she sighed, 'looks like my luck has just run out.'

"Damn it all!" she cried.  "Vin and I have barely had any time to spend together since we decided to take this relationship a step further."  She thought back to that night – the first night they had spent together.  It had been a wild ride, that night, in more ways than one.  And since that night, both had been so busy with work that they barely managed to sneak an hour or two here and there to be alone.  The upcoming days were to be spent alone…in a cabin owned by a friend of Vin's.  Private, secluded…with a glorious hot tub and fireplace.  "Damn it all!"

She knew she should call Vin; tell him the bad news before he packed up the jeep and headed over.  Why waste his time when there was no way she could go now?  She kept hoping – praying – that somehow she'd be proven wrong.  Maybe it was a freak heatwave that was causing the apartment to feel like it was ninety degrees…though it wouldn't explain why she kept having chills.  Maybe just a little more sleep would do the trick… That's what she tried convincing herself as she dozed back off.

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Vin rang the doorbell a second time.  Still no answer.  Even though he had a key – Lacey gave it to him several weeks earlier, claiming it made sense…and saved time.  Even though he had the key, he was always reluctant to use it.  But the fact that she had yet to come to the door was beginning to override his not wanting to invade her privacy.  He pulled the key and turned it in the lock, calling out her name as he stepped inside.

"Lacey?" he said again, walking through the front rooms and heading for the bedroom.  "Lace…?" He opened the door gently, the room dim in the early morning light.  They had decided to leave for the cabin as early in the morning as possible – wanting to spend as much time together as they could squeeze in their few days off.  His eyes adjusting to the light, he could make out a figure under the covers on the bed.  "Lacey?"

As he flipped the bedside lamp on, Lacey's pale face scrunched up but her eyes remained closed.  Moaning softly, she turned away from the light and burrowed further under the covers.  Vin's blue eyes filled with concern, taking in the dampness of her hair and the perspiration that dotted her pale features.  He reached out and stroked her cheek, alarmed by the heat radiating from it.

"Lacey…" he said again, a bit louder this time, and shook her gently by the shoulder.

"Mmm…" the brunette groaned, turning her face toward him.  Her eyes opened slowly, the brown orbs glassy and unfocused.  "Vin?  Meant to…call you… Can't…go… Sick…"

"I can see that, sweetheart," he said softly.  He reached for the phone and dialed, knowing he was about to make one friend very angry.  "Nate?"

"Vin?  Is that you?  It's…It's barely six o'clock in the morning, Vin…why are you calling me this early…?  Say…aren't you and Lacey supposed to be on the way up to the cabin?"

"Yeah…Nate, listen.  I'm over at Lacey's now and…she's sick.  I found her still in bed – she's real warm…and she's kinda out of it, y' know?"

"Okay, okay Vin, calm down," the medic said gently, knowing Tanner had to be pretty worried if he called at this hour.  "Look…see if you can find a name or number for Lacey's doctor.  If you can't…I know there's a twenty-four hour clinic not too far from there.  Get her bundled up in some warm clothes – but not too warm – and take her over there.  I'm sure it's just that bug that's been going around.  And Vin?"

"Yeah, Nate?"

"If you need me, just call."

"Thanks."

Vin set the tray down on the bedside table.  He glanced over the new prescription bottles that sat there, next to the large tumbler of ice water.  He sat down on the bed beside Lacey, his eyes sweeping over the sleeping woman.  Her dark hair was fanned out on the pillow and she seemed to be sleeping more comfortably than when he'd first arrived.  The meds appeared to be doing their job; her fever was lower, though not completely gone, and her breathing much improved from the harsh wheezing she'd been doing on the ride to the clinic.

That wasn't the most pleasant of experiences.  Sitting in that waiting room for several hours while waiting to be seen, Lacey dozing fitfully against his shoulder.  And having to try and answer questions for the nurse – or receptionist…whatever she was – questions he just didn't have the answers to.  She'd scolded him, calling him a neglectful husband for not knowing Lacey's medical history.  The woman quickly changed her tune, however, once Vin explained that Lacey was his girlfriend, not his wife – and that they hadn't really known each other long enough to exchange such information.  After that she was all smiles at the 'thoughtful young man' who was taking care of his new love.  The young man rolled his eyes at the memory.

Looking down at Lacey, Vin hated to wake her.  But the doctor had said to make sure she tried to eat something – providing her stomach didn't rebel against it.  And what better than homemade chicken soup.  "Lacey?" he whispered, nudging her shoulder.  "C'mon Lacey…y' need to eat something."

Big brown eyes fluttered open to gaze up at him and he felt his heart skip a beat.  He wondered if he would ever be so familiar with that look to not be affected by it…he hoped not.  He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" Lacey said hoarsely.  She couldn't believe how wonderful he'd been.  Here she had gone and gotten sick, ruining all their plans, and he was sitting at her side, taking care of her.  He'd held her hand, his other arm around her while they'd waited at the doctor's office; stroking her hair gently to help her sleep.  And he'd even made her something to eat.

"Hey…Aw Lacey, don't cry…"

"I…it's just that…I'm sorry I ruined your trip…"

"I thought it was your trip too," he said softly, smiling down at her.

"I know, but…"

Vin gathered her up against him; holding her close he kissed her tenderly on the cheek.  She pulled back to look up at him, her gaze drifting from his eyes to his lips, and before he knew it, he'd lowered his mouth to hers.  Lacey sighed, leaning into him.  He kissed her twice before she pushed him gently away.

"Now you're going to get sick too…"

"Nah…Nate always makes sure we all get our flu shots every year," he replied with a grin.

"Maybe he should have ordered me to…"

"C'mon…y' gotta eat your soup before it gets cold."

Lacey looked down at the bowl.  "Chicken soup…how original."

"Don't knock it – it works."  He picked up the spoon.

"You-you're not actually going to feed me, are you?" Lacey asked incredulously.

"Well, I was just gonna hand you the spoon, but…"

"No…no, that's okay," she said quickly, pushing away the rush of pleasure at the thought of Vin spoon-feeding her.  What a silly thing for her to think…must be the medication addling her brain.  She tasted the soup.  "Hey…this is pretty good for something that came out of a can…"

"I'll have you know that I made that soup," Vin declared with a mock glare.  "Nettie's recipe."

"You made this?  From scratch?"  He nodded.  Lacey bit her lip, feeling tears threaten again.  This man would never cease to amaze her.  In the field he was one of the most lethal weapons the government had…and yet he was the most gentle, loving man she had ever known.

Vin watched as she ate, sensing when she was slowing down.  The medication prescribed seemed to encourage sleep – which was what the doctor had said she needed most.  So Vin moved the tray away and helped her to the bathroom and then back into the bed.  He picked up the tray, intending to take it into the kitchen when her voice stopped him.

"You're not leaving…" Lacey said quickly.  She knew she was being irrational, but she wanted him there, by her side.

"I was only taking this into the kitchen…but it can wait."  He got her settled back against the pillows and drew the blankets up over her.

"Vin?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you…would you…" Lacey struggled with words, feeling silly for what she was asking.  "Would you hold me?"

Vin smiled; he lay down beside her, curling her body into his, making sure the blankets were wrapped securely around her.  One hand stroked her hair; her head nestled against his shoulder.

Lacy sighed, settling in comfortably against him.  Her eyes fluttered and then shut; the last thing she heard before falling asleep was his soft voice.

"All y' had to do was ask, darlin'."

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Vin settled himself up against the headboard, pillows propped behind his back.  The television was tuned to a Rockies baseball game; the sound muted so as not to disturb the sleeping woman curled up against him.  He looked down at her, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest as she dozed.  Lacey had slept most of the day away, only waking when he had gently roused her, either for more meds or to eat – and for the occasional trip into the master bathroom.  Then she would snuggle back up against him, her head nestled against his shoulder, and would drift back off.

Tonight, however, was troubling him.  She was restless, seemingly unable to get comfortable, even though he couldn't say that she ever woke.  Lacey would turn from one side to another, sometimes unknowingly hitting him with an arm or elbow.  And she seemed warmer – a lot warmer – than she had been only a couple hours before.

"Just once I'd like my phone not to ring before sunup or after sundown.  Think you can manage that, Vin?"

"How'd y' know it was me, Nate?"

"Lucky guess," the medic replied, chuckling.  "How's she doing?"

"Been sleeping most of the day," Vin spoke quietly.  "But now…lately she's been tossing a bit – and she seems a whole lot warmer than she was earlier."

"Well, temperatures usually do climb a bit higher at night," Nathan said gently.  "Has she been coughing anything up?"

"Hardly been coughing at all…meds the doc give her for the cough have been working wonders…"

"And are more than likely why she's slept the day away…"

"How'd ya know?"

"Vin, you just told me, remember?" Nate chuckled softly, picturing the usually reclusive sharpshooter playing nursemaid.  "What did the doctor tell you?"

"Said if her temp went above one hundred five, to bring her to Emergency…"

"Okay…is there a thermometer around?  There are other ways of taking her temp…but that way is a bit more exact," the medic explained, "and in this case we need exact."

"Yeah…hang on…" Nathan heard Vin moving through the room, heard Lacey mumbling a protest as he woke her to put the thermometer in her mouth.  A few moments passed before the sharpshooter returned to the phone.  "It's just a hair under one hundred four, Nate."

"Okay," the voice on the phone sighed.  "How long has it been since she's taken any meds?"

"She's not due any more for another two hours…"

"I have a suggestion, Vin – it's a way to bring down her fever…"

"But…"

"But I know you," Nathan said with a little laugh.  "And I just want to make sure you can handle it."

"Nate, for crying out loud…"

"Okay, okay…" Nathan knew when to back off.  This was probably the first time Vin had ever taken care of anyone who was sick…especially someone who he really cared about.  "Y' need to fill the bathtub with lukewarm water – about eighty-five degrees…"

"Eighty-five sounds more than warm, Nate…"

"Vin, Lacey's temperature is nearly nineteen degrees higher than that – I'm sure it will feel nice and cool to her.  Now, once she's in the water…"

"In the water?" Vin choked, suddenly realizing what Nathan was suggesting.

"Yes, Vin – in the water…and if you put her in there fully clothed, I'm gonna come over there and shoot you just for being stupid." The medic exhaled loudly.  "Jesus, Vin, you're acting like you've never seen a naked body before... Y' helped Lacey get dressed earlier, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but…"

"No buts.  You want Lacey feeling better; you can do this to help her.  Now listen…you need to sponge her down…and don't let the water get too cold.  She starts shivering, get her out of there."

"Y' want me to use a sponge?" Vin asked incredulously.

"Vin," Nathan sighed.  "You're not really this dense, are you?"  The other end of the line was silent.  "Wait…I think I understand… You're afraid she's gonna think you took advantage of the situation, aren't you?"

"Well…"

"Vin, have a little faith.  Lacey knows you – she trusts you.  And she knows how you feel about her."  He paused a moment, letting his words sink in.  "She'd do the same for you, y' know?  If you were sick…"

"You're right…she would…"

"Once you take her out of the bath, make sure she's good and dry…and don't pile too many clothes or covers on her – something light, okay?"

"Yeah…" Vin paused, "Thanks Nate…sorry for bothering you…"

"Hey, I did say to call me if you needed anything.  And I meant it, Vin…Hell, if you wanted me to come out and check her out myself, I would."

"I know…Thanks."  Vin stepped into the master bath, turning the water on in the oversized tub.  'Could have put this tub to good use if Lacey weren't sick,' he found himself thinking; then blushed at the thought.  Once the water was the right temperature, he turned back to the bedroom.

He looked down at a sleeping Lacey.  She was curled up on her side, her dark hair clinging damply to her head.  'Probably should pull that up and not let it get wet,' he thought, searching around the room for a hair band or something he could use.  He found a hair-tie and pulled her long hair into an uneven, but serviceable ponytail.  Drawing her up against him, he gently eased her shirt over her head; then slowly removed the rest of her clothing.  That she barely stirred while he did so concerned him greatly, and he almost reached for the phone to call Nathan back, but stopped himself.

He lifted her into his arms; Lacey moaned softly and curled into his chest.  He loved how she felt against him – all soft and warm…or would, except she was too warm.  He carried her into the bath, reaching down with one hand to turn off the faucet.  Checking first to make certain the water wasn't too hot or too cold, he slowly lowered Lacey's body into the water.  Lacey jerked in surprise, pulling in a harsh breath as her eyes flew open.

"Whoa…easy sweetheart," Vin said soothingly.  "Nate said this would help cool y' off…didn't mean to startle you."

"Vin…" she started, stopping as she leaned back against the wall of the tub.  She sighed, her eyes fluttering.

"Just relax…I'll take care of you."  Taking a soft washcloth, Vin wet it and ran it along her arms, neck and face.  "How's that feel?" he asked gently.

"Mmmm…"

"I'm guessing that's a good thing," he replied with a smile; the smile faded as Lacey began to cry.  "Aw, darlin', don't… What is it?"

"I…I just feel so…"

"I know…I know you're hurting.  Fever's tend to do that to a person."

Big brown eyes looked up at him through unshed tears.  "When did you become such an authority?"

"Been sick enough a time or two that I felt like crying," he admitted.  He leaned in to whisper in Lacey's ear.  "But don't tell Larabee I said that…" The small smile that sprung to her tired face cheered him.  "Now that's something I've been missing today…that smile."

He leaned down to kiss her on the forehead.  Pulling back, he felt her hand at his neck; he let her draw his face back down to hers and their lips met.  Her fingers wrapped weakly into his hair, her mouth opening up for him in invitation.  Vin wrapped his arms around her, drawing her upper body from the water and holding her close.  His t-shirt damp from her body pressing against it, he deepened the kiss, forgetting their current situation for a moment.  Then Lacey began trembling in his embrace, pulling him quickly back to reality.

"Let's get y' outta there before we make matters worse."

"I feel weak as…weak as…"

"A newborn foal?" He grinned down at her and she gave him a small smile in return.  "Yeah, I imagine you do."  Grabbing a couple of large, thick towels he lifted her from the water and carried her into the bedroom.  He wrapped them around her, rubbing her limbs firmly, but gently as he dried her off.

"If I felt better…I'd probably really enjoy this…" she said softly, her brown eyes regaining a bit of their usual luster.

"If y' felt better, I'd have joined you in that tub…"

"Not nice to tease me when I'm down," she pouted.  Her eyes fluttered closed, a sigh on her lips as he continued to dry off her body.  Looking through her drawers earlier, he'd found a pair of thin, plaid pajama bottoms and a long-sleeved shirt of similar material.  He pulled the clothing slowly over her; then placed her gently on the bed.

He held her upper body upright, handing her the next dose of medicine she was due; then held the water glass for her as she washed the pills down.  Lying down beside her, he curled his body behind hers and pulled her close, drawing a light blanket around her.

"If I felt better…" Lacey said again, snuggling against the hard body at her back, "I'd take advantage of you…"

"If you felt better, I'd let you," Vin teased back, pressing his lips against her cheek.  "There's always tomorrow.  Go to sleep, Lacey."

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" she questioned with a sigh.

"Y' told me you love me," Vin whispered in response, his arms curling protectively around her waist.  "And you know what…"

"Hmmm?"

"I love you too."

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"Hello?"

"Vin…"

"Nathan?" the Texan queried, balancing the phone between his ear and shoulder as he made his way back to Lacey's side.  "Nate, it's three in the morning…why are y' calling here at this hour?"

"I just happened to think, Vin…I've been hearing about this latest strain of flu that's been going around and I just wanted to warn…" The medic broke off as a horrible retching could be heard from the other end of the phone.  "Aw hell…I'm too late, aren't I?"

"If you was gonna tell me what I think you were…yeah."  Vin was kneeling beside Lacey on the bathroom floor, holding her hair back from her face and gently stroking her back as her stomach emptied.  He sighed at the trembling body beneath his hand, wanting so much to be able to ease her discomfort.

"How long…?"

"'Bout close to an hour now, I reckon."

"Listen Vin," Nathan spoke up.  "Does Lacey have any carbonated soda in the house?  Preferably something clear – like 7Up or Sprite?  Gatorade would work too.  How about some crackers?"

"Didn't notice any when I was in the fridge earlier, why?"

"Because you need to get something in her system – so she won't dehydrate."  The medic rubbed his eyes as he fumbled around searching for his keys.  "Something carbonated might help ease her stomach too.  And the Gatorade has electrolytes…"

"Has what?"

"Never mind.  Look, I'll pick some things up and bring them over."

"Nate, y' don't need to go to the trouble…" Vin said, surprised that his friend would travel out at this hour of the night.

"Look…Rain is working a double at the clinic tonight, so I'm alone anyway.  Besides, I didn't think you would want to leave Lacey alone right now…" He paused to give time for his words to sink in.  "I'll be over in about thirty," he said, hanging up before Tanner could protest.

He dropped the phone to the floor, his arms going around Lacey as she fell limply against him.  Her body trembled violently – both from the effort of keeping herself upright and from the sobs that wracked her slight frame.  She cried audibly, exhausted; hating how she felt and hating the thought of Vin seeing her like this.  She tried to pull from his embrace, uncertain if she could even rise to her feet to get away.

"Shh, Lace…it's okay," Vin muttered, pressing a light kiss to her damp head.  He helped her to her feet, keeping tight hold on her, and led her to the sink.  "Here…" he said softly, handing her toothbrush to her.  They'd been through this routine several times so far in the past hour; though he knew the toothpaste would likely make her sick, still he couldn't convince her to wait until the queasiness had passed to brush the taste from her mouth.

Her hand shook as she pulled the brush across her teeth, letting Vin hold a cup of water up for her to rinse.  This chore was repeated several more times, until the brush slipped from her grasp and fell into the sink.  Vin carefully lifted Lacey up into his arms and carried her back to bed.  Placing her gently on her side, he drew the covers up over her trembling body.

"I just want to die…"

"Shh, darlin'.  I know you're hurting…" Vin stroked her hair gently as she sobbed.  "You're tired and weak…it's okay to cry.  Just close your eyes now and try to get some sleep…'kay?"  He felt as well as heard her sigh, watched the dark-circled eyes flutter closed.  He perched on the bed beside her, his hand sweeping tenderly through her hair.

He sat there a long time, watching her as she dozed fitfully.  Not leaving her side until the sound of the doorbell chimed through the apartment.  He carefully extracted himself from the bed, not wishing to wake her; and hurried for the door.

"Tell me you haven't caught what she's got," Nathan replied as he stepped past Vin and into the apartment.  "Cause you look like hell, Tanner…"

"Gee, thanks," Vin replied, pointing in the direction of the kitchen at the medic's silent question.

"How much sleep have you gotten since you've been here…not much, I'll wager."

"Been a bit busy, Nate…"

"Well…my prescription is that you take the guest room and catch a few winks…"

"Now Nate…" Vin protested.

"Now nothing." Nathan busied himself in the kitchen, pouring a tall glass of Sprite.  "Unless you want Lacey returning the favor for you in a day or so, you'll do what I say.  Otherwise, you're bound to get the same thing she's got – if you haven't already…" He emptied the bags he'd brought into the refrigerator and cabinets, taking one package of saltine crackers and setting them aside.  "I took the liberty of getting some juice too…a glass of orange juice wouldn't do you any harm right now."

"Nathan, I can't let you do this…"

"Sure you can.  House is too lonely without Rain there, so I'm just pacing over there waiting for her anyway.  Figured I could help you out – and make the time go a bit faster."

Vin chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.  He never would figure out how these six men had suddenly wormed their way into his life…but he was forever grateful.

"Go on…get at least a few hours sleep, would ya?  I'll watch over Lacey."  Nathan picked up the glass and crackers and headed toward the hallway, Vin directing him toward the master bedroom with a slow nod of his head.

"Alright, alright…And Nate?"

"Yeah?"

Thanks."

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Nathan sat, watching the sunrise through the window.  It had been a long night; the first ninety minutes after arriving had been spent helping Lacey from bed to bathroom – the poor girl barely even realized who it was that was tending to her.  If it hadn't been for the thought of subjecting her to an agonizing wait in a hospital emergency room – only to be sent right back home again – he would have bundled Lacey up and driven her there himself.

But the worst seemed to have passed.  The brunette had been sleeping for the better part of an hour and Nathan felt that she had turned a corner.  'If only she didn't pass it to Vin…' he thought, hoping for both their sakes that the sharpshooter didn't come down with the illness himself.  Maybe – maybe – the two of them just may get a few days together at that cabin after all.

"Nathan?"  He turned to find brown eyes squinting in his direction.  It took him a moment to realize that the pained expression on her face was due to the sunlight pouring into the room.

"Sorry, Lacey," he said softly, drawing the curtains closed.  He stepped over to the bed and looked down at her.  "Did you need something?"

"When…when did you get here?" she questioned; her eyes suddenly widened and she struggled to sit up.  "Vin…Is Vin sick?"

"No, no…easy…" the medic soothingly replied, placing hands on the woman's shoulders and gently pushing her back to the bed.  "Vin is just taking a nap is all.  Don't you remember me telling you this before?"

Lacey stared up at him a moment, then slowly nodded.  She had flashes of memory of him helping her into the bathroom; of holding her hair back for her, of finally putting her hair into a crooked, if functional, ponytail, and chuckling softly as she had to brush her teeth after each bout of sickness.  "Yeah," she croaked.  "You told me that I reminded you of Ezra…"

"Just never seen another person who was so sick they couldn't stand on their own, and yet so determined with that toothbrush…" His gaze took in the drooping eyelids.  "You just go on back to sleep now…"

"How long has Vin been asleep?"

"Couple hours…you want me to get him for you?"

"No," she said quickly.  "No…let him rest.  He's been so…so good to me," Lacey said softly, her voice cracking as she neared tears.  "And…thank you Nathan.  Coming over here in the middle of the night – I'm sure you had better things to do…"

"It's nothing, Lacey…don't you worry about me.  Was just marking time until Rain got home from work."  'Which was about twenty minutes ago,' he thought silently.

"Still…you shouldn't have to sit here and nursemaid me… Why don't you go on home?  I'm sure I'll be fine now…"

"No ma'am," Nathan replied, smiling as he shook his head.  "Told Vin I'd sit with y' until he woke up – and I intend to keep that promise."  He'd called his wife right after her shift was up, letting her know where he was…and why.

"You boys all look out for each other, don't you?" she smiled back at him.  "Like Chris that night Vin and I were mugged…"

"Tossed that Larabee glare of his around and got some strings pulled, didn't he?  The man is a master at that."  He tucked the blanket up around her shoulders.  "Now you get on back to sleep.  Don't want Vin thinking I've kept you awake all night," he added, winking at her.

"You have a point," the brunette agreed, smiling.  "Thank you, Nathan."

"You're welcome, Lacey.  Any time."

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Lacey stretched out in the queen-sized waterbed, a small smile on her face.  This was the first day that the mere thought of rolling over didn't make her queasy – in fact, she felt better than she had in days.  She looked around the room, barely lit in the fading light of the day, and the smile grew.  They were at the cabin.  And they had nearly a whole week to enjoy it.

The couple was only scheduled for a long weekend – both due back in their respective offices on Wednesday.  But once Nathan had left them early on Sunday morning, he'd placed a few telephone calls; to Chris, and then he and Chris spoke to Travis – and to Lacey's supervisor.  It would appear that the two were a formidable pair…they convinced everyone concerned that both Lacey and Vin deserved some extra time away.

So now they had nine whole days; though, regrettably, the first three and a half were spent with Vin as nursemaid to Lacey.  Now, near the end of the fourth day, Lacey finally felt human again.  She still tired out easily – which was why Vin had shooed her off to bed after lunch.  She took another look around the room, wondering where her knight in shining armor was.

She climbed from the bed, wearing a long flannel nightshirt – the hem reached past her knees; thick ankle socks kept her feet warm on the cool hardwood floor.  She opened the door and started down the hall.  Spotting a strange glow coming from the living room, she realized that Vin had a fire going.  But she was unprepared for the sight that greeted her when she entered the room.

"Vin?" she said in an awed whisper, tears springing to her eyes at the vision she beheld.  On the living room floor, several feet away from the fireplace, but still within its warmth, was the mattress from the second bedroom.  Vin had taken it from the bed and pulled it down the hallway.  Placed on top of it were countless pillows, of varying shapes and sizes, along with two large quilts.

Sitting on the coffee table – which had been pushed to one end of the mattress, almost like a makeshift headboard – was what appeared to be a chilling wine bottle and two long-stemmed glasses.  But Lacey knew that couldn't be…Vin was all too aware of the medication she was on – having deemed himself her "guard"…making certain she took all her medication when she was supposed to.

But the most awe-inspiring sight was the man himself.  Propped up on several of the pillows, his blue eyes watched her closely.  He smiled shyly at her, wearing only a pair of flannel pajama bottoms that matched her nightshirt to perfection.  And perfection was the man who looked up at her.  She couldn't help but let her gaze drift down that trim, but muscular chest.  Her eyes traced every curve; the urge to run her hands over each inch of muscle hit her so strongly that she nearly staggered backward from it.

"Evenin' Lacey," he said softly, sitting up and holding a hand out to her.  He helped her settle down beside him, brushing a lock of her hair from her face.  "Are you hungry?"

"You have no idea…" the brunette murmured, one hand stealing into his hair as she pressed her lips against his.

Vin groaned, curling his arms around the body now pressed tightly against him.  He rolled her onto her back, his upper body covering hers; a knee slipped between her legs, his thigh pressing against her warmth.  God, how he wanted her.  He'd been missing this contact the past several days.  All his thoughts had been centered on her illness – and how he could help her feel better.  But now…

"Not that I'm complaining, sweetheart…but I meant really hungry…for food."

"Oh."  Lips pursed as if in deep thought; her eyes scrunched up as she looked at him.  Then a sly smile slowly crossed her face.  "I think I could work up a real good appetite…with a little help."

"Now, Nate said nothing strenuous, y' know…" He almost laughed at her slight pout.  He turned her in his embrace, bringing her back tight against his chest.  Her frustrated sigh brought a smile to his lips.  Brushing her hair away from her neck, he bent down to press his mouth against the warm flesh.  "Shh…"

The brunette moaned softly as lips swept over her neck and she felt a tongue flick at her earlobe.  One arm moved from around her; her brow furrowed as Vin shifted awkwardly on the mattress behind her.  Her breath caught as a hand slid up her thigh, pushing the hem of her nightshirt up as it moved around her waist, and then dipped back down to settle between her legs.

They had known each other long enough for Vin to realize that Lacey rarely wore anything under her nightclothes when she went to bed.  He was glad that she hadn't deviated from her usual ways because of her illness.  He moved his body in close to hers, hearing her gasp of surprise as she discovered that he'd stripped his flannel bottoms from his trim body.  His hardness pressed against her backside; Vin maneuvered their bodies, easing himself inside of her.

"Vin," Lacey breathed, turning her face around to meet his, their mouths melding together as their bodies did the same.  They rocked, slow and steady, against each other; the fire within them igniting and growing little by little.  His hands caressed and stroked, fanning the flame within her.  She sighed, one hand moved around to rest on his thigh, holding him close.  The other took hold of the hand at her breast, her fingers interlocking with his as she brought it to rest at her waist.

He softly whispered her name as he came inside her, pressing his lips gently against the nape of her neck.  As their bodies reluctantly parted, she turned into his embrace, wanting always to be closer to him than was physically possible.  Her head curled into his chest, her arms wrapped around his torso and she kissed his bare flesh.

"Lacey…" A soft voice called to her and she stirred.  She blushed slightly, not even realizing until Vin whispered her name that she had fallen asleep in his arms.  A light quilt now covered them; the dwindling fire still giving off some warmth.  She pulled back from the strong chest she was curled against, brown eyes tilting up to find blue.  "Time for y' to take your meds," he said softly.

She stared in surprise as he sat them both up and reached for her medication bottles – which were sitting right next to the bottle she'd noticed earlier.  One she now could see was filled with sparkling white grape juice, and not anything alcoholic.  She struggled to fight back tears as he measured out the correct dosage of each medication and poured her a glass of the juice to wash them down with.

"Lacey?"

The brunette heard the concern in Vin's voice; saw the worry in his deep blue eyes.  She bit her lip, feeling hot tears burn her eyes, felt them fall upon her cheeks.  How could she explain to him what the past few days meant to her?  How he had taken care of her – seen her at her worst and not run screaming into the night.  He had witnessed things that, had she not been so ill, she would have been utterly humiliated that he had seen.  And yet he had been nothing but gentle and loving to her throughout it all.  Never showing her a pained expression – never backing away from even the most gruesome of tasks.  How could she ever thank him for all he'd done?

"Lace…aw Lace, please don't cry…" He placed the glass and pills on the nearby table and then pulled her tightly into his arms.  Crying seemed to come more often when she was ill, he thought, stroking a hand comfortingly through her hair.  And it seemed as if anything could set her off.  He wasn't certain he understood it, but somehow the sight of tears in her eyes made him want to take her against him and protect her – though from what he did not know.  "Lacey…what is it?"

"I…I just wish…"

"What?  What is it you wish, sweetheart?"

"I wish there was something I could do – something I could give you to let you know what…" Lacey sighed heavily.  "What the past few days have meant to me.  To thank you…"

"Thank me?" Vin shook his head; he leaned down and gently kissed her mouth.  "Darlin', I don't need anything from you but what you've already given me."  One hand curled under her chin, lifting her gaze up to his.  "I took care of you because I love you…it's as simple as that.  My only regret about these last four days is that y' felt so bad."

"But…"

"I was awful worried about ya…Nate had to nearly browbeat me to get me to leave your side to rest."  Blue eyes locked with brown.  "Lacey, I…I love you," Vin said again.  "And I don't ever wanna lose you."

Lacey ducked her head, burrowing it into his shoulder.  Her arms wrapped tightly around him and his own matched hers in their vehemence.  He rocked her slowly, feeling the tension gradually ebb from her body.  He knew she was tired, still not completely over the flu that had sapped her strength, and he knew she needed to take the medication in order to build that strength back up.

"I know you're tired, Lace…but y' need to take your meds before you go back to sleep."  He picked the pills back up, handing them to her and holding out the glass for her to wash them down.  "Y' wanna stay here?  Or go back to the master bedroom?"

"I don't think I could lift my body from this spot long enough to make it down the hall," she answered honestly.  "As long as I'm in your arms, it doesn't matter where we are."  Vin smiled at her, lowering them both back down on the mattress and pulling the cover over them.  "Vin?"

"Yeah?"

"I'll return the favor next time you're sick…"

"Oh darlin'…let's hope it never comes to that," Vin chuckled.  "I ain't the easiest to deal with when I'm sick."  His smile widened and he leaned in to whisper in her ear.  "But I sure as hell wouldn't mind that sponge bath."