In the Arms of Friends
By Reets
4 of ?

"I would no' hit you." Philip had a hard time convincing his new friend that the knock on the head wasn't from him.

"I know how you felt about my advances, but after last night, I thought things were improving." Vince took the towel from Philip's hands and stood up. "I was wrong."

"Vince, this just proves we don' know each other at all, I would never hurt you." Philip say the 'yeah, right' look on Vince's face and sighed. "How can I prove it?"

"No way, don't get near me. I've had enough Philip. Let's just get out of here, okay."

"I need to check tha' cut, it was bleeding pretty badly."

"I'm fine," Vince brushed away Philip's hand as it neared his head. "I've lived through worse."

Philip stared for a long moment, realizing that he had barely scratched the surface of this man. Warm brown, confused eyes met his gaze, he smiled and Vince nodded to him. "Let's get the gear together."

"Yeah, but man I need a shower."

"Mayb' we can find a hotel now."

Vince slid his pack back into the truck, "Not likely, the Jazz Festival just started."

"Well at least we can find somethin' to eat. I feel like I haven' eaten in days."

Vince went back to the water and knelt down, dunking his head as he did. He gently rubbed the cut above his left ear and got most of the dried blood out. Philip knelt beside him as he dried his face and gently rubbed his fingers along the cut, making sure it wasn't too deep. "You should have this looked at, don' wan' an infection starting up, now do ya?"

"I've got some stuff in the first aid kit, it'll kill all the little germies."

"I'll get it." Philip dug in the back and found the first aid kid, as he opened it, he noticed several papers that tumbled out.

"Find it?"

"Ya," He handed the tube to Vince and snatched up the papers, tucking them back inside the small tin. "We should really clean this thing out. No telling what we might find back here."

"Hey, I like my truck this way." Vince fumbled with the medicine for a moment, before Philip took over.

"There, I think you'll live." He returned the smile and climbed from the bed of the truck. "Let's go."

*************************************************

Nick sat nervously on the long couch. He propped up his ankle to stop the swelling. His antics this morning had aggravated the muscles and tendons. An hour had passed and he was tired. "Where's Derek?"

"He's not important right now, Mr. Boyle." The man sat down a little too close for Nick's licking. "What is important is that you tell us everything you know about the lab."

"I have already told you three times. I didn't know the man before I went there."

"And this Jonathan Vance, you were partners with him right? Sneaking into the lab to steal its secrets."

"No, I went there to find out about the cloning, Jonathan was an old friend who asked for my help. That's all. I hadn't seen him in years."

The other man snorted. "But you accompanied him to this strange lab, without the help of your friends, to do what? Write a paper for the National Inquirer? You best come up with something better than that, cause

we ain't buying it."

Nick's anger was about to get the better of him and he shoved the man away and stood up. "I've had enough, why don't you ask me what Seed did to me, how he tortured me, huh? You don't care about any of that, do you? You just want the cloning crap. Well it worked, I've seen them and if you don't do something about him, he'll kill a hell of a lot more people and replace them with dupes."

Derek heard Nicks elevated voice and focused on it. Inside the room Nick was being asked to sit down. Not asked, forced. Physically pushed down in a chair. "I have to get in there." Sam stood his ground, but he knew that look. "Please, they're hurting him."

"They wouldn't do that, they're asking him questions Derek, nothing more." At that time Nick cried out in pain and Derek shoved Sam back, bursting through the door. Nick was in the floor holding his leg, one of

the agents stood over him, his hand balled into a tight fist.

"Don't you touch him." Derek rushed to Nick. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, just get me out of here." He helped Nick to his feet and was steering him out of the room.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that." One of the agents was there, blocking the path. "We still have questions that need answers."

"And I have a patient that needs rest." Derek gave Rachel a grateful nod as she slid her arm around Nick's waist, taking some of his weight. "I'm taking him to bed."

"You can't do that." Another agent was there.

"I can and I will. If you stand in my way and something happens that prevents this young man from walking normally again. I'll not only have your badge, but part of your ass as well. Now move."

Derek grinned and raised an eyebrow. "I would suggest you move."

The two agents stepped aside and the trio made their way out of the room. They slowly went up the stairs.

"This is not over Dr. Rayne, not by a long shot."

"Yes it is. I believe you've violated Mr. Boyle's rights and assaulted him yourself. I'll see that this is taken up with your superiors."

The three agents left, leaving Sam there to deal with Derek and Nick. "Derek, I'll jot down a quick report on what happened, see if that will appease them."

"It won't, but I'll not have them talking to Nick again, without my being there." Derek escorted Sam to his office and went to gather Nick.

"My friend is still here, he wants to get just a general statement from you, then he'll leave, okay?"

Rachel patted his arm as she left. "I guess."

He went to Nick's side and helped him up. "Can't we just do it here. Get it over with."

Derek stood there for a long moment, just holding Nick's body flush against his own. "Derek?"

"Yes, sorry." Nick smiled.

"Dirty thoughts?"

"Not too dirty, but too much for right now." Nick reached and caressed Derek's cheek then let his fingers slide backwards until his hand gripped the back of his lover's neck. He drew his head down and opened his mouth for the kiss.

Derek moaned as Nick's mouth moved beneath his, passionate and aggressive. He tensed remembering Nick's recent attack and pulled back. "Whoa, boss man, it's okay." Nick pulled him close, resting his head on Derek's chest. He sensed the nervous tension in Derek's body and hugged tighter. "I'm okay, Derek, now that I'm home."

Gentilly, Louisiana

Philip rounded the corner, almost taking it too fast and Vince groaned. "Padre, do you have a license?"

"You didn' ask me tha'."

They pulled into a small parking lot, with a pink building. "Where are we?"

"It's a bakery and diner. I told you, I'm starvin'."

"Okay, I give. Good a place as any I suppose."

A tall thin woman approached them as they came through the door. "You boys are a little early, don't open for an hour yet."

"Oh, man. Look is there any way we can get sometin' to go?"

Philip felt very self-conscious suddenly as the woman eyed him then Vince. "Looks like you boys could use a bath."

"Everything's booked." Vince said, sliding into one of the booths.

"Might have something, if you can pay." She scratched her head with her pencil and popped the bubble gum in her mouth.

"What do you have in mind."

"Got rooms in the back, it's got a tub, small bed."

"Tub?" Vince raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"How much?" Philip said, ignoring Vince's groans.

Again she eyed Philip. "I'll let you boys have it for $50, cash."

"For how long?"

"What difference does that make, we'll leavin' after lunch." Philip was quick to interject this statement, he thought to be fact, into the conversation.

"You can have it for the weekend for $75, not a penny less."

"Taken." Vince stood up and pressed a hundred-dollar bill into her palm and winked. "Extra towels, a bottle of scotch and a ring in three hours for lunch."

"You got it handsome." Philip seized Vince's arm and pulled him to the side.

"What are you doin'?"

"Getting us set up for the weekend, it'll be fun." He turned back to the woman, who was holding up the bill for inspection. "This way?" He asked pointing toward the back door.

"Right up the back steps, best park your truck that way too. It'll get busy soon."

"You got it." Vince was out the door and in the cab, in a second flat. He met a very perturbed looking Philip around the back. "Come on Philip,loosen up. I need a shower, bath, whatever and you're hungry."

"You didn' order any food, just booze."

"You heard for yourself, the diner's not open yet."

"Wha' we do until then?" Vince stopped and turned on Philip.

"Bathe, drink and sleep." Philip's gaze didn't soften, so he threw up his hands and went inside the small room. Now the woman had said it was small, but this was a little ridiculous. A twin bed was crammed into the corner of the room by a window, a small table beside it. The other part of the room, contained a large, cast iron tub, toilet and a small sink. "Oh man. This must have been just a bathroom at one time."

"Turn on the fan, quick." Vince shoved the window open and took a deep breath. The smell from the diner filled the small room and filtered through to the window that Philip opened. Vince clicked the fan on and

relaxed. Philip however held his nose.

"You get the tub first."

"Gee, thanks." Vince pulled the sticky, T-shirt over his head and dumped it in the floor. "I guess I am a little ripe, huh?"

"An understatemen', if ever I heard one." Philip bounced on the bed and stretched out.

Vince was about to pounce when someone knocked on the door. He pulled it open and took a step back as the tall woman from the diner came in and sat down a huge stack of towels and other items. 'I only have one rule." She looked from Vince to Philip. "Don't do anything louder than your neighbor. That way we don't have any disturbances that we have to call the cops for."

"Fine, Miss?

"Cheryl, you boys get cleaned up and I'll start lunch. I'll give you a holler when it's ready."

Vince opened the bottle of scotch and popped some of the ice, Cheryl had brought into one of the plastic cups, then slowly poured the liquor. "You want one?"

"Sure, just one." He was handed a large glass of amber liquor and took a big gulp. He sputtered a couple of times, before coming up for air.

"That good?" Vince laughed and took a long sip of his own and turned on the water faucets. It was too hot for a hot bath, but he needed it.

Philip settled himself at the head of the small bed, relaxing as the breeze swept through his hair. He sipped the liquor carefully and watched Vince prepare to bathe. Normally he would have turned away, but he

couldn't take his eyes off the tall, strong body. Vince moved toward the bed and sat down. His boots and socks hit the floor and he stood up, pushed the sweats to the floor and stepped out of them. The underwear was next, this man wasn't modest and Philip got his first view of Vince's nude body. He took a slow deep breath as he watched him move toward the deep tub. The long cock swung casually at his thigh and Philip wondered just how long it was hard. He had felt it beneath his palm, but hadn't taken notes. It was the first time he had admitted to himself that he really liked Vince and was attracted to him. A splash of water hit his face and he jumped.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"More like a quarter, but they're not for sale."

"Oh, private, intimate thoughts, huh?"

"Somethin' like that."

"Well," Vince disappeared beneath the water and sputtered a few seconds later. "Guess you can keep them to yourself then." Vince stood up in the tub and grabbed the wash cloth and soap. He scrubbed his

body hard, working on the sore msucles of his sides and arms. He didn't miss the glances from Philip or the flushed look on his face. He soaped his cock slowly and thourghly and it hardened at his touch. He forced

himself to relax before he turned around and let Philip have a full fiew, this way it didn't hug his stomach. Instead in it's semi-relaxed manner it pointed right at the ex-priest and Philip groaned and turned away. He

knelt down in the tub and washed the soap off. He climbed out and stood dripping on the floor. "Want me to let the water out?"

"Ya, I'd like clean water, if you don' mind." Philip got up and walked over to him. He noted the smile on Vince's face but just gave him a dirt look. Conceiling once again his true feelings. He glanced back and watched the firm ass as Vince walked to the bed and stretched out. He groaned as Vince raised a leg, revealing is most intimate place, cock and balls to Philip. He was thankful that the water was quick to refill and that Vince had falled asleep and didn't watch him strip. He bathed quickly and toweled off, he drapped the towel around his waist and checked his watch. Still not time for the diner to be open. He glanced toward the bed. Vince hadn't moved and was sleeping soundly. No chair, nothing to plop on but the small bed, Philip decided he might as well join his friend. He stretched on his side as far from Vince as possible, which was only a few inches in the small bed and tried to sleep.

Vince turned to his side, facing Philip and peeked at his strange companion. He wanted to get to know Philip better, but he wasn't succeeding. The only thing he knew how to do was make the man more

uncomfortable and he didn't know how to stop it. Once Philip had closed his eyes he opened his fully. The soft snore announced that Philip had fallen asleep and he made his move. He slipped the tuck from

Philip's towel and it fell away, revealing his cock and balls. Philip would kill him, he was sure of it, but what the hell. He slowly moved his body around until he was in a 69 position with Philip. Slowly he leaned in and licked the tip of Philip's flaccid organ, it began to stir instantly and he slipped it into his mouth. Philip shuddered beneath him and moved his hips, shoving more of the elongating cock down his throat. Vince smiled to himself as Philip's body responded and soon the thrusts grew faster. He suckled and tongued the heated flesh until he felt Philip's hands on his head. He looked up to see the frighten hazel eyes, staring at him. But what were they asking for; for him to stop, for him to continue? He released Philip's cock and sat up. The slighter man sat up too and stared into his eyes.

"You're invading my space again."

Vince laughed and shook his head. "What am I gonna do with you?"

Philip leaned in and kissed his mouth, licking over the contours until it

open and allowed him inside. The kiss was slow and quiet and they pulled apart slowly. "I don't know wha' I can offer you, this is so hard for me."

"I understand, but you're attracted to me right?"

"Ya."

"Let me make love to you, Phililp. I won't hurt."

"No, I can'. I can' do more than this." Philip wrapped his fingers around Vince's cock and stroked him until the larger man hissed and bucked against him. Once it was over Philip pulled away and got a towel.

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine, I'm use to it."

"Let me finish what I started." Philip met his eyes. "Please."

Philip closed his eyes and shook his head. "I can'. I just can'."

*********************************************

Sam ran through the general list of questions. Normal ones that people asked after you'd been kidnapped. Nick answered everything he could as quick as he could. Derek saw to it that Sam was pleased and left to make his report.

"I think I'll take a nap. I'm tired." Derek nodded and headed for the door. "Would you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"Of course, love." Nick climbed on top of the blankets and streteched out. It was good to be home and safe. Derek sat down on the bed beside him and rubbed his back.

"Lay down with me."

"Are you sure?"

"We won't know until you do." He glanced back and smiled as the older man hesitated, then slipped down behind him. "Relax Derek."

"I'm sorry, love. I just don't want to push you."

"I'm not promising sex, Derek. I just need you close right now, okay?"

"Yes." He leaned down and kissed Nick's ear. "Get some rest."

Nick fell asleep, safe in Derek's arms, but the dreams began. Zack pressed him against the door and forced his cock inside. Nick screamed at the burning pain and tried to force his body to relax. The hot breath at

his ear and arm tightly clenched to his waist made him scream.

Derek jerked awake and held tight as Nick fought him. "Nick, wake up. It's just a dream, come on."

Rachel was through the door and at their side quickly. Good thing, she's thought to herself, that she was nearby. She noted the strong resolve in Derek's face as he held tightly to the struggling form. "Derek, let him go, it's okay."

Nick scrambled off the bed and into a nearby corner. The lamp on the table fell forward crashing at his feet. Rachel held up a hand as Derek moved to clean up the mess. Nick gasped for breath and forced his mind to calm. 'Home, I'm home and that was Derek, not Zack.' "I'm okay," He pulled himself up and reached for Derek. Rachel nodded and Derek hurried to his side and helped him back to bed. "Just a dream, I'm okay." He glanced up at Rachel and Derek looked up at her.

"I'll take care of him, thank you." Once Rachel was gone, Nick relaxed into Derek's embrace. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"His name was Zack. He was the only guard that even tried to help me, I should have figured soemthing wasn't right, huh?" Derek was silent but held him tighter. "I didn't really trust him, but he said he could get me out. I believed him."

"It must have been horrible for you, being locked up like that."

"Yeah, I wasn't sure I'd keep my sanity. I thought about you a lot." Derek smiled and a tear snaked its way down his face. "I figured you'd roar in and save me before..." Derek heard the hesitation and felt the

tremble in Nick's body.

"I'm so sorry my love. I thought you were dead, I was in such a state that I didn't know what to do. When Jonathan came back..."

"Jonathan?" Nick pulled back now and met Derek's eyes. "Where is he?"

"The people from the FBI took him. I wasn't sure if I should tell you or not. He was a clone."

"I know, but he's all I have left of my friend. The real Jonathan was killed."

"Are you sure?"

"No, Zack said so, but I don't know."

"He had the disease that killed...that killed the clone of you."

"I'm sorry I was so angry this morning. Just the thought of you putting that thing, in my place by the lake."

"You have to understand Nick, we all believed it was you. It was a long time before I was able to function again." He held the slighter man tight and kissed his head. "I never want to lose you again."

"You won't, I promise."

"Oh, I have something for you." Nick sat back as Derek got up and went to his jewelry box. All his metals and everything were still in place and Derek reached inside the box. He took Nick's hand and pushed a ring

onto one of his fingers.

"My ring! Where'd you get it? One of the guards took it, I figured it was gone for good."

"It's a long story, but it's where it belongs now." Derek lifted Nick's hand and kissed his fingers, then his palm and wrist. He pressed the hand against his heart. "And so are you."

***

Philip allowed the next kiss for a long moment. Vince's hand closed around his cock and stroked. He found that he couldn't maintain the kiss and enjoy himself at the same time, so he sat back and watched as

Vince slid off the bed and descended on his cock. Stroking, sucking and licking. His hands fell to the soft hair and his hips lurched forward pressing his erection into the hot recess. "I can', wait, wait. Ohhh,

Vinnny."

Vince's finger skated across his opening and Philip lifted up, parting his legs. The finger slipped inside, just an inch and Philip cried out. His body surged and Vince fought to hold him down as his orgasm took over.

Hands gripped his head and dug in, forcing the thick cock deeper. Vince slurped and suckled as it pulsed in his mouth, taking Philip's long pent up frustration deep in his throat.

Once the world came back into focus, Philip pulled away. Tears streaked his face and he gasped for air. "You did tha'. Oh Lord. I can' believe..."

Vince pressed him to the mattress and wrapped his arms tight around the slighter man. "Shhh, it's okay." He held him for a long time, until the shaking stopped and the tears lessened. "I'm here, Philip. I won't

hurt you." He whispered these words until Philip pulled back and looked into his eyes. He smiled thinking he'd finally broken down the walls, but Philip pushed him off and got up.

"I can' do this. I told you."

He touched Philip's shoulder and pulled him around. "Why not? Is it me, you said you were attracted to me, so I..."

"It's no' that. I've only been with Nick and Derek. I love them, with all my hear'. It's wrong for me to do this with you and not be in love with you."

"Are you still 'in' love with them?"

"I don' know anymore. But I know this is wrong."

"I'm sorry. I guess I should have waited for you to decide." Philip met his eyes now and nodded. "Listen, you take the room, I'll crash in the truck."

Philip just watched as Vince dressed, gathered the bottle of liquor and ice bucket and headed down the stairs. All he could do was long for his heart to reconcile itself with loving Vince and then it would okay. "I'll met you for lunch."

"Yeah, whatever."

**********************

Philip awoke to loud music and yelling. He looked around the small room. It was dark. He clicked on the lamp and checked his watch. It was nearly 9pm; he had slept most of the day. He stretched and pushed the

kinks out of his back. His stomach rumbled loudly and he remembered he hadn't eaten. "Oh no." He was supposed to have met Vince for lunch, hours ago. And with his strange behavior after their little encounter, Vince was sure to be angry or upset. He found his shoes and hurried down the stairs.

The diner had converted itself into a bar and the partygoers were dancing and having too much fun. Philip ducked a bottle rocket as it whirled just past his face. Someone in the crowd yelled his name and he

turned to see a dark haired good looking man approach. His dimples were set deep in his cheeks as he smiled, showing of his perfect white teeth. "You have got to be Philip. Vince described you to a tee. And yes, you are yummy."

Philip pulled away and finally saw Vince. He was wearing leather pants and a leather coat that hung open, revealing the fact that he wore no shirt. He pushed the sunglasses down and waved at Philip, before being whisked away by another man. "Antonio." The dark hair man stuck his hand into Philip's and shook it roughly. "Nice to meet you. Want a drink?"

"No, where's Vince going?"

"To have fun, what else. Come on."

"No thank you." He made his way through the crowd and into the diner. Several people were inside, munching on the salad bar. The tall woman from the morning smiled and greeted him.

"Not joining the festivities outside?"

"No, too much noise, for my tastes. Have anything to eat, I'm starved."

"Sure doll, just sit right down. I'll fix you a plate."

Philip relaxed and slipped into a booth. He could see the people outside, dancing, drinking and having fun. He located Vince finally under one of those Japanese lanterns. He was smiling when the people around him talked to him, but those dark eyes were sad and Philip sighed. He looked so hot too, standing there in those low cut pants and no shirt. The jacket skimmed his pecs and made his nipples stand out. Philip felt his body tingle at the site and was beginning to enjoy the feeling until a plate was produced in front of his face.

"Your friend seems to be enjoying himself. Been at it all night."

"Thank you." Philip slid the plate closer and glanced at her and then at Vince.

"He was upset that you didn't' come down for lunch. Yuins have a fight or sumpin."

Philip took a moment to realize what she had asked and nodded. "Well, I hope you know how to handle him drunk, cause he is, I recon."

"Can I have some tea?" She stopped staring at Vince and looked back at Philip. "Please."

"Sure sweetie," She was walking back toward the kitchen when they heard the first scream. Philip was up and out the door in two seconds, following the crowd to the street.

"He's dead." One man remarked.

"He's been attacked." Said another.

"It's the monster." Said a third and the crowd ran from the corpse. Philip knelt beside the shredded remains and made a cross on his chest. It was a hard habit to break. He had seen many faces of death. Disease, guns,

knives and in his homeland bombs, starvation and torture. This man resembled a few of them combined. The long gashes across the chest had probably killed him instantly. The blood loss would be his second guess.

Philip looked up to see Vince push his way through the crowd of people. "Wha' monster?" Philip asked, but everyone shook their heads and rushed from the dead body.

Philip found Vince a few minutes later, slumped down on his hands and knees, emptying the contents of his stomach all over the street. He hurried to his side and steadied him by the shoulders. He noticed also

that it was mostly liquid. Vince was retching now and dry heaving. "Come on, relax, take deep breaths." The woman from the diner appeared beside him and handed him a wet towel.

"Here."

"Thank ya, you're very kind." He wiped Vince's face as the shaking figured gasped for air. Vince took the towel and pushed it to his face. Philip helped him stand and hoisted an arm around his own neck. "Come on, let's get ya, to the room."

Vince moved, but it was slow and Philip looked to the woman again. "Has he eaten?"

"Nope, he waited on you to come down. When you didn't, he started drinking."

"Great, would you wrap something up for me. I've got to get him upstairs."

"You go on, the cops 'ell be here soon, to get the body. I'll close up and bring it to ya."

Vince moaned and leaned heavier on Philip. The ex-priest hauled him up the flight of stairs and into the small room. He stared to put him on the bed, but one whiff and he decided on the floor. Carefully as he could he leaned the taller man against the tub and ran a quick bath. The jacket was easily slipped off, but the sweat and Vince's inability to move much, hindered Philip's removal of the pants. "Come on, help me out' here."

Vince groaned and started gasping again. Philip pulled him up and to the sink before he coughed and sputtered acid from his stomach. Philip wiped his forehead as he regained his composure. "Get out of your pants."

"Really Padre, you have a bad sense of timing, I'm not in the mood."

"I want to bathe you, it'll make you feel better."

Vince groaned nodded. The pants came off and Philip eased him into the tub of cool water. It wasn't long before Vince was relaxed and snoozing in the water. Philip washed him and let the water out. As it

drained away he nudged Vince. "Come on, then, don' want to sleep in thetub, do ya?" Vince didn't move and Philip sighed. There was little he could do; he'd never get him from the tub to the bed, without hurting them both. He sat down on the edge of the small bed and watched Vince sleep. Cheryl brought him a sandwich and some crackers for Vince. Reminding Philip that people, who drink too much, dehydrate quickly in this weather. He assured her, he'd take care of him.

Around 2 am. The cops left and everyone went home. Philip had went down and answered a few questions, of course he knew noting of the incident. When he got back to the room, Vince was attempting to get out of the tub. He rushed to his side and helped him step down. "I feel like someone beat the crap out of me."

"Did it to yourself." Vince groaned as Philip sat him on the bed and eyed his wet body. "I'll get a towel."

"Yeah, thanks." Vince took the towel and draped it across his lap, hiding his lower half from Philip's view. He propped himself up at the head of the bed and took the glass that Philip handed him. "What's this?"

"Water, it's good for ya boy, drink it." The shaky hand brought the glass up and Philip steadied it. Vince gulped the liquid until he coughed.

"Man, I think I'm dying."

"No, you're no'." He pressed a wash cloth to Vince's head and sat down very close to him. "I'll not let you."

"Taking care of me, Padre?"

"I'm tryin', but you're making it hard."

"Am not."

"Yes you are."

"How so?"

Philip removed the cloth and dipped it in the cool water again. Once soaking he brought it to Vince's chest and dabbed his neck and chest. Steams ran down between the developed pectoral muscles. He rubbed the

liquid over the hard nubs and Vince groaned. "It's hard to be around ya like this."

"Why?"

Philip watched him closely. His eyes were dilated, his breath raspy and shallow. He wasn't a threat, if Philip decided to play a little. "Because."

"Come on, Philip. Talk to me, it might be the last conversation I have. The world is spinning."

Philip laughed and traced the line of hair down to where the towel lay. "You'll be fine in a few hours, how much did you drink anyway?"

"You're changing the subject."

"No, just courious." He let his bright hazel eyes fall from the handsome face and eyed the well-toned stomach and chest.

"Two, I think."

"Two drinks?"

"No, two bottles."

"Wha'? Why?" Vince's hand found Philip's shoulder, then his neck and caressed the strong muscles.

"Cause, you stood me up."

"I fell asleep Vince, all you had to do was come up and get me."

"You said you'd meet me, you didn't."

"I'm sorry." Vince's arm contracted on his neck, drawing him closer. "Don'."

"Why not."

"You were retching your guts out just a few minutes ago."

"Oh, sorry." Vince released his hold on Philip's neck. "Does this mean that I can after I brush my teeth?"

Philip smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Let's just get you through the night first."

"Good idea."

Philip nursed and Vince was a good patient. He drank his water and munched crackers until the involuntary puking subsided. He was weak and tired and was almost asleep when Philip spoke. "Vince."

"Hmmm?"

"Earlier, you said you'd had worse than that knock on the head. Where?"

Vince leaned up and pointed to his knee. "I took a bullet, almost went right through the cap, missed by inches. Took me three months to learn to walk again. It's why I favor my right side when I walk."

"I never noticed. I want to know you Vince."

"Do you?"

"Ya, I do."

"Then tell me something." Vince watched as the shy side returned in Philip's demenor.

"If I can."

"Why won't you let me make love to you?"

"Lots of reasons. I've told you before."

"No, you've avoided the subject. I want so much to hold you and just make all your fears go away, but you won't let me."

Philip climbed up on the bed and pushed Vince up. He settled behind Vince's back and leaned against the headboard. "Lean back." Vince turned and they were pressed together. Philip half-lying under Vince's

upper body. Vince relaxed and laid his head on Philip's clothed chest. Philip's fingers filtered through his hair and pulled his head closer. "I told you, I don't know how much I can give."

Vince sighed and looked up into the warm hazel eyes. "I know and I'm being such a dick. Sorry."

"Sleep."

Vince snuggled on the warm, Philip blanket and hugged him tightly. "Thanks."

"For wha'?"

"Taking care of me."

"You'd do the same for me." He kissed Vince on the head and closed his eyes. "I know you woul'."

The next morning Vince was on auto. Philip told him to get up, he did. He told him to dress, he did. He told Vince to follow him to the truck and he did. It was a very different Vince than Philip was use to.

"Feeling all right?" Vince peered over his dark glasses at him and grunted. "That good, huh?"

"Where are we going?" He crunched his body into a ball and whimpered. "I feel like shit."

"You should." Philip rubbed his thigh and squeezed. "We're goin' back to that camp ground. I think there's something strange going on."

"Philip, come on. All I want to do is sleep."

"Fine, you can until we get there."

"What do you expect to find out there? All I want to do is sleep," He groaned and Philip smiled. "Philip."

"There's a sandwich in that bag and a soda. Eat someting you'll feel better."

"I'd feel better if I slept it off."

"I know, but I need to you to come out here with me."

"Why?"

"Cause, I've been out there three times already and it's spooky. I want some company."

"You went out there without me." Vince straighten now and took off his glasses. He squinted as the bright sun burned his eyes. "What were you thinking?"

"I wanted to know what was going on and I was feeling a little awkward about our sleeping arrangements. So I got up early."

Vince yawned and nodded. "Okay. But that doesn't explain why you'd put yourself in danger."

"I'm a big boy, Vince. I have taken care of myself for a long time now." He met the worried eyes and smiled. "But I do appreciate the concern."

"Do you?" Vince scooted closer as Philip pulled into the park and stopped the Rover.

"Yes, I do. Wha' are ya doin'?" Vince's lips met his, but he pushed him back.

"I brushed."

Philip groaned and his lips were covered again. This time the hot mouth moved over his and he opened and surrendered to the probing tongue. He turned his body so that he could be more in contact with Vince and the only broke apart when someone knocked on the window. "Oh, Lord." Philip held eye contact for a long moment before turning to see who was at the window. "What the?"

Vince had settled back to his side of the truck and put his sunglasses back on. "Who is it?"

"There's no one there." They were both looking out Philip's window when someone tapped the window on Vince's side. They both jumped and turned to see the Ranger, his pistol drawn.