Best-Laid Plans

[notthatcrazy]

It was supposed to be an easy job. At least that's what Hannibal had said, with his usual bravado. All they had to do was tail the guy who'd been stealing corporate intel from their client and report back when they found his base of operations - at least that was the plan, until they'd been spotted and he'd gotten the drop on them before Face could take him out.

So now he's got a possible concussion and a probable - ow, no, make that a definite broken arm and a very worried partner to deal with.

Comments

[notjustaface]

"Nah, just the usual stuff - you've seen most of it." His smile softens slightly and he knows Murdock's really feeling the knock to the head just as much as the busted arm.

"Wanna try some concussion karaoke?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Sure..."

He's not sure if it's shock setting in (he can't have lost that much blood, can he?) or simply his body trying to deal with the pain, but things are starting to go kinda numb.

[notjustaface]

Face only chuckles again, not really far enough gone to try that route.

"How's your arm? Still hanging in there?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Uh... as far as I can tell, yeah."

The hesitation alone is an indicator that he's in a bad way.

"Y'owe me a song, Faceman."

[notjustaface]

Squeezing his hand tighter, Face rolls his eyes and brushes another kiss against his cheek.

"Fine... fine... you pick the song and I'll start."

[notthatcrazy]

"I dunno... you pick one."

He's a bit too loopy to go through the mental jukebox right now.

[notjustaface]

Rolling his eyes is an easy answer, but he follows it up with a very gentle nudge of his shoulder as he hums a few bars under his breath and says; "Remember when we did karaoke night at the base like a million years ago? This time you cover Cher."

[notthatcrazy]

"Aw, you know you're better at hittin' the high notes," he teases.

It's debatable, actually. They both do a pretty good falsetto.

[notjustaface]

See that eyeroll Murdock, that's for you.

"For you. But only because I love you..."

He starts with a gentle hum, working up to the intro, fighting the urge to giggle.

[notthatcrazy]

He manages not to giggle, but only because he's afraid if he starts he won't be able to stop.

"You're so good to me."

[notjustaface]

He answers with the opening line - because damn straight he is. Except when he's not.

Still, it's fun. Even if he is singing Cher.

[notthatcrazy]

He leans as close to him as he can get, joining in on the choruses.

They do make a good duo.

[notjustaface]

Even if they're close to tone deaf. It's nice to hear Murdock's voice getting solid again.

"I've got you, babe." He murmurs even after the song's finished, kissing him again.

"Mean it too. Mine. Laying claim."

[notthatcrazy]

"Always, babe."

He laces their fingers together, holding on tight.

"... How long've we been here?"

[notjustaface]

"Too long," he sighs, licking his lips. "Just a little longer, okay? Stay with me. Please."

He doesn't want to beg, he knows begging won't help, but he's running out of ideas.

It's four songs and a long, terrifying moment where he's not so sure that Murdock's brain isn't too scrambled, but eventually the cavalry arrives and BA pushes the van as fast as it'll go to first backwoods emergency center they can find.

Face takes it on himself to get him in - twenty minutes then they've got to go mop up their mess.

"Okay, come on baby - we're at the emergency, can you walk in?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Yeah, I think so."

It's a little hard to get up with only one arm to use for leverage, but he's got no problem leaning on his best friend. (He knows BA's watching his back too, protective big brother that he is.)

"Don't leave me, 'kay?"

[notjustaface]

"You heard the boss, I'm gonna have to go pretty quick after we get you checked in. He's got a lead on the guy and I've got a personal message to deliver."

He takes on most of Murdock's weight easily enough, daring a kiss against his chin before taking him up to the check-in."

"Just remember, you were mugged ok? You can't remember your name or address. They're gonna wanna keep you overnight, I'll come pick you up after morning bed check."

[notthatcrazy]

He sighs. "I know. Go get the bastards."

Not remembering shouldn't be a problem, all told.

[notjustaface]

He's comfortable enough leaving Murdock with the nurse, even if she barely speaks English. But before he can leave, he has to dip in to the small - pretty much mandatory, even in the middle of nowhere - gift shop.

"No, I didn't want him to be alone, you know" he laughs at the nurse letting his voice slip into a soft lisp, flashing her an innocent smile; "I mean, he's kinda cute for a guy that doesn't even know who he is."

Sure enough, a well placed grin and playing swish is enough to get him past the gatekeeper after the anesthesiologist had a chance to dope him up and his handiwork had been undone.

"You still with me, baby?" He whispers.

[notthatcrazy]

"'M here."

His voice has taken on a dreamy quality, as he's literally feeling no pain.

"You're still here."

[notjustaface]

"Wanted to make sure someone was watching over you."

He leans in barely close enough to brush a kiss over his lips before tucking a small, fluffy plush yellow chick into the crook of his good arm.

"Still sure you'd be a good chicken Daddy."

[notthatcrazy]

And suddenly his eyes are a little watery.

"He'll be good company 'til you get back."

[notjustaface]

"You be good to the doctors, ok? Just... don't tell them your name. We'll get here as fast as we can, but not faster than the police."

It's a warning he knows he doesn't have to give, but it still makes him feel a little better about leaving him alone.

"We'll come as soon as we can."

[notthatcrazy]

"I know. I'm concussed, not crazy."

His lips quirk.

"... Well I am, but you know what I mean."

He holds up the stuffed chick and mimes a goodbye wave.

"See you in the mornin'..."

[notjustaface]

"I'll miss you." He murmurs, wanting like hell to kiss him again even though he's sure they're being watched.

"I'll shoot the bastard that did this to you."