vigorli

title: A Place to Settle
by:

stormatdusk
rating: g
disclaimer: this is only fiction; i don't know these people.
a/n: written several weeks ago for

desire_billy for the prompt, "rodeo," and this picture.

"You're not fooling me, you know."

Viggo winced as the dark-haired medic wrapped his rib cage, long fingers as tender as possible against Viggo's rapidly purpling skin. "Whaddya mean?"

Orlando tilted his head, examining his work. "You, letting TJ throw you so hard again. You know how to land better than that. Lift your arm again."

Viggo raised it, eyeing the man.

"This weekend, bruised ribs," Orlando continued. "Last weekend, a twisted ankle. Before that... well, a man gets the idea that all these injuries are just a way to get yourself under my care again."

"That's bull," Viggo harrumphed. "And anyway, don't even know why you're still around. Weren't it you told me you was just travelin' with us till you found a decent place to settle? You been here near six months now." The cowboy swallowed, throat suddenly dry. "What, ain't no place good enough for ya?"

Orlando finished his work, snipping the bandage and anchoring it securely. He stood quietly for a moment, still and close.

"Guess I'm still here because I found a person I want to settle with, more than a place." Orlando murmured, his head bowed a little.

Viggo's heart kicked up its heels as he carefully reached for Orlando's hand.

end