Disclaimer: Nope, don't own.

A/N- Loose sequel to 'Quiet Days' and is ummm...still preslash I'd say... enjoy!

"I keep forgetting you're not bullet proof."

Mick huffs out a laugh that quickly turns into a wince.

"I'm working on it." Is all he says.

The paramedic finishes taping up his arm, rolls his sleeve back down and leaves to check on the others with strict instructions for Mick to remain where he is. Except its really only a scratch- doesn't even need stitches- and he could be of more help not sitting in the back of an ambulance.

Cooper shoots him a look though, stern and heavy with concern and Mick is suddenly glued to his seat feeling guilty for getting shot in the first place.

"Clean ups almost done." Cooper braces a foot on the back bumper of the ambulance and leans in. "We got the guy, just rest for now."

"I'm fine." Mick insists and Cooper just quirks an eyebrow at him. And maybe he does present a rather pathetic image, sweater ruined, ridiculous green blanket draped over his shoulders and irritated that he's not allowed to help. But then again- he has just been shot, so he's allowed it.

"I know." But Cooper doesn't meet his eyes as he says it, gaze darting down to his arm and then his chest- lingering over his heart.

See Mick knows that he got lucky, that the vest stopped the first shot from doing any more than bruising a few ribs.

"Coop," He calls softly and Cooper looks up and then away, guilty that he's been caught. Because Cooper doesn't seem to know that Mick got lucky. Cooper with that strange, amazing, dark place that his mind is, is reliving it all but this time Mick didn't make it out of there. "It's just a scratch."

"This time." Cooper murmurs more to himself but Mick hears it nonetheless.

"Hey." Gina casts a quick glance between them and their matching blank looks. "How you doing?"

"I'm bullet proof darling." He winks and plasters on a grin that he doesn't really feel. "It's going to take a lot more than some second rate criminal to take me down." And Gina seems to get that the last part wasn't really for her. She rolls her eyes and turns to their boss.

"We're about ready to go."

"Okay. We'll take the van back, Mick you can go in the ambulance to the hospital."

Mick glares hard and attempts to cross his arms, feeling the twinge in his chest and arm.

"No hospitals."

"You're going." Cooper replies just as stubbornly.

"I'm fine."

"Guys," Gina cuts them off before they can escalate into a full-blown argument. "Listen, Mick's not going anywhere without you," She says to Cooper and Mick opens his mouth to object that she's supposed to be on his side. "And," She turns to Mick. "Cooper's not going to actually believe you're okay until you get checked out properly."

Mick purses his lips and refuses to say anything.

"I'll ride with you to the hospital." Cooper says and Mick blinks, surprised. "But you're getting at least a x-ray, no checking yourself out before you're cleared."

Gina smirks at him and Mick doesn't know if he wants to kill her or buy her something very expensive.

"Deal." Mick finally says.

The paramedic comes back and just shakes his head in defeat when he finds out Cooper is riding with them. The doors close as Cooper settles onto the small bench next to him and they're pressed close together; Mick can feel the heat coming off of Cooper in waves, making him suddenly aware just how exhausted and sore he is.

"Hey." Coopers shoulder nudges his lightly. "Go ahead."

And Mick blinks, not all that surprised that Cooper knows what he needs and lets his head comes to rest on the other mans shoulder. He's trying so hard not to read into it, because they've always been that close and he's gotten his hopes up before but then there's a hand reaching out to clasp his, squeezing gently, anchoring both of them.

Oh, he thinks. And he squeezes back.