(part 4 of Domestication in love, Envy of your love, and Meet Michael)

9pm and Wills curls up happily against Ironhides back, arms firmly around the man, both snoring, until Sam runs into the room.

"HE'S HERE!" Sam shouts, tripping and landing on the floor. both jerk up immediately.

"Sam?" Will murmurs. Sam scrambles up out of the floor quickly, staring at them.

"he's here. Nathans here." Sam swallows hard. Ironhide and Will are immediately up.

"get in the bathroom, barricade the door. where's Bee?" Will ask, grabbing his gun.

"h-he's trying to hold the door shut." Sam says. Ironhide runs to the stairs, looking down at Bumblebee. Bee has his back pressed against the door, struggling hard. he looks up quickly at his uncle.

"Liam! I-I can't hold it!" Bee shouts. Ironhide jumps over the railing to the stairs and slams himself hard against the door. it goes silent on the other side for a second. the door must have hit him pretty hard.

"go get up stairs." Ironhide orders. Bee nods and runs up the stairs slamming into Will. Will immediately grabs him by the shoulders and shoves him towards their room.

"top drawer of me and Liams dresser on the left side, there's a .45 in there. grab it and get in the bathroom with Sam. okay?" Will ask. Bee nods and runs into the room. Will runs down the stairs with his glock in his hands.

"get upstairs with the boys." Ironhide orders.

"and leave you down here alone? I don't think so." Will snaps, hiding behind the livingroom door. he wants to be a surprise if Nathan got in.

Bee searches through the drawer before his hands finally stumble over the pistol. he immediately grabs it and runs to the bathroom, slamming and locking the door. Sams curled up in the tub.

"Sam?" Bee ask.

"I-I'm on the phone with 911." Sam murmurs.

"Sam, whose that?"

"its their nephew." Sam mumbles. Bee walks over and takes the phone from him carefully.

"who is this?"

"my name is Michael. did Sam give you the address already?" Bee ask.

"okay Michael, I'm Maddie. we have the address Sam gave to us, Michael can you tell us whats going on? is anyone injured?"

"no one's injured yet, but my uncles are down stairs trying to keep Sams exboyfriend Nathan, out of the house. he's abusive and a bastard. last time he came in contact with them, he broke Sams nose and gave my uncle Liam a black eye. he's dangerous. I can't tell you if he's armed. I don't know." Bee expains.

"can you give us a description?"

"Sam whats he look like?" Bee ask.

"h-he's 5'7 and he's got blond hair and blue/green eyes. he's covered in tattoos. he's a soldier. he's gonna kill them." Sam says.

"we have units headed that way, he's not going to hurt anyone. where are you two?"

"we're in my uncles bathroom. I locked the bedroom and bathroom door, like they told me to do." Bee says. there's a loud bang and then another.

"oh my god!" Sam cries, covering his head.

"whats going on there Michael?"

"u-uh.. I-I don't... I... I think someone got shot..." Bee says. there's another loud bang and both men flinch. "I have to go check on them! I have to! I can't just leave them down there!" Bee shouts, heading for the door.

"no! no Michael!! Michael, you boys need to stay right where you are. how many shots did you hear?"

"three maybe four. I-I don't know." Bee says, sitting beside Sam in the tub.

"okay Michael, I know your worried about your uncles, but you two need to stay right where you are. do you have any kind of weapon to protect yourselves?"

"I-I have .45... a-a pistol. Will told me where to find it." Bee says, looking at the gun in his other hand.

"okay you two stay put and stay on the line with me alright? I'll stay with you until help arrives."

"but my uncles-" Bee starts.

"I know. I know you want to help them, I know you're scared for them, but you're doing more help by staying in the bathroom to protect you and Sam. now Michael can you give me a little more information about them, your uncles? Sam couldn't tell me much. starting with their names, can you give me any important details?"

"Liam Dominquez, he's 36 and William Lennox, he's 35." Bee mumbles.

"okay is there anything the police need to know upon arrival?"

"li-like medically or something?" Bee ask.

"I mean, do they have a weapon or anything? is there anything that could be a danger to the officers when they arrive, other than Nathan?"

"um, Will had some kind of pistol or something." Bee says.

"the dogs..." Sam mumbles.

"a gun and what else was that?"

"th-the dogs. Prowl and Lucky, they're locked in the bedroom thats just before the bathroom we're in. th-they shouldn't hurt anyone but they might. Will is the only one they really listen too. they don't mean any harm but they are protective." Bee explains.

"alright. don't worry officers are two minutes out. I promise you help is on the way, they will be there soon. its alright."

"I hear footsteps." Sam says.

"get up. get in the closet." Bee murmurs, pulling Sam up quickly.

"I-I didn't mean to get everyone into trouble. I'm so sorry." Sam says softly.

"just get in there, I promise Sam, it'll be alright." Bee assures gently. Sam nods and closes the door to the bathroom closet. Bee steps back into the tub, clutching the gun, phone pressed to his ear. "someone's coming up the stairs." Bee says softly

"the police are almost there."

"YOU GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THEM!" Ironhide shouts.

Bee flinches, listening to the fight.

"Michael, whats happening? what was that?"

"I-I dunno. I think someone just fell down the stairs... oh god. I heard another gunshot." Bee says, curling up in the tub. he's silent a moment, before tensing. "its quiet again..." he murmurs.

"remain calm Michael. its going to be okay. are you or Sam injured in anyway that paramedics should know about?"

"no." Bee murmurs softly. he looks up when the door knob turns. "someones at the door..." Bee whispers.

"its okay. just relax. I'm sure its the police."

"stop! don't open the door! I swear I'll shoot! Uncle Liam taught me how! I-I'll blow your brains out!" Bee shouts.

"take it easy kid." a female voice says. "we're the police. I'm gonna open the door now." the woman says carefully, opening the door slowly. Bee points the gun at the door, swallowing hard as it slowly swings open. "you Michael?" the woman asks, eyes glued to the gun in his hands.

"thats me." he says hesitantly, clutching the gun tightly.

"hi I'm JJ. is Sam in here too?" JJ ask.

"did you get that monster out of here?" Bee ask.

"yes. Nathan is out of here and both your uncles are being loaded up into ambulances now. alright?" JJ ask. Bee nods a little, lowering the gun.

"Sams in the closet." Bee murmurs, stepping away to put the gun back into the dresser.

"let go of me! let go! thats my husband! I'm not going anywhere without him!" Ironhide shouts.

"Liam!" Bee shouts, shoving the officers out of his way and racing down the stairs. "Liam!" Bee shouts, running outside. Ironhides holding his side, covered in blood, trying to push the officers away. they were attempting to get him in a separate ambulance from Will.

"Michael?" Ironhide ask, looking over. Bee runs over to him quickly, shoving the cops out of his way, before hugging him as tight as he can. Ironhide hisses, grimacing in pain, before wrapping an arm around him. "you and Sam alright?" Ironhide ask.

"us!? what about you and Will!?" Bee asks.

"I'm fine. or I would be if they'd let me ride in the ambulance with him!" Ironhide snaps.

"just get in I'll get Sam to ride with Will and I'll grab the truck." Bee assures.

"I'll get the truck. you're family. you ride with Will." Sam assures running up behind them. Ironhide doesn't even hesitate, grabbing Sam and yanking him into the hug. Sam stiffens immediately.

"fine Sam can take the truck I'll ride with Will, just get in the ambulance." Bee murmurs, heading over towards Wills ambulance. he climbs in quickly, not sure what to expect. Wills unconscious, bleeding from two or three different bullet holes. he's pale and looks dead, but he's whimpering and his fingers are twitching. Bee sits and takes his hand gently, holding it. "its okay, Liam will meet us at the hospital. its okay." Bee murmurs, squeezing his hand gently. Will moans and slowly opens his eyes to look at him. "Sam and Liam are okay. I promise you. just hang in there Will." Bee murmurs. Will winces and closes his eyes, squeezing his hand gently.

they pull up to the hospital with Ironhide and Sam right behind them. Sam parks the truck quickly and is at Ironhides side the moment they get him out of the ambulance.

Bee's got blood on him, watching them wheel Will away. Sam doesn't look any better as they wheel Ironhide off.

"Sam! are you okay?" Bee ask, walking over quickly.

"I've never seen Ironhide so upset." Sam says softly. "hows Will?" Sam ask.

"he was unconscious through most the ride... he wouldn't let go of my hand though... I've never seen either of them like this." he murmurs, wiping at his face.

"h-hey, don't cry. its okay." Sam assures gently.

"Will didn't look good Sam...." Bee sniffles.

"you've known Will your whole life right?" Sam asks.

"no. I've known Liam my whole life. but he and Will met when they were 16 and in high school. they met a year before I was born, but I didn't meet Will until I was 10. he and Liam joined the military and moved off... but he's still my uncle and I care about him." Bee mumbles.

"I know, but you've known both of them long enough to know they're not gonna let this be the end. its going to be okay." Sam assures. he leads the man over to a chair and sits with him. "they'll be alright. I care about both of them, but Will has to be really strong to be married to Hide. they'll be alright." Sam assures. Bee nods sniffling.

"okay." he mumbles.

"I never ment to get any of you into this mess. I never ment for them to get hurt... I would've stayed with Nathan if it ment you guys didn't get hurt." Sam murmurs.

"don't say that. Liam and Will would have never allowed that." Bee murmurs. Sam nods a little and pats his leg.

"it'll be alright." he assures gently. Bee smiles at him a little, but its gone in a flash as he turns to look at the clock.

three hours feels like eternity in the waiting room, but suddenly they hear shouting.

"sir you need to get back in your bed! you can't go out there!"

"sir please come back to bed!"

"don't fucking touch me! who the hell do you think you are?!"

Bee and Sam share a look before getting up.

"Ironhides awake." Sam mutters.

"and very unhappy." Bee frowns. they walk towards the door but Ironhide bursts through, looking angry. his left shoulder is in a sling, he has no shirt on and is covered in blood and bruises, and attempting to button his pants with his right hand. his bare feet are slapping against the ground angrily.

"boys." Ironhide mutters. immediately the two walk over. Bees quick to snap the button his pants for him. having only one good arm doesn't stop the bigger man from hugging them both tightly to his chest. he'd been worried about them both, even if he was more worried about Will. "you two alright?" he grumbles.

"better now that I know your okay." Bee mutters, hugging him tightly.

"we weren't injured." Sam assures, squished against the two. the bigger man lets them go. Sam and Bee step back away from him.

"and Will? have you two heard anything?" Ironhide ask.

"they took him back into surgery about an hour ago. haven't heard anything since." Sam frowns.

"but we had to force that out of them, they didn't want to tell us at all." Bee adds. Ironhide growls as the doors behind them open.

"sir you need to get back in bed. where is your hospital gown? how did you find your clothes?" a woman frowns, walking over. she's dressed as a nurse and is probably Ironhides attending. he whirls around to face her.

"where's my husband?" Ironhide ask.

"sir you need to-" she tries.

"where is my husband?" Ironhide demands.

"Mr.Dominquez-" she tries.

"the names Ironhide and I want to know where William Lennox is." he snaps.

"Mr.Dominquez you need to get back in bed right now." the woman orders. Ironhide growls dangerously.

"look Brigette, you seem like a real nice lady and I don't want to cause you any trouble." Ironhide says carefully. he glares her down immediately after the words are out of his mouth. "but I'm only gonna ask politely one more time. where. is. my. husband?" Ironhide snaps.

"if you will go back to bed I will get an update on him." Brigette says.

"was that so hard?" Ironhide glares. "c'mon boys." Ironhide mutters, heading back for his room.

"they can't come with." Brigette frowns.

"they're family." he glares.

"oh yeah?" Brigette ask. "and who are they?" Brigette ask.

"I'm his nephew." Bee murmurs.

"yeah and you?" Bridgette ask, looking at Sam. Sam side eyes Bee unsure what to say.

"well duh, he's my nephews fiance. now are you going to continue to harass my family or can we go find out about my husband?" Ironhide snaps. Sam stares at Ironhide, almost horrified. he and Michael weren't even dating, let alone engaged! but it gets the desired answer and Brigette waves them on back.

only once Ironhide is securly back in bed, does she head off to find information about Will.

"you two have to think faster than that." Ironhide mutters.

"oh yeah? mr.liar?" Sam huffs.

"did you want back here or not. back here with me, we'll all get updates on Will. upfront, you're not getting anything." Ironhide glares.

"he's right Sam. I don't know about you but Wills important to me and I want all the information on his health I can get." Bee says. Sam frowns a minute before looking at Ironhide.

"what happened down there?" Sam ask.

"idiot broke in. we got in a fight and Will shot at him. only, the bullet went straight through Nathan and into my shouler. hurting us both. we faught and bumped Will, knocking the gun from his hands. Nathan managed to get a hold of it. he shot Will twice before I managed to get to him." Ironhide explains. "so I put a bullet in the bastards head." he growls. Ironhide would protect his family. hurting Sam or Michael or even hurting Will was one thing, but shooting Will? that was a death sentence.

"wait so, Will shot you? not Nathan?" Bee ask.

"it was an accident. Will didn't mean to shoot me. he got so caught up in that, thats the reason he lost the gun when we bumped him." Ironhide mutters. all three look over when Brigette re-enters the room. "how is he?" Ironhide ask.

"he's out of surgery. he lost a pretty good amount of blood, but he's going to be okay. though you two will have matching arm slings for a little while. the first bullet entered his shoulder and went straight through, unlike yours which lodged in your shoulder blade and got stuck. Mr.Lennox got lucky on the second bullet. has your husband previously broken any ribs?" Brigette asks. Ironhide looks confused before nodding.

"yeah several times. an ex broke one of his ribs when he was 15. then he broke one in basic training. some guy pushed him out of the back of Humvee, that was about 10 years ago. then a couple of years ago, we were doing some practicing with parachutes. he got caught up in the wind and wrapped in his cords. they caught on a tree and squeezed him til his ribs broke, broke three then. why?" Ironhide ask.

"well, one of those incidents, probably the last one, cause a bone fragment to get lodged between two bones of his rib cage. it stayed there and attached itself to the other bone around it. that fragment saved his life." Brigette explains.

"huh... told him it was lucky he survived." Ironhide mutters. "I want to see him." he frowns.

"you can see him after you've been released." Brigette assures.

"then I want to sit with him." Bee says getting up quickly. "he's my uncle and he shouldn't be alone. Sam stay here with Liam." Bee murmurs. Sam nods

"yeah. alright." Sam agrees.

"I'll update you guys on his condition, just keep me updated on this one." Bee smiles. Ironhide glares at him.

"I'm fine." Ironhide grumbles. Sam nods and waves his phone at Bumblebee. the blond smiles and nods, patting his pocket, before following Brigette.

"what the hell was that?" Ironhide mutters, looking at Sam.

"he'll video call me once the nurse gets him over there so you can see Will." Sam assures, taking his backpack off. Ironhide hadn't even noticed he had it.

"whats that for?" he mutters.

"oh, its got phone charges, food, extra clothes for you and Will. all that fun stuff. I figured we might be here a while." Sam shrugs. "oh and your cellphone is also in there, so is Wills." Sam adds. Ironhide nods. "how bads your shoulder?" he ask.

"bullet lodged into my shoulder blade from the front. cracked the bone pretty good, but I'm not worried about it. I was fine after some surgery." Ironhide shrugs. Sam looks down when his phone goes off, quickly answering the skype call.

"how is he?" Sam ask.

"brace yourselves." Bee murmurs. Sam crouches over the bed so Ironhide can see as well. Bee turns the video around and Wills laying on the bed. his eyes are cracked open slightly, watching the man in front of him.

"ain' dead yet." he manages quietly. his voice is raw and his throat is scratchy, like he's been gargling glass. it hurts to talk but he does it anyway.

"I thought he was unconscious?" Ironhide ask.

"wasn't when I walked in. they were just pulling the tube out of his throat when I got here." Bee murmurs, bringing the phone closer to Will.

"Liam...?" Will murmurs.

"don't worry. I'm just a few rooms down from you." Ironhide assures gently.

"I shot you..." Will murmurs, reaching for the phone. Bee hands it to him carefully.

"and? it was an accident. I lived. don't worry about it. what happened to that accidents happen shit you were telling me about." Ironhide chuckles.

"I could'a killed you..." Will mumbles.

"I probably deserve it." Ironhide teases.

"no y'don'. don' say that." Will mumbles, eyes slipping closed again. Bee adjusts the phone gently.

"just rest Will. everythings going to be okay. I can promise you that. we'll get out in a few days everything will be alright." Ironhide assures gently. Will nods a little before wincing.

"m'kay. what happened to Nathan? he here too? were Sam or Bee injured?" Will asks.

"Nathans dead. I put a bullet in his head. Sam and Bee are just fine though. you can ask Bee he's in the room with you. Sams with me. both are fine. Prowl and Lucky are fine too." Ironhide assures.

"everyone is okay Will. just you and Hide got hurt but you'll both live. everythings good. you just focus on getting better. me and Bee will handle the rest." Sam assures. Will nods a little.

"can' stay 'wake." he mumbles.

"then don't get some rest. okay? we'll be out of here in a few days." Ironhide assures.

"no." Will mumbles. "m'babies okay?" Will asks.

"the dogs? yeah Will. they're okay. I promise." Ironhide assures gently. Sam gives Ironhide a confused look.

"didn't you already say that?" Sam ask quietly.

"he's tired and got meds in his system Sam, he's alright." Ironhide murmurs.

"Liam?" Will ask. Sam hands the phone to Ironhide, the man nods, taking it carefully.

"yes baby?" he murmurs. Sam sits quietly.

"m'sorry I shot you." Will murmurs.

"don't worry about it Will." Ironhide assures.

"I shoulda listen t' you." Will murmurs.

"Will, don't worry about it. okay? I probably would've been dead if you had listened to me alright?" Ironhide soothes.

"but I shot you-" Will starts.

"Will, stop. please. we'll talk about this when you're not pumped full of pain killers and sounding like you're going to cry. okay?" Ironhide murmurs. "don't get upset here. don't start crying okay? don't worry over it. I'm just a few rooms down from you, okay? I'm alive and you're alive. everyone is alive." Ironhide soothes.

"m'kay sorry." Will mutters, moving to wipe his face.

"just relax Will." Ironhide murmurs. "like I said, we can talk about everything once we get out of the hospital." Ironhide soothes. Will nods, wincing. he whines softly. "Bee, kid take the phone from Will. he's going to drop it." Ironhide frowns.

"no way. don't." Will mumbles, clutching the phone.

"I don't have a phone charger. my phones going to die soon." Bee frowns.

"meet me in the hallway Bee. I grabbed it for you." Sam says, getting up.

"alright." Bee murmurs. Ironhide watches Sam head out of the room.

"Bee gone?" Ironhide ask.

"yeah. he's gone." Will murmurs.

"I think this incident might actually get them on a date." Ironhide mutters, grinning at Will. Will smiles back, but his teeth are all bloody. Will brings his hand up immediately to cover his mouth.

"my teeth..." Will mumbles. Ironhide smiles at him a little.

"don't worry. you're still gorgeous baby." he murmurs softly.

"idiot." Will mumbles. Ironhide snorts. "now you mind yourself okay?" Will mumbles.

"me? you're the one who always gets too excited when you get pain killers." Ironhide frowns.

"they make me horny. can' help it." Will grumbles.

"well thats gross to walk in on." Sam mutters. Will bursts into giggles and Ironhide chuckles, watching Will.

"ignore him. he's high on pain meds." Ironhide mutters. Sam watches Ironhide, the older man has a genuine and sweet smile on his face watching Will.

"I like the pain meds." Will mumbles.

"too much it seems." Bee teases.

"hey, you get shot an tell me you don't like the pain meds." Will grumbles. "an I can't feel nothing!" Will giggles.

"he's just a little high." Ironhide chuckles softly. he smiles a little at his husband. "behave Will, its only for a few days." he snorts.

they finally get released almost a week later. the ride home is a long one as Ironhide gets car sick if he's not driving and Will gets car sick on long rides. they compromise the best they can by having Sam drive, Ironhide ride shotgun, and Bee sit in the back with Will laying over his lap, just to attempt riding without anyone getting car sick.

"Will are you alright?" Sam asks, looking in the rear view mirror.

"he's fine Sam. he's still a little out of it. how far away are we?" Bee asks.

"'bout 10 minutes." Ironhide grumbles. "just relax. long as he's layin' down he won't puke." Ironhide mumbles.

"he's not the one I'm really worried about Liam." Bee frowns. "Uncle Liam, you're looking a little green, are you alright?" he asks.

"I'm fine." Ironhide mutters.

"just a few more minutes Ironhide." Sam assures.

pulling up to the house is a relief. Ironhide can't get himself out of the truck. he needs a few minutes to gather himself and not get sick.

"you guys get him inside, I'm gonna need a few minutes." Ironhide mumbles.

"right. come on Bee, we'll get him in first, then come back for Ironhide." Sam murmurs. Bee nods at him. it takes them a few minutes to get Will up and out of the backseat, he's still too loopy on pain meds to walk himself, so the two will have to carry him, they may end up carrying Ironhide as well.

they're careful, one on each side of Will as they basically carry the man inside and upstairs to his bed. Wills giggling to himself quietly as they lay him down.

"stay here Will. we're going to bring Ironhide to you, alright?" Sam asks.

"okie dokie!" Will giggles. Sam and Bee sigh a little, before heading downstairs to go after Ironhide.

to their utter shock, Ironhide has managed to get himself out and to the base of the stairs, without them noticing.

"we were coming back for you." Bee assures.

"I'm fine, just a little car sick. I can walk on my own. just got a bum arm." Ironhide mutters. "move and let me up." Ironhide mumbles. Sam and Bee carefully move out of the mans way. Ironhide stops to catch his breath at the top of the stairs, before looking at the two younger men. he mumbles a little and leans against a wall, using his good arm to reach into his back pocket.

"hey are you alright?" Sam asks. he nods silently, pulling his wallet out, before tossing it at Bee.

"wh-what?" Bee ask.

"take the truck and my debit card and go get you guys some dinner. see a movie or something. just go and get out of the house for a bit. let us sleep." Ironhide mumbles.

"but we can't just-" Sam tries.

"you can and you will. get out. I haven't slept properly in almost a week. if you two stay here and wake me up, I'll kill you both, now take my care and get the hell out of my house for a few hours so we can sleep. got it?" Ironhide ask. "and I'm not asking here. get out, get dinner, see a movie, go for a drive. do something. let me have time with my husband." Ironhide adds.

"a-are you sure?" Sam ask.

"yes go." Ironhide mumbles. he heads towards his and Wills room. Wills laying on their bed quietly watching the ceiling. he can faintly hear Sam and Bee leaving behind him.

Ironhide mumbles and pulls his sling off. he sighs to himself and pulls his shirt off, hissing quietly, before pulling his sling back on. he winces and rubs his shoulder, before heading over to Will. he Will grins at him when Ironhide stands over him.

"hey baby." Will grins.

"hey. I'm gonna take your shirt off and have myself a look at your wounds, okay?" Ironhide ask.

"m'kay." Will mumbles.

"it might hurt a little, but its okay. its alright. i just need to see okay?" Ironhide murmurs.

"m'kay Hide. where'd the boys go...?" Will murmurs.

"you finally coming down from you high?" Ironhide ask. Will mumbles a little and Ironhide chuckles. "okay baby, just let me have a look alright? I haven't really gotten to see you since before they loaded you up in the ambulance." Ironhide murmurs, leaning down to kiss his head.

"that kiss better land right here on my lips or I'm punching you." Will mutters. Ironhide laughs but does as he asks and kisses him before pulling back gently.

"fine, now can I see where you got shot? please?" Ironhide ask.

"yeah. m'kay." Will agrees. Ironhide nods a little and carefully peels his husbands shirt off so he can see the healing wounds. he needs to see them and get his mind straight that Will is alive and alright. Ironhide runs his fingers gently over the bandages, only stopping when Will lifts his hand and gently runs his fingers over Ironhides wound gently. "m'sorry." Will mumbles, sitting up slowly.

"don't start that again. don't get upset here, don't start crying. its alright. I promise. its alright." he murmurs hugging the man tightly.

"m'sorry. I never meant to shoot you." Will murmurs tearfullly.

"shhhhh. its okay. hold on, stay here, the dogs are in Sams room. I'll let them out so they can love on you okay?" Ironhide ask.

"okay..." Will agrees quietly. Ironhide smiles and gets up, heading to let the dogs out. Will sits up and waits quietly. Prowl and Lucky waste no time, running into the room as fast as possible. both immediately jump up onto the bed, barking and wagging their tails excitedly. "hey guys..." Will murmurs, cuddling them.

"see, everythings alright. we're soldiers Will, s'not the first time I've been shot." Ironhide murmurs. "hell, this isn't even the first time you've ever shot me." Ironhide snorts. Will looks confused.

"I've never shot you." Will mumbles.

"see, thats where I lied to you. remember how I got my nickname in a training exercise?" Ironhide ask.

"yeah someone had a bullet bounce and it hit you." Will mumbles. "and no one figured out who it was because we never found the bullet." Will adds.

"and why do you think no one ever found that bullet?" Ironhide ask.

"I dunno, why?" Will ask.

"because I did. that was back when our training shells were colored. yours were blue. yours were always blue. you'd get disappointed if you didn't get the blue so I always grabbed them for you, just in case." Ironhide shrugs a little.

"wait, are you saying I shot you.... then gave you a nickname from me shooting you?" Will ask.

"yup and I promised I'd never tell you, but this seemed like a good time to break that promise. see? I'm alright. shit happens Will. I'm not worried about it. I ain't dead yet, so I'm fine." Ironhide assures. Will goes quiet a moment, before glaring.

"what else had you lied to me about?" he frowns.

"nothing like that I promise." Ironhide assures.

"but you have lied." Will frowns. Ironhide rolls his eyes.

"yes. Lucky wasn't the only pup I found alive, but the other one didn't make it. happy?" Ironhide ask, raising an eye brow.

"no. not really..." Will mumbles.

"well how about the fact I just sent Sam and Bee on a date to leave us alone for a bit?" Ironhide ask. Will looks over.

"you set them up?" he mumbles.

"gave them my card and told them to go do something." Ironhide shrugs, laying on the bed beside him. Will immediately snuggles up to his side.

"a couple of cripples." Will mumbles.

"I am not cripple. I just have a bum arm. watch your mouth." Ironhide warns. Will chuckles nuzzling up to him.

"sorry." he murmurs.

"shhhh. just rest Will." Ironhide murmurs softly, kissing his head. the two snuggle together and fall asleep.

when Ironhide wakes up, their bedside clock says 6AM. he carefully peels himself away from Will gently and heads downstairs. he pauses immediately when he gets down the stairs and Michaels bed is empty.

"Michael?" he asks, looking around. he frowns and looks at the couch. its empty too. deciding breakfast can wait, he rushes back up the stairs to check and see if Sam is here. he swears he heard the truck go into the garage. had something happened to the two? surely someone would've called and woken them up. "Sam are you- oh." Ironhide pauses. the two are curled up in the bed, snoring. it appears the two had barely even made it to the bed as they laying on top of the blanket and Sam still has his shoes on. he smirks immediately and heads to get his phone.

"Hide?" Will mumbles, shifting to look at him. "what are you doing?" Will asks.

"hold on. give me just a second baby, I'll be right back." Ironhide grins, heading out of the room. Will lays confused on the bed. he'd get up and follow his husband, but his body aches. Ironhide comes back after a few minutes and holds his phone out to Will. "here, this is what I was doing." Ironhide murmurs. Will reaches up to take it and grins immediately.

"hey, does that mean I win?" Will ask.

"you win? no way. I win." Ironhide huffs.

"you pushed them." Will frowns.

"I nudged, gently." Ironhide huffs.

"oh yeah? nudged with a rifle maybe." Will grins.

"how about we both consider this a win? hmm?" Ironhide ask. Will grins and rolls his eyes.

"you just don't want to admit that I win." Will murmurs.

"I refuse to lose, even to you." Ironhide smirks a little.

"Liam." Will frowns.

"huh?" Ironhide ask.

"you're such a dick." Will huffs. Ironhide grins at him, leaning down to kiss him. Will huffs and pushes him away, sitting up slowly.

"rejection. alright." Ironhide mutters.

"you're a jerk." Will mumbles.

"I get it. I'm a jerk. sorry, fine you win." Ironhide chuckles, smiling. "but I helped you win." Ironhide says. Will snorts a little.

"yeah... okay. you helped me win." Will smiles a little. he winces, rubbing his side.

"take it easy. come on. I'll help you down the stairs and start breakfast alright?" Ironhide murmurs. Will nods and lets Ironhide help him out of bed. Will couldn't get up himself, but at least he'd won the bet.