FIC:"Night of the Coffin"

Author: S.

firstcorpsanv@webtv.net

Fandom: "The Wild, Wild West"

Pairing: J. West/A. Gordon

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this series nor am I making any profit.

Summary: After a misunderstanding between the partners, they are reunited by a coffin.

Rating: NC-17 m/m


Night of the Coffin
by S.

Artemus Gordon was at the end of his patience. For the past week his partner,James West, had been moody and short-tempered.

Artie had to admit that the failue of his latest experiment and the resulting need to evacuate their sleeping car was unfortunate, but did Jim have to be so sarcastic and biting in his tone? Heaven knows James West wasn't perfect! Well maybe he was, but Artie would never tell him that.

The tension had finally exploded when Jim brought a female back to the train for a little dalliance. Jim thought that Artie had gone into town for a similar dalliance, but unfortunately Artie had caught a bug of some type and was now retching into the chamber pot.

The furious look on Jim's face had cowed the nausea, so Artemus Gordon took himself off to spend the night in the caboose. Of course, he didn't actually have a bed, but blankets were better than nothing. Plus he really did not expect to get much sleep anyway.

Artie waited until Jim took the young lady back to town the next morning, then he left a note for his partner: "Sorry I've been getting on your nerves. Colonel Richmond has given us permission for a few days off. Will return on the 10th. Artemus"

Today was the 5th so that way James could have some time away from his partner. The only problem was that Artie felt horrible. He decided to just go ino the nearby town and get a hotel room for the 5 days. Maybe with enough sleep, he'd feel better.

Upon his return, James West glanced at the note and immediately recognized that he would have some free time. He began to plan what to do with his 5 days.

"Sam, do we have any extra firewood. I plan to take a long, hot bath and I don't want to run out."

"Don't know for sure, Mr. West. Mr. Gordon usually keeps an eye on our fuel supplies so I can just concentrate on driving this here train. Guess he didn't feel like checking it out last night."

"What do you mean?"

"He was up most of the night sick. I heard him a coupla times."

Artie was sick? Maybe that's why he didn't go into town.

"Oh I remember now. He had me stock some special in that bin just in case you wanted to take one of your soaks after that last mission of yours."

It was that last mission that had started all of the problems between the partners.

A female named Esmerelda Dawson had made it clear that she liked Jim. Artie, on the other hand, felt she was not one to be trusted. So like a caring partner, he had followed them one night, only to have Jim pick up on the tail. James West read the riot act to Artemus Gordon, something unheard of in their partnership.

Two days later they had left Stone City because Colonel Richmond had telegraphed that the suspect they were chasing had been seen in the little town of Trestle Creek.

Just as they neared the small town, they received another telegram informing them that Josiah Trenton had been gunned down by parties unknown so the case was closed for the time being. They were ordered to stay there until more facts could be determined.

Artie had half-expected Jim to either go riding into Trestle Creek to find out those facts or to ride back to Stone City to continue his attentions to Miss Dawson. Jim had done neither, but now he intended to make up for lost time in Stone City.



NEXT DAY

James T. West rode up to the saloon in Stone City. The town was quiet. Just what he wanted--no bank roberies, no murders or mad scientists to deter his purpose. He had decided not to take his bath at the train because the one thing that Stone City did have was a mineral spa and massage parlor. He'd indulge himseslf and then look up the desirable Esmerelda.

Unfortunately Artemus Gordon was not contemplating a relaxing massage, but was once again retching along the side of the road. He had decided that perhaps he should consult a doctor and that meant a visit to Stone City. (Trestle Creek did not have a doctor.) He really did't want to go back to Stone City, but his stomach distress seemed worth the risk. Maybe Jim wouldn't be there wooing Esmerelda!

At that very moment Jim, however, was doing his utmost to convince that same woman to have dinner with him.

"Oh Mr. West, I can't go out with you tonight. My brother Lucius is here from St. Louis. I really cannot just leave him here alone. He's here for such a short time that I do like to keep him company as much as I can."

Jim was just about to suggest the next evening when Esmerelda exclaimed, "Oh I know, why don't you come to dinner here? That way you can meet him. He's a man of action too."

Jim didn't really want to accept the invitation, but did. Maybe there would some time for privacy later in the evening.

"See you at 7:00."

To kill time and also to relax, Jim went over to the saloon for a couple of beers. He even allowed himself a few hands of poker, something he rarely indulged in.

When Artie reached Stone City, he stopped by the Doctor's office only to find a note indicating that the good doctor was delivering a baby and not expected to return that day. Artie groaned and headed to the hotel.

His current streak of bad luck continued with the discovery that the hotel was full with a sheep herders convention!! In a cattle town no less! Desperate, he went over to the saloon and managed to persuade the barkeep to let him have their last available room--if you could call it that. In actuality it was nothing more than a closet with a bed in it, but at least it was a bed.

Since Jim had been dressing for dinner, he missed Artie's arrival. At precisely 7:00 James T. West knocked on Esmerelda Dawson's door.

"Oh Mr. West, please come in and meet Lucius. I've told him all about you and he is definitely intrigued."

From the parlor emerged a small man with thin hair, glasses and an unpleasant smile.

How could these two ever be related?

"Mr. West, this is my brother, Lucius Dawson."

"Delighted, Mr. West. Dear Esmerelda has told me so much about you."

"Shall we go into dinner? I'm sure you must be hungry."

Jim had to admit that the meal was excellent. The wine was superb. "Lucius is a connoisseur of fine wines. It was he who selected this vintage."

After dinner, Lucius suggested a brandy; but as soon as Jim got up to head to the parlor, the room began to tilt and then reversed. For one instant Jim looked at Esmerelda whose face seemed to merge with that of her brother, then all went black.

Artemus Gordon's world was also black but that was because he had finally managed to get some hours of uninterrupted sleep. He had hoped to partake of the famous mineral baths, but they were closed until the morning.

It's probably just as well since I might have gone to sleep and drowned.

Now after several hours of much needed sleep he felt better. Maybe I won't have to spend the whole 5 days in bed after all.

Suddenly the door to his room burst open. Two men came in with guns blazing. Making a quick choice, Artie flung himself out the window, rolling down the slanted roof and hitting the ground with thud.

When he arose there was a sharp pain in his right ankle and his ribs sent out stabbing jabs. The secret agent ignored the aches and headed to the stable for his horse.

Once again his bad luck came to the fore as there were 2 thugs waiting there. He reversed himself before he was seen and headed towards the other end of town.

In order to avoid the original thugs, he ducked into an alley. Oh great -- 4 against 1--not good odds even if Jim was here. Finding no
unlocked doors, he decided to try the street again. Empty! First bit of luck I had in days.

As quickly as his ankle would allow.. Artie made his way out of the little town. Just at the edge was a small cemetery. He settled down behind a large mausoleum to let his ankle rest and to make plans. He needed a diversion so he could get to his horse. Exhausted and in pain, his brain couldn't seem to come up with anything. Where was Jim West when you really needed him?

James West awoke to find himself in a metal box. In fact it reminded him of a coffin as it just fit his body. At first he was concerned about the air supply unil he realized that there seemed to be a breathing tube attached. The box was cold and dark.

Jim pounded on the sides, but only hurt his hand. James West was not a man to panic, but it didn't take long to realize that he was in a precarious position. Where was Artemus Gordon when you really needed him?

That same Artemus Gordon was just about to launch his diversion when he realized that he was not alone in the cemetery. A party of 6 came through the trees. By lantern light he could see the 4 huge thugs that had been chasing him. Now they seemed to be pulling a cart with a box on it. The box must have been heavy since the thugs seemed to straining with the load.

Behind the thugs and carrying the lantern, came Lucius and Esmerelda. "Now my dear, we shall see the end of James West. Once I pull out that
tube, the coffin will become his tomb. Can't you just imagine it--the perfect secret service man gasping for air until he dies? TeeHee!"

"Well it serves him right for what he did to Papa!"

"Yes, our dear papa deserved better than such callous treatment at the hands of a fiend like West."

The cart stopped just a few feet from Artemus. The thugs tipped out the box into a large open grave and then began to shovel in dirt. "Wait. Just let me pull that tube and it's 'Adieu, Mr. West'." All in the party turned and left.

Jim! As soon as they were out of sight, Artie moved to the grave. Frantically he dug. Fortunately the dirt was not deep, but there seemed no way into the box!

Finally he found a small crack line where it had been sealed. He filled the crevice with a mixture of his own devising. It sizzled, sputtered and smelled horrible, but it worked. The lid opened just enough for Artie to pry up the lid. Jim lay there not breathing.

Artie began a technique he had seen once used by a doctor on a drowning victim. He pushed on Jim's chest and breathed into his mouth. In and out. "Please Jim, please."

Suddenly Jim's eyes flew open and he gasped, "Artie?" "Yah, it's me." He helped his partner sit up.

"How'd you get here? Where are Esmerelda and Lucius? They drugged me and next thing I knew I was in that box. God, it was horrible--buried alive."

Helping Jim to stand, Artie said, "Come on, they can't be too far ahead of us."

"Good, because I intend to find out why they tried to kill me."

As they started to walk, Jim noticed that Artie was limping so Artemus had to relate his travails. "I'll tell you one thing though, it's made me forget my stomach."

"Uh yeah Artie, I'm sorry about the other night on the train. I didn't know you were sick."

"It's okay. I know that I get on your nerves sometimes."

"I guess it happens to people who are together so much."

Great. Now he doesn't want to be around me.

The 2 agents knocked on the Dawson door. Even injured they had little difficulty subduing the 2 hugh thugs. It was evident that Dawson had hired them for brawn, not brains. However, the Dawsons and the other 2 thugs were not to be found. It didn't take much persuasion to discover that the party of 4 had left time via the road west.

"Artie, you stay here and I'll go after them."

"No way. You might need backup."

"But your ankle?"

"I am going."

"Fine, have it your way."

Soon the Dawsons were in sight.

Lucius stopped the carriage. He was obviously annoyed at seeing West alive.

"Mr. West, how did you..?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Oh Mr. West, I am so glad that you're alive. I didn't want Lucius to do that but he...."

"Save it, Esmerelda. All I want to know is why you tried to kill me?"

"You killed our father, Ambrose Dawson."

"Ambrose Dawson? You mean that maniac who tried to asphyxiate half of Denver?"

"That is as may be, but he was just trying benefit mankind. His experiment got a litlte out of control, that's all."

Just then out of the corner of his eye, Artemus saw the other 2 thugs. They were aiming at Jim. Letting off 2 rapid shots, he had the great satisfaction of seeing them both fall to the ground.

Jim reacted quickly, but it was obvious that the thugs would cause no more problems.

With the thugs dead, Lucius and Esmerelda were easily escorted to the Stone City jail. Artie let Jim handle the paperwork since his ankle was killing him. He made his way back to the saloon hoping to get some sleep.

As he opened the door of the small room, he remembered the shambles his hurried exit had made. The room was a disaster. He started to grab some blankets so he could sleep downstairs when Jim came up behind him. "Messy aren't you?" Artie was too tired to laugh.

'Come on down to my room. For tonight we can share."

"Are you sure? You don't have to."

"I figure I owe you for getting me out of that coffin."

Jim rapidly went to sleep, but then he could sleep anywhere. Artie's ankle hurt plus he had a great deal to think about.

Being Jim's partner had always good, but now he wanted more from him. He looked over at the younger man. I'd sell my soul for just one
night with him. He'd never let himself think that way before. It was just too dangerous, but Jim's moodiness and reaction to Artie's tailing seemed to indicate that Jim didn't want to be partners any longer. Maybe I should make this vacation permanent. On that thought he fell asleep.

In the morning Artemus was still determined to have his mineral bath and massage so headed to the spa early. Jim had not been in the room and Artie assumed that his partner really didn't want to associate with him any more than necessary.

So he was quite surprised to find Jim at the spa when he arrived. "Hey Partner, come on in. The water is hot and feels great." Gingerly Artie tried to step into the pool of swirling water, but misjudged and slipped.

Strong arms stopped him from going under. "Artie, you've got to be more careful. You need to go to the doctor for that ankle. We'll do that right after breakfast."

Artemus was confused. Why is he being so friendly? He's barely spoken to me for weeks.

"Here, let me scrub your back."

Artie felt the sponge caressing off the dirt and dried blood from the window glass. It felt wonderful.

"If you think this feels good, just wait until you have a massage. The table's in there. Go ahead, you can go first."

Artie lay facedown on the table with a towel over his middle. Soon he felt hands spreading warm oil on his back, massaging tight muscles. He tried to look up, but the hands pushed him down. They kept rubbing. Artie felt terrific as the hands moved to the shoulders, down the back and then to the legs. The hands even did his feet and ankles. The pain in the right one almost seemed to vanish.

Then the towel was removed. The hands began to knead the lower back and buttocks. Artie tensed for a second, but the caresses continued. Then the hands turned him over.

"JIM!" "What...what are you doing?"

"Just giving you a massage. Mind if I continue?" Jim just looked at him and then started to rub his shoulder, down across his chest and stomach. Next came the front of his thighs. Artemus almost stopped breathing when Jm's hands, slick with oil, grasped his cock. Artie groaned at he incredible sensation. First, the younger agent was gentle, but as it became obviious that his partner was close, he increased the pace until Artie climaxed, spilling all over the caressing hands.

After several moments, the older agent opened his eyes. "Why?"

"I wanted to give you pleasure."

"Oh God, you did, but I don't understand."

"Let's get you cleaned up and go back to the room. I prefer privacy."

Artie smiled. Funny--considering what he just did.

Once back in the room, Artemus looked at his partner. "Okay, what's going on? For 2 weeks you've acted like I was a leper. Now...now you do this."

James came up close to the agent, "Didn't you enjoy it?"

"You know I did. That's not the point."

"Isn't it? You're my partner. You're the most important person in the world to me. Shouldn't I be able to give you pleasure?"

Artie turned away. "I thought you didn't want to be partners anymore." Jim was astonished. "Why would you think that?"

"After that incident with Esmerelda, what else would I think?"

"Artie I don't know what to say. I was desperate. Then I met her and was infatuated with her beauty I guess. But then when I took her to dinner (after yelling at you), she kept talking about you. She kept saying that you were jealous. I laughed but when I thought about it--I bagan to wonder if she was right. When I got back to the train, I kept noticing you. I couldn't forget what she said. I'll admit it spooked me. I mean every body knows I like women."

"Then one night I had this dream. You were in my bed kissing me. At first I pushed you away, but then I began to like it. I was so aroused that I almost came in my sleep. When I awoke I was so hard, that I had to go take care of it. Since then I've been thinking about the 2 of us together. That's all that I can think of."

"Then why did you go to Esmerelda's house?"

James looked shamefaced. "That was my last ditch effort. I thought if I could take her to bed, I could break your spell. But when you got me out of that coffin and I looked into your eyes, I knew it was hopeless. It's you I want."

Artie gasped. He never thought he'd ever hear Jim say that about a man--and especially one Artemus Gordon.

Jim had been holding himself back. Now he pounced on his partner. He kissed, licked, and gently bit as much skin as he could reach. Then he stopped. Artie wasn't responding. "Artie, don't you want this? You seemed to like what I did before."

Artie stepped back. "Jim, I don't think I can do this." The look in Jim's eyes stabbed Artie's heart.

"I', sorry. I thought...well...I thought...."

"James, I'd love to have sex with you anytime, anywhere, but soon it wouldn't be enough. What I want, I don't think you're prepared to give--and if we start I know I'll never be able to walk away."

"Walk away? Why would you do that?"

"Because I love you too much and I guess you don't feel the same. It would kill me to see you with a beautiful woman so let's just say partners only and then we can stay friends as well."

With that Jim pushed Artie onto the couch, kissing him frantically. "Oh God, Artie, don't you understand? I don't want a 1-night affair. I want us to be true partners. I love you." For a moment Artie felt light-headed. Could this be true?

"Come on, Partner, let's go to bed and believe me by tomorrow you won't have any doubts about my feelings for you."

At dawn the next day, Artemus Gordon had to admit that his partner was right again.



THE END