A/N: I wrote this some time ago, so I'm not sure why I never got it up on here when I put it up on LJ. Anyhow, this short tale doesn't fit into any particular time line. It just happened sometime in the Lorne Bros Universe. Be sure to tell me what you think!

-

--

Dr. Carson Beckett approached Lt. Lorne's infirmary bed, around which the curtain had been securely shut. Marcus had been attacked by a wild animal while off-world a couple days before. Evan had said it looked like a house cat. Mars swore it had been at least three times that size. Whichever the case, Carson had had to put 52 stitches into Marcus's right hip and leg and another ten in his left calf. Since then, Carson had been treating him for the resulting infection. He could hear Marcus talking as he drew nearer. The younger man was obviously feeling better.

“Cadman, thank you SO much!”

“Don't mention it,” Laura's voice replied. Carson hadn't seen her come in today...

“Alright, you wanna look?”

“Sure.” The Scot could hear the amused smirk in her voice. “Oh, wow. It's smaller than I thought it'd be.”

“No, it's average size. Hey, give it a try, Laura.” Carson nearly choked.

“I don't think I should, Marcus. Carson wouldn't like it.”

“Aw, c'mon!” Marcus whined. “Just give it one nice, hard blow!” The curtain flew open and Dr. Beckett stood there, his face flushed with a mixture of emotions. The partners in crime looked back at him in surprise. A black case lay open in Marcus's lap, while Laura held his coronet a few inches from her lips.

“Carson?” the woman managed.

“Laura,” he returned, his face growing even redder as he desperately tried to regain his composure. “Marcus, yeh shouldn't have an instrument in here and yeh know it.”

“Aw, doc—you of all people should know a little music's good for the soul!” Lt. Lorne pouted as Laura confiscated the shiny gold and silver plated coronet she'd just brought to him.

“Sorry!” she mouthed to her teammate.

“Alright, let's have a look at yeh.” Several minutes later, Carson left Marcus's side and Laura quietly fell in step beside him. After a moment, she nudged him with her elbow.

“You didn't really think I'd cheat on you with Marcus, did you?” She was clearly amused.

“Well, I...” the Scot stammered helplessly. Cadman laughed and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Carson,” she told him. “Keep your day job—eavesdropping clearly doesn't work for you!”

--

End.