Setting: Old West
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based on the CBS television series, The Magnificent Seven. It is in no way intended to infringe on the copyrights of CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment Group, The Mirisch Corp., or anyone else who may have legal rights to the characters, settings or song references. I don't own the characters. This story is strictly for entertainment. No monetary gain will be made from anything contained in this story.
Chris led Vin to a group of flat rocks near the shore. He sat him down and handed him the flask. He saw the blue eyes widen and the head instinctively bob towards where Nathan was standing in the distance. He found a small smile at that; Vin was unaware just how much he was helping the wounded healer.
"It's okay, Vin, just a small sip, it'll calm your nerves."
For several minutes, he stood with one leg on the rocks, knee extended. He watched the gulls swoop down, trying to catch an early dinner. Vin was sitting, hunched forward, his fingers stroking the silver on the flask. His eyes lingered on the ocean, the gentle motion almost hypnotic.
"It might help to talk about it," he said quietly, watching the Adam's apple bobbing at a record rate. Something was fighting hard to get out.
"I..." Vin lifted his gaze, still shaken by the strong feelings rocking his fragile body. He didn't understand the calm that the cool green gaze brought to the jagged open wounds inside him. He couldn't explain it, but he trusted this man. It did hurt. Alot. He never felt a pain like this. So he took a jagged breath, another small sip and gazed at the sea. "...m'all... alone... m'family... they... they... di...ed.... them animals wearin' blue kilt 'em... I couldn't save... m'sister... he done things... t'her... Mister... Chris," he corrected, chest heaving. "...bad things... he kilt the little one... he's only a baby... I tri...ed..." his voice broke, he gasped for air and took several shuddering. "I... got... nobody... now..."
Chris bit his lip and felt a burning pain inside. He blew out a frustrated breath and gripped his tense hips. He wrestled the nag inside; twisting his inadequate feelings into determined resolve. He gripped the back of Vin's neck and sighed in relief when the other man didn't pull away. He took a seat next to the rocking, huddled figure and rested his elbows on his knees. He followed that handsome profile out to the sea... and waited.
"That's good, right?" J.D. asked Josiah Sanchez. They were all watching the pair by the ocean's gate. "I mean, Vin let Chris help him up... do you think he's Vin again?"
"I don't know, Son, but it might not matter," he mentally replied the image of Vin's bayful eyes and the hand reaching up to Chris Larabee. "Something inside him told him to trust Chris."
"He followed his heart," Buck said quietly, turning away. "I feel like I'm eavesdroppin' or somethin'. It's not right. I'm goin' inside."
"I think maybe Buck's right," Ezra decided, "they need some privacy. I feel the call of that glorious Roman bath."
"Hey, that's a great idea," Buck eased his body up and onto the crutches Nathan handed him. "We can break it in right."
"We?" Standish kept close to the tall man, wary of the injured leg. "There is no 'we'. My delicate condition is not ready for your bawdy humor."
"Is that what you call it down south?" Buck gasped, getting through the bedroom and into the hall. "...could be they got somethin' in town to help that 'limp noodle' problem."
"I beg your pardon!" Standish reached out as Wilmington wobbled and nearly stumbled. "That is one infirmity a Standish has yet to encounter."
"That ain't what Selina Matherson told me," Wilmington stopped, sweat pouring down his face.
"Selina?" Ezra frowned, "Just when did you and the lady in question have time to discuss my... uh..."
"...shortcomings..." Buck panted, "Ez...ra... get... me... a... a... shit..."
"Sit down!" Standish ordered, propelling the shaky man to a tall bishop's chair by the door leading to the underground. "If you fall on me, I'll take legal action."
"You... would..." Buck coughed, gripping Ezra's arm, despite the fact he was seated. "Damn..." he clenched his eyes shut, rubbing his throbbing leg. He didn't realize how tight his jaw was clenched, until a cold cloth was pressed to his hand. Then he relaxed and felt the pain in his neck and jaw from tension. He wiped his face and took the mug of water offered. "Thanks, Ezra... maybe this wasn't such a good idea. You go on..."
"Oh no," the southerner paused, reading the pain in the other's face, "Let you dangle the bait and leave it hanging in the wind? I think not! It's not much further and I need more information on your questionable daliance with the lovely seamtress in question," he said of the pretty newcomer to town. He pointed to the doorway and waited.
"You're full of shit, Ezra," Buck laughed, seeing right through the facade. He took and kept his weight of his leg, hopping to the door. "Aw, hell, there's too many steps, I can't get down there."
"Use your brains," Ezra swatted the rogue's backside. "You spend most of your time reclining on them..."
"Very funny," Wilmington mocked, sitting on the top step and easing himself down on his rump. "I guees..." he panted, picking up speed, "...I'll finally get... to... see... that... heart... shaped... birthmark... on... your..."
"What!" Ezra wheeled around, already downstairs. He had both boots off and was unbuttoning his shirt. Steam rose from the heated water in the square Roman pool. Large ferns stood at each corner and a fresco on the wall of the Italian countryside. Light poured in from windows which banked a whole wall, high near the ceiling. A large basket of fruit, cheese, cookies and bread was near the edge. Another basket held several bottles of wine.
"Don't... worry..." Buck paused, eyeing his best path. There was no way he could get to the pool on his own. "...we can keep a... secret..." he extended his hand as the bare chested gambler approached.
"We?" Standish help to support the other man, leading him to a bath side bench.
"Yeah..." Buck sighed, "Me and the eagles..."
"Eagles," Ezra peeled his pants off, then slid into the hot water. "I've died and gone to heaven." He oozed of the heat penetrating his skin. He rested against the smooth marble, taking a pile of rich, red grapes from the basket.
"Hey, that's what Selina said!" Buck took his pants off very carefully. "We were having a picnic down by the river. There was nice breeze, soft quilt... she got the sweetest lips this side of New Orleans. It was one of my finer moments," he grinned rakishly and eased onto the side of the bath, before sliding in and sitting on the built in bench going around the perimeter. The water was just at high chest and was heavenly. "these hands... these lips... these teeth... workin' overtime..." he sighed, recalling the afternoon. "She damn near passed out."
"Hah!" Ezra scoffed, "sounds like heat stroke."
"Oh yeah," Buck agreed, popping a piece of cheese in his mouth and wagging his fingers at the wine. "I was hot... alright. She said I made her tingle all over..."
"Anything else?" Standish uncorked it and passed it over. "other than the effects of your rash."
"Yeah, she said kissin' you was like suckin' on a dead fish." Buck imparted, taking a swig, "Hey this is good..." he paused, handing the bottle over "...that's when she told me about your birthmark. Hey," He frowned, "you slithered in there too fast, I didn't get to see it."
"There's nothing to see, it's barely noticable." Ezra blushed, then took a drink.
"That's not what Selina said," Buck took a sausage from the basket and more cheese. "She said it was real cute... especially when you got... uh... excited."Buck wagged his eyebrows and laughed outloud when the other man blushed. "Don't worry, Ace, me and eagles will make sure nobody else knows."
"What eagles?" Ezra hissed, moving away from the womanizer.
"Them silver fellas you got plenty of in the bank back home." Wilmington rested his head on the wall and sighed, closing his eyes. "I figure... my tab at the saloon is paid for life."
"You figured wrong!" Ezra returned, allowing a broad grin now that the other couldn't see him. He smiled, chuckled and lifted the bottle, toasting silently.
"Nathan?" Josiah asked, "I'm going in town with Paulo. Do you need anything?"
"Yeah..." the healer replied from the table. He went inside and did a quick inventory on his supplies. "Here," he handed his friend a list. "Make sure yuh find the druggist. I got nuthin' left to help Vin if his bowels keep actin' up."
"Okay," the preacher replied, "Coming Son?"
"Yeah," J.D. bounded through the room. "I want to buy something for Casey and get a good look around town,"
Nathan passed through the room, took a seat on the porch and watched the two figures by the water. He hoped Vin could find his way back to them. For his own sake, of course, but for Chris Larabee's as well. There was an ease in the lean gunslinger's stance when Tanner rode with him. An unseeing force; a binding faith, a blind trust that was slaying the demons that he'd carried. He looked at the book in his hand, left behind by the preacher. He picked it up, opened it and stroked the words written so long ago. How many souls had these powerful words saved?
"You're not alone."
Vin blinked twice, shook his head, clearing the dizzying effect the tide had on him. He turned slowly, looking at the man next to him. The voice was quiet but the words hit him with force. He grabbed them, needing desperately to hold onto them.
"You got friends now," Chris continued, watching Vin absorb his words. "God sure didn't waste his talent on those eyes of yours Tanner," he whispered to the wind of the open windows looking at him.
"Friends..." Vin wondered, "they're real nice... fair... not like most Daiboo... 'specially Na...than." His voice grew soft. "He's been takin' good care o'me... I been lookin' after him too... I promised Tehe... Tehe..." he couldn't finish. "I made a promise... t'help Na...than."
"To Teheno?" Chris asked and saw the head dip.
"He's my brother." Vin looked away from the penetrating eyes, feeling naked under their gaze. "He found me... m'grandpa died... I was real sick. We didn't have nobody else... he helped me bury m'grandpa. He... cared fer me... tended t'me 'til I wasn't sick no more... didn't tell nobody I cried when we covered grandpa with the dirt."
Chris smiled at that, getting a better picture of the man who'd molded the boy Tanner so well. "He sounds like a good man."
"He's a great warrior!" Vin boasted proudly, his voice strong, his eyes shining. "He's gonna be chief one day. Nobody can ride a horse like Teheno! He's s'smart... he knows everythin'... he never gets tired o'm'questions..." Vin paused, wrinkling his nose and taking a small sip of 'hibi'. "...well maybe sometimes... couple times he said he's gonna nail my hide t'a tree..." Vin turned and smiled when his new friend laughed. There was a light in those green eyes, something stronger than the sun. Stronger than Teheno's eyes even. He shuddered and turned away, afraid of the feelings it left inside him. "The night he... they... rode out... there's trouble with the Sioux..." Vin paused and took a deep breath.
"Here it comes..." Chris thought, watching the explosion of something long imprisoned about to brust forth.
"He took Little Wolf..." Vin's eyes went to the horizon, his wistful voice was full of longing. "...he's only a few... weeks old... he put... he took..." Vin bit his lip and took took two shuddering breaths. "It was his firstborn son... he's so proud...t he night he's born... ya shouldda seen his face."
"Yeah," Chris hushed, feeling his own strong emotions rising. What father didn't know that incredible feeling of immortality when you held that fine miracle and touched God's finest gift. He could still feel that and smell that wonderful scent only new babies carried. He saw himself near the fireplace with his new son. That tiny face nuzzling his neck and that soft breath dancing against his ear. "God..." he whispered, shaking it off.
"...he took that baby," Vin's voice was hoarse now and he turned to the newcomer whose power he couldn't understand. He put his hands out, palms up. They were shaking visibly. "He took... Little... he gave... he put... he... put his son... only child..." his voice broke. "...here..." The hands were trembling violently now. "He gripped m'shoulders with both hands, ruffled m'hair and rode away. He trusted.... me with... his..." He sobbed then and ducked his head down, ashamed. He felt two strong hands grip his wrists and he looked up.
"One day, Vin, you'll have a son. You'll know just what Teheno did that day. The first time you hold that baby and feel that power... it's... there isn't a word to describe it. I had a boy, Vin. I know what Teheno felt. He chose you, Vin, to guard the most precious thing in his life. You, Vin, he chose you. He had good reason. That baby would have learned a lot from you. Teheno didn't leave his son with you, Vin, he chose you. There's a big difference."
Vin looked up startled at the words, wiped his eyes and thought on them. "...chose... chosen..."
"Yup," Chris let go then, seeing the trembling had stopped. "chosen... Vin... because you're special. You were right, Teheno was a smart man. It was a wise choice, the right choice."
"...no..." Vin denied. "I didn't save..."
"You defended that boy and his mother, with your life!" Chris growled, "Would it have been better if you died!"
"I... dunno..." Vin winced at the harsh words. "...maybe... wouldn't be any pain..."
"Bullshit!!" Chris roared, rising and pacing in the hard sand. He glanced over and saw all the color leave Vin's face and his eyes, wide and full of blue pain, burned a hole through him. "Shit..." he kicked a rock, he'd forgotten he was talking to a scared thirteen year old boy who just watched his whole family slain. "Sorry... I didn't mean to holler at you, Vin."
"...yer thunder's louder than Buck...lin's snorin'..." Vin hedged, trying to make the light in the green eyes come back. Now there was dark fire and he didn't like that. "I didn't mean t'make ya mad..."
"You didn't Vin... I overreacted," He sighed, watching the surf roll in.
"I can't hear 'im no more..." Vin whispered, "All the other times he left... huntin' or on a raid. I... always... felt 'im... heard his voice. I can't find 'im... I miss... 'im.." his voice was rough and raw. His head was pounding and his chest ached. He was dizzy and suddenly so very tired.
"You didn't lose him, Vin," Chris moved in, placing one tentative hand on the slumped shoulder. He tapped Vin's chest with two fingers and saw the head rise. "He's right here... he never left. You'll always hear him, if you listen..." he paused, "Close your eyes, Vin, listen for his voice."
Chris moved away a few feet, picked up the discarded flask and drained it. He watched Vin's crestfallen face for several minutes, then noticed a change. All his features relaxed, the ragged breathing stopped and he lifted his face to the sun. One hand was in a fist, over his heart. He saw a slow smile form and Vin's lips move silently, answering the name.
Vin did try. He closed his eyes and inhaled the salty air. It was a good feeling, like magic wind. It filled his lungs and spread through his anguished body. Then he heard a sound in his ear. He cocked his head. It was soft at first and he listened intently.
" In her eyes is how much she loved you. That's what you need to see, okay?"
"Teheno?" He prayed, beating his fist to his heart. He saw Bazi's eyes then, not blank and lifeless, but bright and rich, full of love for him. He smiled and felt some of the pain go away.
"Listen for me... hear my words, Blue Eagle... I'm in your heart... your blood... feel my spirit... walk tall... walk proud, Little Brother."
"I will... make ya proud..." he smiled, feeling a peace inside that he thought was lost. "I will walk tall... I'll carry yer spirit..." he relaxed, smiling as the feeling overpowered him. He lifted his face to the sun and inhaled again. "...babi..."
"Thank you," Chris whispered, eyeing the sky. Vin's words were healing him as well. He moved closer, smiling at the face beaming at him in youthful exhuberance. "Better?"
"Ya were right..." Vin exuded, "I heard him... he ain't mad... he's... he's... here..." He saw the other man smile and the eyes were light again. They warmed him like the sun. He thought on the other man's words. "Yer boy... he's lucky... I wish I had a Pa like ya're..."
Chris winced then, "Yeah... I was the lucky one, Vin. He was a special little boy, so was his mother."
"Was?" Vin said quietly, his excitement waning. "Ain't he here with ya?"
"No, Vin, he's in heaven." Chris sat down, picked up a piece of small driftwood and tossed in in the ocean. "He and his mother died in a fire. Somebody killed them." He dropped his head, his elbows were resting on his knees.
"No," Vin's raspy voice shook, as he was sincerely shocked and in pain for the other man. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean t'upset ya, Chris."
He felt the slightest pressure on his arm and realized Vin had reached out to him. It was a step, a small one, but a step none the less. He sighed, took a deep breath and sat up, eyeing the sand covered hand on his arm. He covered it with his own and curled his lips up. "Thank you, Vin. You didn't upset, me. You reminded me of how good it felt to hold Adam, smell him, hear his laugh. That's a gift too and I cherish those memories."
For a moment, they sat quietly, watching the ocean. Chris was lost in time, revisiting Adam's first steps, the wonderful tug on his heart when his son called him by name the first time, teaching him to ride, taking him fishing, tickling him, reading to him, showing him the stars. Most of all , the simple pleasure of watching him sleep. So lost in those happy memories, he didn't hear Vin at first. Then he heard a thud and shook the fog away. "Vin?" he turned and saw the other man on his hands and knees. "Vin!" he dropped down. "What's wrong?"
"...hurts... sick..." He managed, before throwing up. He was dizzy and disoriented, his head exploded in white hot pain. He grasped at air, trying to find something to hold onto. He hit flesh... cloth and bandages. Bandages? Gasping for air and locked sideways in Chris's arms, he tugged at the shirt, exposing bandages. A wall of memories hit him hard, taking his breath away. A desert, pain... a lot of pain, a voice calming his fears, hands tending him, feeding him, giving him water and shelter. Blood hair and green eyes, not brown hair and brown eyes. Teheno... Chris... Teheno was there, wasn't he? No, Chris was there. Then he saw another image and gasped pushing away, shaking his head.
"Go away... don't touch me... yer... not... who are ya? I don't..."
"Vin?" Chris didn't move, not wanting to scare him anymore. The large eyes were darting frantically, seeing moving images known only to him. Then the eyes widened and the mouth dropped open.
"Ya were there... the bluebelly had a gun in m'mouth..." Vin's voice was hoarse as the realization hit him hard. He cocked his head, his brows furrowed and his words came out slowly, dazed. "he... didn't... fire... he... no..." his head turned and he stared hard at the man with the penetrating eyes. "Ya saved m'life... ya threw yerself over me... he coullda shot ya... kilt ya... why'd ya do that? Who are ya? Teheno ... was... I thought he's there... his face... yer face... I don't...w hat's goin' on..." He stood, trying to escape the stormy assualt and the whole beach flew sideways. The pain in his head reached a shrieking cresendo. He stumbled and felt two arms grab him. "No... don't... yer a devil'r somethin'... yer makin' me see things... go 'way..."
"Open your eyes and look at me, Vin Tanner," Chris commanded, easing Vin upright into a sitting position. He knelt in front of the shaking man, waiting for the eyes to open and focus. He grabbed Vin's hand and forced it to touch his chest. "I'm real... flesh and bone... I'm no devil... I'm your friend and you can fight, kick and scratch all you want, I'm not leaving. I found you in the desert and I'll find you again." He felt the wrist caught in his fist go slack. The breathing slowed and the eyes narrowed as the words were mulled over. Then the angry, cross face completely relaxed.
He didn't understand the mixed up vision, but he felt the power in this man's grip. He touched the arm with his free hand and felt muscle. Flesh, bone, blood... he was real. He didn't understand the vison, but he accepted the meaning. He looked hard into the eyes and saw compassion, concern and faith. Then he knew and he relaxed, moving his hand up to touch the cheek.
"Chris..."
"Vin?" Chris moved as the blue eyes rolled back and the lids fluttered shut. He cradled Vin and wondered what that last look his face meant. What 'Chris' did Vin see?
"Let me have him, Chris," Nathan was out of breath, having run hard across the sand. "Chris?" He moved his hand in front of the dazed eyes.
"Huh?" Chris blinked, "Oh, he passed out."
"How was he?" Nate paused, feeling the rapid pulse and frowning. "I mean... when yuh pulled him up from the water. He reached up... was it our Vin?"
"Not then... but... just now... maybe ... I don't know, Nathan."
"Let's get him inside." He replied to the shaky voice, gripping the shoulder once.
The house was quiet, Vin was bathed, changed and sleeping in his own bed on fresh linen. Chris paced like a caged tiger, needing the eyes to open. He wanted to hear the cranky, crusty voice filling the room.
"He ain't gonna be up for hours, Chris, yuh best settle down." Nathan offered from the porch.
Chris rubbed the back of his neck and went outside, taking the chair opposite the weary healer. His arm rested on the window ledge, just on the other side of Vin. "You catching up on your reading?"
"Yeah, lots of comforting words in this old book," Nathan patted the bible. "Somethin' tells me yuh had some pretty good words of yuh'r own down there."
"I hope so, Nathan," Chris sighed, glanced at Vin's serene face and rose, irritated that he had to wait. "I can't sit. My brain's frying here, I need air." He gave Nathan a pat on the back and eyed the lighthouse a few miles away. He walked at the water's edge, letting his long strides carry him swiftly. His mind replayed the look of something akin to wonder on Vin's face just before he passed out. He absentmindedly stroked the spot on his cheek that the hand touched. Who did Vin see then? Who would he see when he woke up?
He stood for quite some time, letting the disturbing waves echo in his ears. The Old Lighthouse commanded a majestic view of the Pacific. The salt-laced spray danced in the air, kissing his face and neck. He leaned over the rail, hands clasped loosely and inhaled that wonderous scent. He enjoyed the scream of the sea as it pounded the rocks. He eyed two ships in the distance, whalers, most likely.
A soft smile enhanced his handsome face, when his son's voice interplayed with the call of the sea. He'd have loved this place, especially the boats. He turned his head back, eyeing the modest two story Cape Cod style house for the keeper. The old gent was up in the lantern tower and gave a wave. The cool green eyes brushed across the tall grass past the sand dunes and down the beach . His mind's eye saw Sara sitting on the sand, sketching. Adam was playing in the surf, laughing and pointing to the gulls. His forced smile was bittersweet, as these memories always were. The sweet rememberence of the glory that was and the painful wonder of all that could have been.
Vin. Sara and Adam disappeared into the mists of time and his best friend appeared. He sighed heavily, shivered as the air grew cooler. He eyed the long walk back to the beautiful beach front mansion and eased back down the stairs to the ground.
"Where's Chris?" J.D. asked, bounding into the small room.
"Shhhh!" Nate eased his long body from the chair next to Vin Tanner's bed. Although the tracker was sleeping, it wasn't an easy rest. His fine features were creased in pain, his hands balled in fists and small moans escaped his clenched lip. "He's in a lot of pain. Josiah back?"
"Yeah, he's in the kitchen." Dunne whispered. "Where's Chris?"
"Lighthouse... he's got a lot on his mind. Stay here, I need that tincture of Opium for when that pain wakes him up."
"Okay..." J.D. walked to the door, opened it and gazed down the long expanse of sand. The sun was easing down for her nightly bath and rippling gold and orange light covered his face. He squinted and saw the slumped shouldered figure. "Wow..." he appraised the distance, then turned back as the bed began to move. "Take it easy, Vin..." He moved closer, sitting on the bed and pressing his hands against the bare shoulders. The slim tracker's body was moving and he was losing small cries, but his eyes remained closed. Then he shoved hard, curling himself sideways and crying out, covering his temples. "Nathan!" He struggled with ailing figure, who was fighting to get free. "NATH..." His words were cut off as a fist hit his mouth. His foot was planted right and he fell backwards, allowing Vin to tumble from the bed. "Aw, hell..."
"J.D. What's wr..." Nathan flew by the youth, putting a dark bottle on the table next to the bed. "Vin, yuh gonna hurt yuhr'self... let me help, yuh..." he pulled at the wiry body, ducking as the fist flew out again. The eyes were open now, dark blue and wild. He was panting, losing what little breath could get past the fire in his chest. Grunts mixed with the unintellible noises, saliva ran from his mouth and his jangled limbs wouldn't cooperate in the escape attempt. "Stop it!"
He didn't know where he was, only that explosions of colors grew more intense as the pain in his head rose. It was a pulsating beast with long, sharp yellowed teeth, which was feeding on his brain and skull. He had to get away... go... somewhere... anywhere... to end it. Fight... fight... fight... his brain screamed at him for mercy. Confusion was king in this nightmare world. Until a voice rose over the raging storm.
"Vin!"
"Chr..." J.D. felt himself shoved aside, when lean black legs flew through the door.
"Vin, where you going? Cut that out!" Chris ordered, kneeling down and taking command of the scattered limbs. The tracker was on his hands and knees, trying to crawl. Nathan's left arm was snaked around his waist, he stood over him. At the sound of his voice, Vin stopped and turned, his chest was heaving, not getting enough air. His face was wet from sweat and tears and his eyes were dark and lost. "Vin?" He put both hands out defensively, not wanting to upset the struggling figure future. He turned his questioning eyes to the healer. "Nathan, is he... Vin?"
"He's in pain... don't matter who the hell he is... I got medicine for 'im, but I can't get 'im to listen." Nate winced as Vin screamed again, throwing himself sideways. The gagging started then, senting water and phlegm onto the floor. "Dammit..."
"Vin, get off the floor," Chris dropped down and grabbed one shoulder. The shaggy head swerved and twin orbs of blue agony beseechd him. They blinked and twitched, seeping salty tracks of anguish.
"Please... stop... it...." Vin couldn't see through the storm, but he knew the voice meant 'safe'. He lifted his arms and heard voices as the raging inferno continued. Then the explosions returned and he lashed out against the red and orange colors in front of his eyes. "No... no..."
"Christ Almighty!" the leader gritted, hauling Vin to the bed. He sat down hard, his back to the wall, holding the flailing body in front of him. He managed to get his arms around the squirming tracker, pinning the thrasing body. "Stop it!" He thundered, eyeing Nathan drawing up a syringe.
"Morphine," Nathan answered the question, "turn 'im Chris, I'll get his thigh. J.D. clamp down on that leg."
"Ahhhhh!!!!" Vin screamed, feeling another animal bite his skin. "No... no... get... 'way... kill y'all... I... I..."
"He's out," Nathan sighed, shook his head and moved away to clean the syringe. He turned back and the noticed Larabee hadn't moved. Tanner was slumped in his arms, his head lolling on the shoulder of the other. "Chris, he's sleepin'... yuh can let him go..." He paused, eyeing the white knuckled embrace on the tender ribs. "Let 'im go... yuhr hurtin' 'im."
"Huh?" Chris blinked, swallowed hard and let out a long breath. He hadn't realized his death grip was causing his friend discomfort. "Oh..." he gingerly eased Vin up and moved his lean body. Nathan moved in, holding the groggy man upright.
"Chris, hold 'im a minute. I want to clean up them back cuts and rewrap him."
Vin never moved while his wounds were tended to. Finally, freshly swathed, he was lowered agasint his pillows and a blanket drawn up. Chris watched with concern, when Nathan's hand rested against the Texan's forehead.
"Fever?"
"Nah," the healer answered, "But he's wore out... I don't think he'll be up before the sun."
"I ate in town," J.D. moved towards the pair standing by the bed. He pulled out two new dime store novels from his pocket and eyed the chair. "You two look beat. Why don't you get cleaned up and get some grub. Josiah's frying up some chicken and fixin's."
"Okay," Nathan agreed, "I'll be back to spell yuh later. Chris?" He got a nod and let the other man pass him.
Dinner was quiet, Josiah regaled the group with stories of his travels in India. Buck, Ezra and Chris played cards for awhile, before the mustached man's leg pain became unbearable. Nathan helped Buck into bed and was glad to see Vin was still sleeping.
"You're crowdin' us..." Buck assessed, seeing both Chris and Nathan lingering. "I'll bang on the wall."
"I'm sleepin' on the floor." Chris announced, turning to Nathan, who knew better than to argue.
"I'll get yuh a blanket and pillow."
Darkness filled the room and King Neptune's lullaby lulled the men to sleep.
Dawn stroked his cheek, letting her cool breath lift his hair as her sweet scent woke him. He blinked in confusion, his head was thick and full of muddied, muddled thoughts. He eyed the strange room and breathed heavily thought his parted, dry lips. It wasn't fully light yet, rather a deep blue. He turned his head painfully and saw a lump in the bed next to him. His heart hammered in his chest. Where was he? His numb brain wasn't awake, despite the pain. He tried hard to remember something, anything and it only caused the hammers of Hell to pound into his head harder. His hands unconsciously reached a spot to his right, fumbling on the wooden table. Where was it? He panicked, fingers roaming over the wood. Then a flash behind burning eyes. The pink treasure in his hand... by the water. He had to get it back... Teheno's last gift. He needed to hear that voice. He couldn't lost that! His stomach began to churn, hot acidic flames leaped upwards. He scrambled on unsteady legs, eyeing a body on the floor between the beds. He crawled to the foot, eased himself over and out the door. He staggered down a rocky path of flat stones and towards the shoreline. He dropped to his knees, tossing up air. Dry heaves wracked his body, causing the ribs to rebel and tears to sting his eyes. He saw glimmers of color near the rocks. Pink, white and pristine, they winked at him. He crawled further, hand out... reaching... reaching.... there it was!
Buck yawned and rolled over, his throbbing leg rousing him. He winced and grit his teeth, biting his lip as the pain rose. He turned his body, sitting up awkwardly, looking for water. Then he noticed the empty bed. "What the..." he croaked in confusion, then his eyes saw the shoreline "Fuck... Chris, CHRIS!" He screamed, thwacking the body next to his leg. "Vin's gone... he's in the water... Get him... Nathan!" He bellowed, beating his fist on the wall. "Chris you..." he was alone, the lean body, clad only in black pants, was already racing down the beach.
"VIN! VIN!" Chris screamed, watching the tracker's body disappear beneath the waves.
He was doing fine, the water was shallow, his fingers were almost on the treasure, when the floor dropped. The water was over his head and rushed into his unprepared nose and mouth. He sputtered, gagged and tried to fight the current, barely gaining a breath, when he was slammed again. He panicked then, realizing he was drowing. Through the blue blurry fog of the early morn, he saw hope flying at him fast.
"Chris!" He managed, waving one arm as the tide yanked him.
"Vin! Shit!" The leader dove, his strong arms pushing the waves away. Then this hands slapped skin and he latched on. Turning without stopping, he held onto to Vin with his left hand and propelled them with his right. The waves were brutal, filling his nose and mouth, gagging him, stealing his air, but he wouldn't let go. Then, just when he was about to pass out, he felt a strong pair of arms take his burden. He felt ground beneath his feet and sagged in relief. "I'm fine..." he choked, spitting up half the sea. "Vin... get... alive... Nath...an...." he collapsed on the sand gasping, still holding Vin. He was on his back and sat up, holding Vin in front of him.
"Yuh okay?" Nathan asked , slapping the slack face. "Wake up, get them eyes open!" He slapped again, harder, and a gush of salt water and air replied.
"I'm gonna be bald by the time we get home," Chris gasped, his shaky arms matching the tremor in his voice. "...damn him..."
"You guys okay?" J.D. dropped down, eyeing both his friends.
"Nathan?" Josiah arrived with blankets.
"I don't what he was thinkin'..." the other replied, watching the eyes blinking.
"...dead..."
"No," Chris answered the weak croak, "but you keep pullin' stupid stunts like this and I might be tempted..." He waited, but no reply came back. For now, he relished the feel of the heart beating through the skin pressed to his own. So close... he eyed the raging sea, angry at losing it's bounty. "too fuckin' bad..." he glared the tide down.
"Get out of my way!" Buck thwacked his crutches against Ezra as they both attempted to get out the door.
"Where are you going? You can't manuever those on sand."
"Don't intend to, that's where you come in," Wilmington hopped down the stone steps, gripping the rail.
"Menial labor at any hour is abhorrent." He flinched as the heavy arm was deposited over his shoulder. "at this hour, I find it most..."
"Shut up, Ezra..." Buck grit, wrinkling his nose. "What dead skunk did roll with?"
"I beg your pardon!" Standish moved steadily, getting them closer to the group. "That's imported from France. It's Eau de..."
"...polecat..." Buck supplied, "You paid for that? With real money? They saw you coming..." He paused, stopped and sighed in relief, seeing Vin and Chris both awake and breathing. "Tonight I'm nailin' his hide to that bed."
"I'll supply the nails." Ezra paused, "I may even pick up the hammer."
"You gettin' sunstroke?" Buck eased his body down on a rock next to Chris. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Chris managed, eyeing Nathan who shook his head. Vin wasn't fully aware yet. So he said nothing, continued to hold the younger man and waited.
Fog. Blurry bodies. Strange squawking sounds. Birds? Salty air. Strong current close by. Loud water... very loud. More birds. He inhaled the scented air and blinked, watching the foggy mix of colors leave. He licked his tongue around his mouth and frowned, spitting his tongue out.
"Pthht... pthht..." he spat, wrinkling his face. "...hell, I got sand and throw up in m'mouth." He frowned, scowled harder as more feeling returned to his recovering body. "...dammit t'hell... got sand up m'ass. Where the hell... are..." he paused at the strange collection of sounds around him. Strange birds diving and screaming, waves rolling in and his friends laughing, sighing and grinning. "...this ain't... home... this... this... ain't... no...where... s'goin' on..." he saw the glistening skin on the arm latched against his and protested. "Larabee! Let go o'me..." he wiggled, only to have a hand ruffle his wet hair. He heard the deep laugh and scowled even harder. "Shut the fuck up Buck... ain't funny..."
"Welcome back, Mister Tanner," Ezra smiled, patting his arm.
"Jesus, get down wind, Ez, ya stink right good!" He pulled back.
"I told you!" Buck crowed.
"Let me up," Vin fought the golden arms that held him and swatted the brown ones that reached in. "Get away... go find somebody what needs fixin'..." He managed to wiggle sideways and crab out of the gunslinger's grasp. He saw the strange look on his best friend's face. His features were a mask of relief and his eyes were in the middle of an answered prayer. He wrinkled his face at Josiah, eyeing the sling.
"Mornin' Brother," Sanchez grinned, eyeing the sand covered face.
"Vin, thank God it's you!" J.D. blurted.
"'course it's me," Tanner snapped, trying to stand, only to have a hand shove him back down. "Who was ya expectin'? What's wrong with y'all?" He snarled, "ya look like a pack o'jackasses chompin' on cactus," he noted of the odd grins. "Can't one o'ya tell me where the hell we are? What's s'damn funny?"
"...scrawny, naked, cussin', wet rat with sand up his ass..." Chris said, standing up.
"...Texas long haired variety!" Buck chuckled.
"I ain't hardly scrawny!" Vin ducked, when Nathan's leg appreared. "Get away from me..." he paused, eyeing his body. "Where's m'cloths? What's goin' on..." he turned, glaring at the normal trickster, "Buck, I'm gonna fry yer balls in fatback..."
"Now I did miss my traditional morning greeting," The rogue laughed. "that's the thanks I get. Marchin' through the damn sand, draggin' my bad leg behind me..."
"Your welcome!" Ezra huffed, "I assume you know the way back?"
"Hold it, all o'ya!" Vin hollered, then froze as the world spun around. He was on his knees and grabbed air, thwacking a body hard.
"Goddammit Vin!" Larabee hissed, dropping and hissing as the fist connected to his groin.
"Quit laughin'!" The confused patient misinterpreted, letting Nathan right him. He nodded in thanks when the blanket was wrapped around him. "Somebody tell me what's goin' on!" The water was cold and he was shivering.
"Let's get yuh warmed up and get some food in yuh," the healer advised. "We're in San Diego. We brung yuh here to help yuh get well. Yuh got a big dent in that hard head o' yuhrs... been playin' tricks with yuhr mind.
"San Diego!" Vin eyed the beach again, frowning. "...last thing I recall... is... is..." he cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. The images came back. A brutal beating in the desert. Pain... lots of it... a whip on his back... a bullet in his leg... pain in his head. One man's face answering every feverish call. One set of hands tending to him, saving him. Garrett's face over him... a gun in his mouth. The blond whirlwind that nearly paid the ultimate price. "...Major... Kelly... kilt... the bastard... t's his son... we... was... hurt... in the desert..."
"That did happen, Vin," Buck gentled, "a while ago. You've been very sick. Hell, you been tossin' Tanner puke all over me." He joked.
Vin puzzled at the blond, writhing on the ground. "'s'wrong Chris? Yer boys get twisted up?"
"Get... away... from... me..." The blond snarled through the stars in front of him.
"Fine," Vin pouted, leaning on Nathan, "...squat yer sorry ass there. Humph..." he eyed the scene, fleeting images of the blond pulling him from the jaws of death came into view. He hid a smile, "...next time I'll let ya drown... drag m'nekkid ass out here t'save ya..."
"What!" Chris squeaked watching Jackson's body quake in laughter, as he led the still muttering tracker back to the house.
The look of incredulation on Chris Larabee's face, sent his oldest friend into hysterical laughter.
"Shut up, Buck!" the blond muttered, waiting for the pins and needles to subside.
"It's like he never left," Buck noted, letting J.D. help him up and support him.
"You're wrong..." Chris whispered, still hearing the youthful Vin laughing at Teheno.
"You coming?" J.D. called back to the lone figure on the beach.
"In a minute." Chris drew his knees up, crossed his arms over them and watched the young adopted Indian boy leave. "Goodbye Blue Eagle..." he sighed and stood. Suddenly he was hungry and the sun never looked finer.
Josiah sat back and grinned, thinking that all of San Diego heard the laughter and boisterous voices. The morning had flown quickly. After a bath, new bandages, breakfast and a nap, Vin was now dressed and waiting for Buck. The others were gathered around the table, it would be a special meal. A thanksgiving of sorts.
The sun was high in the sky, a soft breeze settled on the seven. Vin seemed content with the explanation of his battered head and fever. He had no recollection of his trip to the past. For now, Nathan didn't want them to mention it.
"Today Tanner!" Chris roared, eyeing the mouth watering steaks, red, yellow and orange fried pepper strips, succulent, sweet onions and Spanish rice. A plate of roasted chicken seduced them as well.
"Yeah, Vin," J.D. shouted, "I'm starving!" he passed a plate of food around. Josiah was dishing out the tempting fajitas. Hot, fresh tortillas overflowed on a plates near the ends of the table. The youth noticed two large bugs on the plate in hand. Ducking, he saw none of the others were paying attention. He went to swat the bugs... "uh oh..." he passed the dish quickly, wondering where one of them disappeared.
"Did you see that?" Buck's voice rose from behind Vin in the doorway. The tracker was in tan pants, a mediterrean blue shirt and limping on semi-steady legs. "What?" he asked, seeing the devil dancing in the blue eyes. The sly grin was his reply, he chuckled and followed.
"Now there's a picture," Standish moved to let the two injured man get the end seats. "The blind leading the blind."
"Hurry up, will you?" Dunne clamored. "This smell is killing me..."
"Ezra, didn't you wash that stuff off?" Buck teased with a wink as the conman's jade eyes rolled. "Go on Vin, I need the end..." He grimaced, got down and handed Nathan his crutches. The former slave placed an empty chair next to the rogue and eased his leg up. "Thanks, Nathan."
Plates were passed around, sangria followed and the air buzzed with conversation. Chris moved off to the keg, to fill his beer mug. He returned just as the preacher moved. Josiah silenced them by standing. They placed the forks down and bowed their heads. "Lord, we offer our thanks to you on this fine day. For the food before us and the real bounty, gathered in seven, we praise you." His smokey eyes dropped down the table to the profile of the solemn sharpshooter. "Thank you," his voice was tight, "For we had a lost lamb, whose found his way home." There was silence, then a few amens.
"Can we eat now?" Dunne pressed.
"J.D. you ate enough for two lumberjacks at breakfast," Buck teased, "How can you be hungry?"
"I'm still growing," J.D. touted, "Old folks like don't require as much."
"You watch your mouth, Kid," the rogue warned, "or I'll beat you goodlooking."
Is there something wrong with your meal?" Ezra inquired, watching Tanner's brows furrow and his lips smack together with his tongue working the rim. His eyes raked over the rice on his plate. Nathan had warned him against anything but rice and some chicken.
"Hold on..." Vin took another spoonful and ran it around his mouth, "...can't be t'sure..."
"What are you analyzing?" the Southerner was now very interested, almost hearing the wheels turning in the shrewd tracker's head.
"Somthin' in here..." Vin's tongue worked his teeth again.
"I detected pepper, rosemary and a touch of lime..." the southern noted of his food
"Damn, Ezra," Nathan chuckled, "all I taste is Chicken!"
"Well?" the gambler leaned over, more than curious as to the ex-bounty hunter's investigation.
Vin held his finger up, took another forkful and sniffed it, then slid it in his mouth. Chris's eyes narrowed and his mug of ale halted on his journey to his mouth. Tanner was up to no good, he was sure of it. His eyes shifted to Buck, who was barely containing himself. His face was red from withholding air and compressed laughter. Then the greens slid to J.D. who looked like he wanted to disappear. Finally, they roamed back to the machiavellian ex-bounty hunter, who looked like he ingested a canary, rather than chicken. He pursed his brows as Tanner's blues met his eyes, and a slight hint of a smile played on the younger man's lips. He felt his own smile rising, as the play continued.
"Yup," Vin nodded, wiping his mouth. "I'm pretty sure, course I could be wrong. I got a real keen sense o'taste. He took one last taste and nodded, drawing his gaze to the curious card player. "...there was fly feets in here..."
"Fly feces!" Ezra repelled, jerking as Buck Wilmington exploded in pent up laughter.
"No!" Vin said crossly over the laughter, "fly feets, not feces. Feces is..."
"I know what feces is!" Ezra sputtered, "...are..." he corrected, shaking his head, face flaming at the riotous laughter. "Good Lord!" he ired that the tracker could undo his some easily.
"Well what'd ya ask fer then?" the blue-eyed trickster returned, staring in mock ire.
"I didn't inquire about insect droppings!"
"Ya did too!" Vin countered, "I heard clear as dirt. Ya said 'fly feces'... ain't that right 'siah?"
"Clear as dirt!" the preacher said somberly, eyes lit in warmth.
"See, 'siah wouldn't lie, not with the Lord hoverin' about." Vin decided, going back to his meal.
Chris sat back, crossed his arms over his chest and enjoyed the show. He left the smile on his face, it sat natural and easy. Born of the twinkle in the healing tracker's eyes and flourishing through the laughter within the circle. That wonderful sound carried on the salt air, over the ocean and out to sea. At this time, in this place, with these men, he felt closer to God than he thought would ever be possible. He kept his eyes on Tanner, who wasn't finished. The look on Ezra's face was priceless. The southerner was annoyed at himself for being drawn into the blue-eyed spider's web and now was trapped. Chris turned his gaze to Buck, who definitely knew what was going on. He narrowed his eyes and got a broad wink in return. Then the dark head nodded slightly to the youth next to him. The easterner looked like the kid caught with the rock by the owner of a store with a smashed window. Drawing on his beer, he felt his mouth turn up again, as he watched Tanner easily manuever the slick gambler.
"Somethin' wrong, Ez?" Vin asked innocently, taking a sip of iced tea.
"The feet in question," Standish waved a finger over the Texan's food, "on your food."
"What 'bout 'em?" Tanner lifted his fork, peered intently at the chicken, nodded and took another bite. "Oh, yeah... they's on this piece fer sure."
"You're full of shit, Vin!" Nate tossed his napkin down and laughed.
"Ya'll best not mock what ya don't understand." Vin replied, hiding a smile from all but Larabee. "...s'all a part o'the trainin' I got in the village," he noted of his youth.
"I seen yuh track in blizzards and rainstorms, on shale and dessert..." Jackson took the bottle of Sangria and poured himself more. "But yuh can't find no damn fly prints..."
"Was two of 'em," Vin stated, "...one's a mite heavier... went down hard, I reckon. The other was only dazed... he staggered fer a bit... tracks was fresher."
"Died?" Ezra chuffed, "this charade's gone on long enough! I think your fever has returned."
"...leastwise mine died a honest death, not like that lazy critter what's buried in yer rice."
"What!" Standish choked, having just taken a full mouthful of Spanish rice.
"He took one look at whose plate he was one and died of embarassment." The sharpshooter nodded somberly, while his friends laughed and pounded the table. "...can't say as I blame 'im."
"Your attempt at humor is sadly lacking," the conman plied, raking a fork through his rice. "There is no corpse..."
"Not now they're ain't," Vin plussed, "...ya ate 'im... ya might wanna wash yer mouth, sometimes parts of 'em can get stuck 'tween yer teeth..."
"I think I would have known if I ingested a fly!"
"Ya didn't ' 'gest all of 'im," Vin was trying hard not to laugh, as his slim hand moved towards Ezra's rice. "see, here's a wing..." he picked up a small, translucent piece from the rice and eyed it briefly, before eating it. "...he weren't dead long, still crunchy."
"Yuck it up, Gentlemen," Ezra drolled, "enjoy yourself at my expense."
"That was an onion, Ezra" J.D. blurted, finally finding his voice. "they weren't even on your plate."
"They?" Josiah turned, watching Buck gasp for breath. His face was flushed and tears streamed down his cheeks. "You okay there, Brother?"
"Never better, Preacher," the rogue gasped, winking at Vin and elbowing the blushing sheriff. "You got something to confess, Kid?"
"It was an accident, I was trying to shoo 'em off Vin's dish and I smashed 'em. But I got 'em all out... well... most of 'em. The big one sort of spattered." He cringed, "Sorry Vin."
"S'okay by me, J.D.," Vin grinned, "I traded plates with Chris, while he left t'get that beer."
"What?" Chris's smile died and he fell forward, looking at his empty plate.
"Gotcha, Cowboy!" Vin pounded the table as his friends once again dissolved in laughter. "Damn, ya shouldda seen yer face!" He chortled, shaking his head.
"Fly feet indeed!" Ezra mumbled, pushing his plate away.
"Had ya goin' fer awhile, admit it, Ez," Vin elbowed him, then wagged his eyebrows.
"My stance was never in doubt." the other huffed, sipping his wine.
"Yer full o'sh... feces, Ez," Vin corrected.
"Fly feces..." Buck wheezed, slapping Dunne's knee. "Lighten' up, Kid, will you?"
"That wasn't funny, Buck," the flushed youth accused, "you set me up!"
"Come again?" Wilmington shoved steak, peppers, onions, chedder cheese and avocado pulp onto a hot tortilla and rolled it up.
"Think ya got that backwards, J.D.," Vin pushed his half full plate away. His stomach was iffy. "Yer the one what kilt them bugs and passed 'em off. That ain't exactly neighborly."
"Fly feets..." Chris shook his head, sat back and winked at his best friend. The smile he got in return restored the fuel he'd lost in the desert. The conversation continued, laughter rose and more alcohol was consumed. Chris noticed Vin hadn't eaten much and he'd grown quiet. Nathan noticed as well and stood, walking around the table.
Vin didn't want to make a scene. He was enjoying himself, despite feeling sick. The sun was lower and shifted, now hitting his face. The pain in his head intensified and made him queasy. Nathan warned him and the mirror confirmed the serious head wound. The healer told him it would be a few weeks until he was healed. He sighed and rose, waving the other man off. He wasn't about to heave all over the table.
"Think I'll head inside, it's past m'nap time." He turned to Nathan, 'I'm okay..."
"Yeah," Nathan returned the smile, eyeing the new healing light on the face before him. "Yuh sure are. I got something for that belly... settle it down some."
"Okay..." Vin agreed, carefully walking back to the door. He followed Nathan down the hall and into his room. He watched Nathan fumbling through his large bag, then mixing something into water. He moved closer, eyeing the dreamcatcher over the ex-medic's bed.
"Hey, ya got a dreamcatcher," he noted, "...them knots, they guide the good dreams... so they find they're way. The bad ones don't know the way... get lost... tangled up..." He eyed the hair tied to the item and fingered it. His eyes grew large and he turned, taking the cup with a trembling hand. "Where'd ya get it?" he rasped, a small hole forming in his gut.
"From an old friend," Nathan smiled warmly, seeing Vin recognize his hair. He tipped the cup and the tracker drank all of it. "who taught me a lot about faith and hope. Yuh could say, we saved each other."
"Yeah," Vin managed, "Nathan... when... I mean... I don't remember..."
"When we first came here... I was having' bad dreams. Yuh made that... used yuhr' own hair." He paused taking a good breath. "Come on," the healer led him back to his own bed and waited until he was settled. "...nightmares about the war. Guess they was hidin' inside and that train wreck... seeing all them body parts, opened the wound. Yuh see Vin, there was too many of 'em. We was taught only to tote the ones who could be saved. At first, I used t'look at 'em. They'd tug on m'pants... beggin' for help... a hand... didn't wanna die alone. The young ones... asked... cried for their Mama... holdin' their guts in with one hand and reachin'..."
"Nate, don't..." Vin whispered, his own hand reaching out, the other on his gut.
"'s'okay, Vin, I learned it helps to talk about it... more I speak on it... less the pain is..." He paused, "After we brung yuh back to town, from the desert, yuh damn near died on us. Fevered bad... out of yuhr head... seein' yuhr family murdered. When Chris found yuh out there... yuh thought yuh were back in time... with them... that night."
"Aw, hell," Vin slumped, blinking hard. "All this time... until... this mornin' in the ocean?"
"Yuh thought Chris was someone named Teheno," he offered reverently, as if in prayer. He saw the eyes flash with emotion, fingers gripped the edge of the blanket and the Adam's apple bobbed at record rate. "It's okay, Vin, yuh needed that... then... at that place."
"I thought... I dreamed... it wasn't... a dream?"
"No, Vin," he offered with a pat to the other's man's knee. "Yuh had that same pain I did, hid down inside real deep. Yuh got hurt bad, all alone... in that desert... yuh heard someone call t'yuh... yuh heard and saw who yuh needed at that time to survive."
"He never came back," Vin choked, tears burning his eyes. "All these years... I wondered what he thought when he found them. He left... gave me his only son... my responsiblity..."
"It wasn't yuhr fault," the kind brown eyes offered over the voice.
"No," Vin said in a strange voice, "it... wasn't... I... fer years... couldn't think about it... felt like a knife was rippin' m'insides up." He ran his hand over his flat abdomen, under the bandages. "...it ain't there no more... How... can that be?" He implored , turning his eyes to the other man. "Nathan, I don't understand."
"This place," he rolled his dark eyes towards the beach. "is a healing place. I think yuh know who plugged up that hole. Yuh get some rest, now. Yuh got plenty of time to talk to him about it."
"I miss him," He noted sadly of his lost brother, eyeing the surf.
"Yeah," Nate nodded, "I know, Vin. I lost some brothers and sisters too. They was sold off... torn right from my grandmother's arms."
"Aw, hell, Nathan, I didn't mean t'stir that up."
"Yuh didn't, Vin, it was a long time ago. Get some rest, I know yuhr hurtin'..."
"Okay, thanks Nathan,' he yawned, wondering about the unanswered questions.
"No, thank you Vin Tanner," he smiled, "Yuh caught all m'bad dreams. Yuh took m'pain away... man can't ask for a better brother than that." He took that boyish smile that greeted him with him outside and rejoined his friends.
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