China in Your Hand

Chapter 1

The day was warm, the breeze was soft and the town was quiet: so Vin Tanner was happy. He took a deep breath as he stopped walking and leaned against a post in his all too familiar pose, nodding to Mrs Potter as she hurried along the boardwalk. "Mornin' Ma'am," he smiled tapping his hat.

"Good Morning Vin…and what a nice one it is." The large woman replied, returning Vin's smile as she passed.

"Sure is." Vin answered, half to himself. This was just how he liked things to be. Quiet…warm…almost serene.

He cast his eyes up and down along the street and then slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out his harmonica. As he raised it to his lips his eyes caught sight of movement on the roof opposite. Lowering the instrument he narrowed his eyes as he wondered at what he saw.

Chris Larabee was standing on the edge of the roof, hardly moving. His face was set in a serious line and his stance suddenly had Vin worried.

‘He wouldn't would he?' the tracker asked himself as he pushed himself from his leaning position. 'Not Chris. He wouldn't do that.'

He kept his eyes trained on the dark figure on the edge of the roof as he made his way across the street.

"Vin! Look out!"

Tanner felt himself dragged from behind and pulled backwards just before a wagon hurtled past in front of him. He took a few deep breaths to steady his heartbeat and then focused on the words being reeled off at him.

"That was a darn fool thing t' do. You nearly got yourself killed. What were you thinking, Vin?"

The tracker blinked once, then twice before he finally registered that it was Buck who had rescued him.

"'m sorry Bucklin, had somethin' on m' mind." He answered finally.

"Yeah, and it was almost a horses hoof." Buck responded wryly, finally releasing his hold on Vin.

"Thanks Buck, ‘preciate it." Vin raised his eyes upwards, sensing a glare being directed at him, and sure enough, there was Chris, still on the edge of the roof, but now he was looking at the scene below and looked none too happy.

Vin turned back to Buck. "I gotta go, see ya later in the saloon?"

"Yeah, sure thing, Vin." Buck eyed the tracker curiously, wondering what had gotten into him. He was acting strange, and the rogue didn't like that. He watched as Vin walked to the other side of the street before turning away.

"Please don't let this turn ugly." He said aloud to himself. "'Cause I do hate ugly."

Vin carried on through the building and up the back stairs slowing to a halt as he reached the roof. He looked around him until his eyes rested on Chris's back. The gunslinger was still standing on the edge, looking straight ahead; so still, he could have been mistaken for a statue.

Vin sighed softly, wondering what he was going to say. He still didn't quite believe that Chris was contemplating what Vin thought he was. Not Chris, he was too strong for that…or was he?

Vin knew that Chris had been having a hard time with memories lately. He and the other five knew when to leave him to his own thoughts, and give him his own space. Buck had told him that Adams birth date was drawing near and it was only a matter of weeks after Adam's birthday that he and Sarah had been killed in the fire.

He made his way as quietly as he could until he was standing a few feet behind his friend. He frowned as he tried to decide how to open a conversation. Finally opening his mouth he readied himself to speak.

"Trying to get yourself killed, Vin?"

The Texan shut his mouth again as Chris's words penetrated the stillness.

"Why? Are ya gonna shoot me?" Vin asked, immediately wondering whether he should be joking at a time like this.

"I meant the wagon…down there." Chris answered impatiently. He still hadn't moved and Vin took a step closer.

"Yeah, that was kinda stupid huh? Tryin' t' kill m'self." The tracker said tentatively.

"Yeah, not like you." Chris's voice was quiet and Vin took another step closer.

"Yeah, not like you either right?" Vin winced at that. Why was it he felt cool, calm and clear headed when he was staring death in the face, but when he was trying to talk to a friend who was disturbed in some way he got all tongue tied and said ridiculous things?

Chris said nothing and so Vin moved until he was standing alongside him. "Got somethin' troublin' ya, cowboy?"

Chris finally moved, turning his head towards Vin. "Only you." He said, his lips twitching at the corners.

Vin smiled too. "Well ya know, I can leave…but I don't really think that's a good idea seein' as ya might need me t' save ya."

"Now where would you get the idea I need savin'?" Chris asked with a frown. He was wondering why Vin was acting so tense and nervous around him, he didn't usually.

"Well, ya know…if ya took it t' mind t' jump or somethin'."

"Jump?" Chris turned his body until he was facing his friend. "Vin, what are you talkin' about?"

"Well, you looked like ya were gonna jump…I just figured I wasn't about t' let ya do that."

Chris looked from Vin to the ground and back again. "Vin." He began, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "If I had a mind to kill myself, I wouldn't jump off a building."

"Well then." Vin nodded his head. "That's good then. Reckon that's all put t' rights."

"Reckon so." Chris smiled a small smile at his friend. "Did you really think I was gonna jump?" he watched Vin nod his head guiltily.

"Because I've been thinkin' on Sarah an' Adam?" Chris asked, as realization struck.

"Well yeah, I guess. I knew ya had ‘em on yer mind an' all the last few days. Couldn't really believe y'd kill yerself…but the way ya looked when I saw ya…kinda haunted."

Chris sighed heavily. "Yeah, I guess it could have looked like that. I came up here ‘cause I was wonderin' how much of the town you could see…you know…in case we needed a scrawny Texan sharpshooter up here any time." Both men shared a laugh. "I guess I kinda got lost in thought about Sarah an' Adam. They enter my head at the strangest times Vin, an' when I get a picture of ‘em there, I try and concentrate as hard as I can so I don't lose it…I guess I'm scared I'll forget what they look like…sometimes I do have trouble rememberin'."

Vin nodded but said nothing. If Chris wanted to continue, he wasn't about to get in the way.

"Thanks for carin' enough to come up here Vin, means a lot to me." Chris continued slapping his friend on the back.

"Hell, ain't nothin'." Vin answered with a glint in his eye. "Ya still owe me a dollar fer that bet ya lost t' me last night."

"You mean the one you made with me when I wasn't listenin' to you?"

"Yeah, reckon that'd be the one."

"Hey you two damn fools. You gonna get away from the edge before you both fall an' land on your sorry asses!"

Vin and Chris both looked down to see Nathan, Ezra and Buck looking up at them. Buck and Ezra were grinning broadly and Nathan looked slightly panicked; the two men on the roof exchanged a look and laughed.

"Reckon we're both in trouble now." Vin observed. "Nathan didn't sound too happy."

"You got that right, pard." Chris agreed as they both moved back from the edge. "Sorry Nathan!" He called down with a smile.

"Yeah well, so ya should be. It's not enough I have to patch ya up when ya get hurt in a shoot out or somethin', now ya go an' tempt fate."

"Reckon we better get down from here, Chris."

"Yep, reckon we should."

The two friends made their way towards the steps. "Hey, I was thinkin' of headin' out to my cabin for a couple of days, seein' as its quiet right now. Wanna come help me with the barn roof?"

"Since when did you have a barn?" Vin asked as they reached the stairs.

"Since I built the damn thing." Chris answered.

"Didn't tell me." Vin began to descend down the steps.

"Don't have to tell you everything…you comin' or not?"

"Hell yeah. I wanna see this barn o' yers afore it falls down."

Chris kicked out with his foot barely missing Vin's head. He felt better now. The thoughts that had entered his head on the roof were intense, and if he was honest with himself, he wasn't sure what he would have done if Vin hadn't arrived when he had.

Chapter 2

Watching from a distance, Buck waited for the right time to approach Vin. The tracker was at his wagon gathering together a few things for his trip to Chris's cabin, and the gunslinger and he were talking. The rogue finally got his chance when the blond slapped the other man on the shoulder and made his way towards the General Store. His efforts at hiding his anxiety were betrayed by his tentative steps.

"Hey Bucklin, ya got another husband after ya, or are ya in a hurry t' get t' yer next conquest?" Vin asked .

The ladies man ground to a halt at the tracker's side and slumped his shoulders. "So much for tryin' to be casual like." He said wryly.

Vin laughed. "Hell Buck, ain't no way that'll ever happen . " His brows drew together when he noticed the harried look on the rogue's face. "Somethin' ya need pard?"

Leaning against the wagon Buck's troubled blue eyes looked at the ground before meeting Tanner's steady gaze. "I need to ask a favor of you, Vin."

"Ya need another alibi?" Vin chuckled "Folks are startin' t' talk…wonderin' how I can be in so many places at once."

The tracker looked up from his sorting and the smile fell from his lips when he saw the rogue's tense features. "Hell I'm sorry Buck, reckon I'm jumpin' the gun. Spit it out." He stopped his packing, waiting for his friend to speak.

"I wanted to ask you to look out for Chris." Buck started, "Hell, I don't mean for you to watch his back, I know you'll always do that..." He stopped and pulling off his hat he ran shaking fingers through his hair. Placing the hat back on his head he turned two pleading eyes on Vin. "I just mean be there for him, talk to him. The hurt he's carryin' inside has festered for too long. He needs someone to confide in, so he can heal an' move on." Buck stopped again and dipped his head. "It was me once…"

"Buck..." Vin began but stopped when Buck raised his hand.

"It's alright Vin. I thank the stars every day since the day you two met. I truly believe you saved his life, Vin."

Vin felt guilt wash over him as he listened to Buck's words. He never wanted to come between Buck and Chris; all he wanted was to be one of the seven. He'd found six good friends who were almost like family, and that was something he'd been looking for most of his life.

"Hell Buck, don't sell yerself short." He sighed and his blue eyes showed his high esteem for the man before him. "I ain't disputin' that me an' Chris aren't close, but ya been part o' his life fer ten years or more. Ya helped him through the worse time in his life and pulled him back from hell more n' once." He paused and smiled at the embarrassed man in front of him. "Ya got a past with him Bucklin, an' that'll always mean somethin' to him. Don't ever forget that." He leaned forward and patted the other mans arm not missing the grateful look in the deep blue eyes.

"You're a good man, Vin…thanks."

The two men leaned silently against the wagon for a while, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Well, think I've held you up long enough, I'm gonna go have another stab at beatin' Ezra at poker." Buck pushed away from the wagon and turned soft blue eyes on Vin. "You take care you hear? An' Vin?..." He tapped the sharpshooters chest with his finger. "You got a way of talkin' right from here, an' those words always find their mark." He nodded and smiled gently "I know Chris'll be safe with you."

Vin nodded. "I'll try m' hardest Bucklin."

"Hell, I know you will." Buck slapped his hand on the sharpshooter's shoulder before spinning around and walking purposefully towards the saloon.

With a heavy sigh, the tracker returned to his packing, with Buck's words weighing heavy in his mind. The pain in Chris's eyes earlier was embedded in his memory, and Bucks words further fuelled his mission to end that pain, hurting right along with him until he did.

"Ready?"

Vin's feet almost left the ground at the sound of Chris's voice behind him. He'd been so caught up in his pondering, that he hadn't heard the blond approach, a rare occurrence seeing as the two men seemed to share a special bond.

"Reckon so. I'm in a hurry t' see this barn o' yers. Does it match yer shack?"

Chris glared hard. "It's not a shack it's a cabin, and the barn is a barn. Now are you comin' or not?"

Vin laughed. "Alrighty, don't bust them tight britches of yers, I'm comin'." He ignored the new glare and picked up his saddlebags. Heading for the livery, he couldn't stop himself from grinning as Chris drew up along side him.

"One o' these days Tanner, I'm gonna pay you back for all your smart ass words."

"Y'are?" He raised his eyebrows challengingly. "Asked the cavalry t' help ya with that?"

Chris decided not to waste his energy on another glare and the two men entered the dark livery with smiles on their faces.

"Hey, I hope Peso doesn't take it into his head to throw you today, Vin." Chris said with a gleam in his eye as he entered Pony's stall.

"What ya sayin' Larabee? Me an' Peso here go way back…"

"Yeah well just as long as you remember to hold tight onto the reins Vin." A new voice advised the tracker.

"Hell Nathan, anyone'd think I fell offa m' horse every day." Vin grumbled as he threw his saddle over Peso's back.

Chris put his head on one side. "Maybe not every day Vin…how about every other day?"

"How ‘bout ya shut yer mouth and saddle up, Larabee?" Vin growled pulling the girth too tight under Peso's belly.

"If you two'd stop your arguin' for a while I can do what I came t' do and get back to people who need me." Nathan interrupted impatiently.

"Sorry Nate, it's them bad tempered Texans that start the fights you know." Chris said with a grin as he turned to the healer. "What did you need?"

"It's what I wanna give you." Nathan held out a packet wrapped in brown paper. "Some medical supplies I got ready for you."

"Hell you always give us such nice stuff, Nathan." Chris joked as he took the packet and stuffed it in his saddlebag.

"You can laugh an' joke all you like, I'm just makin' sure you got some supplies. I know what trouble you two can get into, when you go off on your own." Nathan mumbled. "I'm goin' now, so just be careful an' try an' stay in one piece alright?"

"Heck Nathan." Vin's blue eyes showed his gratitude. "Warms m' heart to know ya care."

"Yeah, well just make sure that heart keeps beatin'." Nate growled before he walked away.

Chris and Vin watched as the healer left the livery and then looked at each other.

"Reckon he's taken t' worryin' too much pard?" Vin commented as he led Peso from his stall.

"You know Vin, this is one of them rare times when I agree with you." Chris followed Vin out of the livery with Pony in tow and the two men mounted up.

"Let's go see this barn o' yers, Larabee."

"Tanner, my barn is a sight to behold." Chris answered with a smile. "It's gonna knock you straight offa your feet and onto your sorry Texan ass!" Vin rolled his eyes as the two men spurred their horses into action.

Outside the saloon, sitting at a table, Buck's eyes followed the two riders until they disappeared from sight. He sighed and took a long drink of his beer. Wiping the froth from his mouth with his hand, he raised his eyes to the sky. "Help Vin to get Chris through this, I'm beggin' you." He whispered to the blue expanse, just as Ezra joined him. The gambler sat down and looked into the glass of beer he held in his hand. "I'll drink to that." The gambler nodded and lifted his glass to his lips, drinking half of its contents. Putting the drink on the table he reached into his pocket and took out a deck of cards and began to shuffle them.

Chapter 3

The silent ride with Vin was a welcome relief, giving Chris time to think. This time of year was always hard for him, and his thoughts were heavy. Sarah and Adam had been his life and there were a lot of memories. There was an invisible hole in his chest he knew would never heal, it just scabbed over and now and again, a piece would fall away and have to heal again. Earlier, on the roof, a vivid image of Sarah holding Adam soon after his birth slammed into his head, it sucked the air from his lungs and halted his movements while he tried to catch his breath. A familiar feeling enveloped him and it was ironic that Vin thought he was going to jump off of the roof; he hadn't been that far from the truth. He'd denied it at the time, but maybe he would have taken that fatal step, if his trance hadn't been broken when the scrawny Texan had nearly been killed in the street below. There'd been times since the fire that had killed his family when he'd thought about ending his own life. His hand had gone to his gun more than once during those times when his despair had made him hit rock bottom and the thought of life without his family was too much to bear. He'd thought himself a coward when, instead of using the gun, he'd buried himself in a bottle. His meandering thoughts turned to Buck then, his savior in the aftermath of his family's destruction. The rogue had dragged him from the pits of hell more times than he cared to remember and Chris's heart filled with affection for his old friend. But the day he'd met Vin Tanner was the day his life had really taken a positive turn. The sharpshooter gave him hope, and the courage to face another day.

Shifting in his saddle, he dipped his head before looking up at the deep blue of the sky. Hell it was hot.

"It's gonna rain."

The tracker's statement startled Chris and he turned his green eyes to the Texan. "Vin? Are you crazy? There's not a cloud up there, and it's hot as hell."

"It's gonna rain." Vin repeated. He continued to watch the trail in front of him; not even glancing at the man in black.

Chris sighed and looked away from the tracker. He'd learned long ago not to question Vin's instincts. "Don't s'pose we're gonna get to start on the barn until tomorrow then."

"Reckon not."

Chris rubbed a hand down his face and across his mouth and chin. He did enjoy the silences they shared, but sometimes Tanner's lack of conversational skills frustrated the hell out of him.

"Careful Vin, you nearly ran out of air that time, you gotta learn to take a breath in them long sentences."

"Anyone ever tell ya that yer not funny, Larabee?"

"Only you, Tanner." Chris smiled as his cabin came into view.

Vin smiled too. It felt good to be out of town for a while, breathing the fresh open air. Larabee had been far off in thought as they rode along, and when he'd occasionally glanced over at the blond he'd seen many emotions crossing his friends face. He knew he'd needed time alone with his thoughts. But he also knew that the time would come when he would need to share them. The tracker realized that was where he came in. He had no illusions; it wasn't going to be easy.

The two men pulled up their horses outside the cabin and Vin easily caught sight of the infamous barn. The tracker's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Hell Larabee, y' call that a barn? I've seen crates bigger'n that." He couldn't resist teasing the gunslinger even though he was impressed with the wooden structure that stood sturdy and proud, but roofless forty feet away from the cabin.

Chris bit back a smile, but couldn't stop his lips from twitching. "Don't knock it Tanner. It beats your wagon without tryin'."

"Least m'wagons got a roof." Vin retorted, climbing from his saddle.

"My barns got half a roof, and after the rains passed, that you're so sure is gonna come, we can put up the other half." Grabbing his saddlebags Chris walked to the door of his cabin. "I'll leave you to tie the horses seein' as you like the outdoors so much."

"I ever tell ya y'got a strange idea of how t'keep yer friends?" Vin called after him, but secured the horse's anyway. He picked up his bags and headed into the cabin. "Ya sure this shack is big enough fer both of us?"

Chris was unloading the supplies on the table and looked up to glare at Vin. "You can always sleep outside. The rain'll keep you cool."

"Yer gettin' old, that's yer trouble, Chris." Vin pulled out a chair and dropped into it. "Reckon yer afeared the rain'll make them ol' bones o' yers creek. An' hell, if they do, don't get t'thinkin' I'm gonna finish the barn for ya."

Chris pursed his lips, throwing a package at the tracker. "Here make yourself useful and fix us some coffee." The gunslinger suddenly remembered the foul tasting brew Vin made. He reached over and grabbed the package back. "On second thoughts I'll make it after you go and fetch some water."

"Who made you the boss o' me, Larabee?" Vin pulled himself to his feet and picked up the bucket by the door. "Heck, even yer bucket's got a hole in it." he added poking his finger through it.

Chris rolled his eyes and grabbed a pan from the hearth. "Here, use this." He handed the pan to the tracker. "An' hurry up!"

Vin grinned. "I'm goin', I know how ya get when ya don't get yer coffee regular." He ducked to avoid the tin cup Chris threw at him. Flashing the gunslinger a broad smile he hastily left the cabin.

Chris chuckled and shook his head. He knew he'd done the right thing by coming out here for a while. It wasn't far from town, but it was far enough for him to find his own space. He could have come alone, but he'd wanted Vin's company. He wondered at that now, after the insults he had just taken from the tracker. But he found peace around Tanner, and besides, he wanted to get the barn roof finished.

"Wipe that smile offa yer face." Vin smirked as he came back through the open door. "Saw a cloud in the sky, it'll be rainin' by nightfall."

"Are you gonna say I told you so?"

"Reckon not. But I'm glad there's nothin' in yer barn ‘cause it'd get a mite wet."

"Now who's not bein' funny, Tanner?" Chris stood from lighting the fire and put the coffee pot over the flames.

"Had a good teacher."

While they waited for the water to boil they finished unpacking and Vin went to settle the horses. The tracker walked back into the cabin and found Chris sitting at the table with his hands wrapped around a steaming mug. "Take the weight off your feet, Tanner." The gunslinger grinned, passing his friend a mug.

"Don't mind if I do, thank y'kindly." Vin dropped into the chair next to Chris and inhaled the steam. His eyes were closed and a small contended smile touched his lips. "I always loved that smell."

Chris didn't answer and Vin turned two quizzical blue eyes on him. He could see his friend was lost in his thoughts and so once again left him alone with them.

The blond was deep in thought. It was something he'd been wondering about since he'd seen his two friends talking by Vin's wagon. The conversation looked serious, and it troubled him.

"So, hows Buck doin'?"

Vin looked up, surprised by the question. He saw the expression in the green eyes and realized Chris had seen him and Buck together earlier. He didn't want to lie to him, but at the same time he didn't want him to get angry at the fact they were talking about him. Sighing, the tracker looked down at his mug before turning his blue eyed gaze back to his companion. "He's doin' fine." He knew he had to say more than that. "We were talkin' earlier ‘bout what happened t'day. Y'know, with the wagon ‘n all." It was the best he could come up with. He wasn't actually lying, he and Buck had been talking about the ‘‘n all' part of the day.

"Sometimes he cares too much." There was pride in the gunslinger's voice.

Vin smiled fondly, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Yeah, reckon he does."

Chris's eyes raked over Vin's face and then they turned to peer inside his mug. He wasn't sure he believed the tracker entirely, even though Buck was almost as bad as Nathan with his worrying. It just seemed that the conversation had been about more than Tanner was letting on. But the sharpshooter seemed determined not to give anything more away so he decided to drop it, he was too damn tired to pursue it anyway.

A loud roar of thunder overhead almost made both men spill their coffee and when Chris looked over at Vin he was met by laughing blue eyes and a Tanner smile.

"Told ya it was gonna rain."

"Were you a nice kid or have you always been a smart ass Texan?" Chris stood and threw the rest of his coffee into the fire.

"Yeah, reckon that's the best place for it. Inez makes better 'n this with her eyes shut."

"Well give it here then if it's so bad." Chris grabbed the mug from Vin's startled grasp and went to throw the liquid on the fire, but stopped and peered inside instead. "You drank it all." He looked up at the tracker with narrowed eyes. "I should make you sleep outside for that. I've let you win too many times today."

"If ya do that I'll get wet, then I'll have t'stay inside tomorrow an' nurse m' cold while ya finish the barn on yer own." Vin stood and stretched. "Still I figure that won't take long, seein' as it's so darn small an' all."

"It's big enough for what I need it for."

"An' what do ya need it for, Larabee?"

Chris thought for a moment. "Haven't figured that out yet." He glared at Vin in answer to the tracker's chuckle. Grabbing a pack of cards from a shelf, he sat down. "Wanna play for money?" he began to shuffle the deck.

"Heck no, Larabee." Vin's eyes danced. "Wouldn't wanna see ya broke. Jist beatin' ya ‘s enough fer me."

A small smile tickled the gunslinger's lips. "Awful sure of yourself aren't you, Tanner?"

"Nope, jist seen ya play cards is all." Vin picked up the hand his companion had just dealt him. "Ya deal the same as ya cook, Larabee…slow."

Chris looked up from his cards, trying not to grimace at the awful hand he'd given himself. "You tryin' to hint that you're hungry?"

"My bellies growlin' louder n' y' do." The tracker patted his flat stomach. "I'd fix somethin' m'self, but it bein' yer place n' all, I didn't like t' impose."

Glaring impatiently at his smug looking friend, Chris threw down his cards. "Don't let me stop you makin' yourself at home." He rummaged around amongst the supplies and Vin joined him in making a small supper.

They ate as the sky grew ever more stormy and dusk settled in. Two lamps lit the room and the fire crackled, sending out a welcome glow into the cabin.

Vin sighed contentedly and pushed his empty bowl away. He stretched out in his chair, two mischievous blue eyes settling on his friend. "Reckon I've got somethin'll help the food go down real nice."

Chris raised an inquisitive brow. "Oh yeah?"

The sharpshooter rose from his chair and walked over to the window, aware that green eyes were following his movements. His saddlebag was slung over a chair and he reached into it, turning around and giving Chris a conspiratorial wink. He pulled out a bottle and set it in the center of the table.

"Where in the hell did you get that?" Chris leaned forward slowly, picking up the bottle. He pulled the cork and sniffed, closing his eyes in pleasure as the smell of fine whiskey filled his nostrils.

"Compliments of Ezra P." Vin sat down again, drinking in the look on Chris's face. "Only don't go thankin' him, in case I got his intentions wrong."

The gunslinger's eyes shot open and looked accusingly at the tracker. "Care to explain that?"

"I didn't steal it or nothin'." The Texan informed his companion quickly, realizing how it could have sounded. "Me an' Ezra were sittin' together drinkin'." He took the glass Chris had poured for him and took a gulp, relishing the taste. He licked his lips when he saw the blond's expectant look and continued. "He was called away. An' when he didn't come back I figured it was better not t' leave it sittin' on the table fer someone t' take."

"So you thought you'd bring it along." Chris finished for him.

"Yeah. Figured Ezra wouldn't mind. He already filled that flask o' his from it." Vin shifted in his seat and finished his drink before turning two reluctant eyes on his friend.

A smile split his face when he saw Chris's broad grin.

"You did the right thing, pard." The blond filled both glasses to the top again and picked up the forgotten deck of cards. "Now lets see who's got the best poker face."

Dusk grew to night and the storm raged outside the small cabin while the two men drank whiskey and played cards. The fire had settled into a small red and orange glow while the lamps flickered out light that made shadows dance up and down the wooden walls. A three-quarters empty bottle of fine whiskey stood in the middle of the table and two good friends sat drinking coffee in silence. The deck of cards was scattered on the table in front of them.

"Told ya I'd beat ya. Bet yer glad we didn't play fer money." The soft Texan words sounded loud as they filled the silence.

Chris put his mug on the table and glared warningly at the tracker. "If you tell any of the boys how bad you beat me tonight. I'll tell Ezra who took the whiskey."

"Ah hell, he most likely knows already. So quit the threatenin', Larabee." Vin yawned and stretched out in the chair.

Realizing how late it was, Chris stood and slapped Vin on the shoulder. "I'm goin' to bed, you be alright in front of the fire?"

"Slept in worse places."

Chris nodded and moved towards the bed. "Vin…?" Halting his steps, Chris turned back towards the tracker, his indebted green gaze telling Vin more than words ever could. "…thanks for coming."

"Yer welcome." The sharpshooter nodded once, and the two friends held each others eyes until Chris smiled softly and moved away.

With his jacket and shirt folded on the table and his boots and gun near the hearth, Vin lay with a blanket lightly over him listening to the sound of the rain pattering on the roof. ‘Hope ya built this sturdy, Larabee, wasn't plannin' on a bath t'night.' His thoughts turned to what had happened on the roof and the conversation he'd had with Buck. The look on Chris's face when he'd first seen him up there still worried him. Vin sighed and readjusted the blanket that covered him. It was hard to shoulder the responsibility that Buck had placed on him that afternoon. What made the ladies man think that he could help the gunslinger and bring him back to town whole again? Hell, if he could he would, there was no question about it. But the man in black was good at keeping things to himself, how was he going to penetrate the shield? He squeezed his eyes shut. He'd just have to hope that, when the time came, he would know what to say. It was time to trust his instincts. With this thought he finally succumbed to sleep

Lying in bed, Chris listened to the sound of the rain on the roof, glad that he'd taken his time over the building of it. He would never have heard the end of it if the cabin had sprung a leak. He closed his eyes against the headache that had been threatening to come all afternoon. All he wanted to do was go to sleep, but it was evading him. There was only one thought in his head at that moment and it made his heart clench painfully. He squeezed his eyes shut and his shaking voice whispered into the darkness "Happy Birthday Adam." One lonely tear fell from the corner of his eye and landed softly on the pillow, leaving a moist trail down the side of Larabee's handsome face. Two more followed in its path leaving a small wet patch of material near his ear. Gulping back the grief the gunslinger opened his eyes and swiped at the moisture with his fingers. Running a hand back and forth across his aching forehead he closed his eyes again, forcing himself not to think, would sleep ever come? His question was answered in less than a minute when his breathing became even and his dreams began.

Chapter 4

Inhaling deeply, he relished the familiar fragrance of the rain as it filled his nostrils. The fresh scent of the earth that accompanied recent rainfall always relaxed him. Almost feeling the cool moisture on his face as he thought of it, caused a smile to tug at his lips. But it died before it was born. Vin tried, but couldn't find the peace that a cloud fall usually brought. His tired mind was troubled with thoughts of Chris, and not even the rain could do anything to relieve it. Finally, in impatience and frustration, he threw his blanket aside and sat up. He put his head in his hands and rubbed his face. Slowly he raised his eyes to the door, as though the outside were calling him. He blew out a breath and climbed to his feet. Grabbing the blanket, he tiptoed barefoot to the beckoning door. Clenching his teeth he pulled on the handle and opened it as quietly as he could. He didn't want to wake Chris, because Lord knows that man needed sleep more than he did. His friend's face showed how emotionally drained he was, however hard he tried to hide it with his words. Taking a deep breath as the fresh air hit him, the tracker sighed, relishing the coolness of it seeping into his lungs. Stifling the ‘Aaaah' that almost escaped his lips unbidden, he stepped over the threshold and closed the door gently and quietly behind him. Slipping the blanket around his bare shoulders he sat against the wall and rested his elbows on his knees silently watching the rain.

The smell of smoke was so vivid in his dream that it made his stomach lurch. Sarah…there was Sarah waving to him, and Adam was by her side. They were standing in front on their home; well, the remains of their home. All that was left was a pile of smouldering timbers. Chris turned and called out to them, but as his mouth opened around the words, no sound came. He began to run back, his arms outstretched, he couldn't leave them; he had to take them with him. As he drew close the two figures began to shimmer and grow dim. They finally disappeared as Chris lurched forward in a last desperate attempt to grab them. But his hands touched air, his fingers grabbing wildly at nothing. The scream died in his throat as his awareness returned. His lungs burned as he gasped for air. Sitting up, his chest rose and fell quickly, while his heart drummed a constant hammering in his chest. He stifled a sob, feeling the deep chasm that was opening wide inside him. Dipping his head, he ignored the sweat that dripped from the ends of his damp hair, landing on his shaking hands. "…God…" he grit out through clenched teeth. Trembling as the vividness of his dream threatened to overwhelm him. The sweat drenched his upper body as he fought to gain control of his shattered emotions. Smothered, he threw back the blanket. Turning his body, he dropped his feet to the floor. Taking another deep breath, he pushed himself onto shaking legs and wrapped the blanket around him. Desperately, his lungs sought air. He began to tread carefully across the wooden floor, but stopped tiptoeing when he realised Vin was not where he should be. Sighing heavily, he reached the door and eased himself through it, shutting it behind him. Pulling the blanket closer around him the blond closed his eyes. He rested his head against the door, trying hard to forget his dream.

Sitting as quiet and still as he could, Vin watched the rain as it fell into a puddle in front of him. He didn't want to disturb the man who had suddenly appeared at the door. He didn't want to intrude, but at the same time, knew that he'd have to announce his presence sooner or later. Feeling a gaze on him he turned to the silhouette of his friend. Their eyes found and held each other's in the darkness, unable to see but very aware.

"Vin." It was a statement, not a question.

The tracker nodded, then realized Chris wouldn't be able to see the gesture.

"Yeah." His voice was soft. "Didn't mean t' bust in on ya…I'll go." The sharpshooter started to rise.

"No!"

The voice was loud. Vin drew in a breath, hearing the hope coupled with fear in that one word. The tracker settled again, gripping the blanket tighter than he needed to. He started to turn his head, but stopped as the word came again.

"No." This time it was a plea. "It's alright…and you didn't bust in on me, you were here first."

Silence fell once more. The rain hitting the porch and the ground the only sound.

"I was dreaming."

The Texan remained silent. The tremor in Chris's voice told the tracker the dream was more a nightmare. He sat and waited, to see if more would come. His heart clenched painfully at the torment he could hear in the blond's voice. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to be strong. Then opened them as more troubled, distressed words filled the night air.

"About Adam…" the words were uttered as though wrenched from deep in his soul. "…and Sarah." He lifted a quivering hand to cup his face, the fingernails of the other digging into the wooden door behind him.

Vin swallowed, hardly daring to breathe as he listened to the man…his friend, baring his all to him.

"It was so real…" he couldn't stop the quake in his voice. "The flames and smoke…their eyes…" he dipped his head, his face contorted as his emotions overrode his desire to stay strong in front of Vin. His shoulders shook as the tears began to slide.

Vin watched the puddle grow in size. He had to say something, but what? He opened his mouth to speak, hoping something would miraculously fall from his lips without him having to think about it.

"Sometimes…" The blond's ragged voice stopped the seated man and he closed his mouth and waited again.

"…sometimes I feel like I'm gonna fall through the hole in my gut that opened the day they died, and not be able to climb out again."

Vin felt Chris's eyes on him in the darkness. He continued to stare at the puddle.

"There's a knot in my stomach I can't untie." The blond thumped his body with his fist, and Vin flinched at the hollow sound.

"My life's empty without them." Chris ran shaking fingers through his sweat soaked hair. "I miss the feel of them, the sound of their voices…their laughter. I miss Adam's arms around my neck, squeezing me tight. The feel of Sarah's hair against my cheek." The sorrow almost choked him. "I remember the hope I had in my heart. I can still feel the excitement we felt at sharing our lives. The talks we had about growing old together." He dipped his head, and then raised it again, his green eyes almost flashing as he clenched his teeth angrily. "But it was all taken away from us." His voice shook and Vin could feel the tension in his friend's body. The gunslinger slid down the length of the door until he was seated, only a foot away from the tracker. The feeling of loss burned in his gut, the hurt crushing his chest. The anger evaporated and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness took over. A sigh shuddered from his mouth before he continued. "Why did they have to die? Why wasn't I there to save them…or die with them?"

The air left the Texan's body in a long painful breath. The sorrow and torment seated next to him made his heartache and his blood boil all at the same time. "'Cause it wasn't yer time, it was theirs." That wasn't exactly what he wanted to say. Gritting his teeth, he cursed himself silently. His eyes shot angry blue arrows into the puddle at his feet. His mind trying to find a thousand and one different ways to end the life of the person who'd brought Chris Larabee to the deep dark place he was buried in at this moment.

The blond turned a misty gaze to the huddled shadow beside him. He closed his eyes and swallowed the sob, when his mind conjured up a picture of the last time he'd seen his family alive. "I miss them." He stated sadly. "It's like there's a fire in my belly burning me from the inside, out." He rested his head in his hands before his next words found Vin's ears. "My life's lost it's meaning..." He cringed at his own statement. His survival instincts screaming at him, telling him the words should never have left his mouth.

Vin felt anger burning in his belly. This wasn't Chris talking. This was some crazy sonofabitch who wasn't thinking before he spoke. He let out a breath. No, this was his best friend, lost in a pit of agony. Trying to find rhyme and reason for his life to carry on.

"Reckon a lot o' folk's get t' feelin' that way." The Texan managed finally. "Jist not up to us when it's our time." His blue gaze moved from the puddle to the blond. His anger melting when he saw the dark outline. The head was bowed; the shoulders sagged. The whole image was one of pure misery, borne from the agony of the past. Vin sighed when there was no response, turning his eyes back to the puddle that was in danger of becoming a pond. It was time for him to try and help heal his friend.

"When yer born, yer given a gift." Vin stopped and dipped his head. Lifting it again, his eyes held a far away look. "Yer life's like a piece o' fine china sittin' in the palm o' yer hand." He swallowed, glancing down at the dark outline of his hand held in front of him, the fingers splayed out. "Ya take care o' that china the best ya can. Shelterin' it from storms, protectin' it from rocky trails." The tracker pulled the blanket closer around his shoulders. He was well aware of the rigid form so close to him. The man he was trying desperately to reach with his words. He licked his suddenly dry lips and his gaze was lost once more in the darkness of night. "Ya jist gotta hold onto it real tight, so ya don't lose yer grip." He closed his fingers gently over his palm. "But ya have t' be careful ya don't put too much pressure on it, ‘cause it'd break real easy…an' somethin' as precious as that can be hard t' fix. Ya jist have t' hold on tight but gentle, and ride it out." He blinked, losing the far away look in his eyes.

"But Adam and Sarah had theirs snatched away." The blond's bitter voice ground out. "What chance did they have to hold on?"

Vin closed his tired eyes; grateful for the fact that Chris was at least hearing him out. "They didn't have a choice. Theirs was stolen right outta their hands." He heard the gunslinger shuffling around next to him. He braced himself for the hands he was sure were going to reach out and grab him. Or the fist that was sure to hit him in the face. But neither happened. He relaxed again and wiggled his toes when he felt the rain hitting his bare feet. Pulling his knees further towards his chest he looked up at the dark sky. "But, it don't mean that makes it right fer someone t' jist up an' throw theirs away. ‘Cause when it hits the ground and shatters int' a million pieces its gonna scratch and cut the people closest to it…a lot o' folks'd be hurt."

Chris rested his head against his knees, wiping the moisture from his eyes with the blanket. "Maybe, sometimes it's better to drop it." He was so lost in his aching need for his family that the words slid from his lips unbidden. A silent thought never meant to be uttered.

Vin's heart pounded against his chest. He felt like he was going around in circles. He shook his head vehemently in the darkness. "It ain't. Ya have t' hold ont' it more tight than ya ever did before. Ya owe it t' the ones who had theirs took from ‘em. They didn't wanna die any more'n you wanted ‘em to." The anger in his voice was short lived. His body sagged as he sensed defeat. "When ya get a precious gift put in yer hand, even if other folks lose theirs, ya don't throw it away. Ya learn how t' mend the cracks, ‘til ya can't see ‘em an' forget they're there. Ya repaint it so's ya can't see where the tears washed away the colours and ya put yer fingers around it t' shelter it from anythin' that comes yer way." His voice cracked in emotion. "But ya have t' remember t' keep them fingers apart, so's anyone who happens along that wants t' take the time t' look at the gift, can see it and share the wonder of it with ya."

Silence reined again as the raspy voice faded and the tracker wiped at his eyes. His nerves were raw and his soul in danger of splitting in two. The rain seemed suddenly to make a noise again. Vin moved his head to look at the dark shadow of his best friend. He heard a stifled sob and fought the urge to reach out and clasp the shoulder that pleaded for support. Turning his head again, his eyes found his puddle and he waited. Knowing that Chris had to come to him, or everything would have been for nothing.

Chris wiped at his damp eyes, a feeling of wonder enveloping him. Vin's words were still chiming and echoing in his head. He looked down at his hand, glistening from the tears he had swiped away. The darkness stopped him from getting a clear image, but as his palm lay up in front of him his fingers slowly closed around it.

"Do you think I can do it?" The blond's voice was unsure, hardly audible above the sound of the rain.

"No…" Vin's voice rang out, and Chris's head turned sharply in surprise. "I know ya can."

A slow, fond smile formed on the gunslinger's lips. Shuffling along the dirt porch he stopped when he felt the warmth of Vin's body next to him. The Texan looked up and, even in the dark, could see the green glow in his brother's eyes. A glimmer of hope, and a hint of acceptance that hadn't been there before were showing themselves in the gaze. Vin hoped that along with that a new outlook on life was being born.

"You're one hell of a friend to have, Vin Tanner." The gunslinger's voice was a mixture of sadness, gratitude and pride.

The sharpshooter smiled with his eyes. " I fight fer what's worth fightin' fer." The blue gaze turned serious again, his eyes finding a star between the dark clouds in the sky. "Jest don't let me get scratched, ‘cause yer a friend I'm aimin' on keepin."

Chris sat staring at Vin's dark form that seemed more visible all of a sudden. A warm feeling crept into his stomach. He thought again how fortunate he was that he'd been in the right place at the right time to meet the soul mate at his side. A small contented smile touched his mouth as his eyes found the tracker's favorite puddle.

"Storm's passed." The Texan stated.

"Yeah." Chris stared at the puddle. "But it's still rainin'."

+ + + + + + +

The morning dawned with a feeling of hope. The sun shone in the sky, slowly obliterating all evidence of the previous night's storm. Chris stood on the porch, a cheroot between his lips and a mug of coffee in his hand. His shoulders felt lighter, although his heart was still heavy with the feeling of loss. He took a sip of the dark brew and grimaced. He'd hoped to beat Vin to the coffeepot, but he'd woken to the smell of breakfast cooking and the stench of Tanner sludge that he was now attempting to drink.

Vin wrinkled his nose as the smoke floated towards him. His face screwed up and he waved his hand back and forth through the air. He coughed as he shot accusing blue eyes at the blond.

The gunslinger raised a challenging eyebrow "Rather that than the smell of your coffee." He eyed the dark brew and tossed what was left onto the ground.

"Yer an ungrateful bastard, ya know that, Larabee?" Vin grumbled. He snatched the empty mug from the gunslinger's fingers and walked back inside. "I should make ya fix yer own darn roof fer that."

The blond lowered his head and chuckled. "We're building the roof, not fixing it."

"Got a good mind t' leave ya t' do it yerself an' head back t' town." Vin came back outside and leaning against the wall, gulped down his coffee.

Chris wrinkled his nose. "You must have tin guts, Tanner." He headed inside. "Now stop your whinin' and help me get the tools together."

Vin's blue eyes twinkled. "Yer jist scared the roof'll fall in at the first sign o' rain if yer left t' do it yerself."

"Yeah, that must be it." Emerging from the cabin, Chris threw a heavy bag at the tracker's feet. "Here's some of the tools, I'll get the ladder."

Vin watched the troubled man walk towards the barn. There'd been no mention of the night before, except in an occasional look that passed between them. They'd both eventually gone back to bed. The dark smudges under their eyes were a tell tale sign of how little time they'd actually spent sleeping.

"You gonna stand there daydreaming or are you gonna help me with the barn?"

A wide smile split Vin's face as he looked in the direction of Chris's shout. The gunslinger was standing with his hands on his hips and an impatient look on his face. The ladder was leaning against the wall of the barn.

Putting the mug on the ground, he bent to lift the bag of tools. "Heck, it's full o' lead, I reckon." He mumbled as his back protested. Hoisting the bag over his shoulder, the Texan strolled over to his waiting friend. "I'm figurin' it'd be best t' take some o' Ezra's advice and give up on this menial labor."

"You sayin' my barns menial, Tanner?" Chris moved his weight to one leg, his hands stayed on his hips.

"Heck no. Jist a mite rickety's all." Vin slapped the gunslinger on the shoulder. "But don't you go worryin' none. We'll have it lookin' like a barn in no time." He winked and turned away. Climbing the ladder, he yelled over his shoulder. "Can ya hoist them tools up when ya come. I forgot ‘em."

"One day Tanner…one day." The blond threatened under his breath. Picking up the bag Vin had dropped, he grimaced. Slinging it over his shoulder he followed the Texan up the ladder.

The two friends worked side by side as the sun beat down on their backs. The sounds of hammering and sawing mixed with birds singing and the whistle of the soft wind through the trees. Vin put down his hammer and sat back. Taking the hat from his head, he wiped his arm across his sweating brow. Looking over at the blond, he watched him struggling, trying to line up a piece of timber. With a sigh he rose to his feet. "Wait pard, I'll hold that fer ya." The gunslinger turned around and nodded, watching as the tracker made his way across to him. The beams that Chris had already laid down were still damp from the night's rain, tending to be slippery underfoot. The Texan felt his foot slide a split second before he saw the green eyes of his friend widen in horror. He couldn't get his balance and felt himself falling backwards, only vaguely aware of Larabee's startled shout. His arms splayed out, trying to grab a hold of anything that would break his fall. He cried out as his body hit a beam hard. From the corner of his eye, he saw his companion hasten towards him. The next second he heard a loud crack and the blond was suddenly not there anymore. He felt air beneath him as another crack rang out, and his body tensed as he felt the roof disintegrating around him.

Chapter 5

Watching the wind whipping up the dry earth, the big man blew out another breath. The preacher was emotionally drained . His stomach churned from the time he'd just spent at the Turner's. The words spoken while placing the tiny box in the ground still made his heart ache.

Jed Turner had come to him two days earlier, and asked him to go out to his homestead. Nathan hadn't been able to save their son, he was still born and the young couple's lives were in tatters. Josiah rubbed a hand down his sweating face as he remembered the look in the young man's eyes when he'd come to the church. He stood with his hat held tightly in front of him. His gaze showing the sorrow that only someone who loses a child could know. How could he refuse his request? All he asked was for a decent burial for his baby. So, with his heart as heavy as lead, he'd gone with the grieving man and helped to bury their hope in the ground.

Sitting in their small parlor, he realized his job wasn't finished. He had to stay and help this couple with their grief. Emmie Turner was a pretty young thing. Her eyes were huge at the best of times, but that day, they seemed to swallow up the rest of her face. They were two blue pools with shattered dreams floating within them. Her husband was trying to be strong, but his loss was clearly seen in the slump of his shoulders. The stolen moments when he thought nobody was looking, when he would let his face crumple and then pull with all his inner strength to smooth it out again. No, the oldest of the peacekeepers couldn't leave them like that.

He stayed that night and the whole of the next day, aiming to leave before nightfall. But then the storm had threatened and his hosts insisted he stay. Knowing it was the wise thing to do, he waited for the storm to pass and headed out at first light. Riding along slowly, his mind still saw that tiny box going into the ground, along with crushed expectations. He sighed again, watching as the dirt continued to whirl around in the warm breeze. Looking around him, he realized he wasn't far from Chris's cabin. Without thinking, he turned his horse in that direction. The isolation was just what he needed. Alone, he could gather his thoughts, and figure out how to help the Turners through their grief.

+ + + + + + +

Breathing in short, sharp gasps, he closed his blue eyes against the pain in his shoulder. The only thing stopping him from dropping to the ground was his death grip on the beam. Digging his fingers harder into the wood, he hardly felt the rough edges of the timber cutting into his hands. Slowly opening his eyes, he blinked away the wet sticky substance that was clouding his view as it dripped down his face. Blocking out his own discomfort, his sole mission became searching for his best friend.

Blinking rapidly again, he fought against the dizziness and nausea he was feeling due to his head wound. His probing grew more urgent as he felt fear rise up inside him. How could he help Chris if his own injuries struck him down? Putting the thought aside, his gaze suddenly stopped on a dark figure amongst the debris below.

"Chris!"

The loud exclamation seemed to echo around the walls of the barn. Vin shifted his hold on the beam and gasped as a searing pain shot through his shoulder. Sweat mixed with blood on his forehead as he concentrated on his friend's form, looking for any sign of life. His heart catapulted against his chest, while his mind silently prayed that Chris was alive. He had to get down there, but how? Raising his head, he looked around, trying to find a way out of his situation. A frustrated cry was working its way up his throat. The need to get to Larabee almost making him let go and hope for a soft landing below. The feeling died before it was born. Instead, a rush of air left his mouth when his eyes settled on the top of the ladder.

His gaze followed the line of the beam he was hanging onto and a relieved smile touched his lips. Taking a deep breath, he turned his body. Grunting at the effort, he slowly released the grip of one hand and placed it in front of the other. A satisfied look crossed his face at the knowledge that his plan was working. Slowly making his way along the beam to the ladder, he tried to ignore the growing discomfort in his shoulder. Reaching the wall, he dipped his aching head and released an exhausted breath. All he had to do now was pull himself up onto the beam. So far, it had taken his weight and he hoped that wouldn't change. Taking a deep, shaking breath, he cried out as he pulled his legs upwards until he could wrap them around the timber. Gathering all his strength, he pulled his body around so that he was hugging the beam. Resting his forehead against the wood, he closed his eyes and then opened them slowly. His gaze quickly found what he sought. He blew out a tentative breath, the unmoving body filling him with concern. Quickly pushing his negative thoughts aside, his features took on a determined look. Chris was alive; he could feel it. Telling himself it wasn't wishful thinking, but fact, he slowly moved his aching body backwards. A feeling of relief washed over him when his foot touched the top of the ladder.

Lying on the ground, trying to stay as still as possible, the injured gunslinger concentrated on his breathing. The pain in his leg heightened with every second that passed. Opening his eyes was impossible. The hot rays of the sun pierced straight through his eyelids and hit his skull hard. He clenched his teeth tightly, as a white-hot poker seemed to run up and down his left leg. Squeezing his lips together, his breath came in quick spurts through his nose. Feeling the heat of the sun on his face, he tried to turn away from it, crying out in pain when his body protested. He heard a noise, and strained his ears to listen. He licked his dry lips, and screwed up his face when he tasted dirt. Where the hell was he? What in hell had happened? A memory flashed through his mind, jolting his body and making him cry out again.

"Vin!"

The tortured call took most of his energy. He moved his arm gingerly and placed it over his sweating forehead. "Vin." The anxious whisper was answered by a light touch on his shoulder.

"I'm right here, Chris." The tracker's worried eyes scanned the battered body, surveying the damage. He was still getting over the relief that his friend was alive. His heart somersaulted and seemed to plummet into his stomach when his gaze fixed on Larabee's left leg. The shinbone was jutting out of the gunslinger's torn black pants. Running a hand down his bloodied face, the Texan turned when he felt a hand grab his.

"You…alright?" the concerned green eyes narrowed as he tried to read the other's features. He shuddered, overwhelmed with relief that Vin was at his side and he wasn't alone.

"I'm fine. Yer the one who fell." Raking trembling fingers through his long hair, he searched his mind, trying to figure out what to do. Remembering the parcel Nathan had given them, he looked at the gunslinger intently.

"I gotta go t' the cabin, don't go runnin' off." His blue eyes twinkled despite the situation.

Chris huffed out a weak laugh. "…was just gonna practice…my tango." Groaning, he closed his eyes and turned his head away.

Patting the injured man's shoulder, Vin rose gingerly to his feet. Closing his eyes, he waited for the dizzy spell to pass. Swallowing down the nausea, he made his way to the cabin. Throwing the door open, his urgent search quickly found what he sought.

Grabbing it, he let out a groan, his shoulder screaming abuse at him for ignoring the fact that it hurt. He cursed, as sweat seemed to seep from every pore in his body. Walking slowly to the water pump, he filled a canteen. Taking a deep breath, and wiping a hand down the side of his face, he returned to his friend's side. Kneeling down, he looked from the broken leg, to Chris's face. He knew what had to be done, but his stomach churned at the thought of having to do it. Two suffering green eyes stared knowingly at him. "Broken…isn't it?"

Tanner nodded, and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "I gotta straighten it out."

Larabee returned the nod, closing his eyes for a moment when the world began to spin. "Figured as…much." It was getting harder to breathe through the torture his leg was making him suffer. "You sure…my head's not…broken…too?" a smile lifted one side of his mouth before his face grew serious again.

Vin shook his head, his smile matching the gunslinger's. His eyes scanned the sweat soaked blond hair, finding nothing. Exploring further, his fingers found a large knot at the back of the stricken man's head. "...got a nice knot back there." Tentatively, he reached out and brushed some wet hair away from Chris's forehead. Apprehensive blue eyes met resigned green ones. Each man knowing what had to be done. The tracker broke the contact and searched the ground around him. Reaching over, he picked up a smooth piece of wood and stared at it before turning back to his friend.

"Here, bite on this."

Opening his mouth, the gunslinger accepted the piece of wood Vin placed between his teeth, preparing to bite down on it. His eyes were closed and his upper body was tense as he waited for the inevitable excruciating pain.

Pulling out his knife, Tanner crawled to the injured leg and carefully cut the black material of Chris's pants. Trying hard to ignore the gasps coming from his friend, and the ugly sight of protruding bone. Looking one last time into Larabee's face, he answered the blond's trusting look with a reassuring smile.

Taking a deep breath, the Texan wiped the moisture from his face with his sleeve. He winced as the rough fabric of his shirt caught the wound on his forehead. Taking a firm hold above the gunslinger's knee with one hand, he gently gripped his ankle with the other. Vin forced himself to look once more at the leg. Gritting his teeth, a loud grunt passed his lips as, in one quick, sharp movement, he pulled the leg in two different directions. The bone seemed to disappear as it was forced back into place.

The sickening sound of bones crunching, coupled with the acrid smell of the open wound, sent the tracker 's stomach into a series of flips. Closing his eyes, he fought to keep his breakfast down. He swallowed continuously until the threatening darkness and the sickness in his belly slowly died. Still holding the leg securely, his frantic eyes jumped to his friend as he remembered the stifled scream that had filled the air. The wood lay on the blond's chest where it had fallen from slack lips. Slowly releasing his hold, afraid that the bone would pop out again, he relaxed when it stayed secure. Reaching for Nathan's package, he prepared to stop the wound from bleeding,
and set the injured leg.

+ + + + + + +

Stretching his back the best that he could while sitting in a saddle, Josiah raised his eyes in thanks as Chris's cabin came into sight. His subdued mood had not improved and he was fed up with his own company. Wondering whether he had made the right decision to be alone, he frowned as he reached his destination. He noticed the new barn; it's fresh timber standing out in the sunlight. He hadn't known that the gunslinger was building a barn, then again, there was a lot he didn't know about their leader. Stopping his horse, he jumped from the saddle, relishing the feel of the ground under his boots. Stretching his back again, he winced when he heard the loud cracking of his bones. Walking to the door, he cocked his head to one side when his eyes found a mug on the floor of the porch. Picking it up, he walked curiously inside.

"Oh Lord."

Realizing instantly that he was not alone, he searched the cabin for inhabitants, but found none. Seeing Vin's jacket slung casually over a chair, he surmised that he and Larabee were somewhere around. Returning to the porch, he saw a ladder perched against the side of the barn. Walking slowly towards the new building, his heart quickened along with his pace when he saw the debris strewn around the outside of the structure. Stepping over large pieces of wood, he carefully pushed open the door and peered inside. His stomach lurched at the sight that met his eyes. Vin was kneeling beside Larabee's innate form, his hands covered in blood.

"Vin!"

The tracker's head snapped up as the preacher rushed over to the two men. "Josiah? What'r ya doin' here?" The feeling of relief was overwhelming, and he felt his eyes threaten to well up.

Studying the sharpshooter's face, the older man instantly saw the wound on his forehead. "What happened?"

Tanner swallowed hard, quelling the lump in his throat. "Roof collapsed, Chris fell."

Nodding slowly, Josiah watched as the tracker started to bandage splints in place. Seeing the trembling in the younger man's hands, he reached out and steadied them.

"Here, let me help."

He took the bandage from Vin's grasp and the two men worked together until the job was done.

"How long's he been out?" The preacher moved to Larabee's head and put his hand on his forehead. It felt warm, but the sun could have done that.

"Not long." Vin answered, rinsing the blood from his hands with water from the canteen. "He was awake ‘til I set his leg."

"We need to get him inside. You alright to help?" Josiah glanced over Vin's body for any sign of injury. Other than the cut on his head, and grazed hands, he found nothing.

"'m fine. I climbed down. Didn't fall." He looked worriedly at the older man. "We need t' get Nathan."

Nodding his head, Josiah rose to his feet. "Yep, but first we gotta get him comfortable, and out of the sun." he looked enquiringly at the tracker. "Can you grab his legs? An' I'll take his shoulders."

Without answering, Vin blew out a breath and as cautiously as he could, maneuvered his arms under Larabee's legs. Looking at the new arrival, he waited for the go ahead to move.

Josiah moved to Chris's head and gripped him gently under his arms. "Let's go." The two peacekeepers moved in unison, standing as one, and began making their way as smoothly as they could towards the cabin.

Vin's eyes never left the slack face of his friend, as he watched for any signs that they were hurting him. The tracker was finding it hard to keep a grip as they reached the porch. The burning pain in his shoulder making his forehead bead with sweat. Kicking the door open, they made their way carefully to the bed and settled Chris gently onto the soft mattress.

Glancing over at Vin, the preacher could see that the shaken man was barely holding it together. Taking charge of the situation, he began unbuttoning Larabee's shirt.

"We need to get these clothes off." Trying to sound matter of fact, he didn't look up at the Texan for fear that he might see the concern in his eyes. "He's too warm."

Vin nodded, wide eyes watching Josiah. He eased the blond forward and helped the older man pull the sweat soaked shirt from his body. Flinching at the groan of discomfort that came from his best friend.

Seeing the preacher looking around him, Vin once more retrieved his knife and handed it to the big man. Josiah was relieved to see that the tracker appeared to have his emotions in check and nodded his thanks. Glancing at the pale face laying on the pillow, he blew out a breath and carefully cut the pants away from the injured body. Working together, the two men finished undressing Larabee, pulling a thin sheet lightly over his body.

Josiah looked up, sensing two Texan eyes on him.

"Seen breaks like this b'fore." Vin's trepidation was clear in the raspy voice. "The bone stickin' out that way." Swallowing, his troubled gaze fell away from the other man. "Infection sets in real fast."

Josiah's pale blue eyes looked at the dipped, shaggy head. He walked to the dejected man who was sitting forlornly in the chair by the bed. "I'm gonna get some water." He reached out with his hand, ready to place it on the top of the Texan's head. Thinking better of it, he lowered it and placed it lightly on his shoulder.

"He's tough Vin, he'll fight."

He knew that saying Chris would be fine…that there was nothing to worry about, wouldn't work with the tracker. They both realized that there was a danger they would lose their leader. He received no response from the bent head and his heart sank again as he headed for the door.

Vin sat stiffly in the chair. Even the light touch of Josiah's hand on him had sent screaming shards of pain rippling through his shoulder. He shook his head, not wanting to think about his own injury. It was nothing compared to what Chris had to deal with.

Blinking away the moisture from his eyes, Vin turned his sights from the bruises on Chris's upper body and fixed his gaze on the closed eyes. "Yer t'ornery t' let this beat ya, Larabee." The voice cracked as the Texan rested his elbow on the bed, leaning his head against his hand. Reaching out, he brushed some stray strands of hair back from the handsome face. "B'sides, ya can't let that barn beat ya." He smiled, but it didn't reach his sad eyes. "Ya know how much ya love payback." His voice cracked again. Things had happened so quickly, he was still playing catch up.

A commotion from the front of the cabin drew Vin's eyes away from the stricken blond.

"I took the bucket, but there was a hole in it." Josiah informed the sharpshooter as he walked up to the bed with a bowl.

Vin chuckled despite the churning worry in his stomach. "Damn place s' got nothin' that works right."

Smiling at the Texan, Josiah retrieved a cloth from the bowl. Walking to the seated tracker he knelt in front of him and put the cloth in his hand. Seeing the questioning look, the preacher guided the tracker's arm until the cloth was over the gash on his head. Vin winced, and would have taken it away, if the older man hadn't held the sharpshooter's hand in place. He turned a stern, steady gaze on the younger man. "Hold it there, don't need you getting sick too."

Vin's body sagged in defeat and he was unable to conceal the hiss of pain when the movement jarred his injured shoulder. The older man didn't miss the reaction, but put it down to the cut on his head. Letting go of the tracker's hand, he moved to the head of the bed. Picking up another cloth, he began to wipe it over Chris's face and body.

"We need t' get Nathan." Vin's eyes watched the cloths progress. The smooth movements were mesmerizing and his eyelids began to grow heavy.

"I know." Continuing his task, the preacher didn't see Vin's body snap back to attention when he spoke. Dropping the cloth into the water he stood to his full height. Looking from one to the other of the two men he wondered about divine intervention. What would have happened if he hadn't decided to come to the cabin? How would Vin have got help for Chris? He wiped his wet hands on his pants and sighed. Whatever the reason for him arriving when he had, he'd definitely jumped out of the pan and into the fire.

Walking once more to the tracker, he lowered onto his haunches. He rested his hand on Vin's knee. Two sorrowful blue pools looked back at him. "I'll be as quick as I can. I'll take Pony, my horse is tired." He paused and took the cloth from the loose grasp and eyed the injury. Satisfied that it was clean, and no longer bleeding. He wiped at the dried blood on the distraught face. "Keep rubbing him down. Try and feed him water."

"I know what t' do." Vin snapped, pushing Josiah's hand away. "Jest get Nathan, b'fore…" he couldn't say the words and determinedly blinked away the threatening display of emotion.

Josiah stood and looked down at the tracker. "Don't aggravate that head of yours." Starting to walk away his eyes twinkled at the raspy voice that followed him.

"Y' already did that."

Leaving the cabin, his mission took every other thought from his mind. Moving towards Larabee's fine horse, he wondered at God's will. If this was His way of healing his anguish of the last few days, he vowed he would never ask for God's help again. Quashing the thought immediately, he prayed for a swift journey to town.

Chris groaned, his body trying to shy away from the heat. Smacking his lips together, he tried to find some moisture in his arid mouth. Struggling to move out of the sun, he cried out as a screaming agony tore at his leg. He felt movement behind his head, and something cool touching his lips. He gulped greedily, relishing the welcome cool liquid that swam into his mouth and ran down his dry throat. Trying to move his head when it was taken away, he felt pressure on his shoulders. Sighing in defeat, he rested his head against the softness under him. His mind drifted off, too tired to fight, he accepted the heat.

Vin held the blond's shoulders until the resisting body stilled. Releasing his grip, he sat down once more, his eyes hardly leaving the pale face. He knew he'd have to watch for signs that Larabee would reject the water. After Josiah had left, he realized that he'd let the older man take control of everything. The tracker had been relieved when the preacher had shown up. It gave him time to recover from the shock of what had happened. Catching sight of the fevered head moving, the sharpshooter frowned and picked up the cloth. Pulling back the sheet, he began to sponge down the sweating body.

+ + + + + + +

Jumping up quickly, his backside hardly having touched the seat, Ezra moved gingerly around the jail. He turned a cool green glare on Bucks laughing face. "I fail to see the humor of the situation." The pained edge to his voice only made the ladies man laugh more.

"You can't put it off much longer, Ez." The rogue spluttered. "That boils gonna take over the whole of one of them pert cheeks of yours."

"My derriere is my concern. Not yours." The gambler brought the words home with a stern look. Limping back to the chair, he settled himself slowly into it. Watching the con man as he maneuvered himself into a leaning position, the rogue wiped tears from his eyes.

"You know Ezra, it's probably not a boil at all." Buck wheezed. Clearing his throat, he fought to bring his mirth under control.

The southerner arched an eyebrow. "Really?" Sighing, he continued. "I'm sure to regret this, but would you care to enlighten me?"

The rogue moved his closed, smiling lips from side to side until he was sure he was in control. "I think it's a bed sore." He paused, watching the gambler's eyebrow arch again. "You gotta admit, the amount of time you spend there, it's logical." Buck's blue eyes twinkled wickedly.

Ezra shot the ladies man a challenging look. "If that were the case. Then most of your body should be covered in such things." He countered, referring to Buck's favorite pastime of bedding women.

Slapping the table with his hand, the scoundrel threw back his head and laughed. Wiping away more tears he winked at the gambler. "Guess my skin is just tougher than yours. Besides, it's not always the same part of my body touching the sheets." Buck shot his eyebrows up and down, chuckling at Ezra's disgusted look.

"Congratulations, Buck." Ezra stood slowly, enjoying the rogues puzzled expression. "You're revolting insights have successfully driven me to the clinic." Walking cautiously towards the door, he stopped when he sensed a presence behind him. Turning his head slowly around, he settled a suspicious look on the smiling features. "Where might I ask, are you going?"

The ladies man grinned and twirled the edge of his moustache between a finger and thumb. "Got an appointment." His eyes danced. "Gonna see if Miss Clara can help me get a bed sore."

Rolling his eyes, Ezra moved through the door. He winced when Buck slapped him on the back. The shock waves of the contact sent signals into his sore backside.

"What the hell?" Narrowing his eyes, the smile left Buck's lips as he watched the distant horizon.

Seeing the ladies man's suddenly alert stance, Ezra too strained to see what had caught the rogue's attention.

Dust rose in the distance, seeming to mark the arrival of several riders. Watching as the swirling ground drew nearer, the two men suddenly tensed when they realized what they were seeing. The horse and rider had passed them before they spurred their tense bodies into action. Forgetting his discomfort, Ezra hurried after Buck. Catching up with Josiah as he jumped from his horse at the bottom of the clinic steps, the ladies man grabbed Pony's reins.

"This is Chris's horse," he stated flatly. Feeling a measure of dread flood his body, he turned an alarmed look on the preacher.

Shifting his urgent eyes from one man to the other, the oldest of the seven waved a hand before turning and running up the steps. "Nathan!" The two startled men, standing by Pony, hurried after him.

Hearing the need in the shout of his name, Nathan dropped the instruments in his hands. They cluttered to the workbench, but were forgotten as the healer rushed from the room. Meeting the three men outside the door, his concerned brown eyes settled on Josiah. "What?" he asked almost desperately.

"It's Chris." The preacher tried with everything he had, not to sound too sorrowful. All the way to town his mind had conjured up pictures of six men standing around a hole in the ground. Trying not to think of the heartrending look in the blue eyes he had left at the cabin, had been nigh on impossible. He blinked when he felt hands grab him by the arms.

"Josiah…what?" Nathan asked again. Already he was mentally cataloguing the supplies he would need.

"He fell off the barn roof. Vin's with him." Wondering why he couldn't string two sentences together all of a sudden, the preacher felt a firmer grip on his shoulder.

"How bad?" The gravelly voice was Buck's.

"Bad." Josiah swallowed hard. He'd only just admitted to himself how bad it was. "His legs broke. Bone was jutting out. We splinted it."

"What about Vin?" Nathan called the words as he ran back inside the clinic, closely followed by Ezra.

"Gash on his head. He was acting like he was shocked or something."

Buck stepped around to face the preacher. "You left them alone like that?" Dark blue flashes of something the older man couldn't place lanced into his heart.

"Vin was alright. Just worried as hell" His eyes turned a little hard. "Besides, how else were we supposed to get help out there?"

Taking a shaky breath, the rogue's gaze softened. "I'm sorry Josiah."

"I understand, Brother."

"You two gonna stand there, or are you coming?" Nathan rushed passed them, with Ezra close behind. Both were laden down with medical supplies.

The two big men sprinted into action. "I'll find JD. Get cover for the town." Josiah yelled running past the others and taking the stairs two at a time.

"We're comin' boys." Buck whispered. "Hold on ol' buddy."

+ + + + + + +

Stretching out his aching body, Vin picked up the cloth, running it over Chris's face and chest. Feeling the heat rising from the blond, he pushed away the fear that kept threatening to envelop him. He'd seen open breaks like this one before, but it wasn't the same as those times. This time it was his best friend. Dropping the cloth in the bowl, he knelt beside the bed and rested his aching head in his hands.

"Vin?" Chris's weak voice penetrated his skull and his head shot up, sending the room into a sickening motion. Swallowing against the nausea, the tracker leaned forward.

Blinking his eyes, in an effort to see clearer, the blond raised a shaking hand and lightly touched the Texans' head. "You're…hurt."

Grasping the hand between his own the sharpshooter lowered it once more to the blanket. He gulped down the feeling of helplessness, and prayed silently for Nathan's swift arrival. "S'nothin'" the raspy voice was raw with emotion.

A small tweak in the corner of Chris's mouth left almost before it arrived. Fighting to keep conscious, his eyelids fluttered and closed over fevered green pools.

Taking a few deep breaths, Vin's watery gaze settled on their clasped hands. He dipped his head and moved it back and forth against the sheet, wiping the moisture from his eyes. Remembering their talk on the porch the previous night, he closed his hands more tightly around Chris's. Staring at them forlornly, his quiet, trembling voice filled the silence. "An' when ya can't keep a hold of it on yer own. Someone else takes care of it fer ya."

Chapter 6

Wiping the cool wet cloth over the stilled body, Vin frowned as he felt the heat radiating. Reaching for the cup, he sipped some water, all the while continuing his mission of keeping Larabee's fever down. He watched the eyes moving under closed lids and wondered what Chris was seeing in his dreams.  

+ + + + + + +

Tilting his face up to the sky, the gunslinger closed his eyes, a small, contented smile touching his lips. Splashes from the cascading waterfall hit his face, cooling him down. Hearing a giggle, he turned his gaze to the lagoon, and his smile widened into a broad grin. Walking towards the water's edge, his eyes filled with pleasure and love as he watched his wife and son splashing happily in the clear blue water.

He chuckled at the sight of Adam's wet hair, sticking to his face and spiking upwards. The young boy's cheeks were glowing from the time spent in the sun and the cool water on his warm body. Raising a hand, the child beckoned his Pa to join in the fun.

Sarah's dancing eyes challenged him to enter the water. She knew that Chris Larabee would never turn down a challenge. Laughing and shaking his head in defeat, he kicked off his boots. Reaching for the top of his black pants he suddenly felt himself beginning to slide. Trying to correct his footing, his heart leapt and he cried out in alarm as he lost the battle and plummeted into the water.

+ + + + + + +

Vin dropped the dripping cloth on the blond's chest when the thrashing began again. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he held the fevered man's shoulders as securely as he could.

"Calm down now!" His soothing voice defied the racing in his heart. "Yer gonna do yerself more harm."

In the underwater depths, Chris heard a voice in the distance. He stopped struggling against the pull of the lagoon bed as the calming tone ran through his body. A peace settled over him, when he realized someone was trying to help him. Maybe if he opened his eyes he'd be able to see them.

Easing the pressure on Chris's shoulders, the tracker grimaced at the throbbing in his shoulder blade. Tilting his head to one side, he watched his friend's face, as he felt a change evolving .

Two green slits appeared, at the same time as the prone man let out a pain filled groan. Licking his dry lips, the glassy eyes settled on the swimming form in front of him. Vin. The name came to him through the fog in his mind. Vin Tanner...his friend. He must have dove into the cold lagoon to help.

"Wondered when I was gonna see them eyes o' yers open." Vin's welcoming smile was short lived when the groan came again. Reaching for the cup of water on the table, the tracker put a hand behind the wet head, lifting it a little. Prodding the slack mouth with the cup, the Texan fed the gunslinger a little water.

"Not too much. Don't want ya spittin' yer belly load over me." Vin placed the damp head back on the pillow, watching as his friend's eyes closed once more. Hot fingers found his hand and gripped it as hard as their owner's weakened state would allow. Tightening his own hold, his anxious gaze rested on the blond's flushed face. "I got ya...yer not fightin' alone."

Vin watched the pained features of his friend relax and felt the grip on his hand lessen. Pulling his hand away, Tanner slid slowly from the bed until he was kneeling on the floor. Straightening his back, he hissed and wrinkled his nose, as a pain erupted in his shoulder blade. Reaching with his opposite hand, he tentatively touched the sore area, wincing again as the light contact of his fingers assaulted the throbbing injury. He hung his head and sighed, picturing the colorful bruises that must by now be painting a magnificent picture on his shoulder.

Lifting his head, the room began to sway around him. He closed his eyes, reaching blindly for the damp cloth. "Dammit!" He ground his teeth together in discomfort and frustration, cursing his own weakness. The angry word fuelled his determination, and opening his eyes, he concentrated on his task. Reaching for Chris's hand he held it tightly, while the other wiped away the sweat from the gunslinger's body.

The thundering of hooves finally ceased as the men reached the cabin. Throughout the journey, five hearts were racing in time to the galloping of their horses. Two of their brothers were in trouble, and keeping their number at seven was the only way they were thinking.

His senses causing a prickling at the back of his neck, Vin's stomach rebelled as his head snapped up. He turned his head quickly to the side, where he knew the basin of water was situated, as he felt the bile rising in his throat. The sound of Vin's heaving met the five peacekeeper's ears as they burst into the cabin.

"Someone help Vin to a chair 'til I can get to him." Nathan's urgent voice called over his shoulder as the men ran through the small abode. "...and don't let him move!" Knowing his request would be carried out, he turned his attention to Chris. Placing a hand on the blond's forehead he frowned at the heat that met his palm. Seeing Vin reach for the abandoned cloth, the healer gently closed his hand over the Texan's. "I got it, Vin." He raised his eyes and saw Josiah trying to coax the tracker away from the gunslinger. Satisfied that the sharpshooter was in good hands, he returned his attention to the prone figure on the bed, not noticing when Vin slipped his hand into Chris's, gripping it tightly. The ex-slave's keen eyes noted the bruising on the lean torso, but his main worry was the broken leg. He pulled the sheet back apprehensively and swallowed hard as his eyes met the makeshift splints and bandage.

Hearing a sharp intake of breath, he looked up again to see Buck standing at the foot of the bed, a look of immeasurable grief on his face. "Here, take this." The healer handed the big man the cloth he'd just taken from Vin. The last thing he needed was for the ladies man to lose it. He knew how much the rogue suffered when one of them was injured, and when it was Chris, that hurt was magnified tenfold. "You know what to do, we gotta try to keep his fever down." The ex-slave figured that, by keeping the scoundrel occupied, it would be one less of them he'd have to worry about .

Shifting his gaze, Nathan's brown eyes rested on the gambler, who was unpacking supplies on the table. "Ezra! I need some water in here."

Picking up a bowl, the southerner made his way out of the cabin. He hissed and winced, rubbing tentatively at his sore buttock. The last thing he wanted to do was sit down, so he was grateful to be given a task.

Vin wasn't fully aware of the other men in the room until a shadow fell over him and he felt hands on his arms. "Let's get you up out of there." Josiah's voice sent waves of colorful images past his eyes, his head throbbing in time to the words. A watery blue gaze turned to look up at the preacher, and a stubborn look crossed Vin's face when he felt himself being guided from his knees, onto his feet.

"Come on Vin, let go of his hand." The preacher watched as the tracker stuck out his jaw doggedly.

"No!" the determined Texan voice rasped.

"Vin, sit down and drink some water. Get that taste out of your mouth." The healer directed, not looking up from his task of unraveling the bandage on Chris's leg.

"It appears we have a stalemate." Ezra offered as he handed Nathan a bowl of water and retreated quickly from the bed. Seeing Josiah continuing to have trouble with Vin, he decided to lend his assistance and moved to the tracker's side.

Grabbing Tanner's hand, the gambler tried to pry away the fingers that were wrapped around the gunslinger's. He sighed in exasperation when the sharpshooter would not relinquish his firm but gentle hold. "Let go, Vin." He tried to pry one finger after the other from around the blond's hand, but as he let go of each one, Vin closed his grip once more.

"No...gotta hold on to it fer him." Vin was leaning against the bed, trying to pull away from the two men.

Realizing that the younger man was ailing, Ezra pulled a chair close to the bed and looked to Josiah, hoping he had some words of wisdom.

"It's alright, Vin. We're here now. We can help you take care of Chris. No need for you to do it alone anymore." The two men watched the tracker's reactions, both relaxing a little when they saw his stubborn gaze waver. The preacher continued in a soothing voice. "The chair's right here. You don't have to leave him."

Tired blue eyes went from one face to the other before Vin reluctantly let go of Chris's hand. He closed his eyes as the room began to sway before him again, when he opened them, his gaze landed on Buck's back. Allowing himself to be eased backwards into the chair, he waited for the form to move close enough. Reaching forward, he snagged the dark sleeve and waited for the head to turn.

Buck was trying not to look in the direction of Chris's injured leg, as he rubbed cool water over the hot skin. He didn't want to see how bad his friend was injured, but deep down knew that not setting eyes on it would not make it go away. Feeling himself grabbed by the arm, he turned around quickly and worried sky blue met anguished stormy blue, as Chris's two closest friends locked eyes. Stilling his movement with the cloth, the rogue drew his eyebrows together in a silent query as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Hold it...don't let go..." Vin's face was determined, his gaze unwavering. "Promise!"

Buck shook his head slightly and frowned, trying to figure out what the tracker was trying to say. The last word issued was a confusing mixture of a prayer and growl. He studied the hot, anxious face so close to his, and touched the tracker's shoulder lightly, his keen eyes catching the wince the light contact caused. "I'll take care of it, Vin."

The grip tightened on the rogue's sleeve. "Do it now...keep it in his hand."

Turning his head, Buck glanced over his shoulder, to see where Vin's eyes had been flitting whenever the tracker's gaze had wandered from his. He stopped searching when he caught sight of Chris's hand, lying so still. "I will Vin, I swear I will." The emotion hit voice promised. He went to squeeze the tracker's shoulder again, but remembered Vin's reaction when he had touched it before. Moving his hand, he tapped the sharpshooter's knee lightly.

Moving his attention away from Vin, he reached over and gripped Chris's hand in his own. He was aware of watchful blue eyes on his movements, and he suddenly felt even closer to the scruffy Texan. They shared a common bond with Chris, and Buck needed no explanations as to why Vin felt so strongly that Chris's hand needed to be held. If that's what it took to help keep his oldest friend with them, then it was an easy task.

"Don't let go." Vin's whisper carried across to him, as he felt the strong grip finally leaving his sleeve. Nodding without turning his head, he put the cloth in the tub of cold water and began to cool down the hot body once more. Listening to the soothing voices of Josiah and Ezra as they hovered over Vin, Buck swallowed hard when his gaze suddenly roamed and came into contact with Chris's injured leg, now minus any bandages. "...Oh God..." He swallowed the rising bile back down and blinked away the dizzy spell. His eyes watered as he realized what Vin must have gone through when he was confronted with the sickly sight. He settled his attention on Nathan, the thought having given him renewed courage.

"What else can we do, Nate?" the rogue asked worriedly.

Shaking his head, the healer glanced up fleetingly. "Just keep doing what you're doing for now. JD's boiling some water." As if on cue, the youngest of the seven appeared beside the ex-slave with a bowl of hot water. His big eyes grew wider when they settled on the open leg wound. His horrified face flitted from one man to the other as he raised a hand to his mouth. "I'm sorry..." he swallowed and dipped his head. "I'm sorry." He gasped again, before running through the cabin and out of the door.

Trying to see past Buck's body, Vin moved his head from one side to the other. "How's he doin'?" he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer, but like the others, had to know all the same.

Nathan continued to work as he thought about what to say. He knew he couldn't candy coat it, these men were not stupid. They'd all seen injuries of varying degrees and knew where this came on a scale of one to ten. He looked up, pausing in his work for the first time since he'd arrived. Looking from one to the other of the four pairs of eyes patiently awaiting his answer, he found he couldn't look at the big blue depths of Vin Tanner. Settling finally on Ezra he blew out a breath. "Infection's settin' in already. I can't stitch it 'til I know that's all gone. He's lost a lot of blood, and sportin' a fever." He stopped and, taking a deep breath, his worried brown eyes shifted to the anxious tracker. "You done good with settin' the bone, Vin."

The Texan dipped his head, blinking away the moisture that seemed to be flowing freely from his eyes that day. He could hear what Nathan wasn't saying, and that worried him more than the spoken words. "We can't let 'im die, Nate." The sorrow in the raspy voice caused Josiah to cast aside any reservations and place a gentle hand on the back of Vin's head. The tracker didn't react and so the preacher left it there, feeling the head move slowly from side to side.

"No one's gonna let him die, Vin. Least ways, no one on earth." Buck uttered vehemently, as, with renewed vigor, he bathed Chris's body.

He grew accustomed to the darkness of the underwater depths, and the loneliness he'd been feeling since losing sight of Vin. He realized by now that his family and friend must have given up on him still being alive. He wondered why he couldn't seem to find the surface of the water. He was hot, yet could feel the cool sensation of water lapping against his skin. Floating just above the bed of the lagoon, he wasn't ready for the sudden, excruciating pain when his leg became trapped between two rocks. Keeping his mouth tightly closed, so he wouldn't swallow any water, he released an agonized groan from deep in his throat.

Nathan's head shot up, and his hands stilled in their task of cleaning Chris's leg. He could feel the blond's resistance to his ministrations, but they were weak and knew it wouldn't be a problem. His eyes shifted to Josiah who was trying to keep Vin in the chair. "Vin, stay put. There's enough of us to take care of Chris."

The healer's call was answered by a guilty look from the tracker, who sank back into the seat. The Texan realized that, by being a burden, he was taking some of the care away from Chris. Settling his eyes on his best friend's face, he sat back and watched, sending a silent message to the blond. "I know yer fightin' Chris. We're right here, pard. Fight with all ya got."

Seeing that Vin was at last doing as he was bid, Nathan glanced at the rogue. "Buck, make sure the water stays cool." he instructed, beginning to clean the leg wound again.

"I'll get more water." JD called out, making his way to the door. Ezra had joined him in preparing some food when he had returned to the cabin after his bout of sickness. The youngest of the seven was feeling foolish and was determined to prove to them all that he was now in control.

"Thanks JD." Nathan turned to Buck, sensing his eyes on him.

"He's burnin' up, Nate. This isn't helping."

"Believe me, it is." The healer's brown eyes bore into Buck's, bringing the words home. "If we stop wettin' him down..."

"I'm sorry...I know." Buck nodded, gulped and accepted the fresh bowl of water from JD. "Thanks kid." He winked and offered the young sheriff a small reassuring smile. "You're doing great." He whispered so only the youngest member could hear. Knowing how hard JD was trying to overcome his weakness of before, he put aside his own worries to alleviate some of the young mans discomfort.

"Thanks Buck." The grateful youth nodded, averting his eyes from Chris's injured leg as he passed by on his way back to join Ezra.

+ + + + + + +

Fire was burning through his leg and the water seemed to be growing warmer. He squirmed and struggled, trying to free his trapped limb. Finally he felt it move slightly from its prison. He pursed his lips tightly together when the leg finally moved, the rocks tearing deep into the flesh as it finally found freedom. Keeping his lips tightly together, he felt his face finally breaking the surface of the water. Knowing it was safe to open his mouth now, an agonized cry tore from deep down in his stomach, releasing itself through his mouth and seeming to echo around the rocks that encased the lagoon.

"Hold him still." Nathan cried urgently as his patient began to struggle. The cry had startled them all and Josiah was having a hard time keeping Vin seated. Releasing his hold in frustration the preacher stepped back, watching the tan colored blur as it moved towards the bed.

Settling on his knees, Vin leaned his face close to Chris's ear. He placed a hand on the top of the wet blond head, his eyes looking pleadingly at the fevered features of his friend. "Chris, ya know I ain't one fer askin' favors o' folk." His eyes darted as he saw movement, and watched Josiah taking a firm hold of Chris's hips. He was unaware of the other men's eyes on him as he continued to speak quietly to the gunslinger. "But I gotta ask a favor of ya. See, we're tryin' t' help ya here, n' Nathan's gettin' a mite vexed with ya." His lips twitched and he moved his mouth slightly closer to the blond's ear. "An' ya know what that can mean." Swallowing, his clenched heart relaxed a little as the thrashing body seemed to settle. " So, can I ask ya t' keep as still as ya can, n' let Nate do what he's gotta?"

The handsome blond's features relaxed slowly and the thrashing stopped completely. A sigh escaped the gunslinger's lips followed by a weak groan.

"Thanks, Cowboy..." Vin whispered, starting to move away. His eyebrows raised slightly as he turned his head towards the ear again. "Just so's ya know...we're takin' care o' that gift ya holdin', Chris. So save some o' yer strength fer the leg alright?" After waiting a few seconds for the nod he knew deep down was not about to come, he rose shakily to his feet. He felt a steadying hand under his elbow and his blue eyes locked with Josiah's. The tracker drew his brows together at the look of pride he saw on the preacher's face; not realizing the look was for him.

All eyes watched as the Texan was guided back to his seat, the room was filled with an air of wonder at the power Chris and Vin seemed to have over one another.

Nathan let out a slow breath as he felt Chris's body relaxing completely. He didn't have time to think about what had just happened...but Buck did.

Still holding tightly to Chris's hand, the ladies man stole an admiring look at the tracker, sitting in the chair with his head bent. The rogue had been friends with Chris a long time, but he'd never had, and knew he never would have the very special and unique connection that Chris and Vin shared. JD had asked him once whether he resented the two men's friendship. But how could he? He welcomed it like a warm embrace. He'd watched the green light return to Chris's eyes and saw his joy of living slowly rekindled and knew that it was all Vin's doing. Tanner was a special person to be able to do that for his friend, and his gut warmed at the thought of the scrawny Texan.

His warm blue eyes settled on his and Chris's clasped hands as he slowly returned from his pondering. Realizing, after Vin's softly spoken words to Chris, that it was more than just holding a sick friend's hand for reassurance, Buck squeezed a little tighter.

Lying beside the shimmering lagoon, Chris relaxed as the sun beat down on his body. He knew that Vin was nearby, he'd heard his voice. He frowned, remembering that there had been other people with him too. He just couldn't seem to recall who they were. Feeling his leg throbbing painfully, he winced and bit his lip. He could feel hands on the injured limb, and figured it was Vin bandaging the wound. He winced at the constant pounding of his head, deciding that he needed to sleep off his headache. Feeling someone squeezing his hand, he squeezed it gently in response, before drifting into a welcome darkness.

Feeling the soft pressure on his fingers Buck's eyes shot to the clasped hands and then looked towards Vin. The tracker nodded, a small smile on his face telling the rogue that he hadn't missed the movement. The eye contact was broken when Josiah moved and knelt in front of the tracker.

"Here, drink some of this." He placed a cup in the tracker's hand and guided it towards the dry lips.

Gulping down the cool drink, Vin's eyes showed his gratitude. Seeing movement from the other side of the bed, he pushed the cup hastily away and watched as Nathan straightened. Waiting for the healer to work the kinks out of his back, the Texan eyed the new splint and dressing on Chris' broken leg.

"Nate?" The loaded question was evident in that one word.

Shrugging as he sighed, Nathan picked up his bag and walked around the bed, running wet fingers through his short hair. "Like I told you, the leg's infected. Gotta get rid of that, and keep the fever down."

"He hit 'is head too."

Nathan nodded at the tracker. "Yeah, it didn't split the skin. But I'm gonna keep my eye on it." He narrowed his eyes and put a hand on Josiah's shoulder. "Let me get in there."

Nodding, the preacher rose to his feet. Moving to the other side of the bed, he picked up a cloth and began to help Buck in keeping Chris cool.

Vin winced and pulled away as Nathan's gentle hands probed his head wound. "It's no wonder Chris bucked around like he did." he growled, throwing blue darts into the healer's eyes.

"Keep still so's I can look, Vin." Nathan answered impatiently, ignoring Buck's snort as he concentrated on the stubborn tracker who was determined to try his sanity.

"Hmm...might put a coupla stitches in this." The healer mumbled, almost falling backwards when the Texan jumped to his feet.

"Yer not puttin' a needle in m' head, Nate. It's not bleedin'." The room began to spin around him and he gulped as acid rose in his stomach. Falling heavily into the chair he blinked repeatedly until his gaze finally focused on two stern brown eyes.

"Vin." The ex-slave stopped and his eyes softened before he continued. "Vin, I know about healin', so let me do what's best for you, alright?"

Dropping his head briefly, the tracker looked up apologetically. "'m sorry Nate. Do what ya gotta do."

Smiling and patting the buckskin knee, the healer reached for his tools and set to work.

Hearing a soft groan, Buck stopped working the cloth over his friends body and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "It's alright Chris, relax ol' buddy." He watched the features as they screwed up in pain. "Nate! He's hurtin'."

Holding Vin's chin firmly so he couldn't move his head, the healer called instructions over his shoulder. "Try and give him some laudanum, it's in my bag." All the while, his gaze held the tracker's, trying to convey to him that he was in control.

Buck reached into the bag and retrieved the bottle, not letting go of Chris's hand. His fingers were beginning to go numb, but he knew it was important in some way, and so he held on tight. Handing the bottle to Josiah, his other hand patted the blond's shoulder as another groan passed the gunslinger's dry lips. "Hurry up, Josiah." He growled, hating the sound of the pain filled moans.

The preacher poured a little water from a pitcher into a cup and added a few drops of the medicine. Nodding to Buck, he waited for the rogue to raise Chris's head before easing the rim between the gunslinger's lips. "Come on Chris...swallow." He coached, and smiled when he heard the leader gulp down the liquid.

The groan came again as Buck returned the hot head to the pillow. Both men watched until the pale features seemed to relax, before continuing with their task.

"Right that should do it." Nathan sat back on his heels and examined the bandage he'd just secured around the tracker's head. "You need to get some rest, Vin." He raised a hand, when the Texan mouth opened to protest. "I mean sleep rest, not sittin' down rest."

Buck chuckled as he worked, and threw a question over his shoulder. "Anything else hurtin'?" His eyes showed a hint of mischief, and Josiah cocked his head questioningly.

Nathan narrowed his eyes when Vin threw Buck a threatening look. "Now I'm askin', Tanner. Anything else I should know about?"

Feeling uncomfortable at the attention he was receiving, Vin shifted around in his seat. "...m' shoulder's hurtin' a mite." The reluctant admission was coupled with a glare towards Buck that Larabee would have been proud of.

Huffing agitatedly, Nathan rose to his feet. "Alright, lets get this shirt off an' take a look."

Wincing at the movements, Vin helped as much as he could to undo his shirt.

Easing the garment from the tracker, Nathan frowned, and his mouth dropped open at the sight of the injured shoulder. "Dammit Vin. I'm lookin' at every colour of the rainbow." He shook his head from side to side. "You shoulda said somethin' sooner." He admonished, reaching into his bag.

"Chris needed ya more n' me." The Texan replied, pain filling his voice as Nathan gently probed the bruised area.

"Nothin's broken." The healer said at last. "But it's gonna hurt like hell for a while. I'll make up somethin' to rub into it an' you need to keep it still."

Vin screwed up his nose in disgust. "Hell Nate, tell me it ain't gonna be one o' those things o' yers that smell like a dead skunk."

"I doubt we'll notice." Ezra entered the conversation. "That disgusting article you call a coat smells like a dead animal at the best of times."

Twinkling blue eyes had Josiah baffled again as the rogue joined the fray. "Hey Ez, I think you may be needing some dead animal rub too...or haven't you mentioned your problem to Nathan yet?"

"Alright, that's enough." The healer retrieved what he sought from his bag and handed it to Ezra. "Boil some water and mix this in will you Ez?" he turned towards the gambler. "...and why does Buck think you need a rub?"

"Mister Wilmington's attempt at humor, nothing more. I'm in perfect working order." The southerner turned away and began walking to the stove. His back stiffened as the healer's voice called after him.

"I see your problem. The walk gives it clean away. I got somethin' for that too."

Throwing an evil green glare over his shoulder as Buck did nothing to hide his mirth, the gambler began to prepare Nathan's concoction.

+ + + + + + +

The light from scattered lanterns sent a multitude of flickering shapes dancing around the cabin walls. The evening had settled in quickly, and the men were pleased that Nathan had been able to complete his tasks before daylight faded.

Vin was sitting in the chair by Chris's bedside, watching and listening intently. The tracker had only moved from the blond's side once, to take care of business outside. His left arm was in a sling, and his pale face seemed whiter as it blended with the bandage wrapped around his head.

Ezra and JD had taken over the task of bathing Chris's body, while Josiah and Buck ate supper with Nathan. The three men at the table sat in silence as the light from the fire glowed orange and yellow across their pensive faces.

Chris had been still for a long time, small groans now and again were the only indication that he was anywhere near consciousness. The tension in the small abode was rising out of each mans body and settling into the atmosphere.

Nathan's brown eyes settled on Vin, worry causing him to furrow his brow as he took in the pale face. The tracker refused to move from the chair, and when Buck had reluctantly left Chris's side, Tanner was adamant that Ezra had to hold the gunslinger's hand. Again none of the men questioned Vin's motives, knowing that there was a damn good reason why the Texan was being so stubborn about it.

Sighing, Nathan rose from his chair, placing his hands at the small of his back and bending backwards. Walking slowly towards Vin, he wasn't surprised when the tired blue eyes watched his approach. Sinking to his knees beside the chair, he tried to send a message through his eyes. "Vin, you need to sleep."

"Can't sleep, not 'til I know..." Turning his head away, the Texan brought his free hand up to cup his face. "I can't..."

Closing his eyes, the healer blew out a steadying breath. "We're not gonna know for a while, Vin. You know that." He got no response. "We can put some blankets on the floor in the corner behind you. You'll still be close."

The shaggy head lifted slowly and turned towards Nathan. "If ya promise ya won't let me sleep through anythin'...an' ya make sure someone's always holdin' Chris's hand."

"I promise." The healer whispered, tapping the sharpshooter lightly.

"Mebbe Josiah could spout some o' them purty words around Chris...ya know...from the Bible."

The emotion in the Texan voice clenched at Nathan's heart as distressed blue eyes bore into his. Nodding, the healer blinked away his own tears. "I'll ask him." Rising slowly to his feet, he walked back to the table. "Need some blankets for Vin to lie on."

Within minutes, a comfortable array of blankets lined the corner of the cabin. Three sets of hands guided Vin to his feet. "I ain't an invalid, let go o' me." The irate raspy voice made Buck grin.

"Hell, Vin. Reckon that skunk you're wearin' on your shoulder was bit by a rattle snake."

Blue eyes glared at the chuckling rogue. "Go t' hell, Bucklin."

"Alright, I can take it from here." Nathan sent a warning look to the rogue, and the men dispersed, leaving Vin in the healer's capable hands.

Leading him towards the blankets, he helped him ease to the floor. He pulled the tracker's boots from his feet, all the while sensing the younger mans discomfort at needing help. The ex-slave shook his head when an involuntary groan passed the Texan's lips.

"You shoulda had some of the laudanum like I wanted you to. Woulda helped you settle."

"I can settle jest fine on m' own." The sharpshooter found a comfortable position lying on his side, and Nathan watched as eyelids fluttered over the tired blue eyes.

"Take care o' Chris...make 'im hold on." The slurred words had barely left the Texan's mouth before he surrendered to sleep.

"I will Vin...I swear I will." Nathan whispered, hoping he wasn't making an empty promise.

Moving to the bed, the healer put a hand to Chris's hot forehead. He felt helpless, and the frustration was gnawing a hole in his gut. Meeting Ezra's eyes with his own, he couldn't help a small smile when the gambler's face took on a look of determination. He watched as the southerner worked the wet cloth over their leader's torso with a new determination.

The healer reached out and grabbed Standish's hand. "Easy Ezra. Nothing else is broken and he doesn't have any internal injuries. I wanna keep it that way."

Looking up into amused brown eyes, the gambler's shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry, Nathan. I'm just trying..."

"I know, it's okay." Patting Ezra's arm, the healer moved away. "Call me if he stirs." The ex-slave walked to the table and grabbed a blanket. Settling himself in a corner, he wrapped the cover around his body and closed his eyes, hoping to catch a little sleep before he was needed again.

Looking absently around the room, Ezra's tired eyes moved from one sleeping man to the other. He settled his gaze on JD, watching as the younger man prepared some soup. Sniffing in the appetizing aroma, the gambler closed his eyes, only to snap them open again when he found himself in danger of falling asleep. Turning his attention to Chris, he placed a cool cloth on the blond's hot forehead and held it there.

He turned towards JD again, chuckling when he heard him singing softly. He watched as the young sheriff added some chopped carrots to the boiling contents in the pot. A wide smile split the gambler's face when the youngest of the seven cursed after dropping the spoon he'd been using. As JD bent to retrieve it, Ezra's keen eyes grew wide when he saw the dishcloth around the Easterner's neck catch the flame from the fire.

Ezra jumped to his feet, releasing his hold on Chris's hand. Rushing to JD's side, he whipped the burning cloth from around the unaware mans neck. Throwing it to the floor, he stamped out the stubborn flame.

JD gulped hard, big brown eyes going from the scorched dishcloth to Ezra's face. "Th...thanks."

"You're very welcome." The gambler answered with a relieved smile. His eyes scanned the dimly lit room. "It appears our small drama didn't wake anyone." Picking up the useless cloth, he went to the door and threw it out.

Feeling himself sliding back into the water, Chris's heart began to race. He gasped, trying to call out, but his throat was too dry. He dug the fingers of one hand into the dirt, attempting to grab hold of something, anything to stop him from being engulfed by the lagoon again. His other hand grabbed at air, searching for the grip that had made him feel safe until a few moments ago. He tried to call out again, and this time succeeded as his shoulders disappeared beneath the warm water. He reached his hand up, splaying his fingers out, desperately hoping that he would feel another hand grasp his and pull him to safety.

Chapter 7

Vin's breathing grew more rapid, as his brows drew together in a frown. The feeling that he was needed grew stronger with every heartbeat. Fighting his body's urges to stay asleep, he pulled his mind towards consciousness. Opening his eyes, he blinked continuously, battling against the need to close them again. He sucked in a breath as an image of Chris reaching out to him filled his senses. Pushing himself up onto his elbow, he groaned as a pain ripped through his shoulder and his head seemed to pound against his skull. Looking towards the bed, he quickly cast aside his discomfort and climbed to his feet. Staggering towards the lone man on the bed, his sleep deprived eyes focused on the outstretched hand of his friend.

Closing the door behind him, Ezra turned and saw the tottering, bandaged man heading towards Chris's bedside. "Oh Lord!" He quickly made his way through the cabin, stalling when he was painfully reminded of his sore, embarrassing ailment. "Vin, go and lie down, I'm taking care of Chris." His call seemed to have met deaf ears, but as he reached the tracker he gasped as he was pushed aside.

"Not no more yer not!"

The gambler recoiled at the nasty growl. A bullet wouldn't have done the damage that the accusing, angry blue glare bestowed. He flinched visibly, as the Texan's fire singed him soundly, before turning his attention back to Chris. He watched as the sharpshooter reached the bed and dropped to his knees. Seeing the younger man pull his arm from it's sling, he watched as Vin reached for Chris's hand, gripping it tightly.

"Ezra!" JD hissed as he reached the gambler's side. "What's going on?"

"I fear I failed in my duties."

The young sheriff took in the downhearted look of the man beside him, before slowly moving his gaze to the scene at the bed. "But you saved me from being burnt."

The tone in his quiet statement, echoed what Ezra was feeling; he'd been caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. He'd been confronted with the choice of keeping hold of Chris's hand or keeping JD from being injured. It appeared that his action had indeed saved the younger man from pain, but had endangered Chris in a way only Vin seemed to understand. Swallowing down the guilt, he pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind to ponder on later, when he heard the hushed Texan drawl.

"It's alright, Cowboy, I gotcha. We're all here, 'bout time ya woke the hell up." He shifted slightly, moving his mouth closer to Chris's ear. "Sorry 'bout leavin' ya. Ez had somethin' he had t' do. Promise it won't happen again. I swear on that tattered ol' excuse fer a bible o' Josiah's."

The tracker was oblivious to everything around him, not aware that Nathan, Buck and Josiah had joined Ezra and JD. Blinking the sleepiness from their eyes, their half-awake minds were trying to figure out what was happening, and what had woken them from their slumber.

"What's going on?" Buck whispered from the corner of his mouth, the first to finally be awake enough to ask.

"I let go of Chris's hand to help JD." Ezra whispered back, a note of regret in his voice.

Starting to move forward, Nathan was stopped by Buck's arm. He turned questioning brown eyes on the ladies man.

"Let Vin settle him first."

Looking back towards the two men, one laying on the bed, the other kneeling beside it, the healer nodded, seeing the logic in Buck's words. The five peacekeepers stood together, watching the strong friendship working it's magic once again.

Squeezing the injured man's hand tightly, Vin waited for a sign that the blond felt secure once more, trying not to panic when all he felt was emptiness. Dipping his head with a sigh, he raised it again and put a trembling hand on the blond's forehead.

"C'mon Chris, we only left ya fer a few seconds, y' can find yer way back...I know ya can."

Five men held their collective breath, as they watched and waited for Vin to relax. Because that was the only way they would know that Chris was still fighting. Only Tanner would be able to feel when or if the blond reacted. Through their eyes, they saw an injured friend lying still on a bed, but they knew the tracker saw and felt a lot more than that. Their eyes bore into the two men, willing them to find each other again.

Chris pulled himself out of the water and clawed his way up the bank. He wasn't sure what it was that kept him from harm, he just felt an unseen force enveloping him. Every time it disappeared he felt himself slipping away, and every time it came back, he basked in the knowledge that he was being cradled in a protective embrace. Feeling safe and secure again, he smiled as he listened to the sound of his family splashing in the lagoon.

He shivered as cool air hit his wet clothes and skin. He could hear a voice whispering to him, and felt a pull at his arm. He grit his teeth and tried to groan when a pain tore through his leg, but no sound left his quivering lips.

Hearing the voice again, his brow furrowed as he tried to concentrate on the words. He gradually felt the warmth of the sun return, beginning to dry the water soaked clothes that were molded to his body.

Vin took a deep breath, feeling the change. He exhaled slowly in relief, knowing his words were being heard. He left his hand on the hot forehead, his fingers toying absently with a stray lock of Larabee's hair.

"Remember that gift we talked about, durin' the storm? Well, I reckon yer decidin' whether it's worth holdin' onto 'r not." He swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in his throat. "Well, the way I see it, ya wouldna reached out so far fer a life line iffen y'd made up yer mind. So if it's all the same t' you, I'm thinkin' we'll keep holdin' on, 'til that hard head o' yers figures it out."

JD turned his head slightly towards Buck and opened his mouth to speak, only to be stopped by a nudge to the ribs. He turned his eyes to the ladies man, who had his eyebrows drawn together and a finger to his lips. Getting the message loud and clear, the youngest of the seven returned his eyes to the bedside scene.

Feeling his eyelids grow suddenly lighter, Chris concentrated on drawing them upwards. He wanted to tell Vin he could hear him, wanted to let him know that he was trying really hard not to drown.

Vin drew in a sharp, shuddering breath as he watched the eyelids flutter and slowly open to half-mast.

Gasps from the other five men echoed and bounced off the walls. They stood riveted as weary blue eyes held fevered green, and a communication without words took place. The room seemed to fill with a strange energy; it was almost an eerie experience to the men who were beyond comprehending what uncanny force bound the two friends.

An unseen aura seemed to surround the bed, as Tanner and Larabee's expressions changed to mirror their unspoken words.

Blinking at last, Vin made a slight nod with his head and the corner of Chris's mouth tweaked. Complete trust shone from the green eyes before the blond's eyelids fluttered and closed again.

The tracker's whole body sagged as though the contact between the two had taken all of his energy. Taking his hand from the hot forehead, Tanner buried his face in his own clammy palm. He knew only too well that the last few moments could have been the last time he'd see the clear green color of Chris's eyes. He could feel the battle building up; hell, he could see it in the sea green gaze that had held him transfixed. He held no illusions; it was going to be a rough couple of days.

Movement began in the cabin once more, as the men, transfixed by what they had just witnessed, pulled themselves together.

"What just happened there?" Ezra's eyes remained transfixed as he absently rubbed his sore rear.

"I wish I could tell you." Nathan moved forward as he answered. Reaching the bed, he pulled the sheet away from the leader's injured leg.

"I'm gonna go...do...the soup." JD pointed behind him as he spluttered out the words. Turning, he walked back to the stove, picking up the spoon and stirring the simmering concoction.

"My culinary skills are required..." Ezra turned and retreated, joining JD at the stove. There was no way he wanted to be around when the healer removed the bandage that hid Chris's horrific wound.

Feeling a light hand on his shoulder, the tracker turned sharply, finding himself looking into concerned pale blue eyes.

"Vin?"

" 'm fine, J'siah." The voice rasped tiredly. "Help with Chris...'m fine." Pushing himself to his feet, he gave a grateful nod as the preacher dragged a chair forward, allowing him to sink into it. Closing his eyes against the pounding headache he'd only just registered having, he shuddered out a suffering breath.

The smile stayed on Larabee's face, as he basked in the warm sunlight. The lingering memory of Vin's strong blue gaze made the blond feel safe. He was too tired to open his eyes again, his energy was sapped from trying to keep himself ashore. Even when he heard Adam's giggle, and splashing coming from the lagoon, he remained still on the soft bank. He was weary beyond words, his leg throbbing constantly, but his mind still managed to conjure up a strange thought. Why did Adam and Sarah have no problem with the water, when it was intent on trying to drown him? Shifting to get more comfortable, the question was forgotten as his leg protested violently at his movement. Sucking in a breath, he groaned and concentrated on fine tuning the awful pain to a bearable level.

Slowly and gently, Nathan unwound the dressing, drawing back with a grimace at the sight and smell of the angry wound. Infection had well and truly set in, and that wasn't what he'd wanted to find. Feeling eyes on him, he looked up and his gaze locked with a knowing Texan face.

"What?"

Blinking, Nathan broke his eye contact and turned his eyes towards Buck. Mentally shaking his head, he turned away, once again focusing on what he was doing.

"What?" The ladies man was now at the bedside, he'd seen the look that passed between Vin and the healer, and didn't like it at all. Looking down at the wound, he took a step backwards. "...Oh God..."

"Yeah...there's the answer to your question." Nathan pointed to the pitcher of water. "Put some of that in a bowl will you, Buck?"

Nodding dumbly, the rogue did as he was bid, trying not to gag as the smell of JD's soup mingled with the acrid odor of the open wound.

Watching Nathan and Buck as they worked on the injured leg, Vin squeezed Chris's hand every once in a while. He realized the others probably thought he'd lost his mind, the way he kept insisting someone had to hold on all the time. He couldn't quite comprehend why himself, he just knew instinctively that it was important. The words spoken during the storm the night before hung heavy in the air, he could feel them, he just hoped Chris could too.

Vin's head started to droop, his chin closing in on his chest, as fatigue began to claim his body. His eyes snapped up when a groan left the blond's lips, and the fevered head moved from side to side. He could sense his friend was fighting an inner battle, even though a calm had settled over the sick man since their silent exchange.

"Vin, you need to lay down before you fall off the chair." Josiah's words, although soft, still managed to startle the sharpshooter. He'd known that the oldest of the seven was still hovering nearby, but his focus had been on Chris.

Turning stubborn eyes on the preacher his jaw set in a firm line. "I ain't lettin' go...he needs t' feel the contact."

Josiah sighed...not this argument again.

Feeling the body next to him go tense and grow agitated, Nathan continued to work as he spoke to Buck. "Go on, I can handle it from here."

The ladies man patted the weary man's back in gratitude, moving past him, he sat on the bed, facing the sharpshooter. "Come on, Vin. Hand 'im over."

The tracker scrutinized Wilmington's earnest features, seeing the strong need in the sky blue eyes that pleaded with him. He was tired and his head was pounding, but he was afraid to let go. If the connection was lost again, he wasn't sure he would be able to retrieve it. He turned his eyes away as he fought an inner battle.

Buck could see that Vin was in a quandary. He could see the pain-rimmed fatigue in the sharpshooter's body. He realized that the younger man wasn't happy with the idea of entrusting Chris's waning life with anyone else. He could see his point, after what happened a while ago, but the rogue knew how important it was to hold on, he wouldn't let go.

"Vin..." The tracker's gaze darted back to Wilmington's emotion filled sky eyes. Reaching out, the ladies man placed a hand over the two others clasped together on the sheet. "I swear I won't let go. You know what this man means to me." The rogue's voice cracked with emotion and he dipped his dark head.

Tanner heard and felt the need in Buck's words, and his heart wrenched. He suddenly felt guilty. What right did he have to take away what could be precious moments from Larabee's oldest friend? Resting his eyes on Wilmington's dark locks, he waited for him to raise his head. The scoundrel felt the gaze, and lifting his head, a look of total trust passed from Vin's blues to Buck's. The sharpshooter nodded his head once.

"...Bucklin'."

A grateful smile faltered on Buck's lips as he felt Vin pull his hand away from Chris's, his gaze never leaving the rogue.

"I got it. Go get some rest." The ladies man managed, knowing how much faith was being placed in him by his young friend.

Josiah, who had watched the exchange from the shadows, stepped forward to help when he saw the sharpshooter stand on shaky legs. Once again he'd witnessed the strong ties that bound them all together and was overcome by the moment. Moving in front of the swaying body, the preacher said nothing. He carefully placed Vin's arm back into it's sling and guided the weary peacekeeper to the blankets in the corner of the room.

Vin felt a blanket placed gently over him, and looked up into clear eyes. Grabbing his arm, he pulled the older man closer. "Pray hard, preacher...pray real hard" The whispered words tore at Josiah's heart and the lump that formed quickly in his throat stopped him from answering the plea in any way other than a nod and a small smile.

"Thanks." The drooping eyelids closed immediately after the word was uttered.

Straightening to his full height, the oldest of the seven swallowed hard and went in search of his bible.

+ + + + + + +

The morning dawned brightly, and for the men in the small cabin, it couldn't have come quick enough. The night had been hard, with each of them taking a turn at sitting with Chris. Wiping at his fevered body with cool cloths, all the while holding onto his hand with vice like grips for fear of losing him. None of them really knew why they were doing it, but did it anyway.

Their injured leader had a worse night than any of them. They managed to get a little water past his lips, but nowhere near enough. Sweat seemed to stream from every pore in the blond's body, as his fever raged. One minute he would be lying still and then suddenly would need holding down as the fever grew higher.

Early morning sunlight streamed through the small window, casting light and shadows into the room, and across the five pensive faces seated at the table. Plates of food hardly touched lay in front of each man as their eyes stared straight ahead, seeing nothing.

Nathan's eyes flickered now and again to the man sitting in the chair at Chris's bedside. His sling once more discarded; the tracker held the blond's hand in a death grip. Vin relieved Josiah when dawn was still being born, not taking no for an answer. The healer heard hardly a murmur when he'd changed the bandage around Vin's head and smeared more rub on his shoulder. He'd also managed to get the sharpshooter to eat some biscuits and griddle cakes, and drink half a mug of coffee; it wasn't enough, but it was something.

The only time the former slave remembered seeing any other emotion on the Texan's face other than sorrow, was when the healer was tending to Ezra's 'problem area'; and even then it was just the slightest lift of his lip in one corner. No twinkling blue eyes, or dimples that normally came with a Tanner smile, just a small tweak and then the somber look returned as his eyes fell on the fevered man on the bed.

Ezra's eyes followed Nathan's gaze from Vin to Chris.

"Maybe when this is over, Vin will enlighten us on his firm belief that holding Chris's hand helped in some way." The southerner mused.

JD only nodded, and Josiah continued to stare at his plate as the gambler continued. "It's a strange bond indeed that our two associates share...hard to fathom."

Buck slowly raised his eyes, blinking as the sunlight hit his face. "Hell, I'm not even gonna try and figure it out." Grabbing his mug of coffee, he stood and turned his head to look behind him at the two friends, one holding a silent vigil, the other fighting a deadly battle. "All I know is, it's working right now...Chris is still with us...that's good enough for me."

Four heads nodded their agreement and the room lapsed into silence once more. Buck ran a hand through his hair, the tension in the small cabin beginning to eat into his heart. He turned to look at the scene at Chris's bedside again, staring long and hard at the dipped head of the Texan as he snoozed. He moved his eyes finally, to rest on the too still form of his oldest friend, fighting for his life on the bed. Pushing himself forward, he headed for the door.

"Need some air." He managed, before taking his mug of coffee out into the welcome fresh breeze.

+ + + + + + +

Vin could hear the muffled voices of his friends at the other side of the cabin, but couldn't seem to muster the strength to listen. He wanted to concentrate his energy solely on the force of the hand that connected him to Chris. He could sense the battle going on within the fevered man, and wanted him to know he wasn't fighting alone. He reached for a cloth and soaked it in a bowl of water resting on the bed. Squeezing out the excess, he placed it on the blond's hot forehead.

The warm sun beat down on the gunslinger's face, but he figured he was lying near a tree as he felt the coolness of a shadow hitting his forehead. Aside from the constant throbbing in his leg, he felt light and content. He wanted to lay there forever, but knew that pretty soon he'd have to gather his family and head home. He frowned, something didn't sit right with the thought of riding along with Vin and Sarah and Adam. Dismissing the feeling, he ran his tongue over too dry lips, grunting at the dryness in his throat.

Vin watched the emotions as they crossed the flushed features, wondering, not for the first time, what was happening in the blond's fevered mind. Where was he? What would it take to reach him and bring him back to where he belonged? Seeing the edge of the dry tongue appearing to lick parched lips, Tanner picked up the cup that was left within his reach by an ever vigilant Nathan.

"Hang on while I lift his head." The sharpshooter turned a grateful look to Josiah, watching as the preacher moved the wet cloth from the gunslinger's forehead and lifted his head gently.

Reaching over, Vin grunted when the movement pulled on his bruised shoulder. Putting the cup to the blond's lips, he tilted it a little and watched a few precious drops slide into the fevered man's mouth. After waiting to see if the liquid was going to stay, the tracker repeated the action twice more, relieved beyond words when the water was swallowed down by the prone man.

The preacher gently placed the hot head back on the pillow and turned to the Texan.

"Mebbe them prayers o' yers are workin'."

Vin's drawled words made the older man smile. "Reckon He's being bombarded with prayers concerning this man right now."

Both men smiled before their faces turned serious again. Reaching for the cloth, Josiah wet it once more and returned it to the hot forehead.

+ + + + + + +

Leaning against the wall, Buck sipped at his lukewarm coffee. His eyes scanned Chris's property, taking in the wide, open spaces he knew his old friend craved from time to time.

Taking another gulp from his mug, his gaze suddenly settled on the fresh timber of the barn. A heavy feeling entered his chest, his breath catching in his throat as he caught sight of the debris strewn around the new building. He pushed himself away from the wall and walked slowly towards the sturdy structure. Stepping over broken pieces of wood, he was painfully reminded of the accident that now threatened his oldest and truest friend's life.

Stepping through the open doorway, Wilmington's eyes found more broken timber littering the ground. He walked further into the barn, and spied something laying abandoned in the dirt. Going down on his hunkers, he picked up Chris's hat, slapping the dust from it absently, his heart suddenly leaping at the thought of how the hat had got there.

His eyes scanning again, he reached over and picked up a foot long piece of wood, jagged at one end where it had obviously snapped apart. He swallowed and looked up, squinting into the sunlight. Standing up, he studied the almost non-existent roof. Only three beams remained intact, the rest were hanging at odd angles, or had fallen to the ground. His eyes moving to the top of the ladder, he dropped the piece of timber and placed his friend's hat on the tree stump that had been used as a base for sawing wood.

His face turned thoughtful, a spark coming into his eyes as an idea was born. Shrugging out of his jacket, he placed it over Larabee's hat and walked determinedly from the barn, stooping down and picking up a hammer as he went.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra walked around the small cabin, his feet taking him everywhere but to the corner of the small home where the bed was situated. He was finding it increasingly hard to imagine what would happen if their leader was taken from them. Moving out of JD's way, as the young sheriff prepared to return to town to check on things, his hip caught the corner of the table under the window. He winced at the pain in his buttock, and closed his eyes until the pain dwindled to a dull throb. His eyes opened and immediately fell on a whiskey bottle, sitting forgotten on the table. Picking it up slowly, he scrutinized the label, a twinkle appearing in his amused green gaze.

"Mr Tanner, you owe me a bottle of whiskey."

Catching a movement outside the window, his attention shifted and he put the bottle down. He watched as Josiah passed by, his shirt sticky with perspiration. His eyes followed the preacher to the water pump, where the older man splashed his hot face.

Frowning, he suddenly realized he hadn't seen either Josiah or Buck for a couple of hours now. He'd helped JD clean up the breakfast things, and then the two had prepared something to cook later. He rolled his eyes at the thought of how domesticated he had become, and suddenly craved a warm cooked meal at the hotel.

Stretching his neck, in an effort to see what was going on outside, his eyebrows raised as he drew his head back. A thoughtful look passed across his face, while he registered what he'd seen and a small smile appeared on his lips.

"What a grand idea."

Leaving a quizzical JD behind him, the gambler exited the cabin.

+ + + + + + +

JD, armed with a long list of supplies to bring from the clinic, had been gone for two hours, when Vin first noticed how quiet the cabin had become. Looking up at Nathan, who was tending to Chris, he watched for a moment before he spoke. "Where'r the others?"

The healer raised his eyes, his hands stilling on the bloodied cloth. "Why don't you go find out?" He had no idea where they were either, but liked the idea of the sharpshooter getting some air. The pale tracker hadn't moved from Chris's side all morning.

"Can't do that." The Texan shook his head, grateful that the dizziness he'd suffered the day before seemed to have passed.

"I'm almost done with the new bandage, I think I can manage on my own for ten minutes." The former slave motioned his head towards the door. "Go on and get some air. Stretch your legs and get yourself a drink."

"Anythin' else?" Vin raised an eyebrow as he half teased the healer. The amused twitching of his lip ceased, his blue gaze turning haunted as it fell on the clasped hands on the bed.

Jackson saw where the tracker's eyes rested, as he finished tying the bandage. Straightening up, his face turned sincere. "Go on, I'm not gonna let him go anywhere." The healer urged. "I won't let go Vin, the place can burn down around me and I swear I won't let go." The brown eyes held the truth as they bore into Vin's.

Dipping his head, the tracker thought on Nathan's words. He really liked the idea of feeling fresh air on his face and cool water sliding down his throat. He wouldn't mind knowing where the others had slithered off to either. Feeling the healer at his side, he looked up into caring brown eyes.

"Alright...ten minutes...then I'll be back."

"Fine." The healer smiled, pleased that Vin was taking his advice. His hand replaced the tracker's, and he raised his eyebrows, looking stern as he tugged gently at the sling hanging loosely around Tanner's neck.

"Ah hell, Nathan..."

The healer raised his brows higher and waited; he wasn't going to lose this fight.

Emitting a heavy sigh, the Texan gave in and put his arm inside the sling. "See ya in ten minutes." Glancing over at his fevered friend, he moved heavy feet towards the door.

Nathan watched the sharpshooter exit the cabin, pleased that he seemed to be steadier on his legs. Sitting down in the vacated chair, his eyes filled with worry as they settled on Larabee's frighteningly still form.

+ + + + + + +

Standing on the porch, Vin was immediately aware of alien sounds. He could hear the birds singing in the sky, and the wind whistling through the trees. The horses were whinnying and snorting and he could almost smell the heat of the sun. But there were other man made sounds that made the tracker frown; a hammer hitting a nail...a saw cutting through timber.

Turning slowly towards the noise, he couldn't stop the sharp intake of breath at what he saw. Walking slowly towards the barn, his eyes surveyed the scene, a warm feeling coursing through his veins. He continued on unsteady legs as emotion threatened to drag him to his knees.

There, on top of the barn was Buck Wilmington, bare chested and sweating, banging nails into wood with a hammer. Ezra was standing beside him, holding the timber in place, his jacket discarded and his frilly shirt sleeves rolled up.

Walking through the open door, he blinked away moisture as his eyes settled on Josiah Sanchez, his shirt stuck to his body. The oldest of the seven was busy sawing timber, until he sensed a presence and his eyes found Vin. He stopped sawing and stood the tool against the tree stump. Smiling, he walked towards the Texan and placed a hand on his back.

"Vin, nice to see you getting some fresh air."

"Nathan's idea." The Texan gulped again, wondering what had made him suddenly so emotional.

"Don't get any ideas about coming up here!" Raising his eyes, Tanner found Buck grinning down at him. "Don't think I could stand the smell of that stuff you got on your shoulder." The ladies man's eyes twinkled wickedly. "Reckon there's no need for you to worry about that bounty on your head for a while, Tanner. They'd get within fifty feet and pass out!"

Fighting the urge to smile at the rogue's joke, the sharpshooter cast his eyes over the beams the two men stood on. "Watch yer footin'." The warning held a note of regret, and something else. A look passed across the Texan's face before he dipped his head. Nodding once, he turned away, heading for the barn door, two concerned dark blue eyes following his progress.

Watching the lean bounty hunter as he stopped at the water pump, Buck chewed at his bottom lip. Something struck a chord in his memory at the look that he'd just seen in Tanner's face. "Here, I'll be right back." Handing Ezra the hammer, he walked carefully towards the ladder, his eyes never leaving Vin.

"Wonderful, you start this 'building a barn' mission and abscond at the earliest opportunity." Rolling his eyes, the gambler balanced himself and began hammering.

+ + + + + + + +

Testing his leg warily, Chris was pleased when it felt strangely numb. He was finally on his feet, and ready to explore the caves that had caught his eye. Favoring his hurt limb, he trod carefully towards the rocks, waving to Adam and Sarah as he passed them. He couldn't see Vin anywhere, but assumed the tracker had found somewhere quiet to enjoy the open air.

Reaching the mouth of the cave, he leaned forward to peer inside, blinking until his eyes grew accustomed to the dark. His curious mind sending him inside the cave, he walked carefully along the passage that seemed to grow narrower by the second. Finding himself in a clearing, he turned around slowly on the spot, until he faced the way he had come in. His heart leapt when he saw two exits, and panic rose inside him as he tried to figure out which was the right one.

Nathan dabbed water onto the dry lips, squeezing the clean cloth over Larabee's mouth in the hope that a few drops would find their way in. He knew the blond was reaching a crisis, the fevered mind seemed to be pondering on something. Startled as a heavy breath left the gunslinger's body, he stood, his eyes never leaving the deathly still face. Opening his fingers from around Chris's hand, he quickly closed them again, before the contact was broken. He leaned forward, almost afraid of what he would find as he tentatively placed two fingers against the blond's neck.

The gunslinger's eyes darted from one exit to the other, while he tried to figure out which was the right one to take. He could see a faint light at the end of both, but had no idea where he would come out if he took the wrong one. He wished Vin was with him, the tracker would be a great help right about now. But Tanner wasn't there, and so he had to work it out for himself. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on channelling his thoughts, slowly opening them again when he felt a calmness settle over him.

His sea green gaze rested on the right hand tunnel, as though an unseen force had guided him that way. Stepping forwards, he limped slowly through the dark tunnel, wondering why his leg suddenly seemed to hurt more than it did earlier. Walking into sunlight, his face broke into a wide grin when he was met by the sound of his son giggling and splashing in the water.

Nathan sat back heavily in the chair and blew out a relieved breath. His fingers had found a pulse that was stronger than he'd expected. He wiped sweat from his own brow with his sleeve, suddenly feeling light headed. Looking down at the flushed, handsome face, he allowed himself a small smile. Squeezing the hand still held tightly in his own, the healer realised that Chris had just won a major battle, but knew the war was not yet won.

Chapter 8

Gently easing his arm from the sling, Vin pumped some water and splashed his aching face. The sensation of the cool liquid on his hot skin brought a small contented smile to his lips. Rubbing his hand over the stubble on his chin, he realised a shave was well overdue.

Even though he had his back to the barn, he knew Buck was approaching, he could feel it. Just like he could sense the rogue's piercing blue eyes boring into him. Turning around to face the older man, he nodded once and handed him a cup.

Accepting the offered vessel with a nod of thanks, the tall man stepped up to the pump and filled it. He gulped down the water, slapping his lips and sighing deeply as he pulled it away from his mouth.

"Now that hit the spot." He raised his eyebrows to the sharpshooter, holding the cup out towards him.

Shaking his head, the tracker took a step back.

"Had some."

Noticing the sling hanging loosely around Vin's neck, Buck tapped it lightly. "Shouldn't this have something in it?"

The Texan rolled his eyes at the stern words and unyielding glare. "Can't do anythin' with m' arm in a hammock."

The grumbling voice had no effect on the rogue. "Nathan gave you that sling for a damn good reason, Vin." He held up the cloth and waited, staring uncompromisingly at the tracker.

Rolling his eyes again, while chuffing out a short huff of frustrated air, the sharpshooter glared at the older man. Then he slid his arm stiffly into the support. "Reckon there's too many nursemaids roundabouts."

Buck chuckled, the stern look finally leaving his face. "Never known anyone to shy away from help like you do, Tanner."

Vin's face wrinkled as he rubbed his upper arm, feeling the ache that had settled in his shoulder. "Jist used t' takin' care o' m'self, is all."

"Yeah well, you got friends to look out for you now." The rogue brought the words home with a decisive nod.

A short, almost uneasy silence followed, where unspoken words sparked the atmosphere.

"Gonna head inside." Vin gestured towards the cabin with a nod of his head. "Nathan'll likely be needin' help."

Turning to leave, his tense body stiffened further, as Buck's raised voice hit his back.

"You've probably seen things that'd make my guts spill at the thought of 'em. But when it comes to blame and guilt, I wrote the book." The ladies man knew he'd almost blown his chance as he saw Vin turn to leave. He couldn't quite find the words to begin the conversation he wanted to have with the Texan. But the words spouted from his mouth in one long rush, out of desperation, as he saw the sharpshooter's back retreating. His urgent gaze watched as Vin's back stiffened. He breathed an inaudible sigh of relief as the tracker turned back to look at him quizzically.

"You know what I'm talking about, Vin. I know that look I saw on your face back there. It's the same one I used to see every time I looked in the mirror after Sarah and Adam...." The voice shook on the last few words; his own remembered emotions surfacing. Feelings that still ran through him from time to time, even now, pushed themselves into his heart. He swallowed hard, pushing the feelings away. "If that wasn't guilt on your face, I'll eat JD's hat."

"Yer crazy!" Vin dropped his head, looking at his feet for a second. "I gotta get back, Nathan said ten minutes." He raised his head, his heart sinking at the determined look on the older man's face.

"He'll manage...this needs to be said." Reaching for Vin's arm, Buck was even more certain in his beliefs when the tracker shrugged him off sharply. "Why are you blaming yourself, Vin? What happened to make you feel this way?" he persisted, not willing to let his downcast friend suffer the way he had.

Vin opened his mouth to speak, his stance defensive. "Like I said..."

"You're real good at hidin' Tanner, but them damn eyes give you away every time. Talk to me..." This time, Buck managed to get a firm hold of the Texan's arm, and held on with a grip of steel. His eyes bore into Vin's dipped head, "Did seeing the barn again remind you, huh?" The head remained bent over. "What happened yesterday? What happened to put that look on your face?" The voice pleaded for a response, the bearer of the voice desperate in his bid to help rid his friend of the feelings he harbored.

Vin gulped hard, was it only yesterday? He lifted his eyes and swallowed again as he met Buck's intense blue gaze. "I slipped...he was comin' t' help me...the roof collapsed."

Relieved beyond belief that he'd got a response, the older man tried not to let it show. Releasing his grip on the tracker's arm, he put his head on one side. "You think that's given you the right to feel guilty?" The ladies man raised an eyebrow, keeping his voice level. His stomach was flipping over as he kept his eyes locked on the Texan's.

"The right?" Vin asked finally, his voice not far off a growl as he looked at the man before him in disbelief.

"Yeah, the right." Serious blue eyes continued to bore into the tracker's puzzled face.

"You gotta earn the right to feel guilty. You wanna know how I know?" Leaning against the pump, he folded his arms and crossed one foot over the other. Seeing the sharpshooter start to bristle he spoke quickly. "If you get off that high Texan horse of yours, I'll tell you."

Buck tried not to smile as blue eyes sparked at him, but Vin said nothing. Glad that he had the younger man's attention, without feeling a wayward fist, yet, his face turned serious as he remembered a time from his not too distant past.

"One day, when the guilt of what happened to Adam and Sarah was burying me deep in a bottle of whiskey. I found myself in the middle of nowhere, with only a horse for company. That's when I suddenly thought long and hard about what I was carrying on my shoulders."

Vin said nothing, as he listened to Buck's words, spoken low and with a hint of sadness.

The rogue continued; his eyes far away as they remembered. "I hadn't seen Chris for a long time. Oh, I knew where he was, I made sure of that. It was just hard, when he kept pushing me away." He shook his head and sighed. "They were bad times, Vin, really bad. But this day, I sat on a rock...and thought. I mean, really thought about what had happened and how guilty I felt." He looked up at the afternoon sky, holding his palms up and shrugging as he turned his dark blue gaze back to Vin. "Then it hit me. I didn't start the fire. I wasn't responsible for what happened to Sarah and Adam...somebody else was. I had no right to feel guilty. I was concentrating on my feelings and feeling sorry for myself, wallowing in my own self-pity. I hadn't earned the right to feel guilty over the fire, and I was damn happy to give up that right. All I did was stop Chris coming back when he was supposed to. I regret that, and I will 'til the day I die, but ya know what?"

Vin shook his head as Buck raised his brows at the question.

"Something else hit me. I hadn't thought about Chris for days; and the whole time, out there on that rock, I'd been thinking about myself. I was being selfish, soothing my own feelings. Thinking about how I felt, how I was going to be able to stand it."

"But y' were feelin' bad 'cause o' Chris."

Buck nodded. "That's true, but my thoughts kinda lost their way. I'll tell you something though, my feelings changed that day. I still felt regret, wondering what would have been different if we'd gone home when we were meant to. Hell, I still do. But like I said, I didn't start that fire, Vin. It wasn't me who stole Chris's life from him...it was someone else. But what I knew I had to do was go and find Chris again and try and help him."

"And did ya?" Vin had heard a lot about the aftermath of the fire, but mostly from Chris.

"Yeah, and he beat the hell out of me." The ladies man answered wryly. "Can't say I enjoyed it, but somehow it made me feel better."

Vin matched Buck's wry smile.

"So you see? You got no reason to shoulder any blame. It was an accident, nothing more." Cocking his head and lifting his eyebrows the rogue added "Now, if you'd told me you pushed Chris off the barn roof, then you'd have earned that right." He watched as the Texan smiled, and this one reached his eyes. "I'm also willing to bet all you're thoughts aren't on yourself right now. Hell, I can see the energy being sapped from your body Vin, like you're letting Chris suck it out of you."

The tracker ducked his head again, as both mans thoughts turned to their gravely ill friend.

"I may not have been there when Chris fell, but I sure as hell have been here since." Buck adjusted his stance, wishing that Vin would raise his eyes. "Do you think as soon as Chris wakes up he's gonna throw an accusing glance at you? Well, if you do, I've got news for you...Larabee knows it was an accident, and when he opens them killer eyes of his, all you'll see in them is friendship...and I'm willing to bet, trust." He watched the tracker's shoulders raise and lower as the younger man took a deep shuddering breath.

Buck lowered his head and turned it to the side, trying to find eye contact with the tracker. "Tell me you listened to what I've told you, Vin. 'Cause I don't want you to suffer the way I did. Put it behind you, Pard. You're wastin' strength on that shit...use it to help Chris get well." He lifted his head again. "You slipped, Chris came to help...of his own free will...and the roof collapsed. That's the story, the way I see it. How about you?"

Vin finally looked up at Buck with sad blue eyes and shrugged. "Reckon yer right, Bucklin. Jist brought back memories when I saw y'all on the roof."

The older man smiled and sighed in relief. "Yeah, well the roof's not your problem any more, it's ours. Your job is to get back in there and do whatever it is you've been doing." He tapped Vin's chest lightly with his finger, his face serious once more. "And don't hang your head any more. You've got no reason." His voice turned husky with emotion suddenly, as he thought of his oldest friend fighting for his life inside the small cabin. Grasping the tracker's shoulders gently but solidly, the bigger man continued. "In fact, right now, there's no man I trust more with Chris's life than Vin Tanner." His voice cracked and he turned his head away quickly, feeling the tears stinging his eyes.

Vin gulped, blinking back his own emotion. "I'm tryin'...Bucklin." The soft words were almost inaudible as the late afternoon breeze picked them up and blew them away.

The rogue only nodded, his eyes telling the tracker all that his voice couldn't at that moment, when emotion was too overwhelming.

"Josiah, please tell me the words you just uttered were not blasphemous, because, right now, we need to stay in God's good graces."

Ezra's wryly spoken words met both man's ears, and as two sets of watery blue eyes met, their lips turned up into smiles.

"Better get back, and keep those two from killing each other!" Buck motioned towards the barn with his head.

Vin nodded. "Reckon I should go help Nathan."

Chuckling, the rogue nodded agreement. "Yeah, he's gonna be bellowing soon, loud enough for the roof to come off...don't wanna have to rebuild that one too!"

Smiling, the tracker nodded and turned to leave. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he looked up into soulful blue eyes. Neither uttered a word, everything already having been said.

Pushing his lips tightly together, the rogue nodded once, and released his grip, turning away and walking back towards the barn.

Vin stood still, watching the big man's back, wondering if Chris really knew how much of a true friend he had in Buck Wilmington.

+ + + + + + +

Closing the door behind him, Vin leaned against it, closing his eyes against the familiar scene of his best friend lying near death on the bed. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Buck's words were circling around in his head, and he had the start of a pounding headache. Pushing aside thoughts of himself, he grit his teeth determinedly. Buck was right, this wasn't the time to concern himself with how he felt. This was the time to help Chris, and keep him alive whatever it took.

"You alright, Vin?"

Nathan's voice broke into the tracker's thoughts and opening his eyes slowly, the Texan nodded. Moving away from the door, he walked towards the bed, steeling himself for the sight he'd grown accustomed to but one which still filled him with dread. He raked his eyes over Chris's fevered form, before flicking his gaze to Nathan.

"They're rebuildin' the roof."

The healer relinquished Chris's hand to Vin as the sharpshooter naturally took over the job. He didn't answer the Texan's statement, just held his eyes for a second or two before pushing the younger man gently into the chair. He moved away to tend to Chris's needs, pleased to see that a little color had returned to the sharpshooter's cheeks. His heart flipped with fear, as he pulled away the sheet from the blond's broken leg. Every time he changed the bandages, and cleaned the wound, he hoped to see improvement. He was doing everything in his power, everything that he knew how to do, but he just didn't know if it would be enough.

"How is he?"

Vin's question made the former slave sigh. "Same, but hasn't moved much. He seems more settled than he was...fever's still high." Gently unraveling the bandages, Nathan wanted to close his eyes. He was almost too afraid to look to see if the infection was any better, or any worse.

"How long d'ya think b'fore...b'fore we know?" The tracker's voice trembled slightly. His blue eyes were watching Nathan's face carefully, for any signs of things the healer didn't want to voice.

Concerned brown eyes turned to look at Chris's pale face before Nathan shook his head. "Wish I knew for sure. But I'm thinking by tomorrow we'll know one way or the other."

Vin nodded but said nothing, squeezing Chris's hand in the hope that the injured man would get the message, and hold on. He could see the truth reflected in the soulful brown eyes. He was grateful for Nathan's honesty; it was one of his best virtues. His gaze moved to the dark hands as they started to unravel the final layer of bandages. He told himself that the amount of blood covering the once white cloth was a good thing. It was a sign that the body was trying to cleanse itself. His eyes darted to the healer as he spoke again.

"If the infection starts to clear up, I'd be happier. I can stitch the wound and Chris would stop losing so much blood. Then we gotta hope he has strength left to fight."

The tracker didn't answer at first, as he moved his eyes to rest on his friend's still face. Remembering the words they had spoken two nights ago, his heart began to beat faster.

"He's gotta want t' come back, Nathan."

+ + + + + + +

Green eyes squinted into the afternoon sunlight; it was getting late. His gaze swiveled to the two figures swimming in the cool lagoon. They'd been in there for a long time and Chris frowned, trying to recall when they'd last come to shore. The frown deepened as he searched his memory, not being able to recall his wife and son ever being at his side that day.

Limping towards the water, he stopped, suddenly very aware of the blue depths not far from him. He didn't want to get any closer to the edge; the stretch of water he was looking at seemed to have it in for him. Twice that day, he'd been in danger of being swallowed up by the lagoon; there was no way it was getting another chance.

Settling his gaze on his laughing family, a look of contentment shone from the green eyes. The happy smile that kissed his lips slowly disappeared as he opened his mouth to call to them.

"Sarah! Adam! Time to head on home!" His voice seemed to echo around the lagoon eerily. The words appeared almost musical and soft, although he thought he had called out loudly.

Wincing as he put too much weight on his injured leg, he watched as his family stopped playing and looked towards him. His heart skipped a beat at the look on Sarah's face, wondering why she suddenly looked so forlorn. They could come back here whenever they chose to, so it couldn't have been because she wanted to stay.

Raising his arm, the blond beckoned to the two figures, who were still not moving from the shimmering lagoon. He shifted his weight onto his uninjured leg, putting his hands on his hips as he grew impatient.

Slowly, Adam and Sarah began to move, and as he watched, Chris's mouth fell open and his brows drew together in a confused frown. Instead of moving towards him, his family were moving away, heading for the opposite bank. Rendered speechless, the gunslinger stood watching, as they reached the other side and pulled themselves from the water.

"What the hell's going on?" The blond's whispered question was unanswered as his frown deepened. "...and where the hell is Vin?"

+ + + + + + +

"I'm right here, Cowboy." The gentle Texan drawl were the first words spoken for a long time. The tracker sensed the turmoil Chris was feeling, and heard a silent call for help.

Nathan looked up as he pulled the sheet gently over Chris's leg. "Did you say something, Vin?"

"No...nothin'." The Texan squeezed the gunslinger's clammy hand reassuringly as he answered the healer. It was easier not to try and explain the strong senses he was receiving. It was more important that he concentrated on them, and acted on what he was feeling.

Suddenly realizing his mind had wandered off before he'd seen the last bandage pulled from Chris's leg, the tracker looked at Nathan with a question in his eyes. "How'd it look?"

Jackson sighed in mock impatience as he put his head to one side. "I knew you weren't listening to me."

"What d'ya mean?" Tanner frowned in confusion. "Ya told me?"

"Yeah, I told you." Nathan picked up a cloth from a basin of water and placed it on the blond's forehead. Looking up into inquiring blue eyes, he started to smile. "It didn't look any worse...which is good." He watched the Texan's lips turn slightly upwards. "But it didn't look any better, which ain't so good."

The smile that had been threatening on the tracker's lips died immediately. "Oh."

"We gotta have faith, Vin." The former slave grabbed some supplies and settled himself on his knees in front of the tracker. "Right now, other than my limited medical know how...faith is all we got." He reached for the bandage around Tanner's head, beginning to unwind it.

The younger man's blue eyes turned sincere. "Nothin' wrong with yer healin', Nate. If I had the choice 'tween y' and some high falutin' Doctor, I'd choose ya every time." Vin saw the water appear in the soft brown eyes. "You've got it in yer heart. Ya care, an' that's what makes yer healin' special. I'd trust ya with m' life again an' again...Chris'll never be in better hand's than he is right now." The tremor in the Texan voice grew too strong, strangling the chance of any further words. The blue gaze turned misty, as watery emotion filled the sharpshooter's eyes.

Blinking away the moisture, Nathan pulled away the last of the bandage. He placed a hand on Vin's uninjured shoulder, looking at him intently. "You sure know how to put a sentence together, Vin, despite that damn drawl!" He saw a twinkle appear in the younger man's eyes, only to watch it disappear after only a moment. "I thank you for them words, and hope like hell I can live up to them."

"If he's meant t' stay with us, then he will." The Texan answered adamantly. "Just need t' give ol' Chris here a helpin' hand I reckon."

"Well, he sure is getting that, Vin...he sure is getting that." The two men didn't move for a few seconds, the spell being broken as the cabin door opened.

Three tired men dragged their weary bodies into the small room, two of them dropping into the first seats they came to.

Buck walked towards the bed, eyeing the two men who had cleared their throats as he and the others had entered. "We interrupt anything?" His eyes danced a little at the question, as he effortlessly moved into Wilmington teasing mode.

"Nope, I was just telling Vin here that his head's looking good." Nathan began to clean around the neat stitches on the tracker's forehead.

"That's real good news." The rogue moved to the bed, all teasing forgotten as he looked down at his oldest friend. "How's Chris doing?"

"About the same." Sighing, the healer reached for a clean bandage and began winding it around the tracker's head. "But his leg's no worse."

"Well that's good news ain't it?" Buck sat on the edge of the bed, placing a hand on the blond's arm.

"I hope so." The answer from the former slave was non-committal as he rose to his feet. "We still need to keep the fever down, it keeps going way too high."

Nodding slowly, Buck stood and reluctantly broke contact with Chris's skin. "It got too dark outside, can't see a damn thing. Didn't wanna fall..." he broke off, realising what he was about to say. Darting his eyes to the tracker, he saw the slim body tense up and the head dip. "Sorry, Vin..."

"...s'okay...Buck...lin..." he replied, his voice tired and raspy as his mind conjured up a picture of Chris's broken body.

Ezra's weary voice drifted over to them. "The soup is warming, if anyone is interested."

"Hell yeah!" rubbing his hands together, the rogue drew alongside Vin's chair. "Hope that head's down 'cause you're tired or do we need to talk some more?" The words were only loud enough for the Texan to hear.

Raising his head slowly, Vin looked up into Buck's, knowing face. He realized the rogue was too shrewd to lie to. "Jist need some time, Bucklin. I heard ya clear 'nuf."

"Alright then, just making sure." The older man's stern tone was softened by the smile that followed. "Now, I gotta get me some food, before JD polishes it all off. Damn, that boy can eat!" He cuffed Vin gently and moved to the table, grabbing a lantern before he sat down.

It was then that Vin realized how dark it had become. The night had drawn in suddenly, or so it seemed to the tracker. He moved uncomfortably in his seat, sucking in a breath when a sharp pain sliced into his shoulder.

"Go eat something, Vin. Someone else can take over for a while." Nathan's keen eyes didn't miss a thing when one of his friends was hurting. "Then I'll rub your shoulder again."

"They've been workin' like dogs outside, Nate. Can't ask 'em t' do more." The Texan turned sharply when he felt a hand touch his, where it rested in Chris's.

"I'm never too tired to help a friend." The clear blue of Josiah's eyes shone with kindness and sincerity. "Go and eat."

Tanner couldn't argue, he was too tired and hungry. However much he wanted to stay with Chris, he knew he needed a break from time to time. Not only to eat, but to visit the privy, or stretch his legs. With a grateful smile, he stood slowly, stiff from the time he'd been immobile in his seat. "Be right back."

"Take your time, Vin. Play some cards; talk with the others. You need to relax." Josiah's advice was answered with the shake of a shaggy head.

"S'okay, jist need food. An' mebbe I'll close m' eyes fer a spell."

"Sounds like a good idea." The preacher sat in the chair Vin had vacated, and turned his attention to Chris. "Evenin' Brother, " he whispered, suddenly missing the blond's angry glare, and his amused smile. Sharp green eyes sprang to life in his mind's eye and he swallowed hard. Lifting the clenched limp hand, he began to pray. "Lord, deliver him safely back into our fold." He bent his head, and closed his eyes. "Please God, don't take him from us. I'll do whatever you ask of me...just let this man live." The hushed words were heard by no-one on earth. The four other men were sat around the table eating and talking quietly. The preacher reached for the cloth on the blond's forehead, pulling it from the clammy skin. Dipping it into the bowl at his side, Josiah wrung it out and began wiping the sweat from his leader's body.

Chapter 9

Morning dawned much the same as the day before, with five tired men moving stiffly around the cabin. Another long night had passed, with the peacekeepers taking turns to watch over their ailing friend.

Chris's fever was raging, filling each man with dread, wondering what the outcome would be. The heavy weight of uncertainty settled in their hearts as the night wore on. They didn't vocalize their fear; but inwardly they shared the same collective cloak of dread. What would happen if their fearless leader drew his last breath this day?

Vin's insistence that Chris's hand needed to be held, now had full command of their attention. They had complete faith in the tracker's instincts. Whoever was sitting with the blond, kept that vigil alive. Just a quiet acceptance and acknowledgement of the force that bound their leader and the sharpshooter.

Hearing a horse outside, all eyes watched as Ezra walked to the window and peered out. "It's JD."

Bodies that had suddenly grown alert, relaxed again. Nerves were raw, and teeth were on edge from too little sleep and too much anxiety.

A blast of fresh air entered the cabin with the youth, his arms laden with supplies from town.

"How is he?" the question left the young sheriff's lips even before he'd kicked the door closed behind him.

"Not good." The raspy reply was barely audible and the mournful face of the Texan said it all.

Wide brown eyes turned sorrowful as they looked down at the floorboards. Vin's words giving him the answer he didn't want to hear. There was only one he'd feared more, as he'd left town just after dawn.

"I've got what you asked for, Nathan." JD's solemn voice fitted in well with the mood that had taken over the tiny home.

"Thanks JD." Nathan was once more unwinding the bandage around Chris's leg. He watched the youngest of the seven quickly retreating after laying the package on the small dresser. The healer had lost count of the number of times he'd cleaned the wound and changed the dressing. Each time, hoping that he'd see some improvement, and each time being disappointed. The one small flicker of light in what was otherwise a very dark tunnel, was that the infection had seemed to level off.

Steeling himself, he gently peeled the final layer of cloth from the broken leg. He lowered his gaze slowly, his heart beating hard in his chest, in dread and anticipation. Running his expert eyes over the wound, he blew out the breath he didn't know he was holding. Was it his imagination, or was the infection slowly clearing? With gentle fingers, he probed the injured leg, ignoring the strong smell still emanating from the area.

"Nathan?"

Buck had been watching the healer the whole time, as he sat, holding tightly to Chris's hand. He saw the look of dread mixed with hope on the former slave's face as he worked; and watched as the dark features turned more hopeful.

The healer didn't answer right away, concentrating on his task as he cleaned the wound and once more began to bandage it. He could feel Buck's eyes on him, knowing there was a question in their blue depths. Looking up finally, he saw the expectant look on the anxious man's face.

"Could be the infection's clearing up." He quickly held up a hand at the delight that lit up the rogue's face. "Don't go getting your hopes up Buck. His fever's still too high, even if his legs improving, we still got that to fight against."

"But it's something, right?" The hope filled voice filled the cabin, and soon the bed was surrounded by all of the peacekeepers.

Sighing heavily, the healer looked from one face to the other. "Don't want any of you getting your hopes up. The infection's still there; just seems less angry. But we gotta help Chris fight the fever, 'cause that's what's threatening him more than anything."

"How long..?" Vin voiced the question on everyone's lips.

Looking at the pale face and dull eyes of the intrepid sharpshooter, Nathan's voice answered low and grim. "We'll know soon."

+ + + + + + +

Opening his eyes, Chris realized he must have fallen asleep. The last he remembered, he was trying to gather his family to head on home. He sat up slowly, feeling the pain in his leg as he tried to bend it.

Grimacing, he looked down at the bandage he'd assumed Vin had put on the wound. Blood was showing through the white of the cloth, but he wanted to get home before he changed the dressing.

Suddenly remembering what had happened earlier, his eyes darted to the lagoon. His green gaze rested on Sarah and Adam, sitting on the opposite bank, and he frowned at the downcast look on both faces.

Climbing to his feet he limped towards the water, his eyes not leaving his family. He stopped sharply, as a voice sounding like a soft lullaby filled his senses.

His frown deepened, and his voice was small and lost.

"Buck?"

+ + + + + + +

The table was laden with food that nobody seemed to want to eat. Plates of ham and eggs, griddle cakes and biscuits had been passed around, and hands had reached out, grabbing whatever was offered. Five men sat in front of the full plates of food, and cooling mugs of coffee. Eyes flitted from one man to the other, each seeking solace in one another's expressions, but finding none.

Nathan's words had given them a little hope, but the 'what if's' had soon returned to their tired minds.

"I know it's hard." Nathan put food to his lips. "But we gotta eat, Chris needs us. We can't fight if we're weak as kittens, and Chris needs our strength." He bit into the bread and lifted his mug, his brown eyes watching each man.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly as his friends began to follow his lead. Even Vin, who he had visions of having to force-feed, slowly raised food to his mouth.

Making himself chew the griddle cake, Vin's keen blue eyes watched Buck as he sat with Chris. He saw the troubled look on the rogue's face, and knew the older man was remembering times gone by that he'd spent with the blond. He saw the whimsical smile appear and disappear from the lips under the dark moustache. He could almost see the twinkling light in the caring blue eyes as the older man recalled a funny moment the old friend's had shared.

Feeling as though he was intruding on a private moment, the sharpshooter averted his eyes and concentrated on swallowing the food that he couldn't taste. Somehow, his throat fought the issue, challenging him every step of the way.

+ + + + + + +

The cluttering of plates broke the spell that hung over Buck. Turning his head, he watched the movements of his friends as they busied themselves. His eyes met Vin's across the room and he nodded slightly, glad to see more color in the younger man's cheeks. The sharpshooter seemed more relaxed about the others helping to keep the vigil over Chris. He didn't fight them when they wanted to take over holding the precious cargo, accepting their need and the fact that he had to rest.

Returning his eyes to Chris's pale features, he suddenly recalled something from their shared past that brought a smile to his lips.

"Remember that time when you threw Curly Rhodes' rifle on his barn roof, so's I could get away, after he caught me with his wife, Millie?" The rogue chuckled as he spoke softly to his friend. "He would have shot me for sure." He put his head to one side, his features turning thoughtful. "Always wondered how you knew I was there." His eyes darted to his hand clasped around Chris's, almost sure he'd felt a small movement. "But then you always seemed to know when I needed you." Feeling nothing more, he flicked his eyes back to the handsome face. "Reckon you saved my life that day, ol' friend...and a lot of times since." He wiped moisture away from his eyes with his free hand. "Guess it's my turn." His voice cracked, echoing the feeling in his heart. He dipped his head, running his sleeve across his eyes. Sensing someone close by, he gathered himself together and lifted his head, finding himself looking into blue eyes that mirrored his own raw emotions.

"'m sorry, Bucklin'. Didn't mean t'..." Vin felt as though he were intruding again. He'd heard Buck talking, and stupidly thought that Chris had woken up. He'd stood at the end of the bed, overhearing the rogue's words; ones that tore his heart open.

"It's okay, Vin." The ladies man's husky voice was mellow. "Was just gonna yell for someone to take over. I need to eat...my belly thinks my throat's been cut." A smile faltered on his lips as he tried to lighten the mood. "Now get over here and hold this ornery cuss's sweaty paw."

Chuffing out a soft laugh, Vin did as Buck asked. "Did he have any water?"

"Yeah, managed to slide some down his throat. Nathan got some willow bark tea down him too."

The tracker's lips twitched as the rogue winked and moved to the table. "Damn Ezra, you're gonna make someone one hell of a wife someday!" Buck noted, as the gambler handed him a full plate of food.

The Texan's mouth turned up in an amused smile. He marveled at how quickly the rogue got his emotions under control. A feeling of deep respect filled Vin's body at the strength of the older man. Further thoughts were thrown aside as a soft groan came from Chris's lips.

"We got ya, Cowboy...an' I reckon it's time ya woke up and thanked us." Leaning forward in the chair, Vin watched the fevered face before him. His blue eyes bore into the closed lids, willing them to open. He squeezed the blond's hand tightly, letting him know he wasn't ready to let him go.

+ + + + + + +

Chris got a strong feeling that he had to go home. He sighed, turning an exasperated look on Sarah. His body stiffened as he stared into the large expressive eyes of his wife. All at once it became clear, as memories came crashing into his head.

A roof...Vin's shocked face as he began to fall...the sound of splintering wood, and air taking the place of solid timber. He let out a groan as he recalled the tracker pulling his bones back together. Blue eyes seeking his and holding them, hands grasping his, soft voices pleading with him.

He raised shocked green eyes to the opposite bank of the lagoon. Sarah and Adam stood, holding hands, their faces full of sadness.

"No..." his voice pleaded, his heavy heart confirming what he knew to be true.

Sarah and Adam were dead, and he could be about to join them. He was in limbo, lost between life and death. If he was conscious, he knew he would never have believed it possible. But here he was, and as his eyes rested on the faces of his beloved family, he realized he had a choice.

His mind somehow knew the reason he hadn't emerged on the other bank after being swallowed by the lagoon. It was because he was being held back. A strong force was stopping him from moving from life to death; and he knew what that strong force was.

Weary blue eyes filled his mind, a gentle voice filled his senses and a feeling of strength enveloped him.

Flitting his confused green eyes back to Sarah, he felt the strong need to reach out and touch her. All he had to do was walk into the water. He could leave his empty life behind, and be reunited with his family once more. No more pain, no more battles, and no more whiskey bottles.

Stepping nearer the water's edge, he stopped suddenly as he saw Sarah's face. There was a look of profound sadness etched on her fine features, along with a look of acceptance.

"Sarah..." the hoarse whisper was answered by his wife bringing a finger to her lips. Her voice filled his mind, making his heart slam against his chest. 'I love you, Darlin', but it's time to go home.'

"Isn't this home?" the blond's anguished voice asked.

Smiling gently, Sarah shook her head.

Chris suddenly felt a warmth in his palm, and gasped as it grew hot. Looking down at his closed fist, a Texan voice talking in the rain filled his mind. Lifting his clenched hand in front of him, he slowly opened his fingers. He sucked in a breath when his eyes settled on a small china cup resting in his hand. He opened his fingers wider, splaying them out as his green eyes filled with warm tears. Suddenly, it was very clear then; the road was before him. Not just any road, the right road - the road home.

+ + + + + + +

Vin sensed the battle was almost over. He sat alone, while the other's cleaned up after breakfast. Glancing at Nathan, to make sure he wasn't looking, he winced as he gingerly slid his arm out of the sling. Pain lanced through his injured shoulder and he bit his lip, his face showing his discomfort. He froze when he spotted Buck watching him, a stern look on the mustachioed face. The tracker's lean body relaxed when the older man winked and grinned broadly, letting the Texan know he would keep his secret. Flashing the rogue a grateful smile, he waited for the throb in his shoulder to subside before returning his attention to Chris.

He bathed the stricken man's hot body, and listened to the harsh gasps of breath. He watched the fevered head as it moved from side to side on the pillow. He held his breath when he thought the blond was no longer breathing himself. But the whole time, he held fast to Chris's hand, giving the gunslinger an anchor, a lifeline to find his way back.

Feeling the air tense around the bed, Vin sat forward, his eyes darting up and down the length of Larabee's body. He cleared his mind of all thoughts, trying to decipher what his senses were telling him. He gasped when he sensed the dark cloak of death hovering in the corner of the room.

The tracker felt Chris's hand twitch in his. The Texan's breathing grew more rapid, and his eyes grew wide as he felt the hand move again. Trying to slow his breathing, his gaze bore into the hands entwined where they lay on the sheet. His heart began to plummet, and his stomach somersaulted as he watched Chris's fingers slowly open, and splay out flat on the bed. A sob stuck in the sharpshooter's throat as his eyes filled with tears at the knowledge that his best friend was letting go.

Throwing himself onto his knees, the former bounty hunter tried to wrap Larabee's fingers back around his own, but each time he let go, they opened out again.

"No!"

Vin's guttural cry echoed around the cabin, making JD jump and drop a plate on the floor.

As four men ignored the shattered dish and ran towards the bed, Buck turned and ran the other way.

Slamming the door behind him, the heartbroken peacekeeper breathed heavily between gritted teeth. He walked backwards and forwards, clenching and unclenching his fists. A raw agony ran through his body, and a lump in his throat threatened to choke him. His head pounded as blood rushed through his veins, making his ears ring. His agonized blue eyes darted to and fro, seeing nothing as his mind tried to comprehend what his heart already told him. He'd just lost his oldest, closest friend, and the thought was too much to bear.

Spying a tree stump just ahead, he strode towards it. An axe stood against the stump, and a piece of wood lay ready to chop for firewood. Picking up the tool, Buck lifted it effortlessly over his head. He held it there, blinking away the mist from his burning eyes. In his mind, he pictured Chris with a wide and wicked grin on his face, and mirth twinkling from his green eyes.

An agonized cry of pain and loss was torn from his lungs as he brought the blade down onto the wood, sending timber flying through the air in two directions. He tried to pull it from the tree stump, growling in anger when it wouldn't budge. Crying out in frustration, he released his grip on the axe handle and dropped to his knees. Resting his head in his shaking hands, the tears began to flow as sobs wracked his heartbroken body.

Chapter 10

Dusk was settling, sending eerie shadows into the lagoon. A soft breeze whispered through the still warm air, lifting Chris's hair from his forehead. The gunslinger's hand began to tremble as he stared down at the small china cup. He could hear Vin calling to him, but looking up again, he couldn't turn his eyes away from his family. He'd fought and won, but a lead weight pressed heavily into his chest. As he stood watching Adam and Sarah moving slowly away from him, he felt far from victorious. All he'd wanted since the fire was to be with them again, and here he was, letting it slip through his fingers. But he knew it was the right thing to do. This was a different world, one he didn't belong in yet.

His arms ached with the longing to encase his family in a protective embrace as he watched the distant figures growing fainter. His heart pulled in two different directions as the forms began to shimmer and blend with the landscape. He reached out his hand to them and let it drop back down to his side as Sarah and Adam finally disappeared. A ball of flame began to burn in his stomach, slowly spiralling upwards until it reached his throat. A groan of agonising pain and misery tore from his quivering lips as the tears ran freely down his face.

Chris finally looked down at his palm through watery eyes, and stared at the china cup still nestling there. It all of a sudden looked lonely and lost, where it sat patiently waiting. He felt a peace settle over him, and a warmth envelop him. It was time to go back where he belonged. Back to the place where the anchor to his existence was awaiting his return. Sad green eyes looked on as he slowly closed his fingers around the cup, encasing it safely in his soft palm.

+ + + + + + +

The Texan's mind was racing through a multitude of thoughts, as wild blue eyes darted up and down his friends still form. He hadn't sensed this approaching, hadn't seen it coming, so why was it happening? Chris had given up, just like that, and he hadn't felt a damn thing.

A lead weight settled on his slumped shoulders. His heart felt like shards of glass were ripping through the delicate tissue. He could almost feel a razor cutting into his soul. He found it hard to breathe, as cold hands seemed to clutch at his tortured body, squeezing it tightly . Silently, he asked a myriad of questions he knew would never be answered. He could hear the commotion around him, knew the others were there, but all he could focus on was Chris's limp hand and the oh-so-still body on the bed.

A faltering brown hand came into his line of vision, as Nathan put his finger to Chris's neck.

"No use..." The croak didn't sound like Vin's voice as the others looked on in solemn silence. Each man was fighting his own emotional hell at what all of the latest happenings meant.

Reaching out, Vin stroked the blond hair back from the clammy forehead. His blue eyes boring into Larabee's slack features, silently pleading that he'd got it wrong. But the slack digits on the pale hand confirmed his worst fear - Chris Larabee was dead!

Vin's shoulder ached mercilessly but he didn't care. His physical pain was nothing compared to the volcano that was spewing molten lava inside his grief stricken body. His wide blue eyes looked like sparkling sapphires as the water ran freely from their depths. He swallowed hard, almost choking on the huge lump in his throat. Shivers ran up and down his frame, like the ice-cold finger of death itself. He felt a loss like no other, not even when his mother died did he feel this desolate and alone. He had the friendship of five other men, but without the presence of the sixth, at that moment, it meant nothing.

Two deep blue devastated eyes watched as Nathan's fingers tried to locate a pulse. Looking on with a sense of defeat as the healer put his ear to the blond's chest, Vin almost missed it...until it happened again.

Slowly, he turned his head, his fervent gaze resting on Chris's hand. He concentrated hard, his tired, tear filled eyes watching like a predatory beast. Then it came again, the stricken man's fingers moved.

"Wait..." The voice was stronger this time. A small feeling of hope began to rise up from the sharpshooter's stomach. Like a snowball that grew larger as it rolled along, the feeling intensified. Vin's shoulder's slowly lifted, as his senses sparked and crackled to life. His heart boomed out a rapid, erratic beat as he felt an energy run from Chris's hand into his.

The other peacekeepers held their collective breaths in anticipation, all feeling a strong powerful force envelop the room.

Nathan stilled his fingers against Chris's neck, where he still could not find a pulse.

Blinking through his own tears, he turned towards the tracker.

A gradual smile crept onto Vin's lips as the fingers of his best friend slowly closed around his hand, encasing it firmly in the sick man's grasp.

"He's alive." JD's whispered words echoed the thoughts of the others, like a wisp of a prayer.

"It would appear so..." Ezra failed to keep the tremor from his voice.

"I got a pulse!" Nathan exclaimed loudly, the excitement and relief showing clearly on his face.

"Chris..." Vin turned back to the fevered face, whispering his friend's name. The brother who, moments ago he thought he'd lost forever.

The air seemed to hold its breath along with the men that breathed it, as the blond's lashes fluttered and opened. The injured man settled fevered but aware eyes on Vin's smiling face.

"Ya scared the hell out o' me, Larabee."

Licking his dry lips, Chris swallowed and attempted to speak. "Kept...china." The words were so softly spoken they were unheard by all except Vin who could only nod in reply.

JD's beaming face turned around, searching for Buck, the smile faltering when he realised his friend was not there. He spun around, his eyes searching the small cabin, but coming up empty. Glancing back to the bed, a smile faltered once more on his lips at the sight of Chris's pained but open green eyes. He watched as the others helped their leader to drink some water. Moving away, he headed out of the cabin, wondering why Wilmington wasn't there with them.

+ + + + + + +

Buck's gut tightened each time a silent sob jerked his body. He rested his elbows on the tree stump, cupping his chin in his hands. When was he going to wake up from this nightmare? How long until he was drawn back to wakefulness and he found himself lying next to Daisy, or Melissa? He knew the questions were a waste of time. Way down deep in his shattered heart, the nightmare was real.

Chris was dead.

His back stiffened as he heard the door of the cabin open and close again. Turning his head to the side he caught sight of JD, walking with faltering steps towards him.

"Get away from me, Kid." The defeat in Buck's voice made JD flinch, but he continued to move towards his mentor.

"Buck..." the younger man reached out a hand as he drew near, but pulled it back as a harsh retort met his ears.

"Don't!" Pushing himself to his feet, Buck staggered for a few steps, his head bent. He held his hand up to JD, without looking at the young, confused sheriff.

Feeling a little ashamed and knowing the kid was probably going through hell too, the tall man softened his voice as he spoke again.

"Can't help you deal with it, Kid, can't even deal with it myself."

"Deal with what?"

The confusion in the young voice turned Buck's pain to anger. Spinning around, he leaned towards JD, his balled fists held stiffly at his sides.

"Deal with what?" The anger filled words were spat out, but the heartbreak could still be heard. "Christ, J.D. He's dead!"

Realisation suddenly hit, and JD wanted to slap himself on the forehead for his stupidity. Buck wasn't there when Chris woke up. "But he's not..."

"Just go away, JD." The grief stricken man's shoulders sagged tiredly, the angry voice replaced by a defeated whisper.

"Buck, he's not dead." JD shot the words back, loud and firm. He figured it was the only way his friend was going to hear what he had to say. His own big brown eyes pierced the heartbroken body standing before him.

The big man looked at the younger one with a look of disbelief. How could he play this cruel game with him? How could he stand there and tell him such a hurtful, painful lie?

Watching Buck's reaction carefully, JD looked steadily back at him. His eyes sincere and filled with truth, he repeated his words, more softly. "He's not dead."

Taking a deep shuddering breath, Buck let it out slowly, his gaze never leaving JD's. His heart pummelled away at his chest as his mind tried to absorb the kid's last three words... he's not dead.

A sob wrenched from his throat at the same time as he took a few unsteady steps. Stopping when he was directly in front of the younger man, he voiced the question clearly visible in his eyes. "Not dead? But Vin..." he hardly dared believe what he was hearing was true.

"Vin was wrong." JD's eyes suddenly sparkled, a smile forming on his lips.

Buck stood, rigid as a hitching post, his blue eyes dancing around the youth's face. The sky orbs suddenly found more moisture, and his throat seemed to find another lump. The jubilant peacekeeper let out a whoop of joy and punched the air. His eyes sparkled like stars had been captured in them and his face lit up as a broad grin formed. Slapping his hands down on JD's shoulders, he swallowed hard, his voice hoarse as he spoke.

"Well, what are we standing out here for? Let's go, Kid!"

+ + + + + + +

Stepping back inside the cabin, Buck immediately felt the change in the atmosphere. Instead of the feeling of dread, the small space was filled with a feeling of hope. Sighing contentedly, he walked towards the bed, with JD following behind him.

Buck's eyes settled on Vin's shattered form, still kneeling by Chris's bedside. His heart clenched at the devastation that still hadn't quite left the tracker's handsome features. The sense of loss still lingered in the slumped shoulders and trembling body of the younger man.

Squatting down beside the sharpshooter, he waited as the dipped head turned. Lost Texas eyes met Buck's steady, compassionate blue gaze, making Wilmington catch his breath. Reaching out with his hand, the older man gripped the back of Vin's neck, while a new lump formed in his throat. The feeling he'd had, when he thought Chris was dead, looked straight back at him in two haunted blue orbs. Squeezing the younger man's neck, while blinking back fresh emotion, he pursed his lips. Before him was a man who'd almost lost something dearer to him than life itself. He knew the moment he saw him and Chris together that the bond they shared meant if one died, the other lost his life too.

Taking a shaky breath, he released his grip on Tanner's neck and rose to his feet.

His eyes turned misty again, drinking in the scene before him, as his gaze settled on his old friend. Chris looked back at him, his green eyes filled with pain, but a weak smile on his lips.

"Damn, but it's good to see them eyes of yours." The ladies man beamed down at the injured man.

All Chris could manage in response was a twitch in the corner of his mouth. His leg felt as though it was on fire, and he sucked in air sharply as a searing pain shot through his injured limb.

"Alright, gimme some room now." Nathan stepped forward while all but Vin took a step back. The tracker was still on his knees, holding tightly to Chris's hand.

Leaning over the prone form on the bed, Nathan spoke quietly, his eyes full of concern. "Chris, I gotta check your leg, an' it's gonna hurt like hell."

Nodding, the blond's pain filled green eyes found Vin's worried blues. The look reminded him of the time when he was lost between two worlds. He remembered the unspoken conversation they'd shared, only now realising the importance of that moment.

"Pulled me...back...V...Vin." He was annoyed at how weak his voice sounded, but the soft sky blue eyes calmed him. The insightful look on the Texan's face told him the tracker knew exactly what he was talking about.

Vin swallowed hard, still not quite believing that Chris was alive and talking to him. He squeezed his friend's hand lightly to reaffirm what his expression was relaying.

Feeling the squeeze, Chris's fevered sea green eyes, rested calmly on the younger man's face. He frowned in concern as his hooded gaze took in the wretched features of his friend. There were dark rings under the tired eyes, and the whiskered face was etched with pain. A bandage encircled the shaggy head, and the tracker's cheeks were hollow, a sure sign that the Texan was not eating right. He saw the worry that lined the handsome face, and got a sinking feeling in his stomach, realising he was the cause.

"...look like shit...cowboy." He saw the other man's lips turn up. "...can let go...now..."

Nodding his head, Vin loosened his grasp and pulled his hand free of Chris's. He was happy in the knowledge that the precious cargo was back in the keeping of its owner, and was safe.

Nathan began to untie the bandage around the blond's leg. The injured man sucked in his breath as fresh pain erupted in his injured limb. The healer stilled his hands and stepped back, deciding to wait until Chris was safely asleep. He knew the pain would be excruciating and hoped his patient would not be woken when he got to work. The last thing he wanted was to add to the leader's misery. Watching quietly with the others, he noticed the laudanum he'd given the stricken blond earlier was beginning to work.

Chris felt his eyes growing heavy as he continued to hold Vin's gaze. He fought the need to sleep, almost afraid of what would happen if he did.

Sensing his friend's fears, Vin placed a reassuring hand on the injured peacekeeper's shoulder. "It's alright, Cowboy. Yer back, nothin's gonna happen."

Comforted by the soft Texan drawl, Chris began to give in to his weariness. His eyelids fluttered, his gaze never leaving Vin's. Just before he surrendered completely, his brows drew together in a frown. "Lagoon's...gone."

The whispered words caused five faces to look bewildered. But Vin gazed down at his sleeping friend with a look of total understanding.

+ + + + + + +

The two days since Chris came back to them were a blur, the time being taken up with the men working in shifts to tend to his needs. It was a constant relief every time the green eyes showed themselves, but the pain their leader was having to endure marred each man's satisfaction.

What little liquid and broth the blond managed to consume was more often than not brought back up again. But his strength and determination were a constant reminder of Chris's resilience and stamina. Even his stubbornness showed through, mostly to hide his embarrassment at the more intimate needs that he had to be helped with. The fever was still with him, although it was no longer dangerous. But the fact that his leg was going to keep him out of action for quite a while was adding to his frustration.

"Nathan, I'm sure this will be the last time I'll need this, it really is much improved."

Ezra's desperate voice filled Vin's senses, as he started towards wakefulness. He wrinkled his nose as the odious smell of Nathan's rub assaulted his nostrils.

The tracker stifled a groan as his stiff shoulder let itself be known. His body suddenly went rigid, his senses on full alert. The hairs prickled on the back of his neck, and with lightning speed his hand shot out from the covers and grabbed a solid arm just below the elbow.

"Easy Vin..."

The Texan turned to see brown eyes looking down at him. Releasing his grasp with an apologetic look he shuffled to a sitting position with a sigh. Running his fingers through his ruffled hair, he tried to clear his sleep heavy mind.

"I wanted to see if you were alright, not like you to sleep so long. Didn't mean to startle you." Nathan realised his mistake, he'd learnt by now that Vin was used to being on his own and looking out for himself and an old saying came to mind. 'You always sleep with one eye open'.

"S'okay Nate, what's wrong?" His heart leapt and he suddenly turned wide eyes to the bed. He relaxed when he saw two sleepy green eyes looking back at him. Pushing himself stiffly to his feet he smiled as he saw Ezra walking away rubbing his rear.

"Thought you were gonna...sleep all day." Chris's weak voice greeted him as he reached the bed, and he turned on his finest glare at the amused smile.

"Think yer fever's got me confused with Ezra." Sitting on the bed, the Texan moved his impatient glare to Nathan who was tugging at the sling dangling around his neck.

"Don't want no sassin', Vin." The authoritative tone made Chris smile as Vin hesitated for a few seconds before deciding to relinquish the battle. He slid his arm into the sling, not letting the relief show as the bandage immediately took most of the persistent throbbing away.

After a satisfied nod, Nathan moved to the small dresser and began arranging his supplies and Vin turned back to his best friend. "How ya doin', Cowboy?"

"Been better." Sighing, Chris rubbed the top of his bad leg gingerly. "Nathan reckons he can stitch my leg in a coupla days, guess that's good news."

He pressed his fingers to his forehead and closed his eyes. "That smell you and Ez are carryin' isn't helping much."

Vin rolled his eyes and reached for a cloth. Dipping it into a bowl of water he wrung it out. Pushing Chris's hand away from his fevered forehead, he replaced it with the cool material.

Sighing in contentment, Chris opened an eye and settled it on Vin. "That stuff really does smell you know."

"Reckon it can't smell worse'n you right now..." The tracker gave his friend a haughty look before reaching over and filling a cup with water from the pitcher.

The injured man didn't answer as his eyes focused longingly on the liquid filled vessel.

Vin sat, his features showing his dilemma as his eyes went from his sling to the cup. He wanted to give Chris some water, but couldn't lift the blond's head and hold the cup with his arm immobile. Glancing at Nathan's back, he wrinkled his nose, bracing himself for discomfort as he began to slide his arm out.

"Stop right there, Tanner!" Chris seemed to find more volume to his voice as he spoke in a warning tone.

Glaring with annoyed blue eyes, Vin shot back. "Ya don't get no water then."

"Hell I've missed you two nit pickin' like old marrieds." Buck chuckled, walking to the bed and lifting Chris's head gently. He screwed up his nose as his hand grew slick from Chris's sweaty hair. "Damn, you need a hair wash, ol' buddy."

"Need a drink more." The blond glared back. He bit his lip against the pain that suddenly worsened in his leg. Shifting his eyes he rested them on Nathan, who stood with stilled hands.

"Sorry Chris, was tryin' to start the unwinding while you were distracted." Reaching behind him, he motioned to Vin to pass him the full cup of water. He added a little laudanum and swirled it around before handing it back to the Texan.

"Don't wanna sleep, slept enough."

"It'll help with the pain, Chris. An' you're bodies gonna defy you where sleep's concerned."

"Why does he always have to be right?" The blond asked tiredly before accepting some water from the cup held to his lips.

Vin shrugged. "Annoyin' ain't it?" the blue eyes twinkled as they moved to the healer. His face turned mischievous. "Reckon somethin' stronger'd do ya more good, pard."

"Like the way you think...Vin." Chris's voice grew softer with each word as Buck lowered the hot head once more to the pillow.

"No whiskey, you hear me?" Nathan's voice was stern again, as he walked to the head of the bed and removed the cool cloth from the prone mans forehead. Putting his hand in its place, he frowned at the heat that met his palm. "Enough talkin' now, I'm gonna change your dressin' and you need sleep. I'll give you some willow bark tea when you wake up."

"Now there's something to look forward to." Buck juggled his eyebrows as he moved back to give Nathan more room.

"Go to hell...Buck." The quiet voice held no threat as heavy lids fluttered closed over glazed green eyes.

All jollity forgotten, two worried blue gazes settled on the healer as he carefully unwrapped the bandaged leg. He didn't want to wake Chris again and hoped he could do what was needed without that happening. Feeling eyes on him he looked up from his task.

"Nothin' new to say." He answered the silent question in both sets of eyes. "He's strong and stubborn." Pulling the last of the bandages away he looked at the ugly wound. "...and this is looking better."

"He's safe now...not goin' anywhere." Vin added with conviction. "He made his choice."

Buck reached out and lightly put an arm across Vin's shoulders. "You're gonna have to tell me what the hell you mean by that one of these days, Tanner." Looking over at Ezra a devilishly mischievous look came over his face and he added. "But right now, I think we need some whiskey to celebrate."

Darting wary eyes to the gambler, Vin's gaze moved to the bottle still sitting on the table by the window.

"Ah yes, whiskey." Ezra picked up the liquor and sat gingerly at the table. Lifting the bottle he raised a brow. "Mister Tanner..."

Giving the rogue a murderous look, Vin pushed the older man's arm roughly from his shoulders. Ignoring the gleeful laughing coming from the ladies man, the tracker turned on his best innocent look and headed to the table.

"Ez..."

The gambler raised his hand, cutting him off. Winking conspiratorially at the Texan he began to pour whiskey into two glasses. "To your impeccable taste!"

Buck lifted one side of his mouth wryly. Seeing Nathan's amused face he shrugged. "Ah well, can't win 'em all."

Chapter 11

The pain clearly showed on Larabee's face as Nathan carefully pulled the sheet over the blond's legs. Having just endured the agony of finally having his leg stitched, Chris fought to relax his breathing. He could feel the sweat glistening on his forehead and running down his cheeks. He raised a shaking hand to wipe some away with his forearm.

"Here, Chris."

He could hear the concern in Tanner's voice and turned his head towards the tracker when he felt the bed dip. His shaking hand was soon steadied, as the mug of cold water arrived. He didn't protest when Vin's own hand remained on the handle as he helped Chris guide it to his lips.

He relished every drop of the cool liquid, as it began to put out the fire inside. His mouth was so dry it felt as though he hadn't had a drink for a week. The last few days were a blur, his body still trying to catch up with all that happened. Smiling weakly as the cup was taken away, his eyes showed their gratitude as they looked at the worried face of the sharpshooter.

His face locked in pain again when a searing agony shot up his leg. Closing his eyes

tightly, he felt a strong grip on his arm. He knew it was Vin lending him his silent support.

"Nathan..."

The injured man heard the whispered plea from his best friend and reached over. His trembling fingers touched the worried Texan's lightly.

"..s'alright...it'll...pass."

Feeling something cool touching his lips he accepted whatever was being offered, he was in too much pain to refuse help. He swallowed Nathan's foul tasting concoction quickly and was ever grateful when it was replaced by water.

"Th...thanks."

Resting back against the pillows, he made an effort to relax his muscles, knowing that the pain would ease off. After what seemed like an eternity, the agony diminished to a bearable level. The glazed green eyes cracked open and found two concerned faces hovering over him.

"Sorry I had to do that, Chris." The regret came through plainly in the healer's apology. He hated to hurt his friends more than they were already hurting, but comforted himself with the fact that the good overshadowed the bad.

"Do you wanna sit up a little bit?"

He had to smile as the pained green eyes sparked a little at the question. Chris had endured days of laying flat on his back since waking up and Nathan knew how much this little improvement would mean to the blond.

"...need to...ask?" Chris's mouth tweaked with a small smile. He caught a glimpse of dancing blue eyes and his heart warmed at that thought. That he held the power to ease Vin's pain, still awed him. He felt strong but gentle arms ease him forward and bit his lip. He squeezed his eyes shut as a fresh pain entered his leg.

"Want me t'stop?"

Vin's soft question filled him with renewed strength.

"No! I'll shoot you first!"

The blond smiled as the tracker issued a snort and sighed in contentment as he felt pillows being pushed behind his back. Letting out a satisfied breath, he didn't care that he was smiling stupidly. He knew he didn't have to worry about what he looked like, or how he acted in the company of his friends.

"I'm goin' to get cleaned up." Nathan cast an expert eye over his patient before leaving him in Vin's capable hands.

Chris's eyes sought Vin's when the door closed quietly behind the healer. He felt a warmth inside, his brother's blue gaze shrouding him in silent comfort.

"Where are the others?"

The blond was bone tired, but he felt the need to talk. He wanted to get back in the swing of things. It had been over a week since the accident, but felt like a lifetime to the injured man

"JD an' Ezra went back t' town, Josiah n' Buck are...outside."

Chris nodded, and watched Vin settle into a chair. His lips twitched when his eyes fell on the sling hanging loose around the tracker's neck. "...nice tie..." he noted, raising a challenging eyebrow.

Drawing his brows together, Vin sent a mock glare to his friend. "Mind yer business, Larabee."

Chuffing softly, the blond took the offered cup of herbal tea with a steadier hand than earlier and sipped at it. Handing the vessel back to the tracker and licking his now moist lips, he eyed his friend critically.

"How's the head?"

"S'fine."

"Good...the shoulder?" he raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Better...jist a mite sore from time t' time." The Texan scowled at his friend. "Don't need yer fussin'."

His mouth twitching again, Chris raised a hand in mock defence. A comfortable silence followed; each man happy to be in the others company.

Chris relaxed further into the soft pillows. His leg throbbed incessantly, and his body ached all over. But despite all of his discomfort, he was glad to be where he was...where he knew he belonged.

The thought caused memories to flood into his mind as he sat with the silent tracker. Taking in a lung full of air, he let it out slowly in a long shuddering breath. He was once more filled with the need to talk, but wasn't sure how or where to begin. Feeling eyes on him, he turned his pensive green gaze to Vin, seeing awareness in the blue depths.

"'m here when yer ready."

Vin's steady gaze, and perceptive words pulled at Chris's heart. If ever there was a time to talk, this was it. He wondered whether he even needed to talk, as he thought of the knowing looks he'd caught on his friend's face the last few days. He felt their bond more than ever, and, turning his eyes away from the tracker he blew out a small breath.

"Was thinking..."

Nodding, Vin shifted in his seat. Feeling a throb returning to his shoulder, he gently eased it back into its protective sling. He studied the profile of Larabee's face, taking in the distant, almost dreamy look.

"When I was..." Chris stopped, trying to think of a word to describe that time. "When I was...lost." He looked back at Vin, searching for understanding. It surged forth immediately in the sharpshooter's deep eyes.

"I hear ya, Cowboy."

The Texan's raspy whisper sent a small shiver up Chris's spine. The fact that Vin seemed to know where he was heading made him believe even more that his experience was not a dream.

"I was by a lagoon with rocks all around." His eyes turned wistful. "...they were there." His voice croaked as he remembered.

"Yer family."

Nodding, Chris went on, ignoring the water that filled his eyes. "They were swimming and laughing." He smiled, the love shining from sea green pools. "I tried to go in with them, but the water pulled me under...my leg was trapped." He sucked in a breath, and held a hand to his head.

"Easy, Chris." Vin's voice was soothing as he put a comforting hand on the blond's arm.

Turning his head, the injured man looked deep into the tracker's eyes. "Someone helped pull me out."

"Who?"

Retracting his hand, Vin rubbed his sore shoulder. He felt sure he knew the answer.

"Nobody was around when I got to shore...but it was like I had an anchor." He cocked his head to one side. "You know what I mean?"

"...reckon..."

Turning his eyes, the blond stared into the distance. "It happened again...couldn't stop it. I was sliding, then the anchor stopped me again." He rubbed a shaking hand down his face. "I saw you there once, I saw your face...your eyes." He paused, his eyes glistening with gratitude. "...I felt your strength..." He faltered on his next words, "...could feel you."

Vin nodded. "Ya came around fer a bit, I was here with ya."

Chris inclined his head once, accepting the information as he rubbed his aching thigh. His thoughts returned to the lagoon as he continued. "I called to them when it was time to leave, they...they went to the opposite bank. Then I realized..." His voice broke up as he brought his hands up to cup his face.

"Chris..."

"S'okay." He took a deep, shaky breath. Putting his hands in his lap, he turned his tortured features towards his best friend. "Sarah..." he swallowed. "Sarah showed me...reminded me..." he broke off, looking down at his hand and Vin followed his gaze.

"m' glad ya came back." The Texan's words were a whisper in the quiet room.

Closing his fingers over his palm, Chris's lips turned up in a small smile. "So am I." He whispered back.

Vin broke the spell when he moved and sat on the bed. He held out a cup of Nathan's tea to his friend. Keeping a grip on the handle as Chris's hands surrounded the vessel, he waited for the blond to have his fill then placed it on the table beside the bed.

The two friends found each other's gaze once more, blue eyes tender with concern, green eyes grateful and tear filled.

"I don't know if that place was real, Vin. But I hope with all my heart it was."

"Ya keep believin' that, Chris."

The gratitude extended to Larabee's lips as they formed a smile. He trusted Vin's instincts more than he trusted his own.

"They're happy there...it's a good place."

He paused, two shining emeralds sending Vin the most penetrating look he'd ever encountered.

"...china cup shone brighter..."

The tracker's breath caught in his throat at Chris's words as they pierced his soul. He tried to speak, gulping instead. He knew if he tried to say anything at that moment, he'd choke.

The brother's held their gaze, as they both reached out and locked forearms. Their bond so strong, voices weren't needed.

Finally releasing his grip, Chris rested back against his pillows, the need to rest finally taking control.

Vin watched as the injured man's eyelids fluttered closed. Reaching for a cloth he placed it on the blond's hot forehead. Looking down at the sleeping man, he could see a change had taken place. The handsome face looked peaceful, the furrowed lines on his forehead less prominent. His eyes moved to the injured man's hands resting in his lap. The fingers of one were still digging into the palm.

+ + + + + + +

Shifting restlessly in the bed, Chris winced as a sharp pain darted up his leg. It was one of the rare occasions when he was alone in his small cabin. Vin had been moving around all morning like he had ants in his pants. The recovering man finally persuaded him to get some air. He sighed, imagining the feeling of breathing fresh air into his stifled lungs. He was feeling better, and was harboring a desire to escape the confines of four wooden walls.

Flitting bored, green eyes around the cabin, his shoulders sagged as his gaze registered the same view of the day before - and the day before that. Hell, it was the same view that he'd stared at a week ago. He sighed loudly again, looking at the door in the hope Vin would return. The tedium was threatening to escape him in a frustrated scream. His eyes narrowed, suddenly sparking with a slight interest. Something was different on the dresser, and he searched his mind for what it was. He rolled his eyes when he realised it was only an extra bottle of one of Nathan's concoctions that the healer must have put there earlier.

Moving wearied eyes again, his gaze shifted from the chair with the crack in the seat, to the mark on the wall where he'd knocked it with some furniture. He knew every flaw, every crack and stain and every small creak the cabin possessed.

Irritated green eyes darted to the door when he heard voices...happy voices. His features turned sour when five laughing men spilled into the small home.

"Where's Josiah?"

The growl stopped the men in their tracks. "Then we'll have all the merry men." The blond almost sneered as he said the words.

Ignoring Chris's ill temper, Buck came to stand beside the bed.

"He's comin'."

The gunslinger grunted in reply, and turned to glare at Nathan who was fussing with his sheets.

Hearing a commotion at the door, Vin opened it. Ezra swept an arm towards the doorway as a shadowy figure appeared. The gambler bowed dramatically. "Your chariot awaits."

Josiah came through the door at that moment, pushing the wheelchair that was kept at Nathan's clinic. He manoeuvred the chair through the cabin and around the men, stopping beside the bed. Turning a toothy grin on the bedridden blond, he winked.

"Salvation, Brother."

Chris's emerald eyes sparkled, the prospect of leaving his prison bringing a smile to his lips. He could almost feel the cool air entering his lungs as he thought of it. He pulled the sheet from his body, grateful that he'd been wearing drawers for the last few days. He knew the men had seen him in all his glory, but now he was healing, his pride had returned.

"Chris, it's gonna hurt." Nathan's serious gaze settled on the blond's eager features.

The gunslinger shrugged. "...who cares..." The smile stayed on Larabee's face. Looking from one to the other of his friends as they stood grinning at him, he glared. "What are you waiting for?"

"Reckon ya need some clothes, Larabee." Vin's eyes sparkled as the glare turned solely on him.

"Gimme some then."

"Them tight britches o' yers ain't an option."

Buck slapped Vin on the back, laughing loudly at the sharpshooter's quip. "He's got a point ol' buddy."

A warning look appeared on the blond's face, his green eyes moving from Vin to Buck. His attention was drawn away from the two men when he felt Nathan gently easing his arm into a shirt.

"Let us do the work, alright?" The healer looked intently at his patient, while the men moved in ready to transport their injured friend.

Chris nodded and tensed, as he felt Josiah grip him tightly under the arms. The preacher motioned with his head, letting the others know he was ready.

Buck and Nathan took a leg each, the healer handling the injured limb with practiced hands. Lifting their friend carefully, Buck winced when he heard Chris's sharp intake of breath.

Settled at last in the chair, the gunslinger grit his teeth against the fire in his broken limb. His pride wouldn't let him cry out, although a groan left his lips. Sweat beaded on the blond's forehead, his eyes shut tight, and the men waited for his discomfort to ease.

"Got the blanket, JD?"

"Right here, Nathan."

Chris felt warmth surround his lower body as gentle hands tucked the cover around him. Slowly the pain began to recede, and he opened his watery green eyes. "...ready..." the voice was hoarse as he nodded towards the door.

"Not quite..." Ezra reached into his pocket, pulling out a bright red bandana.

"What's that for?" Suspicion touched the blond's handsome features.

Moving forward, Ezra squatted beside the chair. "Trust me."

Staring back at the gambler, Chris's green eyes grew wide with incredulity. Trusting Ezra P. Standish, was the last thing he could imagine doing right now. He heard Buck snort, and JD snigger, as both men realised the con man had said the wrong thing.

Sitting back on his heels, Ezra cleared his throat. "Poor choice of words..."

Vin's buck skinned figure came up behind the southerner, and sent Chris a reassuring wink.

Turning his head, Chris looked into two, straight and honest blue eyes. He nodded, and let the sharpshooter put the bandana around his eyes, blinding him. His hands gripped the sides of the wheelchair, as his body tensed. He didn't like the fact that he couldn't see, but he trusted Vin and knew six men had his back covered.

He felt the chair begin to move, the laughing, happy voices of the men making his lips lift in a smile despite his anxiety. He had no idea what they were up to, then the door opened.

Fresh air caressed his face, and suddenly he didn't care anymore.

He sucked in a breath when the chair collided with the doorframe, sending shards of agony through his leg. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the arms of the chair tightly. The wheels seemed to find every dip in the ground as he was pushed slowly along. The smell of paint filled his nostrils, making him sit up straighter and sniff the air.

"What...?" His question was cut off when Buck's voice came to him.

"Ez? Got some of them five dollar words?"

"At your service!" The gambler cleared his throat and Chris felt fingers grip the bandana.

The blond frowned, he didn't like the fact that he wasn't in control. His body was tense enough that it felt like it would snap in a strong wind. He turned his head to the direction of Standish's voice.

"Mr Larabee...may we present..."

Chris felt the tug as the bandana was pulled from his eyes. He blinked, attempting to adjust his sight to the afternoon sunlight.

"...your new barn."

Vin snorted. "Hell Ez, I coulda said it like that."

"Sometimes, few words are necessary, Mister..." His voice trailed off and five sets of eyes followed his gaze.

Chris sat in the chair, knowing his friends...his brothers, were watching him. He didn't care what his face revealed as he gazed at the sight in front of him.

The barn...his barn stood before him and it was a sight he would never forget. His chest hurt as emotions fought their way to the surface. He swallowed hard, his eyes misting as his gaze raked over the beautiful structure that graced his property. Fresh paint made the timbers gleam with pride, and the tall roof was built to perfection. He swallowed hard again, blinking back moisture as he felt a breath by his ear.

"There's more." Buck nodded to Josiah and the chair began to move forward again. Vin opened the gleaming barn door, and the soul mates eyes met fleetingly as Chris was pushed through.

The blond sucked in a breath at the sight that met his eyes. Stalls had been erected along one end, and the men's horses stood happily within them. Items hung from hooks on the walls and a small loft housed bales of hay. His eyes swept around the fully outfitted building, taking in every minute detail. Rows of new shelves provided homes for shiny new tools, linament and saddle polish. Neatly folded leather cloths, ropes and grooming brushes rested on more shelves cut to fit into a corner. He closed his eyes and took in air through his nose, relishing the smell of fresh timber and paint, and sighing at the wonderful whiff of leather.

The whole structure gleamed and Chris was overwhelmed. His insides churned and for a moment he thought he'd lose his stomach contents. His heart thumped as his eyes swept across the beautiful sight one more time. He opened his mouth, his lips trying to form words, but none would come. He lifted his head, moving his eyes from one man to the other. His sea green gaze finally rested on Josiah, who tilted his head to one side.

"You're welcome, brother."

"Well..." Blinking back tears of his own, Buck made the first move. Grabbing the chair, he wheeled it through the open doorway. He slowed down when Chris's hand reached out to touch the fresh paint on the doorframe tenderly.

Setting the chair in the shelter of the porch, the men sat around it. Ezra disappeared into the cabin, emerging with a new bottle of whiskey and seven tin cups.

"No whiskey for Chris," Nathan warned sternly, earning him a glare from the leader of the seven.

Accepting his liquor with a nod, Vin walked to the pump, filled Chris's cup with water and returned to the porch. He knew Nathan's eyes were on him, making sure his instructions were carried out. His wary blue gaze flitted back and forth while he waited for the healer's attention to stray. Finally satisfied he wouldn't be caught, he poured the water away, replacing it with some of his whiskey.

The injured gunslinger watched all the while as the silent tracker did his deed. His eyes met with Vin's when the Texan handed him the cup.

"Thanks."

The whisper was meant for only the two of them and Vin dipped his head and winked.

Suddenly, all the men looked from one to the other. One more thing needed to be done, to seal the occasion.

Holding up his cup, Buck attempted a toast. "To..." he bit his lip, trying to think of appropriate words.

Six men waited, their cups poised.

"The blessed power of seven." Josiah held up his whiskey, and the others joined him.

"AMEN!" The chorus of voices echoed in the stillness of the late afternoon sunshine. The sound drifting into the sky, and heavenward.

Chris sipped his drink, his eyes finding the barn, every timber shining with caring and friendship. His chest swelled as he took a shuddering breath. His lips turned up in a smile as his friend's laughter met his ears.

"Thank you," he whispered, casting his eyes skyward. "for this brotherhood."

Conclusion/12

THREE WEEKS LATER...FOUR CORNERS

Buck Wilmington wore a wide grin as he left Potter's store with his purchase. His twinkling, devilish blue eyes searched up and down the street, and he waved to JD as the youth approached.

"Buck, did you get it?" The younger man asked as he drew alongside his mentor.

"Yeah, Kid." Buck was distracted and he slowed his pace, his eyes honed in on something in the distance.

JD followed his gaze and saw what had grabbed the rogue's attention. Vin was holding the door to the boarding house open, while Nathan and Josiah helped Chris through. The men were on either side of Larabee, his arms around their necks. He held his leg off the ground, and hopped, his teeth gritted against the pain he was obviously enduring.

Buck shook his head at the leader's stubbornness. It would have been easier to let the men carry him outside. But the proud man obviously didn't want to be seen being carried. So here he was, struggling and in pain, but he was alive. The sight that met his eyes, caused the rogue to smile widely at the thought. He raised his eyes briefly to the deep blue of the sky, in another silent prayer of thanks.

It had been a rough road for his old friend since he'd found his way back to them. His broken leg was a constant frustration to the gunslinger. The fever plagued him and it was only a week ago that the men were finally able to bring him back to town.

His gaze stayed on the men as they helped Chris into a chair. A crate was pulled forward and a pillow placed on it. Carefully Josiah positioned the splinted limb on the cushion. Buck grinned as he watched Chris slap Nathan's fussing hands away from him. He read the blond's lips and whistled at the words his mouth had formed. He chuckled, noticing Vin dip his head to hide a smirk.

The tracker sat in a vacant chair beside the blond, a silent force of protection to the prone man beside him.

The ladies man's steps faltered when he saw the pain etched on the blond's pale face. He slowed down more, giving his oldest friend time to get himself together. An audience of three was three too many as it was.

"JD, stay close..." Buck put his recent purchase behind his back, and winked at the man beside him as the youth moved in closer. The rogue noticed Ezra walking towards the boarding house and made a decision. This was as good a time as any to give Chris his gift; seeing as everyone was here.

The three men joined the other four, arriving at the same time, as though they'd been summoned.

Looking from one man to the other, Larabee's eyes narrowed slightly. "Boys..." The tentative greeting did nothing to hide his suspicion. His keen eyes hadn't missed Buck's devilish face, or the fact that the rogue had both hands behind his back.

Looking sideways at Vin, he took in the non-committal, almost innocent face. There was a hint of a twitch in the corner of the tracker's mouth, making it obvious that he knew what Buck was planning.

Moving his head to look up at Wilmington, he raised an eyebrow. "Busy?"

Puckering his lips, the rogue shook his head. "Nope."

"We were just checking on your progress." Ezra joined in.

Chris turned to the gambler and nodded slowly.

"I'm doin' fine."

The blond's eyes shot to Vin who seemed to be squirming in his seat. "You got boils now too?" His lips trembled as he tried not to smile. If his friends were gonna have fun at his expense, then he was damn well gonna have some too.

"Hell no!" Vin shot back, his eyes firing arrows at the gunslinger. He wiggled in his seat again, this time in annoyance. He didn't mind being accused of most things, but not of having boils on his butt.

"We got you something." JD blurted, unable to contain himself a second longer.

Chris raised an eyebrow again, his green eyes settling on Buck.

The rogue flashed his best smile. "Yep, we figured you needed it." He nudged JD away from him and slowly retrieved the item from behind his back.

Guffaws filled the still air, as all eyes rested on the shiny new bucket Buck was holding up proudly.

"Hell, I don't know what to say." Leaning forward to accept the offered present, Chris missed the new twinkle in the ladies man's eyes.

"We put a hole in it for you, seein' as how that's the way you like 'em."

More snorts of mirth filled the air, when the blond flicked his eyes to each of them before peering into the bucket.

Finding no hole, he tried to glare as he lifted his head, but his sense of humor betrayed him. His green eyes sparkled like emeralds and his face broke into a wide smile as he joined his friends in laughter.

Sensing a sudden change in the person beside him, Vin turned a quizzical gaze on Chris. The sparkle was still in Larabee's eyes, but now there was a wicked glint too. Folding his arms across his chest, he waited for the gunslinger's revenge to emerge.

Buck rested his arm on JD's shoulder as he peered shrewdly at Chris. He could see his friend's mind ticking over and knew a plot was hatching. "What's got your attention there, ol' buddy?"

"I was just thinking." The seven's leader shrugged.

Vin's lips twitched and he mentally braced himself.

Josiah leaned against the wall. "That's dangerous, Brother."

"Thinking about what, exactly?" Nathan asked suspiciously.

"I was thinking I might extend the cabin. Maybe build another floor or an addition."

Chris's words were met by a deafening silence. Dipping his head, Vin pulled his hat lower over his eyes, trying to hide his smile.

Reaching into his pocket, Buck retrieved his watch. "Damn is that the time? I gotta go." He waggled his eyebrows. "Got a date with Daisy." Leaning forward, he tapped Chris on the shoulder. "Take it easy, ol' buddy." Turning on his heel, he practically ran down the street.

"I gotta...go..." JD pointed behind him, his eyes darting to and fro as he thought wildly for an excuse to leave. "...to the jail. Need's tidying."

"I'll join you, Mr Dunne. My domestic abilities are still in need of improvement." Ezra tipped his hat and ran after the youth's retreating back.

"Like I said, thinking's dangerous." Josiah pushed away from the wall. "Nathan?" He raised an eyebrow at the healer, who was hovering over Chris.

"Er, yeah. I need to check my supplies. Never know when I'll need 'em." The healer looked down sternly at his patient. "Don't move from there." He turned his eyes to Vin. "Send for me when he needs to go inside."

"He's sitting right here." The patient's green glare bore into Nathan's face. "And don't hold your breath, I'm planning to stay out here for a while."

Opening his mouth to admonish the injured man, Nathan thought better of it. "See you later then." Nodding, he cast one last critical eye over Chris before leaving with Josiah.

Vin felt eyes on him and turned to find amused green orbs studying him. The blond raised an eyebrow. "How about you, Tanner?"

"Hell, I ain't got no excuse. If ya need t' expand, yer on yer own, Larabee." He cocked his head and an amused smile crossed his lips. "Reckon ya know how t' clear a room, pard."

Chuffing out a laugh, Chris turned his head and surveyed the town. An easy silence fell over the two men, as they watched Four Corners go about its business.

Vin bit his lip thoughtfully, his hand slowly moving to lay over the pocket of his coat. Turning his large eyes towards his best friend, he swallowed hard. Suddenly, he was nervous at what he was about to do.

Chris turned his head, immediately seeing the apprehensive look on the tracker's face. He sensed that Vin had something important to say, but knew the Texan would only say it when he was ready.

"Got somethin' fer ya."

Not expecting Tanner's voice so soon, the blond's startled body jolted slightly, but thankfully not enough to jar his leg. He raised his eyebrows and his face took on a questioning look, but he remained silent.

Feeling Chris's gaze on him, Vin reached carefully into his pocket and pulled out a small object wrapped clumsily in paper. He held it for a moment, his blue gaze seeming to take in every crease of the wrapping. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He hesitated, his hand faltering before turning to his best friend. Nothing was said as the object was given by one hand and received by another.

Chris looked at the small parcel resting in his palm, before beginning to gently pull the wrapping away. He took in a shuddering breath, his eyes immediately filling with moisture as the gift was finally revealed. Dropping the paper to the floor, two green pools of raw emotion stared down at a tiny brown cup. He turned his head to look at Vin, his voice devoid of words. His lips quivered and his moist eyes shone with gratitude.

He quickly turned away again, seeing Vin fighting his own emotions. He knew how proud the Texan was and they were sitting in the middle of Four Corners in broad daylight.

His finger traced a crack down the short length of the cup, as he fought with his tumultuous feelings. It was a perfect reminder of the last month, and how close he had come to letting go.

"Been on Potter's shelf fer a long time...it's not china." The raspy voice could hardly be heard above the sounds of the town. "...ain't worth nothin'"

Looking up at the clear blue eyes, this time Chris held Vin's gaze.

"You're right," He saw the tracker's face lose all color. Then he smiled, "It's priceless..."

Vin took a long breath and nodded once. Both men turned their attention to the small chipped brown cup. Shuddering out an emotion filled breath, Chris slowly closed his fingers around the vessel, clasping it gently but firmly in his hand.

Sitting side by side, the two friends surveyed the town, saying nothing. The warm feeling of friendship and brotherhood filled their beings, the small cup in Chris's hand a testimony to their bond.

Vin's eyes found the rooftop, where it had all begun. Lifting his gaze higher the blue sky mirrored his equally blue orbs. He felt a soft breeze on his face and his lips turned up in a warm smile. Sighing contentedly, he heard the man at his side do the same.

They were home and they were seven...just the way he liked it.

The End