Basically a challenge to myself
Jun. 25th, 2005 09:15 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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mag7fansTitle: Coming Back
Author: Pegasus
Fandom: Magnificent Seven
Rating: NC17 to X
Summery: This is a Magnificent 7 story, set in old west – Four Corners.
Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven is owned by Trilogy, Mirish and MGM.
Josiah saw a lone figure sitting in the church when he walked in. It surprised him, since he didn’t see any horse outside and hadn’t seen anyone from town walk in. Sitting down next to the person, he noticed it was a boy. Wondering what could have brought him in, Josiah asked “Can I help you, son?” He didn’t get a response and started wondering. Thinking maybe the boy had fallen asleep, since his head was bowed, Josiah tried again, only this time also placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder as he said “Can I help you son? Is everything ok?’
The ‘boy’ had heard the questions and could feel the man’s hand on her shoulder. She didn’t respond because she wasn’t ready for anyone to know she was there and she was - she wasn’t sure what exactly because she never went into a church. She wasn’t there to pray, though she knew her gods would hear her. Knowing she would have to respond, she looked up at the ex-priest. “I’m sorry Josiah; I just needed a quiet place for a bit before I let anyone know I was in town.”
“That’s all right Nic, I didn’t see any horses out front and so I wondered who came in.”
With a small smile she said “He’s on the other side where he won’t be seen.”
“You here by yourself again?” he wondered.
“Yes and no. Brought my wolves, but no one else, though I did notice I have three wolves with me instead of two, so looks like I did bring one along,” she said with a laugh. “You mind if I just sit here a while longer?”
“No, go right ahead, and I won’t be saying anything, since I’m not leaving.”
Neither realized it, but JD had been walking up the steps to see Josiah and heard part of the conversation between Brandi and Josiah. He headed to the saloon and seeing Chris walking out as he walked up, JD said “There’s someone over in the church with Josiah. I don’t know who it was, but I heard wolves mentioned.”
Nodding to JD, Chris changed his direction and headed to the church. Standing in the doorway, he only nodded to Josiah when Josiah looked up. He just stood there watching Josiah’s visitor. He thought he knew who it was, but wanted to make sure. The visitor leaned forward causing the hat being worn to fall slightly forward. When the head came back up, Chris saw all he needed to see, long, bright blonde hair falling down her back. Coming forward, he sat down next to her and said “Hiding, Dee?” Since her last visit – the first time she had come to Four Corners – he had been doing something thinking on his life now and what she meant to him. He was still trying to sort it all out, but he knew he was in love with her, had been since the day he met her twenty-two years ago. He doesn’t know why he didn’t marry her, but then he met Sarah and because of the distance in miles between him and Dee, and the feelings he found he also had for Sarah, he married Sarah instead. He wouldn’t change that, even with their deaths and not knowing who was behind it. He thought maybe Dee knew, but she wasn’t saying. He also remembered when he met a certain lady before he and Sarah got together and when Dee first met her, Dee took an instant dislike to her and wouldn’t talk to him or write to him during that time. He wanted her in his life now, but still was unsure about himself and letting anyone in again, though he found himself questioning this darkness that had covered his heart and his soul.
“No, just figured I’d take a few before I went to find you or Vin. Don’t know why I picked here except that it’s quiet. So how’d ya know I was here?”
“JD heard you and Josiah talking and told me. Thought I’d check it out. You get a room yet?”
“Nope, was next on my list. Did you see Herc and Ares outside with a third one?”
“Yeah, they’re lying by the door. When did you get a third one?”
“Didn’t, it’s Gray. Guess he didn’t like the fact I left without any of them so he changed and came along that way.”
Giving one of his rare smiles, Chris said “Can’t blame him there. How’s the arm?”
With a hollow laugh she said “Re broken. It was almost healed and I ended up back in my usual spot, though I’m still trying to figure out why this time when I never left the house. He decided it shouldn’t heal, I guess. Sam still hasn’t heard anything from Texas yet and neither he nor Lexi have gone to Rock Creek to take care of it. Ben, Adam and Gray are getting very upset at Lexi with it. No one in town is happy with our marshal and his deputies, but they aren’t willing to do anything about it either. I don’t know if I can live there much longer if this keeps up. I just don’t know where I would move to if I did leave.” Deciding to change the subject since she knew he would never ask her to stay in Four Corners, she said “I have a question for you.”
Thinking about her wanting to possibly leave Rock Creek, he answered absently “What?”
“It’s a serious question Cowboy, so pay attention.” Seeing him turn his full attention to her, she continued “If something happens to you, as in fatally, do you want to just die, or” she took a deep breath then said “do you want to live. And not live only another thirty to forty years. I’m talking living another hundred years or more, you live til you chose to die.”
“Do I need to tell you now, or can I think on it?”
“You can think on it. Hell, you can wait til something happens and tell me then, but if you do that you’d better tell me quick, cuz it’s not real easy bringing someone back after they are fully and completely dead.”
“Good, cuz it isn’t a decision I want to just say yes or no on. You gonna ask anyone else?”
“Yeah, Vin only right now. I know Buck and I’ve been friends for a few years, but I’m going to wait on him, since he doesn’t know that part about me. I’m going to wait on the others until I’ve gotten to know them better. Oh, one other thing to think about with it. If you decide yes, I’ll need to know if you want to remember everything, from this life and through the future.”
Nodding, he said “Makes sense with both Buck and Vin. And, I’ll think about all of it and let you know. You want to stay in here for a while or go get yourself a room for while you’re here.”
“May as well go to the hotel,” she said. Looking at Josiah, she said “Thanks Josiah, I may not believe that there is only one God, but it was just what I needed.”
Nodding to her, Josiah wondered on that comment and what she meant about Buck not knowing a part of her. It appeared there was more to this woman than met the eye.
Chris and Brandi walked out of the church, and heard “Nic.” Looking down the boardwalk, they saw JD coming up. Chris and Brandi met him halfway, and as soon as they were within talking distance, JD said “I didn’t know it was you talking to Josiah. You got wolves?” JD looked down at the three animals following Brandi.
“Yeah, I do JD. And, they won’t hurt anyone as long as I’m safe. They are very protective of me.”
“How long have you had them?” JD wondered.
Knowing she couldn’t tell him the real length of time, Brandi try to come up with a plausible answer and wound up only with, “Years, but don’t remember exactly how long anymore.”
“You heading to the saloon?” he asked.
“Not yet, gonna get a room at the hotel first,” she told the boy.
“Well, I’ll see you at the saloon then. Ezra’s trying to get a game going.”
“Alright JD, be there shortly.” After JD headed to the saloon, Brandi looked at Chris and said “This could be fun. I haven’t played since the last time I was here.”
“You know he cheats?” Chris asked.
Smiling she said “Oh, I knew that before I picked up the cards last time. Why do you think I played both ways? I think it will be fun to beat him with him cheating and me playing straight and not call him on it.”
Opening the door to the hotel for her, he said with a laugh “You’re getting mean Dee. But it sounds good.”
Laughing, she told him “I’ve always been mean and a bitch to boot. At least that’s what I’ve been told.”
Coming up to the counter, Chris said “Hey Maude. She needs a room, please.”
“Why of course Mr. Larabee. Does it matter which one?”
“Thirteen if it’s available,” Brandi replied.
“It appears it is. Are those, dogs, with you?” Maude wondered.
Looking down at Herc, Ares, and Gray, Brandi said “Yeah, is that a problem? I would prefer at least two of them stay with me.”
“I don’t usually allow pets. Do they do any wondering?”
“No, they stay at my side if they are out. They’re harmless.”
“Well as long as they’re harmless and won’t go wondering, I think I can take them also. Will you always have them if you come to town?”
“More than likely. And I’ll always have two but sometimes there may be a third or fourth also.”
Nodding, Maude turned the book around so Brandi could sign in. She signed it as Nic Stewart, knowing that wouldn’t be questioned. After signing, she looked down at the wolves and said “You’re going with Chris, Gray.” Whiling barking his displeasure to her, she heard in her mind “Why am I doing that?”
She responded in kind with “Because I know you. Sometime during the night you’ll change shape back to human and then someone will see a man walking out of my room that isn’t Chris, and me walking out later, looking like I should – in a dress – and people will start talking. I don’t need that here, this isn’t our town.”
“Alright love, I’ll go with Chris, but I will be where I can keep an eye on you also.”
“That’s fine, I wouldn’t expect anything different.”
She looked back at Chris and said “He’ll keep making noise about not being able to stay with me, but he should calm down after a while. And if he doesn’t that’s too damn bad for him.” She turned back to Maude and got the key to her room. Smiling at Maude, Brandi replied “Thanks,” then turned to head back out the door with Chris.
As soon as they were outside, Gray darted into an alley between two buildings. Noticing Gray leaving, Brandi placed a hand on Chris’ arm to stop him. Chris turned to Brandi, but saw she was looking elsewhere. He was just about to ask why she stopped him, when Gray came out in human form. Gray smiled and said “Much better. Now I can have some whiskey and enjoy myself.”
Shaking her head at him, Brandi said “Yeah, as long as you behave Grayson.”
Hiding his smile, he replied “Yes love. You know I always behave for my favorite cousin.”
“Oh, yeah, um, sure you do,” she said while rolling her eyes at him.
By the time they got to the saloon, JD had already told Nathan, Vin, Ezra, and Buck that Brandi was in town. Josiah had come back to the saloon from the church also by the time they arrived. Nathan and Buck said Hi to her with her returning it as she moved to the table Ezra and Vin were sitting at. Smiling at the man across from her, she said “Afternoon Ezra.
Returning the smile, he only replied with a nod of his head “Nic.”
She then turned to the man on her right and said with a smile “Howdy Vin. Hey when you have a few, I’ve a question to ask you.”
“Howdy Nic,” he said with a smile of his own, knowing she was flirting with him and being use to it, he flirted back. “I’ll make the time when we’re done here. You both gonna play?”
“I am,” she said.
“I’m in,” said Chris.
Ezra dealt the cards, figuring the last time he played her was a fluke. No one was that good, other than him that is. Brandi watched Ezra as he started, and she played straight, didn’t cheat. She played straight the entire time, and still beat all three men, especially Ezra since he was also cheating, every time. It got to where Chris and Vin decided to sit out and let Brandi and Ezra play each other. The rest of the men gathered around the table to watch. At some point while Brandi and Ezra were going head to head, JD said “She’s good.”
Chris looked back at JD and said “She had a good teacher JD?”
“You, Chris?” the boy wondered.
Brandi laughed and said “Nope, not Chris, JD. I learned when I was sixteen, much to the displeasure of my family. I was taught by the Marshall of the town in Wyoming territory called Sweetwater, where I was living at the time. He’s the Territorial Marshall now and I still play him occasionally if I get over to see him and the governor.”
Ezra couldn’t believe his luck playing Nic. He hadn’t won a game and yet he exhausted all his tricks. He decided that if he was going to lose to a woman, and a beautiful one at that, he should play straight. Or not play her at all, but where would be the fun or challenge in that.
Taking only her money from the table, and receiving a strange look from Ezra that she ignored, Brandi, stood up, looked at Vin and said, “Now, ok?”
Nodding his head, he stood up.
They walked out the saloon doors and down far enough they wouldn’t be overheard if anyone tried to listen in.
“What’s on yur mind?” Vin asked.
“You may think it’s a strange question, but it’s not and it’s a serious one also.” She watched him nod that he understood before continuing. “If something was to happen to you, life threatening, fatal, that type of thing, would you want to die, or possibly live the rest of your life with whatever it is that happened to you always there as a reminder, or would you rather live, whether it be coming back to life, essentially, or living a whole, healed person. And there is a second part, if you decided on being alive and, I guess, whole, would you want to remember your life now and everything that comes after.”
“Live how long?”
“That’s up to you. But figure on at least seventy five to one hundred years or more. It would most likely be the one hundred years or more.”
“When do I have to tell ya?”
“Whenever you’re ready too, up to and including just after whatever happens, if something does.”
“Ok, I’ll think on it and let you know. You ask Chris this also?”
“Yeah, but no one else. And if I do ask anyone else, they will only have a certain number of years that I’ll give them. It won’t be open ended like it is for you and Chris. And, you two are the only ones that get the choice of retaining all memories also.”
“Ok. I’ll let ya know what I decide.”
“Fair enough.” She smiled and continued with “If they aren’t already, I’m sure someone will figure we’re up to no good and will come looking.”
Laughing, he told her “Yeah, guess we should get back in there, unless you want to be up to no good.”
She laughed and said “As tempting as that is, Vin, would you let them know I went to clean up and I’ll be back when I’m done.”
“Yeah, but what about Herc and Ares?”
“Gray will keep an eye on them. They listen to him, probably because he can become one of them. Anyway, I’ll be back in a bit.” She leaned up, gave him a kiss and went back to the hotel.
Walking back into the saloon, he heard “Where’s Nic?”
“She went to clean up and said she’ll be back when she’s finished,” he told the room at large, though it was JD who asked.
Getting back to the hotel, Brandi noticed the same woman behind the desk. “Maude, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Yes. Is there something I can do for you?” Maude wondered.
“Yes, please. Could you possibly have a bathtub and water brought up to my room? I’m sure one of the eight in the saloon would be glad to help if there isn’t anyone but you here right now.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Maude told her.
“Thanks,” Brandi said and headed up the stairs.
Maude was standing there shaking her head at the request when Ezra and Chris walked in.
“Something wrong, Mother?” Ezra wondered.
“That, child that you brought in earlier Mr. Larabee. You said ‘her’ when you both came in, but looking now and from the last visit, I would think it was a boy. I just had a request for a bath, same as last time. Is that a boy or a girl?” Maude asked, looking at both men.
“That Mother is not a girl but a woman. She only travels from the town she lives in farther north as a boy. So, it isn’t surprising she wants a bath. Do you have anyone to take it up?”
Wondering what was going through her son’s mind, she said “No, but if you two would like to take it and water up to her, I would be grateful.”
“We’ll be glad to help, Maude,” Chris told her. Looking at Ezra, he said “You take the tub up and I’ll grab the water. Oh, room thirteen Ezra, and don’t knock, stomp a foot in front of the door.”
Nodding to Chris, Ezra grabbed the tub Maude brought out and started up the stairs. Once he was in front of her room, he started to knock, but remembered what Chris told him. Stomping a foot, he waited at the door. Within a minute or two, Brandi opened the door and smiled when she saw Ezra with the tub.
“Thanks Ezra, but who’s bringing the water?”
“That would be Mr. Larabee. Mother knows you are a woman. She was unsure and asked us downstairs.”
“Mother? Oh Maude. I thought so, since there is a resemblance there. That’s fine; she would have wondered when I came down looking like myself later. So what actually brought you over here Ezra? It wasn’t to bring up a tub for me.”
“I wanted to ask about why you only took part of the money from the table?”
“I figured I’d be nice and let you keep what you put in, since you were cheating. I didn’t cheat at all this time. The first time we played, yeah I did, to see if you would realize it, but this time I decided to play straight and see if I could still beat ya. Guess so. I didn’t feel right taking it, so keep it to lose another time.”
Chris walked in with the water as she told Ezra that. Shaking his head he said “Dee, how do you know he’ll want to lose to you again?”
Smiling, she said “Lucky guess. Thank you kindly, gentlemen, for the water and tub. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I’m going to enjoy my bath.”
Ezra tipped his head to her and left the room. Chris got as far as the door and only closed it behind Ezra, staying in the room.
“Did you need something else, Cowboy?”
“Yeah, but not taking at the moment. Just thought I’d help, if you needed it.”
“All right then, I guess I could use help with my hair since I still only have one good arm, and help with this damn binding.”
He just smiled at her, wanting to take her to bed again.
After she had gotten the rest of her body clean, Chris washed her hair for her. As he was rinsing it, he asked “You ask Vin about that?”
“Yeah.”
“What’d he say?”
“Same as you. Wants to think it over. He asked me if I asked you and I told him I did. Then he wondered if I was going to ask the others and I told him not yet and when I do it won’t be open ended like it is for the two of you and they won’t get the choice of remembering or not.”
“It’s a pretty tough question to just answer right away.”
“I know so I don’t mind that you both want to think about it. I would have been worried if I had received a quick answer on it.”
“I have a question for you.”
“What?” she wondered as she got out of the tub.
He handed her a towel, knowing that he would take her to bed if she stood there with nothing on for to long. With a slight grin he said “It’s about Vin.” Seeing her raise an eyebrow as she wrapped the towel around her, he continued “How do you feel about Vin?”
“What makes you ask?”
“The way you look at each other, can communicate without saying anything - just giving a look, just the way you both act together.”
“Truth?” she asked. At his nod, she continued “I’m in love with Vin, though I don’t know how he feels about me. The same I think, but not sure. But he isn’t the one I want.”
Nodding his understanding, he asked “Anything ever happen between you?”
Giving a small smile, she said “Almost about 8 years ago, but no, never went through with it.”
He didn’t want to ask why, so he just nodded knowing she told the truth. He saw she was holding the binding back up, so walked over to help her put it back on. After getting that secure, she pulled her pants back on and pulled a shirt over her head. Chris recognized the shirt and gave her a questioning look. She shrugged and said “It’s comfortable because it’s big.”
“Oh, one other question,” he said.
“Go ahead,” she told him.
“Does Vin know how you feel?”
“No, and I’d prefer he didn’t.”
He nodded and they headed back down and out to the saloon.
Getting into the saloon, she noticed the piano sitting off to the side and headed to it. Wondering what she was up too, Chris sat back down at a table with Vin. She sat down and ran her fingers over the keys to see if her right arm could handle it and to see if it was in tune. Finding both were good, she started playing and singing. The song was called “Desperado” and she had heard it, but wasn’t sure where or when, just that she liked it and it reminded her of Chris. Though she didn’t realize it, the room was quiet and only two people knew who she was singing about – Gray and Chris. Vin had ideas, but wasn’t sure. He liked listening to her sing, hell he enjoyed just looking at her, and sometimes wished things were different and that he could tell her how he felt, but at this point he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with Chris. He thought he knew how she felt, but wasn’t quite sure, and he was afraid to ask her.
When she finished, she joined Chris and Vin at their table, with Gray coming over and sitting down also. Chris got up and got a bottle with some glasses. He set a glass down in front of each one, looking at Brandi and said “Only one for you.”
“Oh gee thanks mom. If that’s the case I’ll have sarsaparilla or milk.”
Laughing, Gray got up and went to the bar to get her something else. He came back with sarsaparilla for her.
Looking at the three men, she said “What this place needs, besides coffee, is tea. Though, I know most of y’all would rather drink whiskey or coffee than tea.”
All three smiled, but said nothing. Chris had poured a glass of whiskey for her. She downed it and then nursed the other.
She noticed Buck, Josiah, and JD walk outside. She looked at the three with her and asked “What’s going on, why’d they leave?”
“Something goin’ on outside,” Vin said looking toward the door.
Buck came back in and said “We may need the rest of you boys out here, but I think Nic should stay here in the saloon.”
Wondering what was going on she looked over at Gray. Gray got up and walked to the door and looked out. Going back to the table, he said “Buck’s right, on both. You don’t want to go out there, love. Trouble decided to find you.” He didn’t look happy about it.
Chris and Vin got up, followed by Nathan and Ezra, and headed outside to see what was up. Gray suddenly heard shooting going on and went to look to see what was going on. The seven were behind whatever they could find, shooting back at Jeff and his deputies. The amount of deputies was dwindling down as they got taken out by the seven. Chris moved to shoot Jeff and in the process got shot himself. Getting cover from others, Vin moved out to pull Chris out of the street and Nathan got over to them to check on Chris. The shooting suddenly stopped because Jeff decided it was easier to leave than end up like his deputies, though it would take more than a bullet to actually kill him.
Nathan had Josiah carry Chris up to his clinic and Vin went to get Brandi. Slightly opening the saloon doors, Vin said “We’re gonna need yur help Nic. Chris got shot.”
Going pale, she asked “Where is he?”
“Nathan’s” was all Vin said.
“Show me,” was all she replied as she got up and out of the saloon.
Vin took her up to Nathan’s clinic. Getting inside, Nathan turned at the door being opened and said “He’s asking for you Nic. I’m sorry; I can’t do anything for him. The bullet is too far in for me to get out.”
Looking at Nathan and the rest, she asked “Can everyone but Gray leave please.”
All but Vin wondered why they couldn’t stay. Vin looked at them and said “She wants to have privacy to talk to him. Let’s go and give her some.”
“What about Gray?” JD asked.
“She has her own reasons for wantin’ him to stay JD,” Vin said as he moved everyone out the door.
Looking at Chris, she said “You wanted to see me Cowboy?”
“Yeah, yes to both. I’m not ready to die yet,” he said, as he died.
With tears in her eye’s she said “Ok,” more to herself.
Looking at Gray and gaining a nod, she moved her hands to where the bullet was and closed her eyes. She could see where it was in her mind and worked on bringing it to the surface. Gray held Chris down for her so he wouldn’t jerk as it came out. After about five minutes of intense concentration, the bullet flew out of the wound, with the wound slightly healing itself.
Hoping she didn’t take to long, she sat there watching and waiting to see what would happen. After a minute or two, Chris’ eyes opened and gave her a questioning look.
Understanding, she said “You did die, for about seven minutes. It’s out and you’ll live, thank the gods. Now to let everyone back in and tell them you’re fine. Ya know we’ll have to tell them about me with this, otherwise they won’t believe it.”
Trying his voice, he said “I know.”
She walked to the door, opened it and said “Y’all can come back in now. Chris is going to be ok and he’s resting fine.”
Shaking his head, Nathan said “How’s that possible. He should be dead. Sorry Nic.”
“That’s ok Nathan. And, well, he was but, damn this is hard,” she said and looked over at Vin. Taking a breathe she continued “Y’all may have a hard time believing what you hear, and it needs to stay between us. Like I said, he did die, but I was able to take the bullet out and bring him back.”
JD looked at her and said “How’s that possible?”
Sighing she replied “For me, easy. I’m, um, not from here. And I don’t just mean this area; I mean this planet, this century, this anything. And, I’m not exactly four months younger than Vin, I’m, shall we say, quite a bit older than that.”
Josiah asked “How much older?”
With a smile, she answered “About ten thousand years give or take.”
“How were you able to remove the bullet and bring him back?” Buck asked.
“Magic, but I’m not a witch, I’m more than that. I did it with Chris’ approval before anyone asks.”
They looked at Chris and he nodded his head saying “I’ve known about her and I asked her to do it.”
“I’ve been through what is now considered mythology times, lived through the Bronze Age and was in fact married to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and lived up through the centuries.”
“Is being in the time of what is now considered mythology why you make god plural,” Josiah asked.
“Part of, but also because where I grew up we had more than one god.”
Buck noticed Vin hadn’t asked anything, so Buck asked “You know about this too Vin?”
“Yeah, I’ve know since we first met, like Chris did when he first met her. I haven’t known her as long as Chris, but almost as long. I met her about six years after Chris did.”
The rest of the boys nodded, not sure what to say.
Seeing Chris was still weak, Nathan said “Chris needs his rest. Everyone out.”
“I’d like to stay Nathan,” Brandi said.
“That’s fine, Nic, but Gray will need to go.”
Understanding, Gray nodded and left the room with the rest.
“I’m gonna go also Nic. If y’all need anything, just yell and I’ll come back. I’ll also be by to check on Chris after while.”
“Thanks Nathan. Would you do me a favor and though I know Vin and Gray will watch them, will you make sure Buck and JD don’t talk about anything I said or what happened with Chris to anyone or near anyone. I’ve also been thought to be a witch and burned for it, so I understand about persecution. They had no way of knowing it wouldn’t kill me, and I wouldn’t go back to that time for anything, even my ex-husband,” Brandi said. She heard Chris laugh at that from the bed.
“I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them Nic. I’m glad you were able to save Chris.”
Looking over at Chris, she said “Yeah, me too.”
When Nathan left she walked over and sat down beside Chris. “How ya feeling Cowboy?” she asked with a slight smile.
“Like I was riding that devil horse of yours, got thrown, and then kicked,” he said with a smile. “I hurt like hell.”
“That’s something at least, shows you’re among the livin’. You scared the hell out of me. First hearing you got shot, than Nathan saying he couldn’t do anything. Until I heard you say yes, I thought it was already too late. Then I had to sit and wait for you to open your eyes after, all the while thinking I screwed up,” she said, tears filling her eyes again.
“Wasn’t trying to do that, and wasn’t trying to take a bullet from that son of a bitch, just wanted to give him something to think about after his treatment of you. As you can see you didn’t screw up, guess it just took a bit longer than you thought.” He carefully pulled her off the chair, onto the bed with him, giving her a kiss and said “I’m not plannin’ on leaving just yet. You’d have to pull a disappearing act to get rid of me.”
Being careful of his wound, but curling up on him just the same, she said “Don’t plan on doin’ that unless you ever run across that bitch again and go back to her. If I wanted you out of my life, I wouldn’t have given you the choice I did.”
He just laughed and feeling comfortable, closed his eyes and went to sleep. She knew when he fell asleep by the change in his breathing. She lay there with her eyes open a few more minutes and then gave into the need for sleep herself.
She woke first and finding herself chilly, she slipped out from under his arms, pulled off her boots and pants and crawled under the covers with him, finding that his arms just went back around her. Trying to get warmer, she burrowed into him, being careful of his wound, and her arm. Starting to warm up, she put her hands between them on his chest and gently rubbed, hoping to sleep again. She found she couldn’t go back to sleep, so she moved down slightly and kissed his chest, letting her hands roam down the rest of him. When a hand felt the hardness of him, she wondered what he was dreaming about, knowing he hadn’t woken yet. She stroked him as she continued kissing his chest. She could feel her own body’s reaction to him and knew she wanted more, she wanted his hands on her and wanted him in her, anywhere. Since it wouldn’t be fair to him to sheath him in her hot core, she moved down farther and took him in her mouth. She knew the moment he woke, since his hands started running through her hair and his body moved in time with her mouth. With a slight tug to her hair, he told her he wanted her back up even with him. Coming back up, she gave him a cat like smile while licking her lips. He brought her head down to him and kissed her til she was melted against him. He could feel how hot she was against his skin and wanted her on him then. She saw the look in his eyes and moved her hips and legs down far enough to where she could slide him into her, with him thrusting up to meet her. With that first thrust, everything in her shattered, shooting stars behind her eyes. They started moving together, hurried but not too fast, meeting thrust for thrust, and he removed her shirt and binder. He was trying to be careful of her broken arm, while she was trying to be careful of the wound in his chest; both injuries were on their right sides. He wanted to be able to take her more, in other ways than how they were, but knew that at the moment, he couldn’t, it was enough to have her now. The more times she tightened around him and dripped down his cock, the closer he came to finding release. He realized he could have her on him like this and take her one other way, so he moved his left hand down to where they joined and slid it back and forth, bringing her juices back with him. She suddenly felt his finger slide into her ass and felt her wetness increase and her body move faster wanting him there. When she couldn’t take anymore, she slid off his cock and moved up slightly so he knew what she wanted. Not needing anymore than that for an invitation, he slid himself into her tightness, feeling both tighten and pull at him. They moved hard and fast this time, both wanting the pounding. The harder they went, the wetter she got and the larger he became until she knew he was ready to explode. Moving herself so he was once again sheathed in her core, they came together with Chris empting completely into her. She sagged against him, not wanting or ready to become un-joined yet, though they both knew they couldn’t stay that way in case anyone came in. When she knew she could move again, she shifted slightly removing him from her and curled up at his side. With her left arm across him and both his arms around her, they fell back asleep.
Nathan walked in not to long after they fell asleep. Seeing them both under the covers and her clothes on the floor, he knew what they had been doing but decided against saying anything, knowing it wouldn’t do any good. He was glad to see they were asleep, something they both needed at that point, anything extra aside. Very quietly he folded up her clothes and left them close enough she could grab them if necessary then took a peak at Chris’ wound and Brandi’s arm to make sure they hadn’t done any damage. Nathan could see the change in this gunman with her around. He noticed it when she was in town a few months back and wondered about the change and this man that seemed to have a cold heart. As Nathan finished looking at her arm, Chris woke up.
“Nathan?” he asked with surprise.
“Yeah, Chris. Feeling better?” Nathan asked with a slight embarrassed look.
Giving a slight smile, Chris said “Yeah, I am. Just tired now.”
“You may as well try and get some more sleep then. Doesn’t look like Nic’s waking anytime soon, and I’ll warn you before anyone else comes in so she doesn’t get embarrassed.”
“Thanks Nathan,” Chris told him and closed his eyes again, falling right back to sleep.
They slept for the next few hours, only waking to the smell of food. They both opened their eyes to see Vin standing there with food with a smile on his face.
“I thought Nathan was going to let me know before anyone came in,” Chris said as Brandi found her shirt and pulled it over her head – more for Chris’ peace of mind.
“That’s what he told me. I figured out why and knew if it was to keep anyone from getting embarrassed, like Nic, I was the best choice, besides you Chris, since I don’t think I’d embarrass her, would I Nic?” Vin asked with a lopsided smile.
“Have you ever?” she asked.
Vin just smiled and put the food where they could reach. Looking at Brandi, Vin said “You may want to put your pants back on though Nic, cuz the rest of the guys and Mary want to come in and check on Chris.”
“Alright, then leave or turn around.”
Giving her a look like she was crazy, she moved her eyes only toward Chris and understanding, Vin turned around.
Getting up, she pulled on her pants and then seeing Chris holding the covers back up for her, she slid back in the bed next to him. When he raised an eyebrow at her and Vin’s exchange and smiled, she just shrugged figuring he knew why she had Vin turn around. She gave Chris a kiss and said “I’m done.” She then grabbed their food, handing Chris a plate.
Vin turned back around shaking his head. He walked to the door, opened it and said “Y’all can come in if ya want.”
The rest of the guys, Gray, and Mary walked in. No one said anything about Brandi sitting on the bed under the covers, but Brandi could see the unasked question on Mary’s face. Brandi didn’t feel the need to explain herself to anyone but Chris or Vin and since Vin hadn’t asked, she didn’t need to say anything.
“How are you feeling, Chris?” Mary asked.
“Better, Mary thanks. Don’t hurt like I did just after and not as tired now.”
“Good. I’m glad,” she told him.
Chris also saw the unasked question on Mary’s face, but felt the same way Brandi did, he didn’t have to answer to anyone but Brandi, and Vin at times, so he wasn’t going to explain why Brandi was sitting there – it wasn’t anyone else’s business. Just like how he felt about Brandi wasn’t anyone else’s business other than Brandi’s, but he still had to sort it all out himself before he said anything to her.
“I’ve got to get back to Billy. I just wanted to see how you were doing,” Mary said before she left the room.
Nathan checked Chris again and noticing it was healing even better now, he said “Unless you want to, you don’t have to stay up here now. The wound looks good, but you’ll be weak for a bit more. I would like to ask that you stay in town for a while longer and don’t go riding too much. If Nic is here for a while longer, we can use Gray if we need to. If that’s ok?”
“Fine by me,” Gray said with a laugh, not even looking at Brandi to see if she minded.
“Since I’m already here, I’ll stay here tonight,” Chris told Nathan. Then shaking his head, he continued with “Since Gray is more than willing to help, I guess I’ll be staying off Pony for now.”
“Do me a favor guys,” Brandi suddenly asked, changing the subject.
“What?” Buck asked.
“Leave Jeff be. Unless he comes back here and stirs up more trouble, don’t go after him, and I’m including you in that Grayson. He isn’t worth it and it won’t change anything in Rock Creek unless Lexi or Sam gets him out of there.” She noticed the looks on all seven, well eight if she counted Chris, faces. Knowing this was one she would lose, she just sighed and shook her head. More to herself, she mumbled “Guess I’ll have to send a telegram to the last place in Texas that Teaspoon was at or just send it to the Ranger Headquarters and see if they know how to get him.”
She saw the look that passed over Vin’s face and ignored it, knowing if she got Teaspoon and had him come here, he wouldn’t touch Vin since he’s a friend of hers.
The guys stayed and visited while the two eat and for a time after, leaving only when Nathan said “Time to go, Chris still needs rest. You staying Nic?”
“Yeah, I am,” she told him.
Nathan just nodded as he moved everyone else out and then grabbed the plates to return them to the restaurant.
Brandi got up after Nathan left and walked to the window, staring out without actually seeing.
Concerned, Chris asked “What’s wrong, Dee?” He thought he already knew, though.
Shrugging she said “Is this all there is with us?”
“No,” he stated, waiting for her to turn around. When she did turn, he saw the tears in her eyes.
“Then what?” she asked.
Carefully getting up and pulling on his pants that were sitting there, he walked over to her and put his arms around her. “All I can say right now is that I love you, am in love with you, and have been for years. As to where we go, I don’t know yet. I’m still trying to come to terms with wanting someone in my life again. I didn’t think I would. You’re important to me, which is why I said that about if you do a disappearing act, and why I agreed to living,” he told her, looking down at her.
She nodded and sniffed trying to find her voice. When she did she said “I am so in love with you it hurts at times, but I don’t know how much longer I can go on this way, Chris. I don’t want you out of my life, but I can’t keep running back and forth, ok when I leave Rock Creek I’m running from my problems and someone I’m afraid of, but it’s still running back and forth. And, it’s not fair to either of us to just have only this part of a relationship.”
“I know and I’m sorry about that. Question. Vin wasn’t gonna turn around or leave, was he?”
With a slight smile, she said “No, until I moved my eyes to you. I knew he wouldn’t argue with it then. He was right, besides you, he is the only one that wouldn’t embarrass me. But he also wouldn’t do anything to break your trust or friendship.”
Understanding, he only nodded and then held her, wishing he could give her more right now.
Author: Pegasus
Fandom: Magnificent Seven
Rating: NC17 to X
Summery: This is a Magnificent 7 story, set in old west – Four Corners.
Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven is owned by Trilogy, Mirish and MGM.
Josiah saw a lone figure sitting in the church when he walked in. It surprised him, since he didn’t see any horse outside and hadn’t seen anyone from town walk in. Sitting down next to the person, he noticed it was a boy. Wondering what could have brought him in, Josiah asked “Can I help you, son?” He didn’t get a response and started wondering. Thinking maybe the boy had fallen asleep, since his head was bowed, Josiah tried again, only this time also placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder as he said “Can I help you son? Is everything ok?’
The ‘boy’ had heard the questions and could feel the man’s hand on her shoulder. She didn’t respond because she wasn’t ready for anyone to know she was there and she was - she wasn’t sure what exactly because she never went into a church. She wasn’t there to pray, though she knew her gods would hear her. Knowing she would have to respond, she looked up at the ex-priest. “I’m sorry Josiah; I just needed a quiet place for a bit before I let anyone know I was in town.”
“That’s all right Nic, I didn’t see any horses out front and so I wondered who came in.”
With a small smile she said “He’s on the other side where he won’t be seen.”
“You here by yourself again?” he wondered.
“Yes and no. Brought my wolves, but no one else, though I did notice I have three wolves with me instead of two, so looks like I did bring one along,” she said with a laugh. “You mind if I just sit here a while longer?”
“No, go right ahead, and I won’t be saying anything, since I’m not leaving.”
Neither realized it, but JD had been walking up the steps to see Josiah and heard part of the conversation between Brandi and Josiah. He headed to the saloon and seeing Chris walking out as he walked up, JD said “There’s someone over in the church with Josiah. I don’t know who it was, but I heard wolves mentioned.”
Nodding to JD, Chris changed his direction and headed to the church. Standing in the doorway, he only nodded to Josiah when Josiah looked up. He just stood there watching Josiah’s visitor. He thought he knew who it was, but wanted to make sure. The visitor leaned forward causing the hat being worn to fall slightly forward. When the head came back up, Chris saw all he needed to see, long, bright blonde hair falling down her back. Coming forward, he sat down next to her and said “Hiding, Dee?” Since her last visit – the first time she had come to Four Corners – he had been doing something thinking on his life now and what she meant to him. He was still trying to sort it all out, but he knew he was in love with her, had been since the day he met her twenty-two years ago. He doesn’t know why he didn’t marry her, but then he met Sarah and because of the distance in miles between him and Dee, and the feelings he found he also had for Sarah, he married Sarah instead. He wouldn’t change that, even with their deaths and not knowing who was behind it. He thought maybe Dee knew, but she wasn’t saying. He also remembered when he met a certain lady before he and Sarah got together and when Dee first met her, Dee took an instant dislike to her and wouldn’t talk to him or write to him during that time. He wanted her in his life now, but still was unsure about himself and letting anyone in again, though he found himself questioning this darkness that had covered his heart and his soul.
“No, just figured I’d take a few before I went to find you or Vin. Don’t know why I picked here except that it’s quiet. So how’d ya know I was here?”
“JD heard you and Josiah talking and told me. Thought I’d check it out. You get a room yet?”
“Nope, was next on my list. Did you see Herc and Ares outside with a third one?”
“Yeah, they’re lying by the door. When did you get a third one?”
“Didn’t, it’s Gray. Guess he didn’t like the fact I left without any of them so he changed and came along that way.”
Giving one of his rare smiles, Chris said “Can’t blame him there. How’s the arm?”
With a hollow laugh she said “Re broken. It was almost healed and I ended up back in my usual spot, though I’m still trying to figure out why this time when I never left the house. He decided it shouldn’t heal, I guess. Sam still hasn’t heard anything from Texas yet and neither he nor Lexi have gone to Rock Creek to take care of it. Ben, Adam and Gray are getting very upset at Lexi with it. No one in town is happy with our marshal and his deputies, but they aren’t willing to do anything about it either. I don’t know if I can live there much longer if this keeps up. I just don’t know where I would move to if I did leave.” Deciding to change the subject since she knew he would never ask her to stay in Four Corners, she said “I have a question for you.”
Thinking about her wanting to possibly leave Rock Creek, he answered absently “What?”
“It’s a serious question Cowboy, so pay attention.” Seeing him turn his full attention to her, she continued “If something happens to you, as in fatally, do you want to just die, or” she took a deep breath then said “do you want to live. And not live only another thirty to forty years. I’m talking living another hundred years or more, you live til you chose to die.”
“Do I need to tell you now, or can I think on it?”
“You can think on it. Hell, you can wait til something happens and tell me then, but if you do that you’d better tell me quick, cuz it’s not real easy bringing someone back after they are fully and completely dead.”
“Good, cuz it isn’t a decision I want to just say yes or no on. You gonna ask anyone else?”
“Yeah, Vin only right now. I know Buck and I’ve been friends for a few years, but I’m going to wait on him, since he doesn’t know that part about me. I’m going to wait on the others until I’ve gotten to know them better. Oh, one other thing to think about with it. If you decide yes, I’ll need to know if you want to remember everything, from this life and through the future.”
Nodding, he said “Makes sense with both Buck and Vin. And, I’ll think about all of it and let you know. You want to stay in here for a while or go get yourself a room for while you’re here.”
“May as well go to the hotel,” she said. Looking at Josiah, she said “Thanks Josiah, I may not believe that there is only one God, but it was just what I needed.”
Nodding to her, Josiah wondered on that comment and what she meant about Buck not knowing a part of her. It appeared there was more to this woman than met the eye.
Chris and Brandi walked out of the church, and heard “Nic.” Looking down the boardwalk, they saw JD coming up. Chris and Brandi met him halfway, and as soon as they were within talking distance, JD said “I didn’t know it was you talking to Josiah. You got wolves?” JD looked down at the three animals following Brandi.
“Yeah, I do JD. And, they won’t hurt anyone as long as I’m safe. They are very protective of me.”
“How long have you had them?” JD wondered.
Knowing she couldn’t tell him the real length of time, Brandi try to come up with a plausible answer and wound up only with, “Years, but don’t remember exactly how long anymore.”
“You heading to the saloon?” he asked.
“Not yet, gonna get a room at the hotel first,” she told the boy.
“Well, I’ll see you at the saloon then. Ezra’s trying to get a game going.”
“Alright JD, be there shortly.” After JD headed to the saloon, Brandi looked at Chris and said “This could be fun. I haven’t played since the last time I was here.”
“You know he cheats?” Chris asked.
Smiling she said “Oh, I knew that before I picked up the cards last time. Why do you think I played both ways? I think it will be fun to beat him with him cheating and me playing straight and not call him on it.”
Opening the door to the hotel for her, he said with a laugh “You’re getting mean Dee. But it sounds good.”
Laughing, she told him “I’ve always been mean and a bitch to boot. At least that’s what I’ve been told.”
Coming up to the counter, Chris said “Hey Maude. She needs a room, please.”
“Why of course Mr. Larabee. Does it matter which one?”
“Thirteen if it’s available,” Brandi replied.
“It appears it is. Are those, dogs, with you?” Maude wondered.
Looking down at Herc, Ares, and Gray, Brandi said “Yeah, is that a problem? I would prefer at least two of them stay with me.”
“I don’t usually allow pets. Do they do any wondering?”
“No, they stay at my side if they are out. They’re harmless.”
“Well as long as they’re harmless and won’t go wondering, I think I can take them also. Will you always have them if you come to town?”
“More than likely. And I’ll always have two but sometimes there may be a third or fourth also.”
Nodding, Maude turned the book around so Brandi could sign in. She signed it as Nic Stewart, knowing that wouldn’t be questioned. After signing, she looked down at the wolves and said “You’re going with Chris, Gray.” Whiling barking his displeasure to her, she heard in her mind “Why am I doing that?”
She responded in kind with “Because I know you. Sometime during the night you’ll change shape back to human and then someone will see a man walking out of my room that isn’t Chris, and me walking out later, looking like I should – in a dress – and people will start talking. I don’t need that here, this isn’t our town.”
“Alright love, I’ll go with Chris, but I will be where I can keep an eye on you also.”
“That’s fine, I wouldn’t expect anything different.”
She looked back at Chris and said “He’ll keep making noise about not being able to stay with me, but he should calm down after a while. And if he doesn’t that’s too damn bad for him.” She turned back to Maude and got the key to her room. Smiling at Maude, Brandi replied “Thanks,” then turned to head back out the door with Chris.
As soon as they were outside, Gray darted into an alley between two buildings. Noticing Gray leaving, Brandi placed a hand on Chris’ arm to stop him. Chris turned to Brandi, but saw she was looking elsewhere. He was just about to ask why she stopped him, when Gray came out in human form. Gray smiled and said “Much better. Now I can have some whiskey and enjoy myself.”
Shaking her head at him, Brandi said “Yeah, as long as you behave Grayson.”
Hiding his smile, he replied “Yes love. You know I always behave for my favorite cousin.”
“Oh, yeah, um, sure you do,” she said while rolling her eyes at him.
By the time they got to the saloon, JD had already told Nathan, Vin, Ezra, and Buck that Brandi was in town. Josiah had come back to the saloon from the church also by the time they arrived. Nathan and Buck said Hi to her with her returning it as she moved to the table Ezra and Vin were sitting at. Smiling at the man across from her, she said “Afternoon Ezra.
Returning the smile, he only replied with a nod of his head “Nic.”
She then turned to the man on her right and said with a smile “Howdy Vin. Hey when you have a few, I’ve a question to ask you.”
“Howdy Nic,” he said with a smile of his own, knowing she was flirting with him and being use to it, he flirted back. “I’ll make the time when we’re done here. You both gonna play?”
“I am,” she said.
“I’m in,” said Chris.
Ezra dealt the cards, figuring the last time he played her was a fluke. No one was that good, other than him that is. Brandi watched Ezra as he started, and she played straight, didn’t cheat. She played straight the entire time, and still beat all three men, especially Ezra since he was also cheating, every time. It got to where Chris and Vin decided to sit out and let Brandi and Ezra play each other. The rest of the men gathered around the table to watch. At some point while Brandi and Ezra were going head to head, JD said “She’s good.”
Chris looked back at JD and said “She had a good teacher JD?”
“You, Chris?” the boy wondered.
Brandi laughed and said “Nope, not Chris, JD. I learned when I was sixteen, much to the displeasure of my family. I was taught by the Marshall of the town in Wyoming territory called Sweetwater, where I was living at the time. He’s the Territorial Marshall now and I still play him occasionally if I get over to see him and the governor.”
Ezra couldn’t believe his luck playing Nic. He hadn’t won a game and yet he exhausted all his tricks. He decided that if he was going to lose to a woman, and a beautiful one at that, he should play straight. Or not play her at all, but where would be the fun or challenge in that.
Taking only her money from the table, and receiving a strange look from Ezra that she ignored, Brandi, stood up, looked at Vin and said, “Now, ok?”
Nodding his head, he stood up.
They walked out the saloon doors and down far enough they wouldn’t be overheard if anyone tried to listen in.
“What’s on yur mind?” Vin asked.
“You may think it’s a strange question, but it’s not and it’s a serious one also.” She watched him nod that he understood before continuing. “If something was to happen to you, life threatening, fatal, that type of thing, would you want to die, or possibly live the rest of your life with whatever it is that happened to you always there as a reminder, or would you rather live, whether it be coming back to life, essentially, or living a whole, healed person. And there is a second part, if you decided on being alive and, I guess, whole, would you want to remember your life now and everything that comes after.”
“Live how long?”
“That’s up to you. But figure on at least seventy five to one hundred years or more. It would most likely be the one hundred years or more.”
“When do I have to tell ya?”
“Whenever you’re ready too, up to and including just after whatever happens, if something does.”
“Ok, I’ll think on it and let you know. You ask Chris this also?”
“Yeah, but no one else. And if I do ask anyone else, they will only have a certain number of years that I’ll give them. It won’t be open ended like it is for you and Chris. And, you two are the only ones that get the choice of retaining all memories also.”
“Ok. I’ll let ya know what I decide.”
“Fair enough.” She smiled and continued with “If they aren’t already, I’m sure someone will figure we’re up to no good and will come looking.”
Laughing, he told her “Yeah, guess we should get back in there, unless you want to be up to no good.”
She laughed and said “As tempting as that is, Vin, would you let them know I went to clean up and I’ll be back when I’m done.”
“Yeah, but what about Herc and Ares?”
“Gray will keep an eye on them. They listen to him, probably because he can become one of them. Anyway, I’ll be back in a bit.” She leaned up, gave him a kiss and went back to the hotel.
Walking back into the saloon, he heard “Where’s Nic?”
“She went to clean up and said she’ll be back when she’s finished,” he told the room at large, though it was JD who asked.
Getting back to the hotel, Brandi noticed the same woman behind the desk. “Maude, isn’t it?” she asked.
“Yes. Is there something I can do for you?” Maude wondered.
“Yes, please. Could you possibly have a bathtub and water brought up to my room? I’m sure one of the eight in the saloon would be glad to help if there isn’t anyone but you here right now.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Maude told her.
“Thanks,” Brandi said and headed up the stairs.
Maude was standing there shaking her head at the request when Ezra and Chris walked in.
“Something wrong, Mother?” Ezra wondered.
“That, child that you brought in earlier Mr. Larabee. You said ‘her’ when you both came in, but looking now and from the last visit, I would think it was a boy. I just had a request for a bath, same as last time. Is that a boy or a girl?” Maude asked, looking at both men.
“That Mother is not a girl but a woman. She only travels from the town she lives in farther north as a boy. So, it isn’t surprising she wants a bath. Do you have anyone to take it up?”
Wondering what was going through her son’s mind, she said “No, but if you two would like to take it and water up to her, I would be grateful.”
“We’ll be glad to help, Maude,” Chris told her. Looking at Ezra, he said “You take the tub up and I’ll grab the water. Oh, room thirteen Ezra, and don’t knock, stomp a foot in front of the door.”
Nodding to Chris, Ezra grabbed the tub Maude brought out and started up the stairs. Once he was in front of her room, he started to knock, but remembered what Chris told him. Stomping a foot, he waited at the door. Within a minute or two, Brandi opened the door and smiled when she saw Ezra with the tub.
“Thanks Ezra, but who’s bringing the water?”
“That would be Mr. Larabee. Mother knows you are a woman. She was unsure and asked us downstairs.”
“Mother? Oh Maude. I thought so, since there is a resemblance there. That’s fine; she would have wondered when I came down looking like myself later. So what actually brought you over here Ezra? It wasn’t to bring up a tub for me.”
“I wanted to ask about why you only took part of the money from the table?”
“I figured I’d be nice and let you keep what you put in, since you were cheating. I didn’t cheat at all this time. The first time we played, yeah I did, to see if you would realize it, but this time I decided to play straight and see if I could still beat ya. Guess so. I didn’t feel right taking it, so keep it to lose another time.”
Chris walked in with the water as she told Ezra that. Shaking his head he said “Dee, how do you know he’ll want to lose to you again?”
Smiling, she said “Lucky guess. Thank you kindly, gentlemen, for the water and tub. Now, if y’all will excuse me, I’m going to enjoy my bath.”
Ezra tipped his head to her and left the room. Chris got as far as the door and only closed it behind Ezra, staying in the room.
“Did you need something else, Cowboy?”
“Yeah, but not taking at the moment. Just thought I’d help, if you needed it.”
“All right then, I guess I could use help with my hair since I still only have one good arm, and help with this damn binding.”
He just smiled at her, wanting to take her to bed again.
After she had gotten the rest of her body clean, Chris washed her hair for her. As he was rinsing it, he asked “You ask Vin about that?”
“Yeah.”
“What’d he say?”
“Same as you. Wants to think it over. He asked me if I asked you and I told him I did. Then he wondered if I was going to ask the others and I told him not yet and when I do it won’t be open ended like it is for the two of you and they won’t get the choice of remembering or not.”
“It’s a pretty tough question to just answer right away.”
“I know so I don’t mind that you both want to think about it. I would have been worried if I had received a quick answer on it.”
“I have a question for you.”
“What?” she wondered as she got out of the tub.
He handed her a towel, knowing that he would take her to bed if she stood there with nothing on for to long. With a slight grin he said “It’s about Vin.” Seeing her raise an eyebrow as she wrapped the towel around her, he continued “How do you feel about Vin?”
“What makes you ask?”
“The way you look at each other, can communicate without saying anything - just giving a look, just the way you both act together.”
“Truth?” she asked. At his nod, she continued “I’m in love with Vin, though I don’t know how he feels about me. The same I think, but not sure. But he isn’t the one I want.”
Nodding his understanding, he asked “Anything ever happen between you?”
Giving a small smile, she said “Almost about 8 years ago, but no, never went through with it.”
He didn’t want to ask why, so he just nodded knowing she told the truth. He saw she was holding the binding back up, so walked over to help her put it back on. After getting that secure, she pulled her pants back on and pulled a shirt over her head. Chris recognized the shirt and gave her a questioning look. She shrugged and said “It’s comfortable because it’s big.”
“Oh, one other question,” he said.
“Go ahead,” she told him.
“Does Vin know how you feel?”
“No, and I’d prefer he didn’t.”
He nodded and they headed back down and out to the saloon.
Getting into the saloon, she noticed the piano sitting off to the side and headed to it. Wondering what she was up too, Chris sat back down at a table with Vin. She sat down and ran her fingers over the keys to see if her right arm could handle it and to see if it was in tune. Finding both were good, she started playing and singing. The song was called “Desperado” and she had heard it, but wasn’t sure where or when, just that she liked it and it reminded her of Chris. Though she didn’t realize it, the room was quiet and only two people knew who she was singing about – Gray and Chris. Vin had ideas, but wasn’t sure. He liked listening to her sing, hell he enjoyed just looking at her, and sometimes wished things were different and that he could tell her how he felt, but at this point he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with Chris. He thought he knew how she felt, but wasn’t quite sure, and he was afraid to ask her.
When she finished, she joined Chris and Vin at their table, with Gray coming over and sitting down also. Chris got up and got a bottle with some glasses. He set a glass down in front of each one, looking at Brandi and said “Only one for you.”
“Oh gee thanks mom. If that’s the case I’ll have sarsaparilla or milk.”
Laughing, Gray got up and went to the bar to get her something else. He came back with sarsaparilla for her.
Looking at the three men, she said “What this place needs, besides coffee, is tea. Though, I know most of y’all would rather drink whiskey or coffee than tea.”
All three smiled, but said nothing. Chris had poured a glass of whiskey for her. She downed it and then nursed the other.
She noticed Buck, Josiah, and JD walk outside. She looked at the three with her and asked “What’s going on, why’d they leave?”
“Something goin’ on outside,” Vin said looking toward the door.
Buck came back in and said “We may need the rest of you boys out here, but I think Nic should stay here in the saloon.”
Wondering what was going on she looked over at Gray. Gray got up and walked to the door and looked out. Going back to the table, he said “Buck’s right, on both. You don’t want to go out there, love. Trouble decided to find you.” He didn’t look happy about it.
Chris and Vin got up, followed by Nathan and Ezra, and headed outside to see what was up. Gray suddenly heard shooting going on and went to look to see what was going on. The seven were behind whatever they could find, shooting back at Jeff and his deputies. The amount of deputies was dwindling down as they got taken out by the seven. Chris moved to shoot Jeff and in the process got shot himself. Getting cover from others, Vin moved out to pull Chris out of the street and Nathan got over to them to check on Chris. The shooting suddenly stopped because Jeff decided it was easier to leave than end up like his deputies, though it would take more than a bullet to actually kill him.
Nathan had Josiah carry Chris up to his clinic and Vin went to get Brandi. Slightly opening the saloon doors, Vin said “We’re gonna need yur help Nic. Chris got shot.”
Going pale, she asked “Where is he?”
“Nathan’s” was all Vin said.
“Show me,” was all she replied as she got up and out of the saloon.
Vin took her up to Nathan’s clinic. Getting inside, Nathan turned at the door being opened and said “He’s asking for you Nic. I’m sorry; I can’t do anything for him. The bullet is too far in for me to get out.”
Looking at Nathan and the rest, she asked “Can everyone but Gray leave please.”
All but Vin wondered why they couldn’t stay. Vin looked at them and said “She wants to have privacy to talk to him. Let’s go and give her some.”
“What about Gray?” JD asked.
“She has her own reasons for wantin’ him to stay JD,” Vin said as he moved everyone out the door.
Looking at Chris, she said “You wanted to see me Cowboy?”
“Yeah, yes to both. I’m not ready to die yet,” he said, as he died.
With tears in her eye’s she said “Ok,” more to herself.
Looking at Gray and gaining a nod, she moved her hands to where the bullet was and closed her eyes. She could see where it was in her mind and worked on bringing it to the surface. Gray held Chris down for her so he wouldn’t jerk as it came out. After about five minutes of intense concentration, the bullet flew out of the wound, with the wound slightly healing itself.
Hoping she didn’t take to long, she sat there watching and waiting to see what would happen. After a minute or two, Chris’ eyes opened and gave her a questioning look.
Understanding, she said “You did die, for about seven minutes. It’s out and you’ll live, thank the gods. Now to let everyone back in and tell them you’re fine. Ya know we’ll have to tell them about me with this, otherwise they won’t believe it.”
Trying his voice, he said “I know.”
She walked to the door, opened it and said “Y’all can come back in now. Chris is going to be ok and he’s resting fine.”
Shaking his head, Nathan said “How’s that possible. He should be dead. Sorry Nic.”
“That’s ok Nathan. And, well, he was but, damn this is hard,” she said and looked over at Vin. Taking a breathe she continued “Y’all may have a hard time believing what you hear, and it needs to stay between us. Like I said, he did die, but I was able to take the bullet out and bring him back.”
JD looked at her and said “How’s that possible?”
Sighing she replied “For me, easy. I’m, um, not from here. And I don’t just mean this area; I mean this planet, this century, this anything. And, I’m not exactly four months younger than Vin, I’m, shall we say, quite a bit older than that.”
Josiah asked “How much older?”
With a smile, she answered “About ten thousand years give or take.”
“How were you able to remove the bullet and bring him back?” Buck asked.
“Magic, but I’m not a witch, I’m more than that. I did it with Chris’ approval before anyone asks.”
They looked at Chris and he nodded his head saying “I’ve known about her and I asked her to do it.”
“I’ve been through what is now considered mythology times, lived through the Bronze Age and was in fact married to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and lived up through the centuries.”
“Is being in the time of what is now considered mythology why you make god plural,” Josiah asked.
“Part of, but also because where I grew up we had more than one god.”
Buck noticed Vin hadn’t asked anything, so Buck asked “You know about this too Vin?”
“Yeah, I’ve know since we first met, like Chris did when he first met her. I haven’t known her as long as Chris, but almost as long. I met her about six years after Chris did.”
The rest of the boys nodded, not sure what to say.
Seeing Chris was still weak, Nathan said “Chris needs his rest. Everyone out.”
“I’d like to stay Nathan,” Brandi said.
“That’s fine, Nic, but Gray will need to go.”
Understanding, Gray nodded and left the room with the rest.
“I’m gonna go also Nic. If y’all need anything, just yell and I’ll come back. I’ll also be by to check on Chris after while.”
“Thanks Nathan. Would you do me a favor and though I know Vin and Gray will watch them, will you make sure Buck and JD don’t talk about anything I said or what happened with Chris to anyone or near anyone. I’ve also been thought to be a witch and burned for it, so I understand about persecution. They had no way of knowing it wouldn’t kill me, and I wouldn’t go back to that time for anything, even my ex-husband,” Brandi said. She heard Chris laugh at that from the bed.
“I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them Nic. I’m glad you were able to save Chris.”
Looking over at Chris, she said “Yeah, me too.”
When Nathan left she walked over and sat down beside Chris. “How ya feeling Cowboy?” she asked with a slight smile.
“Like I was riding that devil horse of yours, got thrown, and then kicked,” he said with a smile. “I hurt like hell.”
“That’s something at least, shows you’re among the livin’. You scared the hell out of me. First hearing you got shot, than Nathan saying he couldn’t do anything. Until I heard you say yes, I thought it was already too late. Then I had to sit and wait for you to open your eyes after, all the while thinking I screwed up,” she said, tears filling her eyes again.
“Wasn’t trying to do that, and wasn’t trying to take a bullet from that son of a bitch, just wanted to give him something to think about after his treatment of you. As you can see you didn’t screw up, guess it just took a bit longer than you thought.” He carefully pulled her off the chair, onto the bed with him, giving her a kiss and said “I’m not plannin’ on leaving just yet. You’d have to pull a disappearing act to get rid of me.”
Being careful of his wound, but curling up on him just the same, she said “Don’t plan on doin’ that unless you ever run across that bitch again and go back to her. If I wanted you out of my life, I wouldn’t have given you the choice I did.”
He just laughed and feeling comfortable, closed his eyes and went to sleep. She knew when he fell asleep by the change in his breathing. She lay there with her eyes open a few more minutes and then gave into the need for sleep herself.
She woke first and finding herself chilly, she slipped out from under his arms, pulled off her boots and pants and crawled under the covers with him, finding that his arms just went back around her. Trying to get warmer, she burrowed into him, being careful of his wound, and her arm. Starting to warm up, she put her hands between them on his chest and gently rubbed, hoping to sleep again. She found she couldn’t go back to sleep, so she moved down slightly and kissed his chest, letting her hands roam down the rest of him. When a hand felt the hardness of him, she wondered what he was dreaming about, knowing he hadn’t woken yet. She stroked him as she continued kissing his chest. She could feel her own body’s reaction to him and knew she wanted more, she wanted his hands on her and wanted him in her, anywhere. Since it wouldn’t be fair to him to sheath him in her hot core, she moved down farther and took him in her mouth. She knew the moment he woke, since his hands started running through her hair and his body moved in time with her mouth. With a slight tug to her hair, he told her he wanted her back up even with him. Coming back up, she gave him a cat like smile while licking her lips. He brought her head down to him and kissed her til she was melted against him. He could feel how hot she was against his skin and wanted her on him then. She saw the look in his eyes and moved her hips and legs down far enough to where she could slide him into her, with him thrusting up to meet her. With that first thrust, everything in her shattered, shooting stars behind her eyes. They started moving together, hurried but not too fast, meeting thrust for thrust, and he removed her shirt and binder. He was trying to be careful of her broken arm, while she was trying to be careful of the wound in his chest; both injuries were on their right sides. He wanted to be able to take her more, in other ways than how they were, but knew that at the moment, he couldn’t, it was enough to have her now. The more times she tightened around him and dripped down his cock, the closer he came to finding release. He realized he could have her on him like this and take her one other way, so he moved his left hand down to where they joined and slid it back and forth, bringing her juices back with him. She suddenly felt his finger slide into her ass and felt her wetness increase and her body move faster wanting him there. When she couldn’t take anymore, she slid off his cock and moved up slightly so he knew what she wanted. Not needing anymore than that for an invitation, he slid himself into her tightness, feeling both tighten and pull at him. They moved hard and fast this time, both wanting the pounding. The harder they went, the wetter she got and the larger he became until she knew he was ready to explode. Moving herself so he was once again sheathed in her core, they came together with Chris empting completely into her. She sagged against him, not wanting or ready to become un-joined yet, though they both knew they couldn’t stay that way in case anyone came in. When she knew she could move again, she shifted slightly removing him from her and curled up at his side. With her left arm across him and both his arms around her, they fell back asleep.
Nathan walked in not to long after they fell asleep. Seeing them both under the covers and her clothes on the floor, he knew what they had been doing but decided against saying anything, knowing it wouldn’t do any good. He was glad to see they were asleep, something they both needed at that point, anything extra aside. Very quietly he folded up her clothes and left them close enough she could grab them if necessary then took a peak at Chris’ wound and Brandi’s arm to make sure they hadn’t done any damage. Nathan could see the change in this gunman with her around. He noticed it when she was in town a few months back and wondered about the change and this man that seemed to have a cold heart. As Nathan finished looking at her arm, Chris woke up.
“Nathan?” he asked with surprise.
“Yeah, Chris. Feeling better?” Nathan asked with a slight embarrassed look.
Giving a slight smile, Chris said “Yeah, I am. Just tired now.”
“You may as well try and get some more sleep then. Doesn’t look like Nic’s waking anytime soon, and I’ll warn you before anyone else comes in so she doesn’t get embarrassed.”
“Thanks Nathan,” Chris told him and closed his eyes again, falling right back to sleep.
They slept for the next few hours, only waking to the smell of food. They both opened their eyes to see Vin standing there with food with a smile on his face.
“I thought Nathan was going to let me know before anyone came in,” Chris said as Brandi found her shirt and pulled it over her head – more for Chris’ peace of mind.
“That’s what he told me. I figured out why and knew if it was to keep anyone from getting embarrassed, like Nic, I was the best choice, besides you Chris, since I don’t think I’d embarrass her, would I Nic?” Vin asked with a lopsided smile.
“Have you ever?” she asked.
Vin just smiled and put the food where they could reach. Looking at Brandi, Vin said “You may want to put your pants back on though Nic, cuz the rest of the guys and Mary want to come in and check on Chris.”
“Alright, then leave or turn around.”
Giving her a look like she was crazy, she moved her eyes only toward Chris and understanding, Vin turned around.
Getting up, she pulled on her pants and then seeing Chris holding the covers back up for her, she slid back in the bed next to him. When he raised an eyebrow at her and Vin’s exchange and smiled, she just shrugged figuring he knew why she had Vin turn around. She gave Chris a kiss and said “I’m done.” She then grabbed their food, handing Chris a plate.
Vin turned back around shaking his head. He walked to the door, opened it and said “Y’all can come in if ya want.”
The rest of the guys, Gray, and Mary walked in. No one said anything about Brandi sitting on the bed under the covers, but Brandi could see the unasked question on Mary’s face. Brandi didn’t feel the need to explain herself to anyone but Chris or Vin and since Vin hadn’t asked, she didn’t need to say anything.
“How are you feeling, Chris?” Mary asked.
“Better, Mary thanks. Don’t hurt like I did just after and not as tired now.”
“Good. I’m glad,” she told him.
Chris also saw the unasked question on Mary’s face, but felt the same way Brandi did, he didn’t have to answer to anyone but Brandi, and Vin at times, so he wasn’t going to explain why Brandi was sitting there – it wasn’t anyone else’s business. Just like how he felt about Brandi wasn’t anyone else’s business other than Brandi’s, but he still had to sort it all out himself before he said anything to her.
“I’ve got to get back to Billy. I just wanted to see how you were doing,” Mary said before she left the room.
Nathan checked Chris again and noticing it was healing even better now, he said “Unless you want to, you don’t have to stay up here now. The wound looks good, but you’ll be weak for a bit more. I would like to ask that you stay in town for a while longer and don’t go riding too much. If Nic is here for a while longer, we can use Gray if we need to. If that’s ok?”
“Fine by me,” Gray said with a laugh, not even looking at Brandi to see if she minded.
“Since I’m already here, I’ll stay here tonight,” Chris told Nathan. Then shaking his head, he continued with “Since Gray is more than willing to help, I guess I’ll be staying off Pony for now.”
“Do me a favor guys,” Brandi suddenly asked, changing the subject.
“What?” Buck asked.
“Leave Jeff be. Unless he comes back here and stirs up more trouble, don’t go after him, and I’m including you in that Grayson. He isn’t worth it and it won’t change anything in Rock Creek unless Lexi or Sam gets him out of there.” She noticed the looks on all seven, well eight if she counted Chris, faces. Knowing this was one she would lose, she just sighed and shook her head. More to herself, she mumbled “Guess I’ll have to send a telegram to the last place in Texas that Teaspoon was at or just send it to the Ranger Headquarters and see if they know how to get him.”
She saw the look that passed over Vin’s face and ignored it, knowing if she got Teaspoon and had him come here, he wouldn’t touch Vin since he’s a friend of hers.
The guys stayed and visited while the two eat and for a time after, leaving only when Nathan said “Time to go, Chris still needs rest. You staying Nic?”
“Yeah, I am,” she told him.
Nathan just nodded as he moved everyone else out and then grabbed the plates to return them to the restaurant.
Brandi got up after Nathan left and walked to the window, staring out without actually seeing.
Concerned, Chris asked “What’s wrong, Dee?” He thought he already knew, though.
Shrugging she said “Is this all there is with us?”
“No,” he stated, waiting for her to turn around. When she did turn, he saw the tears in her eyes.
“Then what?” she asked.
Carefully getting up and pulling on his pants that were sitting there, he walked over to her and put his arms around her. “All I can say right now is that I love you, am in love with you, and have been for years. As to where we go, I don’t know yet. I’m still trying to come to terms with wanting someone in my life again. I didn’t think I would. You’re important to me, which is why I said that about if you do a disappearing act, and why I agreed to living,” he told her, looking down at her.
She nodded and sniffed trying to find her voice. When she did she said “I am so in love with you it hurts at times, but I don’t know how much longer I can go on this way, Chris. I don’t want you out of my life, but I can’t keep running back and forth, ok when I leave Rock Creek I’m running from my problems and someone I’m afraid of, but it’s still running back and forth. And, it’s not fair to either of us to just have only this part of a relationship.”
“I know and I’m sorry about that. Question. Vin wasn’t gonna turn around or leave, was he?”
With a slight smile, she said “No, until I moved my eyes to you. I knew he wouldn’t argue with it then. He was right, besides you, he is the only one that wouldn’t embarrass me. But he also wouldn’t do anything to break your trust or friendship.”
Understanding, he only nodded and then held her, wishing he could give her more right now.
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