© Becca, Dana Simmonsand Starbright 2001 The Young Riders is an Ogiens/Kane Production, created by Ed Spielman.
We only borrow his characters for fun. No infringement of copyright intended. There is absolutely no financial gain for the authors. We survive on the feedback, and we need plenty of it.

2313 Inspired by the song I want you, by Eva Dahlgren, Ratata &Roxette.
Adult overtones! Skip if you're a US reader under 17.

Chapter 14

She was rapidly losing strength in her arms, they were getting numb from her desperate hold. Her feet frenetically searched for support, but the dirt under her kept giving in. The dust clouded and burned in her eyes as gravel fell down on her. She felt the need to cough but was afraid that any movement from her side would make the branches snap and she'd be falling onto the edgy stones underneath. I'll die anyhow, her thoughts whirled in her head as the gravel kept raining down on her. Shit! There's nothing anybody can do, I'll just let go and it'll be over in a couple of seconds. I'll just let go and close my eyes, maybe there's something further down that'll stop me?

She had to close her eyes as the stirred up dust was blinding her. She wanted to scream for it to stop but her throat was too dry. The sound of something sliding downwards had her wondering what was going to hit her, she knew the moment it did she'd be falling down and to her death.

"Come on, Lou, I want you to stay perfectly still, I'll get you! Just don't move!"

Kid's voice reached her from the side. He seemed close. She opened her mouth to warn him, not quite understanding where he was and what he was doing there. But her arms were starting to ache. Her clenched knuckles were losing the grip.

She wasn't sure how it happened but she felt his grip around her waist, and he begged her to let go. Lou let out a sound in protest; the hell she would let go. The arm around her waist felt secure though and her arms were killing her, she wasn't even sure she'd be able to let go. Then he told her again to let go, his voice curt, like a military order, giving her no alternative. She opened her fingers and suddenly she slid downwards and to the side. Her initial instinct was to scream out in fear but then her feet landed on a narrow ledge and she grabbed onto the Kid. Leaning slightly backwards he held her to his chest and her knees failed her. Kid inched himself to the side, holding her slack body tightly pressed to himself. Lou was afraid to even breathe.

"He's got her!"

She heard Buck holler from above. Her breath coming in tiny gasp she clung on to the Kid, he was holding one arm around her waist, steadying her. Her fingers found his coat and latched on desperately.

"Somebody get some ropes or something!"

More gravel rained over them and Kid groaned.

"The wires!" Amanda yelled. "I'll get the wires from the house!"

Lou finally regained some strength in her legs, her arms aching violently. Trying to move them to ease the pain she felt Kid wobble.

"Who-o Lou, we ain't got much space here. Ain't exactly a dancing floor," he warned her. "Just stay as still as possible."

"My arms," Lou panted, "t-they h-hurt!"

"I know sweetie, just lower them carefully and let the blood back into them. Ain't much else we can do about it right now."

Lou closed her eyes, Kid's voice seemed to get more strained by the minute, he was probably holding onto something too. Maybe rapidly losing his strength. His body tense like a string next to her. Then her heart almost stopped as his other arm came around her waist too.

"Better?"

"How..." was all she got out.

"You can put your feet on the ledge now Lou, we got two or three inches to stand on. We can practically dance."

Lou started trembling when she felt the rock under her feet. Kid took a steadier grip on her and mumbled to her, trying to keep her steady and unmoving.

"It'll be all right Lou," Kid soothed her, "they'll get..."

A loud bang cut him short. Another heavy rain of loose stones hit them. Kid covered her head with his hand, tucking in safely under his chin. She felt him twitch every time rocks hit him. Loose stones ricocheting on her coat, stirring up dust till she was blinded. Coughing into his coat she buried her face into it to stifle her tremor, she knew Kid had taken some pretty hard hits.

"Fuck!" He cursed as the rumble subsided and the dust settled. "What the hell is happening?" He hollered, sending more loose stones raining over them.

Above them there was nothing but silence.

"Let go off me Kid," Lou sobbed, feeling him starting to tremble too of the strain she put on him. "Let go and save yourself Kid, if you don't have to hold on to me you can save yourself!"

"Shh Lou, don't talk, save your strength."

"Kid, please..."

"Don't talk Lou, we'll get outta this, somehow."

"What ya come get me for? Dammit Kid, we're both..."

"Lou? Kid?"

"What's happenin' Buck?" Kid tightened his hold on her as he turned his face up to the sandy edge above them.

"The house exploded." Buck informed them.

"Oh God," Lou closed her eyes tightly, seeing Amanda and Jimmy in small bloody pieces spread all over the hill. She felt like being sick.

"It's all right, they made it. Amanda got the wind knocked out of her and Jimmy was hit by a plank, but they'll be just fine and I got the wire."

"Strong enough?" Kid's voice sounded hoarse as he almost whispered the question.

"For Lou, yeah, for you ...I don't know."

"Let it down," Kid said tonelessly.

"They still hanging on?" Jimmy's strained voice reached them. Lou felt a flood of relief wash over her. Jimmy was all right. Together they'd get Kid up somehow, because if they didn't - she didn't want to be saved either.

Holding on to Kid she felt him tie the wire around her. Sliding it between her legs and around her waist. Tying a steady knot around her. The work took its sweet time because of their limited space of the shelf. Lou tired to lean in on Kid and keep him steady as his hands wired her up. The tension and the fear had their breaths labored.

"It might hurt a little Lou, but you just hold on. It'll get you up all right."

"And you," she sobbed, "Kid, what about you?"

"I've climbed worse mountains," he assured her. "But you'll owe me dinner." Hugging her for a moment he then let her go. "Okay Lou, up you go." Lou carefully looked up to his face. He tenderly stroke her dirty cheek and smiled warmly at her. Turning his head up as he eased her upwards. "Guys, be careful! Take it nice and slow."

Lou felt Kid lift her and she was steadily drawn up the hillside, cursing as she felt rocks rain down on Kid all over again. She held her breath while she hit various parts of her body hard against protruding rocks. The hillside was so steep, there was no way in hell she could have made it on her own, it was a long time since she'd done any rock climbing willingly. "Was I stupid or what?" she muttered to herself, her teeth clattering. She couldn't resist looking down and the sight had her blood freeze. They were about fifteen feet down, five feet further down the hillside got lost out of sight and only the swirling water around the rocks was visible, about fifty feet down. The water black as it swirled around the edgy rocks. Lou shuddered. "Doing this willingly and enjoying it?"

Strong hands gripped her coat and she was dragged over the ridge. Rolling to her back she looked up into Jimmy's eyes.

"Get the Kid," she begged him.

"How's the lactic acid situation down there?" Buck asked. "Can you make it? The wire can't take all your weight thou' - you can only rely on it in a crisis!"

Lou whimpered and tried to get closer to the brink. Amanda threw her arms around her. "He'll make it, he'll make it," she mumbled.

Lou couldn't make out what Kid said, she only captured strained mumbles.

Buck turned and smiled reassuringly to her, "Don't worry Lou, he'll make it just fine, he's made five feet already. Looking good."

Jimmy leaned over the ridge, "okay Kid, you and I have a discussion we never quite finished. Don't tell me you've chickened out? Not that stone idiot! That one's loose! Yeah, that's better. Getting weak now are ya? Hell Kid, I'd be able to climb this one in my sleep. Get yourself up here you fool, I'll sweep the floor with ya if ya don't!"

"Jimmy!" Lou wheezed, "what the hell ar'ya doin'?"

Jimmy turned to look at her. She was taken aback by the evident concern in his eyes.

"I'm just getting him mad as hell, Lou. He'll do anything if he gets mad enough. Don't worry, Lou, I know him, I know how he works!"

"How he works?" Lou wheezed, "he ain't no bloody machinery Jimmy, he's Kid and he's in bloody serious trouble!"

Buck shook his head in her direction, warning her not to meddle. "He's doing fine Lou, seems like Jimmy really knows what he's doing."

"Kid, you fallin' asleep on me now? I knew you wouldn't make it, what the hell you go after her for? Ya should'a let me do it, at least I know what I'm doin' and you obviously don't!" Jimmy beckoned for Buck to get closer, inching as far out on the edge as possible. Then he stayed silent and Lou heard gravel falling down the hillside and a distinct but muffled curse followed.

"Oh yeah Kid, now's the time to let go! That's right, you're five feet away and now you wanna let go? Oh yeah, I forgot how clever y'are! Don't get tangled into the wire you moron!" Jimmy inched even further out on the edge, causing Buck to wheeze a warning at him.

Lou saw both men reach down and moments later they hauled a breathless Kid up. Lou freed herself from Amanda's hold as the men dragged Kid further up, to safety.

"You asshole!" Kid hissed between gasps for air at Jimmy hauling him further up. Luckily he was too tired to do anything but wheeze. Jimmy looked down on him.

"Thickhead!" Jimmy's breath was getting labored of the force he put in dragging Kid further into safety.

Kid weakly grabbed Jimmy's arm and jerked him down to his knees; "Jerk!"

Jimmy boxed the hand away from his sleeve. "Idiot!"

Lou crawled toward them, truly fearing they would get into another fight. But Amanda reached them first, taking a hold of Jimmy she forced him to sit down at Kid's side. Kid struggled to get up into a sitting position.

"Okay you guys, you can declare your love for each other later," she looked disgusted at them both, panting and shivering they still tried to outdo each other. "Men," she spoke with disgust in Lou's direction.

Lou scooted closer to the Kid. "You okay?" Placing a hand on his trembling knee. "Everybody all right?"

"We need the MediPac," Buck remarked, "Amanda got hit on the shoulder pretty hard. And Jimmy's got a nasty cut on the neck." Looking over to Lou he titled his head and and smiled faintly. Visibly shaken but relieved. "I'm guessing you have your cuts and bruises too?"

"And where did you get that wound?" Lou asked, pointing at Buck bleeding hand. "Man, we're really a lucky bunch ain't we? Everywhere we go disaster follows."

Kid and Jimmy threw each other a glance.

"So where's that bag?" Lou asked.

Kid let his head fall down on his knees and mumbled.

"Huh?" Lou leaned in to catch his words.

"Down below," Kid moaned, "by the horses."

Jimmy looked at him and seemed to not believe his ears. "You left it down below?"

Kid merely nodded.

"You idiot," Jimmy moaned and sank to the ground. Coughing lightly. Then he started to chuckle, "we're half pounded to death and the MediPac is down below. I just can't believe this. Ya mean we gotta go all that way back to get it? Geez - and all we got to patch us up is a half-dead vet?"

"Jimmy," Amanda warned, grimacing slightly as she rolled her sore shoulder. "Just shut up will ya?" Casting a glance at Lou patting Kid's knee comfortingly.

Lou got worried at Kid's increasing tremor, leaning in to catch his eyes she was stunned realizing he was laughing too. Looking back at Amanda she shrugged her shoulders, making a face of utter bewilderment. "Men!"

"All nuts," Amanda groaned and slumped down onto the ground.

"Oh brother," Jimmy moaned as Amanda dragged him to his feet. Amanda hurried to throw her arm around his waist and steady him. Jimmy smiled down at her.

Buck extended a hand to Lou and she rose to her own feet. Gratefully she noticed they were still holding her up. Kid groaned and got to his feet too.

They started walking, the other side seemed miles away. Jimmy laid his arm around Amanda's waist. Amanda leaned up to him affectionately as they walked, rather wobbly. Lou hung on to Buck's hand, her arms aching fervently she stumbled on forward, cringing at the sight of the house. The roof lifted off and all the windows blown out.

"What happened?" she asked as they walked by the remains.

"They must have blown it away themselves, me and Jimmy were just on our way back to you when it happened. I'm guessing they had a bomb prepared inside, just for cases like this." Amanda replied wearily. "There's no way to trace them now, they're gone."

"Lost the tracks?" Buck asked

"Destroyed the box when I fell on my face after the blow," Amanda muttered. "We have nothing guys."

"Except we're still alive," Kid said from behind them, "but where the hell is Longley?"

"When you two decided to take roll in the dirt the men hauled him inside, he's gone too. Where'd ya hit him Jimmy?" Amanda turned to the man walking at her side.

"Don't know," Jimmy mumbled, "aimed for the shoulder but he was running fast."

Stopping at the slope Lou looked down. "Well, I wouldn't worry about Longley now, I'd worry about how to get down."

"Why don't we just launch ourselves in our usual style?" Jimmy retorted dryly.

It was dark as they reached their base. Lou stumbled to the creek and sank down to her knees, washing her face in the cool water. Somebody lit a lantern and bags were unloaded from the buckboard. She felt too tired to even think. Struggling to get out of her coat she winced at the sight of her arms, they were turning bluish, sand and dirt covering the abrasions. In the pale light she looked down on the bruises and cuts with disgust, her arms feeling so slack she had no idea how she'd get all the dirt washed away.

Holding her head in her hands she heard Kid tell Buck to go clean his hands and check for other injuries. There was a buzz of commotion and opening of bags and strapping of parcels. The smell of iodine lingered in the air. Jimmy asking Kid if he really knew what he was doing, Kid muttering in reply. Then Buck muttered something and Jimmy laughed. More muttering from Kid and Jimmy protested harshly. Lou cringed at the characteristic sound of latex gloves stretching, knowing there was some serious interventions going on. Buck joined in the mumbling conversation and more strapping was heard. Then a vehement curse from Jimmy. Amanda laughed. A slap on somebody's back and good-natured muttering from Buck. Jimmy sternly told Kid he'd take care of Amanda. Buck said he'd start a fire.

Then steps came her way.

"Lou, let me help you." Kid sank down at her side, the MediPac ready.

"I'm fine," Lou said through clattering teeth. She felt cold right through to the bones.

A blanket was draped over her shoulders. He positioned himself behind her, having her lean up against his chest. Lou closed her eyes, calmed by his proximity. Kid wetted some cloth in the stream and started cleaning her arms. Lou felt the weariness bring tears to her eyes.

"I'll just wash you and put some medication on, Lou. I promise not to hurt you."

"I know you won't," Lou mumbled. The stench of sterilizing liquid lingering in the air. The relief was instant as Kid put a patch behind her ear, the ache in her muscles and the burning sensation in her arms disappearing. Her tremors subsided slowly as Kid gently rubbed a thick lotion over her arms and under her chin. The cold ointment had her flinch.

"You were lucky, the wounds won't need stitching. I'll put regenerating cream on, it'll make them bruises disappear in no time Lou. You got some on your cheek too, right there."

The stench had her wrinkle her nose as he stroke her sore cheek with a patch. Then the coolness returned and instantly she felt relief. His fingers lightly stroking her, and she looked right into his eyes. Smiling her gratitude into the blueness that watched her intently. Then he answered her smile warmly, the expression turning from concern to self-conscient shyness before he looked away.

A heart-felt sigh left her, his touch was heavenly, taking away all her pain, lulling her into a content state. She had never been this close this long to the Kid, and she savored every second. It didn't matter why he was touching her, holding her and talking softly to her. She could always fantasize he was holding her because he wanted to hold her. She turned her head to bury her nose in the crook of his neck. "Thank you," she mumbled.

"You can't fall asleep yet sweetie," Kid whispered, "you need more fluids and some food. Or the medication will knock you off your feet."

All I really need is you, can't you see that you fool?

"I won't," she promised, "I promise I won't." Looking into his amazing blue eyes she smiled. "I feel so much better now." Looking down on his latex gloved hand on her thigh she stirred, "Oh God, Kid! Your hands are all bloody!"

"It's okay," Kid mumbled, his body shivering slightly. "Ya know, maybe that hill was a little too much for a rookie like me. Promise me that next time you'll pick an easier one."

Lou looked up into his face and saw a flash of raw need in his eyes before he looked away. Her breath got caught in her throat. Her fingers aching of need to touch him, to feel him under her hands, his skin hot and.....

"Let me help you," she cracked, hoping to conceal her impure thoughts, her craving. Working to get the glove off without hurting him too much she felt her face flush. What kind of a woman am I, here he is, aching and hurt and I can't think of anything but having him. Making him all mine? I am going nuts, he's making me go nuts. I really shouldn't be thinking like this. God! He's hurting!

The glove came off and Kid flinched.

"Oh Kid," Lou sighed at the sight of the raw flesh covered in dirt and blood. The palm of his hand and his fingers still bleeding as the glove came off. She took his wrist and forced his hand into the creek, letting the cool water wash over it. She ached for him when she felt him stiffen and lay his head on her shoulder.

Kid closed his eyes and welcomed the pain, hoping it would settle his arousal. The awkward position made him rest his head on the tiny shoulder. Images of the two of them rolling around naked on the bank flashed before his eyes. He so wanted to make love to her. Undressing her in his mind he saw her tiny body, with every rounded curve, perfectly beautiful. Her naked body pressed to his. Her slender thighs wrapped around him, her breast... Flinching again at the sensation of cloth on his palm he groaned.

"I'll try not to hurt you," she said as she searched for the ointment he had used on her. "Just stay still. Will this work?" she asked, casting a brief glance over her shoulder.

Kid nodded, unable to respond. Resting his forehead on her shoulder he tried desperately to force himself to breathe evenly. She talked softly to him, telling him he would be fine. Time stood still as he closed his eyes at the sensation of her fingers exploring his hand. It took all his willpower not to kiss her small neck, to explore her slight form.

Taking his other hand she removed the glove and the pain made him inhale sharply. The scent of her exploding into him, making him struggle to suffocate the moans. The images of her kept invading him, making his breath quicken and his groin to ache. He wanted to slide his hands across her abdomen, around her perfect hips and kiss her skin until she shivered in his hands. Take her right here on the bank of the stream, make love to her until she'd gasp his name out loud.

"This hand's just as bad Kid, I'm sorry, it'll hurt." She clenched the wounds and smeared the ointment on his shaking hand, holding his wrist, feeling the quick pulse under her thumb. Reveling in his trust in her, his head still resting on her shoulder, his breath raspy. She knew she took longer than need be, but she wanted him to stay just like that, she didn't want to let go. Any excuse to have him this close was good enough for her.

In silence he drank her in, her moves, her words and her scent. The touch of her fingers on his bare skin. His need for her having him concentrate on not saying the words that kept hammering in him, out loud.

I want you.

"You two okay?"

Jimmy's voice recalled him immediately into reality. His arousal subsiding quickly, remembering his promises he steeled himself. Lifting his head from Lou's shoulder he looked dizzily at Jimmy and nodded, "I think we'll live."

Jimmy watched him for a while and Kid knew he had spotted his need for Louise. It must be written all over him. Guiltily he peered up at Jimmy. "I know," Kid said, "I know, it's under control. Don't..."

"What's under control?" Lou crawled up on her knees and turned to look at them both.

"I'm making dinner," Jimmy said casually, "just came to check you two are all right."

"I don't know Jimmy, Kid had all this rocks hit him and his hands..."

"I'm fine," Kid said and rose, "come on Lou, let's get something to eat." Extending his hand to her he smiled as she gripped his sleeve instead and eased herself up. He himself had forgotten all about the hands, all he remembered was her. "You okay Lou?"

Lou nodded and her eyes drifted to Jimmy, his pensive eyes resting on Kid. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Oh -they can't come get us tonight, " he said, "we'll have to wait till tomorrow, Buck just got in touch with base. The prisoners have all escaped, each and every one of them, and Barnett is hurt. The ASA is on call in case he gets worse. We'll have to wait. Maybe we'll have to make our way back tomorrow, on horseback." Jimmy bowed to take the MediPac, "will you make it?"

"It's okay Jimmy," Lou smiled at him, "I don't mind." Snuggling in the blanket over her shoulder she nodded reassuringly at him.

Jimmy let his eyes wander between the two of them and smiled, shaking his head he turned back to the fire Buck had built.

"What was that all about?" Lou asked as Kid started walking.

"I keep forgettin'," he replied without looking at her.

"'Bout what?"

"That you need to eat," he turned to smile apologetically at her.

Lou shook her head at his response. There it was again, Kid drifting away, closing himself in, not letting her know. There was something he was hiding, something that she was dying to understand. Something he obviously shared with Jimmy. Something that kept him away from her.

Stopping by the fire she met with Amanda's questioning eyes. Lou smiled at her, nodding her head slightly in a reply to the silent question. Things would be just fine. All that mattered right now was that they were all here, alive and kicking. Everything else would sort itself out.

Maybe.

Seating herself down she looked at group around the fire. Jimmy smiling as Amanda handed him a cup of steaming soup, moving closer to her. Putting his leg close to hers. Lou smiled to herself seeing Amanda glance at him. She'd have to ask her how the hell she did it, why was Jimmy responding to her so promptly? How was she doing it? Why was Kid so distant all of a sudden? Why was he so hard to get a grip on? She wasn't asking for a lot, she'd be content with just the physical part of a relationship, if she at least could have that! If he had reasons not to give her all, at least that, she wouldn't be asking for what he couldn't give! Why was he making it so difficult? Was it her after all?

Sighing she concentrated on the food as a comfortable silence fell. The summer breeze rustling the leafs. She gulped the soup down, suddenly wanting to be alone. Be alone and not this achingly distant from Kid, sitting by her side silently. With her, and still not.

"I'll rise the tent," she said as she rose to her feet. "We all need some shuteye."

"I'll help," Buck readily followed. "Is one tent enough? Will we all fit?"

"Sure." Lou nodded, "too damned tired to fight two of them."

Buck chuckled and shook his head. "Here, let me do it."

In two minutes blank the tent was risen. Lou smiled at Buck, grateful for the help. Kicking her boots off she sighed as she stepped inside and Buck threw her a blanket.

"Sweet dreams, Lou."

"Where's Kid and Jimmy?" She asked not seeing them.

"Went down to the creek to wash the dishes and themselves I think. They'll be back Lou. Don't worry."

"That obvious huh?" Lou peered at Buck hauling more blankets inside.

"What's obvious?" Amanda asked, pushing herself inside. "God I'm beat!"

Lou just muttered and moved herself to the side, she'd be sleeping next to the exit, needing to keep the two outside under surveillance. Buck said something that had Amanda laugh. Lou was too tired to meddle and laid her head down on the ground. Buck's and Amanda's voices humming had her eyes close and she fell asleep.

Kid sat at the bank of the stream, looking into the darkness, a thousand emotions raging inside him. The need for the woman in the tent, the fear for what almost had, and still might, happen to her. The doubt that somehow he had brought it on. It was so wrong to want her the way he did, so wrong. That dread he felt when she slid down the hill, the absolute terror as he without thinking flung himself after her. When she trembled in his hold, death only feet away. And it was all his fault, if he hadn't lunged at Jimmy Lou wouldn't have moved. She wouldn't have fallen. Another reminder that losing self-control lead to disaster. Lead to the death of someone close. If he would have met her years ago things might have been different, so different. Blindly looking out into the night he sat there, unmoving.

"Those dishes done yet?"

Kid turned quickly to look at Jimmy approaching. Nodding he rose from the bank and threw the towel over his shoulder. "I'm done."

"Thinking huh?"

"Yup," Kid admitted. "Haven't you been?"

"Yeah."

"Thought so," Kid replied, "they sleepin'?"

"Think so, I'm still waiting for the fire to die out."

Slowly they made their way back to the camp. Jimmy sank down on the ground by the fire, pensively poking in it with a stick. Kid stiffly seated himself on the fallen log. Looking into the fire.

"It happened again Jimmy."

"I know Kid."

"You and me should stay clear of each other, Jimmy. We're a bad omen."

"Omen? We're as bad as it gets Kid. I wonder how nobody has noticed except the two of us?"

"Becoz' they don't know Jimmy, that's why."

"And what about Lou, Kid?"

"What ya mean?"

"You know what I mean."

"Then you know it can't be too."

"Why?"

"Jimmy, she's with someone."

"You think so?"

"She said so."

"Maybe she broke it off?"

Kid looked at Jimmy over the fire, bewildered over the course the discussion had taken. "Why would she?"

Jimmy smiled.

The tent door was opened and a figure emerged. A figure clad in a blanket. Stumbling toward them, tripping on the blanket, cursing while rubbing her eyes. "Won't ya get some sleep," the figure gruffed, stopping by Kid's side. "Ya know what time it is?" The voice cranky and muffled.

"Lou, you sleepwalking?" Jimmy chuckled as Kid reached to take the wobbling form into his lap.

"Lou? What are you doing up?" he said as he smilingly pulled her into his lap, positioning her to sit on his knees. Afraid she'd stumble and fall. He had to smile at the face she made as pine needles pinched the soles of her feet. Reaching down he drew her feet from the ground, resting her to lean onto him completely. Wrapping her in his arms "Walkin' barefoot on pine needles is not a good idea Lou," he scolded her.

"Get some sleep," Lou mumbled with her head resting on Kid's shoulders. Still angry at them for not listening to her. "I'm tired."

"Ya mean us sleeping will get you less tired?" Jimmy laughed.

"The hell I know what I mean," Lou mumbled.

Kid laughed and drew her deeper into his lap, feeling her brow with his hand. Obviously checking if she had a fever. Lou grunted and hid her face in his collar. "Please," she mumbled, her eyes closing.

"Yeah, why wouldn't she?" Jimmy said, the tone of voice emphasizing his wide grin.

"What?" Lou asked into Kid collar.

"A match made in heaven," Jimmy continued, amused.

"If everything was different," Kid murmured. "If only things were different."

"What the hell are ya talkin' about?" Lou lifted her head and watched Jimmy over the fire.

He rose and poured water on the fire that wheezed and died, only the lantern cast faint light upon them. Smiling he turned to look at the pair sitting on the log. "You got her?"

"Yeah," Kid said as he rose with Lou clasped in his hold, "I got her."

If you only knew to which extent, Lou though as she slid her arms around his neck. If you only knew.

He stopped and wobbled slightly while kicking his boots off. The lantern went black Lou slid out of his hold and drew him inside the tent. Amanda moaned when Jimmy scooted her to the side. Having her grunt in protest at first, then sigh in content at Jimmy's warmth at her side.

"What..." Buck groaned at the sudden commotion in the tent. "Uh," he let out in relief realizing the disturbance was his rowdy friends.

Lou eagerly pushed Kid further inside the tent, up to the wall. Then she inched closer to him while he was taking his coat off. Grunting he worked to find a comfortable position. Lou smiled and lay her head on his coat, wrapping herself into the blanket. Seeing to it her head rested close to Kid's shoulder.

"You covered?" she asked, letting her hand innocently travel on him, checking he was really was. Kid nodded in the dark. "Sweet dreams," she mumbled and rested her forehead up against his shoulder. Her hand around his upper arm. He tentatively nestled it around her, making her head rest on his chest.

Lou took the opportunity and wrapped her arm around his waist. Holding her breath, afraid he'd move away from her.

"Night Lou."

I want you.

TBC

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|Prologue||Chapter 1||Chapter 2||Chapter 3||Chapter 4||Chapter 5||Chapter 6||Chapter 7||Chapter 8||Chapter 9||Chapter 10||Chapter 11|
|Chapter 12||Chapter 13||Chapter 14*||Chapter 15|

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