A/N~ This is my first FF/M7 story. With her permission, it is set inside I'maMePanda's YP/Troublemakers AU of the Magnificent Seven. I obviously do not own M7, but there are a couple OC's that are mine.

A grand, heartfelt thank you to my good friend, I'maMePanda, for all her help, her beta-ing and her somewhat relentless encouragement. :) If it wasn't for her, this story would likely still be sitting in my docs, years from now, collecting internet dust.

Due to some trouble on my end, I had to delete this story and re upload it. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Chapter One

Nathan carefully wound gauze around the young ranch hand's head. "You'll be sore for a day or two, but you'll be ok. Mrs. Edwards will clean and re-wrap it daily. Come into town and see me if anything changes, and try not to fall off any more fences." Nathan grinned at the young man, likely only a few years older than JD, as he spoke.

Danny James gave Nathan a half smile, "I sure don't plan on it Mr. Jackson." he answered, touching his head gingerly. Nathan smiled ruefully, only young men could manage to do the things he'd had to deal with today. Rowdy, full of themselves young men. "I would gather that Mr. Edwards wasn't overly happy with his ranch hands taking turns; betting on who could walk along the top of the fence, rather than out working with the cattle...?" Nathan's question was asked with a semi hidden chuckle, and Danny glanced over near the barn where Mr. Edwards was talking with the other hands. Danny blushed three shades of red and whispered, "No Sir, he sure wasn't."

This time, Nathan couldn't help but chuckle aloud. He clapped the young man on the shoulder and said, "Stick to playing around when you're not working, Danny. And stay off things that aren't meant to be climbed atop of."

Danny nodded. "Yessir." he answered, grabbing his hat and heading, head down, towards his boss.

Nathan in turn, packed up his medical bag, spoke briefly with Mrs. Edwards and headed for his mount. This was, hopefully, the last injury he would have to deal with today. He was a good distance from town, and he really hoped to just get back, down a drink or two, and relax. Despite it being only early afternoon, he was exhausted. Maybe he'd chat with Josiah some more about the book, El Dorado they both were reading about the California Gold Rush.

He untied the dark chestnut horses reins from the fence railing, and after making sure his med bag was safely tucked inside his saddle bag, he mounted Brevet and turned him towards town. Nathan thought Brevet was quite possibly the best animal on the planet. Brevet was a rock solid, startled at nothing, gentle as a kitten and brave as a lion equine soldier. He and Brevet had been through hell together, he'd been his constant companion, his solitary listener and at times, his only friend. Nathan couldn't have survived some of what he had, during or after the war, if Brevet hadn't carried him.

Brevet had been given to him by a gravely injured soldier and the next day Brevet carried Nathan through a forest of fire, without a hint of hesistation, earning him the gifted name. Nathan had first heard the term when he was a stretcher bearer, shortly before meeting the animal. A brevet was an honorary rank gifted to a ranked soldier for some form of exemplary service or deed. Stretcher bearers didn't generally have a rank, as most were just young boys like he had been. So earning a brevet, wasn't really possible for Nathan. Sighing softly at the memories, Nathan lightly touched his heels to Brevet's sides and the animal responded instantly, cantering across the dusty landscape.

Josiah tipped his head to the side and stared up into the sun. It was about time to head back into town he supposed. Generally you'd find him in the church, working on some project, or on patrol at this time of day, but earlier, he'd just opted to take Bright and go for a ride. He had been sitting here next to this stream for close to an hour, with not a thing on his mind but a few hymns. Sometimes, the peace and quiet that only nature could give, was all that was needed to rejuvenate oneself. Since arriving in Four Corners, he'd felt an even stronger desire to get alone at times, than he ever had before. Not that Josiah didn't like people, he did...but sometimes, the town folks were just too much. His brothers could be too much, he thought with a wry grin. Ezra alone could cause a saint to go gray, never mind an old preacher man like him. At times he felt he was riding herd of a passel of young wild horses and he was fairly certain he was going to go gray before either of the youngest hit the age of majority. It only took a moment for a grin to cross his face though. They were worth it. This was something he hadn't thought he'd ever have again. This was family. Feeling much better than he had a few hours prior, he climbed to his feet, stretching his long limbs. He took hold of Bright's reins, glad that the horse was able to be ground tied, and clambered up into the saddle. He wondered if Nathan would be up for a discussion on the book "El Dorado" that they were both reading, about the California Gold Rush. He turned Bright back towards town, he could just barely see the edge of Four Corners from here. "C'mon on Old Friend, Let's go home." Bright needed no further encouragement. He ambled off, no need for Josiah to touch his heels to the creature at all.

Vin smiled at Ms. Nettie, nodding affirmatively when she asked him if he wanted to take some cookies home with him. "Yes Ma'am!" he added for good measure. She smiled back at him and filled a small gunny sack with a number of the homemade goods, saying, "There's enough there for Ezra and JD...you share some with your brothers, you hear?" to which Vin mock groaned. It was well known the young man loved to eat, and he greatly loved anything sweet. Just as well as it was known he'd 'almost' never willingly disobey Ms. Nettie and very rarely would he not share with the younger boys. At his mock groan, Nettie pulled back the gunny sack, away from Vin's outstretched hand and smiled teasingly. "I can always just give them to my next visitors."

Vin actually looked both horrified and affronted at this. "I'll share!" He exclaimed, reaching for the sack. Nettie laughed, handed him the cookies and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for stopping by today." She whispered before releasing him. He bent down to kiss her cheek and looked over towards Peso.

Vin waved to Nettie as he kicked Peso into a canter, heading back into town. Moments later, he saw another rider up ahead. When he recognized Nathan and Brevet, he urged Peso to pick up speed. He caught up with his older brother, who managed to only look slightly surprised at Vin appearing beside him.

"Everything alright?" Nathan asked, as they both slowed their mounts, to make conversation possible. Vin nodded. "Yeah, just left Ms. Nettie's. You?"

Nathan nodded as well. "Yeah, was out to the Edwards ranch...young and dumb kids...'' Nathan shook his head as he told Vin just what the hands at the Edwards' ranch had been up to.

Vin chuckled about halfway through. "Danny James, huh? Wouldn't have thought the kid would try. Kinda shy. Quiet." Nathan agreed with a slight nod of his head. "He is. Pressure from the others probably aided in this venture. He's usually pretty level headed." Vin snorted as he said, "Complete opposite of JD."

Nathan grinned back and finished up his story a few moments later, asking Vin how Ms. Nettie was. Grinning, Vin said he'd been helping Ms. Nettie repair some damaged fencing. "I dunno how she does it Nate, out there with just her and Casey." Vin said as the two came into town a bit later, heading for the livery.

Nate shrugged as he stopped Brevet, sliding off his side and walking him nearer the livery, "Me either, but I sure wouldn't mess with her." Laughing, Vin jumped down from Peso's saddle, grabbing the horses reins as the two brothers entered the livery together, chatting amiably. And, Vin never mentioned his cookies. Ms. Nettie hadn't said a thing about sharing with Nathan.

JD's eyes got huge, as he listened to his big brothers. He'd gone up to the clinic shortly before, looking for Josiah. He wanted to know if he and Ezra could go out to Ms. Nettie's with Casey. He'd stopped short when he heard Josiah's rumbly voice coming through the window.

"No, definitely never set off looking for gold. Not sure where I would've gone looking for gold in India. Although, it probably would've been safer than some of my ventures. Threw a firecracker into a wild herd of Zebu cattle once...Cows can run, Nathan. Cows can run." Nathan's deep laugh came next and JD had to hold back his own laugh. Never in his wildest imaginings, had he thought of Josiah as a troublemaker. Nathan and Josiah must've been discussing the same book about the gold rush, that they had been for days. It actually sounded fairly exciting. Even the title, "El Dorado" sounded adventurous. Maybe when he finished the book he'd just started, about Mayans, they'd be done with El Dorado. Since the book about India he'd read, some 4 or so months back, he hadn't found another that intrigued him as much.

"When they almost ran me over, I didn't think it so funny." Josiah grumbled dryly.

"Lord, don't ever tell JD about that!" Nathan stopped laughing abruptly, sounding horrified.

"Never fear, Little Brother, I am well aware of the repercussions that would cause." Josiah's answer caused a frown to take up residence on JD's face. Why shouldn't they tell him? He'd never scare cows on purpose. Sheesh.

Ohhhhhh. Wait. They thought he couldn't handle firecrackers, didn't they? JD's frown deepened and he stole quietly back down the clinic stairs. He could. He could handle a gun, couldn't he? Well, when they let him. They were for necessary situations, like jobs and emergencies. But that was neither here nor there. He could do it. And, firecrackers weren't like guns. You lit them, and then ran away, didn't you? He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking first up and then down the dusty street. He needed to find Ezra. And maybe Danny James. He'd be willing to bet Danny James knew how to find firecrackers.

Buck squinted against the sunshine as he came out of the saloon. He was headed back to the jail, on duty while Chris rode patrol. He was fairly surprised to not see JD come running to greet him, but he supposed he didn't have to be glued to his side at all times. He just usually was. Buck smiled as he headed up the boardwalk, moving out of the way, and bowing to Casey Wells, as she came out of the Potter's store.

"Good day, M'Lady." he teased. She shook her head, obviously thinking he was silly, but smiled, "Hi Buck." He winked and stepped back onto the boardwalk, continuing on his way. He glanced around and noted that he didn't see Ezra anywhere either, and he hadn't been in the saloon. That explained where JD was. Buck knew Vin had ridden out to Ms. Nettie's, so the younger two must be somewhere together. As he took the steps to the jailhouse two at a time, he wondered exactly what the two were doing...

JD leaned down over Danger's neck, enjoying the thrill of speed as he raced the gelding towards the Edwards ranch. He'd met Danny in town a few months back, when they'd almost collided, JD coming out of the clinic, while Danny was heading in. Danny'd been looking for Nathan, as he had an injured finger. Curiosity of who Danny was had kept JD close by, and when Nathan had determined the finger broken, the two had talked the entire time that Nathan was setting it. Well, JD had talked a mile a minute, beyond excited to talk to the young man who wasn't one of his brothers, while Danny quietly listened and occasionally responded to a question. Buck thought it hilarious that the two had become such quick friends since they were nothing alike, but 'Siah said that was why they'd become such good friends. JD didn't care about whys. They just were. Danny was one of the Edwards' youngest ranch hands, though JD was well aware that Danny was not the 21 yrs, that Danny had told Mr. Edwards he was. He was barely 6 months older than JD, sticking Danny right in between him and Ezra, age wise. JD had no idea why his red headed friend didn't just tell Mr. Edwards his age. He was a good ranch hand and he highly doubted Mr. Edwards would care about his age, long as he did the work. JD knew, from experience, that lying about your age caused way more problems than just telling how old you were and working through anything that would come up. As the Edwards' looming spread came into view, JD pulled Danger back to a canter, rather than the full on gallop he'd been at, waving to the Edwards' foreman, Jess Kantrell. The foreman waved back and as JD got closer, reining Danger down to a trot, he could see Jess grinning at him.

"You looking for Danny?"

"Yessir!" JD nodded, as Danger came to a stop near the foreman. JD patted the horses side and slid one leg over the saddle and practically jumped to the ground.

Jess jerked his head in the direction of the bunkhouse. "Men just finished lunch. They're taking a quick break before heading back out on the range. Hurry on over and you'll have a few minutes. I'll hold Danger."

"Thanks Mr. Kantrell!" JD took off at a run, racing for the bunkhouse. He slowed a bit as he jumped the steps of the bunkhouse and barely stopped himself from careening head long into the door. He pushed it open and headed for Danny's bunk. He greeted a few of the hands he knew, and called "Hi Danny!" when he saw his friend look up from where he stood, cleaning a halter. JD stopped at Danny's side and the other teen grinned.

"Hey JD."

"That for Banjo?" he asked, indicating the halter. Danny nodded.

"What ya need, JD? I'm gonna have to go back out soon." JD glanced over his shoulder and then looked back at his quieter friend. Danny seemed to understand. He set the halter on his bed and quietly said, "Follow me."

JD jogged to keep up with his longer legged friend. He wasn't sure where Danny was going, but he followed him out behind the bunkhouse a little ways, where they stopped.

"What is it JD?" Danny asked, looking around him watchfully.

"Do you know where I could get some firecrackers?" JD asked, probably louder than was necessary, as he tried hard not to bounce as he began to get excited again, but he couldn't help it! This was going to be so much fun!

Danny looked back at JD in a mixture of amusement and thoughtfulness.

"Firecrackers, huh?" He asked, unable to stop the grin from spreading across his face.

JD nodded, his head bobbing fast enough that his hair flopped around wildly.

"Yeah! I wanna take some out to Trouble Canyon!" JD started bouncing again and Danny laid a hand on his shoulder, holding him in place. He looked up into the trees, as if an answer could be found there.

"Huh. That could be fun. When you want them?" he asked after a moment.

JD shrugged and answered, "Soon?" which caused Danny to chuckle, and then nod.

"Meet me at the livery around dusk. I'll let you know if I found anything."

Nathan sat in the saloon, head in hands, staring into his drink. For the twentieth time that day, he wondered how a town the size of Four Corners managed to have so many injuries in one day. He'd come into town just a short while ago with Vin and had barely set Brevet up in his stall before being called over by Mary. Billy had managed to burn his arm...Nate had quickly dressed the young boys arm, then swung by the jail to speak to Buck, and had only just sat down in the saloon moments before. He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples, willing away the headache he could feel. "Tough day?" Josiah's voice sounded to his right, and he felt, rather than heard the man sit down next to him.

Nathan nodded, without picking his head up from his hands. "Broken arm, a knife wound, a busted toe, knock to the head, and a burn..." Nathan sighed, "Welcome to Four Corners!" he said sardonically, picking up his head and taking a drink.

Josiah laughed with him, "Welcome to Four Corners, indeed!"

JD stood at the corral at the back of the livery, watching a few horses, including Danger and Brevet, mill around inside the corral. He knew Nathan would be by soon to bring Brevet in, and he'd take care of Danger once Danny had come and gone.

At the moment, to a casual observer he looked relaxed like he was just enjoying the coming into evening weather.

Inside, JD was as wired as a fish at the end of a line. He kept stealing glances all around the back of the livery, wondering what was taking Danny so long.

"Hey Kid, whatcha doing out here?" JD whirled around at Buck's voice.

"Buck! ...Uh, hi!" Buck chuckled in response to his little brothers exclamation and moved to stand near JD, reaching out and ruffling his wild hair. The boy ducked but grinned.

"Getting late, JD. Wanna play a hand of cards before we turn in?"

JD shook his head, "Not yet, Buck, Danny's coming by for a few minutes."

Buck cocked his head to the side. "Boy's coming out here this late? His boss gonna be all right with that?"

JD swallowed nervously and tried to shrug. "Dunno Buck. We just got something to talk about...in private." JD said pointedly, praising himself for not sounding as nervous as he was.

Buck lifted his hands in surrender, a smile playing on his face. "I gotcha Kid, serious business. Ol' Buck will leave you alone. 'Spect to see you in your room soon though." Buck lifted one eyebrow in a motion JD was familiar with.

"Sure Buck!"

"Tell Danny I said hey." Buck said as he clapped JD on the shoulder, then turned and headed back into town.

"Thought he'd never leave!" Danny's voice from the other side of the livery, caused JD to start and then grin wildly. He headed towards his friend and when he saw Danny was carrying a fairly good sized gunny sack, his grin got impossibly wider.

"You found some?!" he exclaimed, reaching towards the sack. Danny batted his hand away, while nodding.

"I did. But you gotta promise me something." JD stopped reaching for the sack, looking slightly offended that Danny had swatted at his hands, and he frowned slightly.

"What?"

"You can't tell no one, not Mr. Wilmington, not Ezra...NO ONE JD, that you got these from me."

"I wouldn't, Danny!" JD agreed, reaching for the sack again. Danny pulled it back again, and took a step back. "JD, I mean it. If you tell, I could get kicked off the ranch. I can't...I just can't." Danny finished his sentence lamely, running a hand through his hair and looking lost for a moment before bucking up and looking at JD intently.

"I won't Danny! This mean you ain't coming with me? I wanna go tomorrow!"

Danny shook his head though the look on his face clearly said he wished he didn't have to decline.

"Can't JD. Too much work. The hands would know I was missing..." Looking even more dejected, Danny handed over the sack of fireworks and with a small sigh, shrugged one shoulder, at a loss for anything else to say. JD peered into the gunny sack, moving the contents around while trying not to grin like a madman, to which Danny couldn't help but give a small smile.

After another moment had passed, Danny continued quietly, "Be careful JD, you're the only friend I got."

Chris closed the stall door after giving Pony one last rub to the forehead, and headed out of the livery. He saw Vin headed towards him, a flake of hay in one hand and a carrot in the other. He stopped, and tipped his hat up with one finger, saying, "Horse is like you. Never stops eating." Vin grinned in response as he walked to Peso's stall, and dumped the hay into the manger on the inside. No fool, Peso snubbed the hay and began rubbing his velvety nose against Vin's hands, searching for the treat he knew his owner held. Vin gave in after only a moment, releasing the carrot to the almost black gelding.

"Patrol go ok?" Vin asked, turning back to look at the older man. A tiny nod, and an unspoken but clear reply of 'Yup, just fine.' Vin nodded back, and then said, "Ms. Nettie's ok."

Chris came back inside the livery, to Pony's stall, and leaned against the door. "Don't doubt that." his three word reply tickled Vin, and he chuckled a bit.

"Have ya seen Nate?" He asked Chris, while rubbing Peso's ears. Chris's gaze slid over to Brevet's stall, looking mildly surprised that the gelding was there, and shook his head. "Wait'll you hear what Danny James did!" Vin probably sounded more excited than he should have, as he began the story Nathan had told him on the ride home, but it was clear that Chris didn't mind.