Disclaimer: Just taking our Friends out to play, will put them back when I'm done!

This Story Idea came about after watching RTD, which I know I wasn't alone in being disappointed with the explanation of events! So, after watching the final episode, in Season 19, The Disciple... Well... let's say, a re-write was born, which will be a combination of the two. With any luck, this will make much more sense.

What We Know Thus Far…

Matt had been shot and severely injured in his right forearm. Doc's diagnosis was he may never be able to shoot as he did before. So after taking off and leaving Dodge for several days, to clear his head, not wanting to be around anyone, he decided to return to Dodge. Which is where this story begins:

PT.1 Return To Dodge

"Entwined Hearts"

Sitting quietly at a table in the empty barroom of the Long Branch, trying to total the days earnings. Not that her mind was able to concentrate. All she could do was worry. Where was he? What he was doing? Was he followed? How she just wished he'd stayed and taken Doc's and her advice.

But Matt, being Matt, stubborn man that he is, well… Duty, Honor and That Damned BADGE! Then In her silence, she felt a presence, heard the heavy footsteps on the boardwalk. Not sure if she should turn she froze. Then the voice: "Hello Kitty!"

Quickly turning with a multitude of emotion, but speechless, letting go a tremor of a smile with heavy eyes, whispered, "OH, Cowboy!"

The two just stood taking in the sight of one another for what seemed like forever!

"I know it's late, but I was wondering if the owner of this place might allow a Lawman a night-cap?"

Swiftly she moved in close. "Oh, I think she can do much better then a night-cap, Cowboy. Please, sit. Let me get you a drink?"

Quickly going behind the bar, grabbing a bottle and two glasses, she began pouring. "Matt, you alright?"

Nodding his head, "Yeah, Kit, I'm fine. Well as much as I can be."

"Where did you…" before she finished her sentence.

"Kit, I had a lot of time out there to think."

"And?" She added.

Studying her face, "Kitty, can we discuss this in the morning?"

"Sure, you look exhausted!"

"We'll talk in the morning?" He asked, then started to stand.

Furrowing her brow, "Matt?"

"Huh?"

"You leaving?" She stood then slid her arms around his sides.

"Kit,.. I…"

"You don't have to, you know? I was just about to close up here. Sam went home already. Matt?"

One look into those deep pools of sparkling blue, "I'll get the door, Miss Russell!" Then he slowly followed her up the stairs and across the landing.

Once in the room that had long been their room, she went about placing his hat on it's usual peg along with his gunbelt, then relieved him of his boots standing them in their usual spot. "Here, let me help you with your vest. Another drink?"

Matt made himself comfortable. This was something he had no problem doing with Kitty.

"I'll be right back, Cowboy." From the water-room she continued her conversation. "Were you able to relax at all out there?"

"Well, not exactly, Kitty." He answered.

"Huh?"

"I ran into a young boy, a deserter. Good kid, just had an adversity to shooting people."

"You're telling me he didn't like shooting people but he joined the army?" She asked.

"Yeah, that's about it. A Family thing I believe."

"Oh, poor young thing. So where is he?"

"He went back."

"Really?"

"I convinced him it was the thing to do."

Now coming out of the water-room. "You did what?"

"I convinced him to go back." He repeated.

Now looking at him surprised. "Matt Dillon, Why?"

"Kit, he was a deserter."

"Oh, I know that but he's just a boy." Then she watched as his attention was drifting. Matt, something else happen?"

"Oh, uh…" He hesitated.

"Matt?"

"The Men who shot me were out there, Kit."

"OH MATT?"

"Kit, I'm fine. Can we not talk about this right now?"

"Are they still looking for you?"

"Kitty!"

"Oh, alright." She poured them both another drink, sitting beside him on the bed. "Cowboy, I… I…"

Taking the glass from her hand, "Shhhhhhhh. I know, Kitty" Pulling her to him with his one good arm.

She now had both hands cupping his face. "Matt Dillon, I can't bear to lose you. Not to a bullet."

"Shhhhhhh." Pulling her into a gentle kiss, one that turned into a passionate kiss quickly. Reaching around her waist with his good arm and swinging her around to enveloping her in his hold. "I missed this out there, that's for sure."

"OH? Is that a fact Marshal?"

"Yes, that's a fact Miss Russell! And if you'll be quiet, let me show you how much."

He spent the remainder of the night showing her how very much he Loved, and missed her, every inch of her. Over and over again!

Early, just about sunrise, Kitty barely stirred. But Matt was up, trying to put on his boots.

"Where you going this early, Marshal?"

"AHHH, Kit, sorry was trying not to wake you. Need to go file my report then.. well… need to get ready to go…"

Now up on her elbow, "GO? Go where?"

"Now, Kit…"

Shaking her head from side to side,.. "Oh don't you dare 'Now Kit me', Matt Dillon. Your in no condition to go anywhere! Is this what you didn't want to tell me last night?"

"Kit, look we'll have breakfast after I file my report, I'll explain everything."

"Everything?" She questioned. "You have no intention on taking off that badge do you?"

Now he could see the temper building. "Kit…"

"Matt Dillon. UGH! I don't think you have a grain of sense in that head of yours. Do you want someone to kill you?"

"Kitty, please."

"GO! JUST GO!"

Heading for the door, "We'll talk later?"

"UGH! Don't count on it!" As he left, she threw a vase at the door behind him, then buried her face in the pillow that he laid his head on, the very one they made love on all night long, and began to cry! "I can't do this anymore. I just can't!"

TBC