A/N: No copyright infringement intended. No money has exchanged hands. The Magnificent Seven has never belonged to me in any form whatsoever. (Wishful thinking on my part, but alas it will never be. So sad. )
Warning: This chapter does contain disciplinary action toward a teenager. If you don't like it, please by all means don't read.
This is the final chapter in this saga, followed by an epilogue. I know nobody wants to see it end, but please read the A/N notes following the epilogue.
Again, please remember folks this is a work of fiction. I own only the OC's. Not beta'd. All mistakes are my own.
Chapter 11
The days that followed Jesse's recovery were long and grueling. From the time the kid opened his eyes, to the point he was up and moving about had Chris thinking long and hard on their future. The others knew the recent events concerning Jesse had shaken the hardened man to his core.
Once Jesse was able to enjoy the sunshine again, Chris sat him down in order to hear the kid's version of the recent events. The boy was apprehensive. He undoubtedly knew there would be consequences to follow, since he deliberately disobeyed both Chris and Nettie Wells.
Not wanting to prolong the boy's discomfort any further Chris prompted, "Let's hear it."
Jesse, who had been gazing at the floor, raised his head to meet Chris' gaze and began. "Ever since our argument I've had a plan. I knew you were intent on leaving me behind no matter what I said or did to convince you otherwise. I was not going to let you finish this fight without me."
Chris fought to keep his temper in check. "When did you leave?"
Continuing Jesse replied, "After Miz Nettie put me to work; chopping wood."
"You do realize she was a might worried about you. You owe her an apology." His guardian said matter of factly.
"I planned on making amends."
Chris cocked his head to one side, and raised an eyebrow at the same time.
"And to you, of course." Jesse quickly replied as a hint of color tinged his cheeks.
"Then what happened." The peacekeeper folded his arms across his chest.
To Jesse that was, in itself, an intimidating move. Needless to say he had to get this off of his chest. He owed Chris that much. "After I left Nettie's place it wasn't hard to pick up your trail. I figured I was only an hour or two behind."
Getting to the heart of the matter Chris then asked, "What I'd like to know is what the hell were you thinking breaking cover like you did?"
"All I could think of was getting to Billy and his ma." Boy was that a lame excuse especially after noting how Chris looked at him.
"And the stick of dynamite?"
Jesse simply stated. "Found it."
"I find that hard to believe and I doubt Nettie would have one around."
The kid gulped and looked away as he confessed. "Alright, I got it out of Buck's saddlebag."
Lucky for Jesse he missed Chris' exasperated look. Although, he still cringed when he next heard. "Should I add stealing to your mounting list?"
"I'm sorry. I really needed to finish this. It was my fight to start with and mine to finish."
"Almost at the cost of your life! 'Cause that's how it almost ended!" His words were harsh, but he wanted to make sure Jesse understood the results could have turned out much differently.
Jesse kept his eyes glued to the floor. He knew his reasoning sounded flat, but that was all he could offer his guardian. Just thinking about what could possibly come next had him fidgeting where he sat.
"Consider yourself lucky, I'm not going to tan your backside. I should, but I'm not." Chris watched Jesse sigh in relief. "You're still going to be punished. I'm putting you to work. Whatever odd jobs I can find you're going to do them."
Great, Jesse thought. He wasn't quite sure if he got the better part of the deal or not. Nevertheless, Jesse knew from Chris' smug smile that he did not have a choice. He lost that option a long time ago.
"Fine, but I am sorry for worryin' you and Miz Nettie."
The next several weeks passed by slowly for Jesse, but finally Chris deemed his punishment served. To everybody in town it looked like Chris and Jesse were getting along well. Although, unbeknownst to them, a deep seated fear dwelled inside Chris' soul.
Judge Travis came into town unexpectedly to visit his grandson, Billy and his daughter-in-law, Mary. He, also, wanted to check in on Chris and see how he and Jesse were coming along. J.D. took his leave and ran smack into Buck telling him that the Judge wanted to speak with Chris in private.
Buck had been about to shoo J.D. along when they both heard Judge Travis question their leader.
"Is that truly how you feel Chris? I got the impression that you and Jesse were getting on just fine."
J.D. turned wide questioning eyes upon his friend. His expression mirrored Buck's equally dumbfounded look. They leaned in trying to catch the rest of the conversation.
"Well, you thought wrong. I think it would be best if you could find a nice, stable family for him."
The Judge didn't even bother to hide his disappointment, but he declared. "If that is your wish, then I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks, Judge. I'd appreciate it." He stood up straight and touched the brim of his hat. By this time J.D. and Buck had left to tell the other men the news.
Orin Travis gave it one more shot. "Sure I can't change your mind? The boy seems quite taken with you."
"I know he does, but I still have too much to take care of and putting it off doesn't get it done."
"Understand. I'll do what I can. If I come up with anything, you'll be the first to know." This time the Judge touched his hat brim and walked out of the office leaving Chris to his thoughts.
Several hours later, Buck found Chris in the saloon and decided it was time to confront his friend. "Chris, I need to say this. J.D. and I overheard your conversation with the Judge."
Chris, leaned against the bar, choosing to ignore Buck and continuing to feign indifference.
Buck knew exactly what Chris was doing. He had seen it before, Chris was deliberately setting up walls again to keep the hurt from coming through. "You can't turn your back on the boy now! What is wrong with you?"
The other man contemplated the whiskey he had been nursing for the past thirty minutes within the shot glass. The feelings warring inside of him had his stomach churning in protest. "This was only temporary, remember? A boy like him needs someone more stable, a family…"
"That's your excuse! We're his family!"
"No, Buck. We're seven men, gunslingers, with no real roots and not one notion of settling down. What kind of life is that for a kid his age? You got an answer for that!" His pain was raw. He finally shot back that whiskey and poured himself another.
Neither man knew, but at that precise moment just beyond those swinging doors that same young boy they spoke of heard every word. Jesse's heart plummeted straight to the bottom of his boots. This time it hurt even worst. He walked off in the direction of the livery as the first tear fell.
By the time he reached Rogue's stall he could barely see past the flood of tears blinding his sight. "Come on Rogue, I'm not staying where I'm not wanted." His breathing hitched as he fought for some control. "See Rogue, this is what happens when you start believing in dreams. Dreams are for babies." He, then, buried his face into the side of his best friend's neck desperately wishing he was anywhere, but here.
"That's a bald faced lie if I ever heard especially from you! That boy means something to you. He means something to all of us. I can't believe you're just going to walk away from him after all we've been through!"
"You think this is easy! You're right I do care and that's why it needs to be this way!"
"Tell me this isn't about Adam." One look into his friend's eyes told him everything he needed to know. "Aw, Chris. Adam was a great boy. There's no doubt about that. And I know you loved Adam with all your heart, but, Chris, there's another boy out there that needs that same love and affection. You know, Adam wouldn't of had it any other way. Sarah would have wanted it, too."
Chris choked back the tears that were threatening to overwhelm him. Buck almost didn't hear the next few words. "I know that, Buck. I just don't want to lose him the way I lost Adam."
"There's always going to be something that we can't control. But I give you my word, I'd give my life before I'd let anyone take another boy's life."
"The same goes for me, too." A soft spoken voice entered their conversation.
"Thanks Buck. Vin."
"I think you can count the rest of us in on that as well." The healer plainly spoke for himself and the others.
Chris turned around to see that the rest of his friends had come to his aid once again.
"I think Buck's right, Jesse needs a home and he seems to be quite taken with you Chris."
"That's exactly what I've been trying to tell him, Josiah." Buck added.
"No matter how many times you try to deny it, you and that kid need each other, cowboy."
"I'd hate to break up this little gathering, but has anyone seen our wayward charge recently?" Ezra's comment made them realize that they hadn't seen Jesse in awhile.
"Spread out I'm sure he's probably around town." The sinking feeling in the pit of Chris' stomach told him different. He silently prayed it was wrong for a change.
As he and Buck moved about town Chris spotted someone who might help him out. "Mary!"
She waved to him. "Mary, where's Billy?"
Judge Travis had been standing nearby and noticed the concern on Chris' features. "Everything alright, Chris?"
"Can't find Jesse. I'm hoping Billy might know where he is."
An unhappy voice reached his ears. "He's not here and it's your fault."
"Billy!" Mary was shocked by her son's attitude toward Chris.
"It's okay Mary." He braced himself for the next answer. "Where did you last see him?"
"You made him go away!" The young boy was now close to tears. "I heard him in the livery stable talking to Rogue."
"What did you hear?" Chris squatted down in front of the young boy while trying to stay calm.
"He was crying. He told Rogue that dreams were for babies…and they weren't wanted here. He then left without saying goodbye." Billy was openly crying. "He was the closest thing I had to a big brother."
Chris gathered Billy into an embrace. "We're going to find him Billy. We're going to bring him home."
"You promise?"
"I'm going to do my best."
"Do you love him Chris?"
"Yes, Billy, I do. And it's time I told him." Billy hugged Chris.
He released the small boy and straightened up. "Let's go find him."
With a little help from Billy the seven men finally left town in the same direction that Jesse had taken. "Looks to me like he was headed toward yer cabin or possibly even Miz Nettie's place."
"Looks like it. I say we split up. Why don't you, Ezra, J.D. and Nathan head over to Nettie Wells' place, while Buck, Josiah and me give the cabin a try. If either of us find him we'll send someone with the news. Otherwise we meet back here in the morning."
Vin touched his hat. "Sounds like a plan. Watch your back."
Both sets of men headed out to find the one missing from their fold.
"I think you have company son."
"Is it Chris?" Jesse said trying not to sound hopeful.
"No. It's Vin, Ezra, Nathan, and J.D. Looks like they're searching for someone."
"I'll guarantee it's not me."
Soon there was a knock upon the door. Nettie opened it and welcomed the men into her home. "Nettie, sorry to disturb ya, but have you seen…" Vin needn't say any more as he could see the object of their search standing further in the room.
The hurt was plain to see on the boy's face. "Ya know he's worried sick about ya."
"Yeah, so sick that he couldn't come along."
Nathan's hackles rose. "That attitude needs to go."
"It'll go when I'm damn well ready to let it go!" Jesse snapped.
"Jesse." Nettie began to say. "You're a guest here, please refrain from using that kind of language."
"Sorry Miz Nettie." Jesse did not want Miz Wells mad at him.
"That's better. Why don't you listen to what they have to tell you."
"Yes, ma'am." The one he wanted to hear from didn't bother to come. He leaned against the doorway as Vin began to speak.
"Just so you know we split up to find ya. Weren't too sure which way ya were headed, so some of us checked here, while Chris and the others went to check his property. Ya got a right to know, he's done torn up on the inside. He cares for ya kid, don't make a bigger mistake by pushing him away."
"I'm not the one that did the pushing."
Vin sighed. "We'll leave in the morning." He raised an eyebrow at the kid expecting an answer.
"Fine."
It was later that night when Jesse decided to leave. He didn't expect the presence of a late night visitor though. "Leaving so soon my dear boy. No one wants to see you go. Especially our esteemed leader."
"I find that kind of hard to believe, seeing that he's not here."
Ezra duly noted the lack of warmth in the boy's voice. He even wondered if they were too late in their reasoning. "Why don't you give him a chance and leave with us in the morning?"
"I'll think on it, but he's already had a chance."
"Don't you think he deserves more than the one chance? I know Mr. Larabee sometimes forgets to make his feelings known, but he was quite distressed by your disappearance."
Jesse stopped listening after awhile, he knew what he wanted, but also knew that option was no longer available. He was leaving and there was nothing these men could do about it.
It came as no surprise, as morning dawned, to discover Jesse had slipped out during the night or possibly even the pre-dawn hours.
"Should have known he'd sneak out during the night." Nathan didn't bother to hide his displeasure.
J.D. asked. "What will we tell Chris?"
"The truth. Looks like we better ride. Thanks for the hospitality Miz Nettie."
"Pleasures all mine boys. I wish you luck in finding that boy, he needs someone to look after him."
"We aim to." Vin touched his hat and they rode off.
Déjà Vu. In other words, it happened again. He was hell bent on leather as he tore down that trail. The hands of fate set him up again. He shouldn't have been surprised when he crossed paths with Chris, Buck and Josiah. He quickly altered his course and spurred Rogue in another direction. Once more he was being chased by Larabee.
"Come on Rogue, we need to stay ahead. I don't want nothing to do with him." He chanced a glance over his shoulder and saw Larabee gaining on him and before he knew it a familiar hand tried for Rogue's reins. Like hell! He leaned forward urging Rogue to veer to the right. Chris followed urging Pony to do likewise.
Jesse tried to stay ahead, but the unthinkable happened; Rogue stumbled. It was at that same moment he felt something jerk him backwards. Damn! He slipped from the saddle and both he and Chris hit the ground. Again the gunslinger cushioned his fall, but as Jesse tried to disentangle himself from Chris he found he couldn't move. A well placed stinging swat to his backside told him he wasn't moving anytime soon.
"Now that I got your undivided attention, I think it's time you listen to what I've got to say." Chris was breathing hard from their recent exertion. Of course, Jesse struggled, but he found he was a recipient to another painful swat. "You either listen or I will tan your hide, your choice."
Through gritted teeth Jesse cussed, "Damn you! Let go of me! You have no right!"
Sighing, he obliged Jesse with a tanning.
Jesse had forgotten how hard Chris' hand felt against his backside, he squirmed and kicked, however, the more he struggled the worse it got. Finally he took the hint and quit fighting, that's when Chris stopped. "You going to listen now?"
The boy nodded. Two hands pulled Jesse up and off of Chris' lap, while another two helped Chris off the ground and to his feet. Jesse ignored the urge to rub the sting out of his tender rump. He was downright embarrassed knowing that Buck and Josiah witnessed his punishment. When he finally looked into Chris' eyes Jesse felt even worse; he quickly looked away.
"Why did you run? You have any idea how worried I was!"
Even though he had been thoroughly chastened his attitude remained. "Why should I have stayed, you made it clear you didn't want me around!"
"Where did you hear that?" Chris countered.
"Outside of the saloon, heard you talking or I should say shouting at Buck. I figured I was headed to an orphanage and I'd save you the trouble. What I don't understand is why put me through all this when you never intended to be around?"
"If you hung around for the rest of the conversation you would have learned that I was scared."
Whatever Jesse had been about to say was forgotten, because Chris' answer left him speechless. Jesse's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you kidding? You? Scared? I don't believe it."
"Believe it. I was trying to convince myself that you would be better off with a family that would care for you. But I learned I was wrong. You've changed that, Jess. I didn't want to get close, because I was afraid I'd lose you, like I did Adam."
Jesse was touched by Chris' heartfelt omission. "You miss him as much as I miss my parents. Maybe fate is trying to give us both another chance."
"I reckon that could be. It's not going to be an easy road for either of us."
"I'm willing to give it a chance."
"Then so am I. I'd be proud to call you my son."
The moisture in Jesse's eyes brimmed again as Chris pulled him into a hug. "I'm sorry about running away again. I was hurt and angry."
"I know and I'm sorry to have been the cause of it. It's over. I think it's time we went home."
"I like the sound of that."
"Thought you would."