Would last words spoken in anger be the last words a loved one would recall?

[This story dedicated to RB: Happy Birthday] Remember the old saying: It's A Thin Line Between Love & Hate? ...And so begins this latest tale in the FLAME Series of GS stories. In the midst of swirling emotional turmoil comes real physical threat and harm. From Poppy to Hadley, everyone responds to the new energies and upcoming changes.

Every wonder what happened between the filmed scenes? Me too.

A story within a story - of beautiful redheaded damsels and strong, brave protectors; of good guys, bad guys (and worse guys); there's even a "dwagon!"

Kitty and Calleigh make a pilgrimage to New Orleans together, for shopping and for Kitty to show the place of her birth to her daughter. Things were rolling right along, until... Need I say it? Well, it rhymes with, 'sage' and changes a pleasure trip into a struggle for survival. It also takes our duo to places they never planned to go. Will anyone come to their rescue?

Although Newly is desperately wanted by a new woman in town, he has no interest...and she has no mercy-for the one person she perceives as being in her way-the only woman Newly has ever loved.

After Kitty heals from the vicious attack by Bonner and his men, Matt makes a decision.

Cooper learns more about guns than he wanted to.

Kitty deals with two kinds of separation anxiety.

Set in the 'A Million Reasons' Universe. Won't make sense unless you have read that story. Summary - Sometimes, a girl just needs her daddy.

A potentially deadly medical mystery descends upon Dodge City. Apparently, 'First Do No Harm' means different things to different seekers of healing. Will a decision from the past bring certain tragedy to the Dillon family's future?

Post Series - Three years after leaving Dodge, Kitty runs into Matt on a train.

Another viewpoint of what happened after Kitty left and Matt took off his Badge and Left ...

Dodge City is indeed a unique place, filled with strong women. In this #17 FLAME Series story, Kitty struggles to save her town...but certain individuals are also saved-in more ways than one.

The Dillon family members embark on diverse journeys-both distant and inner...

"Doc ... our relationship is crumbling before my eyes." A Matt and Kitty Story

This is a nonsensical piece of Christmas fluff. Hope you enjoy!

A grisly string of murders that began in Pueblo, lands-via stagecoach-in Dodge City. At the same time, Kitty is trying to work a lucrative business deal, until a secret of Matt's surfaces in the worst way, angering her to distraction!

An adventure story loosely based on the lyrics of the song Big Iron as written and sung by Marty Robbins. It is also uses some characters from "The Only Man I can Trust".

Kitty forms a new and interesting friendship. Oh and there's some action and adventure too. A Matt & Kitty story.

Several people embark upon journeys that may-or may not-end in Hays. While various dangers threaten each traveler, plenty of love and humor help to ease the way...for some.

One of Dodge City's long-gone residents returns, bringing an unwanted surprise, chaos and the threat of death into the lives of the Dillons-young and old.

This ficlet is dedicated to Gunshy1. Awhile ago she asked me a difficult question. This story is my attempt at an answer...

My own idea of what could have happened following the episode "Seven Hours til Dawn". It absolutely does not follow cannon, and that's just how I like it. I apologize for not splitting it into chapters, but I'll figure that out later ;)

Matt's life and budding relationship with Kitty are threatened by Floyd Dunbart, a vengeful prisoner with mysterious ties to Matt's war years.

There's more than one way to be a winner. . . The Rodeo comes to Dodge City, bringing with it both challenges, threats and new alliances. Meanwhile, Marshal Dillon and his beloved are away on an adventure of their own. . .

I posted this on Archive a long time ago but a friend demanded I post it here as well. If you've read it, feel free to ignore it. Chapter 9 has been fixed

Bad blood and family ties-old and new, good and evil-converge, putting two young boys' lives in danger. Is there hope, or does certain death await them?

There were many times that Chester managed to mess things up, but occasionally he could be the hero.

An old love from the past, as well as a distant nightmare, both converge on Dodge and shake the foundation of the Dillon Family. [HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROY! - My inspiration for the FLAME SERIES]

No one ever hurt Matt Dillon the way Jude Bonner did. This is my last foray into the mind of my favorite horse from the heydays of the great American Western. MM and ATC to Hostage! Season 18, Episode 13, Written by Paul Edwards, Directed by Gunnar Hellstrom. Some dialogue is directly quoted or paraphrased.

Kitty is the only witness to a murder - but why is the victim still alive? A special thanks to my grandson who guilted me into a rewrite. To all of you who have been so supportive I am so grateful for all of your encouragement. Thank you all. I do not own these characters although they truly own my heart.

For near 20 years, I wondered what Buck was thinking and this is my attempt to elucidate his thoughts. This story is primarily a MMs and an ATC for Hidalgo, Season 17, Episode 17, Written by Colley Cibber, Directed by Paul Stanley. It also contains significant spoilers for many other episodes. Some are significant.

An unimaginable tragedy befalls one part of this extended family at the same time that another part is gratefully awaiting an abundant blessing. Together, they seek to find some way to all survive together.

For 20 years we wondered what Matt was thinking, This ATC is an attempt to elucidate the inner workings of the Marshal's mind beginning in the final moments of the TV episode "Mannon," Season 14, Episode 17 written by Ronald Bishop, directed by Robert Butler, original air date 20 January 1969. Some dialogue is directly quoted or paraphrased.

This 6th tale in the FLAME Series, has Frank Reardon arriving on the scene to both seek and offer assistance. Will Dodge City survive the deadly showdown that looms-or become little more than ash and memories?

Both humor and drama continue within the world of the Dillons, as portrayed in this 5th story of the 'FLAME' series. A dual, yet separate storm, impacts both Matt and Kitty, threatening their lives and the lives of those who love them.

FOURTH IN THE FLAME SERIES: An innocent desire leads to charges of murder against someone in the Dillon Family. What's worse, an old grudge against Matt Dillon adds to the threat.

First in the FLAME SERIES of Stories. (Re-edited, with 3 new chapters. This story is the foundation upon which the other FLAME SERIES tales are built, as it introduces the main, OC.) Will Matt's past affect Kitty's future-and his own?

A woman,Sarah Drew,comes to town determined to go to Fort Wallace. Matt tells her it is too it is too dangerous and he won't take her. She manages to change his mind. It is a disaster. When Kitty, who has been out of town, finds out from townspeople how close this woman was with Matt everything explodes and the Marshal has a lot of explaining to do.

In Seven Hours to Dawn Matt Dillon is presumed dead. Kitty Russell is devastated. Doc takes her to her room. The last we see of her before the last moving scene she is sitting on her bed in a catatonic state. This my version of how she reacted and coped and a ATC of what happened next.

Doc threatened to leave Dodge City on more than one occasion. This time he did, but soon found out that not all the evil doers came to Kansas.

After finding an obsolete book, Matt and Calleigh are pursued by a family of gunslingers, out to gain fame and fortune by killing the famous Marshal and his daughter. Thanks to everyone for your tips and encouragement.

Matt has an appointment to keep.

This is a sequel to "A Flicker of Light In The Darkness". I would ask that you read that first to familiarize yourself with the characters. Thank everyone for their support of the first story. Kitty and Matt travel to Boston for a family business venture and find themselves both apparent targets for murder. Old friends and new offer support.

Even when logic tells you that something is over, your stubborn heart will do what it wants.

This is an ATC, to "Mannon"... Matt and Mannon came face to face on front Street... Mannon lay in the street..Dead! ...so what happened next? We never knew...so this is my idea...

Kitty reflects on her relationship to Matt with a little help from a couple of songs whose lyrics seemed appropriate. Some before & after MMs from Season 3's Joe Phy.

A brilliant flash of lightning cut through the dark sky, illuminating the street and sending Louie Pheeters scurrying toward the figure sprawled across the horse's back. "Oh, my goodness, Marshal, we're going to need some assistance here. You hang on real tight. I'll be right back."

The job takes its toll on a man. All Matt wants to do is get home but he must first protect a boy, a strongbox with money for Ft. Dodge and himself.

There is trouble for Matt and Kitty when a robbery goes bad.

The Long Branch Saloon, had a reputation for having the prettiest girls, the best whisky and the coldest beer. There was no problem attracting customers. As far as business went Miss Kitty Russell should be feeling very happy right now, but it wasn't business that was worrying her.

An idea of where Kitty was during season 20 and just after, done in 5 sketches.

Kitty tried to give Matt an edge when he rode into town to face Mannon. What if it wasn't enough?

Matt and Festus pursue three stagecoach robbers, but get more than they bargained for in the chase.

Matt and Kitty separate after an argument not knowing what will take place after they are apart. Sooooooooooooo sorry. I went to make an edit and ended up deleting the story by mistake. So here it is again

Kitty waits for Matt to come home after his rescue from desperate prison escapee Lon Gorman & his gang. ATC for b&w Season 11 ep The Hostage. There were a lot of angsty, shippy scenes for Kitty in this episode-with Doc-but the show ended with a big chase and gunfight and no resolution for Kitty or M/K fans. Here's my attempt to help out a little bit.

Complete - finally! "On the forsaken prairie, alone except for the wind and dust, Kitty Russell's world fell apart."

Matt's Love Story ATC; Continues where He Restoreth My Soul left off.

Sheriff Rick Miller may have stopped Matt Dillon from killing Dean Harlow with his bare hands, but that didn't help Kitty Russell. If she died nothing that happened from now on mattered. This is my attempt at meeting Nevada Rose's challenge.

A sequel to Incident in Dodge

Matt's Love Story ATC. An attempt to right the wrong that was done Kitty Russell.

When the one that Matt cares for most is hurt he goes looking for payback.

The episode "The Hostage" is one that stands out for many G fans. As a child, I could not live with thinking my beloved heroine had been so badly abused. As an adult, I can go slightly AU, or who knows, maybe it did happen this way. **This is an edited repost of a story I published but removed. I have received many messages asking for it to be reposted so they could finish it.

As Kitty once again sits by the bedside of a wounded Matt Dillon and wills him to fight for his life, she realizes that he didn't spare her any pain by not marrying her...because it doesn't matter if she has his name or wears his ring. She'll still feel like a widow if he dies.

Immediately follows The Wreckers. There had to have been consequences. Fluffy, not much plot.

Doc, Kitty and Matt travel to San Francisco and stay with Kitty's friend Julie Blane. It's to be a combination holiday away from the responsibilities of Dodge thanks to both men being asked to speak at conferences. However, all three are tested when they come into contact with that city's underworld when Matt disappears.

After learning of Bonner's prison break, Matt takes out after him vowing to bring him in..but, then when Matt's Horse and things are found he is presumed dead...Kitty, choose's to leave Dodge...to protect a secret of her own.

Written in the brisk, terse style of the earliest episodes. Prairie justice is swift and handled outside of the law. Story Complete.

A little drama and adventure but most of this is devoted to Doc Adams whose skills are constantly in demand because he is the only Doctor within a hundred miles of Dodge City The very nature of his profession sets him apart from even his closest friends and when he thinks his skills are not up to the task in hand, he has to handle his own emotions before he can help others.

Having a good reason to do something doesn't always mean it's the right decision, or does it? Matt and Kitty face challenges.

Despite everything he had been through, despite the unthinkable scene that greeted his long-overdue return, he breathed out a chuckle. He had never been able to fool Kitty Russell, not about anything. But the laugh died just past his lips as she moaned feebly. Several readers have asked that this story be posted on this site, so here it is.

This short story is based on a classic Gunsmoke theme, the homesteader versus the land. Dorothea Lange's iconic "Migrant Mother" photos served as inspiration. Complete.

I've had this written, yet unedited for some time. Figured I might as well go ahead and post it. Bear with me on it please as I might not get it posted as quickly as I usually post and it is different from what I normally do.

The final installment in the Growing Old With Kitty trilogy. Lotsa cowboys, romance & adventure with young Matt & Kitty smack dab in the midst of the whole shootin' match. Kitty's fondest wishes come true at last. AU. A world of thanks to my two betas, Glow and Moonstone Maiden, for enduring this needy fic author's endless questions and revisions. xoxo

A missing moment and peek inside the characters' minds during the "The Avengers", a brilliant episode which was lacking only in a little romance.

She'd evaded the noose once already, just in the past year, in fact, but not this time. You can't always be free from your past...some demons will never be defeated. -some dialogue is taken from "The Jailer"

Picks up right where Growing Old With Kitty left off. Young cowboys, dastardly villains, eccentric characters, adventure & romance, Matt and Kitty-style. AU. This story is complete in and of itself, but the entire "Growing Old" story arc will conclude and wrap up loose ends in Growing Old With Kitty 3 to be posted at a later date. Unfortunately, Real Life slows me down sometimes.

After spending 5 years in Dodge, Kitty returns to New Orleans.

Matt and Festus rescue Kitty.

Matt gets an assignment and Kitty receives a letter, both of which lead them on a cross country adventure. I never did like the episode The Long Long Trail so I came up with this alternate version. The story also includes a character from the episode Kitty's Rebellion.

After a Business trip to San Francisco, where she met up with Doc, Kitty agreed to meet up with Doc again in Denver and travel back to Dodge with him after his meeting with his old friend G.L.Harrington. But an unforseen detour takes them over...

A follow on to Counterfeit. This story really won't make sense if you haven't read Counterfeit.

Disciple Fic. Alternate Universe. Youth and misadventure and romance and cowboys. Not steamy, but very sigh-worthy, I hope. This story will be continued in Growing Old With Kitty 2, but don't hold yer breath! These first thirty chapters took me three months to write. Please be patient, and I will pick up exactly where I left off in this fic. All the sweet romance you can stand!

Matt Dillon has been gone from Dodge City for a long time when an urgent telegram arrives for Doc.

Kitty takes a train trip to attend a friends wedding but ends up taking a detour she didn't intend on.

Young Marshal Matt Dillon knew his life could end at any moment. What he didn't expect was that it would be at the end of a noose under a different name after his murder trial in Quinton near the Republican River.

A Matt & Kitty story with marriage and adventure.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Looking at the words, he didn't know the purpose for this, but had faith enough to believe that the time to laugh would be coming soon. They'd already had too much time to we

This is sort of an ATC to an ATC witten by a friend / writer (Singerme) and to A Long Long Trail, Now, upon His return what will Matt reveal? And to whom?

This story, is POV...Doc...For those of you that Remember the Episode "The Hunger "..Doc winning the Gold Band Ring...in hopes that someday it would be put on the hand of a Beautiful woman... does he finally get his wish?

Little did Matt suspect that a relapse with his arm after returning to work following season 19's The Disciple while investigating a series of saloon takeovers would lead to a nightmare. All he'd wanted was a bit of a vacation with Kitty to offset having to testify in court not attempted murders and dire consequences. This is a prequel to Die a Little, Live a Lot.

This Story ...Is A week of Mishaps that take place following an arguement, Between Matt and Kitty, over her refusing to cancel a business trip and staying in town where he feels she would be safer and he could better protect her after he receives word of a prison break ...

When I (thought) I had finished Captive Hearts, several friends wanted to know just a little more about what happened next. This is the result.

The old clock is ticking now Marks the space between us Your memory enshrouds my heart For I am held a captive...Brendan Perry

Matt had been retired for 3 years, but Marshal Newly O'Brien comes with a request

Matt Dillon shoved open the front doors of the Long Branch, striding in with a blast of frigid air and swirling snowflakes. The raucous pounding of the piano keys stopped, partygoers froze, crystal punch cups or beer mugs hung in mid-air, mouths gaped at the sight he made.

When Matt is shot in the head and loses his memory, will he remember Kitty?

Kitty struggles to understand Matt's behavior following a harrowing experience. An ATC to The Dreamers.

Life stands still for no one. After 19 years as marshal Matt's life is shaped not only by the decisions he makes, but by his reactions to the decisions made by others.

Matt and Kitty must determine how to move past an indiscretion. An ATC to The Way It Is.

They say what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Matt and Kitty are about to put that to the test.

Sometimes a person has to know when to quit and move on.

A sudden snow storm brings trouble to Kitty and Matt. Will it end their relationship?

A storm comes into Matt and Kitty's life that may take more than they have to give.

Matt is greatly upset for a very good reason.

My version of what went on between Kitty & Matt during season 20.

Now here we were back in Dodge and from the look of things out the window, my life was going backwards instead of forwards.

Kitty is tried for murder. Can Matt save her?

ATC-Seven Hours to Dawn. While Matt mends physically, Kitty needs a lot of emotional healing with a little help from her closest friends.

While Matt is away Kitty is stolen.

Doc, Matt and Kitty take a trip to Denver. It is supposed to be a vacation, but doesn't turn out that way

These adventures happened so very many years ago, but I remember the events as though it were yesterday I was living them. Kitty Russell

A different Idea for Season 20

Matt and Kitty are heading home after a vacation but their return trip proves to be perilous.

Two men plan to rob the Dodge City bank without interference by shooting Matt and kidnapping Kitty. Will their plans be thwarted or will Matt and Kitty each face danger alone?

Kitty finds herself pregnant after the brutal rape by the Dog Soldiers.

A stage hold up and a train wreck send the Marshal on a manhunt

Can Matt and Kitty save the ranch at Yellow River. Will the trail finally lead them home?

Kitty leaves Dodge City to marry Will Stambridge. When Kitty needs Matt's help will he come?

Doc tries to remember the events that led to Matt and Kitty's death. Story complete.

He fought again and clawed upward, gagging and coughing to expel the vile fluid from his sodden lungs, but his efforts seemed futile and the final curtain of darkness fell over him, her name the last word bubbling from his lips.

ATC to "The Avengers" - She was going to die. In just a matter of moments she was actually going to die. It wasn’t the first time Kitty Russell had faced that realization, but it was the most recent and, therefore, the most imminently possible.

Matt and Festus track a band of outlaws on the prairie.

Just go on up now? While everyone was still there? While everyone could see him climb those stairs and know exactly whose room he was going to? And know exactly – well maybe not exactly – what he would be doing, and with whom?

Matt: "If there's something...if I did something to upset you or hurt you, please tell me. We can make it right.” Kitty: "Nothing can make it right, Matt. Not this time."

Matt returns to Dodge after the death of his good friend Adam Kimbro with a lot on his mind. Complete

This was his masterpiece, his tribute to a man who had eluded its comforts much longer than Percy would ever have imagined.

Miss Kitty makes a shocking discovery that will change her and Matt's lives forever. Complete for now.

With a feeling that was disturbingly familiar, he crossed his left leg over his right, smoothly avoiding her uninvited and unwelcome touch, and wondered if he should have stayed in Wichita one more day.

Amnesia doesn't only happen to the big Marshal. This story explores what happened when Miss Kitty looses all her memories of Matt, Doc, Dodge City.

Epilogue is up. A tale of suspense, horror, death, and a little romance. By Wendy and Amanda.

This story takes place after season 19 and is yet another attempt to explain Kitty's disappearance from Dodge. Kitty turned in the warm circle of his arms, her own slender arms reaching around his neck...

He found his thoughts returning to another night three years earlier, a night he had lain almost in this very spot, a night he had thought would change his life. And it certainly had, but not at all the way he planned.

After a particularly upsetting loss, Doc attempts to find comfort in a bottle, which almost results in the death of one of his patients. As word of his lapse gets around town, he finds himself on the outside looking in, and he decides to call it quits.

He beat the odds because he was good – the best, they said – and Kitty knew it was true. Still, even the best weren’t perfect. And imperfection allowed for mistakes.

After witnessing something he wished he hadn't, Matt wrestles with his conscience as a lawman and friend, and Doc's life hangs in the balance.

Kitty Russell was sick, terribly sick, and there wasn’t a thing Matt Dillon could do about it. COMPLETE

Kitty leaves Dodge for good this time and Matt isn't coping very well.

After being chased on the trail by Marshal Dillon, Eli Kendall seeks revenge in Dodge, but Kendall turns out not to be the only uninvited guest.

Matt leaves town on business and disappears.

The daughter of Ben Rawlson, a rancher and friend of Matt's, claims that the Marshal is the father of her child. Her false accusations have serious consequences.

After Matt is forced to shoot the son of Raymond Dunning, the wealthy rancher has the Marshal kidnapped. It is now up to Doc and Chester to find and free him before Dunning can carry out his plan of taking Matt's life in retaliation.

Two vicious crimes have been committed in Dodge and strangely all the evidence seems to be pointing towards the Marshal. Is someone trying to frame Matt? He has to find out before the whole town turns against him.

Kitty is caught in the crossfire of a bank robbery.

Matt disappears on Christmas Eve, leaving his friends searching for what happened.