Just the plot and OCs for me.

Ten minutes later, I've checked Mac over and have gathered up the collection of logs I dropped earlier. Mac's doing fine – possibly slightly underfed and anxious going a few days without Brittany's treats and constant affection but he's perked right back up after recognising me. I hadn't any treats with me – Brittany would be happy to feed him immediately when we walked back – but Mac still took a liking to me and kept pushing himself into me. "Whoa, boy," I laughed quietly as he nearly floored me with his weight. "We're going to her now, I promise."

His reigns were still attached, and loose enough to be comfortable for him. Brittany, like myself, used a bitless bridle, so at least I knew he had been better off recently. Both saddlebags were fine, and there were still the odd bits and pieces Brittany kept in there which means he hadn't been seen by anyone. No one had stolen anything, or hurt him, or stolen him. I was grateful for all three.

"Let's get," I tell him, carrying the bundle in both handles. He didn't even need to led, and followed me the whole way back to camp. "You are gonna light up her day, boy." I smile at him and he just looks at me. Maybe he understands. "Things are lookin' up, Mac."

As I get nearer, I hear Brittany laughing. Lindsey's back, I notice. Something smells good and I'm impressed already at whatever she's managed to cook up. Was I really gone that long? I smile at the sound of them, enjoying their friendship and knowing that Brittany was protected when Lindsey was around. Don't get me wrong – Brittany is fierce, she can look after herself – but I ran with Lindsey for years and seen what she's capable of. It's like my girl has an extra bodyguard.

My girl.

I pass through the last of the trees before the opening and see Britt and Lindsey standing next to the fire. "Ladies, look wh-"

I'm cut off and nearly mowed down as Mac stampedes past me and knocks the logs out of my arms. Lindsey looks terrified for a second but I'm too focused on Brittany to even notice properly. The different emotions run through her features as she analyses what happens. The shock, confusion, recognition, relief and happiness course through her within seconds and I'm laughing and almost crying at the sight of Mac barrelling through and stopping just short of the blonde. He throws his head back and whinnies, then nudges his head into her arms.

"Mac?!" She looks at me, then back at her horse and throws her arms around him. Mac breathes out heavily and rests his head on her shoulder. "What? Where did you-? How-?" She laughs, a few tears drifting down her face. "What?" She asks again, looking at me in surprise.

I finish picking up the last of the logs again and laugh at her questions. "I heard a noise while I was in there and I thought it was a badger at first." My eyes drift to Lindsey who suddenly becomes rigid, her hand hovering over her gun. "It wasn't," I smirk at her and she visibly relaxes but narrows her eyes at me. "I heard him break a stick and tap the ground a few times. I had a feelin', I guess." I smile at Brittany who looks like she's in disbelief. "Next thing I know, this boy is demandin' a fuss and I'd recognise this friendly fella anywhere."

"I can't believe he's back," Brittany says, hugging him tighter. "And he seems fine?"

"Checked him over, he's right as rain, Britt," I shrugged. "Your stuff is still in your bags, too. I don't think he's even been seen since he left."

"I wonder where he went," Lindsey questions. "Seems bizarre to me he would just trot off if he's this loyal to you."

Britt smiles at Lindsey and attempts to shrug with Mac still resting on her. "I don't even care, Linds." She says brightly. "My boy is back."

I laugh and kneel next to the fire, carefully adding the some of the smaller logs to fuel it for longer. "This coffee done?" I ask, and Brittany nods so I fill a cup and put it aside to cool down slightly. "Linds – where in sweet hell did you get all of this?" I look at the selection of food she has cooking over the fire and whistle. There's eggs, bacon, beans and bread. There was even an unopened bottle of whiskey next to the fire.

She shrugs, acting coy. "I have my ways, Santana Lopez. A lady can't be expected to tell all her secrets."

"I ain't seen no lady round here, Miss Pierce. Have you?" I laugh as Lindsey sticks her middle finger up at me. I look up and Brittany has her face buried into Mac's neck but I notice her shake her head. "Thought so," I wink at Lindsey. "But honestly, thanks for the breakfast." I start piling up on a small tin plate and take a sip of my coffee before I start eating. "This is gonna be delicious."

"You're welcome," Lindsey smiles, and it's the 'big sister' look I'd grown to love through the years. "Eat up and enjoy it," she takes a cooked slice of bacon from the skillet and chews on it as she talks. "Tomorrow's a big day."