Heyes sighed at the antagonism he could feel emanating from his partner as they packed up ready to leave, but at least they'd managed to avoid a blazing row followed by outright hostility. That in itself felt like a small miracle. Too many close calls, lack of funds and general tiredness had meant over the last month their relationship had deteriorated to the point that on more than one occasion they'd seriously discussed splitting up.

Ultimately, after the third such discussion/argument they'd decided that however annoying they sometimes found each other, having someone to watch your back and be irritated with was far better than trying to survive alone. Both of them still had clear and uncomfortable memories of what that actually meant.

As a result of this they'd both been a little more careful with what they said to each other and this silent resentment seemed to be Curry's way of biting his tongue. Heyes supposed it was an improvement but he wouldn't swear to it.

Despite Curry's disappointment at leaving, Heyes was sure as he studied his friend's back that he saw a distinct relaxation in his frame the further from town they rode. Heyes himself could feel some of his own tension ease as they rode into the wilder country of the mountains.

They had both done well at the poker tables of Little Rock and had money in their pocket, despite this as dusk started to descend by mutual agreement they chose to sleep outside. That way they could take advantage of the warmer weather and stretch their funds a little further. They'd flipped for who got first watch and Heyes sneaking a look at his partner had made sure the coin had come up in the Kid's favour. The fact that Curry hadn't even suspected anything seemed to validate the choice. Heyes justified his decision by arguing to himself that a tired Kid was a grumpy one and this way he'd made it easier to avoid an argument.

Heyes listened with half an ear to the familiar sound of his partner readying himself for sleep as he looked outwards to the open country. After a few moments, there was mostly silence except for the quiet sounds of the night-time wildlife and the Kid's deep breathing. Heyes breathed in the dusty air feeling surprisingly at peace with the world.

He woke Curry about four hours later and watched with some amusement, a half smile on his face as he came out of what had obviously been a deep sleep. He was bleary eyed, his hair stuck out in all directions and he resembled to Heyes's mind a sleepy but surprisingly cuddly bear just coming out of hibernation.

"What?" Curry sounded a little defensive as he squinted up at his partner obviously noticing the look on his face even in the half light.

"Nothin; Kid." Heyes wrestled his expression into as neutral a gaze as he could manage, doubting his friend would appreciate the reason for his smile. The Kid sat up properly and pushed his hand through his hair which only made it stick out more and as he rubbed his eyes sniffing at the freshening air, Heyes thought he looked nothing like a hardened gunslinger, resembling far more the child he had been before they'd lost everything. Heyes turned away to mask the grin he couldn't hide as a sudden wave of affection swept over him. "Coffee should still be hot."

Heyes lay down on his bedroll and watched The Kid pour himself some coffee. He closed his eyes as his partner settled himself in for the next few hours. Heyes soon realised that he wasn't quite tired enough to sleep but was relaxed enough not to feel restless.

It wasn't long before The Kid's voice broke into his strange reverie as he rested between sleeping and waking, "Whatcha thinkin' Heyes? Cos you sure ain't sleepin'.'" There was an amused affection to the tone rather than frustration.

"You want to swap?" asked Heyes, thinking he might as well offer to keep watch if he wasn't ready to sleep.

"Nah, but I wouldn't say no to some company." Heyes felt rather than saw him pat the ground next to him.

Heyes wrapped a blanket round his shoulders and shuffled over to join his partner, leaning into him slightly as together they watched dawn break over the mountains.

"I wasn't thinkin' much of anything, just enjoying the peace."

Kid nodded his agreement. "It sure is pretty out here. I know I weren't exactly co-operating this morning Heyes, but I've realised sometimes it's just nice to..." he trailed off, not sure quite how to finish.

"Take some time to 'preciate the quiet things in life eh?" Heyes usually enjoyed the hustle of town but here and now he was enjoying being away from it as much as his partner.

Kid again nodded his agreement and gave a contented sigh. Heyes smiled at the small sound, realising it'd been a while since he'd heard such a peaceful noise from his partner.

There was a comfortable silence between them and Heyes soon felt himself nodding off against the warmth of his partner's shoulder. He woke to bright sunlight and a smiling Curry looking down at him. Heyes realised he was lying flat with Curry's coat under his head and the blanket thrown over him. He couldn't remember getting there.

" I thought it'd save you a crick in the neck if you slept lying down. I got the fire going and some eggs cooking. We got time for breakfast before we need to ride out. I took a look about while you were sleeping, no one around for miles and there's a little creek a short walk that-away." Curry pointed vaguely downwards and Heyes grinned at him.

"We could stay for tonight if you like. Weather looks mighty settled."

Heyes figured this was just what they needed and by the pleased look on his partner's face he was in agreement with the idea.