disclaimer: I own . . . nothing.

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Quinn now thought that I was a paranoid prude. I probably was going to have to tell him my secret. Or at least part of it. We made good time, riding for a day-and-a-half and only 60 miles left to Tulsa.

Quinn is . . . nice. He likes me, but since he thinks I'm a boy, he's not pursuing me like most boys. Which is a refreshing change. Usually guys are all over me, and they seem to think I can't do anything myself. That they have to help me with every little thing.

"I can't wait to see my brothers again," Quinn said breaking into my thoughts "it's been three years since we've seen each other."

Did I ask for family history? Oh well, the silence is oppressive anyway. "Hmm." I say

"You're doing it again." Quinn told me rolling his eyes "Hmn" I say not looking at him.

"Are you unable to formulate actual complete sentences?" Wait . . . why are you talking to me? "Maybe." I say, inwardly smirking "You're having fun aren't you." He said shaking his head "Perhaps." I reply

"Bryan said he'd meet us in front of General Hardware & Lumber Co." Quinn said changing the subject.

"Uh-uh." I reply, nodding. Oh, this is too much fun.

It wasn't hard finding Bryan, all we had to do is follow the sound of a brawl. Bryan and two other guys were fighting in the middle of the street. Quinn pulled out a pistol I didn't know he had, and shot once into the air.

"Alright, break it up! Shows over!" He called "Ugh, Quinn! I was winning that fight!" Bryan said dusting himself off

"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Quinn replied smirking. "C'mon, we got 363 miles to ride, in three days."

"Yeah, you and your damned schedule!" He mounted a chestnut mare and we turned and headed out of town.

"So who's the kid?" Bryan asked conversationally

"Ryan, and I'm not a kid. I'm sixteen." I growled acting wounded.

"Yep, this is Ryan-I'm-an-anti-social-little-pain-in-the-a" he broke off when I smacked him

"You finish that sentence and you'll be wishing your mama never let you outta her sight Ely." I snapped

"Oh, I like this one. We should keep him." Bryan chuckled

"I'm not a pet." I said rolling my eyes

"Sure kid, whatever you say." Bryan smirked

"Bastards." I remark casually

"Hey!" "Nu-huh!" Quinn and Bryan said outraged "I'll have you know our parent's were legally and happily married at our conception!" Quinn declared "Though maybe not Kit's." Bryan said thoughtfully "True." Quinn conceded, equally thoughtful.

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A/N: Please review!