Author's Note: You guys are the best…the reviews, alerts, PMs and favorites are unexpected and much appreciated! I even have received inspiration for another story from one of the PM's you guys sent in…thanks so much for sticking with this story!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but a laptop and –at the moment- an overactive muse.

Little Joe watched as Adam opened the tin. A pleasant aroma of lavender, aloe, and vanilla wafted out. Adam held it out for Joe's approval, as if assuring him he wasn't going to use poison on the wounds. Joe relaxed. Adam was only trying to help as best as he knew; Joe couldn't even count the number of times Adam or Hoss had patched him up after a fight at school before Pa saw him. Joe slid off his shirt and turned around, allowing Adam to patch him up one more time. Joe had a feeling it wouldn't be last time, either.

The salve was cooling, and warming at the same time. Little Joe had had the pain for so many days, he had forgotten what it was like to not have it. Imagine an ache, a pain, that is with you every waking moment and tormenting your dreams. Imagine that suddenly, within moments that ache disappeared, leaving behind only softness and relief. Man could say what he liked about Heaven, but that is as close to Paradise as you can find on earth. But Little Joe suspected that the real relief was from no longer hiding his pain from his family.

"Better?" Adam asked, his voice making it apparent he was actually asking, not trying to prove his superior intelligence. For once. He sounded almost anxious, as if he wasn't sure what to do if Joe said no.

Joe moved his shoulders, and there was no pain. He turned around to face Adam, pulling his shirt back on. "Yeah, Adam. That's great! It doesn't hurt at all."

Adam's face lit up, something Joe did not see too often. Adam was like a rock, careful to never show emotion if he could help it. "I'm glad. Don't overdo it; you aren't healed. This just takes the sting out for a few hours. We'll have to put some more on before we head home."

Even though he was still sounding bossy, Joe had known Adam long enough to hear the rough burr in his voice. His older brother was straining to hold something back. Annoyance? No. Anger? Maybe…is it directed at me? Stress over Pa's errand? Joe suddenly went white. "Weren't we supposed to meet Mr. Walker an hour ago?"

Adam held up a hand. "We are going to meet with him tomorrow morning, then ride home. I took care of it."

Of course he did. He's Adam. Little Joe thought, then asked if they were going to eat anytime soon.

Adam stared at him. "Is that all you think about? Eating?" He gave a small half grin. "I suppose we could take in a little food."

Little Joe grinned for the first time in a week without having to fake it. "Hey, I'm a growing boy. Hop Sing keeps reminding me."

Adam just narrowed his eyes slightly and shook his head. "Alright. Wouldn't want you to waste away."

Joe released a breath he didn't know he was holding; Adam was not going to press him any farther. That was good…that meant it was over…no more remembering…no more threat. That felt good.

BNZ BNZ BNZ BNZ

Adam watched Little Joe out of the corner of his eye at the saloon. After a good meal at the hotel, Adam had insisted on buying Joe a drink. After his revelation, Little Joe could use a little liquid encouragement. What Pa doesn't know won't hurt him. Adam thought grimly as his brother downed his third drink of the evening. And Adam was forced to admit to himself that his motives weren't entirely altruistic. Maybe the liquor would loosen Joe up enough to tell him what was really going on. Adam knew whatever was bothering him was not the fact he couldn't defend himself; it was obviously an unfair fight. Joe had, unfortunately, been on the losing side of fights before. He had never reacted like this.

Adam guiltily sipped his own beer, knowing that he had promised to leave the matter alone. But…if little brother decided that he wanted to talk when that pleasant fog of intoxication descended…well, he wasn't to blame.

"Hey…Adam…" Joe was starting to speak in a slightly slurred tone. He grinned widely at his brother and tipped back in his chair. Adam had to lean forward and grab the chair and pull him back up before he took a spill. Joe took off his hat and laid it on the green felt topped table, his motions slow and unhurried. Adam wondered if this little idea was a good one; they did have a long ride ahead of them the next day.

"Yes, Little Joe?" Adam said wearily, having prevented his brother from sliding out of his chair for the second time that night.

"That…that gal that was over here…what was her name? Sally?" He motioned to one of the saloon girls in a bright orange dress. "She was awful pretty, wasn't she, Adam?"

Adam glanced at the girl with her tightly braided black hair piled high on her head. She wasn't his particular fancy, but she was reasonably attractive. "Yes, I suppose she is."

"I got the feeling she likes me, ain't that the funniest thing?" Joe grinned widely again, well on his way to becoming truly and completely drunk. Adam did not want that, and signaled the bartender not to fill Joe's glass again.

"You have silver dollars in your pocket; of course she likes you." Adam said cynically. Joe did not seem to notice, suddenly closing his eyes.

"The lights are bright, Adam. Real bright." He murmured. Adam smirked to himself, finishing his beer. He headed to the bar for a cup of coffee for Joe and to square the bill. The bartender was occupied with another customer, so Adam stood patiently. A man in dusty clothes smiled at him. He pushed his battered hat up, revealing his sharp face and almost pitch black eyes.

"That your kid brother?" He nodded to Joe. Adam nodded back. The man grinned. "Had a bit too much, eh? You boys celebrating a happiness or drowning a sorrow?"

Adam smiled politely. "Nothing in particular." He didn't like the man…something was off about him.

The man narrowed his eyes at Adam, but kept up his grin. "Reminds me of my own kid brother. Couldn't hold his liquor either." There was almost something menacing in his manner.

"My brother is just fine, mister." Adam said lightly, motioning for the bartender. The man seemed affronted.

"I meant no offence, mister. Just trying to be friendly." He took a long drink from a whiskey glass.

Adam handed the barkeeper the money and accepted the coffee. He tipped his hat at the girl Joe was taken with as she passed and turned back to the man. "No offence taken. Nice talking to you." He lied civilly.

The man waved his hand amicably, though Adam felt that same strange repulsion tickle the back of his neck.

There is something about that drifter…stop it, Adam. You could be suspicious of a priest. He scolded himself. He's done nothing to you. Adam handed Joe the cup of coffee and ignored the wanderer at the bar.

Joe looked up, smiling dreamily with his eyes closed. "Hey…Adam….do you hear the music? Such pretty music." He started humming off key and Adam knew he had had enough to drink.

"Come on, buddy." He looped his arm around Joe, planning to support him as he walked out, but from the way Joe slid right to floor, it was apparent Adam would have to carry him out. Joe looked up from where he had slithered to the ground, bewildered.

"Adam! You….grew….or I shrunk…." Joe shook his head and looked around the room. Everyone was ignoring the two; a friend assisting a drunken companion out was a frequent-expected, even-occurrence. Joe suddenly gasped and grabbed at Adam's leg sharply.

"That's him!" Joe said in a harsh whisper.