The sun had set and it had taken Wheat longer than he figured it would to come across the uprooted tree where he'd hidden the saddlebags and canteen. He had stumbled, tearing both clothes and skin even more than he already had, falling several times as he made his way back to the trail. He was thankful for the moonlight or he wouldn't have seen Kyle who was patiently waiting for him only a short distance down the trail. Kyle heard his friend emerge from the trees, finally seeing him as he approached. He opened his mouth to say something, but after seeing the scowl on Wheat's face, decided it was best if he didn't. Wheat said nothing as he wearily mounted up behind Kyle, thankful that for once his friend was quiet as they headed for the safety of the Hole.

When Wheat slid off the back of Rosie, Kyles' chestnut mare, he was beyond tired but still fuming at the way he'd been treated. Kyle heard him cussing and tried to reassure his friend.

"Aww Wheat, he's just worried, he didn't mean nothin' by it."

"That don't matter none, he still didn't have no cause to act the way he done."

Grabbing the saddlebags he turned, pausing as he looked at the leaders' cabin. Kyle dismounted and eyed his partner.

"Ya want I should take it over for ya Wheat?"

Wheat dropped his right hand to hitch at his holster and without answering started toward the cabin. He walked in not even bothering to knock when he reached it. The door to the bedroom was open and glancing into the room could see the dejected form of the man who sat hunched in the chair close to the bed. He stopped for just a few seconds before throwing the saddlebags on the table. He knew how close the two men were and could understand the worry, but still didn't think he should have been treated the way he had been, after all he'd done the best he could. Shaking his head he turned on his heels striding purposefully to the door, wanting to slam it behind him, but didn't, not wanting to disturb the wounded man.

xxx

He was unsure of how much time had passed before everyone left and he was able to sit in the leaders' cabin, leaning forward in the chair he had put beside the bed. He sat quietly watching his friends' breathing. Preacher had removed the bullet before stitching and bandaging the wound, telling him that he'd lost a lot of blood but with lots of rest, would recover. He'd also told him that given the circumstances and available supplies, Wheat had done a good job of cleaning and dressing the wound, probably saving him from bleeding to death. But that didn't make him feel any better about the fact that Wheat had left his partner behind. He sat with his head lowered to his hands, elbows resting on his knees, his fingers buried miserably in his hair as he wondered how it had all gone so terribly wrong. The robbery itself had gone perfectly…but where the hell had that damn posse come from?

He heard the door of the cabin open and recognizing the footsteps didn't look up or even bother to lift his head to acknowledge Wheat when he tossed the saddlebags full of money wordlessly on the table before stomping out. At least he didn't slam the door he thought, still not taking his eyes off his cousin. He sighed deeply and shook his head as he wrung the cloth out and wiped the sweat from the pale face. He found it hard to believe that they had robbed that train just hours ago, when he could have sworn it had been days, but right now the money was the last thing on his mind.

xxx

He sat at his partner's side throughout the night keeping cool cloths on his forehead, giving him willowbark tea and at one point a dose of laudanum. Several times he found his thoughts drifting once again back to Wheat. He recalled seeing his torn clothes and blood on his face and arms from several cuts and scrapes. He knew the man better than to think he would abandon anyone in the gang, he had proven that more than once. Yes, he would have to smooth things over with him as soon as he knew his partner was going to be all right.

xxx

In the bunkhouse the men fell silent when Wheat slammed the door forcefully as he entered still muttering.

"Dammit, that sonofabitch oughta know I wouldn't just have left 'im…I had ta go for help."

He threw his hat on his bunk, turning to see Preacher standing in front of him holding out a cup half full of whiskey.

"Drink that and let me have a look at ya."

"Ain't nothin' but scratches," he said taking the cup gratefully.

"Ya need to calm down Wheat. Ya know damn well how those two get when one of 'em is hurt."

"I know Preacher but it still ain't right."

"Give him some time, once he's sure his partner's gonna be all right I bet he hunts ya down to talk to ya."

"Yeah sure," he snorted.

xxx

He was just starting to doze off in the chair as the sun was coming up but was startled fully awake when he heard his cousin as he started moving restlessly and mumbling. Lightly touching his forehead he was pleased to find him just slightly warm, so knew he wasn't delirious, but dreaming. As he listened, the unintelligible mumblings became a bit clearer.

"Wheat…ya gotta go…"

"Easy now…" he said barely above a whisper.

"Leave me…he'll understand…"

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before letting it out slowly. He had been so upset when he'd thought of his lifelong friend being hurt and abandoned that he'd said and done things in the heat of the moment…things he knew he needed to apologize for. The mumbling stopped as he settled back down into a deeper sleep. He sat for a few more minutes before his rumbling stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten for quite some time. Wearily he got to his feet to make his way to the kitchen.

He was starting the fire when the cabin door opened and Kyle came in carefully balancing a cup of coffee and a plate of ham and eggs. He set the food on the table beside the saddlebags not quite meeting his eyes.

"Hank cooked breakfast this mornin' and he done sent this over for ya," he mumbled as he looked into the bedroom. "How's he doin'?"

"His fever's almost gone."

"Well that's good news at least."

"Thanks for bringin' this over Kyle, I was gettin' hungry…and thank Hank for me."

Kyle bobbed his head.

"Will ya tell Wheat to come over when he has a minute."

Kyle looked down at his feet, nervously hitching his pants up and chewing his ever present tobacco a couple times.

"Don't rightly know if that's such a good idea, he's still pretty mad atcha."

"He has good reason to be Kyle…but I need to talk to him…just ask him to come over will ya? I don't think I should leave him alone just yet," he said jerking his head in the direction of the bedroom.

"I'll tell 'im ya wanna see 'im, but don't get mad at me if'n he don't show."

"I won't Kyle, thanks."

After Kyle left he sat at the table and since he hadn't eaten since early yesterday morning, quickly finished off his breakfast. Deciding that one cup of coffee wasn't going to cut it this morning he put coffee grounds in the pot, setting it on the stove to brew.

xxx

He was tired since he had only gotten about an hours' sleep since the night before the robbery and after eating felt even more tired, but knew he couldn't sleep yet. When a couple hours had passed, he'd come to the realization that Wheat probably wasn't going to show. He was pouring another coffee, thinking maybe Preacher or Hank would stay with his partner while he hunted Wheat down when the door opened and the man he was thinking about stepped in. He closed the door behind him, leaning against it as he stood glaring at him with his arms crossed defiantly.

"Coffee?" he asked as he lifted the pot.

"Kyle said ya wanted to see me."

"Yeah…look I know you wouldn't leave any of us behind Wheat and I wanted to apologize. I said and done things without thinkin', things that I never should've and I'm sorry."

"Well I'll tell ya, if it hadn't bin for a promise I made him I'd've bin outta here last night. There weren't no call for you to treat me the way ya done…and if it happens again I will be ridin' out."

"Wheat, I can't guarantee that you and I won't piss each other off again, but I give you my word that I'll do my best not to blame you for things that ain't your fault."

He held out his right hand and after a moment Wheat reached out taking it and they shook hands.

"Reckon I might have that coffee now."

A groan followed by a hoarse voice from the bedroom got the attention of both men.

"I'm tryin' to sleep here."

They both walked quickly into the bedroom and looked down.

Sleepy eyes opened, squinting as they focused on the faces of the two men standing beside the bed.

"How ya feelin'?"

"Tired…sore…thirsty."

Wheat grabbed the pitcher of water and poured some in the cup, handing it over to the man beside him who had lifted his partner's head so his friend could quench his thirst. He drank greedily, finishing off nearly the entire cup.

"You need to rest Heyes," the Kid said, lowering his cousin's head back down.

"Kid I got a feelin' I'm not gonna get any 'til you and Wheat sort out whatever's goin' on with the two of you."

"It's already sorted partner."

"Good, now go away so I can sleep," Heyes said, his eyes blinking heavily.

Both men had felt a weight lift when they'd seen Heyes' eyes open, relieved at the knowledge that he was going to be all right. They looked at each other smiling before turning to go to the kitchen, but Heyes' voice stopped them before they'd taken a step.

"Wait… Wheat, don't forget your promise."

"What promise?" the Kid asked curiously.

"Nothin' you need to worry yourself about Kid."

"I ain't forgot Heyes, and for the amount o' grief your partner's caused me, I reckon you owe me one."

"Only one?" he managed to ask before his eyes slowly closed, the sound of Wheat's chuckle the last thing he heard as he slipped into a healing sleep.