Camping with Marshmallow

Lou and Bruce rode out

BG was soon out of sight

They rode until they had

To stop for the night.

As they set up camp

Lou lips pressed in a clamp

No, she had to say,

"You done good today."

"Of course I did,

It's what I do.

But what I don't understand

Is why the ruse?

Why pretend that the diamonds

aren't your friends

What exactly did you intend?"

"Enzo's eyes had that hungry look

I just thought I'd throw out the

bait and see what I could hook."

"So why get pay from that Ger guy

When there are diamonds nearby?"

"Exactly! Now take off your shirt."

"What... Why? You said..."

Then Bruce shook his head

"Why am I arguing?"

Lou came over

Slid his shirt from his shoulders

Handed him the salve

"Those burns aren't going to heal themselves."

Bruce slid the lotion over his skin

"I'll need help with my back,"

he said with that grin.

When he turned Lou sucked in her breath

The burns, so bad, it amazed her he escaped death.

"Does it hurt?" Lou was afraid to touch his skin.

Bruce, again with that grin.

"Of course. You didn't think I made all that fuss

Because of your elbow when I hit the floor.

But it's not as bad as it was before."

"Well... you deserved them both but

I promise this time to be more gentle."

He plopped the salve in her hand.

"Not sure I believe you."

"So judgmental.

Like your statement about not having a heart

I could tear your argument apart.

But I guess you won't believe.

Until I make you see."

She spun him round still in disbelief at

At what she found...his skin so chapped,

But laughed when Bruce hunched his shoulders

Like he was expecting to be slapped.

Instead he got her finger light touch.

She never thought she'd become his caregiver

and smirked when her hands sliding down his back

Caused him to shiver.

"Now duck down so I can reach the rest."

"Have you had practice?" Bruce pressed.

Lou laughed out loud. "You could say that."

She tossed him the salve back.

"Any other hard to reach spots and you're out of luck."

He wondered if she'd say that if he were Buck.

"Really? I had hoped this might count as

One of those extracurricular activities."

"Well... it's as close as you're going to get."

But she said it with a smirk

Not the least bit upset.

Bruce grumbled when she told him

To fetch the wood

She made him dinner it was spicy,

hot but pretty good.

She handed him a glass of wine.

Choosing to sit next to him this time.

"I have to thank you, it's been so long

since I have laughed. I was beginning

to think I'd forgotten how."

"You thanking me?

Who's being funny now?"

His face got a serious look

"You should laugh more often, Lou.

It totally changes you."

Lou smiled, "Perhaps you're right

You know I could use someone like you

IF you'd be willing to let go of your lavish life."

"Lavish me?"

Bruce scoffed.

"How useful could I be?"

"Now that Shamus is no more

I need a front man for

My informant business.

Don't know why but people

Like getting their intel

From men, instead of women, I guess.

But you're so much more than a pretty face

You've got some brains in that head of yours

And I could use a man like that to take his place."

"Pretty face? You sure know how to flatter a guy."

"You know I find that face pretty or I wouldn't 

have shown an interest in your brother."

Bruce smirked then frowned at the mention of the other.

"There's no way your men would respect me

After that Oh Aces catastrophe."

"Never say never, Bruce.

My men answer to me

And I respect you.

So you could earn it

If you wanted too."

"You do? Why?

I haven't done anything?"

"You're right you haven't.

You haven't run away.

Or tried to take advantage of me today.

Even to Enzo you chose not to betray.

All things you could have done

But didn't so my respect

You have won."

"Hmmm, perhaps I'm a changed man after all."

She seemed to have thrown him a curveball

"Keep doing them and you may

even earn my trust someday.

But until then,"

she patted the bedroll next to hers

and held up the rope again.

With a sigh

He joined her at her side

Soon their ankles

Together were tied.

"So is that threat still active?"

Lou smirked, and looked over at him

"You planning on finding out?"

"Nope. No. Definitely not."

He grinned.

He rolled over and instantly started to snore.

She elbowed him hard.

"I won't be falling for that.

I'm on to you."

"Good night, Marshmellow."

"Sweet Dreams, Lou."

_____________

Bruce woke up the next morning when Lou went to bathe,

He thought about running away.

He wasn't fast enough. Lou came back,

and made him breakfast from her pack.

Lou hinted at the bargain she'd made with the judge,

and said Bruce should stay at camp and not budge.

She left him with food for a whole day,

then saddled her horse and rode away.

Bruce waited around, but Lou didn't return.

After a whole day, he was filled with concern.

"Not real concern," he told himself.

"I just don't want to end up back in a jail cell."

A voice came from behind and so did a click

that made Bruce go cold and feel sick.

"Bruce Buchanan? You're comin' with us.

Turn 'round real slow and don't make a fuss."

He turned around and wanted to run,

but found himself staring down five shotguns.