Moonstone Cowboy

Come with us now on a journey to… The Wild West and the town of Moonstone. Vince is the cute cowboy with a big heart and an even bigger wardrobe. Howard is the dark and lamenting Sheriff trapped in an emotional cycle of guilt and need. In a world that’s like, but not like, the Boosh we know and love anything can happen (AU). But mostly our lads get in loads of bother. There’s plenty of mature imagery peeps so M+ for sex, violence, hurt/comfort, darkness, slash, angst etc.

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Wounds

Wounds

Bobby Fossil is standing at his cell door grasping onto the bars as Howard walks in carrying Vince. He starts to yell at the Sheriff for leaving him locked up until a stern look from the lawman silences him.

Howard carries Vince over to the couch and lays him down. He knows a bed would be best, but with the mess that’s in the bedroom area he judges the sofa to be the only option. It also means he can question Fossil later without disturbing Vince. He doesn’t want to worry the Deputy any further with talk of murder and weapons, at least not tonight.

He props Vince’s head up on a cushion and arranges his hair so it’s away from his face. He then makes himself busy by grabbing extra oil lamps from around the jailhouse. He’s just lighting the last one as Doctor Bamshoot walks through the door accompanied by Monty.

Fossil, who’s still standing at his cell door, starts to whine again until he realises who the visitors are. On recognising the two men he quickly puts his head down and retreats to the safety of his cot bed.

The Doctor and Monty cross to Howard’s side. “How’s he looking Sheriff?”

“I don’t know Doctor. He did come around for a moment, but all he said was that everything hurt.”

Well that wasn’t all Vince had said, but he wasn’t going to share that with the town physician now was he?

“Hmm? He probably took a few hits to his head. Plus his air supply was cut off for a while from the noose. He’s going to have a bit of trouble speaking for the next couple of days.”

“His voice did sound really croaky, and he had a coughing fit.”

“Well it’s not surprising really. Look at that rope mark around his neck!” The Doctor pulls aside Vince’s shirt collar to better show Howard and Monty the rope burns. Both men wince.

“He dislocated his arm earlier today too. I put it back into place myself but you should probably check it.”

“My god he’s in the wars isn’t he. Well I think we should definitely take a look at the rest of him. Gentlemen, would you help me to remove some of his clothes. As carefully as possible though. We don’t know if he’s broken anything yet.”

Howard gives himself the task of loosening Vince’s trousers. Monty slips off Vince’s boots and the Doctor undoes his shirt. Working together they manage to coax and peel Vince’s clothes off of him without too much trouble. Before they resettle the Deputy though Monty winces again.

“Look at this Doctor.”

Vince’s back is covered in scratches, and there’s at least two of significant depths. They’d certainly sting, and they looked awful, but the Doctor assures them that nothing is life threatening. Instead he insists they lay Vince back down so he can check the front of him.

The Doctor begins his routine examination of Vince’s body for injury. Howard watches fascinated as he runs his fingers across the bright red areas of Vince’s torso and stomach, applying pressure to various spots and apparently examining the differences in bruise colour. He watches him take Vince’s pulse and peer into his mouth. He checks through Vince’s hair, presumably looking for cuts or bumps, and then pats all the way down his arms and legs. Finally he lifts Vince’s eyelids and scrutinizes his eyes before grabbing the blanket from the arm of the sofa and laying it across the Deputy’s lower body.

The Doctor stands to address the patiently waiting Howard and Monty.

“Well I’d say he’s been terrifically lucky. There doesn’t appear to be any broken bones, and from what I can tell most of the bruising is superficial. He doesn’t have a head wound, but I do think he’s received a few punches to it. That’s not to say he won’t be in a fair amount of pain when he wakes up. The bruising is spread across multiple areas of his body.”

“And his shoulder?”

“His shoulder looks fine. I think you did a good job there.”

“So why’s he unconscious?”

“Our bodies find amazing ways to deal with trauma Sheriff. I think young Mr. Noir here probably needs to shut down for a while. He’s not so much unconscious as in a type of deep sleep. It’s quite common in cases like these.”

“He’ll wake up soon then?”

“Within the hour I’d imagine.”

“And you’re sure nothing’s seriously injured?”

“Well as sure as I can be. I’ll know more when he’s awake. He’ll be able to tell me which parts of him are the tenderest. For now though I’ll say it’s safe for us to clean the wounds on his back and face without the risk of causing him further damage. I’ll need some warm water and some cloth and perhaps a little more light. Whilst you sort that out I’m just going to pop home to get some things.”

“Right you are Doctor.”

As soon as Doctor Bamshoot leaves the jailhouse Howard perches on the edge of the couch and grabs Vince’s hand. He brings it up to his face and kisses it tenderly. Monty moves alongside him and places a hand on the Sheriff’s back.

“That’s good news Howard. Really good news.”

“The best. I honestly don’t know what I’d have done if the Doctor had said otherwise.”

Monty pats his friend’s shoulder. “Right then you stay here in case he wakes up. I’m going to go and speak to the folks outside. We’ll get this bath tub shifted, and sort out some hot water and extra light. I’m sure Sally will have some scraps of cloth we can use for dressings, and I’ll get one of the chaps to go see if Corky can do something about your front door. I’m sure he’s finished with Lance’s coffin by now.”

At the mention of Lance Parrot Howard’s thoughts turn back to the bank manager in his lock up. He moves closer to Monty and lowers his voice to a whisper.

“I’m going to have to question Fossil sooner rather than later too Monty. Are you able to stay the night so I can get to that? I don’t want Vince to have a minute alone once the Doctor has finished with him.”

“I wasn’t planning to go anywhere Howard, and you know discretion is my middle name. Besides it’s not like I don’t have a few clothes over here.”

“That’s true, although I’d say most of them are scattered all over the floor right now.”

“Did Vince ever ask why they are over here?”

“Sort of, but no, not really. Vince seems to take things as he finds them. I’ve a feeling that as a lawman most of his results will come from pure luck rather than deep investigative work.”

Monty chuckles lightly at that. “Well there’s still a fair amount of investigative work for you to be doing right now Howard. I’m sure Vince will be keen to learn what he can from you when he’s feeling better.”

“I hope so.”

Howard kisses Vince’s hand again before tucking it away under the blanket. He stands and stares adoringly at the peaceful face of the younger man. It seems like weeks since he’d done this for the first time, watching Vince in slumber as the light played with his features. He could hardly believe that it was only yesterday morning.

Monty makes a noise behind him and Howard pulls himself out of his thoughts. The old actor looks affectionately at his friend. “Be careful Howard. There are eyes everywhere you know.”

He nods towards Bobby Fossil who is still sitting quietly on his cot bed.

“I know Monty. It’s just, well I…”

“You don’t have to say it, I can see it in your eyes. Be wary though yeah.”

“Thanks, I will.”

“Good. I’ll go and get things moving then. You put some water on the heat and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Monty walks out of the door, but then pops his head back around the door-frame. “Oh and Howard.”

“Yeah?”

“Try to stop looking so worried. Vince is going to be alright.”

“I know, but I feel I’m responsible for all of this.”

“Well yes, in part and in a very roundabout way you are, but that’s no excuse for you getting all morose about it. Vince will need you stronger than ever when he wakes up. His physical scars may heal but you’ve no idea what this might have done to his mind. He almost died tonight, and in a really horrific way. He’s going to need you to be fully functioning if he’s to cope with all this.”

“I hear what you’re saying, honestly I do. I’ll be alright, and I won’t let him down. It will really help if I can get to the bottom of this crime though, and get Dixon Bainbridge out of Moonstone once and for all.”

“You will Howard. I have faith in you. One way or another I know you’ll get your man.”

He winks at Howard and leaves. The Sheriff looks bemused for a second before blushing at the double-meaning in Monty’s words.

Within fifteen minutes the jailhouse has become a hive of activity. Monty certainly knows how to get people to respond. Years of being an actor meant he is a man to be listened to. As Howard had watched him delegate and motivate he couldn’t help but feel a little sad that Monty never got the chance to direct a play. He hoped that one day he could give his friend back the Moonstone he so dearly loved, and maybe attract some new wannabe actors and stagehands into the town.

At the thought of stagehands, and in particular set designing, Howard’s mind jumps back to Vince. He looks over at the young man still inert on the sofa. Doctor Bamshoot and Sally are busying themselves with the Deputy’s cuts by cleaning and dressing the worst. Howard’s chest tightens at the sight and he has to turn away. Instead he settles his gaze on his bedroom area where Eleanor and Monty are currently picking up the clothes and cleaning the blood from the wall. He wanders across to them, catching them mid conversation.

“…beautiful stitching. You had this made specially did you?”

“No, it was given to me by a very old friend of mine. Somebody long deceased now. I’d forgotten I had it actually.”

“Well you’re very kind to lend the Deputy your clothes like this. I would check to see if Lucien’s anything spare, but somehow I don’t think his wardrobe would suit the Deputy’s stylish sensibilities.”

Both stop chatting as they notice Howard standing in the doorway.

“How is he? Woken up yet?”

Howard shakes his head. “No Mrs. Hopkins. He’s really scaring me now if I have to be honest.”

“But he’s in the best hands. You mustn’t worry yourself so. Deputy Noir strikes me as a very life-embracing young man. He’ll not let go of his easily.”

Howard smiles. “Yes, he is that Mrs. Hopkins, and I know Doctor Bamshoot is doing everything right. I feel a bit useless I guess.”

Eleanor chucks a shirt at him. “Well make yourself un-useless then and fold this.”

The trio are quiet for a spell as they continue putting things away. Howard rehangs the drapes between his and Vince’s cot beds to keep up the impression of separation, an action not missed by Monty who nods in understanding. Not that Howard has had the opportunity to be intimate with Vince in bed yet aside from that first time. He feels a twinge in his groin at the idea of being able to hold Vince close to him for a whole night, to kiss his mouth and to feel the weight of him upon his chest. He catches Monty looking at him and rapidly pushes away the thought. Not really the time and place for day-dreamings of an erotic nature.

Howard hands a pair of trousers back to Eleanor. “I might just go check on Mr. Fossil.”

“Yes, we’ve all been wondering about that Sheriff.”

Eleanor stops what she is doing to study Howard. Monty keeps his head down.

“Yeah, I know Mrs. Hopkins, but you do realise I can’t tell you anything?”

“It’s because of Mr. Parrot isn’t it?”

Howard raises his eyebrows at her but says nothing.

“Oh I’m sorry Sheriff, but it’s just been such an awful day hasn’t it? First Lance Parrot and then poor Deputy Noir and now Mr. Fossil locked up. I’m not sure my nerves can take much more of this.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t divulge anything right now. I don’t want to endanger anyone further.”

“I understand, but whatever the situation Sheriff go easy on Mr. Fossil won’t you. He’s a bit of a simpleton really. Very naive, not unlike your Deputy there?”

Howard bristles, “Vince isn’t a simpleton!”

“Oh no, I didn’t mean to say…it’s just…when I met him…oh ignore me running my mouth off.”

From behind Eleanor’s head Monty gives Howard a sly wink, and the Sheriff suddenly remembers Vince’s act of playing it a bit dumb in order to keep Bainbridge’s suspicions at bay. He clears his throat.

“Sorry, no, you’re right Mrs. Hopkins, Vince does have a sort of innocence about him. That’s what makes all this even more contemptible.”

“Yes, Mayor Bainbridge was very wrong to do what he did. We all agree with you.”

“Thank you. I see that you do and it’s nice to know, but like I said earlier I don’t want to put anyone else at risk while I try and sort this mess out.”

“Sheriff go do what you need to do. Monty and I are fine here.”

Eleanor ushers him backwards out of the cell and turns to Monty. “So, you were saying, a friend gave you that shirt…”

Howard smiles. With all that had happened, he was very lucky to have these people band around him like this. He was also very aware that Bainbridge was not going to be too chuffed to see it. He frowns to himself. Thinking of Bainbridge what on earth was the deal with Ralfe White’s presence? He had assumed Bainbridge had sent him along to spy on proceedings, but then Mr. White was one of the first to offer a hand in carrying out the metal bathtub. He pokes his head back into the cell.

“Monty, is Ralfe White still here do you know?”

“Yeah, he’s outside. I told him we didn’t need to take up any more of his time but he insisted on staying.”

“Right, thanks.”

Howard frowns again. Fossil can wait a while longer. This had gotten him curious.

He passes through the half mended door of his jailhouse, stopping briefly to backslap Corky in thanks before stepping out onto the veranda. He squints and makes out Mr. White lurking in the gloom about fifteen metres in front. He moves down the steps and approaches him cautiously.

“Mr. White?”

“Sheriff Moon.”

The two men stand face to face matching each other in height.

“Thank you for your help Mr. White but we’re all good here now.”

“I know that Sheriff, but I’d rather stay if it’s all the same to you.”

Howard pauses briefly, his mind running through a series of possibilities before he asks simply, “Why?”

Even in the dark Howard can see Ralfe White squirm. “I owe it to the young man inside to see that he’s kept safe tonight.”

“You owe it to him?”

Mr. White looks off to the side. “I made a mistake Sheriff, one I’m not proud of. This is my way of correcting that mistake.”

He looks back to Howard. The Sheriff feels his body stiffen as he senses what’s about to fall from the other man’s lips.

“This was my fault. I found the Deputy here and I broke down the door. I let the Piper Twins beat him to a pulp. I helped drag him back to Bainbridge. I threw the water on him to rouse him and then held him up as the Mayor accused him of murder in front of everybody. I held him as he shouted his innocence and I held him as Charlie Piper threw the punch that returned him to unconsciousness.”

Howard digs his nails into his palms. His eyes harden and he takes a small step forward. Ralfe White takes a small step back.

“There’s nothing I can say to excuse it other than I thought he was guilty. That and I found him here with my daughter and immediately assumed…” Ralfe White’s voice trails off.

Howard loosens his fists. His tone when he speaks though is full of suppressed rage. “Your daughter? She came here to tell me where to find Vince. Why is she a part of this?”

“From what I understand she came here to talk to the Deputy, I’m not sure why. When I spotted them together I thought he was trying it on, you know, trying to have his way with her. Turns out not to be the case but I flipped a little. I called the twins over and the rest, well…” He falters again, looking down at his feet as the last words leave him.

Howard doesn’t feel any sympathy for this man, he can’t. All he feels is anger. “I don’t think I want you here Mr. White, and I’m damn sure you’ll be the last person my Deputy will want to see when he wakes up.”

“Please Sheriff, let me stand out here tonight. I’ll stay in the shadows. The Deputy doesn’t need to know. I don’t think there’ll be any further trouble for the moment, but just in case. I’m more worried about those demented twins than anything else.”

Howard sucks on his moustache in thought. “Okay then, but as soon as it gets light you go.”

“Agreed, but I will be back tomorrow night, and the next, and the next until I know this thing is settled.”

Howard doesn’t answer. He just turns his back on the man and retreats to the jailhouse. Ralfe calls after him, “I’m sorry Sheriff!”

There’s a pause in Howard’s stride before he places his foot onto the bottom step, but he doesn’t look around. Instead he re-enters his jailhouse with the thick swill of distaste in his stomach.

He takes a quick glance over towards the sofa but cannot see much as the Doctor is leaning right over Vince. Sally is collecting up wet bloodied rags from the floor. She meets Howard’s gaze and smiles awkwardly before scuttling towards the fire to burn them. The Sheriff feels his stomach swirl again as the ache of anxiety for Vince mixes with the sharp smart of rage that’s already sitting there. He looks instead towards Bobby Fossil and takes a deep breath.

The bank manager has not moved a muscle or said a word for the best part of an hour. This concerns Howard and remembering Eleanor’s words he fills a mug with water, unlocks the cell door and enters. He holds out the mug to Bobby.

“Here, drink this.”

Fossil looks up at him, his eyes fogged as if he’s just been woken. He takes the mug and guzzles the water.

Howard sits alongside him on the bed and asks quietly, “Are you okay?”

Fossil looks at Howard from over the top of the mug but doesn’t stop drinking.

“If you’re not then you need to tell me Fossil. I can’t help you unless I know what’s wrong.”

Bobby lowers the mug to his lap and sits staring at it.

“You know I’m going to have to ask you some questions soon, questions that may be hard for you to answer, but I need to know the truth.”

The bank manager fidgets but keeps quiet.

“I want you to know that it’s not you I’m after. Quite frankly I don’t care what role you play in all of this. It’s Bainbridge that I need to stop.”

Howard notices Fossil jolt at the sound of his boss’ name. He leans right over and speaks firmly but quietly into Bobby’s ear. “That young man out there nearly died tonight because of Dixon Bainbridge and I know he’s tied in with Lance Parrot’s death. I also know that you have the murder weapon and that you know who did it. I will not be letting you go until you’ve told me everything, is that clear?”

Bobby is physically shaking, the remnants of the water sloshing about in the bottom of his mug. He lifts it up to his mouth to down the last, the rim clinking against his teeth.

Howard backs away. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you Fossil.”

Bobby looks up at him again, his face drained and eyes wide. He finally speaks. “I don’t feel too good Sheriff.”

Howard nods slowly. “What, you feel head pains, nausea?”

Fossil shrugs.

“Well I’ll send the Doctor over to check on you when he’s finished with Vince.”

“No!” He grabs Howard’s arm and the Sheriff looks at him in surprise,

“What do you mean no?”

“You can’t.”

“Why not?”

Fossil shakes his head. Howard can see he’s scared but the bank manager takes a deep breath. “Sorry, I don’t mean no, I mean, yeah, okay then yes. I do feel quite ill.”

Howard pulls his arm from Bobby’s grasp and stands. “I’ll get you some more water. Maybe you should lie down for a bit and I’ll send the Doctor over. Be warned though this isn’t going to get you out of answering my questions.”

Bobby shrugs again.

“I mean it Fossil.”

The two men are interrupted by a call from the front of the jailhouse,

“Sheriff Moon, are you here?”

The Doctor’s voice.

“Yeah I’m up the back Doc.”

The Doctor approaches quickly, wiping his hands on a cloth. He stops outside the cell. “He’s awake Sheriff and he’s asking for you.”

Howard’s heart almost leaps from his chest. “He’s awake?”

“Yes, and in surprisingly good spirits considering.”

“O thank god!” Howard takes the mug from Bobby’s still shaking hands. “Would you mind having a look at Mr. Fossil? He says he’s not feeling too good.”

The Doctor steps into the cell and stands in front of the bank manager.

“Of course I will Sheriff.”

Howard nods his thanks and manages to somehow walk not sprint to the sofa. Sally starts to move away as he approaches, but he puts his hand out to stop her,

“Thank you Miss Glister.”

Sally reddens and drops her head shyly before mumbling a ‘no trouble’ and hurrying out of the jailhouse door.

Howard finally looks at Vince.

In the moment that their eyes meet it’s as if all the noise is sucked out of the room. The chatter of voices, the banging of Corky’s hammer, and the soft sound of the fire’s flames all disappear as an invisible wall of silence surrounds them. Howard steps forward slowly never once pulling his gaze away from the burnished blue-gray magnets of his Deputy.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You’re awake then.”

“Seems so.” Vince’s harsh croaky voice sounds so wrong coming from him. It doesn’t suit him.

Howard points to the side of the couch. “May I?”

Vince nods and Howard seats himself alongside Vince’s hipbone. “I’m so sorry.”

Vince doesn’t respond but Howard can see a tear forming in the corner of his eye. Vince blinks it away quickly. “Not your fault.”

“Doesn’t matter, I’m still sorry.”

Vince nods again at this and then shifts his gaze to the other side of the room. Howard follows it and looks back over his shoulder.

Corky’s standing inside with the newly mended door shut. He gestures to Howard as he finishes polishing the latch. “All done Sheriff. I’ve put a new lock on it for you too.”

“Thank you so much Corky, I really appreciate you sorting it out for me. I’ll come and pay you tomorrow.”

“No rush, I know you’re good for it. I’ll bid you good evening then Sheriff, and you too Deputy. Glad to see you’re still alive.”

Vince smiles in return, but is shocked somewhat at the frankness of the carpenter’s words. He must have come pretty close to dying tonight.

Vince looks back at Howard and yes, he can see everything so vividly reflected back at him. The pure anguish in the Sheriff’s features, the redness to his eyes and messiness of his hair are enough to tell him how close his call had been. He reaches over and lays a hand on Howard’s arm. “You alright?”

Howard’s expression changes to one of bemusement. “Am I alright? You’re asking if I’m alright.”

“Yeah.”

Howard sighs. “I almost lost you.”

“You saved me.”

“I nearly didn’t. That was too much. I don’t think you should stay here anymore. I think you should leave and not come back until this is all over.”

“No Howard.”

“Vince…”

“No!” Vince coughs as the force of his exclamation scrapes his throat. Howard puts a reassuring hand on Vince’s chest until the cough subsides. When their eyes meet again Vince’s are all watery, but the determination within them is set. “Not going.”

“I don’t want you to die.”

“Not going anywhere.”

They stare at each other, both men unable to think of anything else to say for the moment. Howard lifts his hand away from Vince’s chest and instead runs it through his own hair and the day’s growth on his cheeks. He notices too that the bruise on Vince’s jaw is already less prominent as it lies within dark stubble. The Sheriff actually thinks Vince looks pretty good with it. It ages him slightly, makes him look a little more mature. Howard wonders again what age Vince might actually be.

“We need a shave. I’ll get Jean Claude or Jack to pay us a visit tomorrow and sort us out.”

“Not me.” Vince puts his fingers to the burn around his neck and Howard mentally kicks himself for suggesting something so stupid.

“No, of course, not you.”

The two men are quiet again.

There’s a rustling sound behind them and this time Doctor Bamshoot, Eleanor and Monty are there.

“I’ll be leaving you to your own devices now Sheriff. Your bedrooms are all finished.”

“Thank you Mrs. Hopkins, and please thank Mr. Hopkins too.”

“I will.” Eleanor leans around Howard to smile sweetly at Vince. “You look after yourself sweetheart. No doing anything too strenuous for a little while. And you make sure the Sheriff here takes good care of you.”

“I will.”

“I’ll pop back tomorrow with some food. In the meantime all of you get some sleep. You look shattered.”

Mrs. Hopkins opens the door and Doctor Bamshoot follows.

“I’ll be going too now gentlemen. Make sure Deputy Noir keeps sipping water but no food for the moment. I’ve left some ointment on the table here that you can start applying to his burns and grazes from tomorrow. I’ll be back in the morning to check up on you all but in the meantime follow Mrs. Hopkin’s advice and get some sleep.”

“And what about Mr. Fossil. Is he alright?”

“Nothing the matter with him as far as I can tell. Maybe a little sleep deprived too. It’s not my usual recommendation but I’m going to be pouring myself a stiff drink when I get home. Maybe you could all do with partaking in the same.”

Monty reaches into his jacket that strewn across the back of a chair and lifts a bottle from the inner pocket. “Already thought of that Doctor.”

“Well it won’t do any harm. If the Deputy has any though make sure it’s watered down. Well goodnight again and I’ll see you all in the morning.”

“Goodnight Doctor and thank you so very much.”

“It’s my job Sheriff, just as catching criminals is yours.”

“Yes, but thank you all the same.”

Monty locks the door behind them. “You still want me to stay Howard?”

“Of course Monty, but only if you crack that bottle open. And give one to Fossil back there too. Might help the poor sod get some sleep. Can you lock the cell door why you’re at it too please?”

“I will, but I thought you wanted to question him tonight.”

Howard looks back at Vince lovingly before reaching for his hand. Vince gives it willingly, their fingers stroking each other in gentle circles.

“I did but I’m too tired. Let’s all have a drink instead yeah.”

“You needn’t ask me twice.”

As Monty fishes around for mugs and glasses and water Vince squeezes Howard’s hand to get his attention.

“I’ll sleep here.”

“Yeah, I thought so. I don’t want to risk moving you yet.”

“You sleep here too?”

Howard looks at the length of the couch and then down at the length of his own body. He checks himself. Why the hell was he questioning the practicalities of it? He’d damn well make it work somehow.

He gives Vince’s hand a delicate squeeze back. “You try stopping me. I’m not leaving your side for one second tonight.”

Howard wraps his arms a little tighter around Vince as the Deputy shudders hard against his chest. He’s very careful not to wake him. As fitful as Vince’s sleep is it’s still sleep.

Howard himself is exhausted, but his brain is too wired to find the sandman. Instead he just lies there alone with his thoughts, willing the monsters to leave Vince’s abused body alone and sighing quietly into the younger man’s hair.

Monty had retired to Vince’s cot bed over an hour ago, filled with whiskey and barely able to keep his eyes open. That had been ten minutes after the sound of Bobby Fossil’s snoring had reached them from the back cell. Vince had succumbed to sleep long before that and Howard hadn’t left his side the entire night, well save to piss once as quickly as he could possibly manage.

It had been nice actually, sitting at the end of the sofa with Vince’s legs over his lap, a drink in one hand and the Deputy’s fingers nestled loosely into the other. Nice that he could share this moment with Monty, chatting in soft voices, sharing his hopes and concerns, acknowledging his feelings to his best friend. He only wishes it were under better circumstances.

After Monty had withdrawn, Howard had slid himself up the lounge to lie behind Vince, wrapping one arm under Vince’s neck and the other protectively across his bruised and battered chest. Vince had started to stir but Howard had whispered him back to sleep. He’d placed delicate kisses onto the distressed left shoulder, whilst all the while rubbing soothing circles onto Vince’s palm. The young man had settled back against him as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

But fifteen minutes ago Vince had started jolting in his sleep.

Howard tried not to think about what nightmares were plaguing Vince’s brain, but he couldn’t help it. He wondered if each jerk was another punch being remembered or another kick to the stomach. Or maybe worse, maybe the exact moment of being hoisted out of semi-consciousness by a rope tightening around his neck. The Sheriff feels the all too familiar whirl of nausea expand within him.

Vince is mumbling now. Howard’s sure he can make out a ‘no’. He presses his torso firmer against Vince’s back hoping that somehow Vince will sense him through the dream. He squeezes Vince’s hand and restarts the circles.

“No I…” Vince flies awake and attempts to sit upright, but pain charges through him and he drops back down to the couch. “Shit! Ow shit.”

“Vince, it’s alright, come here.”

“Howard?”

“Come here.”

Vince rolls himself over so he’s facing Howard and buries himself into the bigger man’s chest. “Fuck I was having a bad dream.”

“Yeah I know.”

The damage in Vince’s voice is shocking. He’d temporarily forgotten how bad it sounded. Howard holds Vince firmly against him.

“Was I talking?”

“Not really, just shuddering a lot.”

“I dreamt you and Bainbridge were fighting, like proper fighting yeah, like a boxing match, and I was just lying on the floor between you.”

“You should try not to talk too much.”

“I know, but I was trying to get you to stop fighting but you wouldn’t. You couldn’t hear me, and couldn’t see me. I couldn’t move either and you kept stepping on me to reach each other. I wanted to grab your leg to get your attention but my arm was stuck to the ground. And you kept pounding each other and both your blood was falling onto my face and I couldn’t move to shake it off. God, it was horrible.”

Howard doesn’t know what to say in response so he kisses the top of Vince’s head and clutches him a little tighter. There’s a very pregnant silence as both men take some precious time to cling to each other.

“Howard?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you finish what you were wanting to tell me earlier, you know, after the bath?”

Vince feels Howard shake his head. “I can’t, not now.”

“Please.”

Howard’s quiet.

“I really need you to Howard.”

“Why?”

“Because of this. Because I need to know you’re with me one hundred percent now, and for that to happen you have to finish your story.”

“I still think you should go. I think you should get out of Moonstone.”

“I can’t leave you. I don’t want to leave you. And I can never go back to ranch work, not now.”

“Even so.”

“Are you telling me to go Howard?” Vince pulls away enough to look up into the Sheriff’s face, but it’s in heavy shadow and he can’t make out Howard’s features. Instead he returns his cheek to Howard’s breastbone. “Surely you don’t really want me to go?”

Howard closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “No, I don’t really want that. What I really want is this, every single night and in my bed. But I can’t watch you go through something like this again. If you leave at least I know you’ll be safe.”

“Safe? Don’t be ridiculous. You can only know I’m truly safe if I’m right here next to you. And what about me, living in another town, having to deal with thoughts of what might be happening to you? Why do you think that’s fair on me?”

Howard’s quiet again.

“Please, tell me the whole thing then we can move on to the next chapter. You know the bit where you bring Bainbridge to justice and take back control of the town, and we get to sit on the veranda in rocking chairs watching sunsets.”

“You can’t see the sunset from the veranda.”

“Just tell me.”

“Alright, alright. It’s really hard to find the words.”

“Imagine you’re reading them, like you’ve written a letter and you’re reading it aloud to me.”

“What? You mean like ‘Dear Vince’?”

“If you like. Might help.”

“Okay, but you’ve got to promise to stop talking for a bit. You’re going to really damage your throat.”

“I’m…”

“Vince!”

Vince nods against him and then rolls carefully onto his back to give Howard room to speak. The wounds across his spine smart but he doesn’t care. He runs his fingers down Howard’s jaw to encourage the Sheriff to start.

Howard swallows.

“You’ve probably noticed this town doesn’t have a preacher. Well it used to, he died this year. His name was Red O’Reilly and he was a hard-nosed bastard. Got his kicks scaring folks along to his sermons. He turned up sometime after Bainbridge and immediately seemed to be in his pocket. I dunno if he was even a proper preacher. Seems to me any old bloke can pick up a bible and wave it in the air. If someone shouts loud enough people normally listen.”

Howard reaches for Vince’s hand and pulls it to his heart, grasping onto it tightly.

“O’Reilly didn’t turn up on his own. He had a handful of young men with him, I dunno, maybe five of them. I’m guessing they were about your age, although as I don’t know how old that is…”

“And you don’t need to know.”

“Huh. Anyway he came with these lads. Wherever he went there was always one or two of them with him. It seemed odd but then church matters aren’t something the law can easily get involved in. Tommy and I didn’t worry about it.”

Howard pauses.

“Go on, s’alright.”

“It was not quite two years ago. I’d been up to visit Tommy’s grave and needed somewhere quiet to sit. I found myself pulled towards the church. I don’t know why, but for some reason it seemed like the thing to do. I hadn’t been inside the church since Tommy’s funeral, since the day I had to hear words spouting from a man I disliked about a man I loved. Maybe that’s why I needed to go there then, to help heal the memory of that day. I dunno, it just felt right, to be there rather than here at the jailhouse. I felt nearer to Tommy somehow. I was grateful that the church was empty, it was very peaceful. I prayed a bit but mostly I sat there with my thoughts. Well at some point one of O’Reilly’s young men appeared and handed me a cup of water. It was such a simple caring gesture I’m embarrassed to say it made me cry. I sat there sobbing until out of the blue this lad says to me, “you must have loved the Sheriff very much.” I’ve still no idea what made him say that. Anyway he sat down next to me and told me his name was Gregory and that he also knew what it meant to love. We chatted for a while. I told him how Tommy had hired me and how we’d built Moonstone from scratch. He told me that O’Reilly had found him pick-pocketing before introducing him to God. We were both agreeing that we’d each been saved from ourselves when suddenly he leant in and kissed me.”

Vince manages to remain quiet.

“And Vince, I don’t know what came over me but I returned the kiss. It was like all my pent up anger and grief and frustration came rushing out of me and I lunged on the poor fellow. That’s not to say he didn’t kiss me back with equal vigour, but it was my fault Vince. I could have stopped it, should have, but I didn’t. Before I knew it we had our shirts off and were fondling each other like randy teenagers. It was lust, pure and sinful and releasing. I hardly even remember what he looked like, and at that moment I didn’t care. I needed him.”

Howard stops again. He tips his head back and squeezes his eyes shut in an effort to both forget and remember.

“Thing is I’d lost track of time. I was too caught up in myself… O’Reilly and Bainbridge walked in.”

“Fuck no!”

Vince can’t help himself. Howard opens his eyes and looks down at his Deputy. Even in the darkness of the room he can still see Vince’s blue eyes sparkling up at him, like two bright beacons in the night directing him to safety.

“Obviously I jumped up in alarm. The lad did too. I’m not sure which one of us looked more scared. I’m not sure which one of O’Reilly or Bainbridge looked more shocked. Bainbridge started laughing. “Oh my god,” he shouted, “Well this is priceless.” I couldn’t say anything, I was mortified. Bainbridge carried on, “I never knew our Sheriff was a mandrake. And having it off with an altar boy, how very seedy. This truly is a most interesting development.”

Howard lets go of Vince’s hand and rubs at his eyes and forehead.

“So what did Bainbridge do Howard?”

“Actually he’s never actually done anything, aside from making constant reference to it. He holds it over me though. That and Tommy’s death. Moonstone’s greatest sex and murder scandal! It’s his way of trying to keep me in line I guess, like a silent threat.”

“And Gregory?”

“I’m ashamed to say I’ve no idea what happened to him. Immediately after the incident I ran back here and stayed holed up for the next few days and pretty much drank the world away. That was until there came a knock at my door one night, and Monty was outside with a bottle in one hand and a plate of bacon and beans in the other. Said he’d heard a few rumours floating around the saloon, and that although he didn’t want to pry that perhaps I needed a friend to confide in. One that would understand. I’d never seen him before in my life, but somehow I immediately trusted him. He’s been my rock ever since.”

“So Monty’s into men too. I did wonder.”

“I’m not sure if Monty’s ever been into anything physically though Vince. He doesn’t seem attracted to men that way. For him it’s more of a romantic thing. Whenever I’ve asked him about his fantasies he always ends up describing a scene from a play or quoting a piece of poetry. It was he who taught me that Keats letter. He really is a remarkable man.”

“I’m glad you’ve had a friend all this time Howard.”

“Yeah, I don’t know what I’d have done without Monty.”

“So where does he normally live?”

“When he arrived in town he rented the old theatre. It’s only small, quite rundown and it hasn’t seen a play put on in years, but I think Monty feels most alive when he’s in there.

“And his clothes?”

“Hmmm?”

“His clothes. Why are they here?”

“I wondered when you’d ask that. It’s nothing really, just a contingency plan in case we ever have to make a quick getaway. We figured he should hide some of his things in that cell with my mess. He keeps his horse right alongside mine too.”

“I’d like to see your horses soon. I’m good with animals.”

“You’re not too shoddy with people either Vince.” Howard’s hit by a flash of white as Vince smiles widely at that.

“Thank you, for telling me that is.”

“Thank you for listening and not leaving.”

Vince smiles again. “Not that I could leave even if I wanted to.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well I’m hardly in a fit state to do a runner now am I?”

For a fleeting second Howard thinks he’s being serious until he’s dazzled for a third time by Vince’s smile.

“Do you feel better for telling me?”

“Yeah, I do actually, although it hasn’t really sunk in properly yet. Maybe it never will, but I’m glad I told you.”

“And you don’t regret us like you do Gregory do you?”

Howard’s eyes go wide in surprise. “Oh my god of course not. This is nothing like that. No, no. This is something, I dunno, something…”

“Unfathomable?”

“Ha, yeah, unfathomable is about right.”

“So you’re glad you told me and you don’t regret us and you don’t want me to leave?”

“All that Vince, yes.”

“So will you kiss me now please?”

“Oh.” Howard props himself up on one elbow and lightly strokes Vince’s stubbled cheek. He has no idea what he’s done to deserve this man lying beside him, a man that through a tonne of angst and near death still wants nothing more than to be kissed by him. Unfathomable is the perfect word.

Still stroking Vince’s cheek Howard bends across and places his lips delicately against the Deputy’s own. He rests there for a second and allows his brain to catch up before he gently sucks. Below him Vince moans lightly and Howard pulls away.

“Did I hurt you? Shit, did I lean on something?”

Vince pulls Howard’s head back towards his mouth. “You haven’t hurt me Howard. You make me ache but you haven’t hurt me at all.”

Vince pulls harder until their mouths are joined again.

It’s a sleepy sort of kiss, effortless in its tenderness and plump with passion. Both men have their eyes closed, sharing the moment as one, their tongues dancing a slow waltz. They sigh into each other, they breathe each other. Through touch and taste they align themselves. With each sip and suckle and swallow they announce their commitment to each other. They lace their fingers and feet and lips and nerves and hearts. They wash away bad memories with their mouths and fill each other with promise. They drink each other until their bellies are full, and then greedily feast again. They billow with love.

Eventually Howard feels the younger man slacken and Vince’s lips stop moving beneath his. He pulls away smiling to himself. He’s not sure if he should feel this content, but he does. Howard lies back down, his long arms encompassing his Deputy like an armoured shroud, and finally he allows himself to follow Vince into sleep.