DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
"Buck' tears of joy in her eyes she spoke gently, falling forward to kneel at his side her hand gently cupping his cheek
'There was a time when I would have died to have you touch me like this' he murmured
'You almost did Buck' she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss softly on his forehead, her tears wetting his skin.
'Don't cry sweetheart' he tried to lift his arm to touch her face, but the pain from his tortured muscles stopped his movement with a moan.
'I did what I did, because I wanted you to be happy, I hate it when you cry' Buck spoke softly
'Kid?' he asked softly his last coherent memories filtering back to him, memories of watching Kid ride off barely able to keep his seat on his horse.
'He's fine' Lou answered frowning as Buck's eyes fluttered closed
Lou made sure he was sleeping again and ran from the room to tell the others of the wonderful developments. As she reached the bottom of the steps she saw Cody leaving the barn.
'Cody go get the Doctor, he's awake' she yelled and turned on her heel running back into the house.
A huge grin split Cody's face and he ran to the bunkhouse to tell the others before he set off to bring the doctor back.
By the time he got back with the doctor the others were all huddled around Buck's cot waiting patiently for him to wake again. He shooed everyone from the room except Lou and began his examination of his patient. The others stood patiently on the porch waiting for them to emerge again. Each of them watching the window in distress as they heard a sharp scream of pain from Buck. Ike stood and tried to get inside to help his friend but Teaspoon stopped him at the door. It was some time before the Doctor emerged from the house, only to be confronted by Buck's concerned family
'How is he Doc?' Teaspoon asked almost casually, but they all knew that there was nothing casual about his question or his concern.
'He's a remarkable young man' the Doctor shook his head ' He must be in a terrible amount of pain, but he won't take anything for it, just herb tea, however, he seems to be making a remarkable recovery.'
'So he'll be alright' Jimmy asked for them all.
'As far as I can tell yes, he will never be quite the same of course but he will recover.'
"What does that mean Doc?' Cody frowned at the huge but that he had heard in there.
'He's had extensive damage to his lungs so he will never be able to breath quite as deeply again, which may men that he has to cut back on his physical activity until he adjusts to that, also he has done a lot of damage to his hands and fingers. My guess is that he will probably have a touch of rheumatism in the future.'
'But aside from that he will be fine.' Rachel spoke softly
'I would think so yes' he smiled as the frowns of concern gradually lifted from the faces surrounding him.
'Certainly, but don't tire him too much or we will be right back where we started from' he finished as they nearly knocked him over in their rush to get inside
'Thank you for all your help Doc' Teaspoon shook hands with the man
'Don't mention it Marshall' he answered thinking what a strange relationship the occupants of the way station had. It apparently didn't matter to these people what they had done in their past or their race or political beliefs they seemed to be a happy little family unit and woe betide any person who tried to tear them apart. Shaking his head, he began to walk from the porch "I have left instructions with Lou, but I'll come back and check on him tomorrow.' he spoke softly as he walked back to his wagon watching Teaspoon walked inside to see Buck.
Buck watched as his friends all bustled their way into the living room, not sure how to face the people he loved. He had gathered from the few comments Lou had made that he had indeed been very close to death. The depth of emotion he saw on the faces of his pony express family was enough to bring a sheen of tears to his eyes.
"Buck are you okay?' Lou was instantly at his side thinking that he was suffering some type of pain.
'I'm fine Lou' he answered a little shortly embarrassed by his feelings
'I'm sorry' he apologised instantly, before he had even seen the hurt look in her eyes.
'It's okay Buck' she murmured delicately stroking his bruised forearm
'No it's not, I just didn't expect that you would be all so upset' he shrugged lightly wincing as this small movement brought renewed pain to his chest.
'What did you expect Buck?' Cody asked a little annoyed by Buck's apparent lack of regard for their emotions
'I don't know' he murmured closing his eyes wearily. Rachel shooed all the boys out of the room, trying to allow him to get the rest he needed, but Kid stayed behind to talk to him.
'Buck, I want to thank you for what you did for me and for Lou' he spoke softly
'I did it because I wanted to Kid, it's okay' he murmured
'I just wanted you to know how grateful I am' he said as he laid a hand on Buck's shoulder.
Buck closed his eyes guiltily knowing that he hadn't done what he had done for Kid, but he had done it for Lou, to give her the happy life she deserved. He wondered what Kid would do if he ever realised his motives, but he couldn't bring himself to destroy a friendship that he was sure would last their lifetimes, just because of emotions he couldn't control.
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