Goody lay there, trying to let himself rest but his thoughts kept circling back to earlier in the day when he had nearly lost Billy to those awful gunmen and their stupid fight. If he hadn't managed to wake up, if those men hadn't helped him get out to Billy, he would be alone right now. He drew in a sharp breath, which made Billy's hold on him tighten.
"Goody, what's wrong?"
"Just scared of losing you, that's all," Goody mumbled tiredly.
Lips pressed through his hair and against his neck and the warmth of Billy's breath soothed Goody.
"I'm right here."
"Good. 'Cause I'm not riding out there after you again. Not tonight at least. No more gunfights for you."
"I will go wherever you go."
Goody set his hand over Billy's and gently grabbed at his fingers. He blinked back tears, fighting the grief that he had been denying all day. Slowly he began to roll over onto his other side, but as he did so Billy scooted away to give him space, but Goody had no intention of being away from him and simply crawled closer until he was laying on Billy's chest. A long sigh followed and as Billy wrapped his arms around him, sheltering Goody's head with his arms while brushing his hair lovingly with his fingers, Goody finally felt at ease.
"Then I'm not going anywhere," said Goody in a fading voice. "Your arms are good enough for me."
"Then here I will remain." ~~~*~~~
