You ask me if I known love And what its like to sing songs in the rain Well, I’ve seen love come And I’ve seen it shot down I’ve seen it die in vain Shot down in a blaze of glory Take me now but know the truth cause I’m going down in a blaze of glory Lord I never drew first But I drew first blood I’m the devils son Call me young gun ~~~~~~~~ I mumble something as I’m shaken awake for my watch over Justin by a distressed looking James’. His eyes are bloodshot and he looks terrible, “Kid, you better get some sleep…” He nods his thanks and lays himself on the ground as I disappear into the tent. Justin’s lain on his back, alabaster skin clammy, blonde hair sticking to his forehead as he groans in his sleep. I suppose we’ll be heading into town in the morning to get him seen too? “Bri…?” I glance down at him, his blue eyes half hidden beneath his lids, cracked lips moving but no sound came out. Leaning over him, I grabbed the water canister and pressed it to his lips gently, “Here Sunshine…” I whispered as he drank, my heart breaking for this child. Sniffing slightly, I reached for my wrist, then moved my hands to his frail one, clasping the cowry shell bracelet round it, absentmindedly kissing the back of his hand gently. I blink furiously as I draw back, mentally thankful he won’t remember it in the morning, “Sleep now kiddo, you’ll feel better in the morning”. I sat and watched him toss and turn in his sleep, knowing I couldn’t do anything but hold his hand. I’d always looked out for my Sunshine and the one time I’d looked away and here he was, fighting with Death. He looks so peaceful, so angelic. He’s always been my fallen angel. Christ how fucking lesbian do I sound right now!? He’s only a kid, not even an adult. He shouldn’t have to live the life of an outlaw with us. James and he should be able to settle down, go to school and grow up. I’m nudged in the side of the head, my eyes cracking open slightly as I see Justin looking down at me, an eyebrow raised in amusement as he smirks, “Comfortable?” he asks softly, his fingers running through my unruly brown hair as I raised my head from his stomach, rubbing the crick in my neck, “Not really, you?” I asked concern lacing my tired voice as my eyes traced over him. James had stripped the teen to his underwear, only the bloodied bandage covering the middle of his body. His chest was well defined, all the running we have to do helps. His stomach is taut, the sheet sliding lower as he stretches casually, his protruding hipbones evident. He winces slightly, rubbing his side as he swings his legs over the side. “Justin!?” I ask alarmed, “Shouldn’t you wait for Ted to let you go?” Then I realise, he’s probably going to ignore me. He never was one for rules anyway. He followed his own, which was smart under some circumstances and this, for sure, wasn’t one of them. So, as gently as I could, I pushed him back onto the bed, leaning over him, my eyes meeting his. Unconsciously, I licked my lips as he stared at them, hunger in his eyes. SIXTEEN! As our lips were about to touch, I leapt back to the other side of the tent, “I’ll just uh…go get Ted..” I say, leaving a confused boy behind. Yup, we’re definitely leaving him and his brother behind in town. ~~~~~~~~ Each night I go to bed I pray the lord my soul to keep No I ain’t looking for forgiveness But before I’m six foot deep Lord, I got to ask a favour And Ill hope you’ll understand cause I’ve lived life to the fullest Let the boy die like a man Staring down the bullet Let me make my final stand