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mystery-star · 2 years

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Old Wounds – Ben Wade ( Part 1 / 5)

Pairing: Ben Wade x fem!reader

Warnings: injury, blood, abandonment, mentions of death

Words: 3439

A/N: This is a sequel to ‘Healing’ but can be read as a standalone. And fair warning. This is long. Hella long.

Series Navigation: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

You had never really liked it when people just banged against the door to your house – which you also used as doctor’s office – and requested urgent treatment. Of course, if it was an emergency, you could understand but sometimes you already had other patients you tended to and if the people at least could somehow announce themselves before they arrived... But this time it topped it all of. Because that time, they just burst into the house in the middle of the night with no care and demanding to see the doctor. Two just walked into your bedroom and when you protested about their behavior, he just shot your pillow.

“Where is the doctor?” he cried again and if he had had no gun you would have surely told him to get lost.

“I am”

“Bullshit. You’re a woman.” before you could reply, your son ran into your room and hugged your legs, probably equally scared as you.

“Do you want my help or not?” you asked “My son and I are the only ones around here, so yes, I’m the doctor” you picked up the toddler and placed him on your bed “Stay here, I’ve got to go to work. I’ll be right back”

“Who are they, Mommy?”

“I don’t know. They’ll leave soon”

“Are you coming or what, doctor?” the man spat and after sending him a glare you pressed a kiss to your son’s forehead and then followed the man. As it seemed the others had already found your treating room and you told one of the men to light a candle while you got to take your apron. Emergencies usually always involved blood. Mostly shootings at the saloon. Or a rancher who had an accident involving an animal.

“What do we have?”

“Have what?”

“Well, your patient. Or are it several?”

“Bullet wounds” suppressing a sigh, you turned around to the cot, now illuminated by the candles and lamp in the room and you froze. You knew your patient. It was Ben Wade, one of the most well-known outlaws these days and a man you had met and loved years ago. Somehow, you had believed you’d never see him again, but here he was, in your house again, injured again. There was something hard pressing against the back of your neck and you knew it was a gun

“That you’re not getting ideas”

“I’m a doctor. I made a vow to help people even if they’re outlaws. Now, if you would take that gun out of my neck and give me some space that I can actually help your friend here?” until a couple of seconds ago you had not really cared. But now, that you had identified your patient you were anxious something could happen to him, so you ignored the men, probably some gang members, you got to work. Luckily, they seemed to notice you were serious about helping their boss, so all but one left and the one staying just lingered in a corner.

At the crack of dawn, you were finally done with everything. During treatment, Ben had once woken briefly but had been out again before he seemed to know what was going on.

“He’ll need rest” you told the man in the room

“Rest?”

“Well, he lost a great deal of blood he can’t just sit up on his horse and ride away when he wakes up. And I’m not even getting started of how that wouldn’t do the wounds any good”

“What now?”

“He’s got to stay here a few days. I can hide one outlaw in my house but not a bunch of them. So, the rest of you has to go to the hotel, the saloon or what do I know” you used a towel and some water to wash your arms and face.

“And who says you’re not delivering him to the sheriff once we’ve left?”

“Do you really think I would have spent the night nursing him back to life just to deliver him to the gallows? Besides, I’m not dumb. If I did, you’d have my head and I don’t fancy packing my boy and leave, even if we got money for him”

“Okay, okay” the man said, giving you a glare “I’ll tell the boys that one of us stays near town until he’s better to get him then”

“Fine. But don’t come knocking at my door every hour to see how he’s doing” you tossed the last towel and your apron into the laundry basket and left the room, glad that the man followed you and that apparently, the others had already left.

“When do you think he’ll be ready?”

“I can’t say yet. A couple of days at least. But first he’s gotta wake up, so I can better determine his state” with a nod, he left and you crossed your arms until he was gone, of course leaving the door wide open. You closed it and your son came toddling out of your bedroom “They’re gone. It’s okay” you said and went over to him kneeling in front of him “Are you okay?”

“Yes” he gave a nod and you pulled him into a hug. “You okay?”

“I am, sweetheart. How about some breakfast?” although you didn’t know what state Ben would be in when he woke, you cooked for him as well since you could always prepare something lighter. Now you could only hope that the following days no emergency would happen because then you would really need to hide Ben. On the other hand, it was Ben, you could surely just put him to your own bedroom and then no one would even guess someone was here. If only no one had seen the men coming to your house or you treating someone.

After you had eaten, you checked up on your patient again and then lay down in the bed for some time before it would be time to get to work. It was evening when Ben woke for the first time and although a part of you just wanted to kiss him, you thought better of it. What if he had indeed forgotten about you? Besides, he really seemed a bit beside himself and he mumbled something about him not thinking he’d ever make it to heaven. You took his hand and squeezed it.

“It’s alright. Get some more rest” with a wet cloth you wiped his forehead.

“Mommy?” you heard your son, standing in the doorframe with his book, obviously wanting you read him a goodnight story.

“I’ll be right with you” you promised, then told Ben that you had to go. He already was asleep again, so you couldn’t help but pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“Are they outlaws?” your son asked when you entered his room

“Who are you talking about?”

“Them. Your patient and his friends” although you considered lying, you just gave a nod

“Yeah, Johnny, they are”

“Will they hurt us?”

“No, they won’t” at least not if their boss survived of which you were pretty certain by now. And hell, you’d make sure of that too.

The following evening, Ben woke long enough to talk properly for the first time. His eyes fell on you, then he moved and let out a groan.

“Easy there” you warned, trying to push him down since he obviously tried to sit up.

“(Y/N)?” he asked weakly and you felt your heart jump. He had not forgotten you!

“Yes, it’s me”

“How can you…?”

“Can I what?”

“I thought I lost you”

“Lost me?” what was he even talking about? Was he in a delirium? You wetted a towel and pressed it to his head “Are you alright?”

“I-I came back for you. To your father”

“Really?” you asked

“Few months after we met”

“Ah” you had already left by then, of course.

“Wanted to ask you if you could… imagine coming and live in Mexico with me. Or up North. I thought about settling down. To live a normal life with you” you felt a twinge in your chest and sighed. If only you had still been around then… your life surely could have been easier. Although, you now couldn’t complain. You had what you needed to live and you and your little one were doing fine.

“You did? You wanted to give everything up?”

“Everything?” he chuckled, then coughed “Had nothing. A life with you… that would’ve been everything” with a smile, you stroked his hair “Your father… he told me you’d died”

“What? Did-did he tell you because you told him that you wanted to take me away?”

“You think I’d have been that stupid to tell him? I wanted to see you, when I couldn’t find you, I asked your father”

“Ah” that made more sense. But still, why would your father tell him that when he had sent you away himself? Because you were dead to him? Or because he had an idea what Ben would want from you? Shaking your head to banish the sad thoughts you took his hand.

“I’m okay. I just left. I’m fine” you assured him, kissing his hand as he squeezed yours.

“He called the Marshal, your father and they arrested me. I didn’t even fight ‘em. Didn’t want to. Didn’t see the sense in it. In life” you swallowed

“Well, you clearly did get away”

“Charlie” he said “Only reason I went with them was ‘cause I didn’t want him to burn down the whole town”

“So you went on as you had before?”

“Yeah. Thought, sooner or later I’d be gone anyways” you let out a low chuckle what made him cough

“And then, when you’re close to death your men thwart your plan to die by bringing you here?”

“No. Can’t say how happy I am to be here” you smiled, moving his hand to your face

“I’m happy to see you too. Not that I’m glad you’re injured. And don’t get me wrong but I hope it’ll take time to heal. That will allow you to stay longer” he chuckled again, this time without a coughing fit.

“If you stay that time, I’ll come back to find and visit you. But I’ll make sure your husband doesn’t notice”

“Husband?” his eyebrow went up

“You said you left. I assumed…”

“That I met a man and left with him?”

“Yeah” you shook your head

“No, I just… kinda had to. It was easier. To avoid talks and all” you shrugged.

“’t’s okay. You can’t imagine how happy I am to see you. Alive and well. Nothing else matters” you gave a slow nod “I… if you’re not living with someone… could-could you imagine coming with me? To Mexico? I never want to lose you again”

“I…” you swallowed. Somehow you wanted to say yes. But you had built up your own life here. You and your son both had friends. You were, finally, accepted and welcome in the community. By most at least. And they needed you. Besides, you didn’t know any Spanish, how would you get by in Mexico?

“Take your time. Guess I’ll have to stay a couple of days again”

After lunch the next day, you were sitting at the table, mending clothes when Ben joined you.

“You’re supposed to be in bed” you just said

“Can’t lie down forever” you sighed

“Guess you’ll never listen or learn your lesson, huh?”

“No. ‘sides, how d’you expect I could stay in bed when I can see the prettiest woman here?”

“You could have called me to your room” you said

“Didn’t wanna disturb you”

“You slept through lunch but there’s some leftovers. You want something?” he shook his head and you gave him a worried glance “But you should eat. You lost a lot of blood”

“I’m fine” putting the shirt down, you got up and prepared him a plate anyways and closed the curtains since you didn’t want people seeing who was sitting at your kitchen table. Although he said he wasn’t hungry, he quickly dug into his food but before he was done, the door to your house opened and your son dashed to your side, crying. You put the clothing you were mending down again and knelt down to him.

“What’s the matter sweetheart?” due to his sobbing, you didn’t get all of it but figured he had fallen somehow during playing with his friends outside “What’s this?” you saw the scratches on his arm and face and examined them further. Had he been attacked? Fear flashed through you

“He pushed me” he sniffed, wiping his nose

“Who pushed you? Where?”

“Ryan. Into the bush”

“What bush? That one just outside town? The ouchie one?” how often had you told your boy and his friends to stay away from the poisonous plant? And now his friend had pushed him into it?

“Yes”

“Why would Ryan do that? What did you do?” you knew that Johnny wasn’t always an angel when it came to others and he often started fights.

“I told him to shut up”

“Did you have a fight?”

“He said I’m boring. His Daddy showed him how to shoot. I wanted too but he said I can’t because I don’t have anyone who showed me.”

“Well, you know, Ryan’s also two years older”

“Will you teach me how to shoot when I’m seven?” you kissed his forehead

“How about we ask Sherriff Matt to show you? Then you can teach me because I don’t know it either” he sniffed and nodded

“Okay. Then I’ll be better than Ryan. Because his father is only the deputy. And Matt is the sheriff. So he is better”

“Of course you will. You know, he wasn’t right to push you. But you shouldn’t have told him to shut up. That’s not nice. Next time he says something mean, just walk away. Now” you sat up a little “get cleaned up and then we’ll go examine your ouchies and I’ll give you a cookie, okay?” he nodded and ran outside to wash. With a sigh you sat back up and glanced at Ben who had watched the whole exchange.

“You have a son”

“Yeah” you said quietly

“So, you had a husband?” he asked after a pause “What happened to him?” you swallowed. Now or never, you thought.

“I never had a husband”

“He’s a bastard” you just nodded, wiping at your eyes where you felt tears forming “What happened? And what about his father?” it was as if your tongue was glued to its place and instead your tears spilled. “I’m sorry” he said “Ain’t none of my business. Didn’t want to stir any memories” he leant over the table to squeeze your hand “But I promise to help you in any way I can”

“It’s okay” you said “You- you did or said nothing wrong. It’s just… it has been hard. When I left, I mean. People wouldn’t help me. Us. Not ‘til I helped them. I guess that’s just… you okay?” all the color had drained from his face and you got up, wiping your cheeks “Come, we’ve got to get you back to bed”

“You left ‘cause you were pregnant. A bit more than five years ago. After I was there…” he swallowed hard “I was… He’s mine” he breathed. Not trusting your voice you nodded. He slackened and buried his face in his hands “All those years… I had a son. And I left you on your own”

“It’s not your fault” you said “You couldn’t have known” carefully, you stroked his hair and he pulled you into his lap, placing his hands on your waist. “It’s okay” you said “Don’t blame yourself” taking a deep breath, he nodded

“Does he know?”

“About you? No. I mean not that you’re his father. He does know you’re an outlaw but I’m not sure he knows your name. He surely heard it before though”

“Done” Johnny shouted and came back inside, dropping his shirt on the floor. Quickly you jumped up and gave him a glare. He picked the shirt up, putting it on the counter instead. Still not quite happy about where he placed it, you decided to ignore it and sat down on your chair again.

“Alright, close the door, then come here. Let’s have a look” giving a nod, your son obeyed and then climbed into your lap. After checking his face for dangerous cuts, you made a game of examining the rest of his chest, tickling him whenever you found something, even if it just was a mole or dirt. “Well,” you said in a mock-earnest after you were done and he had calmed down “I think you’ll survive it” giving a solemn nod, he tugged on your collar and when you leant down he whispered in your ear

“Does he bother you, Mommy?” smiling you shook your head.

“No, sweetheart, it’s okay” nuzzling the top of his head you put him back on the ground

“My cookie!” he protested, crossing his arms. With a sigh, you opened the cupboard where you stored them and handed him the cookie jar.

“One” you reminded him, then your glance fell to Ben “And if you’re at it, why don’t you give our guest one too?” he threw a critical glance at the outlaw, hugged the jar to his chest and looked back at you

“They’re mine”

“No. I made them, they’re mine” letting out a sigh, he sat down, opened the jar and started rummaging it.

“Don’t touch them all just because you want the biggest. Take the first you can grab” giving you an upset glare, he stopped and just took out two, comparing them before putting the bigger one in his mouth and put the smaller on the table in front of Ben before quickly returning to the jar. You noticed how Ben was watching the boy’s every movement in awe.

“Do you want one too?” he asked after glancing to and fro between the cookies and you for a while

“Why yes, I do” as he was retrieving another cookie for you, there was a knock at the door. Just as you threw a glance to Ben, he had already gotten up and was returning to his room.

“(Y/N)” sheriff’s deputy David Miller said, his son Ryan on his hand.

“Deputy” you said

“I’m here to talk about your son”

“So?” you asked, having a feeling it had to do with the incident earlier.

“Ryan says your son pushed him into a bush”

“My son told me the exact same story, just that your son pushed him. After mocking Johnny”

“So it’s my son’s fault, huh?”

“I just said there were two versions of the story and that we should find out what really happened. So, Johnny?” you asked giving your son a hard glare “Would you mind telling me what actually happened?”

“He laughed at me! Then he pushed me”

“And what did you do after that?”

“I…” he looked down “I pulled him in the bush with me. But not really. Just a bit. I didn’t push him. I swear” you turned to the older boy

“Is that what happened?”

“I didn’t make fun of him. I just said that Daddy taught me how to shoot. And that’s why I should be the sheriff in our game”

“Liar!” your son shouted “You mocked me. You bragged about it and that I would never make a good sheriff like you because I don’t have a Daddy who will show me stuff!”

“Did you say that, Ryan?”

“That’s enough” the man said “You’re not questioning my son here”

“And what else do you suggest we do?”

“Just let me deal with my son alone and make sure you get yours under control. ‘Cause in case you didn’t notice; often when there’s trouble, your son is involved”

“Do you think I wouldn’t know that?”

“Then do something about it. A firm beating would do” with that he tipped the brim of his hat and left.

“Asshole” you muttered when he was out of earshot. While you were good friends with his boss, Sheriff Matt, you somehow couldn’t stand his deputy and he wasn’t your biggest fan either. You were pretty sure that was because he thought it was your fault his brother died. He had had a ranch and in a drunken state he had found it necessary to mock the bull... By the time they had brought him to your place it had been too late that you couldn’t do anything for him anymore.

#3:10 to yuma #ben wade #310 to yuma #ben wade imagine #ben wade x reader #ben wade x you

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mystery-star · 2 years

Text

Healing – Ben Wade (Part 1 / 2)

Pairing: Ben Wade x fem!reader

Warnings: blood and injuries, violence, sexual references

Words: 3226

Series Navigation: Part 1 | Part 2

Do not repost my work on other sites or platforms.

Your father being a doctor meant that he often brought home people he tended to because they were in a really bad shape. Or ranchers that drove herds and got injured on the way and had nowhere to go. But you would have never expected him to bring home an outlaw. And none other than the infamous Ben Wade on top of that. You speculated if he took him in because he had promised a handsome reward or because he knew that Ben Wade’s gang would get revenge if something happened to their leader. Of course you were told to stay away from the patient and you listened to your father but two days after his arrival, you were alone at home and picking herbs for dinner outside. When you wanted to return inside, you saw the outlaw leaning against the doorframe and watching you.

“Stay away from me” you said, your voice trembling more than you had hoped and you gripped the knife you had used to cut the herbs tighter “I have a knife”

“No need to worry Ma’am” he stepped aside and while he still was in the doorframe you now had room to enter next to him. But you hesitated “I jus’ wanted to see where everyone went to” only now it dawned on you. You were alone with that man. That criminal. And the next house was about five minutes away.

“I… we’re visiting a neighbor and she said she needed some herbs, so I went back home to get her some” you lied, proud of having found a way to get away from him. He gave a nod and stepped outside.

“How far is it? You do live in the middle of nowhere it seems”

“Five minutes” you said and considered if you could outpace him if you just started running. He came closer and offered you his arm, making you give him a glare “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I’ll accompany you a bit. Don’t think you should be out there alone. t’s dangerous” you snorted with laughter.

“Are you really trying to tell me it’s dangerous out there? I’ve lived here since I was five. I know this place and all. I don’t need or want your protection. Besides you are hurt and should better get back to bed”

“Your father said being active would do me good. ‘sides you not scared I’d go and rob your house when y’all are gone?”

“Better the house than me”

“Do you at least have something to protect yourself?”

“My knife” you said

“A knife won’t do you no good if someone’s got a gun out there”

“Well, all they could rob me off are those herbs and I don’t think anyone takes the effort to rob someone of their herbs” with that you started walking away, not caring what he was doing.

“I’ll let your father know”

“Know what?” you made the mistake to stop and turn back to him.

“That you’re gone. I know you haven’t gone visiting a neighbor with him. I know your father went to town. But I don’t think he knows you’re leaving. Leaving ‘cause of me”

“I know you and if you think I’m going to stay in the house with you when no one is around, you are gravely mistaken”

“If you know me you also know I don’t hurt women” of course you had heard about that. One day, your friends in town and you had even discussed that they had heard he could be something of a gentleman. “’Sides, I still need your father’s care. I hurt you, I’m on my own. Worse, actually. So it’s in my own interest to make sure you’re fine” you snorted again

“Like accompanying and protecting me on a five minute walk?” he chuckled and you thought about it “Alright, fine. I’m staying but I warn you…”

“You still got your knife, I know” not giving him a look, you marched past him and entered the house, putting the herbs on the kitchen counter. To your surprise, Ben Wade didn’t return to his room but sat down at the table instead. You suggested he was true about his word, so who cared if he sat there? It wasn’t like you had to talk to him or something. “That your book?” well, you shouldn’t count your chickens before they are hatched.

“Yeah” you replied, taking out a pot

“Good one?”

“I haven’t finished it but yes”

“You need help with something?”

“No. And stop talking to me”

“Just one last thing. Would you had me that charcoal over there?” your eyes wandered to where he pointed and finding he could not do anything dangerous with it, you gave it to him, hoping you’d now have your peace to cook. “It just occurred to me…” he drawled a couple of minutes later and you crunched the sage in your hand with more force than necessary “We weren’t properly introduced”

“There was no reason to, I already knew you”

“Nah. You heard of me. Not all the stories are true”

“Oh, so you didn’t burn down a whole town in Northern Arizona some time ago?”

“A house. And ‘t was Charlie who set it on fire” you grunted

“But you surely gave the order”

“No. Told him to scare the guy a lil’.”

“Well, you still didn’t do anything about the fire”

“And what d’you think I should have done? Tell the Marshal and let him arrest me as well?”

“However or what happened you approved of what he did and found it okay”

“It got me what I wanted. So why bother?” you let out a deep breath

“Why am I even talking to you?” he chuckled

“’Cause I have that effect on ladies” you whipped around

“Let me get one thing… Oi, what are you doing to my book?!” you went over to him and snatched your book away, in which he had been scribbling. Only now you saw that he had been drawing. You, standing at the kitchen counter. It wasn’t done yet but you had to admit it looked good. All of a sudden you didn’t know what to think or feel. You were mad that he was drawing in your book. Felt both flattered and offended he drew you without asking. But you had not imagined him to be a man who draws. That well on top of all. He got up and was at your side.

“You know, I think I now like the book better. Now that it’s got something interesting and beautiful inside”

“Stop that” you muttered and stepped away and for some reason you wanted to tear the page out but you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. Not because there was text on it, it only was the first page with the title. Because you felt like you would regret it.

“Will you at least let me finish it so it does you justice?”

“You know what?” you spat and held the book back to him “Do what you want, I don’t care. Just be quiet and leave me alone. I’m not one of those other women you forced to share a bed with you” instead of taking the book he leant closer, whispering in your ear

“I’ve never had to force ‘em. They came willingly” you were ready to push him away but he already leant back and took the book, brushing his fingers against yours. He returned to the chair, leaving you standing there for a moment in confusion.

Your father took longer with his patient in town than you thought, so once the meal was done, you demanded your book back, handed the outlaw a piece of paper instead and went outside to read. Exasperation hit you when he joined you on the small bench on the porch, stretching himself.

“Are you still trying to protect me?” he chuckled.

“There are wild animals out here, you know?” he leaned back against the wall and let out a grunt of pain. His hand went to his side.

“Are you alright?”

“I thought you didn’t wanna talk”

“Right. Don’t answer the question”

“So you don’t even care how I’m doing?”

“No”

“A bad attitude considering your father’s a doc”

“Usually his patients aren’t outlaws” he just gave you a grin and when he removed his hand you saw the fresh bloodstain on his shirt “Oh that doesn’t look good. Maybe the wound opened again” you got up “Come”

“You do care”

“I’m just trying to help. Don’t think my father would like it if I let his patient die” he got up and followed you inside to the room your father used to treat patients, where Ben Wade currently resided. “Sit down and take the shirt off”

“Ah, you said you weren’t one of the women I take to bed” you gave him a glare and searched your father’s tools before you turned back to him, seeing how he struggled to take off the bandage around his waist.

“Let me help” almost slapping his hands away and undid it yourself, then examining the wound after you had wiped away some of the blood

“Do you even know what you’re doing?”

“My father taught me some stuff. Not all show their kids how to kill”

“He taught me how to bury people”

“See, you tore open the stitching. I hope you’re happy now. You should have stayed in bed”

“I was being lonely” he pouted, making you shake your head as you returned to your father’s shelf and took out something to stich the wound up again.

“Lie down, on your side. And hold still”

“Or what? You gonna stab me with your needle?”

“You bet I will” you muttered wiping up some more blood so you could see better. “What kind of wound is it even? Doesn’t look like it’s been a bullet”

“A knife” you could almost hear the grin in his voice.

“And you said a knife was useless” you found yourself chuckling

“Didn’t say it’s useless. Just that a gun’s better. Guy who did this to me’s off worse”

“Okay. Good point” he went silent as you got to work and although he tried not to let you know, you knew he was hurting “We’ll be done soon” you promised and hurried with the last four stitches. “There. Now we need to bandage it again. Sit up” since you couldn’t find another one you took the one he had before and after you put some cream on a clean part you placed it over the wound and started to bind it around his abdomen.

“(Y/N)” you almost jumped with fright and turned around to see your father standing in the doorframe “What in God’s name are you doing? Get away from my daughter, Mr. Wade”

“I-I…” you stammered “I have to finish that first”

“I said get away from him! He is dangerous”

“I know. But he walked around a little. Then he broke down because of a wound that opened again. I had to fix it. I just wanted to help” the outlaw gave you a surprised look and you quickly fixed the bandage in place. “I gotta go” you quietly told him before you slipped off the cot and left the room without looking back. Your father followed, closing the door. He came over to you and took hold of your arms.

“Didn’t I tell you to stay away from him?”

“Yes father but I couldn’t just leave him like that. Hurt”

“Has he done something to you?”

“No. Of course not. Or I wouldn’t have cared” you nodded your head towards the table “I prepared us dinner”

Soon after dinner, your father excused himself and went to bed. You finished cleaning the kitchen and then decided to give Ben Wade some of the leftover food. So you spooned a part of it in a bowl, placed a spoon in it and carried it to his room. When you got no answer for your knock, you slowly opened the door and saw that he was sleeping. Quietly, you tiptoed to the nightstand and placed the bowl on it before checking his water jug which was empty. Deciding to fill it too, you got ready to leave when your glance fell onto the outlaw again. For some reason you suddenly had troubles believing he was such a ruthless, dangerous man who had killed dozens of people. Right now he just looked peaceful and… soft.

“I know you’re staring” you jumped back and almost dropped the jug

“You’re awake”

“If you live like me you learn to be aware of your surroundings” he sat up.

“I uh… brought you some food. And wanted to get you some more water”

“Then the staring held you up” you snorted “Thank you”

“It’s nothing”

“Not just for that. For what you did earlier. You lied to your father. ‘Bout me”

“I didn’t do it for you. I wanted to evade his lecture I’d have gotten if I had told him the truth”

“And now you’re not scared he’s gonna find you here?”

“Nah. He’s asleep”

“You said that like you’re not planning on leaving”

“I never said that” what could you possibly want in there and more importantly, with the outlaw? “I should get you more water”

Of course you had treated wounds before and you didn’t know why the one you had stitched up got infected this time. Not that your father, or Ben Wade for that matter, blamed you but you felt guilty and bad about it. A part of you even felt sorry for the outlaw because he now was suffering more because you had messed up your job. Luckily, it was getting better two days later and his fever went down. But that was when other problems arose; that evening, as you had dinner with your father, three men bolted into the house. Your father got up but before he could do something, one of the men shot at him.

“Where is he?” although you wanted nothing more than to jump up and see how your father was because he had gotten hit, you didn’t dare to leave your chair.

“Where is who?”

“Ben Wade” your mouth went dry. You didn’t know the men; they weren’t from town and so surely not some kind of posse that came to arrest him. Besides, such men also wouldn’t just shoot someone. No, you were pretty sure they were some of Wade’s men.

“I… uh…. he…” you stammered unable to get a word out in fear

“Yes?” one asked in a mocking tone. The one that had shot, the blond one, came over and struck you across the head with his gun.

“I don’t like asking twice” with a shocked gasp, your hand came to your hurting temple. The outlaw probably had a short temper because he grabbed you by the collar and yanked you up, the chair falling to the floor.

“Let her go, Charlie” you dared a glance to the side. Your patient had left the room and was standing in the doorframe.

“Boss” this Charlie seemed relieved and let go of you. “Let’s go”

“I don’t think they’ll let me leave yet, Charlie” feeling wobbly on your legs, you supported yourself against the table “You alright, Miss?”

“Yeah” you agreed and felt relief when your father sat up, holding his shoulder.

“Boss?”

“He needs time to heal more. It got infected. You shouldn’t…” again Charlie turned to you, hitting you across the face from the other side now

“What did you do to him?” well, it seemed someone was angry you messed up. Hoping it would make him leave you alone, you let yourself fall to the ground. But Charlie seemed far from done and stepped on your hand, making you whimper in pain

“That’s enough. Get away from her. Get out!” at least you now understood how people thought Ben Wade was dangerous. At least his voice sounded like he’d burst with anger any moment.

“You sure, boss?”

“Do as I say. Come back in a week” you didn’t dare to look up but the pressure on your fingers was gone and you heard boots scuffling and then the door slammed shut. There was a hand on your arm and you were pulled up “Are you still good?” you couldn’t help but smile

“I’m fine” you whispered “But my father got shot. He needs help” giving a small nod, Ben Wade helped you up, and after you had thrown a short look on your father’s wound, he helped you getting him to his bedroom. You left to get some tools to take the bullet out and returned.

“Well here goes nothing. I never took out a bullet” you told your father, who only let out a groan but smiled.

“Do you need help?” you turned to him, eyeing the outlaw skeptically “What? I do know how to take out bullets. Isn’t my first shot-wound, you know”

“Okay” you agreed.

As it seemed, tending to your father had been tedious for his patient. Well, you figured he was more of your patient now, now that your father needed time to heal as well. So you led Ben Wade back to his room and started wiping the sweat off his brow. To your surprise he pulled you on the cot beside him but since it was more comfortable to work, you said nothing. Not even when he leant the side of his head against your collarbone and let out a sigh. He probably just was tired, surely getting up and being on his feet for almost an hour had worn him out.

“There” you said putting the cloth away “You should sleep a little”

“How’s your head?” he lifted his own head and sat up to have a look at your temples where you had been hit.

“I’m fine. Just a scratch and a forming bruise” there had been some blood on the left side but you had wiped that off already.

“You sure?” he gently traced his first two fingers over that spot, probably the bruise as already becoming visible

“Yes. You need some rest. And my injuries are just basic. Will be a bit sore but nothing more”

“I never wanted him to hit you. Especially not on my account”

“It’s not your fault. And you stopped him” he gave a nod and you felt his lips against your temple. You froze and didn’t know how to react. He pulled back a little and pushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “I should get going. Clear the table and get you some dinner too” he gave an absent nod and his hand trailed down to yours, the one Charlie had stepped on and gave it a gentle squeeze.

That night you lay awake for some time, your thoughts coming back and back to the outlaw and what had occurred between you that evening. Well, what wondered you most was why you had let him touch you in such a way... Why you had not pushed him away or left earlier. But you promised yourself to just avoid him from now on, as your father had told you. To only see him when you had to.

#310 to yuma #3:10 to yuma #ben wade #ben wade imagine #ben wade x reader #ben wade x you

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