Chapter Text
I can’t help but smile, glad to have Little Joe by my side once again. I knew the ride out to see the horses would be good for him, maybe help him release some of that tension he’s been holding inside. And the look on his face when he pushed Cochise into a canter was priceless, I swear the boy looked like he was flying, he was so happy.
I know Pa was still upset with me for taking Little Joe out, but I thought it would give us some time alone. Who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to get my stubborn little brother to tell me at least something about what happened to him.
When we ride up to the corral where we are keeping the colts, there are only a few of our hands out there, they had brought some hay up for the horses in the wagon and called out a greeting as we dismounted.
I respond in kind, but Little Joe just nods his head, looking at them warily. The men don’t seem to care though, and just keep forking the rest of the hay over the fence.
“What do you think, Joe?” I ask, leaning against the fence. “I told you it was a nice bunch we had brought up this time.”
“There are some handsome ones.” Joe agreed, a slight smile on his face as he watched the young horses antics.
I study the animals closely, a large dapple colt catching my eye. He was a well built horse for his age, with a deep chest and sloping withers, and boy could he turn on a dime.
“What do you think of the dapple?” I question, knowing Joe had a great eye for horses and wanting his opinion as well.
“He’s real nice, Adam.” Joe replied. “Seems like he would be a good fit for you.”
“Me?” I ask with a laugh. “I don’t need another mount.”
Joe gave me a disbelieving look. “I’m sure Scout wouldn’t mind a break every now and then, and that dapple looks perfect for you.”
“Alright.” I quickly gave in, knowing my brother could read me to well. “You’re right, I would really like that horse.”
Joe nodded, looking satisfied. “I knew you did.”
“What about you?” I pressed. “Did you find one that you want yet?”
“See that little sorrel over there?” Joe pointed across the corral to the far corner.
“That’s the one you want?” I asked in confusion. “He’s a little smaller then the others.”
“I know.” Joe agreed. “But he has heart, look at him stand up to the other horses.”
I had to agree with my brother on that. The sorrel may be small, but he was feisty, just like my little brother.
“You know what, Joe, I think you’re right.” I said nodding my head. “That little horse is just like you, small and with a temper.”
“Hey!” Joe laughed, shoving me gently. “That’s not nice.”
“Maybe not.” I shrug, immensely enjoying the sound of Joe’s laughter and familiar banter. “But it’s still true.”
“I guess it is at that.” Joe admitted quite reluctantly.
I called one of the hands over and gave him instructions to bring the dapple and sorrel to our front home corral that evening. I figured Joe could use the time he was laid up to start bonding with his horse, I just hoped that Pa approved. I understood that he was concerned about Joe, I am too, but he can’t stop Joe from doing anything ever again.
“Well, I think we both made good choices.” I said turning back to face my brother, he already looked worn out and tired looking from the ride. “You ready to head back now?”
Joe nodded quickly, moving to slowly mount Cochise once more. I swung up onto Sport, keeping a watchful eye as my normally energetic brother almost had trouble swinging up into the saddle.
“Are you still hurting?” I ask as we start to ride away at a walk. “I’m sure Doc Martin would be glad to give you something for pain if you need it.”
“No.” Joe snapped, his good mood fading away quickly as he turned to glare at me. “This is why you brought me out here, isn’t it? You wanted to get me alone and convince me to tell you the whole story. Did Pa put you up to this?”
“No, Joe.” I answer with a frown. “You know me better then that, I just worry about you.”
“Well, I’m fine.” Joe snapped. “So you can stop worrying and trying to get me to talk, cause it isn’t going to happen.”
I open my mouth to answer him, but he quickly pushes Cochise into a faster gate, avoiding any more conversation.
I sigh warily as I ask Sport to go faster as well, not wanting my little brother to get to far ahead by himself. Because no matter what I want to happen, I know my brother is still not ready to be by himself out here. I know he’s still hurting, and I don’t just mean physically, he’s hurting inside and I don’t know what I can do to fix it. Maybe I’m not supposed to fix it though, this might be something little Joe has to decide to fix for himself and I just need to show him that I am here for him no matter what.
It’s hard to watch him struggle though, and I want to find the people who did this to him and make them feel the same way he does. Maybe that way they’ll finally see how wrong it is to mistreat and hurt others. But I’m guessing that’ll never happen, so I promise Little Joe silently that I will help him get better, no matter how long it takes or how much he lashes back at me. We’re brothers, that’s what I’m here for, even if Joe doesn’t remember that quite right now, he will in time.