Hey Everyone! Welcome to my Band of Brothers story! This is my created M7 AU. It's been a lot of fun and at times, really challenging. It's OW and all the boys are -much- younger than canon, and I tried to keep their backgrounds and personalities as close to canon as I could! (Interesting challenges with characters like Chris, let me tell you, lol!)

As the story begins, we meet Josiah who is 18, and then JD who's 12. As the boys travel, they meet the others. Chris just turned 17, Buck is 15, Nathan is 14, Vin is almost 14 and Ezra is 13.

My favorite OC, Danny will be here, later on in the story, as will Jess, though their roles here a bit different to fit the AU and the boys ages. All our Four Corners folks will be here as well, in later chapters, as well as some smaller role OC's I needed to make the story work.

There's also a new OC that joins later, who is a close second to my Danny. I hope you all like him as well. ;)

This is my very favorite story I have ever written to date, not just M7, but as a whole, and I sincerely hope that you will like it as well.

I can not thank I'maMePanda enough for the amount of reviewing, beta-ing, and reading she has done for me - the amount is in the "way-too-many-hours" department of our corner office, here in the FF world. She's awesome, and I appreciate her greatly! And if you haven't, you need to go read her stories.

Note - There will be talk of/discussion of CP in later chapters, and swats here and there after the first few chapters. Please don't read if this bothers you.

-BoB-BoB-BoB-

August 1875 - Somewhere in SW CT….

Josiah leaned up against the porch railing and watched the busy street; wagons and folks on horseback were almost non stop, in a fashion he wasn't used to seeing. This was definitely one of the busiest towns he'd been in, in his travel over the last few months. Even the boardwalk was a flurry of activity, people coming and going, kids yelling, people bartering. He had been so sure he'd find work here, just something small to get himself some jerky and crackers or something, but so far, he hadn't.

Swift movement to his right caught his eye and pulled him from his thoughts. He watched as a boy of no more than 11 or 12 darted in and out of of the activity, people so caught up in their own doings, they didn't see what the boy was about. But, Josiah did. He saw the boy dipping his hands into pockets, and tucking away coins, reaching around and un-clipping money bags...and at one point, taking homemade rolls right out of a basket that hung on a woman's arm.

It may have been terribly wrong, but Josiah had to admit, the kid was good. He watched the boy attempt to fleece another money bag and saw a hand clamp around the kids scrawny wrist. The youngster yelped in surprise, "the kids good" thought fled and Josiah moved forward, trying to form some kind of explanation to help the boy, before he reached the them.

As Josiah neared them, he caught a flash of something, and a quick glance at the man's chest showed a tin star. Josiah groaned inwardly. He moved to stand almost in front of the boy, resting a hand on his shoulder, causing both man and boy to look at him in surprise. He had no idea what to say, he hadn't thought of a thing on the short walk over and ended up just saying the first thing that came to mind.

"I'm sorry, Sir. Since Pa passed, the boys been tough to handle." Josiah bit his tongue to keep from saying anything else.

It had been ground into him at a very young age that lying was wrong in more ways than he could ever hope to remember. He wondered if the vagueness of his statement made the lie less...like a lie? He didn't know, but he had to stop himself from looking at the sky in search of the lightning bolt he was sure was about to strike him. Not that he had any belief in his Father's God at this point in his life. Disowning them both had been the best thing he'd ever done. Of course, if he could convince himself of the truth of that statement, he wouldn't be worried about lightening bolts from Heaven. He quickly looked back to the lawman, realizing he was waiting and swallowed roughly when it was clear the man didn't believe him.

"Have your...brother give me what he took from the people here, and we'll forget all about this." Josiah studied the man, surprised by his response, but seeing nothing concerning in the mans brown eyes, he nodded. He looked down at the boy beside him, tousled dark hair, and big hazel eyes stared back at him.

"Give it back..." Josiah stumbled a little, having no clue what to call the boy. The boy's eyes suddenly went wide, realization dawning, and he began to mutter as he dug around in his pockets.

"JD. Why can't you ever just call me JD?" The boys quick reply had Josiah blinking twice, surprised the boy had caught on and had the wherewithal to come up with something. "But no..." the boy continued, digging coins out of his pockets and reaching around Josiah to hand them to the lawman. "Always calling me John Daniel, no matter what I say." The boy continued muttering, as he handed over 2 money bags, and a few more coins, followed by the 2 rolls. The lawman chuckled, handing the rolls back.

"You keep those, Son. I don't think the lady will want 'em back from inside your pocket." At the mischievous grin the boy threw at the lawman, Josiah's mouth dropped. What was he doing?! This kid...and then the lawman was speaking again.

"I'm Marshall Sawyer...and you are obviously JD," the Marshall looked at JD and winked and the boy grinned back.

"And you, son?" He asked Josiah.

"Josiah, sir. Sorry."

The Marshall put everything JD had given him into his pocket, and shook Josiah's hand. Then he looked at both boys momentarily, before turning to focus a stern look at JD.

"No more stealing, do you hear me, John Daniel?" JD's mouth almost dropped open in surprise at the Marshall's use of his full name, and he looked on the verge of saying something, but the lawman didn't give him a chance. "Don't be causing your brother strife. Stealing can get you tossed in jail...or worse. You listening to me, son?" JD nodded, though he now looked a bit stung by the lecture.

"Yessir...but, what if'n I'm hungry?" He asked, opening his eyes wide, and turning down his mouth in a ridiculous pout.

The Marshall slide a glance at Josiah, trying not to laugh at how the teen was watching JD with almost reverential awe. As if Josiah hadn't ever seen a child before, much less a street smart, cheeky one. If JD didn't have Josiah wrapped around his finger by the end of the day, he would soon enough. The Marshall shook his head and hid a grin, as he looked back at JD.

"You find some work, or you ask someone. There is always another way," The Marshall kept his stern look as he added, "Stealing is wrong."

JD nodded sagely and again the Marshall found it hard not to laugh.

"Although sometimes, someone offers. You boys hungry?"

Josiah tried to shake himself out of his confusion over what had just happened and looked from the Marshall to JD, and back again.

"Yes!" JD yelled, shaking Josiah's hand off his shoulder, and moving closer to the Marshall. "You ain't teasing?"

The Marshall shook his head. "No, Son, I never tease about food." He answered solemnly. JD turned to Josiah, excited.

"You're coming, right?" The boys words seemed to pull Josiah out of his lie induced stupor and he looked down at the kid.

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked his newly acquired little brother.

JD yelled out in excitement, and Josiah blushed as he caught the Marshall's eye, knowing the man still didn't believe they were brothers. Then the Marshall smiled and asked,

"You hungry Josiah?"

Late August 1875– SW CT

Josiah watched as this new little person in his life attacked the meal in front of him like a ravenous wolf. They'd moved on from the town they'd met in, sleeping a few times under the stars, once in a small fairly run down boarding house and last night, in a small livery. Josiah had traded cleaning stalls for the use of their small loft. It wasn't the most comfortable place he'd ever slept, and he stretched again, watching JD suck down the oatmeal in front of him.

They sat just inside the boarding house doors, as Josiah wasn't about to give the boy any chance to make off with anything that wasn't his. He'd been watching him like a hawk, concerned, even after both he and the Marshal had told him not to steal, that he would...whether out of habit or simply because he wanted too, Josiah had no idea.

He just wasn't sure how many times he could 'save' the boy from that kind of trouble and he was pretty sure over the last six months or so, he himself had tempted fate more than he'd ever dared before in his life. JD looked up at him then, grinning, his spoon scraping the bowl with a noise so loud Josiah looked around apologetically in anticipation. Surprised and relieved that not a single patron of the restaurant appeared bothered, he hissed out a quiet reprimand anyway.

"John Daniel, there's no need for that. If you're still hungry, we can ask for more." The 12 yr old shrugged.

"'It's good. Just want'n all of it." Josiah refrained from rolling his eyes.

"Do you want more?" JD shook his head.

"Naw." he said as he pushed his chair back, again making more than necessary noise, as far as Josiah was concerned.

"Can we look 'round the town?" JD's question actually scared the older teen.

Josiah shot to his feet, his own chair scraping across the dusty floorboards, and he shook his head, as he grabbed the boy by the overalls, causing the dark haired boy to let out an indignant yelp.

"No!" Josiah's voice was stern, and he pulled JD back towards the table as he added, "You, my young friend, aren't going anywhere without me."

Looking up at his stand in big brother, the hazel eyed boy scowled and pouted out, "I said, 'we'!"

It took only a second for Josiah to relax, and he chuckled softly, releasing his hold on the overalls of the mini pick pocket.

"You did say 'we'. It's always 'we' now, right John Daniel?" he asked, moving to the front desk of the boarding house to pay for their meal, one hand gently resting on JD's shoulder.

"Yeah, Josiah, you tell me ev'ry day!" Josiah thanked the proprietor, and grinned down at the kid he'd grown awfully fond of in the last few days.

"I do, huh?" he asked teasingly, as he steered the boy out the door and onto the boardwalk.

"Where do you want to go, JD?"

The boy shifted out from under Josiah's hand, and turned to look up at him, the amount of mischief in his eyes causing Josiah's senses to go on alert.

"How 'bout...the saloon?" JD shrieked out a laugh, dancing a few steps back as Josiah made a grab for him, mock growling.

"I'll show you a saloon, all right!"
Laughing, JD took the steps down to the muddy street before turning back again to grin cheekily.

"You will? Yeehaw!"

Sept 1875 – Eastern PA

Sighing heavily, Josiah stared down at the pie his shouldn't-still-be-grinning little brother was holding.

"John Daniel, where did you get this?" JD smiled, holding the pie up higher as if for verification.

"Was sitting on the windowsill of that fancy house in town. Told ya I could find us something to eat." The almost 13 yr old grinned after giving his answer, as if he had not a clue why Josiah was upset. But Josiah hadn't watched this boy for the last 5 weeks and not begun to notice things. Like the wary look in the boys eyes. Or the somewhat rebellious way the kids chin jutted out.

"Didn't I tell you not to worry about food? That it was my job? And I know I told you to quit taking things that aren't yours!" Josiah asked, stifling the desire to sigh. JD's nod was a bit surprising to the older teen. "Then why are you standing here with a pie that isn't yours?"

JD frowned, scuffling a toe across the hard packed dirt that surrounded their tiny campsite.

"Cuz it was just sitting there." he mumbled, looking darkly at Josiah.

"John Daniel!" the younger boy cringed at the exclamation, taking a wary step back.

"But, I wanna help! And, I did!" JD said, almost shoving the pie in Josiah's face. Josiah couldn't stop from rolling his eyes, as reached out to take the pie before his little brother smashed it in his face.

"Give that to me." He said, his tone taking on the stern edge he'd noticed JD paid more attention too.

He was surprised though, when JD shook his head and stepped back again, almost hugging the pie to his body.

Frowning, Josiah quietly ordered, "No JD, the baker doesn't need a crushed or dirt covered pie."

Looking up at Josiah, not liking the sound of that at all, the little thief asked,

"Whaddya mean?" his voice full of suspicion.

"It means you're taking the pie back where you got it from. And you're going to apologize." Josiah answered, stepping forward to grab hold of JD's overalls with one hand while taking the pilfered pie with the other. Josiah bit back a chuckle. He'd had no idea how useful a pair of overalls were going to be when trying to wrangle an excitable almost teen, until JD entered his life...or rather burst into his life like a bull in a carefully organized shop. All of Josiah's ideas on how the world worked had been chucked out the window the day he met JD, and most days he was still floundering around, hoping they wouldn't starve...or wind up in jail.

"I can't do that!" JD exclaimed in horror. "They'll be mad at me!" The youngster pulled out puppy dog eyes with those words, his tone pleading. Swallowing the first reply of 'That's why you don't steal stuff!' that came to his mind, Josiah spoke quietly, pulling JD a bit closer via his overalls.

"You're right. They likely will be. Why do you think that is, John Daniel?"

Fidgeting and looking rather annoyed for a child who was in a bit of trouble, JD took a moment to respond. When he did, Josiah had the hardest time not laughing at the reason the young boy gave.

"Cuz they wanted to eat it?" JD's voice was filled with uncertainty, and unable to stop it, a grin chased the frown from Josiah's face, though he managed not to laugh.

"Yes, I imagine they did have plans to eat such a grand baked good. But I'd also figure they weren't intending for a thief to make off with it either. Folks don't like having their stuff taken without permission. We've talked about this before, haven't we JD?"

Back to scuffling his boot across the ground, JD hunched his shoulders, but nodded. "Yeah, Josiah. Bunches."

"So, we shouldn't really be having this discussion again, should we?" Josiah was struggling to stay stern at this point, he really did hate having to be so firm with the kid.

JD peeked up at Josiah, underneath dark curly hair that needed to be cut and shook his head.

"No sir."

Startled a bit by JD's use of "sir", memories flooded his mind, and he fought to stuff them back down, momentarily feeling like he was choking. JD watched him curiously and after a moment of quiet emotions warring across Josiah's face, JD moved closer to the older teen.

"You OK, Josiah? I won't never do it 'gain, honest!" the boy spoke earnestly, stepping forward again and peering up into the tall teens face. The action caused Josiah to take control of himself and he gave a forced grin at the little thief. He took a deep breath, his grin getting bigger. Yeah, JD was a little thief, but he was his little thief. "C'mon JD. We'll grab some supper after you return this." Josiah spoke quietly, placing an arm around JD's shoulders.

"They won't put me in jail, will they Josiah?" JD's voice held a bit of actual fear and Josiah squeezed his shoulders even tighter.

"No, John Daniel, I won't let them."

Mid/Late Sept – 1875 Mid PA

Josiah walked slowly, the rain pouring down his face in rivulets and dripping off his chin onto his soaking wet shirt. It wasn't really cold, which he was thankful for, but it was still wet and he was miserable as he could possibly be. His arms ached from holding them the way he was, so JD could ride piggyback. The kid was beyond exhausted and he'd been near tears when he asked Josiah to carry him, about a mile back.

Their satchel of belongings hung from his shoulder, barely, and it had almost nothing in it. He'd given JD the last of the jerky hours ago and aside from JD's extra shirt, there wasn't much else in it. He knew he had exactly two dollars and forty three cents in his pocket. He doubted it was enough to get them into a boardinghouse and food as well, not that that mattered currently, as he didn't think there was a town for another mile at least.

"Josiah, can't we stop?" JD's voice was tired and just this side of whiny, but since Josiah felt the same, he understood. He shook his head to get his soaked hair out of his eyes and looked through the driving rain, trying to find anything that resembled a hideout from the weather that was currently out to get them.

"I'm looking JD, hold on Buddy."

Taking a deep breath and muttering things he knew he shouldn't be, he took a risk and headed deep into the trees to his left. He had no idea what he'd find and was slightly concerned about veering too far from the main road, but he was going to have to put JD down and stretch his arms soon, and he'd rather do that somewhere the rain at least felt less harsh. The further into the woods they ventured, the less the rain felt like stinging nettles on his skin, but the darker it got and finally in near desperation, Josiah ducked under a large oak tree, it's branches spreading far out from the trunk, and he sighed when he immediately felt the difference in the amount of water hitting his body. He set JD down close to the trunk and ran a hand over the boys wet mop of curls.

"Sorry Bud, it's the best I can do for now." JD nodded, eyes half closed, barely standing upright.

Josiah quickly stripped JD of the wet shirt and put the mostly dry one on the near slumbering 12 yr old. He used the satchel to at least rid their hair of excess water, then hung it and JD's soaked shirt over a branch before slumping down at the base of the tree, pulling JD down next to him. He pulled JD close, and wrapped an arm around the boy as tight as he could, as if he could ward off the cold and wet that way, and the two settled in for the best sleep they'd be able to get that night.

Mid/Late Sept – 1875 Eastern PA

Tired, sore and still a bit damp all over, Josiah and JD trudged into the first town they came too. It wasn't much more than an over sized logging camp, but Josiah would take anything at this point. They'd spent an uncomfortable night under the oak and when morning finally came, Josiah desperately wished he knew enough of wild grown plants to know what was safe to eat. Anything they didn't have to buy would've been a blessing. But he just didn't dare. The last thing they needed was to get sick from eating something inedible.

"Josiah, I'm hungry." JD tugged on Josiah's arm, pulling the older boy from his thoughts.

"I know Bud. Look for a mercantile." Josiah replied, running his hand through his hair in an attempt to look less disheveled. He straightened his shirt and looked down at his jeans. He shook his head. The denim looked like they'd battled a raccoon and lost. At least his boots were fairing well, he thought with a wry grin.

He looked at JD, walking in front of him. His boy needed some clothes. His overalls were up around his ankles and though he had two shirts, one was really too small and the other had holes in it. He frowned and dug into his pocket. Exactly $2.43. Just what he thought. Food first. Clothes later. He surveyed the small town as they walked. Livery, bank, inn, church and a mercantile. He caught the look of a man standing on the front porch of the bank and swallowed hard. The man looked, well almost disgusted. It wasn't the first time in their travels they'd received those types of looks, but it was hard to ignore the way it made him feel. Determined to keep JD sheltered from such folks, he took a step closer to his little brother, and casually put a hand on the boys shoulder, grinning down at him when he looked up curiously.

"This way, JD. I see the mercantile." Josiah steered the dark haired boy across the hard packed, rut ridden street and onto the mercantile's porch. "Rules, JD?" Josiah asked the question quietly, after moving them out of the way of the store's front door. He almost laughed when JD rolled his eyes before answering.

"No touching or taking stuff. Want something, ask ya."

Nodding decisively, Josiah kept his hand on JD's shoulder as they entered the mercantile.

Minutes later, Josiah knew they were being watched. He glanced at the small counter near the front door and smiled politely at the older woman who was looking back at him. She didn't return his smile, but she wasn't frowning either. He sighed and steered JD down the next aisle. The boy was already holding a package of crackers, a couple apples and a loaf of homemade bread. Josiah knew the jerky would be up front, and he quickly made his way down the last aisle. He took a moment to check the price on a few articles of pre-made clothing that sat on a back table. The price for one shirt would've cost them some of their food and he shook his head, leading JD up to the front desk. The boy had been uncommonly quiet and Josiah sincerely hoped he was just tired and not coming down with something.

"Do you carry beef jerky, Ma'am?" Josiah asked, as he took the food from JD and set it on the counter.

"We do. You got money, boy?" Josiah bit his tongue and nodded, not daring to say anything. He dug into his pocket and retrieved a handful of coins.

With a small tsking noise, she moved away from the desk and reached into a cupboard over her head.

"She don't like us, Josiah, huh?" JD whispered the question and Josiah fought to maintain a look of indifference.

"Dunno, Bud. Maybe she's just having a rough day." he whispered back. The look JD gave him said the boy clearly thought he was full of it, but thankfully he didn't say anything else.

The woman set a package of jerky next to the boys items and gave Josiah the tally. While he figured she was probably overcharging him a bit, he paid and put the food in their satchel, snagging JD's arm, and heading out the door, managing a 'thank you' over his shoulder as they left.

A little bit later, Josiah and JD were sitting against the wall of the livery, breaking apart the loaf of bread, and downing the fresh baked good as if it was Thanksgiving dinner.

"Josiah?" JD's voice sounded tired still and Josiah looked at the boy in concern.

"JD? You feeling alright?" Josiah reached out to brush the hair off the boys forehead, holding his hand there a moment. The fact that JD didn't push him away was almost more alarming than the tiny bit of heat Josiah could feel emanating from his brother's head.

"'M tired." the boys response, his slumped lean against the wall and the possibility of a slight fever, had Josiah on his feet, stuffing the last of the bread in his mouth. He handed JD an apple, and talking around the bread, said,

"Try and eat this Bud. Stay right here. I'm going to ask about working, staying in the loft..." when JD didn't answer, Josiah bent down next to him, running his fingers through the boys hair. "JD?"

The miserable look JD sent him, with an accompanying nod, heightened his concern.

"I'll be right back!" Spurred by his concern, Josiah ran around to the front of the building. He burst in the front door, but his hopes dashed when he found the building silent and entirely empty. Heading back out into the street, he decided on the Inn and ran across the street, making himself slow down and walk up the stairs.

When he stepped inside the inn, he was surprised to see a very clean, orderly set up, unusual for a town this size. A settee sat to his left, the walls were adorned with paintings and the desk to his right was large, dark mahogany and looked expensive.

"Can I help you?" the dark red headed woman behind the desk asked, her tone polite, as she looked at him somewhat curiously.

"Do you know where I could find the livery owner? There's no one in the building." Josiah took the few steps over to the desk, self consciously straightening his shirt again and forcing himself not to run a hand over his hair. He knew what he had to look like to the woman and a blush started to creep up his face. When he noticed her head to toe appraisal of him and the way her mouth turned down when she got a good look at his jeans, he swallowed hard, awaiting her answer.

"My husband runs the livery. What do you need it for?" The woman's tone turned suspicious with her next question and Josiah almost groaned. Why did people always assume the worst?

"My brother and I need a place to sleep tonight." Josiah knew his voice sounded a bit clipped, but the words were out before he could stop them.

She continued to eye him for another few moments before answering, her tone back to polite but it didn't fool Josiah this time.

"My husband likely went to the mercantile. He'll be headed back shortly, I'm sure." and with those words, she dismissed him, picking up a pen and looking back down at a large book on the desk.

Not bothering with a thank you this time, Josiah turned and almost stormed from the Inn. He pushed the door open with a bit more force than necessary, and listened with satisfaction, as it banged just slightly as he walked down the stairs and back into the street. He went back towards the livery, hoping the owner had come back while he was at the Inn, and as he was about to step inside the building, he heard,

"Hey. Need something?" from behind him. Josiah turned hesitantly, not sure what to expect. So far, no one here had been downright mean...but no one had been nice either and he wasn't sure just how much more negativity he could handle. A tall thin dark haired man was headed his way, coming from the direction of the mercantile.

"My brother and I need a place to sleep. You the livery owner?"

The man stopped in front of Josiah and nodded, holding out a hand.

"Vern Talbot. Five cents each if you want to sleep in the loft."

Josiah couldn't help but sigh in relief, and then as an afterthought,

"You don't happen to need any help here do you?"

Vern shook his head.

"Sorry, kid. Not enough work for me most days." Josiah nodded, he could understand that. The town was awfully small.

"If I give you the money now, can we stay the rest of today and tonight?" Josiah wanted to make it clear he needed the space now and not later. Vern's nod bolstered Josiah even more.

"Sure, kid. Ain't no one else using it. Probably even some old saddle blankets up there. You're welcome to use them."

Josiah dug into his pocket, retrieved a dime and handed it to the livery owner, before quickly plunging ahead, hoping to get both his questions out before he lost confidence.

"Thank you! If there is, would you be willing to sell one? And do you know if the church has a mission barrel?"

Vern blinked a few times, appearing to study Josiah, but after a moment, he agreed.

"Sure. You find one you like, you bring it down in the morning. And yeah, the Rev and his wife usually have a barrel ready to go. Ain't much kids here of your size though."

The relief that they had a place to sleep, would have a blanket to take with them, and that he could maybe get JD some clothes, was almost too much. But, the comment on his size tipped the barrel and Josiah began to chuckle. It took a moment to compose himself and he knew that Mr. Talbot likely thought he was a bit loco.

"Sorry. Clothes aren't for me. My brother. He's 12." Josiah explained, nervously running one hand up and down along the opposite arm.

Vern nodded his acceptance of Josiah's explanation, then moved around him, into the livery, dismissing Josiah in a way similar to his wife, only this time, it didn't bother Josiah nearly as much. He moved quickly around the corner of the livery and grinned, seeing that JD was slumped over sideways, snoring softly. He knelt next to the sleeping boy, tugging the satchel up over his shoulder, and scooped JD up in his arms, before standing up, and heading back inside the livery.

Josiah stood a few feet from the small buildings front door. He'd tucked JD under a navy blue saddle blanket in a fairly dark corner of the loft just a bit ago, and now he was trying to convince himself of the need to go up and knock on the door of the small church. But, it simply wasn't working. Berating himself at his inability to do something that his little brother needed, he didn't see the front door open a bit.

"You gonna stand there all day, Boy?" Josiah started at the rough call and he looked up to see a middle aged woman peering out the half open church door. She stepped onto the porch when his eyes meet hers. "Well?"

Josiah's hand went to rubbing his arm again and he nodded, but didn't say anything.

"Do you need something?" The woman was getting annoyed, and Josiah nodded, trying to get out the words he knew he needed too. He took two steps forward and managed a sentence.

"My brother….he needs clothes. 12...he's 12."

The woman's face softened a minuscule amount, but as her hands went to her hips, Josiah only saw the latter, and he opened his mouth, ready to ask again, beg if needed, when the woman asked. "Shirts? Pants? Coat? What's he need?"

Josiah's mouth dropped open and he again couldn't seem to form words.

"Listen, Boy. I need to know what I'm getting. I don't have all day."

Josiah nodded his understanding, forcing himself to calm down and answer the impatient woman.

"A shirt...and pants. He doesn't have a coat…he's short, not big like me..."

"Wait here." she ordered in a voice Josiah wouldn't have dared disobey, but he did move a tiny bit closer to the church, so he was no longer standing in the street. The woman returned in minutes, walking to Josiah with a large handful of clothes. "Should be something in there that'll fit him. The sweater should fit you."

Still looking at the clothes in awe, he remembered his manners in time to look up and say thank you, but it was said to the woman's back as she was already heading back into the church building. Shaking his head in confusion of the people in this town, he hugged the clothes to his body and headed back to the livery and his little brother.

-BoB-BoB-BoB-

Morning dawned bright and early, to JD shaking Josiah, telling him how hungry he was. Happy to find JD in much better spirits than the previous day, he couldn't even pretend to be upset as he dug jerky and crackers from the satchel, that blessedly was no longer empty. Despite this having been one of the most awkward and fairly unfriendly towns they'd come through, they were well rested, had supplies for a few days and even had new-to-them clothes. Josiah rolled his shoulders, feeling the warmth of the sweater- that did fit- and happily munched an apple. They were leaving this odd little town shortly, but he was grateful for what it had provided.

Josiah watched JD run a little bit ahead of him. He was slowly becoming more his normal energetic self. When he had begun bouncing around in the loft a bit ago, Josiah knew it was time to go. He hefted the saddle blanket further onto his shoulder, situating the satchel strap over the top of it.

"C'mon, Josiah, stop waking so slow!" JD's call had the older teen looking up, further ahead to where JD dodged in and out of the tall grass along the roadside, and then he stopped and stared.

"Sunnyville." Josiah snorted at the sign that stood at the edge of the town. Sunnyville? He'd never before seen such an inaccurate use of a name.