Tin Man Fic: Tangible, chapters 1-15
Title: Tangible
Author: Surreal
Pairings and Characters: Glitch/Cain, and most of the main characters appear.
Rating: R overall, for some violence.
Word count: ~14,900
Summary: Response to the 'Sweethearts' challenge table. A new mission leads our heroes on a journey of change and discovery.
Disclaimer: The characters of Tin Man and their world do not belong to me.
Notes: Map of the O.Z. found here: http://www.scifi.com/tinman/google/
1. Smile
The table in the Queen’s meeting hall was covered in wrinkled maps and dusty notebooks. Wyatt Cain watched from one long side of the table, sharp eyes making out the details on the old strewn paper records as DG pointed to various locations on the largest of the O.Z. maps. Her parents listened intently from her other side as the young princess spoke of her meticulous travel plans. Curled up quietly in a chair at the opposite end of the table was Glitch, who was deeply involved in one of the journals. Raw, standing behind him, was the only one who knew that the journal in Glitch’s hands was upside down, and the former advisor was not reading it at all. The perceptive viewer said nothing, as he understood that it was Glitch’s way of hiding his concern as he listened to the others.
“I’ve got it all planned out,” DG was saying, leaning over the touch the place on the map labeled Central City, their current location. “The five of us - Glitch, Raw, Mr. Cain, Kalm and I - we’ll head west toward Milltown first,” she said, running her finger over the map.
“Why go through the town, we could just stay on a northwest route and cut a few hours travel,” Cain cut in, his own hand tracing the map along with his words.
DG smacked his arm lightly. “Don’t interrupt,” she snapped playfully. “I said we would go towards the town, not through it. I’ll get back to that later. As I was saying, we head west, cut south of the town and head for the Fields of Papay. Raw, you said your people were just southwest of the fields, right?”
“Yes,” Raw answered, a light shudder going through him as he thought of the Papay.
“Right,” DG nodded brusquely. “When we find them, we’ll introduce ourselves as representatives of the monarchy. Cain will speak for the law enforcement, Glitch for the advisors’ council, and I’ll do my best to look like a pretty, pretty princess,” she instructed with a derisive snort, to the mild displeasure of her mother. “Raw, you can introduce Kalm into the main clan.” She hesitated for a moment, standing up straight to look at Raw. “You’re certain this is the best thing for him? He’s never known a life outside of the tower, and the last six months here with us. He won’t feel abandoned, will he?” She bit at one of her nails anxiously.
“Kalm feel loved here,” Raw assured her warmly. “But Kalm need to learn from his own people.”
“Of course,” the Queen answered for her daughter. “We all want what is best for the child. Please, make certain he knows he is always welcome here, Emissary Raw.”
Raw straightened at hearing his new title, the smile on his face proud. He had accepted a position on the Queen’s council as a representative, relaying news and administrative issues between his former clan and the newly restored Crown.
“All right then,” DG turned back to her map to continue. “We’ll have about a day and a half of travel to the Fields. I figure horses will be fastest. On the way back, the four of us can stop in Milltown,” she paused to poke Cain in the arm. “I want to go visit my parents - um, robo-parents. The whole trip will take about four days, I figure.”
Cain nodded slowly. “It sounds like a good plan,” he agreed then looked up at the Queen and Ahamo. “She’ll be safe with us, I promise you that.”
“I know she will, Mr. Cain,” the Queen answered. “You will not be traveling far, and we all know my angel has been restless in recent weeks,” she smiled indulgently at her youngest daughter.
“Well, then.” The group all startled as the previously silent inventor spoke for the first time. Glitch stood up suddenly, tossing the unread book onto the table. “Shall we start packing?”
2. Support
Early the next morning, Cain knocked on Glitch’s slightly ajar door with his pack slung over one shoulder. “You about ready?” he asked as he pushed into the room.
“In a moment,” Glitch called from the washroom. He entered the main room a few seconds later, tossing a few items into his open bag on the bed. Scrubbing a hand over his messy hair, he glanced up at the other man and gave a tight nod. “That should do it.”
Looking down briefly to hide his smile, Cain stepped forward to clap a big hand on Glitch’s shoulder. “Your things are ready. Are you ready?” he asked seriously.
Glitch sighed, staring down at his bed. He fidgeted with the strap of his pack. “I’m...I’m sure the trip will be just fine,” he managed then gave a nervous laugh. “Of course, everyone in the O.Z. knows who we are by now, I shouldn’t have to worry about...well, I’m sure it will be just fine.”
“You said that,” Cain mentioned off-handedly. He eyed his friend and made a guess. “You’re worried about representing the advisors’ council, aren’t you?”
Waving one hand, Glitch picked up his bag with the other. “The Queen gave me her full support, as you know,” he sniffed without meeting Cain’s gaze, brushing past as he aimed for the door.
Cain stopped him with a hand wrapped around his arm. “That’s not what worries you. It’s representing the monarchy with that,” he pointed to the zipper on Glitch’s head.
Glitch pulled away, flustered. “That...thing is not who I am, Cain. I can’t be who I was anymore, but I have had a lot of years to get used to who I’ve become.”
“And you know not everyone sees you, at least not at first. They see what was taken from you and they wonder what to expect.”
“Isn’t that what you saw, Tin Man?” Glitch finally met his eye, defiant yet insecure.
“Yes, it was,” Cain admitted. “And I’ll be there to make sure everyone sees you for who you really are. The advisor to the Queen herself. And our friend.”
Glitch swallowed hard, unable to believe such unwavering support. “Promise?” he asked quietly.
Cain placed a warm hand against the side of Glitch’s neck, thumb resting just below his ear. “I promise, Glitch.”
3. Touch
Securing his bag to the back of his horse’s saddle, Cain made a final round to check on the rest of the travelers. Raw was riding without a saddle with Kalm seated in front of him. They had packed nothing to take with them; Raw intended to use the short trip to begin teaching the young viewer how to live off the land.
DG was wiggling on her own mount, settling into the shiny new saddle. “All set, Cain,” she assured him with an indulgent smile, understanding his need to check on them all for himself.
He wandered over to Glitch last. Looking up, he was met by an infectious grin that he couldn’t help but return. “Ready?” he asked.
Glitch nodded mutely, more confident than he had been mere hours before.
Cain reached up to pat his hand lightly on Glitch’s thigh. He was only mildly surprised when a hand came to rest over his own, holding it there for a moment before pulling away. Those ephemeral touches were all the assurance they needed. It was time to go.
4. Light
The second sun had begun to set by the time the group stopped for the night, just south of Milltown. Cain dropped off his horse with a solid thump and reached up to unhook his bag. From the corner of his eye he just caught a bright hint of fading light bouncing off of metal as Glitch gracefully made his way to the ground.
“I’ll take care of the horses, if you two wouldn’t mind getting camp set up,” Cain said to Glitch and DG. He saw Raw nod gratefully at him as the viewer took Kalm into the woods for a lesson in catching dinner.
Cain gave a mild shudder and was thankful the rest of them had packed their own food. He fell into the familiar rhythm of settling their four horses for the night. When he finished tying the lead ropes he made his way over to the warmth of the fire. DG offered him a plate that held pieces of bread, dried meat and slices of apple and he took it with a pleased nod.
Glitch was sitting on the other side of the fire with a similar plate next to him. He had a piece of bread stuck to the end of a stick, holding it over the fire. “I like my bread crunchy,” he explained to Cain, who sat down next to him with an amused expression.
By the time everyone, including the two viewers, had eaten their dinner it was well past dark. Cain saw Kalm leaning sleepily against his guardian, while DG was hiding a yawn behind her arm. Glitch was staring into the fire, unblinking.
Cain leaned over and bumped the still man’s arm with his shoulder, startling him out of his daze. “’Bout time to call it a night?”
Looking around the camp as if seeing it for the first time, Glitch shook himself minutely and his face cleared with recognition. “Sure, I’m just going to grab my blanket,” he replied with a smile. He flung himself over to reach his pack, not bothering to stand. Pulling out a balled-up wool blanket, he wrapped it around his body the best he could and curled up on the ground.
Smirking at the simplicity of the actions, Cain crawled past to snag Glitch’s bag. He carded his empty hand carefully through the other man’s hair, getting his attention. “Use your pack as a pillow,” he reminded Glitch, who gave him a sheepish grin.
Glitch lifted his head obediently and let Cain slide it under his head. “Thanks,” he muttered, half asleep already.
Ignoring the amused and indulgent expressions of his friends, Cain unpacked his own blanket and settled himself flat on his back behind Glitch.
5. Seasons
Glitch dreamed of winter, his most hated of all the seasons.
Wandering aimlessly through orchards of white branches, he had forgotten to be afraid. His whole body hurt, ached with the cold and constant dampness of the long months. The worst of it was always his head; the tight pinch of the zipper giving him an unending headache when the cold metal contracted in the freezing temperatures.
He sat on a bare log, holding his head in his hands and breathing through the pain. He could hear the distant shrieking of the beasts that lived in this field of dead trees, but couldn’t bring himself to care. Alone, always alone, he was a constant target whenever he found himself in this place again.
The terrifying sounds grew closer and he knew he had to move, soon. But when he tried to stand, he doubled over at the sharp pain in his head. He fell to his knees and gave a slim hope to being ignored by the monsters, just before he sank into darkness.
6. Confusion
Glitch awoke and sat up with a start, his hand automatically flying up to check that his zipper was closed out of long engrained habit. He was indeed in the woods, not the same ones from his dream however, and he was no longer alone. Others slept nearby, and he wondered idly if he knew them.
The one sleeping closest was a beautiful man and Glitch hoped wistfully that he at least knew this one. His eyes strayed over the form in appreciation before landing on the gun strapped above a muscular thigh.
Eyes wide, he wondered if he had been arrested.
In his distraction he almost missed the man’s sudden wakefulness, if not for the clear brightness of his pale eyes shining in the daylight. Glitch grinned happily at their beauty and asked his companion,
“Hello! Have we met?”
7. Sweetheart
Cain stifled a groan at the question he should have expected. “We sure have, Sweetheart,” he answered, sitting up slowly with a lazy stretch.
“Oh! Cain! Did you sleep well?” Glitch came back into himself with his usual smooth transition.
“Well enough,” Cain responded, almost wishing they could go back to that moment a few seconds ago when Glitch was looking at him with affection. Not that he didn’t want the other man to remember him; rather, he simply wanted to be looked at with love more than their usual friendship.
Glitch had grown on him a lot since they were stranded together on the ice mountain, but Cain had yet to figure out a way to approach him as anything more than a loyal friend. He saw this short trip as an opportunity to spent time with Glitch, away from the daily stresses of the castle and its royal demands.
He could only hope that his constant touches and attention got through Glitch’s surprisingly thick skull. Then again, taking a wrench to the back of his head had barely fazed him. Cain suspected he would have his work cut out for him.
8. Kiss
Soon enough the rest of their little group was up and moving around the camp. They shared a small breakfast and packed away their blankets. Once everything was put away they mounted their horses and headed out on their way. Even traveling at a leisurely pace, Cain knew they should reach the southern edges of the Papay fields and Raw’s people by early afternoon.
Late morning found Raw and Kalm riding in the front, talking quietly while DG followed closely behind them.
Cain lingered a little further back, secretly pleased when Glitch slowed his own horse to match his pace. “You ready to play diplomat?” Cain asked.
“I think so,” Glitch answered after a thoughtful moment. “I’ll have you there to kick me if I start to sound like an idiot, right?”
“I’ll try to be more discreet than that,” Cain assured him with a half-smile.
Glitch steered his horse close enough to reach across and take Cain’s hand in his own. He ducked his head down and held the hand for a long moment without saying anything, then slowly brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it.
Cain watched in fascination and somehow managed to pull his eyes up to meet the shining ones across from him. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find any words.
Grinning impishly, Glitch spoke instead. “Maybe I don’t want you to be so discreet, Boy Scout,” he said with a wink. He let go of the hand he had been holding with a teasing brush of his fingertips to the inside of Cain’s wrist.
As Glitch gave his horse a light kick to move up ahead, Cain realized the other man might not be the only one with a thick skull.
9. Yearn
Cain let himself lag behind the rest of the group, thinking over what had just happened. He could still feel the fingers touching his palm, the soft lips barely grazing the back of his hand.
Glitch had kissed him.
All right, he’d kissed his hand, but it was still a much more direct display of affection than their usual friendly pats and incidental touches. That one little kiss sent his mind reeling with possibilities.
He knew, after all these months of traveling, then living and working so closely together, that he had fallen in love with his friend. Whenever he looked across the meeting table and was met by a mischievous smile, his heart would beat just a little faster than before. Every time Glitch reached over and stole his dinner bread, he put up a token fight but inside he was secretly delighted. He started putting an extra piece on his plate just for Glitch to “steal.”
After all this time he finally understood what was going on. Glitch was flirting with him and had been for months. Cain recognized now that feeling he got whenever Glitch did those little things, those secretive smiles and the not-so-subtle food theft. That yearning he felt every time they had to go their own ways, for work or to retire for the evening.
How many times had he fought against the urge to follow Glitch to his room? To wander down to his lab and ask him useless and annoying questions about all the odds and ends that seemed to be strewn on every surface?
How many times had Glitch come to his office for a seemingly pointless reason?
The advisor had made the first move and the cop knew it was time to acknowledge that. They would be staying the night with Raw’s people and heading back toward Milltown in the morning. Tonight, he firmly decided, he would have a talk with Glitch.
Cain looked up from his distracted musings and glanced at the group ahead of him. He realized with a dawning horror that there were only two horses in front of him, not three.
Glitch was gone.
10. Lost
Cain gave his horse a tight kick to catch up to the others. “Hey Raw, DG - hold up, we lost Glitch,” he called out as he pulled up between them. “Raw, can you get any kind of feeling about which way he went?”
The viewer closed his eyes and tilted his head with a frown. “Glitch turn left into woods. Off the trail.”
“All right, you three stay here in case he comes back up this way. I’m going to head back and look off the path,” Cain directed. He didn’t wait for an answer; instead he turned his horse and took off in a run. This close to the Papay fields, he was terrified of what could happen to Glitch.
After twenty minutes of frantic searching and calling for the missing advisor, Cain spotted movement off to his right. He steered in that direction with caution until he saw the errant rider leading his horse clearly through the trees. “Glitch!” he yelled in relief.
Glitch turned and grinned happily, lead rope in his hands. “Hi! Do I know you?”
Cain jumped off his own mount and rushed forward to fold the other man into his arms, holding him tight. “Oh, Sweetheart, you scared the life out of me,” he sighed heavily, heart racing.
“Oh! Cain! I’m so sorry,” Glitch replied miserably. He wrapped his own arms around the other man and squeezed back. “I must have forgotten where I was and wandered off. It’s always worse when I’m stressed.”
Pulling back just enough to look at the man in his arms, Cain swallowed hard. “Well, then, I guess we’ll just have to make sure you’re not so stressed, huh?” He gave a tight smile. Leaning forward, he pressed a firm kiss to Glitch’s forehead.
Glitch closed his eyes and smiled, giving a happy hum. “What was that for?”
“I owed you one,” Cain replied with an answering grin. “Come on, the others are waiting.”
“Oh, no. I bet DG will be mad at me for wandering off,” Glitch groaned as he climbed back onto his horse.
Cain gave him an encouraging pat on the leg. “She’ll just be glad you’re all right.” He made his way over and got back up onto his own horse. “If we make good time we should get to the village in another hour or so.”
When they made their way back to where DG, Raw and Kalm were waiting they were met by relieved grins. DG leaned over and gave Glitch an awkward hug from where she was seated on her horse. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she kissed his cheek before pulling away. “Don’t scare us like that again, got it?”
Glitch blushed and gave her a self-conscious shrug. “Don’t mean to. It just happens sometimes.”
Raw led his horse over so that he and Kalm could both reach across and touch Glitch’s arm gently. “Stay close,” he ordered the inventor earnestly.
Giving a sharp nod, Glitch looked over at Cain significantly. “I will.”
11. Alcohol
A bit over an hour later the five travelers reached the edge of the village. They rode together in a line as a show of equality and solidarity.
Cain hadn’t known exactly what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to find the viewers living in sturdily made natural structures that were well-hidden within the thick woods just south of the Papay fields. He could tell the buildings had a variety of purposes, with small family homes and larger public halls easily identifiable.
Their arrival was met by a small group of viewers with an obvious leader in the front. Raw was the first to climb to the ground, reaching up to help Kalm down off the tall horse. The others followed his example and made the rest of the short walk on foot to meet their welcoming party.
“Rael,” purred Raw, addressing the elder leader who stepped forward to greet him. The two powerful viewers clasped hands for a long, silent moment that was filled with a private language.
Finally, Raw turned back and held out a hand toward Glitch as their chosen representative. The viewer had coached him briefly during the last leg of their journey to keep his introductions short and simple.
Glitch stepped forward with a nervous smile and bowed in respect. He felt Cain’s solid presence at his back and spoke with confidence. “An honor, sir,” he began, raising his head. “I’m Glitch, advisor to the Queen. Wyatt Cain,” he waved a hand back, “the royal guardian. Princess DG,” he nodded toward the young woman, who gave a short bow. “We have come with Raw to return Kalm to his rightful people, so that he may have a happy and peaceful life.”
Listening intently, Rael gave a few nods in return at the introductions. When Glitch fell silent, the elder viewer stepped forward with his hand extended and hovering just within reach of the advisor’s shoulder. He gave a questioning look to Glitch, as if waiting for something.
Glitch turned to look at Cain, wondering if he had missed something important. Cain leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “Let him touch you. Remember, they see with their hearts.”
“Oh, of course,” Glitch winced at having forgotten something so basic. He looked back at the leader and granted permission with a quick nod. “Please.”
The big, warm paw came to rest on Glitch’s shoulder. Rael closed his eyes and tilted his head to the side as if listening very closely. After several silent, tense moments he opened his eyes and looked directly at Glitch. “Great man. Broken. Now fixed, complete.”
Glitch frowned, reaching a hand up to scratch at the back of his zipper. “But, I’m not fixed. I’m not fixed. I’m not - “
Cain laid a hand on Glitch’s arm and squeezed hard, upsetting the loop the man was stuck in. Glitch cleared his throat and said quietly, “I’m only half of what I once was.”
The leader gestured widely toward Glitch’s companions. “They help make you whole.”
Glitch had no words to argue with such a certain sounding declaration.
Rael nodded his approval and stepped back to address the whole group. “All most welcome. Come, drink ale. Celebrate child’s return.”
**
The large meeting hall was filled with delighted viewers and warm conversation. Kalm was shyly following Raw around to be introduced to the people who would become his new family. DG was sitting on the floor with several women and older children, a cup of the famous home brew in her hands.
Cain watched from the side, keeping an eye on his friends while slowly sipping at his own mild cup of beer. He wandered over and crouched next to DG, tapping the cup in her hand pointedly. “You old enough to be drinking this stuff?”
DG snorted and took a healthy swig. “This is rain water compared to the stuff I used to drink back on the other side,” she grinned. Her eyes went wide suddenly and she brought a hand up to her mouth. “Oh, but please please don’t tell my parents, any of them, but especially my robot parents. I would hate for them to think they weren’t good guardians.”
Standing up with an unconvincing scowl, he patted the top of her head. “Be smart, kiddo.” He got a nod in return and moved along.
He was on his way back to his post when he nearly tripped over someone sprawled on the floor. Looking down, he realized it was the last of his friends. Glitch was laying flat on his back, knees bent up and feet flat on the floor. In one loose-fingered hand he held a half empty cup of brew and he was giggling madly at something Cain couldn’t see.
Cain eyed him suspiciously and put his cup down on a nearby table. “Glitch, when was the last time you had alcohol?”
Glitch frowned as he considered his answer. “If I can’t remember the last time I drank when I’m not drunk, what makes you think I can remember it when I have been drunk...ing?” Glitch uncrossed his eyes and looked pointedly at the man standing above him.
“Right. Up you go, Sweetheart.” Cain hooked his hands under Glitch’s arms and hoisted him to his feet. Holding up the unsteady man, he turned back and called to DG. “Princess, you know where your room is, right?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Cain,” she assured him while noting the way Cain was holding up their advisor. “Take care of him.”
Cain knew she didn’t expect an answer. That was just what they did.
12. Chocolate
They had all been given small sectioned off rooms found at one end of the large building, so Cain steered his charge in that direction. He knew he wouldn’t be seeing his own room that night, but didn’t care in the least.
He set Glitch down on the edge of the low bed then took a quick trip around the corner to retrieve his own bag as well as the bedding laid out for him. When he returned, he saw Glitch had laid down with his eyes closed, one hand curled beneath his head, feet still on the floor and humming softly to himself.
“You know, I didn’t even drink one whole cup of that stuff,” Glitch said with a careless wave of his hand, though he sounded more sober than before.
“Always figured you for a lightweight,” Cain smiled while tossing the extra pillow and blankets onto the bed. “Here, scoot over,” he nudged Glitch’s legs. Glitch managed a complicated wiggle across the bed and flopped over onto his front. With more than a little help from Cain, he got his boots and jacket off.
Cain took his own boots and coat off efficiently. He folded the clothes carefully and set them next to his bag along with their boots, then placed his hat on the bag itself. Glitch had already claimed one pillow, so Cain tugged the loose blankets up and over the sprawled man. He hesitated for a moment then crawled under the covers as well.
Lying on his side with one hand propped up on a fist he took the opportunity to study his bedmate. Glitch had his arms up under his head, squishing the pillow awkwardly. He was breathing slowly but Cain could tell he was not sleeping yet.
“Hey,” Cain nudged the other man’s leg with his foot gently. “No fair falling asleep on me before I have a chance to tell you about my great epiphany.”
Glitch opened his eyes and raised his head just a bit. “Oh? Does it involve melting chocolate into hot coffee? Because that would be great.”
Cain chuckled. “Sorry, that one will have to wait until we get home.” He reached up and stroked a hand over the wild clumps of hair sticking out in all directions. “No, this one is all about you and how much you mean to me.” He was rewarded with a pleased purr.
“Ditto,” Glitch replied smugly. He reached up to lace his fingers between Cain’s and placed their joined hands on the bed between them. He sighed happily and rested his head back down onto the bunched up pillow.
“You should flip over. Sleeping like that isn’t good for your neck or back,” Cain told him softly.
“Can’t,” Glitch murmured sleepily. “The zipper pull digs into the back of my head.”
Cain felt his heart twist at the matter-of-fact statement. It was all too easy to forget the cruelty Glitch had survived at the hands of a girl the inventor had helped raise. Cain held Glitch’s hand while the advisor fell asleep, though the Tin Man stayed awake long into the night.
13. Never mind
DG burst into the room early the next morning, already talking before she made it through the open doorway. “Glitch, did you pick up my hairbrush again -“
Cain raised his head and blinked at her with tired, bemused eyes.
“Oh, my,” she stopped in mid-step, blushing furiously. “Never mind.”
“Get your mind out of the mud, Princess,” Cain grumbled as he slid out from under the warmth of the blankets.
Slightly mollified that the officer was still in his clothes from the night before, DG gave him an embarrassed grin. “Didn’t think you’d be quite so literal when I told you to take care of him.”
Checking to make sure Glitch was still sleeping peacefully, Cain crossed the small room to where DG had halted. “As soon as we figure it out for ourselves, you and I can have this discussion. Was there something you were looking for?”
Blinking owlishly, she looked over at the comatose advisor. “What do you mean? You guys weren’t already...you know,” she frowned in confusion.
“No, we haven’t really had a chance to talk about whatever this is,” Cain admitted reluctantly, crossing his arms. “Like I said, we need more time.”
Nodding slowly, DG gave him a one-armed hug. “Let me know if either of you need anything,” she told him seriously before letting go. “Now, I came to see if Glitch had picked up my hairbrush. It must have fallen out of my bag at the camp site and he does have a tendency to collect shiny things.”
Smiling in relief at the change of topic, Cain knelt down to rummage through Glitch’s bag on the floor. He held up the misplaced item triumphantly. “This must be yours. Gods know he doesn’t seem to own one.”
Laughing quietly, DG took the proffered brush. “Thanks.”
“Are you and Raw getting ready to head out?” he asked her as he stood up again.
“We’ve got time,” she assured him while smiling gently at Glitch’s soft snuffling sounds. “Let him sleep a while longer, there’s no hurry.” Gracing Cain with a decidedly unladylike grin, she walked out of the room with her hairbrush in hand.
Cain watched her leave with a thoughtful expression. He thought back to the previous day when the village leader told Glitch that his friends made him whole. Seeing for himself how they all worked together to ensure that Glitch felt loved and cared for made him understand what kind of commitment he was looking forward to being a part of.
He sat down on the edge of the bed they had shared, careful not to disturb Glitch’s rest. After a few moments of silent contemplation, Cain watched his friend shift and yawn. Glitch squinted up at him curiously.
“Morning,” Cain greeted him with a soft smile, reaching up to brush back that long, loose curl that tended to fall over Glitch’s left eye.
“Is it?” Glitch groaned while stretching expansively.
“Still early yet, we’ve got time to eat and say our goodbyes,” Cain answered while his eyes wandered over Glitch’s mesmerizing form. He blinked with a sudden realization. “Hey, you didn’t ask who I was.”
“Well, of course I didn’t, Wyatt, why would I - oh! Hey, I did remember you!” Glitch exclaimed excitedly, bouncing to sit up. “How about that? You must be good for what’s left of the old brain,” he said as he stretched his arms up over his head. “Come on, let’s go see what’s for breakfast. These guys cook way better than Raw.”
14. Laugh
Cain busied himself with getting their horses ready for the trip back. He made sure to secure everyone’s bags tightly to the backs of their saddles, leaving Raw’s horse the only one without a load.
While the others stayed behind at the edge of the village, hugging new friends and saying goodbye to Kalm, Cain led the animals two at a time to the nearby stream to let them drink.
He knew he was stalling, delaying the inevitable. Kalm deserved a proper farewell and Cain couldn’t trust himself not to become an emotional idiot around the boy. The young viewer was a delight to be around, a unique and strong individual who had survived a childhood of abuse. Wyatt couldn’t help it; he was always reminded of having missed out on raising his own son whenever he looked at Kalm.
Sucking in a deep, steadying breath, Cain led the second pair of horses back to where the others were waiting. A smile broke through his mood when he heard the bright sound of Kalm’s innocent laugh drifting in the morning air. He knew they had made the right choice in bringing him here.
Handing the lead ropes to Glitch as he joined the small group, Cain stepped forward. He offered a hand to Kalm, a seemingly impersonal gesture for anyone but a viewer. Kalm ignored the hand in favor of launching forward to wrap his arms tightly around Cain’s middle.
Surprised, Cain chuckled and patted the young man on the back tentatively. Kalm stepped back with a grin and said, “DG say Cain need more hugs.”
Cain shot a mock glare at the grinning young woman then crouched down in front of Kalm. “You take care of yourself, kid,” he said sincerely, then stood. He earned a nod of approval from Glitch before the advisor clambered quickly onto his horse. The rest of the group followed his example and with a few last waves, they headed back down the trail.
**
They had made it halfway to Milltown before they saw the first sign of trouble. The town itself was less than an hour from the easternmost edge of the Fields of Papay. As they passed the southeast corner of the orchard, Raw was the first to hear the ominous shrieking.
“Papay,” he rumbled, causing the others to listen intently for the telltale sounds.
“Let’s speed it up,” Cain ordered in a tight voice.
Glitch looked back nervously and kept pace with the Tin Man. “Think they’ll come this far from the trees?”
“If they’re hungry they will,” Cain replied gravely. Up ahead, DG and Raw led at a faster tempo.
Just as he was settling into a solid run Cain saw lightning fast movement out of the corner of his eye and suddenly his horse jerked to a halt, throwing him over the animal’s shoulder onto the ground. He landed hard on his back, the wind knocked out of him.
There was a blur of motion all around him as he struggled to get his breath back. He heard someone call his name, frantic and terrified. He pushed himself up on an elbow and was horrified to see his horse kicking at the Papay that had its jaws locked into one of the horse’s hind legs. A second Papay quickly joined it in taking down the large animal.
Pulling his gun and drawing a weak lungful of air, he fired off a shot at the nightmarish monsters. The shot barely fazed them but succeeded in momentarily distracting them from their attack. Cain fought his way back to his feet and spotted Glitch heading back towards him, still on his own horse.
Cain whirled around, seeing DG and Raw not far ahead. “Go!” he yelled, motioning anxiously with his arms. “Raw, get her to the town, we’ll be right behind you.” He saw the viewer nod in understanding, then reach out to pull at DG’s arm, forcing her to leave with him.
He heard her protest loudly, not wanting to leave the other two behind. Glitch twisted his head around and yelled back to her, “I’ve got him, Deeg. Go, now.”
Glitch had almost reached him when another blur seemingly appeared out of nowhere. As Cain was raising his weapon, he realized he was too late and watched in shock as the other man was knocked sideways from his horse by a third, diving Papay.
Unable to get a clean shot without the risk of hitting Glitch, Cain ran towards where the struggling pair had tumbled down. He saw Glitch land a swift, accurate kick to its chest.
The Papay drove forward and sank its long, jagged razor teeth into Glitch’s left shoulder, ripping a terrifying scream of pain from the advisor.
“Glitch!” Cain roared, close enough now to risk a point-blank shot to the Papay’s head. He fired once, deadly accurate and was sickly satisfied at the way it slumped, obviously dead. Glitch kicked the corpse away, straining to crawl away from its body.
“Oh, gods, Glitch,” Cain dropped to his knees in front of the fallen man, who was fighting to catch his breath. He swallowed against the bile in his throat at the sight of ragged, bloody holes torn into Glitch’s shoulder, front and back. He forced himself not to look too closely at where the teeth had torn deeply in near his collar, afraid of seeing bone. More long, weeping cuts ran down his arm and across his back where the Papay’s claws had tried to hold its prey.
He was trying to clear his head, to think of how to get Glitch out of here without hurting him more, when the nearby screeching sound signaled the approach of more Papay.
Using his body to cover the defenseless man, he fired off four more shots at the rapidly looming animals. Two of them fell, while the remaining two kept coming. Cain’s gun clicked uselessly the next time he pulled the trigger.
He was out of bullets.
Not knowing what else to do, he curled his body tightly over Glitch’s, whispering “I’m sorry,” into his ear while waiting for the inevitable attack.
The thundering sound of an approaching horse followed by two sharp, clear gunshots made Cain jump. He held his breath, certain he was hallucinating, as a long silence followed the echoing shots.
Raising his head slowly, Cain glanced around. Nearby, he saw the last of the Papay lying dead.
Standing not ten feet away, smoking weapon still in hand, was Zero.
Raising the barrel of the gun to point to the sky, the former Longcoat held his hands with palms forward in a blatant signal of surrender. “We need to talk.”
15. Caress
Cain stared in astonishment. When he was finally able to find words he growled, “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand.”
Zero blinked. “You want all the reasons? All right - you’re unarmed, you’ve got an injured man, and you need my help to get out of here.”
As if to emphasize Zero’s second point, Glitch shifted with a pained groan. “Cain?” he wheezed, trying to sit up despite his wounds.
“Easy,” Cain told him gently, helping him up and taking most of Glitch’s weight against his own chest. “We’re going to get you to help,” he assured him, then glared up at Zero. “Why should I trust you, you son of a bitch?”
Unexpectedly, Zero stepped closer and bent down slowly, placing his gun on the ground close to Cain. “I’m not the man you knew during Azkadellia’s reign. There are a lot of men depending on me and you’re our best chance at making things right.”
Cain frowned in confusion as uncertainty and worry over his friend clouded his judgment.
Glitch disturbed his contemplation, bumping his head back against Cain’s shoulder. “Kill him later, if you must. I’ll even hold him down for you,” he said faintly. “Right now, we need his help. He hasn’t shot us yet and for that, he’s the lesser of two evils.”
Making his decision quickly, Cain grabbed the loaded gun from the ground and stuck it in his own empty holster. “We do this my way, Zero. You help me get him to Milltown and then we sit down for a nice, long chat with Raw.”
Zero understood the implication of that statement. He nodded once, hard. “That’ll do. Do you have anything to tie his arm with?”
Cain jerked his chin toward his dead horse. “In my bag, get the blanket.”
Working together warily, they secured Glitch’s damaged arm to his body, pulling the blanket up to cover the parts still slowly oozing blood. The advisor was barely conscious by the time Cain and Zero got him to his feet.
Cain was reluctant to let go of him, to leave him in Zero’s hands if only for a moment. He stood in front of Glitch and put his hand under Glitch’s chin to raise his head up so their eyes could meet. Eyes half-closed and clouded with pain, Glitch fought to focus. “Wyatt?”
“I need you to hold on to Zero, just for a minute, so we can help you up on the horse. Think you can do that?” Cain asked him softly. Under his fingers he could feel the slick warmth of blood that had splattered up along Glitch’s throat and jaw.
Glitch pulled in a sharp breath and nodded carefully. “Go.”
While Zero stayed on the ground holding Glitch, Cain swung himself up to sit on the advisor’s horse. He steered it close to the waiting men and reached down to help pull Glitch up onto the horse with him. It took several tries and a number of pained grunts from the injured man before they got him up and settled in front of Cain.
Retrieving Cain’s bag from the fallen horse and attaching it to the back of his own saddle for safe keeping, Zero mounted his ride and nodded to the Tin Man.
Arms wrapped securely around Glitch, Cain nodded back and together the three men set off quickly toward Milltown. He felt Glitch’s head fall wearily back to rest on his shoulder. Cain lifted one hand up to give a shaking caress to the pale cheek so close to his. “You’re going to be fine,” he whispered. He prayed that it wasn’t a lie.
next
Author: Surreal
Pairings and Characters: Glitch/Cain, and most of the main characters appear.
Rating: R overall, for some violence.
Word count: ~14,900
Summary: Response to the 'Sweethearts' challenge table. A new mission leads our heroes on a journey of change and discovery.
Disclaimer: The characters of Tin Man and their world do not belong to me.
Notes: Map of the O.Z. found here: http://www.scifi.com/tinman/google/
1. Smile
The table in the Queen’s meeting hall was covered in wrinkled maps and dusty notebooks. Wyatt Cain watched from one long side of the table, sharp eyes making out the details on the old strewn paper records as DG pointed to various locations on the largest of the O.Z. maps. Her parents listened intently from her other side as the young princess spoke of her meticulous travel plans. Curled up quietly in a chair at the opposite end of the table was Glitch, who was deeply involved in one of the journals. Raw, standing behind him, was the only one who knew that the journal in Glitch’s hands was upside down, and the former advisor was not reading it at all. The perceptive viewer said nothing, as he understood that it was Glitch’s way of hiding his concern as he listened to the others.
“I’ve got it all planned out,” DG was saying, leaning over the touch the place on the map labeled Central City, their current location. “The five of us - Glitch, Raw, Mr. Cain, Kalm and I - we’ll head west toward Milltown first,” she said, running her finger over the map.
“Why go through the town, we could just stay on a northwest route and cut a few hours travel,” Cain cut in, his own hand tracing the map along with his words.
DG smacked his arm lightly. “Don’t interrupt,” she snapped playfully. “I said we would go towards the town, not through it. I’ll get back to that later. As I was saying, we head west, cut south of the town and head for the Fields of Papay. Raw, you said your people were just southwest of the fields, right?”
“Yes,” Raw answered, a light shudder going through him as he thought of the Papay.
“Right,” DG nodded brusquely. “When we find them, we’ll introduce ourselves as representatives of the monarchy. Cain will speak for the law enforcement, Glitch for the advisors’ council, and I’ll do my best to look like a pretty, pretty princess,” she instructed with a derisive snort, to the mild displeasure of her mother. “Raw, you can introduce Kalm into the main clan.” She hesitated for a moment, standing up straight to look at Raw. “You’re certain this is the best thing for him? He’s never known a life outside of the tower, and the last six months here with us. He won’t feel abandoned, will he?” She bit at one of her nails anxiously.
“Kalm feel loved here,” Raw assured her warmly. “But Kalm need to learn from his own people.”
“Of course,” the Queen answered for her daughter. “We all want what is best for the child. Please, make certain he knows he is always welcome here, Emissary Raw.”
Raw straightened at hearing his new title, the smile on his face proud. He had accepted a position on the Queen’s council as a representative, relaying news and administrative issues between his former clan and the newly restored Crown.
“All right then,” DG turned back to her map to continue. “We’ll have about a day and a half of travel to the Fields. I figure horses will be fastest. On the way back, the four of us can stop in Milltown,” she paused to poke Cain in the arm. “I want to go visit my parents - um, robo-parents. The whole trip will take about four days, I figure.”
Cain nodded slowly. “It sounds like a good plan,” he agreed then looked up at the Queen and Ahamo. “She’ll be safe with us, I promise you that.”
“I know she will, Mr. Cain,” the Queen answered. “You will not be traveling far, and we all know my angel has been restless in recent weeks,” she smiled indulgently at her youngest daughter.
“Well, then.” The group all startled as the previously silent inventor spoke for the first time. Glitch stood up suddenly, tossing the unread book onto the table. “Shall we start packing?”
2. Support
Early the next morning, Cain knocked on Glitch’s slightly ajar door with his pack slung over one shoulder. “You about ready?” he asked as he pushed into the room.
“In a moment,” Glitch called from the washroom. He entered the main room a few seconds later, tossing a few items into his open bag on the bed. Scrubbing a hand over his messy hair, he glanced up at the other man and gave a tight nod. “That should do it.”
Looking down briefly to hide his smile, Cain stepped forward to clap a big hand on Glitch’s shoulder. “Your things are ready. Are you ready?” he asked seriously.
Glitch sighed, staring down at his bed. He fidgeted with the strap of his pack. “I’m...I’m sure the trip will be just fine,” he managed then gave a nervous laugh. “Of course, everyone in the O.Z. knows who we are by now, I shouldn’t have to worry about...well, I’m sure it will be just fine.”
“You said that,” Cain mentioned off-handedly. He eyed his friend and made a guess. “You’re worried about representing the advisors’ council, aren’t you?”
Waving one hand, Glitch picked up his bag with the other. “The Queen gave me her full support, as you know,” he sniffed without meeting Cain’s gaze, brushing past as he aimed for the door.
Cain stopped him with a hand wrapped around his arm. “That’s not what worries you. It’s representing the monarchy with that,” he pointed to the zipper on Glitch’s head.
Glitch pulled away, flustered. “That...thing is not who I am, Cain. I can’t be who I was anymore, but I have had a lot of years to get used to who I’ve become.”
“And you know not everyone sees you, at least not at first. They see what was taken from you and they wonder what to expect.”
“Isn’t that what you saw, Tin Man?” Glitch finally met his eye, defiant yet insecure.
“Yes, it was,” Cain admitted. “And I’ll be there to make sure everyone sees you for who you really are. The advisor to the Queen herself. And our friend.”
Glitch swallowed hard, unable to believe such unwavering support. “Promise?” he asked quietly.
Cain placed a warm hand against the side of Glitch’s neck, thumb resting just below his ear. “I promise, Glitch.”
3. Touch
Securing his bag to the back of his horse’s saddle, Cain made a final round to check on the rest of the travelers. Raw was riding without a saddle with Kalm seated in front of him. They had packed nothing to take with them; Raw intended to use the short trip to begin teaching the young viewer how to live off the land.
DG was wiggling on her own mount, settling into the shiny new saddle. “All set, Cain,” she assured him with an indulgent smile, understanding his need to check on them all for himself.
He wandered over to Glitch last. Looking up, he was met by an infectious grin that he couldn’t help but return. “Ready?” he asked.
Glitch nodded mutely, more confident than he had been mere hours before.
Cain reached up to pat his hand lightly on Glitch’s thigh. He was only mildly surprised when a hand came to rest over his own, holding it there for a moment before pulling away. Those ephemeral touches were all the assurance they needed. It was time to go.
4. Light
The second sun had begun to set by the time the group stopped for the night, just south of Milltown. Cain dropped off his horse with a solid thump and reached up to unhook his bag. From the corner of his eye he just caught a bright hint of fading light bouncing off of metal as Glitch gracefully made his way to the ground.
“I’ll take care of the horses, if you two wouldn’t mind getting camp set up,” Cain said to Glitch and DG. He saw Raw nod gratefully at him as the viewer took Kalm into the woods for a lesson in catching dinner.
Cain gave a mild shudder and was thankful the rest of them had packed their own food. He fell into the familiar rhythm of settling their four horses for the night. When he finished tying the lead ropes he made his way over to the warmth of the fire. DG offered him a plate that held pieces of bread, dried meat and slices of apple and he took it with a pleased nod.
Glitch was sitting on the other side of the fire with a similar plate next to him. He had a piece of bread stuck to the end of a stick, holding it over the fire. “I like my bread crunchy,” he explained to Cain, who sat down next to him with an amused expression.
By the time everyone, including the two viewers, had eaten their dinner it was well past dark. Cain saw Kalm leaning sleepily against his guardian, while DG was hiding a yawn behind her arm. Glitch was staring into the fire, unblinking.
Cain leaned over and bumped the still man’s arm with his shoulder, startling him out of his daze. “’Bout time to call it a night?”
Looking around the camp as if seeing it for the first time, Glitch shook himself minutely and his face cleared with recognition. “Sure, I’m just going to grab my blanket,” he replied with a smile. He flung himself over to reach his pack, not bothering to stand. Pulling out a balled-up wool blanket, he wrapped it around his body the best he could and curled up on the ground.
Smirking at the simplicity of the actions, Cain crawled past to snag Glitch’s bag. He carded his empty hand carefully through the other man’s hair, getting his attention. “Use your pack as a pillow,” he reminded Glitch, who gave him a sheepish grin.
Glitch lifted his head obediently and let Cain slide it under his head. “Thanks,” he muttered, half asleep already.
Ignoring the amused and indulgent expressions of his friends, Cain unpacked his own blanket and settled himself flat on his back behind Glitch.
5. Seasons
Glitch dreamed of winter, his most hated of all the seasons.
Wandering aimlessly through orchards of white branches, he had forgotten to be afraid. His whole body hurt, ached with the cold and constant dampness of the long months. The worst of it was always his head; the tight pinch of the zipper giving him an unending headache when the cold metal contracted in the freezing temperatures.
He sat on a bare log, holding his head in his hands and breathing through the pain. He could hear the distant shrieking of the beasts that lived in this field of dead trees, but couldn’t bring himself to care. Alone, always alone, he was a constant target whenever he found himself in this place again.
The terrifying sounds grew closer and he knew he had to move, soon. But when he tried to stand, he doubled over at the sharp pain in his head. He fell to his knees and gave a slim hope to being ignored by the monsters, just before he sank into darkness.
6. Confusion
Glitch awoke and sat up with a start, his hand automatically flying up to check that his zipper was closed out of long engrained habit. He was indeed in the woods, not the same ones from his dream however, and he was no longer alone. Others slept nearby, and he wondered idly if he knew them.
The one sleeping closest was a beautiful man and Glitch hoped wistfully that he at least knew this one. His eyes strayed over the form in appreciation before landing on the gun strapped above a muscular thigh.
Eyes wide, he wondered if he had been arrested.
In his distraction he almost missed the man’s sudden wakefulness, if not for the clear brightness of his pale eyes shining in the daylight. Glitch grinned happily at their beauty and asked his companion,
“Hello! Have we met?”
7. Sweetheart
Cain stifled a groan at the question he should have expected. “We sure have, Sweetheart,” he answered, sitting up slowly with a lazy stretch.
“Oh! Cain! Did you sleep well?” Glitch came back into himself with his usual smooth transition.
“Well enough,” Cain responded, almost wishing they could go back to that moment a few seconds ago when Glitch was looking at him with affection. Not that he didn’t want the other man to remember him; rather, he simply wanted to be looked at with love more than their usual friendship.
Glitch had grown on him a lot since they were stranded together on the ice mountain, but Cain had yet to figure out a way to approach him as anything more than a loyal friend. He saw this short trip as an opportunity to spent time with Glitch, away from the daily stresses of the castle and its royal demands.
He could only hope that his constant touches and attention got through Glitch’s surprisingly thick skull. Then again, taking a wrench to the back of his head had barely fazed him. Cain suspected he would have his work cut out for him.
8. Kiss
Soon enough the rest of their little group was up and moving around the camp. They shared a small breakfast and packed away their blankets. Once everything was put away they mounted their horses and headed out on their way. Even traveling at a leisurely pace, Cain knew they should reach the southern edges of the Papay fields and Raw’s people by early afternoon.
Late morning found Raw and Kalm riding in the front, talking quietly while DG followed closely behind them.
Cain lingered a little further back, secretly pleased when Glitch slowed his own horse to match his pace. “You ready to play diplomat?” Cain asked.
“I think so,” Glitch answered after a thoughtful moment. “I’ll have you there to kick me if I start to sound like an idiot, right?”
“I’ll try to be more discreet than that,” Cain assured him with a half-smile.
Glitch steered his horse close enough to reach across and take Cain’s hand in his own. He ducked his head down and held the hand for a long moment without saying anything, then slowly brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it.
Cain watched in fascination and somehow managed to pull his eyes up to meet the shining ones across from him. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find any words.
Grinning impishly, Glitch spoke instead. “Maybe I don’t want you to be so discreet, Boy Scout,” he said with a wink. He let go of the hand he had been holding with a teasing brush of his fingertips to the inside of Cain’s wrist.
As Glitch gave his horse a light kick to move up ahead, Cain realized the other man might not be the only one with a thick skull.
9. Yearn
Cain let himself lag behind the rest of the group, thinking over what had just happened. He could still feel the fingers touching his palm, the soft lips barely grazing the back of his hand.
Glitch had kissed him.
All right, he’d kissed his hand, but it was still a much more direct display of affection than their usual friendly pats and incidental touches. That one little kiss sent his mind reeling with possibilities.
He knew, after all these months of traveling, then living and working so closely together, that he had fallen in love with his friend. Whenever he looked across the meeting table and was met by a mischievous smile, his heart would beat just a little faster than before. Every time Glitch reached over and stole his dinner bread, he put up a token fight but inside he was secretly delighted. He started putting an extra piece on his plate just for Glitch to “steal.”
After all this time he finally understood what was going on. Glitch was flirting with him and had been for months. Cain recognized now that feeling he got whenever Glitch did those little things, those secretive smiles and the not-so-subtle food theft. That yearning he felt every time they had to go their own ways, for work or to retire for the evening.
How many times had he fought against the urge to follow Glitch to his room? To wander down to his lab and ask him useless and annoying questions about all the odds and ends that seemed to be strewn on every surface?
How many times had Glitch come to his office for a seemingly pointless reason?
The advisor had made the first move and the cop knew it was time to acknowledge that. They would be staying the night with Raw’s people and heading back toward Milltown in the morning. Tonight, he firmly decided, he would have a talk with Glitch.
Cain looked up from his distracted musings and glanced at the group ahead of him. He realized with a dawning horror that there were only two horses in front of him, not three.
Glitch was gone.
10. Lost
Cain gave his horse a tight kick to catch up to the others. “Hey Raw, DG - hold up, we lost Glitch,” he called out as he pulled up between them. “Raw, can you get any kind of feeling about which way he went?”
The viewer closed his eyes and tilted his head with a frown. “Glitch turn left into woods. Off the trail.”
“All right, you three stay here in case he comes back up this way. I’m going to head back and look off the path,” Cain directed. He didn’t wait for an answer; instead he turned his horse and took off in a run. This close to the Papay fields, he was terrified of what could happen to Glitch.
After twenty minutes of frantic searching and calling for the missing advisor, Cain spotted movement off to his right. He steered in that direction with caution until he saw the errant rider leading his horse clearly through the trees. “Glitch!” he yelled in relief.
Glitch turned and grinned happily, lead rope in his hands. “Hi! Do I know you?”
Cain jumped off his own mount and rushed forward to fold the other man into his arms, holding him tight. “Oh, Sweetheart, you scared the life out of me,” he sighed heavily, heart racing.
“Oh! Cain! I’m so sorry,” Glitch replied miserably. He wrapped his own arms around the other man and squeezed back. “I must have forgotten where I was and wandered off. It’s always worse when I’m stressed.”
Pulling back just enough to look at the man in his arms, Cain swallowed hard. “Well, then, I guess we’ll just have to make sure you’re not so stressed, huh?” He gave a tight smile. Leaning forward, he pressed a firm kiss to Glitch’s forehead.
Glitch closed his eyes and smiled, giving a happy hum. “What was that for?”
“I owed you one,” Cain replied with an answering grin. “Come on, the others are waiting.”
“Oh, no. I bet DG will be mad at me for wandering off,” Glitch groaned as he climbed back onto his horse.
Cain gave him an encouraging pat on the leg. “She’ll just be glad you’re all right.” He made his way over and got back up onto his own horse. “If we make good time we should get to the village in another hour or so.”
When they made their way back to where DG, Raw and Kalm were waiting they were met by relieved grins. DG leaned over and gave Glitch an awkward hug from where she was seated on her horse. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she kissed his cheek before pulling away. “Don’t scare us like that again, got it?”
Glitch blushed and gave her a self-conscious shrug. “Don’t mean to. It just happens sometimes.”
Raw led his horse over so that he and Kalm could both reach across and touch Glitch’s arm gently. “Stay close,” he ordered the inventor earnestly.
Giving a sharp nod, Glitch looked over at Cain significantly. “I will.”
11. Alcohol
A bit over an hour later the five travelers reached the edge of the village. They rode together in a line as a show of equality and solidarity.
Cain hadn’t known exactly what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to find the viewers living in sturdily made natural structures that were well-hidden within the thick woods just south of the Papay fields. He could tell the buildings had a variety of purposes, with small family homes and larger public halls easily identifiable.
Their arrival was met by a small group of viewers with an obvious leader in the front. Raw was the first to climb to the ground, reaching up to help Kalm down off the tall horse. The others followed his example and made the rest of the short walk on foot to meet their welcoming party.
“Rael,” purred Raw, addressing the elder leader who stepped forward to greet him. The two powerful viewers clasped hands for a long, silent moment that was filled with a private language.
Finally, Raw turned back and held out a hand toward Glitch as their chosen representative. The viewer had coached him briefly during the last leg of their journey to keep his introductions short and simple.
Glitch stepped forward with a nervous smile and bowed in respect. He felt Cain’s solid presence at his back and spoke with confidence. “An honor, sir,” he began, raising his head. “I’m Glitch, advisor to the Queen. Wyatt Cain,” he waved a hand back, “the royal guardian. Princess DG,” he nodded toward the young woman, who gave a short bow. “We have come with Raw to return Kalm to his rightful people, so that he may have a happy and peaceful life.”
Listening intently, Rael gave a few nods in return at the introductions. When Glitch fell silent, the elder viewer stepped forward with his hand extended and hovering just within reach of the advisor’s shoulder. He gave a questioning look to Glitch, as if waiting for something.
Glitch turned to look at Cain, wondering if he had missed something important. Cain leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “Let him touch you. Remember, they see with their hearts.”
“Oh, of course,” Glitch winced at having forgotten something so basic. He looked back at the leader and granted permission with a quick nod. “Please.”
The big, warm paw came to rest on Glitch’s shoulder. Rael closed his eyes and tilted his head to the side as if listening very closely. After several silent, tense moments he opened his eyes and looked directly at Glitch. “Great man. Broken. Now fixed, complete.”
Glitch frowned, reaching a hand up to scratch at the back of his zipper. “But, I’m not fixed. I’m not fixed. I’m not - “
Cain laid a hand on Glitch’s arm and squeezed hard, upsetting the loop the man was stuck in. Glitch cleared his throat and said quietly, “I’m only half of what I once was.”
The leader gestured widely toward Glitch’s companions. “They help make you whole.”
Glitch had no words to argue with such a certain sounding declaration.
Rael nodded his approval and stepped back to address the whole group. “All most welcome. Come, drink ale. Celebrate child’s return.”
**
The large meeting hall was filled with delighted viewers and warm conversation. Kalm was shyly following Raw around to be introduced to the people who would become his new family. DG was sitting on the floor with several women and older children, a cup of the famous home brew in her hands.
Cain watched from the side, keeping an eye on his friends while slowly sipping at his own mild cup of beer. He wandered over and crouched next to DG, tapping the cup in her hand pointedly. “You old enough to be drinking this stuff?”
DG snorted and took a healthy swig. “This is rain water compared to the stuff I used to drink back on the other side,” she grinned. Her eyes went wide suddenly and she brought a hand up to her mouth. “Oh, but please please don’t tell my parents, any of them, but especially my robot parents. I would hate for them to think they weren’t good guardians.”
Standing up with an unconvincing scowl, he patted the top of her head. “Be smart, kiddo.” He got a nod in return and moved along.
He was on his way back to his post when he nearly tripped over someone sprawled on the floor. Looking down, he realized it was the last of his friends. Glitch was laying flat on his back, knees bent up and feet flat on the floor. In one loose-fingered hand he held a half empty cup of brew and he was giggling madly at something Cain couldn’t see.
Cain eyed him suspiciously and put his cup down on a nearby table. “Glitch, when was the last time you had alcohol?”
Glitch frowned as he considered his answer. “If I can’t remember the last time I drank when I’m not drunk, what makes you think I can remember it when I have been drunk...ing?” Glitch uncrossed his eyes and looked pointedly at the man standing above him.
“Right. Up you go, Sweetheart.” Cain hooked his hands under Glitch’s arms and hoisted him to his feet. Holding up the unsteady man, he turned back and called to DG. “Princess, you know where your room is, right?”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Cain,” she assured him while noting the way Cain was holding up their advisor. “Take care of him.”
Cain knew she didn’t expect an answer. That was just what they did.
12. Chocolate
They had all been given small sectioned off rooms found at one end of the large building, so Cain steered his charge in that direction. He knew he wouldn’t be seeing his own room that night, but didn’t care in the least.
He set Glitch down on the edge of the low bed then took a quick trip around the corner to retrieve his own bag as well as the bedding laid out for him. When he returned, he saw Glitch had laid down with his eyes closed, one hand curled beneath his head, feet still on the floor and humming softly to himself.
“You know, I didn’t even drink one whole cup of that stuff,” Glitch said with a careless wave of his hand, though he sounded more sober than before.
“Always figured you for a lightweight,” Cain smiled while tossing the extra pillow and blankets onto the bed. “Here, scoot over,” he nudged Glitch’s legs. Glitch managed a complicated wiggle across the bed and flopped over onto his front. With more than a little help from Cain, he got his boots and jacket off.
Cain took his own boots and coat off efficiently. He folded the clothes carefully and set them next to his bag along with their boots, then placed his hat on the bag itself. Glitch had already claimed one pillow, so Cain tugged the loose blankets up and over the sprawled man. He hesitated for a moment then crawled under the covers as well.
Lying on his side with one hand propped up on a fist he took the opportunity to study his bedmate. Glitch had his arms up under his head, squishing the pillow awkwardly. He was breathing slowly but Cain could tell he was not sleeping yet.
“Hey,” Cain nudged the other man’s leg with his foot gently. “No fair falling asleep on me before I have a chance to tell you about my great epiphany.”
Glitch opened his eyes and raised his head just a bit. “Oh? Does it involve melting chocolate into hot coffee? Because that would be great.”
Cain chuckled. “Sorry, that one will have to wait until we get home.” He reached up and stroked a hand over the wild clumps of hair sticking out in all directions. “No, this one is all about you and how much you mean to me.” He was rewarded with a pleased purr.
“Ditto,” Glitch replied smugly. He reached up to lace his fingers between Cain’s and placed their joined hands on the bed between them. He sighed happily and rested his head back down onto the bunched up pillow.
“You should flip over. Sleeping like that isn’t good for your neck or back,” Cain told him softly.
“Can’t,” Glitch murmured sleepily. “The zipper pull digs into the back of my head.”
Cain felt his heart twist at the matter-of-fact statement. It was all too easy to forget the cruelty Glitch had survived at the hands of a girl the inventor had helped raise. Cain held Glitch’s hand while the advisor fell asleep, though the Tin Man stayed awake long into the night.
13. Never mind
DG burst into the room early the next morning, already talking before she made it through the open doorway. “Glitch, did you pick up my hairbrush again -“
Cain raised his head and blinked at her with tired, bemused eyes.
“Oh, my,” she stopped in mid-step, blushing furiously. “Never mind.”
“Get your mind out of the mud, Princess,” Cain grumbled as he slid out from under the warmth of the blankets.
Slightly mollified that the officer was still in his clothes from the night before, DG gave him an embarrassed grin. “Didn’t think you’d be quite so literal when I told you to take care of him.”
Checking to make sure Glitch was still sleeping peacefully, Cain crossed the small room to where DG had halted. “As soon as we figure it out for ourselves, you and I can have this discussion. Was there something you were looking for?”
Blinking owlishly, she looked over at the comatose advisor. “What do you mean? You guys weren’t already...you know,” she frowned in confusion.
“No, we haven’t really had a chance to talk about whatever this is,” Cain admitted reluctantly, crossing his arms. “Like I said, we need more time.”
Nodding slowly, DG gave him a one-armed hug. “Let me know if either of you need anything,” she told him seriously before letting go. “Now, I came to see if Glitch had picked up my hairbrush. It must have fallen out of my bag at the camp site and he does have a tendency to collect shiny things.”
Smiling in relief at the change of topic, Cain knelt down to rummage through Glitch’s bag on the floor. He held up the misplaced item triumphantly. “This must be yours. Gods know he doesn’t seem to own one.”
Laughing quietly, DG took the proffered brush. “Thanks.”
“Are you and Raw getting ready to head out?” he asked her as he stood up again.
“We’ve got time,” she assured him while smiling gently at Glitch’s soft snuffling sounds. “Let him sleep a while longer, there’s no hurry.” Gracing Cain with a decidedly unladylike grin, she walked out of the room with her hairbrush in hand.
Cain watched her leave with a thoughtful expression. He thought back to the previous day when the village leader told Glitch that his friends made him whole. Seeing for himself how they all worked together to ensure that Glitch felt loved and cared for made him understand what kind of commitment he was looking forward to being a part of.
He sat down on the edge of the bed they had shared, careful not to disturb Glitch’s rest. After a few moments of silent contemplation, Cain watched his friend shift and yawn. Glitch squinted up at him curiously.
“Morning,” Cain greeted him with a soft smile, reaching up to brush back that long, loose curl that tended to fall over Glitch’s left eye.
“Is it?” Glitch groaned while stretching expansively.
“Still early yet, we’ve got time to eat and say our goodbyes,” Cain answered while his eyes wandered over Glitch’s mesmerizing form. He blinked with a sudden realization. “Hey, you didn’t ask who I was.”
“Well, of course I didn’t, Wyatt, why would I - oh! Hey, I did remember you!” Glitch exclaimed excitedly, bouncing to sit up. “How about that? You must be good for what’s left of the old brain,” he said as he stretched his arms up over his head. “Come on, let’s go see what’s for breakfast. These guys cook way better than Raw.”
14. Laugh
Cain busied himself with getting their horses ready for the trip back. He made sure to secure everyone’s bags tightly to the backs of their saddles, leaving Raw’s horse the only one without a load.
While the others stayed behind at the edge of the village, hugging new friends and saying goodbye to Kalm, Cain led the animals two at a time to the nearby stream to let them drink.
He knew he was stalling, delaying the inevitable. Kalm deserved a proper farewell and Cain couldn’t trust himself not to become an emotional idiot around the boy. The young viewer was a delight to be around, a unique and strong individual who had survived a childhood of abuse. Wyatt couldn’t help it; he was always reminded of having missed out on raising his own son whenever he looked at Kalm.
Sucking in a deep, steadying breath, Cain led the second pair of horses back to where the others were waiting. A smile broke through his mood when he heard the bright sound of Kalm’s innocent laugh drifting in the morning air. He knew they had made the right choice in bringing him here.
Handing the lead ropes to Glitch as he joined the small group, Cain stepped forward. He offered a hand to Kalm, a seemingly impersonal gesture for anyone but a viewer. Kalm ignored the hand in favor of launching forward to wrap his arms tightly around Cain’s middle.
Surprised, Cain chuckled and patted the young man on the back tentatively. Kalm stepped back with a grin and said, “DG say Cain need more hugs.”
Cain shot a mock glare at the grinning young woman then crouched down in front of Kalm. “You take care of yourself, kid,” he said sincerely, then stood. He earned a nod of approval from Glitch before the advisor clambered quickly onto his horse. The rest of the group followed his example and with a few last waves, they headed back down the trail.
**
They had made it halfway to Milltown before they saw the first sign of trouble. The town itself was less than an hour from the easternmost edge of the Fields of Papay. As they passed the southeast corner of the orchard, Raw was the first to hear the ominous shrieking.
“Papay,” he rumbled, causing the others to listen intently for the telltale sounds.
“Let’s speed it up,” Cain ordered in a tight voice.
Glitch looked back nervously and kept pace with the Tin Man. “Think they’ll come this far from the trees?”
“If they’re hungry they will,” Cain replied gravely. Up ahead, DG and Raw led at a faster tempo.
Just as he was settling into a solid run Cain saw lightning fast movement out of the corner of his eye and suddenly his horse jerked to a halt, throwing him over the animal’s shoulder onto the ground. He landed hard on his back, the wind knocked out of him.
There was a blur of motion all around him as he struggled to get his breath back. He heard someone call his name, frantic and terrified. He pushed himself up on an elbow and was horrified to see his horse kicking at the Papay that had its jaws locked into one of the horse’s hind legs. A second Papay quickly joined it in taking down the large animal.
Pulling his gun and drawing a weak lungful of air, he fired off a shot at the nightmarish monsters. The shot barely fazed them but succeeded in momentarily distracting them from their attack. Cain fought his way back to his feet and spotted Glitch heading back towards him, still on his own horse.
Cain whirled around, seeing DG and Raw not far ahead. “Go!” he yelled, motioning anxiously with his arms. “Raw, get her to the town, we’ll be right behind you.” He saw the viewer nod in understanding, then reach out to pull at DG’s arm, forcing her to leave with him.
He heard her protest loudly, not wanting to leave the other two behind. Glitch twisted his head around and yelled back to her, “I’ve got him, Deeg. Go, now.”
Glitch had almost reached him when another blur seemingly appeared out of nowhere. As Cain was raising his weapon, he realized he was too late and watched in shock as the other man was knocked sideways from his horse by a third, diving Papay.
Unable to get a clean shot without the risk of hitting Glitch, Cain ran towards where the struggling pair had tumbled down. He saw Glitch land a swift, accurate kick to its chest.
The Papay drove forward and sank its long, jagged razor teeth into Glitch’s left shoulder, ripping a terrifying scream of pain from the advisor.
“Glitch!” Cain roared, close enough now to risk a point-blank shot to the Papay’s head. He fired once, deadly accurate and was sickly satisfied at the way it slumped, obviously dead. Glitch kicked the corpse away, straining to crawl away from its body.
“Oh, gods, Glitch,” Cain dropped to his knees in front of the fallen man, who was fighting to catch his breath. He swallowed against the bile in his throat at the sight of ragged, bloody holes torn into Glitch’s shoulder, front and back. He forced himself not to look too closely at where the teeth had torn deeply in near his collar, afraid of seeing bone. More long, weeping cuts ran down his arm and across his back where the Papay’s claws had tried to hold its prey.
He was trying to clear his head, to think of how to get Glitch out of here without hurting him more, when the nearby screeching sound signaled the approach of more Papay.
Using his body to cover the defenseless man, he fired off four more shots at the rapidly looming animals. Two of them fell, while the remaining two kept coming. Cain’s gun clicked uselessly the next time he pulled the trigger.
He was out of bullets.
Not knowing what else to do, he curled his body tightly over Glitch’s, whispering “I’m sorry,” into his ear while waiting for the inevitable attack.
The thundering sound of an approaching horse followed by two sharp, clear gunshots made Cain jump. He held his breath, certain he was hallucinating, as a long silence followed the echoing shots.
Raising his head slowly, Cain glanced around. Nearby, he saw the last of the Papay lying dead.
Standing not ten feet away, smoking weapon still in hand, was Zero.
Raising the barrel of the gun to point to the sky, the former Longcoat held his hands with palms forward in a blatant signal of surrender. “We need to talk.”
15. Caress
Cain stared in astonishment. When he was finally able to find words he growled, “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you where you stand.”
Zero blinked. “You want all the reasons? All right - you’re unarmed, you’ve got an injured man, and you need my help to get out of here.”
As if to emphasize Zero’s second point, Glitch shifted with a pained groan. “Cain?” he wheezed, trying to sit up despite his wounds.
“Easy,” Cain told him gently, helping him up and taking most of Glitch’s weight against his own chest. “We’re going to get you to help,” he assured him, then glared up at Zero. “Why should I trust you, you son of a bitch?”
Unexpectedly, Zero stepped closer and bent down slowly, placing his gun on the ground close to Cain. “I’m not the man you knew during Azkadellia’s reign. There are a lot of men depending on me and you’re our best chance at making things right.”
Cain frowned in confusion as uncertainty and worry over his friend clouded his judgment.
Glitch disturbed his contemplation, bumping his head back against Cain’s shoulder. “Kill him later, if you must. I’ll even hold him down for you,” he said faintly. “Right now, we need his help. He hasn’t shot us yet and for that, he’s the lesser of two evils.”
Making his decision quickly, Cain grabbed the loaded gun from the ground and stuck it in his own empty holster. “We do this my way, Zero. You help me get him to Milltown and then we sit down for a nice, long chat with Raw.”
Zero understood the implication of that statement. He nodded once, hard. “That’ll do. Do you have anything to tie his arm with?”
Cain jerked his chin toward his dead horse. “In my bag, get the blanket.”
Working together warily, they secured Glitch’s damaged arm to his body, pulling the blanket up to cover the parts still slowly oozing blood. The advisor was barely conscious by the time Cain and Zero got him to his feet.
Cain was reluctant to let go of him, to leave him in Zero’s hands if only for a moment. He stood in front of Glitch and put his hand under Glitch’s chin to raise his head up so their eyes could meet. Eyes half-closed and clouded with pain, Glitch fought to focus. “Wyatt?”
“I need you to hold on to Zero, just for a minute, so we can help you up on the horse. Think you can do that?” Cain asked him softly. Under his fingers he could feel the slick warmth of blood that had splattered up along Glitch’s throat and jaw.
Glitch pulled in a sharp breath and nodded carefully. “Go.”
While Zero stayed on the ground holding Glitch, Cain swung himself up to sit on the advisor’s horse. He steered it close to the waiting men and reached down to help pull Glitch up onto the horse with him. It took several tries and a number of pained grunts from the injured man before they got him up and settled in front of Cain.
Retrieving Cain’s bag from the fallen horse and attaching it to the back of his own saddle for safe keeping, Zero mounted his ride and nodded to the Tin Man.
Arms wrapped securely around Glitch, Cain nodded back and together the three men set off quickly toward Milltown. He felt Glitch’s head fall wearily back to rest on his shoulder. Cain lifted one hand up to give a shaking caress to the pale cheek so close to his. “You’re going to be fine,” he whispered. He prayed that it wasn’t a lie.
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