"Little Britches" (ATF) Universe

Author's note: I am new to writing M7 fic, so please be gentle with me. Thanks to Luna Dey and Steelknight who beta'd for me, and to my friends and fellow list members who allow me to try out my fics on them. This one is based on the lyrics of the song Christmas Shoes, by Leonard Ahlstrom and Eddie Carswell. Thanks to Mog for creating the ATF universe, and thanks to JK Poffenberger for creating the Little Britches AU.

Disclaimer: The Magnificent Seven and all related characters, concepts, etc. are the property of CBS, MGM, and Trilogy and other Powers That Be. No copyright infringement is intended or, and no profit is being made.

Feedback: Feedback is welcome, but no flames please.

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line Tryin’ to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously Pacing round like little boys do, and in his hands he held a pair of shoes His clothes were worn and old He was dirty from head to toe And when it came his time to pay I couldn’t believe what I heard him say Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry, sir, Daddy said there’s not much time You see, mom’s been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes would make her smile And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight He counted pennies for what seemed like years Then the cashier said, "Son, there’s not enough here" He searched his pockets frantically, then he turned and he looked at me He said, "Mama always made Christmas good at our house, Through most years she did without Tell me, sir, what am I going to do, Somehow, I’ve got to buy these Christmas shoes." I just had to help him out And as I laid the money down I’ll never forget the look on his face When he said, "Mama’s gonna look so great." Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry, sir, Daddy said there’s not much time You see, mom’s been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes would make her smile And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight I knew I’d caught a glimpse of heaven’s love as he thanked me and ran out I knew that God had sent that little boy my way To remind me just what Christmas is all about Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size Could you hurry, sir, Daddy said there’s not much time You see, mom’s been sick for quite a while And I know these shoes would make her smile And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight Christmas Shoes - Leonard Ahlstrom and Eddie Carswell

Chris stood in line at the store, making sure he had the last of the gifts for his team. He had had a long day and was not in the mood to deal with the crowds, but he wanted to pick up one more thing for the boys.

As Larabee stood in line he noticed the little boy in front of him. The youth was dirty from head to toe, and when he looked up at the tall blonde with those big blue eyes, Chris could not help but think of what Vin looked like when they found him.

Chris watched the boy empty his pennies for the gift he wanted to buy. His mind wandered back to what JD had said about Vin finding him on the streets after JD's mother was killed. His attention was brought back to the present when he felt a tug on his arm. "Mister, can you help me? I really need to get these."

The usually stern agent looked into those pleading eyes, and he knew he had to help the boy. With the hint of a smile, the man in black reached into his pocket and pulled out enough money to make up the difference.

The little boy smiled and said, "Thank you, Mister!" and then he dashed out of the store.

Larabee knew that someone up there had led them to that warehouse that day, and led them to those two little boys. With a much lighter heart he paid the cashier. He found himself humming a long forgotten Christmas tune as he made his way out to his truck.

Other memories flooded to the surface as he made the long drive out to the ranch. Chris remembered the fear that ran through his body when he first found Vin. The child had been shot and would have died if they hadn't found him when they did. It was during Vin's recovery that Chris Larabee lost his heart and soul to a pair of blue eyes.

As much as Larabee hated to admit it, he had lost his heart that day. That one little boy had broken down the walls he had built over the past three years, since the death of his family. He pulled into the long drive of the Ranch, and he hoped Buck had not put the boys to bed yet. He pulled to a stop next to Buck's beat up truck, and he could not help but laugh to see the other cars there too. The blonde shut off the engine, grabbed the packages, and headed for the house.

+ + + + + + +

Vin stood in the window watching for Chris. Buck had seen the disappointment in the boy's eyes when Larabee did not pick him up from Nettie's. As Wilmington watched the small boy, he knew exactly when Chris pulled up.

The youth jumped off the couch and ran for the door. "He's home! Chris is home!" he yelled excitedly.

"Whoa there, brother. You need a coat," Josiah said as he snatched up the boy. He quickly helped the boy into his coat and opened the door for him.

Everyone gathered at the window just in time to see the skinny seven year old bowl Chris over into a snow drift. In the house, the men went silent as they watched the man in black lose his footing and fall over. They let out a collective sigh of relief and smiled as they watched Chris grin and tickle the boy.

Vin laughed happily and tried to wiggle out of his reach. "I thought the snow kept you in town."

Chris climbed to his feet and gathered up his packages, before taking Vin by the hand. "Nothing would keep me from my family on Christmas."

The two walked into the house, removed their coats, and joined the others in the living room. Larabee took the beer Nathan offered him and sat down in his recliner. "Thanks, Nathan. I am glad we are all together here tonight."

Vin crawled into the big man's lap and snuggled close. He could not help but think that he was glad that they were all together too.

Chris wrapped his arm around the small form on his lap, and relayed the story of what happened in the store to the other men. "It made me remember the day we came across these two. I hadn't been that scared in a long time," he sighed. "Someone was watching over them until we got there that day."

Buck ruffled JD's hair and nodded. "I think yer right, Pard. These two managed to finally make us all a family. This is going to be the best Christmas ever."

Everyone nodded in agreement. "I do believe you should tuck these two wee ones into bed, Chris." Ezra dropped his usual formality as he smiled warmly at the two young boys, who were both struggling to stay awake.

Looking down at the yawning youth, Chris nodded in agreement. "I think so, too. Come on, Cowboy. It's time for bed." He cradled the slight form against his shoulder as he headed up the stairs.

Buck followed close behind them, holding JD snuggly to his chest. "You know, Pard, he was just the right person to bring you back to the world."

"You're right, Bucklin, and I am glad we found them when we did," Chris replied as he tucked Vin into bed.

Wilmington kissed JD on the forehead as he tucked him in. "Night, Squirt."

The two men shut the door behind them and headed back downstairs. "All tucked in for the night," Chris announced to his friends. "Now let's wrap the rest of these gifts."

With five men sharing the task they had it done in no time. They surveyed the results of their work, as it lay nestled under the tree. Each man was lost in his own thoughts of Christmases past and Christmases yet to come. "They'll be up early," Buck said. "We best hit the sack."

They all agreed and headed off to find rooms and beds for the night. Chris and Buck climbed into their own beds and fell into a peaceful sleep, both content that their family was all together on this special night.

The End

Comments to: Chrisslittletroublemaker@yahoo.com