We All Fall Down Part III

[yansadracan]

Title: We All Fall Down Part III
Author: YanzaDracan
Beta:
Artist: tiggeratl1
Characters/Pairings: Christian Kane; Steve Carlson; Jensen Ackles; Jared Padalecki; Danneel Harris; Tim Hutton; Beth Riesgraf; OCs; Robert Riggle; Rob Huebel; Sandy & Chris Carlson; Rosalee & Darren Sher
Rating: R
Genre: RPS
Warning: Mentions of Characters death! Language
Word Count: 7,206/34,815
Summary: The massive earth changes happen Thanksgiving 2012. A sanctuary in all the chaos and destruction is the SC-KANE ranch in Broken Bow, OK. Who survived and what happens next? Will his family accept Jensen and sacrifices he made for them? Based on the earth changes maps of Gordon Michael Scallion. Images in my head from Steve Carlson's song Quarter To Three.
                                                                       

Living underground it was hard to tell night from day, but years of early calls had Christian's internal clock about fifteen minutes faster than the one sitting on the night stand. He was getting ready to snuggle back under the comforter when he realized there were not enough bodies in the bed. Jensen said he was going to the bathroom, and Christian had drifted back to sleep without waiting for him to come back to bed. He hadn't checked the clock so he had no way of knowing how long the younger man had been missing.

His growling and grumbled cussing woke Steve.

"Santa probably left you lumps of coal and switches with all the growlin' and cussin' you got goin' there, Kane."

Steve stretched out on his side and propped his head on his hand.

"Already had what I wanted for Christmas-you and Jenny in my bed, but now Jenny's missin'…again."

"You really didn't think it was going be that easy?" Steve signed as he reluctantly crawled from their warm nest. "Jared and Danneel really fucked up his head."

"Smart ass." He growled with a kiss as he headed out the door.

The growling started again when he saw the half empty pot of coffee, and the fire burning merrily in the stove. Then he noticed the four sets of bright doggie eyes watching him from different places around the couch. Seeing Evita with her chin on the back of the couch gave him the second clue as to where Jensen was hiding.

He was contemplating stretching out beside Jensen when he heard Milo and Pilot knock on Tim's door. They had gotten the boys moved into one of the unfinished rooms before they started worrying over Jensen.

"Mom! Tim! Come on, it's Christmas and it really SNOWED last night!" Pilot yelled.

Looks like Santa got Tim a little something for Christmas, too.

The boys' shouts startled Jensen awake. Green eyes blinked blearily at Christian.

"Ya forgit yer way back to bed from the bathroom?" Christian scolded quietly.

"Had a date with Sophie." Jensen mumbled as he sat up rubbing his face.

"Sophie. Who the fuck is Sophie?" Christian growled.

"One of our milk cows, dumb ass." Jensen chided.

"We have a cow named Sophie?"

"And June." Jensen reminded as he picked up his cup. "Still coffee?"

"In the thermal. Brewin' another." Christian stood to follow him.

He crowded the younger man against the counter and started to express his displeasure at finding Jensen absent from their bed when the boys came racing down the hall. Jensen moved away like he'd been burnt.

Christian rested his head against the cabinet. He loved his family…he really did, but right now he would joyfully strangle them all if it would get him and Steve a quiet moment with Jensen.

They flew past Jensen with shouts of 'Uncle Chris!' while Jensen continued on to check Tim. Jensen had disappeared around the corner, when Milo grabbed a hug from Christian before he moved to follow Jensen.

Jensen knew it had only been a couple days and the trip from Oklahoma City had been hard on the injured man, but he'd really thought to see some improvement in Tim's condition. The trauma from the accident and surgery had severely depleted the older man's strength.

As though he'd been doing it all his life, Jensen and Beth helped Tim bathe, changed his dressings, and got him moved to the couch with very little fuss. Beth changed the linens and gathered their dirty clothes and headed for the laundry room.

Tim watched Jensen after he helped him to the couch. He'd come to like and admire the younger man in the years he'd known him, but the earth changes that had changed them all really left a mark on Jensen Ackles. He'd picked up the burden of helping his family survive with little fuss. If anyone needed an example, the fact that he'd exhausted himself to make Beth's Christmas wish come true was all the indication he needed.

They all realized it wasn't going to be a normal Christmas, but the newest members of the Kane household were grateful for the fact they were alive and out from under the military's care. Tim just knew that even with moving to the protection of the buildings on the college campus in Norman, winter would be hard on the refugees. He probably wouldn't have made it if Beth hadn't run into Jensen at the market.

His focus was pulled outward by the sound of Milo's voice urging Jensen to get dressed so they could go play in the snow before breakfast. Dark circles indicated the man was still exhausted, but he trudged to the outer entry and pulled on his winter gear making a joke about the dogs needing walked whenever Steve scolded him.

He took the time to explain to the boys that they needed to check on the animals before they could play. When Pilot began to whine, Jensen raised his hand for quiet then explained if they didn't take care of the animals there would be no milk, eggs or meat. The boys waited patiently while Jensen checked their gear, double checked his guns then whistled up the dogs.

Seeing a body come into his peripheral vision, Tim turned to see Christian bearing a tray with his breakfast including medications. Shifting to allow the tray to fit over his lap, he smiled when Kane settled on the coffee table and sipped a cup of coffee while Tim ate.

"How're ya feelin' this mornin'?" Christian asked as he looked toward the door.

"All things considered, not too damn bad." Tim answered around his eggs. "You and Steve gonna do something about that?"

"'Bout what?" Eyes more grey than blue turned on him.

Tim rolled his eyes. "Subtlety was never one of your strong points, Christian."

Broad shoulders shrugged. "Jared and Danneel's got the boy so spooked we might pin him down in the next ten years or so."

"Don't think you've got that long." He savored the taste of real eggs.

"What!?" He had Christian's full attention.

"I know we haven't been here that long, but he keeps everyone at arms' length, has been cleaning all his weapons and looks at you, Steve and the Carlsons like he's never gonna see you again."

"Damn." Christian's knuckles were white around his cup. "Bet he's gonna feed us some line of shit 'bout goin' to see his folks."

"No bet." He picked up his meds and water glass. "Bet he doesn't come back."

Stricken Christian stood. "Are you…?" He waved at the tray.

Tim waved him off. "Go talk to your other boy." He chuckled.

"Smart ass." Christian said affectionately planting a kiss on the pale forehead then headed for Steve.

He was in the middle of going over his conversation with Tim when Sandy snatched Steve away along with Beth and Rosalee before shooing everyone else out of the kitchen.

"But…" Christian started.

"Whatever it is can wait to 'til later. The world's not going to end between now and dinner." She scolded, then stopped when she heard Christian growl on his way out of the kitchen. She looked at Steve. "Did I just step in it without knowing it?" She quietly asked her son.

"Yeah. We're worried about Jen."

"Christian can handle Jensen." She assured him.

"We don't want to handle him, Mom. This is his home. We want him to feel that way…no like he's hired help." He shot a blue glare at Beth who ducked her head.

Sandy opened her mouth then decided silence was better. With a nod they got to work-until two pre-teen boys flopped a dead turkey in the middle of the counter causing squeals from Rosalee and Beth. Three sets of wide eyes stared at the grinning boys.

"Uncle Jensen said you might need more meat for the pot-what with company comin' and all." Milo drawled in a good imitation of Jensen.

"Did you boys help?" Tim asked grinning from the couch.

"Dad! You're up!" Milo bounced over to his father and gave him a light hug. "How're you feeling?"

"Better. I'll be up and around in no time." Tim assured his son.

The morning passed quickly as everyone helped prepare for the impromptu party. Noticing the dogs watching intently out the windows, Jensen dressed and readied his guns before calling Parker and Spencer, making Cody stay. Without a word, Christian backed him at the inside door.

It was their neighbors, The Johnsons and The Dawsons. Darren and Jensen helped the men settle their horses and makeshift sleighs while Christian and Steve welcomed the rest of the family. About a half later, The Rivers and The Suarez families arrived.

The community areas of the house filled with chatter and laughter. Plates of snacks and finger foods were demolished. Chris and Christian wheeled a fully restored upright piano that had been hidden in the office out into the living room.

Steve was speechless as he ran his hands over the beautiful wood. Blue eyes filled with love and awe sought out Christian who snagged Jensen by simply wrapping an arm around his neck and dragging him against his side.

While the three men communed silently over the piano, Rosalee, Darren and Chris carried their guitars from the studio. In the middle of everyone getting settled, Jensen's phone rang. His face lit up but his voice was cautious when he answered.

Steve and Christian were captivated when they saw the soft look on the freckled face as he headed for a quiet corner to talk.

Their Jensen watching was ended when Sandy shouted from the dining room.

"Oh no. They get started with the music we'll never get them to dinner. So step away from the piano and guitars until after we eat."

A round of laughter had everyone headed toward the buffet style Christmas dinner.

Exhausted from the day, Tim asked Jensen and Darren to take him to his room. Beth came along with his meds. Seeing the worried looked on Milo's face, Tim patted the bed next to him as the adults left the room.

The Shers exchanged a look as Jensen headed for the front door after stopping for his guns. With a nod of agreement to each other, they followed.

Jensen was shrugging into his coat, the dogs watching expectantly when the couple started getting dressed.

"What…?" Jensen started, but Darren held a hand up to stop him.

"We all need to learn this stuff in case one of us gets sick or is on a supply run."

Rosalee nodded in agreement. "We figured who better to teach us than 'Ol MacDonald himself." She teased.

"I could use the help since we've got the extra horses."

Sharp eyes watched Jensen, then the Shers head out. The eldest from each of the families moved to follow.

"Where you goin'?" Pilot asked.

"See ta the horses." Carly Rivers answered.

"Jensen'll take care of them." Beth came up behind her son.

"Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am, figgerin' he's got his hands full with y'all's stock." Jake Johnson answered.

"'Sides, ya invited us ta supper and beddin' us for the night, least we can do." Ashley Dawson stated as she tugged Tiko Suarez in her wake.

Beth and Pilot stared after the teens.

"They're ranch kids. They all got their chores to do 'cause their folks are workin' the fields or a job." Christian explained.

"Do I have chores?" Pilot asked.

Christian played with the patch of whiskers under his lip as he pretended to consider. "How 'bout…it'll be your job to keep the wood box full, the ashes carried outside, the woodshed filled, and take care of Evita?" He winked over Pilot's head at Beth. "Milo can help ya when he ain't takin' care of his dad."

"When do I do that?"

"Whenever it needs done…like right now so when Jensen gits done milkin' and takin' care of the animals in the barn he can come in and enjoy the evening with the family instead of havin' to keep workin'."

"Come on Mom! If the band's gonna play later, I wanna get my chores done." Pilot grabbed Beth and pulled her toward their outside gear.

Christian looked at Beth's frown. "Git used to it, darlin'. Ain't no free rides now days. Come spring it gits harder." He left to check on Milo and Tim.

Beth followed after her son as he called the little terrier while he grabbed the bucket of ashes from beside the stove.

%%%%%

Chores done, they pushed the furniture to the edges of the room. Coffee tables were loaded with more snacks, they found some beer, and pulled a couple bottles of wine out for the adults. Air mattresses and sleeping bags were spread out, kids and adults alike got into their sweats and pajamas as Darren settled at the piano with Rosalee cuddled against her husband on the bench. All the drums, tambourines, and various and sundry hand held instruments were carried from the studio for anyone who wanted to play. Milo had come out after his dad had fallen asleep and sat at Jensen's feet with the big dogs while Evita curled up with Sandy and Chris.

They played all the Christmas songs they could remember, played songs they written individually and together since all the musicians knew each other's songs until the kids were all played out and had snuggled down in their sleeping bags.

The adults talked quietly about how they were schooling their kids, coping with the lack of power from the grid and shortages of food, gas and diesel. They talked about setting up a regular schedule for checking Broken Bow, Oklahoma City, and maybe Dallas for supplies. They discussed security and strangers, which thankfully they hadn't seen many since the ranches were off the regularly traveled routes.

Amanda Rivers pointed to something on one of the upper shelves and asked Sandy if they were making butter. When Sandy looked confused, the woman explained the contraption sitting on the shelf was a butter churn. She promised to show them how to use it to turn the cream off the cow's milk into butter, and how if the milk went to clabber before they got it all drank they could cook it into curds for cottage cheese.

Chris laughed as Sandy and Steve's faces lit up at the prospect of fresh butter, buttermilk and cottage cheese.

The evening was winding down. Christian and Steve looked around for Jensen only to find him coming in from walking the dogs brushing the snow out his now shoulder-length hair. When he moved down the hall the two men followed only to see Jensen turn toward their office.

"Jenny?" Christian called softly.

Jensen had heard them following him. He was torn as to what to do if they stopped him. Now that Christian had called his name, he was not strong enough to ignore its siren's call.

He turned to see two sets of blue eyes watching him, full of love and hope. He dropped his head unable to bear the pain in his chest, but he wouldn't let himself surrender to his feelings. He wouldn't be the thing that…

"Whatever it is pinging around your brain-it needs to stop." Steve took a step forward. "You need to come in this room and talk to us."

They talked, though at times it was difficult as old wounds opened as old dreams were revealed. There were plans and promises, vows to one another.

Then there were no more words. Only touch and breath and sounds, and sweat, and pain soothed into pleasure and skin painted with lust and passion and possession and love and rest and peace that everyone was finally in their proper place.

%%%%%

Things settled into a routine after Christmas. Everyone learned how to take care of the stock and milk the cow. There were enough bodies that four of them could each take a direction to ride the perimeter. Chris took over maintaining the mechanicals on the power, water and septic systems and along with the boys kept paths shoveled and the wood shed filled and the ashes carried.

Beth wasn't crazy about being around the large animals so she and Tim kept the household inventory lists up-to-date. Tim's wounds had healed, but rebuilding his stamina was a slow process. Everyone was contributing something to home schooling the boys and they were preparing for their next trip to Oklahoma City in the middle of the month.

No one was surprised when Jensen moved in with Christian and Steve. Their physical relationship was all they'd dreamed, but Jensen was taking emotional baby steps. He often disappeared for a day or several, giving Steve and Christian time alone. There were times he tried to pull away, but Christian and Steve kept cutting through the layers of scar tissue to reveal the love Jensen had hidden away all those years ago, not wanting to come between his best friends.

%%%%%

Cell service, the TV satellite and Internet were improving steadily as things started to stabilize a little more each day. The government was getting back on its feet, and though martial law was the order of the day, things had eased since Christmas as people began coping with their new country.

A couple of days before the 15^{th everyone got together with their lists and funds. The weather had been holding since New Year's with only a couple storms and low temperatures that didn't allow for much snow melt. Their windmill kept the batteries charged when dark skies rendered the solar panels nearly useless. Overall everyone in their neighborhood seemed to faring well, or so Jensen thought until Joe and Amanda Rivers pulled him off to the side after everyone enjoyed one of Sandy's great lunches.}

Christian caught his eye as he directed the couple back to the office. A quick shake of his head and Christian went back to his conversation with the others. It would be interesting to see why the Rivers singled him out. Closing the door he watched the couple settle. He sat behind the desk and waited.

"When we moved out here it was to homestead-be self-sufficient." Joe Rivers started. "Seed, animals, equipment, livin' off grid, sellin' animals, hay and wheat when we needed more cash than we could make off our butter and egg sales and contractin' to do folks plowin' and such." Jensen nodded starting to get an idea of where this was going.

"Ya probably already figured since we gave ya Sophie and June last time that this whole earth changes thing caught us just this side of cash poor." Amanda added.

"What we're tryin' ta git at here is we need what's on this list but unless ya wanna haul a couple beef or hogs ta the city and sell 'em for us-we've got very little cash." Joe blurted out.

"Or come spring we can barter on seed, do plantin' and such on shares or stud service on one of our bulls." Amanda added.

"Why come to me? Y'all haven't known me but a couple months…why not Steve or Christian or one of your other neighbors?" Jensen asked softly.

The couple blushed and ducked their heads.

"We like all y'all, but those two are just a tad intense. When they look at ya it's like they know what yer thinkin' afore ya can say it." Joe answered. "As for the rest of the neighbors, they're barely better off than us."

"It can be a mite disconcertin'." Amanda finished.

Jensen grinned. "That about covers it."

This conversation made Jensen glad part of their evening routine was to run the computers and TV to keep apprised of the news and the markets to keep up-to-date on the value of their gold, silver, hay and animals.

One of the first things that the government had gotten up and running was the commodities market. It would take a little longer for the stock market-they were assessing what companies were still around to be on the market. The monetary system was barely viable and had to make some adjustments.

This conversation with the Rivers made Jensen glad they did, giving him hope everybody could come out of this with their dignity intact.

"Tell ya what…we've only got one more breedin' season in our bull. Now we were gonna wait 'til spring to start lookin' for a new one." He picked up a list off the desk. "While I can plow the house garden with the horses we'll be needin' some plantin' done along with makin' hay and such." He looked up to see hope in the couple's eyes. "How about we work somethin' out where we all come out ahead?"

He pulled out a sheet of paper, and they made a plan.

Things they hoped to sell were carefully packed in the backseat of Jensen's truck. The backseat of Christian's was made as comfortable as possible for Tim, who had doctors' appointments. Steve was riding shotgun along with Beth who wanted to try to find clothes for her, Pilot, Tim and Milo. Chris would ride shotgun with Jensen.

The trip into the city was uneventful. The markets were fairly well stocked though fresh food was at a premium, so they had no problem finding vendors to buy their butter, eggs and such. Christian took Tim to his doctor's appointment while everyone started working on their lists. Jensen took extra time at each of the vendors collecting information, then slipped away to meet Riggle.

Rob looked worried when Jensen sat down across from him with his coffee.

"What's wrong? Couldn't get the brand of beer I ordered."

"What? No. I got everything on the list."

"Even the extra batteries for the house, and the seeds?" Jensen was surprised.

"That one was easy. Plus you earned a bonus. It'll be with the rest of your order." He pulled out photos Jensen recognized as ones he'd taken about five miles from their boundary with the state park.

"We'd been looking for these guys. Kidnapping, extortion, murder, rape. They kidnap someone from a family they think has cash or gold, anything of value and hold them for ransom. If it turns out their intel is bad, it's not a pretty thing. These pictures are of one of their camps. We're takin' 'em down today."

"That's a good thing, right?" Jensen was worried because Rob was worried.

"What? Yeah." The Marine's attention fixed on Jensen. "We still don't know where they get their information, but this raid will put a big dent in their operation."He looked at his friend. "This could get risky. You don't have to keep doin' this."

"I don't want this shit happenin, especially so close to my home." Jensen growled.

"Do the others know?"

"No and I don't want them to know either." Green eyes blazed at the older man.

*Shit. People thought Kane was the scary one.* Rob thought as he looked away. "Fine, but if something happens they're the first ones I'm callin'. I won't have those two out for my blood."

Jensen nodded. "See ya next month." He tossed his cup as he clapped Riggles on the shoulder. "Say 'Hi' to Rob."

"I will."

%%%%%

He followed the directions Rob had given him to pick up his 'pay'. Many of the local people had returned to their homes. Schools had yet to resume, and the tent city had been moved to the Oklahoma University campus at Norman, but there was a liaison office in each of the market areas with up-to-date lists. None of the names on the lists were anyone he knew, but Jensen spent some extra time talking to the soldiers, picking up gossip. You never knew what might be important.

Everyone had been holding their breath waiting for radiation from the west coast nuclear plants and Los Alamos to start coming onshore, but all traces of the plants had disappeared and so far no radiation had shown up on shore or in any rain or snow that had fallen. All anyone could do was keep watching and checking. Other countries hadn't been so lucky, and the Colonel told him all they could hope for was the radiation would dissipate somewhat by the time it made it around to the US.

The next few years were going to be hard for the whole world.

Jensen caught up with Chris and Beth, the blonde grinning at finding the clothes they needed. They hadn't had a lot with them when they left home, and Tim and Milo lost a lot in the accident. With two growing boys, clothes and shoes were going to be one of their biggest expenses for the next few years.

They ate lunch at a vendor's near where they were to meet Christian, Steve and Tim. Chris talked about a couple little things he'd picked up for Sandy, just because. Jensen blushed under his freckles.

"Here I bought her a couple cases of canning jars and lids to add to the supply. I know the greenhouse is starting to produce more than we can eat. Oh, and I was able to find seeds, too."

Beth laughed. "Just what every woman wants-more work-you're all heart."

Chris didn't like how that shut Jensen down, and turned to the blonde woman. "She'll love 'em. She's got some sauces and things she wants to preserve. Give us a little variety in what there'll be to eat until spring. The size garden we'll need to plant-it'll take all of us to make sure it's successful." When he saw Beth's flush, he turned back to the young man who'd become another son to him and Sandy. "What kind of seeds were you able to find?"

Talk turned to plans for spring planting and adding variety to the plants in greenhouse. Seeing Christian pull up, Chris went to meet the men while Jensen and Beth cleaned up their trash. Beth laid a hand on Jensen's arm when he started for the door.

"Jensen." Green eyes turned on her. "I don't mean to keep sticking my foot in my mouth." She paused, her eyes a little misty. "It's just…a couple months ago we had homes and jobs and money, and now if it weren't for you, Christian and Steve the five of us would be living in the camps with the other refugees or dead if we hadn't accepted Christian's invitation. We don't have skills for times like these."

Jensen looked down at the beautiful young woman and pulled her into a hug.

"It's alright, sweetheart. You'll learn. We'll adjust." His lips caressed her forehead as he released her. "Let's go round these guys up and head home."

He wrapped an arm around her waist as they headed out the door.

%%%%%

The doctors had been pleased with Tim's progress, but told him that with the damage to his lower lungs and internal organs, his health might never return to what it was before his accident. He was warned to do his best to guard against respiratory infections.

Tim was quiet and withdrawn for several days after receiving the news. He cornered Christian in his office one day, and when they came out Tim seemed to be his old self. When questioned by Steve and Jensen, Christian explained that Tim had given them custody of Milo should anything happen to him.

That night after supper they all gathered around the table and talked about arrangements that had been made in case of injury or death. Papers were drawn up whereas the boys would always have a home and medical powers of attorneys written so everyone had someone to speak for them.

Knowing the lengths Christian and Jensen would go to protect their family, Steve pulled the two men down the hall by the braids they twisted in each other's long hair to keep it out of the way. With a knowing smirk Tim shooed the other two couples after them then turned to see Beth smiling softly at him.

%%%%%

The first day of February, Red Dawn presented Christian with a beautiful palomino filly, during the worst storm of the winter. The good news was the wind kept the banks of batteries for the house charged, but it was extremely difficult to get to the barn to care for the animals.

Christian and Jensen took turns staying with the mare when she went into labor. They would trade places when the cold became too much for them. When they switched around 2am, Steve had wrapped around Christian under their goose down comforter in an effort to warm the chilled man.

When they woke the next morning, it was to find the sun shining the wind calm and no Jensen in their bed or on the couch in front of the stove. That sent everyone into a low level panic. The able bodied quickly dressed in their warmest gear, and prepared to shovel their way to the barn to look for Jensen and care for the animals.

With all the extra hands to shovel, it didn't take long to get to the barn and find Jensen, the foal and Red Dawn piled together under several heavy horse blankets. Pictures were snapped and Jensen's video camera came into play as the exhausted mare climbed to her feet to protect her charges, which in turn brought Jensen to his feet causing him to stumble as blood started to flow back into numb fingers and toes.

A protesting Jensen was escorted back to the house as Christian and Steve both growled over the man's stubbornness while pulling him out of his clothes and into a warm shower then into bed where lips, teeth, tongues and hands got his blood circulating in the very best way. Because everyone knew nothing beats body heat for warming a chilled person, and nothing got the blood flowing like a bruising round of sex.

Later when a warm and sated Jensen finally slept, Christian and Steve went out and properly introduced themselves to Stonewall's Golden Dawn.

%%%%%

Soon the snow started to melt and the days turned warm. The men of the SC-KANE Ranch resumed their patrols of their borders and preparations for spring planting.

Along with the snowmelt came another thaw. Jensen finally allowed himself to relax and let Christian and Steve love him the way they always loved him. In return he gave them everything he'd been hiding for ten years. Though the shadows of past experience still tainted the green eyes, the lowering of his defenses with family brought forth a man full of light and smiles so dazzling that sometimes you had to turn away from their beauty.

Using the resources they had at the ranch, they tried to keep The Omnitone alive. The five of them together came up with enough material during the long hours stuck indoors, that they produced a CD for KANE, Steve and Rosalee.

By the time they were preparing for their February trip to the city, their neighbors' power had been restored and they had fifty copies of each CD to sell.

The profits from the surprising amount of sales were put back into purchasing more blank CDs, a few extras they picked up that went toward a dinner to celebrate. The Colonel in charge of the Marines tracked Jensen, Steve and Christian and asked the men to perform in Oklahoma City and Dallas. After exchanging shocked looks, they agreed and set up dates asking for accommodations and fuel in exchange for their performance. The Colonel did quibble on the 'fee', and when Jensen went to have a drink with an old friend, several new items were added to his 'pay' list. The coming spring was truly a time of rebirth in more ways than one.

%%%%%

Seeing the concert as an opportunity for everyone to take a break from the ranch, it was decided if they could get the Rivers to take care of the livestock, they'd take the RV to the show in the Norman.

The next day while doing patrol, Steve and Christian rode to the Rivers' house to ask their neighbors to take care of the livestock while they were gone. They offered to pay them along with the milk and eggs from two days they'd be gone. Joe and Amanda were happy to help, and even happier to start repaying their deal with Jensen. The animals squared away, everyone began making plans for their mini-vacation.

Jensen pushed deeper into the state park, hunting for man and beast. He shivered at the feeling of foreboding filling his chest.

Since they were taking the motor home, even Tim was looking forward to the trip. His endurance was still low, but walking the stairs in the house and using the exercise machine were slowly making an improvement. They had all been lucky about not contracting colds or other illnesses over the winter months that would have put him at risk.

%%%%%

It was a perfect spring day. Everyone piled in the motor home at daybreak for the five hour drive. Guitars came out and a set list was put together with a mix of everyone's music. They'd start with Steve, bring Rosalee out in the middle, and finish up with KANE. Tim, Beth and Sandy would take care of selling CDs, with Milo and Pilot would be their runners.

In no time they were parking behind the Rupel Jones Theatre at the University of Oklahoma. The Colonel's aide-de-camp showed them where they could park the RV. The Marines packed chairs in every nook and cranny, and would broadcast the show throughout the buildings and back to Oklahoma City if the connection held.

Jensen worked steadily carrying equipment between the RV and the stage. Milo and Pilot helped him carry boxes of CDs over to where Sandy and Chris were setting up a table and chairs while Tim and Beth talked with the Colonel and several of his staff.

People had been coming into the theater for almost an hour by the time they were ready to do a sound check. Jensen settled behind the sound and light board waiting for Steve, Christian, Darren and Rosalee to get settled. Chris stood quietly behind him ready to make notes. What Jensen didn't know was that the others were not going to allow him to hide in the dark anymore.

"Start with the chorus from Dynamite to give Jensen something rockin' for a baseline." Steve said as he finished tuning his guitar.

The trio started like it had only been days instead of almost a year since they'd all stood on stage together. Jensen relaxed, fingers dancing over the light and sound board as he closed his eyes and listened until the music was…right there. They played a cross section of their songs until Jensen had the board set to a happy medium for all the songs. He might have to make some adjustments once the theater filled, but for now it was good.

Sticky tabs soon scattered over the board like neon colored glow worms as Christian finished his sound check. With Darren playing rhythm and Steve on lead guitar, it made Jensen's nerves tingle and his fingers itch to play. He was startled out of his reverie when a hand landed on his shoulder.

He grinned sheepishly at Chris. "Sorry. Got off in my own head a little too far."

"No worries. Get out of here while you've got the chance. I'll babysit this." He waved over the board.

Jensen arched an eyebrow suspiciously. "Shouldn't you be with Sandy, Beth and Tim?"

"They've got Milo and Pilot to boss around. I'm hanging with the big kids tonight." He grinned back.

"Steve gets his contrariness honest." Jensen shook his head as he made his way toward the stage.

Four sets of eyes watched as Jensen made his way to the stage. The two sets of pale eyes that watched from the stage glowed with love and mischief as they considered and discarded all the ways they could get Jensen on stage and not have to listen to his grumbling all the way back to the ranch.

Two sets of dark eyes that watched from the audience glowed with greed and avarice. Still wanting what they had discarded without thought. Seeing the beauty of face and spirit along with the knowledge that Jensen could get them what they wanted. Money, maybe talk him into staying with them, and a way out of Oklahoma.

As if feeling the intensity of their stares, the russet colored head turned, scanning the crowd for where the prickle along his spine had originated. Worry had him settling the pistols under his jacket, glad the Colonel had let him keep them.

"Jenny?" Christian asked as he watched the green eyes scan the crowd.

"It's nothing."

"Jense." Steve's voice carries a warning.

"Ya know that feeling?…That someone's watching you, and not in a good way?" He looked around once more still not able to pinpoint the stare.

Each grabbing an arm, Christian and Steve pulled him into the shadows and encircled him once they were out of sight. They held each other, Jensen's wariness telegraphing itself to them.

"We'll keep an eye out. Good thing yer on stage with us." Chris winked at Steve around Jensen's head.

Before Jensen could protest, Steve chipped in. "That way we can all keep watch."

"What do you mean on stage? The sound board…"

"Will be well taken care of by Dad." Steve assured him. "You've got just as much in this music as we do, and since it looks like we might possibly be able to make a living at it again, it's only right you're here with us."

"But I don't…can't…I'm not…"

Chuckling at the stammering Jensen, Christian silenced the sounds coming out of the full lips with his own. When he came up for air, Steve took over until Jensen was leaning heavily against the older men, half-lidded, green eyes glazed over with desire.

"Y'all don't fight fair." He mumbled into Steve's neck.

There were advantages to being the tall one in the relationship.

"Have we ever?" Christian grabbed a belt loop and pulled him back in the middle. "Sing with us, Jenny."

Jensen pulled away from Christian to lean against Steve.

"Fine." He huffed out.

"Always." Steve added.

"No more hiding." Christian picked up the ball.

"Enough!" Yer makin' me dizzy." Jensen groused.

"Damn, it must be love for me to put up with all yer shit." Jensen leaned his forehead on Christian's shoulder.

Blue eyes exchanged shocked looks over the reddish brown head. They knew he loved them, but Jensen had never said the words out loud.

"Love ya, too, Jenny." Christian's voice was low, choked with his emotions.

Steve didn't speak just wrapped his arms around his lovers and pulled them in tight.

"Hate to break up the love fest, guys…" Darren started.

They turned around to see a misty eyed Darren, and a teary eyed Rosalee watching them. They opened their arms to take in the rest of their family. Jensen was the first to move.

Looking at Steve, Rose and Darren, he grinned wide.

"Guess it's time." He said as he watched Colonel Riggle walk up to the microphone.

Rosalee hurriedly checked her makeup while everyone else settled. The crowd roared as the Colonel yelled into the microphone.

"From The Omnitone Studio…Steve Carlson, Darren and Rosalee Sher, and Christian Kane!!!"

By the time everyone got back on stage for an ensemble of House Rules the walls were vibrating with clapping, whistles and everyone singing along. All except two. They were watching and planning.

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When they finally made it to the motor home everyone was still vibrating from the energy of the show. Knowing once they were fed and made to sit for more than five minutes, they'd begin to wind down, Sandy and Beth began pulling out food.

They'd all used the showers in the dressing room area before coming out, but that hadn't even begun to settle any of them though the showers of some were suspiciously longer than others. Chris slid up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her slim waist as she put together her version of Panini sandwiches for everyone.

"They'll sleep like the dead, and then you and I will take advantage of keeping 'our' room." He whispered in her ear.

Christian turned to say something to Sandy in time to see the blush creeping over her cheekbones. Seeing the glow in the older couple's eyes, he elbowed Steve to get his attention.

A sharp elbow in the ribs had Steve turning from Rosalee to snap at Christian until he saw why he'd been elbowed.

"God, you two are worse than a coupla teenagers." He complained as he blushed.

Sandy's melodic laugh filled the RV. "We're not as bad as you guys." She raised her eyebrows in innuendo.

That set the younger couples to blushing while Tim laughed from where he was stretched out on the couch with Milo and Pilot tucked against him.

The youngsters had run themselves ragged in between performances moving through the audience selling mp3s after all the CDs sold out. They had given out one of their PO Boxes in Broken Bow for people to place orders, and thanks to Jensen and their Internet provider, they were able to give out a rudimentary website with all of them working under the banner of The Omnitone.

Jensen sat in the passenger seat of the RV scrolling through the pictures he'd taken of the crowd, backstage, on stage, and around the campus. He had the beginnings of an idea for a video…something like After the Change, or whatever he might come up with and had started cataloging his videos and pictures since he'd left Los Angeles before the earthquakes.

He was only half paying attention to the pictures when a face caught his eye. Jared. He scrolled back one… nothing. He scrolled forward…there…Danneel. He thought they'd have made it to San Antonio by now.

Why were they still in Oklahoma City? Could they have been who he felt watching him? Surely they weren't thinking he'd want them back in his life? He had a new home and a family that truly loved him. He could only think of one reason they'd still be around. Danneel knew how paranoid he was about the whole 2012 business. She didn't know how much of his money he'd converted. That's probably it. Neither one of them had many marketable skills for this environment so they're probably hurting for money. He refused to let them bring harm to the family. Maybe if he confronted….

"Jenny!" Christian snapped him out of his thoughts.

"What?!"

"Where'd ya go? Been tryin' to git yer attention for a couple minutes.

"Sorry. Now what did you need, Princess?" He asked as he set aside the camera, and was promptly rewarded with a lap full of Kane.

He pushed his exes to the back of his mind and enjoyed being with his family.

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Part 4