LB - AU

"Uncle Josiah's chili is the bestest food in the whole world," Vin declared, shoving a big spoonful into his mouth.

JD gulped a slightly smaller bite down and stuck his tongue out, fanning it with his fingers. "How come? It's not sweet like Mrs. Potter's cookies, or fun like Da's 'psgetti, or as yummy as Mr. Chris' barbecue food."

"I know, but it tastes just like Mama’s used to," he explained. "And we only ever have it when everybody’s here together."

Watching their fathers, laughing and joking with Nathan, Josiah and Ezra, JD agreed, "Yeah, that’s why it’s the best."

OW

The fork lifted to his lips, his tongue poking out slightly to receive it. He drew the sweet cargo inside and withdrew the utensil slowly. Green eyes closed as a sound of utter bliss came from his throat.

Watching him eat, Nathan squirmed uncomfortably. "Damn, Ezra, it’s almost unfittin’ for public eyes the way you eat that. Why you always want pie when we come home from a ruckus anyhow?"

"Only when some miscreant nearly cheats me out of my final years," he corrected serenely. "I’m celebrating life."

Nathan nodded thoughtfully, calling out; "Can I get some apple pie, please?"

ATF

"Next time I volunteer to enter a charity event for Josiah’s youth hostel, just shoot me, okay?" Vin groaned, clutching his stomach pitifully.

Chris snorted. "You’re the one who thought of a hot-dog eating contest to raise money."

"Thought I’d win easy," Tanner moaned. "How was I supposed to know that little runt could eat fifteen dogs!"

"You could’ve quit any time."

"Shut up, Larabee. It was a matter of honor."

Heartlessly, he replied, "Told you you’d be sorry."

"We might both be. Got any bags handy?"

Watching him turn green, Chris swore, "Shit, I just had this truck cleaned!"

OW

"How can you eat that?" Buck asked with disgust.

Ezra and Josiah both looked up in surprise. "Chitlins are a time honored delicacy down south," Ezra explained. "And this restaurant’s is excellent. You should try some."

"But they’re pig guts!" Buck pressed, face screwing up as he watched Josiah suck one long piece in like a noodle.

"So?" Josiah sounded genuinely puzzled. "You consume beef on a regular basis."

"That’s different!" Buck rose from his chair. "Think I’ll skip dessert."

Watching his hasty exit, Ezra laughed. "What’s on the menu tomorrow?"

"Think we could persuade the chef to prepare haggis?"

Little Ezra

Ezra bounced in his seat, excited as he watched his new father enter the room.

"Ten candles," Chris said proudly. "Gonna take a mighty big breath to blow ‘em all out!"

The boy paused, asking worriedly, "What if I can’t extinguish them all? Will my wish fail?"

"Did last year’s come true?"

Ezra blushed and admitted softly, "This is my first birthday cake."

Chris was stunned. Nine birthdays and never a cake? Placing an arm around him, he suggested, "Then let’s do it together, son."

Ezra smiled. There had been no cake, but last year’s wish had indeed come true.