Summary: True accepts the challenge of teaching Rhianna how to have a little fun, and when Maude returns to town, things get down right interesting.

Author's Note: This was co-written by Wolfpyre and myself. It is written as an extension of Wolfpyre's Magnificent Seven "True Universe," and she deserves a round of applause for creating such a fun storyline! This is a rather unique AU so if you have not read Wolfpyre's "Truly Magnificent," and/or my "True Family," the OCs in this story (their presense, history, and abilities) might be a bit confusing.

Warning: Spanking of minors. If you do not like or approve of this PLEASE to NOT read this story. There is considerable harsh language in this story.

Disclaimer: We don't own the Magnificent Seven characters and are writing this just for fun and for no personal gain. We do not speak any of the foreign languages represented in this fiction and have used certain words found in online sources without an understanding of syntax; apologies to anyone with a clear understanding of these languages.

True Cousins

"I do like to have fun. I just define the word differently," Rhianna argued with her younger cousin as she skipped a rock across the water. "And you know very well I have no compunction whatsoever about breaking rules. It is hardly my fault if I never learned the art of childhood frivolity."

"It ain't frivolous...it's fun!" True shot back. "An' it ain't so much about breakin' rules, 'cause most of the time I follow 'em. I just don't care so much about getting in trouble. I mean, sure it hurts like hell ta get yer ass roasted, but it don't last long. An' the cuddlin' afterwards ain't too bad neither." True smiled at Rhianna. "Ya just need ta get that stick outta yer ass an' lighten up."

Rhianna rolled her eyes at True's description of her. "I don't know that it is so much concern with getting in trouble," she finally replied. "Though that's a definite possibility." The blonde shuddered remembering her very own 'hell week,' as she had dubbed it. "It's just the very concept of embarking on an endeavor where the odds so highly favor getting caught. It's totally foreign! You realize the only time I got caught before coming here was the once I allowed it so that I would be sent here."

"Yeah, yeah. Ya don't need ta rub that in!" True shrugged.

"So, I am more than willing to give it another try," Rhianna said with a wry grin. She might regret this, but what the hell! "Teach me how to be a kid, True. I am at your mercy."

"You shittin' me? Ya honestly want me ta teach ya how ta have fun? Even if it means Chris busts yer ass?" A predatory gleam flashed in True's eyes. "Oh, I am gonna love this!"

Rhianna laughed, quite certain she was indeed going to regret this, but one of Chris's lectures came to mind, 'In this place, in this time you are an eleven-year-old girl.' Well if he wanted her to be a kid she might as well reap the full benefits.

Just then, the stage pulled up in front of the general store. True tensed as she watched a blonde haired woman step off. "Ah hell. Maude's back!"

Following True's gaze, Rhianna watched as the woman started directing men to unload a copious amount of luggage, admonishing them to be careful. "That's Ezra's mother?" the older girl queried in surprise. Her cousin had of course told her about the remorseless harridan, in quite colorful language in fact, but this is not what Rhianna had envisioned.

"Yeah, that's her. I can't believe that bitch came back here!" True growled. "She better not do nothin' ta Ezra this time or I'm gonna make our last meetin' look like a cake walk!"

"S'that right?"

True felt a cold chill run up her spine as she turned to face Vin. "Yeah, that's right!" She replied, though her voice didn't hold quite the air of defiance it had before. She remembered vividly how he reacted to her last meeting with Maude, though she didn't plan on letting that stop her should Maude be up to her old tricks.

Vin saw the look in True's eyes and took her chin in his hand. "I's only gonna warn ya once. I hear of ya doin' anything ta her, I'll tan yer hide everyday fer a week. Ya got me?"

True pulled her chin from his grasp and glared at him, her hatred for Maude overriding her reason. "Ya sound like Chris...can't ya think of your own sh-"

Rhianna put her hand over True's mouth. True had promised her some fun and this seemed like the perfect opportunity if True's temper didn't see her stuck in her room for the entire week or worse yet sent out to Nettie's sporting a sore backside. "What she means to say is, yes sir. She has no desire for that experience whatsoever and I do not believe you will hear of her doing one thing to Mrs. Standish."

Vin looked from True to Rhianna, back to True. "Ya best rein in that temper a yers, True. Rhianna ain't always gonna be around ta save yer little ass." He turned to Rhianna. "An' don't think I missed what ya said. If True does anythin' ta her, I will hear about it. Ya both understand me?"

Rhianna was quick with her "Yes, sir."

True nodded, knowing if she spoke, something she shouldn't say would come out. Of course, that wasn't good enough for Vin.

"What was that?"

Anger flared in True's eyes, but Rhianna smacked her on the arm before she could speak. She glared at Rhianna and sighed. "Yes Sir, I understand completely."

"Okay, so True's been duly warned and admitted full comprehension of said warning," Rhianna said taking a backward step away from Vin unsure how he'd take her impertinence following True's show of temper. "If it is alright, I think I would like to go and meet our illustrious guest," she drawled with a twinkle in her green eyes. She was rather anxious to meet the woman after all she had heard. One point on which she definitely agreed with True, the woman had better cause no trouble for Ezra. Vin gave a nod, but his warning glare was one she could read loud and clear.

"How about you, True? Are you going to come say hello, or play it safe and keep your distance for the time being?"

"I say we go say hi." True giggled. "I'm sure she'll be glad to see me!"

The girls headed over to the stage and waited while Maude finished getting her belongings. Maude noticed Rhianna first. "Why hello there."

Before Rhianna could reply, True stepped up behind her and tapped her on the arm. "Hey Maude!"

Maude spun around. "You! I would have expected someone to have sent you away by now, you impertinent brat!"

"Oh, my," Rhianna gasped in mock surprise, her eyes narrowing with a predatory glint, "And here I truly believed that Ezra's mother would be a woman of refinement and decorum."

The woman turned back to the blonde girl, clearly caught unawares, unused to being censured by a child. "I don't believe we've met."

"No I do not believe we have," Rhianna replied, "My name is Rhianna Larabee, I've only just recently relocated to Four Corners. I believe you might be familiar with my mother's family name, Gallagher," she continued picking a name from Maude's mind that was sure to make the woman uncomfortable.

Being renowned for her poker face, Maude showed no outward emotion when she answered, "Though, I've never had the pleasure of meeting any of your family, I do recognize the name of course. It is certainly a pleasure." She looked Rhianna up and then down, trying to reconcile her rather rustic riding skirt and blouse with the girl's demeanor and speech.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Standish. I have heard so very much about you," Rhianna answered casting a knowing glance at True. "You see True and I have become fast friends since my arrival here. How sad that you and she apparently do not share the same rapport."

True winked at her cousin before addressing Maude, whose poker face was giving way to confusion. "In case ya didn't understand her, she meant she can't understand why we ain't friends. I tried ta tell her we have a wonderful relationship, so close we shared some....how should I put this... very personal items last time ya were here, but she thinks I'm lyin', as I ain't the sharin' kind."

Maude made no attempt to hide her revulsion at the memory True had dredged up. "You are a horrible beast of child due no doubt to -"

"You would do well not to finish that sentence," Rhianna cut the woman off with an evil smile. She knew the unspoken insult toward Vin had been specifically tailored to spur True into trouble. "After all when a grown woman such as yourself is reduced to adolescent name-calling, one never knows what might follow. These streets are lined with far worse than the contents of a chamber pot." Her green eyes looked meaningfully at the manure strewn about the town's main thoroughfare.

True gave her cousin a grateful look, knowing that if Maude had finished her sentence, she would have done something Vin would make her regret! "I think it's best if ya just go onto the hotel. Ya never can tell what Rhianna will do."

Maude was furious. "It appears Rhianna has been around you and your filthy, unrefined brother for too long, as obviously she has no manners. Perhaps it is best if I go on my way."

True's temper flared at the insult. Using her telekinetic ability, she moved the suitcase on the walk over behind Maude. As Maude turned to leave, she tripped and landed into a pile of manure.

Rhianna's glare for her cousin was cut short when she saw the sanctimonious harpy land in the horse dung. She could not contain the laugh that bubbled forth, despite the fact that she could sense their impending doom. There was no way she was letting her cousin take the fall for this, however. Not with Vin's threat hanging over her head.

Out of the corner of her eye, True saw Chris heading their way. She quickly reached down to help Maude to her feet. "Here, let me help you. Are ya okay?" True asked, just barely suppressing her laughter.

Watching Maude's face go from white with shock to red with rage, Rhianna was quick to interject, "What kind of idiotic buffoon places a suitcase right behind a person? Are you quite alright Mrs. Standish?"

"What happened?" Chris asked.

True could see the suspicious look in his eyes and pasted on her most innocent smile. "She fell, what does it look like!"

"Don't you dare play innocent," Maude sputtered. "You did this intentionally!" She looked from one girl, then back to the other not sure which one had caused the mishap or exactly how.

"Ma'am, you tripped over a suitcase," Rhianna pointed out before Chris could comment. He was still looking skeptical.

"You, you laughed at me."

Chris glared at Rhianna who put on her best repentant look. "Yes, Ma'am, I did. I apologize, that was very rude of me."

"But ya gotta admit, it was kinda funny!" True giggled. She caught the look on Chris's face and quickly schooled her expression into one of contrition. "Uh, what I mean is, erm, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have laughed."

"These children should be kept on a leash, especially that one!" She spat out, pointing at True.

"While they aren't always the most well behaved, these children are my nieces so you'd be smart to watch what you say." Chris growled and took a step closer to Maude. "I believe you owe these girls an apology for accusing them of something that was clearly an accident."

Rhianna didn't even bother to hide the self-satisfied smirk that crossed her face or temper the look of triumph in her eyes as she stared at Maude, daring her to defy Chris.

"Well, I, I," the woman sputtered, hardly wanting to admit defeat and yet clearly intimidated by Chris Larabee's proximity and tone. "I apologize if I accused you unjustly," she finally conceded. "I need to be getting to my hotel. Clearly I am overwrought."

Once Maude was at the hotel, True fell to the ground in a fit of laughter. "That was priceless!" She gasped out.

"Get up." Chris commanded, a small smirk playing at his lips. Once True was on her feet he pulled her around to stand in front of him, then moved Rhianna next to her. "Now, something tells me that what just happened wasn't an accident." He put up his hand to stall the arguments. Both girls wisely shut their mouths. "However, since I can't prove anything, you are both off the hook. But..." He paused being sure he had their attention. "I don't want to hear of any more 'accidents' happening to Maude, understand?"

Both girls replied with a quick "Yes Sir."

"Good. Now, both of you go wash up. Lunch will be ready in a couple minutes."

True followed Rhianna into the boarding house and over to the sink. "Well, that was entertaining, but so amateur!" She dried her hands and tucked her hair behind her ears, quite pleased with herself for coming up with that bit of vocabulary. " Now, are ya ready for some real fun? Or did big bad Chris scare ya?"

"Bring it on," Rhianna replied, with a satisfied smile. She had to admit to thoroughly enjoying the encounter with Maude and she was ready for more. "I'm not the one with hell week, hanging over my head," she reminded her cousin.

"See, that's your problem! You're so worried about gettin' caught an gettin' your ass busted that ya can't have fun!" True exclaimed. "Ya gotta live in the moment, not in what might happen!"

"It was your ass I was worrying about not mine," Rhianna grumbled as she finished washing her own hands. To herself she considered the legitimacy of True's claim, however. Perhaps she was too caught up in the future.

"Well, it's both yer asses, I'm thinkin' if ya don't hurry up and get ta the table," Buck's teasing voice interrupted.

***

That night, after supper as the girls were preparing for bed, True voiced a question that had been running through her head since she saw Maude earlier in the day. "So, why do ya think Maude is here anyway? She sure ain't here outta the goodness of her heart. I mean, last time, she tried ta sell the Saloon ta keep Ezra on his toes. Wonder what she has planned now?"

"Her last con went bad and she is low on funds. When she doesn't know where to go she comes to Ezra. So far as I could tell, she doesn't have a concrete plan just yet, though her mind's nearly as fully of potential schemes as yours is of pranks," Rhianna answered as she ran a brush through her hair. "She is looking to Ezra to help pull her out of this slump and that does not set well with me," the blonde girl added with a scowl.

True didn't know whether to be offended by that comment or not. She sure as hell didn't want to be compared to Maude! "Well, whatever it is, it ain't good an I aim ta figure it out before she tries ta hurt Ezra again." True picked up her brush, hesitated, then put it back down, deciding to not even bother trying to get the tangles out her hair. "Do ya think ya can read her tomorrow morning? Maybe she's got an idea now?"

"Of course I can," Rhianna said confidently. "As soon as she sets herself on a course, we'll know and be there to put a stop to it." She paused to look at her cousin. "You realize Vin's going to insist you brush it in the morning. If you go to bed like that it will only be that much harder tomorrow."

"What's the point a brushin' before bed when it's just gonna get all tangled up while I'm sleepin'?!" True exclaimed and rolled her eyes. She looked at herself in the mirror as she twirled a strand around her finger. "Kieran loved my hair, said it was just like my mama's. He'd spend an hour a night teasing out the tangles and brushin' it until it was as shiny as your lily white ass, only for me ta get it all matted up an dirty the next day." She smiled. "Remember that time I threatened ta cut it all off cause it was gettin' in my way when the Elders sent me on a run?"

Rhianna chuckled, moving behind the other girl and running her own brush gently through the tangles. "I do. To say he was unhappy would definitely be an understatement."

"Yeah, he sure was, especially when I actually got the scissors out. I thought he was gonna freak out! My biggest mistake was cuttin' a small piece off, just ta piss him off. I didn't think he was ever gonna stop swattin' my ass!" She paused for a minute, lost in the memory. She felt a lone tear slide down her cheek and quickly wiped it away. "I miss him Rhi."

"Ocht! I know, I know," Rhianna said putting her arms around her cousin and leaning her head up against True's, her own eyes swimming with unshed tears. " Nagh keayney s'deyr (Don't cry, dearest), Nagh keayney (Don't cry)," she cooed. "Weesht!'

True let her tears fall for a few minutes, accepting the comfort. Her cousin knew her before she was hardened by clan life and their ideals, and felt comfortable being what she really was, a scared little girl who missed her brother. Though she loved Vin and the others like family, it felt good to have a real blood relation with her at this moment. She knew Rhianna loved Kieran like he was her own brother, so she could easily share the sorrow the memories brought.

"I miss him too, ennym ennoilid (dear one)," Rhianna whispered softly as her own tears fell.

Deciding it was time to pull herself together before one of the guys saw her so vulnerable, True wiped the tears away and took a few deep breaths. "Don't go tellin' anyone about this. I got a reputation ta keep, which ain't gonna happen if it gets around I'm a weak, blubbering idiot."

Drying her own tears, Rhianna laughed, "Idiot, perhaps, but never weak!"

"Hey!" She swatted at Rhianna playfully.

"All right, enough you two." Josiah said from the doorway.

"Hey Siah! Whatcha doin' up here?"

"Vin and Chris had to take care of some things over at the jail and, since I am one of the few people you two listen to, asked me to be sure you were in bed and asleep."

"We are, see?" True stated as she plopped in her bed and pretended to sleep.

"Yes, I see." He replied. He kissed True's head and tucked the covers in around her. "Good night."

He turned to Rhianna. "I suppose I need to escort you to bed." He scooped her up into his arms and carried her into her room, carefully placing her in bed and giving her a kiss. "Good night little lady."

Once Josiah was back downstairs, True busted out laughing. She couldn't remember anything like that ever happening to her cousin before and couldn't get the look of mortification on Rhianna's face out of her head. "Good night little lady!" She called out through her giggles.

"Bee dty host, Imshee! (Shut up, brat!) Rhianna shouted back, though a smile played at her lips.

The following morning after breakfast, Rhianna and True were sitting on the porch steps when they saw Maude leave the Hotel and head for the bathhouse. "Hey, I got an idea! Come with me!"

She led Rhianna to the field behind the bathhouse, sat on the ground and closed her eyes. A few seconds later, two skunks came out of hiding and crawled into True's lap. "Hey little guys, wanna have some fun?" She whispered to them as she smoothed down their coats. She looked up at Rhianna. "I guess ya don't even need ta read my mind ta know what I have planned?"

Rhianna grinned, "You are soooo evil and I love that so much about you. Chris is over at the Clarion with Mary right now and that is right next to the bath house." Ever cautious the older girl was thinking in wouldn't hurt to be in plain site of one of the seven before the show started.

"Don't worry, we don't need ta be anywhere near the scene of the crime for this ta work, so we should be able ta be with one of the guys when it happens." She smiled as another idea came to mind. "Remember that time I put those berries in Agatha's soap bottle an' it turned her hair purple for a few days?"

At Rhianna's nod, she continued.

"Maybe we can do the same ta Maude. She'll be so busy gettin' the smell out, she won't notice until it's too late! Course, we do have a little problem with that. How are we gonna get it in the bathhouse for her ta use? We can't be seen anywhere near it or they'll know it was us!"

"No one would suspect Billy," Rhianna said her eyes dancing with merriment.

"That shrimp? Ya think ya could convince him?" True asked skeptically. Even though she teased Billy mercilessly, she cared for him like a little brother and knew the kid couldn't be bad even when he wanted to! It took a lot of persuasion to even get him to steal Chris's cheroots. She couldn't imagine what it'd take to get him to do this.

"He likes Ezra. Once I explain to him that Maude is here to carry out some as of yet undetermined malevolent plan which will adversely affect Ezra and that ours is a harmless attempt to illustrate the fact that her presence is neither appreciated nor desired, I'm sure he will agree." At True's exasperated look Rhianna added, "And I'll speak plainly." With a pause she stopped to consider then added, "Besides he owes me, I taught him how to fight."

True shrugged. "Well, I've seen ya convince grown men ta slit their own throats, I guess ya can convince Billy." She stood up and wiped the dirt from her pants. "I'll get these skunks ready while ya take care a Billy an I'll meet ya outside Mrs. Potters store, okay?"

"See you there," Rhianna answered with a grin.

***

Not surprisingly, Maude was rather lavish in her bathing routine, adopting a leisurely pace for the enjoyable pursuit. Though her preference would have been to bathe in the hotel, having had a servant prepare her bath, she was accustomed to having to make due with crude accommodations. She had soaps, oils, and creams to facilitate her beauty regime. A woman in her line of work needed to always look her best.

She laid her head back against the tub and placed a cool cloth over her eyes to reduce any puffiness that may have occurred due to the stress of her arrival in the wretched town her son decided to reside in. Suddenly, she was assaulted by the most foul smelling odor, that it took her a moment to realize what it was.

She bolted upright in the tub, sloshing water over its sides. As she scanned the room she saw a skunk making its escape through a crack in the wooden wall. Realizing she would now smell like the vile animal, she frantically grabbed her hair soap and started scrubbing, hoping if she washed quickly, the odor would be vanquished by the flowery scent.

She soaped her hair twice and then rinsed and wiped her face with the cloth before reaching for a bar of body soap. Pausing, Maude looked critically at her hand, turning it back and forth. The water on it looked strange...almost bluish... or a pale purple. Looking down in the water it was a lighter shade of the same color. In sheer horror she reached again for her hair soap and immediately noted the discoloration. The bloodcurdling shriek of fury was probably heard in Mexico.

"What was that?" Buck asked.

"Don't know. Sounds like it came from the bath house." Vin replied. "Let's go find out."

They hustled towards the bathhouse to be greeted with an extremely odd sight. Maude Standish was standing a few feet away from the bathhouse door, in a towel. As they got close, they noticed her hair was purple.

"What's that smell?"

"Smells like skunk an flowers." Vin said as he covered his nose.

A frantic, wide-eyed Maude pointed a shaking finger at the bathhouse, "In there...another of those dreadful creatures," the distraught woman said.

Chris walked up just then, looking quickly away from Maude to cast a questioning glance at first Buck then Vin as he covered his own nose.

"Ya should give her your jacket." He said to Vin.

"Like Maude is quick ta point out, I ain't that much of a gentleman." He smiled. "Sides, here comes Ez."

Having heard all the commotion, Ezra joined the others. He quickly assessed what had happened and put his jacket around Maude. "Mother, what on Earth happened?"

Maude took a few deep breaths, trying to steady her voice. "I was bathing and was attacked by a skunk! Can you not smell that, you imbecile?!"

Ezra covered his nose. "Of course I can mother. However, I am more concerned with your hair."

Lifting her hand to her hair, Maude's lips quivered. "It was those beastly children, it had to have been! Someone tampered with my hair soap," she accused, voice cracking while very real tears were forming in her eyes.

Meanwhile they were drawing quite a crowd and Ezra decided it was best to get his mother sequestered before she took note of the sniggering onlookers. "Come mother. Let's get you inside," he said, putting his arm around her to guide her away just as a rather loud whistle followed by a catcall rang through the air.

***

"So, ya think they's involved?" Vin asked.

"Don't know. Josiah and Mrs. Potter both said the girls were with them the whole time." Chris replied.

"Don't mean they didn't do it."

"Well, we can't prove anything so I guess we give them enough rope to hang themselves."

"Yep." Vin took his hat off, ran his hand through his hair, and put his hat back on. "But I ain't gonna let True outta my sight. I ain't so sure about Rhianna, but I know True's involved somehow."

"If it's one of them it's both," Chris said giving a thoughtful nod. "Little extra supervision's not going to hurt."

"Wouldn't be the first time one's been in trouble without the other," Vin noted.

Chris shook his head, not able to put his finger on what it was that made him think otherwise. He grinned, looking at Vin with a bit of mischief sparking in his green eyes, "Ya have to admit it was pretty damn funny!"

"Yep." Vin smirked. "I'm gonna go find True."

"That was absolutely hilarious! Wasn't that great?" True asked, hoping her cousin felt the same rush she felt when she saw the prank worked.

"Nearly as good as infiltrating the Adara's inner circle!" Rhianna answered enthusiastically, "And far more entertaining!" She laughed openly. "I could not believe it when she came out practically naked, that was really better than I could have hoped for!"

"Told ya if ya just let loose, you'd find out what real fun was!"

"So what's next?" Rhianna asked enthusiastically.

"Nothin' right now. We got company." She replied as she looked out on the street and saw Vin coming. She pasted on her most innocent expression. "Hey Vin, how's Maude?"

"Fine I guess. Ez is with her now." He stared at both girls, his blue eyes filled with suspicion. "Kinda odd that a skunk found it's way into the bath house, ain't it?"

"Not so much. It just happened a few weeks ago. Prolly the same skunk." True replied with a slight tremor in her voice. She hated when he looked at her like that and knew if he kept it up, she would start playing with her hair, which was one of her major 'tells'. She clasped her hands together and sighed, wondering what had become of her. When she was with the clan, she could lie almost as good as Rhianna, but for some reason, she found it impossible to lie to Vin.

"Actually, I'd say it bears looking into," Rhianna commented with a shudder, "What if they have made a den in or around the bathhouse? It seems a likely place to hole up for the winter, nice and warm. I for one DO NOT want to find a skunk in my bath!" This last ended with a scowl; everyone knew how much Rhianna liked her bath. Probably nearly as much as Maude used to.

"Won't hurt my feelin's if we can't take baths no more!" True exclaimed. "I just wonder what happened ta her hair?"

"The purple hair," Rhianna chuckled, "Now, True, you do have to take responsibility for that."

"WHAT?" True glared at here cousin.

"Last week in school you told everyone about what you'd done to Agatha way back in the day. I think that at least half the class was itching to give that one a try. I am truly surprised we don't have more purple haired people walking around. I wonder how long that bottle of soap has been sitting in the bathhouse."

True let out the breath she was holding. "Oh, yeah. I forgot I tole everyone that story!"

"What story?" Vin asked trying to trip them up.

"Well, Agatha was this old bitc...er, lady...that Kieran would leave me with sometimes. She was the meanest person on the planet, always makin' me take baths an' stay in her sight. She was horrible!" True explained with usual drama.

"Yeah, horrible." Vin laughed.

True stuck her tongue out at him. "Anyway, I decided ta get her back by squishing up some of those blue berries we used ta paint our faces when we was goin' out on a raid an' puttin' 'em in her hair soap bottle. I thought it would just turn her hair blue until she washed it out, just like it came off our faces. Well, apparently, it didn't work that way on hair!"

"If you had not been so cute back then, I think Kieran might have taken the hide right off of you," Rhianna chuckled. "It is hardly like there were a great many of willing caretakers available."

"Kieran was a sucker for my big blue eyes, just like someone else I know." True smiled as she looked at Vin.

"Is that right?" Vin advanced on True, scooped her up and started tickling her. "Ya still think I's a sucker?"

"Yep!" True giggled out. "Stop! Rhianna help! I'm gonna pee myself!"

Rhianna smiled, "Why don't you use your big blue eyes?" she quipped. She loved to watch Vin and True play like this, but honestly she never knew quite how to join in.

Vin stopped tickling True. They both looked at each other and nodded. Before Rhianna could move, they attacked, their fingers moving over her ribs simultaneously, eliciting a very un-Rhianna like squeal of laughter. "Ya got anything else smart ta say?" True asked, absolutely delighted by the giggles she heard. Still, she was a bit concerned. No one had ever really played with Rhianna like this and she wasn't sure how her cousin would react, especially since Josiah caught her off guard last night.

"Two against one is very unsportsmanlike," the older girl laughed trying to escape, though secretly she relished the attention.

"Sure is." True looked up and saw Chris standing there. "Looks like I need to even the odds!" He scooped True up, hung her upside down with one hand and started tickling her with the other. "Ya both give?"

"All right, all right!"

"I surrender!"

Vin pulled Rhianna on his lap and watched Chris settle with True. They sat quietly, each of them enjoying the moment, at least until True's stomach growled. "Hungry?" Chris asked.

"When ain't I?"

"Then let's get somethin' ta eat."

***

Rhianna came up alongside True after school with a sly grin on her face, "Guess what I learned in school today?" she asked in a singsong voice. Of course as this had been one of her afternoons to help Nathan in the clinic rather than sit in class she had not technically gleaned the information from school at all.

Rhianna loved rubbing in the fact she didn't have to be in hell, aka the classroom, all day. True flashed her a very crude gesture involving her middle finger, with a smile of course.

Completely ignoring True's rude comeback, Rhianna continued on. "Just a few spoonfuls of this," she flashed a bottle with a clandestine movement, making sure to keep it out of sight of any possible onlookers, "Will have a person using the outhouse every 15-30 minutes all evening. Can you think of anyone that might need a little dietary supplement?"

"Why Rhianna Dawn Larabee, I do believe you are ascertaining the appropriate knowledge to perform quite a hoax. This could prove to be quite entertaining." True exclaimed in perfect imitation of her cousin.

Rhianna punched True playfully in the arm. "The problem is getting it in her food or drink. If either of us suggests that she dine at the boarding house, we will be immediately suspected. Tonight really would be perfect because of that big poker game that is planned. I know Maude plans on taking in a nice bit of cash which might be rather difficult to do if she is constantly having to excuse herself."

"Hmmm..." True tapped her chin as she rifled through all her memories, hoping an idea came to mind. "Well, I heard her an Ezra talkin' last time she was here. Apparently she really likes Chicken an' Dumplins. Maybe we can ask Mrs. Whittaker ta make some. Then we can wait until Maude an' Ezra are together an' ask him if he's comin' ta supper tonight, before the game."

"That is a good idea," Rhianna nodded. "Add in peach cobbler and I know Ezra will be there and it just so happens I know where to come by some canned peaches to give to Mrs. Whittaker," Rhianna said with a smile.

As it turned out all of their machinations were not even necessary as Ezra and Maude had already planned on dining at the boarding house that evening. Though she would never admit it, Maude was having to budget her somewhat limited funds so she was more than willing to accept a free meal when one was offered. Finding out that her favorite dish was on the menu didn't hurt at all, of course.

As dinnertime approached, Rhianna pulled True aside, making sure no one was around to overhear. "I'll help Mrs. Whittaker serve the plates, you just make certain everyone's attention is focused elsewhere."

"Aye aye captain!" True replied smartly and went to entertain the troops.

Dishes served, everyone sat down and began to eat. True couldn't help but cast several dirty glances at Maude when no one was looking. There was something about that woman that brought the worst out in her, especially when she started talking about some her exploits with Ezra. It was obvious from Ezra's face that some of the stories hurt him, though he was doing his best to hide it. If that medicine didn't start working soon, she was surely going to say or do something to get Maude to shut her trap!

Rhianna noted that True was losing patience and thought it might be good to offer some distraction. She was none-to-pleased with the woman's blatant disregard for her son's feelings either, though as she listened to the woman's mind she realized that her motivations were not actually cruel, just selfish. Still, Maude could do with a dose of humility in Rhianna's estimation.

"So where did you grow up Mrs. Standish?"

"Please dear do call me Maude. Mrs. Standish makes me sound so old," the woman replied with a laugh.

"I am sorry, Ma'am, but I could not possibly. My mother would be appalled if I spoke to someone of your generation in such a manner."

Maude gave a nod and tight smile, obviously unhappy with the girl's response, but unable to fault her on what most might consider a polite reply. "I was raised in the South. We traveled around quite a bit."

"I know you said you had never met any of my mother's family, but my grandparents are right around your age, I believe. Perhaps you might know some of the same people." Chris cast a warning glare at Rhianna; well aware she was trying to be insulting.

True was drinking her milk when Rhianna made her little comment, causing her to spit it out before she choked. She covered her mouth with napkin and did her best to not laugh. Maude's expression however, broke True's resolve and she burst out into a fit of giggles, earning a swat from Vin.

"What?" True asked innocently. "It was funny."

True wasn't the only one to notice the humor in the situation, and Buck made a big production of wiping his mouth and mustache with his napkin to cover a smile.

Maude sent a scathing glare True's direction and her nostrils flared at being compared to anyone's grandparents, but as the child had obviously been trying to get a rise out of her she decided to ignore both of the brats and focus on her food.

"Well, I hardly meant it to be funny, I actually thought -"

"Rhianna," Chris growled. Of course everyone at the table outside of Maude and Mrs. Whittaker was well aware that Rhianna's grandparents did not live in the South and Chris did not appreciate the girl's storytelling at Maude's expense. "Eat your food."

"I was just -"

"Eat your food or go to your room," Chris warned.

Silence reigned as supper was finished and dessert was passed out, a silence True just couldn't take anymore. She noticed that Maude had put on a few pounds since they'd last met. "So, Maude, how far along are ya, 5 or 6 months?" She asked, looking pointedly at the older woman's stomach.

"True," Rhianna gasped before any of the adults could react, "It is not appropriate to discuss such things in open conversation when a woman isn't married, especially when that woman has a son old enough to have children."

"Oh. Sorry, you know I ain't been brought up civilized like, so I didn't know."

"That's it!" Vin stood and took True and Rhianna's arms. "Up ta yer rooms, now!"

"I was only askin' a question Vin. Ain't no need ta get riled up!" True exclaimed as she tried to pull free.

Now normally, Rhianna was rather good at pushing right up to the line without crossing it, but being in a rather mischievous mood she took her cue from True and decided it would be worth it to get in one more jibe, "And I was not the one speculating on the cause of Mrs. Standish's expanding girth."

She realized her mistake when Vin dropped his hold on her arm to offer a firm smack to her backside, which she was only partially able to avoid. Judging from the look in Chris's eyes, she was lucky he wasn't sitting any closer. That might not bode well for later this evening. Rhianna took the long way around the table to stay out of his range as she slowly made her way to the stairs. The only consolation was the red stain in Maude's cheeks as she pushed her cobbler away from her place setting.

True glared angrily at Vin. "Now look what ya done! She's prolly up there cryin'! Ya hurt her feelin's!"

"I'm about ta hurt yer ass if ya don't get up ta yer room!" Vin replied and added a hard swat for good measure.

"Fine." She started for the stairs rubbing her backside. "I need ta check on her anyway!" As she passed Chris, he reached out and stopped her. She thought he was going to say something, but he added a swat of his own.

"Jesus Christ I get it already. Stop hittin' me!"

Before anyone could react, Josiah stood and took True by the back of her neck. "What have I told you about taking the Lord's name in vain?" He said angrily as he led her into the kitchen.

True saw Rhianna standing just out of sight and winked.

Rhianna grinned and shook her head at her cousin's audacity and then cringed as Josiah reached for the soap sitting next to the sink. One mouth soaping had been more than enough for Rhianna. Given True's vernacular, she was surprised that her cousin didn't have a dose of the stuff everyday, however. Yuck!

"Now 'Siah, I didn't mean for it ta come out like that! Ya know my mouth runs before my brain thinks!"

"It shouldn't have been said at all, not after the discussions we've had about it."

Even as she watched the scene in the kitchen, Rhianna was attending to the dining room as well, so she heard loud and clear when Maude excused herself, stating that the evening's events had upset her delicate constitution. The girl had to stifle a chuckle as she thought that more than the evening's events were upsetting the woman's intestinal system.

"If you're all done, do ya mind if I have yer cobbler?" JD asked eagerly, not wanting to see the dessert go to waste.

Rhianna's eyes widened, and she wished she hadn't chosen to dose the dessert as well, but there wasn't anything she could do. She wasn't even supposed to be down here.

True tried to pull out of Josiah's grasp to run and stop JD, but the preacher landed several hard swats to her backside. "Stop fighting child or I'm gonna spank you, then wash your mouth out."

"But..." She was cut off when 'her' bar of soap was thrust in her mouth. She made eye contact with Rhianna and favored her with a sassy wink, then made a face as the soap invaded her taste buds.

Rhianna shook her head and with one more look of regret for JD headed on up the stairs to wait for her cousin. It wasn't long before True arrived coming directly into her room without a knock.

"How was your dessert?" she asked unable to help teasing True just a little bit.

"Ah, it ain't nothing. I've had my mouth washed so many times it don't bother me too much. Ya'd think they'd give up, I mean, I've been talkin' like this since I could talk. It ain't like I had the best role models being around the guys in the clan." She flopped on the bed. "Kieran couldn't break me of it, I doubt anyone else can."

"Oh, I can think of a way."

True jumped up at the sound Vin's voice and glared at her cousin. "Ya couldn't a warned me?"

Rhianna shrugged, "He usually knocks."

"Door wasn't closed all the way," Vin commented walking fully into the room, Chris coming up behind him. "Thought I tol' ya ta go ta yer room," Vin said pinning True with an icy stare.

Well, " True hedged, trying to come up with a good reason for why she didn't do as instructed. "I was goin', then I tripped an' fell inta Rhianna's door. It opened an' I saw her cryin' cause you hurt her feelin's yellin' an' smackin' her for no reason. I just couldn't leave her like that."

Vin looked at Rhianna, who was dry eyed and smirking. "Ya think somethin's funny?"

"Do you want me to lie?" Rhianna asked smartly.

"It'd be in your best interest not to." Chris answered for him.

Though quite proud her cousin was pushing the line, True didn't want her to get into too much trouble, so she decided to answer for her. "I'm funny, that's why she's laughin'. Honestly, is it that hard to figure out?"

Vin turned True to the side and landed three hard smacks to her jean-clad backside. "Yer this close-" He held his fingers apart about an inch. "Ta feelin' my belt."

Having had enough of True's stalling, Chris got to the point of why they were sent to their rooms. "What did you two think you were doing at supper tonight?"

"Provin' a point." True took a few steps away from Vin. "Me an Rhianna was arguing. She said I weren't subtle enough so I showed her she was wrong."

"And I was of course trying to provide good examples in the art of subtlety," Rhianna added.

"It that so? Because it really seemed to me the art you were practicing was disrespect which leads me to believe that you might benefit from the art of discipline applied to your tail end," Chris responded darkly.

"And was she showing respect to Ezra tonight with her ridiculous stories, half of which weren't even true?" Rhianna retorted eyes flashing.

"He's dealt with Maude for a very long time, I think he can handle it. That gives you no call to misbehave the way you did."

"Whatever." True spat out and rolled her eyes. She was sick of everyone telling her how to behave with Maude. One of her family was getting hurt, and she'd be dammed if she was going to stand by and do nothing, even if it meant getting her tail blistered every night.

Rhianna winced, having been able to hear True's vehement thoughts without even trying. Perhaps it was time for her to do some damage control, and judging by the anger radiating from Vin it might not be soon enough.

"I's had it with yer attitude," the tracker stated taking a step in True's direction.

"You are going to punish her for caring too much?" Rhianna asked very softly without a hint of defiance. "She's only coming to Ezra's defense because she loves him." When things got rough, it was always worthwhile to try a little manipulation.

"That ain't the reason an ya know it." Vin sighed and rubbed his face wearily. "Look, I know ya both want ta protect Ezra, but yer goin' 'bout it the wrong way." He looked to Chris for help.

"Maude is Ezra's ma. Don't you think if he didn't want her here he'd ask her to leave?"

True's blue eyes flashed. "No, he wouldn't. He's too much of a gentleman. Besides, she's raised him ta just take whatever she dishes out. Someone has ta stand up ta her."

"Well that someone ain't gonna be either of you, you understand?"

True crossed her arms over her chest and glared defiantly at both Vin and Chris, refusing to answer. She was just so frustrated that neither of her guardians could see what she and Rhianna did.

"Yes sir, we do," Rhianna answered for both of them, hoping True would dial it down a notch. She had no more intention of leaving Maude alone than True did, but she was more inclined to say one thing and do another rather than stand on principal. Especially when standing on principal would leave them standing rather than sitting for some time to come.

Vin turned to True. "I tole ya Rhianna ain't gonna answer for ya no more. What ya got ta say?"

True sighed. Sometimes she wished she was like her cousin and could be able to let things go, but it wasn't in her nature. Kieran taught her to stand up for what she believed in, and she believed in protecting family. Still, she could see she had pushed Vin far enough and struggled to bring her temper under control. "Yes Sir." She ground out.

Chris eyed the girls skeptically. At least True's frustrated insolence was an honest response. Rhianna's ready capitulation and change of temper was highly suspect to say the least. Either way he imagined that their understanding in no way guaranteed their compliance to the edict. The gunman looked at Vin and the two shared a moment of silent communication, before Chris turned back to the girls.

"Ms. Willis is taking a few days to attend her brother's wedding, so day after tomorrow school's gonna be out for the rest of the week. If the two of you can't behave, maybe it would be best if you went out and stayed with Nettie after school tomorrow. She's plenty of fall chores to keep the two of you busy and out of trouble."

Rhianna's face lost all color. She had really come to love Nettie Wells, but spending several days at her ranch working on the endless tasks she knew the woman would have for them was unthinkable! Besides, she was really enjoying their clandestine reign of terror on Maude and desperately wanted to continue with it. She cast a worried glance at her cousin.

"It was just a few veiled insults," Rhianna whined turning back to the men, her eyes pleading.

Though still quite angry, True threw in her kicked puppy dog look for good measure. There was no way she was going to do chores, even if it was for Nettie. "Yeah. We're sorry. We won't insult her again."

Chris looked at Vin, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. "Fine. True, you go on to your room."

Once in her room, True waited until she heard Vin and Chris go downstairs and out of the boarding house before she slipped out her window. She called on air and floated herself over to Rhianna's window and knocked.

"Keck noo! (Holy Shit!) Hiarn Yee! (Lord God!)" Rhianna swore uncharacteristically. "Did I know you could do that?" Rhianna demanded, scared nearly out of her skin. "Never mind makes sense now that I think about it." Her cousin's abilities seemed to grow almost daily. "So, we still going out to watch the fun or do you think we should observe from here?"

True giggled at finally being able to surprise her cousin. "Well, I don't think it'd be too smart ta leave our rooms. I don't want ta be sent ta Nettie's! So, I think we just watch from here." Just then, the girls saw Maude run out of the Saloon to the outhouse. "I think the show's about ta start! Got any popcorn?"

"Not even a bit of whiskey," Rhianna lamented helping True in through the window. "But that will not detract from the comedy, I think." The woman slipped and nearly fell in her haste to get to the privy.

"Oh, she is madder than a hornet," Rhianna observed with a laugh. "I wonder how far into the game they had gotten; it couldn't have been far, it is still early. I put a large dose in the dumplings, care to place a bet on how many trips she makes this evening?"

"Oh, I say at least 10 times. I wonder what Ezra's thinkin'? Last time Maude was here, he told me that one time she didn't move from the table for over 12 hours an' that she'd never left a game unfinished for any reason. He's probably enjoyin' this quite a bit." True frowned. "Ya know, pretty soon, Vin or Chris will figure out something's up with Maude's trips ta the privy. An' I'm positive they'll link it ta us. How we gonna play it? Vin's so pissed at me right now, I don't think I'm gonna get away unharmed!"

Rhianna thought about that and shook her head. "They might suspect, but come on, really, how could they prove that we had anything to do with Maude's constitutional issues. We could actually plead guilty and play apologetic about the fact that our teasing at supper caused her stomach upset. Although, as much as I regret the circumstance, JD having similar issues might be a point in our favor. I feel rather bad about that but it will look more like an illness." Rhianna paused, thoughtfully, "Hey, we could increase our own trips to the outhouse and pretend to be affected as well. That would probably keep them from even asking if we had anything to do with it."

"I don't know." True sighed. "Sometimes I could swear Vin can read my mind. An' ya know if he out an' out asks me, I can't lie. He gives me this look, ya know the one, an' I just start blurting out the truth. It's embarrassing!" Suddenly True giggled. "Ya know, I could always have a tree branch fall an block the outhouse door so Maude can't open it. Could ya imagine how'd she react if she was stuck in there an couldn't finish her game?"

The older girl laughed at the very idea. "That would be positively hilarious, but would in no way, shape, or form help our plight if we are trying to avoid being tied to Maude's series of mishaps." Rhianna tilted her head, thoughtfully. "Then again it just might be worth it." Finally she shook her head. "I really don't want to get stuck digging out the last of Nettie's garden or worse yet pickling and preserving."

"Me neither, but how could they link it ta us? It would just be another act of nature. They can't blame us for that, can they?" True asked innocently. "An' it doesn't hafta be a tree branch, anything would do. I mean, I can move anythin I want an' get nature to do my bidding, so if ya like the idea an' have somethin' that might work better, just let me know. My gifts are at your disposal."

Rhianna chuckled. She was just as much a sucker for True's baby blues as anyone else and this really would be funny. "The tree branch is the best plan. It actually could happen, an act of nature like you said. Let's let her run back a forth a time or two and then you can put your gifts to good use."

"Oh, this is gonna be so much fun!"

Maude hurried back into the saloon, but in another thirty minutes she was rushing out again. Sadly JD wasn't far behind her. In fact it was rather amusing the third time Maude rushed to the outhouse she found it occupied as JD had gotten there first. The girls just about died laughing as they watched her pound on the door and screech dancing about in a most unladylike fashion. Poor JD didn't even have his pants completely fastened when he started out only to be pushed aside by a most desperate Maude Standish.

True laughed hysterically at the sight. "I think now would be a good time. Stand back, nature's about ta have an accident." She closed her eyes and spoke to the tree near the outhouse. Shortly after, a large branch broke off and fell to the ground. True concentrated on the branch, and it slid over in front of the outhouse door, wedging it shut. True opened her eyes and smiled. "There, act of nature complete!"

With a wicked smile, Rhianna watched and wondered how long it would take Maude to realize that she was trapped inside the outhouse. It didn't take long at all. She was pounding on the door and screaming for help in a matter of minutes. Most of the town was in the saloon or in bed, however, so it did her little good. "I wonder how long it will take for someone to notice her absence, Rhianna commented."

They watched and waited for what seemed like an eternity to True, which was really a half hour, before they saw JD running for the outhouse again. He heard Maude yelling and quickly moved the tree branch away. Maude shot out and ran very unladylike back to the Saloon. A few moments later, she stormed out, with Ezra on her heels.

"Those low life scoundrels. How dare they think I left the table for the evening! Why didn't you tell them I would be returning?"

Ezra's gold tooth flashed as he smiled. "I did Mother. However, they would not be stalled. This was a high stakes game, one I profited from dearly." He said as he folded his winnings and tucked them into his boot.

True was laughing so hard that she slipped off the windowsill she was propped on and fell into a giggling heap on the floor. "Oh, that was too much!" She gasped.

Rhianna too had succumbed to a fit of giggles, as she rolled on the bed. "Indeed it couldn't get any better." However, the older girl stopped suddenly her eyes alert. "Fun's over True, time to get to bed. I suggest using the door this time or you will most definitely be noticed."

True hurried from the room and Rhianna jumped into bed, focusing on relaxing every muscle in her body and slowing her breathing. It was quite possible the ruse was for naught as there was no certainty that someone would look in on her just yet, but it was always better to be safe. She wondered if the game was up or not. Vin and Chris hadn't entered the boarding house yet; they were out on the porch. Some nights they might stay out there for more than an hour. Rhianna could only hope that was the case tonight. The last thing they needed was an interrogation right now.

True tried to slow her breathing and relax, but images of Maude running to the outhouse and hearing her scream when she realized she was trapped inside kept bring up fits of giggles. She heard someone outside her door and held her breath. She didn't need Vin or Chris coming in and asking a lot of questions. Without Rhianna to run interference, she would surely blurt out the truth once they started staring at her and giving her that look they do.

Rhianna winced when Chris stopped at True's door. He had come up to get cheroots, but paused when he heard something from True's room. Lord how she wished she was a projecting telepath as well as a receiving one! Maybe she should try working on that. She shook her head, focusing back on the issue at hand. Chris opened True's door.

"Want to tell me exactly what you're doing awake when you were sent to bed early?" Chris demanded. He was met with silence, but he knew she was awake. The very fact that she was pretending meant that she wasn't just having trouble sleeping which also meant he had another room to check once he was done here. "Ignoring me isn't likely to help you much when you're over my knee."

True propped herself up on her elbows and scowled at Chris. "I ain't ignorin' ya, I was tryin' ta sleep. Was almost there when ya came bargin' in here accusin' me a playin' around. Make up yer mind will ya, ya want me ta sleep or-" Her tirade was cut short by a hard swat to her backside.

"Now is not the time to give me attitude." Chris stated. "I want an answer."

She rolled onto her back so Chris couldn't swat her anymore. While she couldn't out and out lie, she could skirt the truth and talk herself out of trouble. "Ya sent me ta bed so early I couldn't sleep so I was watchin' out the window hopin' ta be entertained." She wanted to add "And boy was I", but didn't want to open up a can of worms she couldn't close.

Chris's eyes narrowed, "Exactly what of interest were you planning on seeing this time of the night?" His thoughts went to Maude's multiple hurried trips outside, very unusual for her during a big game. Of course JD seemed to be having the same issue.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe a drunk or something. I was just watching!"

Still suspicious, Chris nonetheless moved on to another point, "And were you looking out the window alone?" he queried, already certain of the answer but wanting to hear her say it ... or try to deny it.

"Do ya see anyone with me?"

Chris frowned. True answering with a question is a sign she was trying avoid telling the truth. "I don't believe that was an answer."

True winced. He was giving her that look, the one that said she was in for a sore evening if she didn't answer him. "Um, maybe I was with someone."

Chris wasn't about to let her off that easy. "Who?"

"Aw Chris, why ya askin' me when I know ya know the answer? It's just...just...wrong!"

"So is staying up visiting with your cousin, something you have been warned about before," he stated. He sat down on the bed. "I'm thinking we let the two of you off a bit easy earlier this evening. You have it in mind that it's okay to just do as you see fit."

True gulped. She didn't like where this was going. "There ain't nothin' wrong with talkin' ta my cousin, especially when ya send us ta bed so early."

"You were sent to your rooms, not to bed."

"Same difference...it's still borin'!"

"Boring or not, you were not doing as you were told."

"Aw Chris...don't ya remember bein' a kid? It's positively evil making a kid stay in their room. There should be some law about it!" True replied dramatically.

Chris struggled to not smile. "I do remember. I also remember my Pa's reaction to me disobeying him."

True looked at the floor. This conversation wasn't going like she wanted. Time for plan B. She took Chris's hand and flashed her baby blue's. "Ya don't want to go bringin' up bad memories by punishin' me, do ya?"

"I guess I'll make the sacrifice," he said, pulling her over his lap. He landed one powerful swat on the seat of her pajamas, and then laid her back in bed with a kiss to her forehead. He really was getting soft. Might help if she wasn't so damn cute. "This is your last warning," he said pinning her with a look that brooked no argument while she tried to rub the sting out of her backside.

Next Chris went to Rhianna's room. Assuming she had listened in (one way or another) on his conversation with True he didn't bother with much prelude, but sat on her bed and pulled her over his lap landing two hard smacks to the back of her nightdress to bring her even with True's count. He then gave her the same warning as True and a kiss on the forehead before going to get his cheroots from his own room.

Though the two swats hurt something fierce, Rhianna was so relieved that he hadn't pursued his suspicions regarding Maude that she couldn't help letting out a bit of a giggle once he was clear and away. The picture of Maude yanking JD out of the privy and her furor at getting stuck inside was truly priceless!

TBC