Work Text:
New Years Eve 1877
As the end of the year drew to a close, Englishman John Tunstall stood to the side of the New Years celebration reflecting as he did each year on the success and improvement of his boys. He had heard many scoff at the label “his boys” but to John the words workers, employees or personnel did not hold the true worth of the mix-matched bunch that he held so dear. To him the Regulators were his sons, young men that he had found when each had hit rock bottom. That he had educated and helped to reach their full potential.
One of his newest Regulators was the easiest to spot in the dancing crowd. As Billy stepped away from his dance partner to do a highly erratic solo jig, John did nothing to surprise the smile that came to his face at the sight. He merely thanked God that he had been able to save the young man from the gallows a few weeks ago.
Looking through the other dancing couples John was happy to see Doc smiling as he and his partner danced, that happiness was short lived as he realised the young woman was none other than Murphy’s China girl. By the look of how Murphy was stalking towards the pair he had already been tipped off about who the girl was dancing with. Knowing he wouldn't reach them first, John stayed where he was, hoping that Doc would have the smarts to end the dance quickly and move on to a new partner.
Glancing around it was obvious that the majority of the Regulators had yet to find someone to dance with. Sitting together on the other side of the party area were Charlie, Steve and the newest recruit Jay sat guzzling down drinks as they watched Billy dance with amusement. The amusement seemed to vanish, replaced by looks of determination as Charlie spoke. Seconds later they scattered, slicking their hair back as they each walked towards a woman they had eyes on.
Dick, it seemed, had taken up station at one of the rickety tables around the place to play a hand of poker. Though it did not impress John that it was the table closest to the alcohol on offer. It seemed even on an occasion like this that Dick was the one on watch for any misbehaviour on any of the Regulator’s part. It was the role he played for years, he was not only the oldest Regulator but had also been the first boy John had taken in when he came to Lincoln.
It seemed the only Regulator that was not actively participating in the celebration at all was Chavez. After almost four years of living with John and his boys the Native American had become accustomed to the constant presence of other people, but he still became aloft and overly cautious in large crowds. He sat on one of the logs that were laid out to make a perimeter around the party area. He sat expertly twirling one of his knives, seeming not to notice the small group of young women looking at him and giggling or the group of men sending him hate filled glares.
It still vexed John to witness the open contempt that was so often thrown at Chavez. Yes he was pleased the young man had learnt to choose his battles better, where he was more evenly matched. It had been a hard and painful lesson to teach.
Knowing that each boy he brought into his house came with their own history and inner demons had never stopped John from picking up the lost boys that society had left behind. He vowed that while ever he kept breathing he would continue on helping his charges. Little did he know how short that vow would be.