The Man Inside, by Joy K (PG-13)

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Pairing: none
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Black Raptor listing
Why this must be read:

If you strip away the persona, will you be able to find the man inside?

This compelling story touches the heart and then jams it into your throat, but I can't tell you much without spoiling the surprises. Just to whet the appetite I'll throw out a few tidbits. Among other things, it shows us Chris as a nursemaid, Buck getting head-butted, a vulnerable Ezra, and that Vin on pain-killers is pretty funny.

Try The Man Inside

"Back away!"

Chris shuddered as the barrel of the gun pressed harder against his temple. It was getting harder to breathe as his desperate captor squeezed the chokehold tighter.

"Back away!" the man yelled again.

Then Tanner did something totally stupid. He stepped out into the open, empty hands raised in a non-threatening manner.

Buck cursed angrily. How could everything go so wrong, so quickly? "Vin, get back!" he ordered, but Vin took another step toward Chris and his captor.

"E.J.," he said, addressing the desperate man, "You don't want to do this. We're the good guys."

The Man Inside