Finally able to speak to Charlie, Kristal hurried towards him. She was quite curious as to what he had sought her out for. Though, she found it hard to keep her mind on satiating her curiosity. Billy's victory in that game of hide and seek made her nervous. Especially since he wanted to take her somewhere to eat. It was strange. Why were Billy and Chavez and now Doc so concerned over her eating habits?

When she had gone most of her life eating sparingly and sometimes scrounging for food, it made someone like her grow accustomed to a smaller stomach. Not to mention, she was a god awful cook. It made meals not very appetizing and so she would rather go without. It was one reason why she was so grateful for learning which plants were good to eat. She loved fruits and vegetables.

However, she had a sinking feeling there was more to this dinner that Billy had planned, but she couldn't quite figure out what. Why did he feel the need to find a place to eat so far? Why not just request something at the Maxwell estate? It made her wary and she didn't like it.

Soon enough, Charlie came into hearing distance and Kristal did her best to cast aside all her annoying thoughts. Maybe she could try and figure out the meaning later. Approaching the curly-haired boy with a half smile, she placed a hand on his arm, warmly greeting him. "Ya wanted ta talk ta me, Charlie?"

Curly hair bobbed up and down as Charlie nodded to her, both in greeting and in answer to her question. "Well... I.... Uh... Yes. I also wanted to introduce someone to you. If that's okay?" He couldn't keep from stammering at his nervousness. This was not something he felt he could talk about with just anyone. Kristal was important to him, a friend that had become more like family.

"Me?" Both brows rose as Kristal eyed Charlie suspiciously. Why her? Who could he possibly want to introduce to her? "An' who might that be?"

"Well... yeah you..." Swallowing, Charlie hesitated. He wasn't expecting her to react the way that she was. "Someone that's um... important to me."

"Okay, I'll bite, why me an' not the others too?" Kristal couldn't keep the words from exiting her mouth.

Charlie sighed, a hand going to the back of his neck, feeling nervous. "Well... 'cause you're you... you won't judge me or be mean." He knew the other boys most assuredly would. "And you're my friend. You're important to me too. More like... um... family." He shook his head. "I thought we talked about this already."

Green eyes widened some and her mouth went slack, visibly displaying the shock on her face. The words were genuine, coming from his heart. "Yeah... But, I didn't think ya meant it so... seriously. Or that ya considered me... Like family..." She hadn't realized how deep their friendship had become. It warmed her, grateful for Charlie's friendship.

With a jolt, she realized she felt the same way towards him. How the hell had that happened?

"Friends are a liability girlie. Attachments that will only make ya weak and get ya killed." Belle's words echoed through her head. But Belle was wrong. None of these boys were liabilities or attachments that made her weak. She was stronger for them, better for them. And Charlie's friendship was no exception. In fact it was possibly the best friendship she would ever have.

"I appreciate our friendship, Charlie. An' I'm grateful that ya feel the way ya do. I guess I can kinda see ya as a brother I ain't ever had." Kristal teased gently. "An' I'm happy ta meet whoever ya wanna introduce ta me."

The fear that had started to curl along the edges of Charlie's face relaxed. He feared that maybe he had misunderstood their friendship. At least at first, but thankfully she had clarified otherwise and it filled him with a great sense of relief. In fact, her teasing brought a bright smile to his face. "Yeah?" At her nod he almost hugged her, but he stopped himself. He wasn't quite sure if she was there yet. "Well, I'm glad you feel the same way, sis." He joked back and felt light hearted as she laughed in response.

Letting out a happy breath, he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet feeling antsy. "Seriously though, I'm grateful to have you as family." He then stepped aside and waved a hand out in the direction they were to go, much like a gentleman might. "Ya mind walkin' an' talkin'? It's almost lunch time and I don't want to miss her enchiladas."

Kristal caught the mention of a "her" and had to hide a smile. At first she was leery at who Charlie might want to introduce her to, but now she was growing increasingly curious. "A'right then..." Kris drawled, taking a step forward, "what is it ya wanna talk about?"

"Chiquita!" Chavez called out, quickly walking towards them, interrupting anything Charlie had been about to say.

Kristal paused, her gaze turning to the Mexican-Indian as he approached. He had a pensive curve of his brow which often meant that he had something on his mind. "Somethin' wrong, Chavez?"

"Do you have a minute?" Chavez queried, his eyes flashed between Charlie and then back to her, questioning in his dark eyes.

"Well, actually..." Kristal began but was suddenly interrupted.

"Go ahead Kris..." An audible sigh sounded from Charlie's direction. Of course this would happen. Someone always wanted her attention. Though normally it was Billy. "I suppose... I suppose this can wait."

Kristal's brows drew together, catching Charlie's downcast gaze. He was being selfless and she found it adorably endearing. "I'm sorry, Chavez. I can't right now." She looped her arm around Charlie's and slowly shook her head, "this handsome fella has already requested m' time." Her voice was playful as she nudged the curly haired boy trying to encourage him to be more confident and stand up for himself.

Charlie chuckled at her playfulness and nodded a little sheepishly, not quite feeling the confidence she projected. "I did, I guess."

A frown lit Chavez's face, his dark eyes unreadable as his gaze switched between the two. Was there something more going on here? His gaze then switched to the two blond's he had noticed in the distance. Billy and Doc conversing on the other side of the courtyard. If he didn't know any better, he would bet Billy was watching the whole thing. "I'm sorry to bother you then." And he turned to walk away without another word.

"What the hell?" Kristal glanced at Charlie, confusion lighting her eyes. Releasing Charlie's arm, she pointed the ground. "Do not move." As soon as she said that she turned and rushed to Chavez. "Chavez... Chavez stop!" She called out, her voice firm, reaching out she grabbed a hold of his arm, stopping him about a dozen feet away from Charlie.

The dark haired man turned so quickly, Kristal nearly ran into him. "What the hell's going on Chavez?" He shook his head, frowning but didn't respond. "Don't give me that bull shit! Somethin's wrong."

Dark eyes turned downwards, and he shook his head again. What could he say? That she never had any time for him? That she was always so consumed by everyone and everything else? All he wanted was to know her more. To see if his feelings were worth pursuing or not. But by the way she clung to Charlie, and the way she constantly forgave Billy, he was beginning to wonder if they weren't all just a bunch of fools being strung along by her.

"Chavez...?" Kristal questioned, her hand moving to his shoulder, concern brimming in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Lifting his eyes to her, he could see the deep concern in those exquisite jeweled eyes. No, he was wrong, she wasn't stringing any of them along. She was just being concerning, a friend, someone who cares deeply for all of them. And that was why he cared so deeply for her. But he just wasn't sure if it was enough. "You're always so busy, Chiquita. I-I wanted to show you something I found... Something you might like. And... well talk. But..." He waved a hand towards Charlie, who shrunk a little at the gesture.

Dark blonde brows rose in a soft arch surprised at Chavez's assertive announcement. Considering his words, she shook her head and her brows then twisted downwards. "Wait a minute, Chavez. That ain't fair. There's been many times ya could have saught me out. Hell, the whole ride here ya could'a talked ta me. I'd happily make time fer ya if ya asked."

Chavez's shoulders fell a little and he sighed, "how? You got Chivato hanging around all the time."

A sigh escaped her lips and she rolled her eyes remembering how she had avoided Billy at all costs during the ride to Fort Sumner. "The whole ride here I avoided Billy. Ya could'a easily talked ta me then. But ya seemed so lost in thought..." Then again, she had been too. But, she would have made time for Chavez had he asked. "Now, I already gave Charlie m' word. If'n ya wanna talk an' show me whatever it is ya wanna show me later, I'll be happy ta seek ya out then."

Chavez's expression changed to hopeful. "Promise, Chiquita?"

"When I give m' word, I mean it." Kristal gave the man a small smile. "Sides, ya made me curious 'bout what it is ya found." She turned to Charlie and motioned for him to come forward.

As the man approached, Kristal linked her arms through both Charlie and Chavez's arms, walking out of the courtyard with them. "Y'all are m' friends right?" When they both nodded, she dipped her head loving the warmth that filled her at this knowledge. "An' y'all are important ta me. Y'all can come talk ta me whenever ya need. An' I'll be here fer ya, if'n ya need me ta be."

The two men were staring at her as she stopped and glanced between them. Neither one had acknowledged what she had just said. "Y'all got that?"

They both said yes in unison which made Kristal chuckle. "Good." Turning to Chavez, she released Charlie's arm and placed her hand over Chavez's. "As soon as I'm able, I'll come find ya Chavez."

The Mexican-Indian swallowed, feeling his heart beat a little faster as she stared at him and touched her hand to his. "That sounds good, Chiquita. I'll be eagerly waiting." The man held her hand a moment longer and then nodded before backing away and turning to walk towards the stables.

The woman watched Chavez walk away with a curious raise of her eyebrow before turning back to Charlie. "Alright darlin', ya got my full and complete attention. Now what did ya wanna talk about?"

Charlie offered his arm back to her so they could talk while walking. Part of him was curious about Chavez's interest in Kristal. Was he still sweet on her? He glanced back at the dark haired mixed breed as he walked away before turning to look at Kristal. He didn't want any of his friends to be hurt, but especially Kristal. In Charlie's opinion, she didn't even know what real love was, and he didn't want anything to make her detest it more than she already thought she did.

A low rumble in his stomach brought a sheepish smile to his face. He was hungry. He was still hoping to get some enchiladas, that is if they made it in time. But he wasn't about to hurry their walk or the talk he felt Kristal needed to get off her chest. Something had been bothering her and he hoped she would open up and be honest about it with him.

After a few feet of walking, Charlie couldn't keep quiet anymore, he casually glanced at Kristal before wetting his lips, still a little nervous to broach the subject of Billy. But he was dying to know what was going on between them. "Well I've been quite curious to know... how Billy got ya to play a game with him in the first place?"

Surprise lit Kristal's green depths. She hadn't really expected him to ask her that. Was it so out of the ordinary that it was questionable? She sighed when she realized that it was. After all hadn't she told Billy that she was too old for childish games? Not to mention the fact that it was with Billy who she had been avoiding. "Well, I made a deal with him. If we didn't go straight to Lincoln, I'd let him teach me how ta play one of them kid's games." An audible sigh left her lips knowing she might regret her next words. "In truth, I'm glad I agreed. It was fun. Even if it was childish an' Billy did win."

Jerking to a stop, Charlie turned to her with surprise in his eyes as well as gratitude for getting Billy to divert his plans. Going to Lincoln was not somewhere he wanted to go anytime soon. It downright terrified him, even though he knows it was probably inevitable. However, what really surprised him was what Kristal had said about the game. "You mean to tell me you've never played hide and seek before?"

"Why does everyone seem so surprised when I say that?" Was it that shocking? Kristal honestly had no idea. "No I ain't played any kind of games b'fore. Belle thought games were pointless."

Charlie gave her a look similar to the one Billy had given her when she had told him that. A mixture of shock and sorrow. "Seriously? Games ain't pointless. They're fun. Teaches lots of things, like bein' social, how to have fun, even how to search. Keeps ya fit too. See, not pointless."

Kristal chuckled and raised a hand, "okay, okay, ya proved yer point." Her smile fell a little as she continued on, "I wish Belle would'a saw it that way. She didn't. But it is what it is. Can't change the past."

The boy looked thoughtful for a moment, nodding in only slight agreement. "Well, did you enjoy it at least? The game with Billy?"

"I did..." The answer flew from her mouth without even thinking about it first. It showed how much she did actually enjoy the game. "...more'n I thought I would." She gave Charlie a smile --- a very real and happy smile. "Who knew that games could do that... be fun an' make ya... happy..."

Charlie's brows drew together. Seeing her whole expression light up made his heart ache for her. That she had never had any of that before was tragic. What kind of childhood did she have? "That's the purpose of a game, Kris. What'd Belle do, keep ya under a rock?" He cringed inwardly realizing how harsh his words seemed to be. "Sorry... I just... You look happy now, but it makes me wonder what your childhood was like."

"Ya got nothing to apologize for, Charlie," Kristal began waving aside his apology. He was concerned for her, she could see it in his eyes. "My childhood was not fun. It was relentless. Belle kept me busy from the moment I woke up to the time I went to bed. And by that time I was so damn tired, I was just happy to sleep." She paused a moment before letting out a breath and lifting her eyes heavenward. "Belle would place things out in the wilderness, it was my job to find 'em. Following all kinds o' trails. Red Hawk, this Indian fella that worked fer Belle sometimes, would show me the signs to look for, and I'd have to find it or else I'd be punished." Kristal cringed at the many memories of both finding and not finding the objects.

"After that it was endurance training. She had me running all over the place to either deliver stupid messages to her men who were camped all over her land, an Indian encampment on the edge of her land or taking care of the horses, which meant mucking out the stalls, feedin' 'em, groomin' 'em, waterin' 'em, and takin' care of everyone's tack." The woman sighed remembering the rigorous running back and forth as well as all the heavy lifting and climbing. "As I got older, she had me start trainin' ta do trick ridin'. That was... tough. I broke many bones doing that."

"Then it was weapon trainin'. Knives first then guns. Belle would make me shoot things off of her men, or throw a knife at them but I couldn't nick 'em. Red Hawk would teach me all kinds of knife tricks too. That was fun, kinda. Red Hawk wasn't so bad..." She trailed off, falling into the deep void of her terrible memories.

Charlie felt sick hearing her rigorous lifestyle. What kind of woman was Belle, to do such terrible physical training to a child. "H-how old were you?" He was almost afraid to ask.

"It started when I was six. Though things kept getting added on as I got older. I didn't learn how ta shoot a gun till I was about eight. It took me a whole year to strengthen my arms so I could handle the kickback." She paused to bite her lower lip, "Belle's trainin'---."

Charlie cut her off, "Kris, that ain't training. That's abuse. Damn, I'd even say ya were her lapdog, doin' everything for her. No more'n a slave."

"I was a tool, Charlie, a weapon at her disposal." Kristal admitted with a shrug. "I see it now... I've seen it since she betrayed me an' left me fer dead." It was a hard pill to swallow. It made Billy's question about whether or not she was going to return to the Starr gang at the forefront of her mind.

"I didn't realize... I mean... I don't think any of us knew how bad it was for you?" Charlie frowned deeply upset by what he had just heard.

"Ya don't even know the half of it, Charlie." Kristal's voice was not much more than a whisper, but Charlie heard every word. It made him wonder what more she had dealt with and so young too. He wanted to ask, but was afraid she'd become closed off like she often did. So, he bit his tongue and made note to ask her another time.

"So, I guess ta answer yer question, Belle didn't believe in fun in the traditional sense. Though, she did let me read. She'd always be gettin' me books. Some o' the guys in the gang would bring me books too. It didn't matter if it was educational or fictional. I'd read anything. It would always take me somewhere else for a little while. Away from her and away from Sam. And Belle didn't much care. Reading expanded the mind according to Belle. Somethin' most women were not allowed ta do, so she allowed it."

"That why you were aways reading at Mister Tunstall's?" Charlie queried curiously.

Shrugging, she gave him a half smile, "I still enjoy readin' a good book, so yeah."

Eyeing her, Charlie shook his head, still taken aback by her upbringing. It was a lot take in, but he was glad he now knew. "Still, that had to have been hard. I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Kristal sighed, feeling a little irked by the man's apology. She didn't need him feeling sorry for her. But as she looked at him, she saw no pity, just concern. "I'll admit it wasn't easy. But it was all I knew, till I met y'all and Tunstall." They had changed her outlook on many things. "Most of the men in the gang grew ta be scared o' me or at the very least kept their distance, as I got older. Either because I'd threaten 'em or Belle would. By the time I was a teenager, I knew I had to protect myself because Belle weren't always around. And because o' that I was... often alone. Nobody wanted ta chance gettin' hurt by me or bitched out and threatened by Belle."

"Then how did that Ace fella...?" Charlie began curiously. As soon as he mentioned the man, Kristal's entire expression shifted to one of disgust and pure hatred. Though there was something else too, hesitation and worry. Seeing the look on her face, Charlie frowned. "Sorry you don't have to answer if it's such a sore subject."

"No... It's..." Kristal took a breath, "it okay. I mean it ain't a subject I like ta talk about... but," Kristal paused in speaking, staring at a spot on the ground.

They had stopped walking and neither made an effort to start back up. Charlie just stood there, offering her silent support and waited patiently for her to continue.

"Ace was Sam's golden man." Kristal ran a hand through her tangled blonde locks. "The one..." she paused, struggling with talking about Ace. What he did, what he tried, still brought on nightmares. "...The one that often got away with damn near anything an' everything." A far off look entered Kristal's eyes. "Belle tried to stop it, though. She didn't like Ace. He often undermined her an' she hated it. She even started ta hate him, wantin' him gone, but 'cause Sam was so fond o' him, she could do nothing about it."

Biting her lip, she shook her head slowly. "Ace formed a sort o' obsession over me. I don't know why. I never tried to understand it." Her brows furrowed, still not sure why the man was so enthralled by her. "I'd threaten him. Belle would threaten him. And yet, 'cause he was Sam's man, we could never truly do anything about it. Sam's wrath was... often terrifying. People say Indian's are savage... they ain't seen Sam at his worst." Or Belle for that matter, she mused silently to herself.

"Anyway, Ace flirted an' stalked me. He'd try an' get me alone. Till one day he..." the blonde swallowed hard, finding this unbearably difficult. "... did..." Kristal had to take a breath to keep herself calm. There were very few instances in her life that she had been truly terrified, even with her chaotic lifestyle. The time with Ace had been one of them.

"Kris..." Charlie whispered, worry strewn across his face. "You don't have to continue..." He was grateful they had stopped in a secluded part of the street for to her talk privately. But he didn't want to upset her. And by the pained expression on her face, he could tell how much this bothered her.

Lifting dazed green eyes to Charlie, Kristal shook her head. Her mind was still far away yet, she knew she needed to tell someone. Someone she trusted as if they were family. "I need ta... I need'a get it out, Charlie... I've held it in... Let it fester... It's better I talk 'bout it now, 'fore I can't." She took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, "an' I'd rather talk 'bout it with someone I trust --- someone who wouldn't use it against me."

Charlie blinked, his brows furrowing disturbed by what she had just said. Who the hell would use something like this against her? His fists clenched reflexively, wanting to pound a face in if anyone ever did that to her.

Licking her lips, she continued unaware of Charlie's aggressively protective thoughts, "I let m' guard down one day. It happens sometimes when I'm with animals. I was groomin' Midnight an'...." she took a breath and then slowly let it out, "... He cornered me. The bastard thought I'd just let him take advantage o' me... He always was a damn fool... I fought him... I would'a killed him. I tried ta kill him! I got so close. I cut him up good. His face..." She trailed her finger over her face where she had scarred Ace. "Till I lost m' knife. He didn't stop, even as his face was drippin' with blood. I didn't stop fightin' him an' somehow, I ain't even sure how... I grabbed his knife and stabbed him in the chest. Just weren't deep enough, 'cause Sam came an' grabbed me from behind. He stopped me from killin' the damn fuckin' bastard!"

Swallowing hard, the scene replaying in her mind, Kristal paused long enough to regain her bearings. She wasn't back in that barn, she was safe with Charlie. "Needless to say," Kris continued on, "Ace tried again, this time with Sam's help holdin' me down..." She couldn't bear to explain more than that. Her eyes closed and she bit her lower lip.

A gentle touch on her shoulder made her flinch. But as she opened her eyes, she saw Charlie's encompassing gaze and not Ace's. Charlie didn't say a word, just made sure to know she wasn't alone and it helped her continue on.

"Belle found 'em there an' pulled her gun on 'em both. She threatened ta shoot Ace then and there if they didn't let me go. Sam warned her not to and Ace defiantly tried to... continue taking advantage. At that point I couldn't fight back anymore... Belle shot Ace in the leg and threatened again to kill him if they didn't release me right then an' there. And, they finally did." Again she stopped, remembering how once she was freed she had cowered in the corner of Midnight's stall. The horse has then come over to her and stood in front as if to protect her.

"Sam and Belle got into one hell of a fight after that. The worst I've ever seen." Here she rolled her eyes, clarifying partly why she didn't believe in love. "Fer two people who supposedly love each other, it was awful. The whole camp on the property nearly got burned down. A couple side buildings and the outhouse did end up in ash. A few of their men got caught in the crossfire. It was... hell." She wrinkled her nose still remembering the stench that lingered for weeks after.

"In the end though, Belle got her way and Ace was made ta leave." Rubbing at her brow, Kristal remembered the hog tied man on the back of his horse being led off the property. "He was warned that if he ever came back, he'd be shot on sight." Turning her gaze skyward, she shook her head, "Him being allowed ta leave weren't normal either. The only way to leave the Starr gang is dyin'. It's their rule. So Ace bein' allowed ta leave, alive, was unusual."

The curly haired boy stared at the blonde in shock. What was he even supposed to say to all that? Should he say anything? It was such a sensitive subject. However something else was also on his mind. Maybe he should broach that one instead. "That why you were so upset that any of Belle's men knew you were alive back with Henry Hill?" It had been on his mind for all that time, wondering why she had been so concerned about it. "Ya thought she'd come after you to kill you?"

"What I said before was true. If Belle knows about y'all, Murphy and these Bounty Hunters would be child's play compared ta what she could do." Kristal said coming out of her long suppressed memories. "However, it was better, them thinking I was dead. I wouldn't had the need ta worry 'bout Belle. Hell, Ace either."

Biting her lip, Kristal appeared thoughtful. "I was an asset ta Belle. The one she knew could get the job done where she couldn't trust the others. I was loyal ta her an' only her. Hell, she molded me jus' how she wanted... I was her little killer, her thief, her tracker, the one who tortured her enemies." She stopped seeing Charlie shudder and gave him an apologetic look. "Belle would want me back, ta use me like before. That's why they wanted me. Not ta kill me, but ta bring me ta her. At least, that's what I think... As fer Ace... guess he's still obsessed with me... Either that or maybe he wants ta kill me fer the humiliation I put him through in scarrin' his face."

"That ain't right, Kris!" Charlie exclaimed, his anger at all she went through fueling his outburst. "You should be free to live your life as you choose. Not sought after by some disgusting shithead or tracked down by that evil bitch." To be honest, Charlie was having a hard time coming to terms with everything she had just confided in him. "None of that ever should have happened to you, Kris. You deserve better "

Kristal breathed a heavy sigh, "Well, ta be fair, I didn't realize the man was still obsessed with me. It's kinda... I dunno... disturbin'...?" If she were being honest with herself, she wasn't sure if he was still obsessed because he wanted to finish what he had tried before or if he did indeed want to kill her. Though she had a feeling it was the former. She turned her eyes back onto Charlie, "now that his little Indian scout has been taken care of, I doubt I'll see him again." Her tone then shifted into menacing venom, "but if I do... he won't be allowed ta walk away alive."

Charlie shuddered at the tone of her voice. He hates to see her get like this, that she had to be so tough and defensive and... dangerous. He liked seeing her happy, playful, and even sweet.

Seeing the boys shudder, Kristal gave him a small smile and placed a friendly hand on his arm. "I'm sorry Charlie... Ace brings out the worst in me."

"Like Billy?" Charlie queried before he caught himself. He grimaced and shook his head. "Forget I said that."

Surprise lit Kristal's face and then her brows knit together. "No... it's okay...." She paused in thought trying to piece together how she actually felt about Billy. If she were honest with herself, he infuriated her most of the time. But he wasn't always so bad. And nothing like Ace. "I... well... He drives me crazy half the time, gettin' on my last damn nerve. And I got this naggin' feelin' that he likes it too. But he's nothin' like Ace. He's got more heart that's for damn sure. An'... he can be a gentleman at times..." She paused to run a hand through her hair flustered by this subject change. "He irritates the hell outta me 'specially when he does things like..." Here she stopped abruptly realizing she had almost blurred out her aggravation with the man.

"Like what?" Charlie drawled out slowly, prodding her for more when she appeared like she wasn't going to be forthcoming. He wanted to know. He could tell something strange happened between her and Billy. After they had left the springs, she could barely even look at his wild, blonde friend. And when Billy asked her a question, she would give him small, short answers. It wasn't until the game that he saw her be more herself, or at least the Kristal he was used to. "Come on Kris, ya can talk to me."

She wasn't moving anymore and she made no motion to start again. "I know I can Charlie... it's jus'..." And she paused her gaze going to the ground.

"I'm yer friend ain't I? Ya said ya can trust me..." Charlie couldn't keep the desperation out of his voice. He needed to know whether or not he needed to kick Billy's ass or not.

"Ya are m' friend. In fact yer more'n that, yer like a brother, like I said earlier. An' I can trust ya, pro'lly more'n anyone else. Yer the best friend a gal like me could ever have." Again she became quiet, contemplating how she wanted to go forward.

The boy beamed with pride. "You're a good friend too, Kris. Don't sell yourself short. You have stuck by our side, been a comfort when this yella fella was too damn afraid." He then reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, "if Billy did something... if he upset you in anyway, I'll give him a black eye for ya. Him bein' my pal or not."

Kristal couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped her lips, "nah... he ain't done anything..." But that wasn't entirely true. He did do something. She stopped and sighed. How could she even explain this without becoming all flustered. "I don't even know..." She sounded exasperated. The woman started pacing the ground trying to decide what and how to say it.

"Kris?" Charlie's brow furrowed with concern as he questioned her again. "What did he do?"

"Well... he, uh..." Damn! This was so hard. Before during the impromptu kiss when she thought she had been saving his life, she had been angry about it. This time, she didn't know what she felt. "Billy kissed me again!" There! She said it! Maybe a little louder than she should have, but the whole thing had scared the shit out of her.

"He forced a kiss again?!" Charlie's brows darkened and his fists clenched. "I'll beat the shit outta him. That ain't no gentleman Kris..." Charlie turned around and was about to storm off in search of Billy.

"Wait! Charlie... don't." She gripped his arm with both hands pulling him back afraid that he really would beat the daylights out of Billy. Although most of the time she had considered doing it herself . Hell, the boy might even deserve it a time or two, but now didn't happen to be one of those times.

Chewing on her lower lip, Kristal held onto Charlie's arm afraid if she let go he might go off in search of Billy. Lifting her eyes from Charlie's arm to his face, Kris gave a small, sheepish shrug. "I ain't so sure it was forced..." As Charlie's brows rose, Kristal hurried to clarify, "I mean, I didn't allow it... but I didn't..." God, how could she even admit to the fact that she hadn't stopped it either. Hell, if she thought about it too long, she had this feeling that she... might... have... even kissed him back? But she wasn't sure. Was it better that she just stood there doing nothing as he kissed her? Did she do nothing?

God damn, now she was growing a little distraught and anxious by her own actions or maybe lack thereof.

"You didn't what?" Charlie was staring at her, confusion in his eyes. His questioning was slow, deliberate, trying to understand what if anything, could justify Billy's actions.

"I didn't stop him..." It was like a dam being broken and her emotions just spilled out including her thoughts and words. "We were talkin'. It was a nice talk. Billy opened up ta me a little. And I guess... maybe I did the same... just a little." She was fiddling with her hair, something she often did when she was nervous or anxious.

"He was so close, but I didn't really think nothin' of it. I dunno why, I just... didn't. He then leaned in and.... and kissed me." She sounded a little breathless, her heart pounding in her chest just like it had when Billy had kissed her. "I didn't stop it, Charlie. I could'a, but I didn't. It just kept goin' on an' on. An' I still didn't stop it. I could'a pushed him away, punched him... hell I could'a knocked his ass ta the ground, but I... didn't." She was shaking her head now looking perturbed. "I was shocked as hell, but I jus' let it happen..."

Kristal started pacing again, her hand raking through her golden hair out of frustration with herself. "Then Steve came and I realized what was happening... that I..." She didn't finish. She couldn't finish. "I pulled back and he didn't stop me or try and force me ta continue. He let me go. And I ran... so Steve didn't see me dressed like..." And she stopped again, her cheeks growing warm.

Charlie was speechless. Kristal had allowed Billy to kiss her AND if his guess was correct, she might have even kissed him back? Billy of all people got her to let go of all inhibitions. That was amazing to be quite honest. Wait, she had mentioned being dressed like something. Seeing her blushing was shocking. Hell this whole admission was shocking. What more could have happened that caused her face to turn so red? "Dressed like what?"

"God..." Both hands covered her face before they slid down enough so she could peak through her fingers. "I was only wearin' an over sized shirt. It covered me.... Ta here..." She brought a hand to her thigh to show him. "but, I wasn't thinkin'. Obviously! I forgot I was only wearin' the shirt."

If it was even possible, Charlie's eyebrows raised even higher. "I think an explanation is needed so I can understand the context here, Kris."

With a heavy sigh, Kristal quickly explained everything. Including the bits and pieces of the conversation her and Billy had. Though she was careful to keep the deeper parts of it generalized. Billy had spoken to her in confidence and she wasn't about to betray that. "So... Billy seemed upset 'bout what we were talkin' 'bout and I jus' wanted to help him feel better, I guess. I felt for him... So, I just buttoned on m' shirt an' went over ta him. I weren't thinkin' 'bout how it might look. But when Steve showed up... An' the damned kiss... I ran an' hid behind a tree ta finish gettin' dressed."

Damn, this was just getting more and more shocking. Kristal was half dressed when Billy had kissed her. Charlie was stunned for a moment processing it all. It took a minute longer than he meant for it, to which, if he didn't know better, the blonde was awash with fear and worry. She was fiddling with her hair and pacing a trail in the ground.

"Kris," Charlie began reaching out to place his hands on her shoulders. "Stop, yer wearing a hole in the ground." When she tilted her eyes to him, he gave her a warm smile. "Kris, ya don't have to be ashamed for any of that. Billy kissed you. And whether you kissed him back...---"

"I didn't kiss him!" She nearly shouted, interrupting him, but then bit her lip sheepishly. Her gaze timidly lifted to Charlie. "I couldn't have... Could I?"

It was adorable seeing her like this. In this moment, she had never seemed more human and down to earth to him. The woman was always so strong, her emotions so carefully held together, that seeing her sporadic and frantic was enough to let him breathe a little easier about opening up to her about his own little secret.

"Kris, it's okay to have feelings. Whatever those feelings are, you need to figure them out. And kissing is okay. It's not the end of the world." Charlie didn't want her worrying about any of that. When she seemed to calm down, he released his grip on her shoulders. "It's just a kiss and whether it meant anything... Well, that's also something you need to figure out."

Shaking her head, she looked at him worry creeping into her eyes again. Before he could stop her, she started pacing again. "Charlie.... I ain't ever kissed a man before... An' I certainly never let a man kiss me. An' believe me they've tried. Not even Ace got that chance. Billy's the first ta... I don't even know if that first one can even be called a kiss. But this one... I think it was... God damn! I don't even know! How pathetic is that? That I don't know if it was a real kiss or not... How pathetic can I be?"

"It's not pathetic, Kris and neither are you." Charlie's gaze took on a realization as he remembered what she had said before. "This was your first kiss then?" At her shrug, he scratched at his growing stubble. "You realize kissing is a natural part of life and relationships? Two people normally kiss because they like each other... unless they're in a whore house. Then it's a whole other thing entirely." He waved his hand trying to keep on track.

"Wait... are ya sayin' that there might be more to this kiss?" Kristal was biting her lip, turning again as she paced in the opposite direction. "I dunno what more there could be..." She paused in her pacing to try and think about it, but nothing came to mind. "D'ya think Billy thinks there might be more ta it too?"

Charlie found her exasperated panic amusing. She was always so head strong, determined, fearless. And now she was faltering. "Well, I think the main thing is how did it make you feel? Did you like it? Would you do it again? There's a lot to consider, Kris." He then shook his head. Billy was a mystery to him most of the time. He had no idea what Billy might think. "I can't say what Billy thinks. You would need to talk to him about that."

At Charlie's words, Kristal stopped pacing and turned to him looking like she was going to pull her hair out. "I dunno... How I felt... Or how I feel now. I'm confused as hell." That required some deep thinking. "I think I might have liked it... maybe... I dunno." Her thoughts returned to the surprise she had felt at first, when Billy's lips pressed against hers. They were gentle, searching, but there had been raw passion behind it. There had been a fire inside Billy that had shown through in that kiss and it had sent a spark through her that slowly began to spread like a soothing flame. It was like a blanket over her heart, a comfort to her soul. It had started to consume her, which had been the reason she had let the kiss continue for so long.

Yes, she had a feeling she did like it and that terrified her. Why was it that it had to be with Billy of all people? The man who made her want to slit his throat when he slept. The man who made her temper rise and her anger erupt into full fire. Yet, there was a soft side to Billy that she was sure he had only allowed for her to see. He was charming at times and he always managed to pull her out of her shell, like he had with the game. "I dunno, Charlie... I dunno if I'd wanna do it again..."

Kristal's answer took Charlie by surprise, "why not? I don't understand. If you did like it...?" He eyed her and then let out a breath. Wait, he had an idea why she might not want to do it again. Or at least with whom she might not want to do it again. Billy. The blonde was often unhappy with Billy. "Was it because it was with Billy?"

"Maybe... ?" The blonde was still pulling on the ends of her hair, unsure. Her expression was projecting fear, uncertainty. Kristal looked lost and confused. Part of her wanted to run away so she didn't have to deal with all the crazy feelings. But the more stubborn part of her refused to allow her wild emotions and feelings dictate her life. "I dunno Charlie... It's all so confusing."

"So what're you gonna do now?" The question she had been dreading slid from Charlie's lips.

That simple question came crashing down over her, fear lining the edge of her eyes. "What do ya mean?" She knew what he meant even as she asked the question but I was easier to act like she didn't.

A sigh escaped Charlie and he gave her a knowing look. "Well, ya couldn't even look his way on the ride here, Kris. Avoiding him ain't helping. He does have a tendency to seek you out. " He reached out to her, his hand resting on her arm, gently coaxing her to listen. "You really should talk to Billy."

"And say what, exactly? That I might have liked the kiss? That I may have kissed him back? That I have no idea what I really think or feel about any o' this?" Kristal quieted a little after her sudden outburst. "Billy makes me crazy, Charlie! But, I don't hate him... He's the only one who stuck up fer me when Dick was being an ass. The only one who looked out fer me with McCloskey..."

"He also shot you and thought you had left the same as the rest of us." Charlie added, wanting her to think everything through.

"Yeah, I know..." Kristal was staring at the ground, remembering his heartfelt apology, the angst and heartache in his eyes. "I can't argue his reasoning as to why he shot me. And he apologized for both, jus' like the rest o' ya."

Both Charlie's brows rose in shock. Was she defending Billy? First the kiss and now she was sticking up for him. "Kris, you realize you're defending him right?"

"I can't help it... I can't deny that he's got a heart an' the things he's done ta make up fer the dumb shit he's pulled... But he still makes me so angry at times that I wanna strangle him."

Charlie's expression grew contemplative. It was amusing hearing his friend defend Billy and then turn around and be annoyed with him. It made him curious about Kristal's back and forth emotions towards Billy. If he didn't know better, he would assume Kris might actually like the wild and reckless blond. That she was suppressing her feelings towards Billy, which was quite possible. Kristal herself said she didn't believe in love. But believing in love and falling in love with someone were two different things entirely. Still, he felt the need to question her again, "so, what are you saying exactly?"

There it was again. The question that pressured her into making some sort of decision. A decision she didn't want to think about or even make right now... maybe ever.

"I dunno." Kristal began shaking her head. "Talkin' to him doesn't sound like such a good idea. He'll either joke about it or..." She didn't know exactly what else. There were too many what ifs going on inside her head and none she particularly liked. So, no she was not going to talk to Billy about kissing him. Her stomach dropped at the mere thought. Hell no, she'd rather get shot again before doing that. "I'll just continue ignorin' the whole thing and hopefully Billy will too."

"This is Billy we're talking about." A grimace crossed over Charlie's face, fearing the worst. "I bet he's already told Doc, Steve, and Chavez about it."

Kristal blanched. Would he actually do that? God, she'd never live it down if he did, "he had better not."

Charlie pressed his lips together seeing the worry on her face. "Maybe he won't then... We can only hope."

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. What else could they do, but hope? Her gaze then scanned where they had stopped walking and she frowned. All this talk had been supposed to be said on the way to wherever Charlie had wanted to go. But she had stopped them. Swearing under her breath, she took his arm back into hers and pulled him back into a walk. "I'm sorry Charlie. Here we are talkin' 'bout my problems an' ya wanted ta introduce me ta someone an' get yer enchiladas."

"It's okay, Kris." His friend had needed to vent. He didn't mind being the one she opened up to. However, he did still want to introduce Kristal to that special someone of his. A bright grin exploded on Charlie's face as he hurried along before taking the lead, hurrying in the direction of a certain hacienda, "I do. Yes!"

Chuckling, Kristal let him take the lead as she followed beside him, her arm tucked in his. "Well, then... lead the way, darlin'."

The two walked around to the outskirts of the little Fort town to a small cabin with a little garden around the side. Before Charlie knocked on the door, he straightened his clothes and brushed off the dust. He then gave Kristal a bright smile before giving a smart rap of his knuckles on the wooden threshold.

A young woman appeared after a half a minute of waiting. With the door open a mouth watering aroma accosted the two and Kristal raised her brows. It smelled better than any cafe or restaurant she had ever been in. However, it was the beautifully bright smile that appeared on the young Mexican woman's face at the sight of Charlie that ticked Kristal's brows up even further.

The girl had eyes only for Charlie, not even noticing Kristal at first. It was clear by the doe eyed look on the dark haired woman's face, she was smitten with the boy at Kris' side. And when the blonde turned her eyes on Charlie, a smirk appeared on Kristal's own face. The boy was just as equally smitten with an even brighter smile spreading over his features. The two stood there, simply staring before Kristal cleared her throat.

Startling, Charlie had to tear his eyes away from the Mexican senorita. "Oh... Um... Sorry. Manuela, this is the friend I was telling you about. The best friend a guy like me could ever have. Kristal Starr." Charlie said before turning to the blonde at his side. "And, Kris... this-this is Manuela. She is... well, she's..." Charlie didn't know how to explain it. They weren't together, not really but... Not yet at least...

"Yer special friend," Kris quickly offered coming to his aid with a wry smirk, finding the boys fumbling sweet and amusing. Though she was humbled by the fact that Charlie had referred to her as his best friend to this woman. Sure he had said it to her, but having him acknowledge it to someone else was heartwarming.

"I-I... uh, yes. Yes! She is." Charlie quickly agreed giving Manuela the sweetest look.

Chuckling, Kristal turned to Manuela with a smile of her own, "It's a pleasure ta meet Charlie's special friend." Kristal offered the woman a hand in greeting.

"Tu tengo tambien." Manuela replied softly, her gaze lowering a little shy and then timidly shook Kristal's hand. "I have never met a woman who... dress like you." She paused a little intimidated by Kristal's confident air and the way she was dressed. "It is nice to meet such a good friend of Charlie's. He has told me much about you in his letters."

^Translation - (And you also.)

Again Kristal's brows rose. Charlie had been corresponding with Manuela for some time it seemed and he never once mentioned her. Then again, she could understand why. Steve and Billy and probably Doc and Chavez too, would have teased him about it for a good while. "I guess I am one of a kind." Kristal joked, giving a little laugh. She then offered a friendly smile, trying to ease Manuela's tension. "Espero que Charlie solo haya escrito cosas buenas sobre mí."

^Translation - (I hope Charlie only wrote good things about me.)

"You certainly are, senorita Starr." Manuela gave a little giggle acknowledging the woman's joke. Shock then washed over Manuela's sweetly tanned features before relaxing a little. Knowing the blonde spoke her native language was both a surprise and a relief. "Hablas Español?"

^Translation - (You speak Spanish?)

"Sí. Desde que era un niña. Puedo hablar, leer, y entender Español." Kristal shrugged. Her past and how she had learned the language was unimportant to her, though she was grateful to have learned it. Her gaze shifted to Charlie who had turned his eyes back onto the Mexican girl. His focus was unwavering and she quickly realized the two were smitten with each other. She switched back to English so Charlie could understand. "So... uh... How long have ya known Charlie?"

^Translation - (Yes. Since I was a kid. I can speak, read, and understand Spanish.)

"Oh... uh, not long. He has been here once before. With Señor Tunstall." Manuela turned to Charlie, her smile again brightening as she looked at him. "He was here a couple days. We talked. He offer to write me. And we have been writing to each other ever since." If it was even possible, Manuela's expression grew even softer as she gazed at Charlie, "but I am glad to see him again. Hopefully for longer this time."

"I hope so, Manuela. I really do." Charlie breathed and gently took her hand before giving her knuckles a kiss.

Kristal fought the urge to roll her eyes at the display in front of her. Displays of affection were not her forte. She didn't care to witness them. As sweet as theirs was, it made her feel uncomfortable and out of place. She was happy for Charlie though, even if the goo-goo eyes he was making towards Manuela were making her a little uneasy. "Charlie es un buen hombre," Kristal claimed shifting into Spanish again.

^Translation - (Charlie is a good man.)

The man in question turned to look at Kristal, worry in his eyes. He had heard his name but didn't understand what the woman had said. At Kristal's smirk and wink, Charlie's smile disappeared. What were they talking about? The woman was clearly messing with him. He hated the fact he only knew a few words and phrases in Spanish. But Manuela had promised to teach him all she knew. However, Kristal was acting like they were having some secret conversation about HIM!

"Sí, es él." Manuela airily replied, her eyes lingering on Charlie for a moment longer before shifting between the man and his friend. As she did, she caught the two's exchange and a shock of worry went through her. Maybe she had been reading everything all wrong? Maybe Charlie's friend liked him? Her brows furrowed and she quietly questioned the blonde, afraid as to what her answer might be. "Esperar... Te gusta? Te gusta, Charlie?"

^Translation - (Yes, he is.)
(Wait, do you like him? Do you like Charlie?)

Kristal chuckled, ignoring Charlie's continued frantic looks. Shaking her head, she quickly put Manuela's heart at ease. "Solo como amigo. Nada más." She paused and gave Manuela a sincere smile. "Si te gusta, es todo tuyo."

^Translation - (Only as a friend. Nothing more. If you like him, he's all yours.)

"Oh..." Manuela blushed and lowered her eyes. A sheepish smile graced her lips for acting like she had been suddenly jealous. In truth she had been. In all the months of writing back and forth, she had grown to love Charlie. "Gracias. Espero que así sea." When she lifted her gaze back on Charlie, his concern was palpable and it concerned Manuela. The boy looked genuinely upset and she wanted to help him if she could. "Lo que está mal, Charlie?" Manuela queried and then remembered his struggle with understanding her language and quickly switched to English. Repeating her question, she blinked curiously at him. "What is wrong, Charlie?"

^Translation - (Thank you. I hope for that.)

"Oh... I dunno." The boy looked down and scraped his foot in the ground, sheepishly. He felt kinda foolish for feeling left out but it bothered him. "I think you two are talkin' about me..."

This time Kristal spoke, "we are!" She chuckled as the boy lifted wide eyes to her, and she rested her hand on his arm. "All good things, Bowdre. Ya got nothin' ta worry about."

"Sí!" Manuela exclaimed excitedly, agreeing with Kristal. "I very much like this amiga of yours Charlie. Would you mind if Krisita and I get to know each other? I would like to be amigas with her too." Already she has given Kristal a new Spanish moniker and just knew they would be fast friends.

"Oh... I... Uh... I dunno... I guess..." Charlie was at a loss for words. Kristal was one of his best friends but sometimes she reminded him a bit of Billy -- mischievous and teasing. What if she said something to make him look bad towards Manuela? But it would also make him look terrible if he didn't agree. Seeing Manuela's brows rise expectantly, Charlie sighed. "Sure... uh, I'll go see if your pa needs help with anything Manuela."

"He would appreciate that, Charlie. Gracias." The woman flashed Charlie a bright smile and the boy returned with his own. "When you are done, I bring you lunch, no? Some enchiladas? They should be done soon."

"I would very much like that Manuela. Uh... gracias," Charlie replied. His Spanish accent was poor at best, but he tried anyway. Bowed his head to the Mexican woman, he gave her another smile and walked away.

Manuela watched as Charlie moved around the side of the house and then turned to Kristal with a gleem in her eyes. "You are good amigos with Charlie, no?"

Surprise filled Kristal's eyes at the sudden and all too quick question. It made her a little wary all of a sudden. And why the hell did this woman want to spend time with her? She honestly hoped she wasn't going to regret this. "I dunno, I guess so. Why?"

A bright smile appeared on Manuela's pretty face and she linked an arm around Kristal's before escorting her into the small home, "then we have a lot to talk about." Patting Kristal's arm, she hugged her close, "I not have many amigas. And if you are friend of Charlie's I would like to know you." The smile she gave Kristal was sweet without any ill intentions. "I trust Charlie and now I trust you. I hope we can be good amigas."

***

A few hours later, Kristal emerged from Manuela's home. The woman had offered her home up for lunch and served the enchiladas. After they all had finished eating Manuela had once again taken Kristal by the arm and led her away as Charlie sat with the girl's mother. To Kristal's surprise she enjoyed the other woman's company. The girl wasn't empty headed or addled like most women she met. Manuela was intelligent and kind, helping teach the children of Fort Sumner how to speak English, so they didn't have to worry about not being able to understand the gringos as they got older. It was a noble venture, especially since she did it without being paid anything. She merely did it out of the goodness of her heart while also helping her family with their little farm.

To Kristal's surprise she had never anticipated making a friend, let alone a female friend. But, she had to admit, Manuela was down to earth and easy to talk to. Some of the things she had opened up about and told the other woman had been a surprise. She hadn't told anyone about some of it. And yet, Kristal has a feeling she could trust Manuela.

As soon as Kristal exited the house, Charlie dropped the stalk of grass he had been chewing on and rushed over to the blonde. His expression was filled with worry, afraid the conversation had not gone well. "You didn't scare her off, did you?"

Pressing her lips together, Kris rolled her eyes as she strolled casually back towards the Maxwell house. "Oh ye of little faith. No, I didn't scare her off, Charlie. In fact, we had a good time. I ain't ever talked so much ta a girl my age 'afore. We actually got along swimmingly. It was nice."

Charlie stared at her in disbelief. He had seen how Kristal treated most girls and women with disdain and disgust. "Really? You got along with her?"

The blonde paused and looked back at Charlie with furrowed brows. Did he really think she'd sabotage whatever it was he was hoping for with the young Mexican girl. "She's obviously important t' ya Charlie. D'ya actually think I'd do somethin' against that?" She looked a little hurt by his sudden distrust.

"Well... no... I suppose not. I'm just overly worried." Charlie sighed and his shoulders slumped feeling guilty for acting like he didn't trust Kristal. "I do trust you..."

Sighing, Kristal took a few steps back to reach Charlie. She didn't really understand his concern, but her heart went out to him anyway. "She called me her amiga..." A faint smile appeared on her lips, a sign of how that made her feel deep down. "... An' I think she really meant it." It was amazing. In the matter of months she had made more friends than she ever thought possible. And damn did it make her feel all warm inside. "I think we could be friends... I hope to try at least."

Slowly Charlie's smile returned realizing that his best friend and the woman he had grown to love were on their way to becoming friends, if they weren't already there. That was a relief and to be honest a godsend. Two of the most important people in his life becoming friends was more than he could have hoped for. "So it weren't bad? You didn't tell her nothin' bad about me?"

Again Kristal pressed her lips together before letting out a scoff. "Course not. She asked about you, sure. But I only told her what a great guy ya are. That yer sweet and dependable and a damn good friend. Ya got nothin' ta worry about, Charlie." Green eyes carefully scanned Charlie's features. The curly haired boy was nervous. He was fidgeting more than usual and he couldn't meet her gaze. A brow rose then, curiosity getting the better of her. "Why are ya so worried? I don't get it?" She shook her head and reached out to try and calm her friend. "Charlie, she couldn't talk enough about ya. I'd say she's quite taken with ya an' fer good reason. I meant it back at that New Year's party, yer a great catch. Any gal would be lucky to call you there's."

The boy blushed and stared down at Kristal's hand on his arm. She always knew when to help calm him. Her instincts were always so spot on. He marveled at his friend for a moment before lifting his gaze to the blonde. "Well..." Charlie reached into his pocket and pulled out a little box. He glanced around to make sure no one was around to see them before opening the box to show Kristal the simple but pretty ring. "I'm gonna ask Manuela ta marry me. We're goin' on a picnic in a little while and... I'm gonna ask her then."

Blonde brows rose in surprise and a smile lit Kristal's face. She may not believe in love for herself, but seeing her friend in love and about to ask a girl, that she knew to be a good one, was enough to make her heart light. "Wow... " Kristal stared at the ring and then clapped her other arm over Charlie's arm. "I weren't expecting that. But, I'm happy fer ya, Charlie. Ya deserve the best in life, ya deserve ta be loved. I think Manuela's perfect fer ya. She's a good woman. I hope she says yes."

Charlie was smiling too, but it faltered a little due to his nerves. He was deathly afraid to do this. But he was also deathly afraid to live life without Manuela and that trumped all his other fears. "She is an amazing woman. So... uh... Yeah... I hope she says yes too."

((Author note: I switched up where the translations for the Spanish dialogue went. I hope that works better for you guys rather than wondering about it until the end of the chapter. Also, I know this is a little slower of a chapter, but I wanted that heart to heart. Kris has gotta have someone to talk to. Anyway, I hope you all like it. Now to finish up the next chapter.))