The ride in the dark was quiet. It was painstakingly tense and it felt like they were riding for ages, even though it had only been minutes. Billy hated that there was no moon in the midnight sky for him to be able to see any glimpse of Kristal's features. Something was wrong though, he could tell. There were a couple times that he noticed Kristal glancing in his direction, to look at him, but she would then shake her head and continue staring ahead. It was causing his mind to reel wondering what she was thinking.

Two hours of that continuous silence went by before the duo finally decided to stop. Kristal found a half circle of large boulders to give them some semblance of a shelter and they hunkered down for the night.

It was well past midnight once they got their bedrolls out, a fire started, and eaten a meal of jerky and some berries Kristal had found nearby. The fire was kept low to keep anyone from seeing it so late in the night.

As Billy popped another of the blackberries into his mouth, he noticed Kristal was eyeing him again. What was going on? Why the hell did she keep looking at him? Was something wrong? Maybe there was something on his face? Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face with it.

At first he thought that did the trick, until she looked his way again. That was it! He had enough of wondering why she was looking at him the way that she was.

"Alright, what is it?" Billy asked his brows furrowing as he stared at her with concern on his face. "Ya keep starin' and it's startin' to give me a complex, Kris." He then grinned and waggled his eyebrows, "I know I'm quite a looker, so if that's why, feel free to continue."

"I dunno what yer talkin' about." Kristal quickly turned to stare into the darkness ready to ignore him again. "An' why would I need to stare at ya fer yer looks, ya already think so damn highly of yerself, I don't need to say nothin' more."

Billy's smile died away and a frown took over his face. There was no way he was going to allow her to push this aside, especially when it was clearly about him. "Oh hell no! Ya ain't gonna play me! You keep lookin' over at me, Kris! An' I wanna know why?" It was really bothering him. He cared about what she thought of him and she was surely thinking something about him now. Maybe she wasn't doing it because she thought he was handsome, but there was something going on in her mind.

"Am I? I hadn't noticed?" Still Kristal feigned innocence, keeping her eyes off of him now.

"Don't give me none of that! Ya did it during the ride here, an' ya been doing it again since we've stopped for the night!" He jerked his hand towards the ground to add to his frustrated point. The blond man watched as her expression shifted in the dark. First her brows furrowed, an anger and fire lit her eyes before she finally sighed. That was a whole hell of a lot of emotion in the matter of seconds. What the hell was she thinking?

"I dunno.... I shouldn't even care... Maybe I don't really..." Kristal began stumbling over her spoken thoughts.

Her words were cryptic and confusing to Billy. "Okay?" He said, his tone full of confused questioning. "I don't think I understand. Ya care... Or don't care... about what?"

"You!" Kristal snapped which caused Billy's brows to raise up high. "Or at least... men in general? I don't know " Her confusion and frustration was causing her to not make any sense to him.

Damn! Billy was just as confused as Kristal but he figured probably for different reasons. He had no idea what she was talking about. It was baffling to him. "What are you talkin' about Kris? Why have I... or men confused ya so? What the hell caused ya to think about this?"

The woman sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "I don't get you!" She was continuing now, like she didn't hear his questions, just going on with her thoughts. "Why the hell do ya do that? Is it jus' somethin' all men do? Or is it jus' the ones who like to be assholes?"

If it was possible, Billy's brows lifted even higher. He was in the dark with whatever it was she was talking about. "The hell? What do I do? Where the hell'd that even come from?" A flicker of hurt mixed with anger crossed his eyes. "Is that what ya think I am? Nothin' but an asshole? Like all the rest?"

Shaking her head, Kristal lifted her face to look at him. Her gaze took in the emotional anguish and anger on his face, her own brows furrowing. With a jerk of her head, she turned to the black sky, frustration evident on her face. "That aint... I dont... hell, I don't even know what to fuckin' think..." Her frustration was palpable, her words stumbling from her unable to stop it. Finally she got to what was bothering her. Well, sorta. "Ya fuckin' kissed me, Bonney!"

Billy blinked. That, of all things, was not what he thought she was going to say. Were they really talking about this? Now of all times and places? She had made it clear she wanted to ignore it only to bring it up out of the blue in the unlikeliest of places. He needed to tread carefully here. "Yeah... I did." He drawled slowly, hesitant to answer her more than that.

Kristal frowned. She pulled her gaze away from the dark sky and turned fiery eyes on Billy. "Then ya kissed her!" Her words sounded annoyed and even angry as she waved a hand towards the direction they had just come from.

"Her who?" Billy asked confused. Who had he kissed? The only one he remembered was Kris. She had been stuck on his mind after that first kiss and the second kiss had made him transfixed by her. The blonde was always on his mind anymore. All his thoughts led back to her. It was enough to drive a man crazy. Good thing he was already there. "I ain't followin', Kris."

"Don't play dumb, Billy! Why is it that men like to play games with women and then act stupid?" This wasn't the first time she dealt with idiots feigning innocence. "It took you no time at all to find another gal ta kiss. Ya move on from one to another like a snake in the grass." Her voice has become a growl, her anger rising at his act of innocence.

"Wait..." It suddenly dawned on him what she was talking about. The only other woman that kissed him was... "Are you talkin' about Marsa?"

"Who the hell else would I be talkin' about?" Her eyes flashed on him, ready to light him on fire if he said the wrong thing. "Unless there's been more?"

Billy smirked, the corner of his eyes crinkling in amusement, "are you jealous, Querida?" She was certainly acting like it. This was shocking to him. He never would have thought that Kristal, of all the women he knew, would be the jealous type.

"Knock if off, Bonney!" Kristal snapped at him. "I ain't jealous o' nothin' an' no one!" And she wasn't. At least she didn't think so  "I'm jus' tired of men bein' lecherous assholes, playin' games with a woman's emotions!"

Blinking, Billy stared at Kristal, shock flooding his face. Did that mean Kris had some kind of emotion towards him? He wasn't sure where this was coming from otherwise or what it meant exactly. But it was the only thing that made sense to him. Was it possible that maybe she felt something for him? Hopefully it was something good. But by the look on her face he was beginning to doubt it. "Look, Querida... I don't know what this is about but I didn't kiss Marsa. She kissed me."

Kristal rolled her eyes. "That's bullshit." Her arms crossed over her chest and she turned to look at him with suspicion in her fiery green depths. "Do you really expect me to believe that?"

"You can believe what ya want, but I'm serious." Billy hopes she would believe him though. It had taken him so long, jumping through so many hoops just to get where they were now. "She took me by surprise and kissed me, Kris. I didn't kiss her back neither." He made a cross over his heart. "Promise." He then shrugged and forced his eyes to move away from her. "I don't play games, Kris. That's detestable. An' its kinda upsettin' that ya think I would."

She stared at him skepticism burning in her eyes not sure she believed him. He sounded like it came from the heart, but how could she know for sure? Chewing on her lower lip, she considered his words.

When she didn't answer, he continued, "I still ain't sure where this is comin' from." Billy's confusion had returned and he was once again looking at her, trying to understand what she was getting at. "Why does it bother you so much? If ya ain't jealous then... Why?"

"I'm just tired of men bein'..."

"Lecherous assholes, I got it." He sighed, interrupting her already knowing what she was going to say. "We ain't all like that, Kris. Look at Doc, Charlie... Tunstall wasn't that way. McSween ain't... I ain't..."

Kristal scoffed still not sure she believed him. "You ain't ever broken a woman's heart?" His reputation when it came to romance and women preceded him. Women swooned over him. It disgusted her.

"Well, I dunno... I don't think so. All I really been with has been whores... That ain't nothin' permanent," Billy said with a shrug. No strings attached, that was how he liked it. No one got hurt, certainly not him. It was a win-win.

Shaking her head, Kristal became exasperated. "You're unbelievable." She paced a little before staring at the fire. "You're right though, Charlie ain't like that. He'll be good to Manuela... " At least she wanted to believe it. "And Doc seems to have some sense in that head of his. They've all treated me good."

Billy nodded, concealing his disappointment when she didn't add him. He suspected she still didn't believe him. How could he prove otherwise to her? Although, he was still curious as to where all this was coming from. He wanted to press her for more but held back. Something in him was telling him not to pry or push and so he shut his mouth instead.

"Ya know Sam has cheated on Belle more times'n I can count," the blonde woman announced. Her back was turned to him and she was facing the darkness. Her voice sounded lost in her memories. "He's even got a son in Nebraska. Good kid... Met him once... I hope he stays far away from his pa. Sam ain't a good man."

Something in the way Kristal said that Sam wasn't a good man sent a wave of rage through him. What did she mean by that? How did she know? Had Sam done something... Other than what had gone on with that Ace fellow? She hadn't given a whole lot of details about Sam's part in that, but he knew that Sam had wanted Ace to take advantage of her. What else had the man done to her? God, the thought of that man doing anything more to Kristal sent Billy into a violent fury. He wanted to find Sam and kill him. But he had to remind himself, he didn't know all the details. It calmed him... if only a little.

Kristal continued on, unaware of the war raging inside Billy. "Sometimes I wonder if Sam wandered from his duty as a husband 'cause o' how Belle is... Or if Belle, is the way she is 'cause of his unfaithfulness?" She didn't know and probably never would.

"Then there's assholes like Ace." A pang went through her just saying the bastards name. It felt like a knife going through her heart and ripping apart part of her virtue. "Men thinkin' jus' 'cause they want somethin' they can have it. They try an' take it by force if necessary." A shiver went through her and without thinking, her arms wrapped around herself as if to protect her from the memory as well as the knowledge of what Belle has contributed to the painful moment.

"Then there's others who think that if they can charm a woman enough, they can get 'em to fall for 'em or sleep with 'em and then move on the next day looking for the next conquest." She continued staring out at the cold darkness. The darkness that called to her, that continued to claw at her heart in order to drag her down into being cold and void of emotion. It was there even now, trying to get its hooks into the last bit of warm emotion she had left.

Billy remained silent as she spoke of Belle and Sam and that asshole Ace. He wanted to explain to her that he wasn't in any way close to what Sam and Ace were, but he stopped when her last words hit him. That last bit was the category she put him into, he was sure of it. "And that's what you think I am?" Billy questioned, his frown reforming. "ya think I charm women into bein' with me an' then leave 'em don't 'cha?"

Kristal turned away from the darkness that called to her to look back towards the fire. Billy stood next the blaze and was bathed in the light and warmth of the fire. The warmth that surrounded him seemed so inviting. If she was any other girl, she would probably fall for his charms too... but would she end up heartbroken? Her gaze narrowed slightly, searching for the man Billy truly was. Searching for the truth in the warm glow that washed over him. "I ain't sure." She sighed, her arms tightening around her.

Billy thought she looked so vulnerable and innocent in that moment. He wanted to go to her and wrap his arms around her. But he also knew she was easily spooked in these soft emotional moments. Tread carefully, he had to remind himself.

"Sometimes I do..." Finally she released her hold on herself to run a hand through her hair. "Ya do tend to charm women... Paulita, Marsa... I'm sure there's been more..."

"Not you though... "

Kristal's eyes narrowed further on him and hardened for a fraction of a second, "I ain't easily charmed, Bonney." She sighed half turning back towards the darkness. It beckoned to her, to step away from the warmth and embrace the dark. "But jus' when I start ta think yer different, ya kiss a gal only a week after ya kiss me. What the hell am I supposed ta think?"

"Clearly." Billy grumbled under his breath knowing how hard it was to charm this fiery spitfire of a woman. The man let out a sigh and stepped closer to Kristal, hoping to draw her back towards the warmth of the fire. "Ya know Kris, I try to be a gentleman. I really do. My momma taught me how to treat women. She was a good woman. The best I've ever known. She raised me right... I may not be a good man in some ways, but I will treat a woman how they deserve to be treated. The way my momma taught me... The way she deserved to be treated..."

When Billy stopped Kristal's head tilted to the side curiously. She turned towards him a little, her curiosity getting the better of her. "I remember ya mentioning yer momma. Ya said she got sick?"

"Yeah, Tuberculosis." Billy answered his gaze growing distant. His eyes fell away from her to stare into the fire. "She was everything to me. She was light and laughter, she was beauty and song. My momma taught me everything I needed to know... She deserved a man better than Antrim. She deserved so much more than the life that she had been given."

Kristal's brows rose noticing Billy's sudden anger. The firelight was blazing in his eyes, yet a shadow of darkness had crossed his face, dancing along the edges. Part of her wanted to go to him, to be a comfort to him, but she mentally shook her head. That was an unusual thought, even for her.

"Ya know, I never understood how a man could treat a woman like that either," Billy continued. Now he was the one lost in thought. "It ain't right. I watched how Antrim was with my momma. He was all sweet as pie to her in the beginning. I guess to lure her in. And then once they were married and he lost his job, he became a different person to her. To me, he always was a bastard. He treated me like shit from day one. I knew I was no son of his. An' he'd never be my father."

Shaking his head he looked up at her, an old pain resurfacing in his eyes. There was also a firm determination to get her to understand. "So, do not compare me to that piece of shit. To any man like that. I ain't that. I ain't like men like that. Sure, I can't help bein' charming. My momma taught me that. But I treat women with respect. And when I fall in love... That woman will be the only woman for me. I won't do her wrong. I'll cherish her... Love her with every damn bone in my body. That is if I ever even get that chance."

Kristal stared at Billy in shock. His words had etched themselves into her heart. She was surprised by the fervent ardor in his voice. Why did it affect her so? Why did it pull at her heart? And why did she believe every word he said? She couldn't comment on anything he said, however. What could she even say anyway? She simply nodded and started to turn away again, when a thought came to her. "Your pa..."

"Stepfather. He was no pa to me," Billy clarified. When she winced, he realized how harsh that had come out.

"Step-pa then... What happened to him? I remember ya saying he left you, but do ya know where he went?" Kristal immediately shut her mouth after realizing that she was prying. Despite her curiosity, she knew better than to pry. But thankfully Billy didn't seem to be bothered by it.

"He didn't just leave, Kris, he abandoned me on an orphanages door step with nothin' more than a sack o' clothes to my name. He took my little brother and went to California, or so I hear. Happened right after momma died. He didn't even wait till she was cold in the ground..." There was bitterness in his tone as well as a burning hatred for the man that abandoned him. "He just took me to that damned orphanage and left me on the steps. Told me I was a good for nothing vagrant. That I'd always be good for nothin'. Said I'd end up nothin' more than a criminal and die that way. That ain't nobody wanted me... Even told me my Momma's death was my fault even though I knew it was his. He said I weren't his blood so he didn't have to take me in... To be a father to me and then... He... left. I was fourteen at the time."

Kristal felt her own rage ignite at what this man said and did to her friend. How could anyone do that to the child they were supposed to raise? A jolt went through her when she realized that Belle and Antrim had both committed atrocities. Only Billy hated Antrim for it, she could hear it in his voice. So, why was she still fighting with the idea of going back to Belle?

"Guess maybe he was right..." Billy's voice shook her out of her thoughts. "I am good for nothin'. He said I'd be a criminal and look at me now. I probably will die 'afore I ever know real love. Probably what I deserve. Seems everything around me falls apart. Why should anyone want to be with me? The only one that wanted me...that loved me for who I am...who I was...she's long gone."

A sigh left Kristal's lips and she turned back to the light. Her gaze slid over the shadows growing on Billy's face and frowned. He was spiraling again. Just like he had started spiraling back at the springs. The urge to help him was pushing past her previous emotions towards him. "He ain't right, Bonney. Ya ain't good fer nothin'. Ya got a big heart. Lot more'n what I see from men... We don't know what the future holds. Ya can still have love... Jus'... I dunno... don't be playin' women, like most do. Ya charm 'em... get their hopes up... an' leave 'em disappointed or bitter."

Billy's brows drew together. His face darkened for a moment before he lifted his face to look at Kristal. The light washed over his face in a soft glow as his gaze trailed over Kristal's. His heart skipped a beat as he looked at her. This woman was the only one he had ever opened up to, talked to about his past. She was a light pulling him out of his dark past. He had to make her understand that he would never play her like she assumed he would, "ya know, Kris... I wouldn't have kissed ya for the hell of it."

"Ya did back at the Agua Negra," she pointed out reminding him of the time at the river after they killed Morton and Baker.

"That was..." He paused a little sheepish, his hand moving to rub the back of his neck, "unwise on my part. You surprised me an' I went for it. I don't regret it though. And I ain't gonna lie... I did enjoy it." The corner of his lips twisted into his lopsided grin. "I apologize for surprising ya. But I ain't gonna apologize for the kiss when I liked it." And he'd do it again if he were able.

Lifting her gaze to him, Kristal rolled her eyes, "I'm sure ya did." However that smile of his gripped her heart and no matter how hard she wanted to turn away she couldn't. She did managed to lower her eyes though. "I strived so damn hard to keep from lettin' men kiss me. Ace tried. He got a scar that'll stay with him till he dies. Other men have tried an' I've given 'em a black eye, a bloody hole in their gut... Or put 'em in an early grave."

"But not me..." Billy couldn't keep himself from blurting out. Since he already committed word vomit he continued on out of curiosity. "Why not me?"

The fire crackled and sent embers into the air as silence surrounded Kristal. His question made her contemplate her reasoning. Finally she shook her blonde mane. "I dunno." She shrugged and turned her eyes to the fire. "Maybe 'cause I promised Tunstall I'd do my best to keep y'all safe. Y'all were important to him. He cared for all o' ya. I... failed with Dick... An' damn did I try..."

"Dick's death ain't your fault," Billy interceded not wanting her to beat herself up over it. "We were all a fool to think you left. If Dick believed in you, like we all should have, he never would have gone out there to confront Roberts. That was his choice."

Billy's words did little to ease her heart. Especially with Dick's sentimental words still echoing in her mind. She was still trying to make sense of what he said to her. "Either way, I feel responsible." She paused to bite her lower lip in thought. "As much as it goes against my very nature, I've come ta care about all of ya."

"Even me?" Billy blurted out before he could stop himself. Her statement had surprised the hell out of him and curiosity got the better of him.

A smirk pulled at her lip, a hint of amusement lighting her eyes at his shock. "Even you. Jus' don't tell no one. Can't let word get out that I may not hate all men."

Billy chuckled as Kristal shifted and unrolled her bed roll by the fire. "You're secret is safe with me." He wanted to say more but words failed him. Or maybe his mind was reeling so fast he didn't even know what to say. Instead he watched her as she flashed him that adorable half smile he had come to love. It sent his heart racing. He longed to get her to show that full illuminating smile that he rarely saw on her. But how? He would need to work on that during their time out.

"I feel... I need to clarify something though..." Billy began, hesitant. He was unsure how Kristal might take what he was about to say, but he needed to get it off his chest.

When she turned to look at him, there was questioning in those warm green eyes, lit up from the fire blazing nearby. Her face was aglow as well and he almost chickened out. Her beauty was so natural and real that it took his breath away. Part of him feared never being able to set his eyes on her again.

Clearing his throat, he continued, "when we were at the hot springs, I... uh..." He hated that she made him tongue-tied. This never happened with any other woman! "The kiss we shared... That was very real for me. I meant to kiss you, I wanted to kiss you... I...  had to kiss you. And if you ever choose to let me, I'd gladly do it again."

Even now he wanted to kiss her. He would kiss her a million times and hold her close to him if she would only let him, but he could see the shadows begin to slide over her face. She was starting to turn away from him, escaping towards the concealing darkness. Away from him. "I swear to you, Querida," Billy continued afraid if he stopped, she would disappear into the darkness and he would never see her again. "I did not kiss Marsa. She kissed me. She... took me by surprise. I would never jeopardize anything between you and me..." He stopped again noticing how her face darkened. Her jaw was tense and her eyes were growing distant and hard. She was closing herself off again. Damn! That had been a quick switch! How could he get her back?

"Your friendship is dear to me, Kris." The word friendship came out slow and careful. As much as he would have loved for more, he refused to scare her away. Honesty was best, yes, but something's were better left unsaid for now. "I'll be honest, I did enjoy our kiss. But I also respect your boundaries. I don't want to overstep. Nor do I want to lose you as a friend." It would crush him. Especially now that he wanted so desperately to see her as more than a friend.

A small light returned to her face and she caught her lip between her teeth again. The darkness was still lingering over the edges of her face as she warred with herself. Gnawing gently on her lower lip, she lowered her gaze in thought. Billy loved when she did that with her lip. It made her look softer, more innocent. It also made him want to pull her to him and hold her... and kiss her. But he had to mentally restrain himself and let her work through her thoughts.

"Ya ain't gonna lose my friendship," Kristal said at last. Her tone was graveled, as if she were still warring with her own thoughts. After a moment, she shook her head dismissing it all. "But I don't wanna talk 'bout kissin' no more. Or Marsa..." It made her uncomfortable. "Or really anything else... I'm tired. I'm gonna get some rest." And damn did she need it. She had only had a few hours of sleep in the past two days.

Relieved, Billy nodded deeply. "Sleep then Querida. I'll take watch."

As she laid down, Billy couldn't help but watch her out of the corner of his eye. He was happy to see that she fell asleep rather easily. But what tickled him even more, was the fact that they had such a deep heart to heart and she hadn't run away. Maybe there was some progress between them.

Hours drifted by and the fire grew low. Billy found himself dozing a few times but he'd jerk back awake as his head fell to his chest. By the fifth time he jerked awake, he heard a muffled sound coming from the sleeping woman. Stoking the fire, he placed a few more sticks over the burning coals and stood up.

Rounding the flames, he carefully approached Kristal's sleeping form. She was still asleep but her brows were furrowed and her teeth were grit together; he could see the tightness of her jaw. The sight of her tensing up made his heart ache. He wanted to reach out, to wake her but his hand went to his neck and the faint scar she left there months ago.

Instead, he sat next to her and reached out touching the silky softness of her golden mane. Gently caressing her head and running his fingers through her honeyed locks, Billy found himself falling even deeper for this beautiful woman.

Damn! He needed to be careful. If he let himself fall completely, and she never did the same, he would be heartbroken. There had already been so much loss in his life, he wasn't sure how much more he could take. As his gaze graced her features once more, he half wanted to throw caution to the wind. Perhaps his heart was a risk he was willing to take with her.

"It's alright, Querida." Billy gently cood to her. "I dunno what nightmares plague ya, but I'm here for you. Always." He continued to stroke her hair as he spoke. "I wish I could take it all away, mi Querida... Make it all better." It wasn't just a wish, it was a longing.

He leaned back, grateful that her saddle was there and that he could relax against it while he tried to calm her down from her nightmare. The woman then shifted, gravitating towards him. Her head lifted and rested on his leg and his eyes widened at first. Her arm then went over his leg as if she were cuddling with him. But he knew better. She was asleep and didn't know what she was doing.

"Shit..." He breathed as the warmth she filled him with flooded over him. The desire he often had to fight where she was concerned was filling him again. His gaze slid down to her face, her cheek pressed to his leg. Those bow shaped lips that he so wanted to kiss again parted slightly in a soft sigh.

She was content and Billy would not take any chances in moving her back over to her bedroll. As much as it was a struggle for him. He wanted to lift her into his arms and just hold her close to him. Instead, he gently ran his fingers through her hair. Her golden locks was like a burning sun in the low firelight. His breath caught in his throat realizing how caught up in her he was becoming.

Leaning his head back, he stared at the dark sky. Dawn was only a few hours away. The longer he stared at the sky, the more tired he began to feel. And with Kristal's warmth against him, he too was content. He would prefer her head resting on his chest, but this was still better than nothing. His eyes began to grow heavy and his head began to lull.

Soon, Billy was asleep.

In his sleep, he curled towards the warmth that was Kristal. His hand rested on her head, his fingers still woven in her hair. For the first time in a long while, Billy slept soundly and he knew it was because he had someone he cared deeply about at his side.

Dawn broke with a cool mist blanketing the ground. The air grew warm as the sun rose higher in the sky. The fire in the center was nothing more than a smolder as Kristal stirred. She was warm and quite comfortable. It was strange.

As she rolled over, she fell off something and hit the hard ground with a thud. "What the hell?" Her graveled messotone sounded under her breath. Eyeing the ground and then pushing herself into a sitting position she turned to see what she had fallen off of.

There Billy sat, asleep, curled slightly towards her. Had she been...? No! She couldn't have... Could she?

Sleeping next to Billy was one thing, but sleeping on him, even partially was another. Panic arose inside her and she quickly got to her feet and moved far away from the slumbering man. There was no way she was going to ask him what had happened even though she was dying inside with wonder.

Sensing her angst, Midnight moved towards her as she moved even further away from the blond man. The horse nudged her and she wrapped her arms around the mustang burying her face in the stallions black mane.

"What the hell is going on, 'Night....? Why the hell are all these weird things happening? All these strange emotions...?" Her voice was muffled and the horse nickered a little, his head nodding ever so slightly as if he were telling her he understood.

"That man makes me crazy!" The woman's voice was soft so the sleeping Billy wouldn't hear her. "Yet he makes me feel things I ain't ever felt before... Things I don't understand... Things I ain't even sure I wanna understand..." She stepped back and looked at the horse with worry in her eyes, "I just wanna get back to Fort Sumner as quick as possible."

"Mornin' Querida!" Billy called out from his spot on the ground. He noticed she was already awake, standing with her horse. It was a curious thing for him. What was she doing? "Want me to make some coffee before we head out?"

"Nah, let's just get going." She wanted to be done with this place and this stupid dinner-thing and get back to the others as soon as possible.

"Are ya sure...? I know ya like to have coffee in the mornin'..." Billy was staring at her with confusion. It was unlike Kristal to turn down coffee. Something was wrong.

"I'm sure!" Kristal exclaimed cutting Billy off. "We can have coffee once we get to Agua Blanco. I jus' wanna get goin'."

"Very well." Billy eyed her curiously noticing her odd behavior. "Let's get the horse's saddled and we can be on our way." He glanced at her once more and then eyed the spot they had slept at -- she kept staring at it like it would bite her -- which made him even more confused. Shaking his head, he moved to saddle up his horse.

**

Twenty minutes later they were on their way across the bare plains and deserts of Texas. The rest of the ride to Agua Blanco was uneventful. The two had chatted a little, but mostly Kristal remained quiet. And to Billy's dismay, she never once looked in his direction .

By early afternoon they arrived in the bustling and growing town of Agua Blanco. Billy had been there a couple times, but even he was surprised to see the growth of the town. Nestled about three hours from the border of New Mexico and Texas, the buildings were a pristine white with brick foundation. A church bell rang out somewhere in the distance and Billy figured it was a church service. Must be Sunday, he mused to himself.

The little Mexican cafe he wanted to take Kristal to was still at the end of the street, but there was also a fancier restaurant in the center of town attached to a grand hotel that was three stories tall. That has not been here the last time he was in town. About four buildings down from the hotel sat the old saloon Billy had gambled at before. However, across from it was a brightly colored Theater with a large sign announcing a vaudeville show playing in the evenings. That piqued Billy's interest. Perhaps he could get the blonde to join him for a play? He figured he was probably in over his head, but he would try anyway.

"We'll probably need to get a room for the night," Billy offered, breaking the silence. The whole ride and absence of chatter made him feel a little awkward, like there was a wall between him and Kristal. How had the situation turned to that?

"We gonna be here that long?" Kristal's voice sounded, annoyed. Her gaze, however, was alert, green eyes roaming the throng of people on the street. She still wasn't looking his way, her attention on a pair of men that took notice of their arrival.

Billy shrugged, "at least till tomorrow." He turned his horse towards the hotel before motioning to the cafe. "I'll go get our rooms. Ya can go to the cafe an' get yer coffee. I don't wanna keep ya. We all know you're an angry wildcat when ya ain't got your coffee."

Glancing back at him, Kristal rolled her eyes at his little epithet. However, learning the trip might be longer than she expected caused her brow to rise. For a brief moment she looked like she was going to comment on it before she simply nodded. "Jus' make sure ya get two rooms. No pullin' a fast one on me."

The blond man laughed. If he knew he could get away with it, he might have done just that — get only one room to share. It would save money. And he wouldn't mind sharing a bed with her. He knew better though. Still, he would act mildly offended just to rile Kristal up some. "I wouldn't dare! Ya might threaten me again." A crooked smile appeared on Billy's lips as he teased the feisty woman.

"Funny." The words came out in a sarcastic growl. "I can do more'n jus' threaten."

"I'm well aware. But I know ya won't do nothin' 'cause ya got a soft spot for me, I just know it." Billy tapped his nose, winked flirtatiously, and turned his horse away from her before she could respond.

Kristal frowned after his retreating figure and swore inwardly. She hated that he wasn't wrong in that. But it was the same with all the Regulators, not just him.

Turning, her eyes scanned the town. Agua Blanco had grown since she had last been here. Granted, it had been about three or so years, but the quaint town was more like a bustling city now. It unnerved her. Big cities made her antsy. Too many folk meant too many eyes that might recognize her. Especially in the state of Texas.

Even as she sat astride her horse, Kristal felt like she was being watched. It sent the hairs on the back of her neck on end. Green eyes scanned the bustling street but no one stood out. Shaking her head, she urged Midnight towards the cafe. Maybe she was just being paranoid? Or maybe she was still tired? Coffee would at least help her exhaustion. She doubt anything could help her paranoia of being back in this town.

***

The hotel that stood tall on the opposite corner of the saloon was grand in its design. It rose to a proud height of three stories tall with an elaborate staircase leading up to the second and third floor. It hadn't been there the last time Billy had been in town, but he was glad that it was now. Good thing he had saved up a bit for this opportunity to spend time with Kristal.

Walking up to the front desk, Billy smiled at the fancy dressed clerk behind the counter. "Two rooms please."

"Sorry, Sir. We have one room left. The vaudeville show is in town and there are quite a few out-of -towners staying here. Awful good for business." The slick-haired man grinned back.

Scratching at the barely visible scruff at his chin, Billy frowned. Kris would not be okay with sharing a room that much he knew. "Guess I don't have much of a choice. I'll take it." He would have to find another place to sleep. Perhaps the saloon would have a an extra room for him. If he had to, he'd sleep in the stables with the horses. Wouldn't be the first time. But he was not going to jeopardize this time with the fiery woman.

After receiving the key, Billy thanked the fancy clerk and exited the hotel. Walking down the boardwalk toward the cafe, Billy whistled the whole way. He was excited to spend time with the spirited Kristal, just the two of them. With any luck, they would get to know each other even better and he could ask to court her. His whistling faltered as the thought of her turning him down crossed his mind. He would come to that road if and when it should happen.

Minutes later he entered the small cafe and spied her sitting alone along the edge of the back wall. Ever vigilant, the woman was facing the doorway. She was always alert for any sign of danger. Sometimes Billy wondered if it was exhausting to be on edge all the time? However, as he walked closer to her, he noticed her eyes were not on the front door, but on a table towards the front. A girl sat there with a young man minding their own business. So why was Kristal staring at them? Shaking his head, Billy slid into a chair opposite the fiery blonde. He watched as she pulled her gaze away from the table, took a sip of her coffee and only then did she finally turn to face him.

"No problems, I trust?" Kristal queried in between taking a drink of her coffee.

"None at all." Billy claimed raising a hand to get the waitresses attention. "Your room is on the second floor. Number twelve." He slid the key to her as the waitress rounded a nearby table heading towards them. When she approached he ordered a cup of coffee, eggs and toast. He was hungry but didn't want to eat too much. "Did you eat?"

When Kristal shook her head, the boy sighed and ordered the same breakfast for the spitfire across from him as well, urging her to eat. As the serving woman drifted away, Billy watched his fiery companion as her gaze grew distant. He had a feeling she was staring at the table across the way again. "The vaudeville show's in town, Kris," Billy announced when the annoying absence of sound drifted between them. "We should go see it! It'd be fun!"

"Vaudeville?" Kris queried absentmindedly, a brow rising as if waiting for a punchline. The blonde shook her head, her eyes sliding back on him. A frown pulled at her lips seeing Billy's expression full of hope, his smile genuine, like a child's wishing for something he really wanted. "Yer serious?" At his eager nod, the woman rolled her eyes. She didn't want to disappoint, but it didn't sound fun to her. "I don't do theater." Shaking her head again, she tilted her head and pointed to herself. "Do I really look like someone who would go to the theater? I ain't like them fancy folk. I'm jus'... me."

The eager boy shrugged. "Ya look like a gal who would enjoy a fun night out," Billy said with a grin. "I think you might surprise yourself. We can go after dinner? Please, Querida. Watchin' a play or seein' a performance is entertainin' and never disappoints."

"I dunno Billy..." Kristal's tone was hesitant, but it wasn't firm. His eager and hopeful expression was getting to her. How could she say no to him? Especially like this. "I ain't ever been to a vaudeville show before. Hell, I ain't ever set foot inside a theater. That shit is for them fancy folk. And I ain't one of them. Never will be either."

"It ain't." Billy argued. "And even if it was, who cares. Us common riff-raff can enjoy some music and a show can't we?" A grin lit his face, "I don't care what anyone thinks about me and neither should you."

"I don't..." And she didn't. She just knew her place in the world and it wasn't amongst high society. It was the way she liked it anyway. The fancy and high society folk annoyed her, she never wanted to be a part of that life. Grumbling under her breath, Kris could not think of a good enough reason to say no to going and finally relented. "Fine. But I ain't wearing nothing fancy."

"I do still got that dress..." he couldn't help but tease a little. When she glared at him, he laughed. "You could wear whatever you want, Querida. No need to wear a dress."

"Good." It was all she said before her eyes drifted over to somewhere behind Billy again.

A brow rose as Billy watched her. He assumed she was staring at the table with the girl again. As much as he wanted to turn around, he managed to keep facing forward. His mouth opened, about to ask about why she was staring when the waitress returned with their food.

"Here you go, sweet darlin's," the older lady said with a broad smile as she set the plates of steaming food down. "Enjoy."

"Thank ya kindly ma'am," Billy responded without missing a beat while not taking his eyes off of Kristal.

Blinking, Kristal turned her attention back to their table. Her eyes went down to the plate of food and she heaved a heavy sigh. "I didn't need any food, Bonney. I don't eat breakfast very often."

"I'm not fighting you on this, Kris. You need to eat. You hardly ever eat and when you do it's about as much as a bird." The wild boy scolded not about to let her off so easily. When she rolled her eyes and picked up the toast and took a bite, Billy nodded satisfied and did the same.

As the two ate, Billy glanced up at her to catch her glancing behind him again. "Why do you keep looking behind me, Querida? What are you staring at?"

"That gal over there, with that red haired fella, she keeps staring at me," Kristal stated, her brows drawing together showcasing her worry.

"Does she know ya?" Billy asked as he lifted a fork full of egg into his mouth. "Or do you know her?"

"I don't recognize her. But if ya remember, I'm kinda well known 'round these parts." Her hand reached up to twirl a blonde strand of hair around her finger no longer touching her food.

"I wouldn't worry about it, Kris. Eat up and then we can get outta here so she won't be starin' at ya no more." The blond waved away her concern remembering the poster Wilkes had showed him. "Only those that know ya personally would put two and two together. It ain't like ya look like them posters they have on ya."

Relaxing just a little, Kristal released her hair and picked up her fork. He was right, if she hurried they could get out of there and be away from the girl's stares. It was unnerving for Kristal. Being wanted in the state of Texas made her leery of anyone and everyone. She quickly finished her meal and gathered her hat and the key to her room before she stood. "Ready?"

"Yes ma'am!" Billy replied with a bright smile also done with his food. He offered to take her arm in his, but she refused. Instead she glared at him and walked towards the exit leaving him behind.

Exiting the cafe, Kristal blinked back the sunlight from her eyes as she placed her beat up Stetson back on her head. Her swift gaze scanned the streets. To her relief it was clear of anything suspicious. A few people milled about doing their daily rituals. The shopkeeper down the way was sweeping the front of his shop. A boy was peddling the local newspaper to passerby's. A woman was coaxing her son to get out of a wagon. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary. And even better, there was no lawman in sight.

"I think I'm gonna head to the general store. Gotta pickup a few things." Coming up beside her, Billy followed her gaze to the townspeople that pattered about. "What'chu gonna do?"

"I think I'm gonna head to my room for a bit. Clean up some... see if they got a bath." What she really wanted was to relax for a little bit before dinner and that damned vaudeville show Billy wanted to go to.

Billy had to bite his tongue so he didn't say something inappropriate like he wanted to. She didn't seem to be in the mood for his antics so he nodded instead. "Alright then, I'll let ya relax. I'll probably head to the saloon for a game of cards after. So ya can pro'lly find me there." Despite Kristal being like the average women he knew, he had no idea how long she might take to wash up. Preparing to walk away, he paused and glanced back at her, "d'ya need anything at the mercantile, Querida?"

The woman just waved a hand in dismissal. "I'm good, thanks. I'll see ya in a bit."

A grin lit his face and his eyes danced with amusement. "I'll wait with bated breath." Billy couldn't resist teasing the woman. It was just so easy and he enjoyed it more than anything else.

"Don't hold yer breath too long, ya'll kill over," came her dry response. But when Billy looked back at her, he caught her looking his way with a smirk on her face.

Inhaling sharply, Billy couldn't deny that the wry expression on her face did something to him. His heart pounded and his stomach did a little flip. God damn he was hopelessly smitten. "At least I'll die happy... thinkin' of you," he called back. He knew his remark would jolt her. He noticed she stopped to stare, but he just turned and walked away whistling a jaunty tune.

****

Twenty minutes later, Billy exited the mercantile and glanced down the street half hoping to see Kristal heading his way. Of course that was wishful thinking. She was probably still bathing. The thought of her in a bath made his stomach start to flip and a warmth filled his lower abdomen. He needed a distraction from the woman and he knew just the way to do it.

Stuffing the small package he had purchased into his pocket, he turned toward the saloon. Again he started to whistle as he walked, nodding his head to those he passed in polite greeting.

"Excuse me!" A soft timid voice lifted above those walking by. "Excuse me, sir?"

Billy paused and glanced around, his brows narrowing as the young woman from the cafe approached him. The young man with her kept one step behind her, protective. The resemblance between the two was uncanny. Siblings, Billy assumed. Upon closer expection, Billy noticed the red-haired young man had a burn scar across the side of his face. When the young woman reached out to him, he noticed the same burns on her hands. A brow rose as he paused to let them catch up to him.

"What can I do for you, miss?" Billy asked. He was trying to be polite, but he was also leery. This woman was the same woman that Kristal had been watching. The same woman that had also been staring at Kristal apparently as well.

"Can I speak with you..." the woman paused and glanced around before her warm brown eyes landed back on him, "privately?"

Billy's smile faltered. Worry tightened his chest. Did this have something to do with Kristal? He was not about to let any danger come to her. His gaze caught the entrance to an alleyway and he motioned toward it. "We can speak there."

The woman tilted her head in the direction he pointed and then nodded. Within moments the three were halfway down the alley, behind some crates to keep anyone from noticing them should someone look. The young woman took a deep breath as Billy leaned against the opposite wall.

Worry crossed Billy's blue eyes and he crossed his arms over his chest waiting for either of the siblings to speak. As his gaze tilted towards the red haired brother, he realized that he hadn't heard him say anything. Only the woman spoke. "What is it ya wanted to speak to me about?"

"Well..." The woman glanced at her brother nervously, fingers twisting at her skirt. At his nod of encouragement, she continued. "My name is Sarah-Grace O'Malley and this is my brother Austin." She swallowed, a nervous reflex, as she hesitated in continuing.

"Billy." It was all the introduction he felt these two strangers needed. Something felt odd about these two and he wasn't quite sure what to think of them just yet.

"Oh... it's a pleasure." Sarah-Grace nodded her head in polite greeting and dipped in a gentle curtsy. Her brother followed suit with a simple nod.

Blue eyes again flicked to the red-haired young man and narrowed. Why had the boy not said a word? Did the sister do all the talking? "Not to be rude, but I can't be long. My friend will be lookin' for me soon."

"Your friend?" The girl queried though it wasn't really meant to be a question. It was more a statement than anything else. "By friend, you mean Kristal Starr?"

The wild blond's heart nearly stopped at that question. How did these siblings know who Kristal was? He pushed off the wall becoming defensive. "I don't know who you're talkin' about."

The silent boy took a step in front of his sister. A protective stance to keep Billy from doing anything to her. Little did the other boy know, Billy would never harm a woman. When the young man made a wild gesture, Billy's hand ticked towards his gun belt.

The woman, however, merely made soft calming noises to ease the man and settle him down. "I'm sorry, my brother is very protective." A sigh blew through her lips as she lifted her gaze back to Billy. "The woman you're with is Kristal Starr. I wasn't sure at first, but when I saw her look at me, I knew... Her eyes, the scar along her jaw... I remember her clearly."

The man next to her nodded and motioned to his hair. The woman mirrored his nod and smiled, "yes, and her golden hair."

"It ain't gold," Billy found himself repeating Kristal's words from a conversation she had with them a while back. "Why do you think she's Kristal Starr?"

The young Miss O' Malley's expression shifted to worry. "Oh, did you not know who she really was? I'm so sorry.... I... Didn't even think she might be under a sort of cover." The woman began to back peddle, "heavens!  Perhaps I am wrong... Its been such a long time..."

Confusion filled Billy's eyes. What exactly did this woman want? Was she there to get Kristal in trouble? To announce that she was an outlaw? If so, this woman seemed perturbed by announcing Kristal's name.

"I just... I was hoping to give her a message... That you could give her our message... But since... Well, since I might be mistaken..." Taking a small step back, the young O'Malley girl began to turn away.

The brother began making dramatic gestures again and then pointed to his watch. Billy assumed the man was pressed for time. Cornflower blue eyes slid over the boy. The brother appeared to be a year or two younger than him and had a reddish brown mark along his right jaw, ear, and neck. If Billy were to guess, the marks were burn scars.

"Look, I don't know why your lookin' for  Kristal, but slingin' that name around will definitely bring some unwanted attention. 'Specially to folk you don't know." This duo was starting to make him nervous. "If your lookin' to start trouble maybe you best be on your way."

"Trouble?" The young woman looked confused. "Oh no! No, not at all!" The girl looked visibly upset, her lips curling into a frowny-sort-of-pout. "I would never wish any trouble on Kristal. Ever." A flicker of hurt washed over Miss O' Malley's features as she glanced at her brother. "I... we... Owe her our very lives."

The young man also appeared shook by that very statement. Anger then flooded Austin's eyes and his chest puffed out. He made a threatening gesture which caused Billy's hand to twitch towards his gun once more.

"Austin, my brother, is offended you would even think that. Especially when she nearly died trying saving his life." Shaking her head, she placed a hand on her brother's arm and tried to lead him back towards the street. "I'm sorry to have bothered you sir... We have been mistaken...  We shall take our leave." Sarah-Grace was pressed for time as it is, but she would wait to speak to Kristal rather than possibly get her in trouble.

It was Billy's turn to be in shock. Had the girl just mentioned that Kristal, *his Querida*, saved this young man's life. The duo were almost to the street when he called out to them. "Wait! I do know about who you're talkin' 'bout." When they glanced back, he motioned them back to the far end of the alley and again made sure they had no eavesdroppers.

"I do know, Kris. Or Kristal Starr as ya know her." He gave a sheepish smile and inwardly smirked when the girl blushed. "She's my friend an' I can't be too careful around these parts since she's wanted an' all." His smile grew, "I was afraid y'all were out to get her caught." He sighed, "y'all need to be careful where ya sling that name though. Ya can get Kris in a heap of trouble if ya ain't careful."

Miss O'Malley smiled back at Billy, her blush spreading at the handsome boy's attention on her. When she realized what the blond man said, fear gripped her features. "Oh! No! We don't want that!" Warm brown eyes grew frantic and she turned to her brother with worry. "We don't want any harm to come to Kristal. Like I said, she saved Austin's life, and mine as well as our aunt and uncle. We owe her everything!"

Blond brows rose up high in surprise. He knew Kristal wasn't as cold hearted as she made herself to seem, but saving a whole family from death's door, that was practically saintly. "Well this I gotta hear. Kris is always so... aggressive, hostile... Never would o' guessed she was keen on actually savin' innocent lives." Billy kept his attention on the girl, finding it amusing that she couldn't stop blushing. "Why don't your brother tell it?" He was curious why the boy hadn't said a word the entire time.

"Oh..." Sarah-Grace blew out a sad sigh. "Austin hasn't been able to talk since the incident." Her gaze fell and this time it was the boy who placed a hand on her arm as if in encouragement. The corner of Miss O'Malley's lips quirked in an effort of a smile grateful for her brother's presence. "It was nearly a year ago when a group of riders showed up at my parents doorstep. There were five of them. Two women and three men. One of the women was older. The other young. It was Kristal."

Taking a breath, the young woman paused a moment to gather her thoughts. Finally she continued, "they asked for a place to stay for the night and my Daddy said they could sleep in the barn, but the women folk could sleep in my room. They agreed. Late that night one of the men went after my mother. My father caught him and shot him dead. Well, the older woman didn't appreciate that any. She went after my Daddy but stopped when both my momma and brother also held a gun on them. The old woman swore vengeance and they all left."

"Days later Daddy found Kristal at the far end of the pasture with a bullet in her arm. Daddy of course took her in. Momma nursed her back to health. When she was on the mend my aunt and uncle were on their way to visit when they yelled out that the barn was on fire. Daddy panicked not knowing where Austin and I were. Out of no where the old woman, Belle Starr appeared out of the smoke holding me by the hair." Here the girl slowed and closed her eyes. Pain flickered over her face. The mute brothers hand tightened on comfort and she finally spoke to continue.

"Belle was holding me by my hair, a gun against my cheek. She wanted Kristal back and to get revenge. The crazed old woman had... her men... beat up Austin and tied him hanging from the rafters by his throat."

"She hung him?" Billy looked horror stricken. "That bitch hung a boy?"

Sarah-Grace winced and nodded. "Kristal apparently had seen it happen though and was inside the burning barn as I was being held by the older Starr. She got Austin out of there. His clothes were on fire and she rolled with him to get it out. But... Austin was already badly burned... And his throat... Irreparable." The girl swallowed and shook her head, her eyes dazed reliving a painful memory.

"My momma was already dead. Belle shot her in the back when she had raced to the barn to help Austin. My Aunt and Uncle were being tied to their wagon as my daddy confronted Belle, as the woman still held her weapon on me. My daddy was unarmed, begging Belle to let me go... She refused. Belle was crazy with rage, screaming for Keistal..."

"It wasn't until Kristal came into view that Belle calmed down some. But it wasn't enough. She ordered Kristal to put down my father. When she refused, Belle took the liberty of roughing me up some. Kristal stood there... I remember seeing the pain on her face before her expression went smooth. It was a standoff, least that's what it seemed. Belle was trying to see if Kristal would obey, but she made no move for her weapon. My daddy told her to get out of there, to stay far away from Belle. It was then Belle shot him. I figure she didn't want to listen to him anymore more."

The girl sniffed, the memory causing tears to spring to her eyes. It was all still fresh in her memory.

"You don't have to continue." Billy offered seeing her distress. "I can see that it's painful for you." Even as he said those words he grimaced inwardly. He wanted to hear more. But he wasn't going to push.

"The rest was kind of a blur. After watching my daddy die, I was just numb. I knew I was probably next though... That Belle wasn't going to let any of us live. Belle drug me by my hair to a horse. I remember her tying my hands and... Then she took off with the horse, dragging me behind. It didn't last long, though. Kristal came and somehow freed me and pulled me onto her horse. She took me to where Austin was. In pain but alive before she left again. It was a while later that she returned with my aunt and uncle. My uncle was beat up pretty bad, but both were alive."

Finally Miss O'Malley lifted her eyes to Billy and sighed, "Kristal saved us... If it weren't for her, my entire family would be dead. Austin and I owe her our lives." She shook her head. "When she left, we though we'd never see her again. I was so afraid that Belle Starr would hurt her. But when I saw her today in the café, I couldn't believe it."

"She didn't seem to recognize you." Billy said with his own shake of his head. Or maybe she was acting like she didn't know them to keep him from asking questions.

"Well, we've both grown... Perhaps that's why? It's been about three years." The young woman appeared thoughtful and her brother tapped her arm before showing her his pocket watch. "Oh... We don't have much time. We're heading to Charleston to live with family there. We're through with this wild and untameable west." She then reached out to Billy and took his hand. "Will you give this to Kristal, please. We had hoped to see her ourselves and thank her for all she did, but time has run away from us. Please, will you do this?"

"Of course." Billy said surprised at the bold motion. "I'd do anything for Kris, especially if it makes her happy. And I think she'll be happy to know y'all are well and good."

"Thank you so much!" The girl abruptly wrapped her arms around Billy in a hug and then turned to her brother who held his hand out for Billy to shake. Once they did, they quickly said their goodbyes and hurried away to the awaiting stage.

Billy followed them out of the alley and watched them board the stagecoach. His gaze lingered on the wheeled carriage as it began to roll out of town, but his mind was elsewhere. Kristal claimed to have no heart, yet she helped innocent folk like the O'Malley's. The story he had been told made him wonder about Kristal's side of it all. What would she say about it? Maybe he would ask her over dinner and give the wrapped item in his pocket to her then.

Cornflower blue eyes slid to the hotel and he considered what to do now while letting Kristal rest. Laughter sounded across the way and drew his attention. The saloon was already lively for an early afternoon. A game of cards was calling his name. Sliding his hands into his pocket, he started to whistle as he walked towards the bustling building.