An hour later, Kristal found herself heading into town with John and Billy. It was nice to get some fresh air, though she wasn't too thrilled to be riding in a wagon. She missed riding her horse. Midnight, was honestly her best and only friend, despite him being a horse. She doted on the ebony colored Mustang. Now, she sat beside Tunstall in the front seat, with Bonney sitting in the wagon bed. Kris couldn't help but grin remembering the look on the blond man's face when John told him to get into the back. He hadn't been happy that she got to ride shotgun. And now he was sitting in the back still pouting with his back to her. God, he could be such a child.

Thinking back on the last several days, Kristal was honestly surprised by how much she had found herself enjoying her time at the Tunstall Ranch, despite her recent tiff with Dick. John was a man of honor and held all of them, including her in such high esteem and respect. It was far different than what she was used to. Her childhood growing up had not been a good one, and when Belle had deemed her old enough, she had joined the gang. A gang full of crude, cold, and demeaning men, who thought they could tame her in more ways than one. They wanted to use her which meant she had to prove herself every day that she was tough and wouldn't allow any man to touch, talk, or even look at her like she was something that needed to be broken in. Being here with Tunstall and the Regulators was very different than the men she was used to.

They soon rode into town, Kristal taking in the sights. She had not yet been in the town of Lincoln. They rode passed a saloon, which had bawdy laughter and singing ringing out. Her eyes followed the building noticing a few men standing outside watching their entrance into town. Ducking her head, she pulled her hat a bit lower shadowing her face noticing that the men that watched them were some of the same that had come out to Tunstall's ranch with Murphy and Sheriff Brady.

Tunstall pulled up in front of his store where they all got out of the wagon. "I have a meeting with my lawyer, Alex McScween. I'll meet you at Ellis' Store. In the meantime why don't you go pick out some dinner clothes and, if needed, anything else you might need." The Englishman smiled at both of them before walking off, leaving Billy and Kristal alone.

"Why were you staring at those shitheads when we came in?" Billy accused turning to the blonde woman abruptly.

"I like ta be aware o' m' surroundin's. Ya should try it sometime, Bonney. Maybe it'll help ya." She clapped him on the shoulder and headed for the store keeping her head down so no one recognized her. She wasn't sure if her notoriety had come this far yet, but she didn't want to take any chances.

As she walked, a burly man walked towards her. Kris tried to move around him, but he purposely walked into her, shoving her into the street. Her hat went flying, long blonde hair blowing wild in the breeze. "Why don't ya watch where yer goin' ya asshole!" she growled picking herself and her hat up.

As she dusted her hat off, the man had stopped and turned toward her. "I don't take no lip from a boy not yet a real man," the burly man shouted lewdly. He came at the supposed boy before stopping, his mouth dropping open in apparent shock. "God! Yer a girl! Hard to tell with you dressed like that and speaking the way ya do."

Lifting burning eyes on the man, her hair still blowing in the breeze. "An' yer mouths droopin'. Gonna catch flies if'n ya don't shut it." Kris said moving back onto the boardwalk ignoring the man looking her up and down, a gleam forming in his dark eyes. Why did men feel they could look at a woman like they were a piece of meat?

"You know, you can be a right pretty thing if you just dressed appropriately -- like a young woman should," the man said still in surprise, yet his voice switched to disdain.

Placing her hat back on her head, the blonde paused."An' you can kiss m' ass," Kristal hissed. She hated when men told her that. She dressed how she liked and no one was going to tell her any different.

"Why you..." The grungy man began, lifting a hand as if he were going to hit her, but then thought better of it. "If you really were a boy, I'd take you over my knee."

"What ya think because I'm a girl I can't beat yer ass? Bring it darlin'. I'd love to prove ya wrong!" Kris snarled at the much older man, briefly forgetting her injury.

"Ya know what, since you wanna dress like a boy, I'll treat you like one." He moved to grab her and then stopped, hesitating, his eyes narrowing.

"Jus' 'cause I said I could beat yer ass, doesn't mean I'd play fair." Her gun was now in her hand and pointed directly at him, the hammer clicking back into place. She meant business. "Now, if ya don't want a hole in yer head, I suggest ya move along. I ain't in the mood ta be detained any longer."

With now raised hands, the man nodded, his eyes remaining on her. "You best watch your back, girlie. You just made an enemy." He slowly backed away before turning around and headed back the way he was originally going.

"Yeah? That right? Ya can get in the damn line with all the rest!" Kristal's irritation and anger had escalated and she turned her eyes on Billy who was watching her with amusement while leaning against a nearby post. "Thanks fer the help, " she snarled at him.

The blond man laughed, "what are ya talkin' about? Ya would have just told me to stay out of it. Or to butt out or some other colorful sarcasm ya always come up with." His blue eyes were dancing with mirth as he watched her.

"I loathe you," was all Kristal said to which Billy laughed. Though, she knew he wasn't wrong. She probably would have told him to back off, only because she felt she could handle it all on her own, which she had indeed handled it. She hadn't needed his help. But still... Billy certainly wasn't any sort of gentlemen to be sure. Turning away from him, she headed back towards where she had seen the clothing store.

"You know, that asshole had a point. Why don't you wear dresses?" Billy questioned, hurrying after her.

"Don't like 'em. Why should I?" Again, she snapped at him, saying very minimal.

"Why not?" he persisted. "Heaven forbid ya look like a girl," Bonney laughed obviously finding it funny.

Kristal finally stopped just outside the store and turned to look at Billy, a hand flying to her chest as if wounded. "Ya mean ta tell me, I don't look like a girl? An' all this time I thought I was the epitome of feminine grace an' beauty." Her tone was dark, sarcasm oozing from every word. "Fergive me if I ain't yer idea of what a woman should look like, Bonney. Or don't. Not like I give a damn either way." Fire was now flashing in her eyes before she turned and walked into the store leaving Billy gaping behind.

~~~~~

The blond man pressed his lips together mulling over the girl's harsh words. Billy still didn't understand why she dressed the way she did. It wasn't that she looked terrible dressed the way she was, but that feminine grace and elegance was definitely lacking. She was definitely not his type even though he did enjoy getting under her skin. It was far too easy and he enjoyed it more than he let on. Still, there was something about her that drew him to her; he couldn't quite figure out why or what it was.

Heaving a sigh, he shook his head to clear his thoughts and followed her inside. The blue-eyed young man looked around and nodded to the store owner in greeting. He ignored the blonde woman for now. Tunstall had told him to find a nice pair of supper clothes and he aimed on making that happen.

"Can I help you?" the stiff looking shop owner asked.

Billy just shook his head, "nah, I'm just lookin'."

"If you need anything let me know," the man said eyeing them both carefully.

Billy chuckled; he wondered if the owner thought they were going to steal from him. With a shake of his head, he easily picked out a fresh shirt, vest, jacket and slacks along with a hat. Satisfied, he smirked and gave a nod before handing them over to the shop owner. "These'll do just fine."

"Would you like to put them on -- to check measurements? My wife can alter them if needed," the man said still rigid.

"Sure!" Billy grinned. Trying on his new duds would make him feel like a new man. He loved the feeling. Turning he saw Kristal still looking around. He nearly guffawed seeing her wrinkle her nose at a particular frilly dress and began to move passed it. "Why don'cha try it on? I bet it'll do wonders to that feminine charm ya were goin' on about."

The woman lifted her head to him, glaring daggers his way. "Why don't ya keep yer opinions ta yer damn self."

"Sorry, can't do that. They just burst forth at random." Billy looked to the shop owner with a mischievous smile, "why don't ya fit her in a dress. Lord knows she needs one."

Mr. Ellis, the shop owner, looked between the two curiously, before his eyes landed on the girl. "I can. If the young miss likes?"

"No, I don't like!" Kristal snapped at the older man. "Bonney, one o' these days yer smart mouth is gonna get ya into trouble... It'll be the happiest day o' my life."

The blond man laughed, enjoying getting a rise out of her. "Happiest day of your life huh? Maybe one day you'll get your wish. But, I bet you'll also be regrettin' it." He couldn't get enough of teasing her and winked at the feisty girl.

Unafraid he moved closer and lifted the purple frilly dress off the rack and held it up to her. "Yeah, that'll do. Ya might even look quite lovely. Make all the other girls jealous." He had to admit, just seeing her with the dress against her, she looked... different. Nice even. Like a girl should. He bet she could be quite pretty if she tried.

However, Kristal pushed the dress away, eyes flashing with what he guessed was anger or maybe irritation. Perhaps both? "Jealous? Why? 'Cause I'd be wearin' a dress?"

Billy cut her off, "that and you're seen with me." It was said arrogantly and he puffed out his chest. "Ya might just look like a lady."

"I've never wanted to be a lady. Thought I made that clear earlier." She snarled at first. "An' seen with you? As if yer someone worth bein' seen with?" Kris added, annoyed amusement in her voice.

"I'll have you know, that many a lady happen to find me quite fetching and a real catch." Billy told her, rocking back and forth on his heels proud.

"Oh-ho! Many a lady? What kind o' gals were these? Whores? After yer money an' nothin' else?" His eyes darkened, and she continued. "If I could help it, I wouldn't be seen with ya. But unfortunately, I ain't got much of a choice fer the time bein'."

Blue eyes darkened on her, a sliver of irritation flashing in his blue hues, but it quickly disappeared. "Ah, you'd miss me. Ya know ya would. I'd be on your mind all the time."

"Bonney, you disgust me. I don't think 'bout you at all, unless it's when yer annoyin' the shit outta me. Then all I think about is draggin' a knife across yer neck." A cold smirk pulled at the corner of her lips. "Which happens all too often lately. The thought of starin' down at yer cold, lifeless body is oddly satisfyin'."

"You're just foolin' yourself, Kris. Ya love me and ya know it." Billy laughed, not caring at all that she just said she preferred to see him dead. If anything it amused him more.

The woman rolled her eyes dramatically, "Love you? I wouldn't be caught dead with you, if you were the last man on this goddamn earth. I'd rather put a bullet in my head." Her eyes then lowered to the dress he was still holding. "Ya wanna see what the dress looks like, you wear it."

"You'll warm up to me, Kris. And when you do, you'll be eatin' those words." His eyes held a mischievous glint, as if accepting some sort of unsaid challenge. He laughed then and when he was finally able to take a breath, Billy looked at her then to the dress. "That's funny. Pretty sure this dress would look better on you though."

"I agree. It's quite lovely. Why not try it on, my dear?" Tunstall said as he came in, only hearing the tail end of their conversation. "If you like it, I'll get it for you."

Billy waggled his eyebrows at her and pushed the dress back towards her. "Come on, Kris. Just try it on."

"It is a nice dress. One of our finest," the store owner added.

"I loathe you," Kristal hissed at Billy again, feeling suddenly cornered by all the men in the room. Lifting her head to Mr. Ellis and Tunstall. "I appreciate it, but it's quite alright. I don't want a dress. I don't wear dresses ever. But thank ya anyway."

A frown tugged at John's mouth, taking the dress from Billy and offering it to Kristal. "Why not just try it on? No harm in that is there?"

"Because..." Kristal started, frowning. She hated being put on the spot. "Because..." Kris tried again, but an older lady came into the room from the back raising her hands up, waving them around to get their attention.

"Leave the poor girl alone. If she doesn't wish to wear a dress why make her?" Eliza Ellis, the store owner's wife announced coming to the frazzled girls aid.

All eyes turned to the woman before John spoke up. "We have the New Year's party coming up. Wouldn't you like to wear something new, my dear?" the Englishman asked, his eyes going back to the blonde girl. He had hoped she would be willing to wear a dress, but apparently, that wasn't going to happen, much to his dismay.

Kristal felt a bit guilty for disappointing John, but she loathed dresses. Belle had tried to get her to wear a dress once, and when the woman turned around she had thrown it into the fireplace. "I wouldn't mind new, but a dress is not somethin' I'd be willin' ta wear." She thought about apologizing, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had nothing to be sorry for.

Billy who had been losing interest in the conversation shrugged and gathered up his clothes. "You said I could try these on?"

The owner of the store nodded and led the young blond man away, leaving Tunstall behind with the women, dress still in hand.

Blowing through her teeth, Mrs. Ellis turned her attention solely on the blonde girl. "Now, my dear. Why don't I help you find what you want. If you want a dress, I'd be happy to help you. If not, then I can help you with whatever else." Her gaze landed on Tunstall, and Eliza rolled her deep brown eyes, "do you mind John? I'll help the lass. You have nothing to worry about."

Frowning, John eyed the two, and then handed the dress to Eliza. "Very well. I'll speak with your husband for a bit." He sighed eyeing the young Starr woman. "I'll wait for you outside, my dear, whenever you are done. Take your time."

With a simple nod, Eliza turned to the young woman. "Its just the two of us, my dear. Now, what would you like?" The older woman looked the girl over, appraising her dark clothing. "I commend you for being so brave to wear men's clothing. However, if you like, we can put your own personal flair on it." The woman's warm brown eyes twinkled.

The young blonde girl eyed the older woman curiously. "M' own flare? What d'ya mean?"

"Come here, dear girl and I'll show you."

The two women moved into the back of the shop. Eliza showed her many different ways to alter her clothes in a way to still be comfortable but appear more feminine, that is, if Kristal wished. They were busy for some time. In the meantime, Billy emerged from the shop in his new clothes, smirking at his fancy duds. John watched as the boy eyed himself in the section of the window and pulled his guns, twirling them in hand.

"Very nice, William. They suit you." John spoke, smiling. The boy had chosen well. A dark-colored vest and jacket, pants to match and a hat to top it off.

"Thanks, Mr. Tunstall." Billy said with a dip of his hat, before toying with his guns some more. He was still eyeing his reflection, satisfied with his appearance. Dressing this nice was not something he had ever done before. Being an orphan tended to leave a kid with nothing much in the way of personal items. So, this new outfit was rather nice. "Do you think, Kristal will get a dress?" The blond boy questioned, thoughtfully.

"I do not know." The Englishman lowered his eyes, hiding a smirk. "I told Ellis to wrap the dress she had, just so she has one, should she ever need one. Hopefully, in time, she may use it."

Billy couldn't help but laugh, "I don't think she's gonna like that too much." He shrugged, "but I also think a dress might  suit her. Maybe then she can act and look like a girl." Still chuckling, he shook his head, "then again, something tells me she won't ever do that."

Just then the door opened, cutting off anything John had been about to say as Kristal stepped out of the shop. Both Billy's eyebrows rose in surprise. The girl wasn't wearing a dress, but she certainly looked more feminine. Her dark pants hugged her hips and were only partially loose around her legs. A grey shirt, buttoned a few inches below her collarbone with the sleeves rolled up covered her torso, a lacy black camisole underneath hid any cleavage the girl might have had. A low black vest that was snug around her ribs, showing off a very curvaceous feminine figure concluded the ensemble. In her arm hung a new duster jacket, yet the same old black hat sat on her head and her dual gunbelts hung on her hips.

The greying older man appraised her outfit a hint of a smile playing at his lips before nodding. "It suits you. You look lovely Miss Starr."

"Ain't no dress," Billy complained under his breath, but his eyes remained on her as well as if in agreement with what Tunstall had said.

The store owner's wife exited behind Kristal and smiled brightly, hearing the blond lad's complaining. "Perhaps not, but these are made for a woman. I highly doubt you'd be able to shimmy into them, young man." Mrs. Ellis joked, her eyes shifting from one man to the other before resting on Kristal. "You look beautiful, dear. It will be hard for any man to mistake you as one of them now."

Turning to John, she handed him a wrapped satchel. "Here you go, John. The item you wanted as well as some extra shirts and pants for your new wards." Eliza's gaze stared the Englishman down knowingly. Shaking her head, she twirled around preparing to head back inside. "All items are on your tab, John, just as you requested."

Giving the older woman a grateful nod, Kristal let out a sigh. "Thank ya fer yer help, Mrs. Ellis."

The woman merely waved away her gratitude, and gave the girl a wink. "Us women need to stick together dear. It was my pleasure." With that, she disappeared back into the shop.

Turning to Tunstall, Kristal eyed the older man. "I'll pay ya back. I got money."

"No need, dear girl. It's a gift." Not waiting for an answer, even as the young woman opened her mouth to protest, the Englishman turned to head back to his wagon. "We should get back. It's getting late and I should get supper started."

It wasn't long before they were on their way back to the Tunstall Ranch. Kristal sat in silence once again preferring it that way. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Turning in her seat, she periodically glanced back at Billy, assuming it was him that was gawking. Every time she turned, however, he was staring at the road behind them. Pressing her lips together, she glanced at Tunstall; it wasn't John either. He had his eyes glued to the road. It was odd. Normally her instincts were always correct. Maybe they were off because she felt a tad self-conscious in this new outfit. She had never worn anything so, tight fitting and revealing, in her life. It felt odd. Like every curve of her body could be seen. She only hoped she would get used to it sooner rather than later. Once they stopped at the house, Kristal knew she would immediately pull her duster on, hiding her new clothes. She didn't need anyone else staring and making her feel anymore awkward than she already did.