A Deal With the Devil
By aesthicAoustic I forgot how to spell
Chapter Text
5am. David dressed in patched-up clothes and ate a small breakfast. They didn't have much, but he was fine with that. Maybe someday they'd have more, but if not he was fine with that too. He gathered his supplies, bid his parents farewell, and left the small house. The town square was a short walk away. It was the main hub of activity, just off the railway and offering some food and entertainment, most notably in the saloon. Drinks, stories, and saloon girls. It was often the first place travelers stopped, so David always set up outside on the porch. The owner didn't mind.
There was a block of wood and a chair already waiting. Jasper, the owner's son, put them out for him each morning. He was waiting just outside the doors, and smiled brightly when David arrived. "Morning, Davey!"
"Morning, Jasper!" David greeted him cheerfully.
"How was your evening?"
"Oh, just fine! We cooked a few chickens and had them with beans. How was your evening?"
"Great! I was actually thinking last night that you and me should take a trip sometime! I've saved up some money for two train tickets, and-"
David shook his head and waved his hand, "oh, no no no! I couldn't ask you to spend money on me! Besides, I'm too busy to take a trip! I need to work. You're very kind though! Thank you!"
Jasper wilted. "Aw, alright. I understand. U-um, I have to work late tonight, but maybe tomorrow we could get some drinks together?"
"Oh, I don't drink. You know that!" David laughed.
"Yeah, I know- Maybe dinner together?"
"Mm, maybe. Yeah, I think that would be nice. Sure!"
"Great!" Jasper was beaming again. "It's- it's a date then! I can't wait!"
David laughed at his joke. "You're so funny, Jasper. I gotta get to work though, so I'll see you later."
"Right, right. See you later!" Jasper trotted off the porch and down the road to the bank.
David set up his little area and put up the sign.
"Shoe Shine
5 cents"
A bit pricey, but this was a small town so he had no competition. Travelers were usually only stopping in on their way to a bigger town, so most would pay the price to look their best upon arrival elsewhere. He only ever charged locals 2 cents anyway, so business was just fine.
He headed into the saloon to say good morning. Already there were people buying drinks and chatting up the pretty girls. None of those ladies ever gave their services for free though, no matter how pleasant a conversation was had. Still, men liked to try their luck from time to time.
David greeted the bartender pleasantly. He was a gruff man with one hand, one eye, and a lot of hair. No one knew his real name. People just called him "Quarter" for some reason. David never asked why. Quarter was always nice to him, but he'd seen his temper a time or two so he knew very well he should always always be nice in return. Besides, he always let David have three free glasses of water a day. Talk about nice!
After their quick exchange of greetings, David was offered his first glass. David took a sip, thanked him, and carried it out with him to sip on for a few hours. He sat down in the chair to wait.
Gwen came on her way to work, as was routine. She worked at the library, keeping track of overdue books and fines. "Morning, David," she said as she paused in front of the porch.
"Morning, Gwen!" He gave her a big smile and a wave. "How are you today?"
"Eh, same as always. You?"
