Young Guns: Fire and Steel

Chapter 7: Murder and Tin Stars

The party was over, and the Regulators, along with John and Kristal, were slowly heading back to Tunstall's ranch. Kristal sat next to John in the wagon, watching the boys weaving along the rode astride their horses. She again longed for her mustang. How good it was going to be when she could finally ride the midnight colored stallion again. Riding was so freeing; she enjoyed it more than anything.

Turning her head, Kristal stared out at the horizon. It was still dark, but dawn approached at the edge of the skyline, brightening the promise of a new day and a new year. The young blonde was lost in thought, the events from the night still playing in her mind. The fireworks had been the highlight of her evening. She had never seen anything like it. And it had ended far too quickly. Maybe, if she were still with Tunstall and the boys, she could see them again next year?

Shaking her head, Kristal frowned. What was she thinking?! Remaining in one place, settling... a visible shudder went through her and she thanked her lucky stars that John didn't notice. Still, she had enjoyed the evening, despite the unexpected fight.

The festivities continued all night, but after midnight, she had sat off to the side with Charlie and Chavez. Charlie had questioned her about the bruising on her face, but she had quickly changed the subject telling him she was fine. She had then flipped her hair to one side to try and hide the majority of the bruising.

Doc came and went, and Dick avoided being around her, which was just fine with her. She'd had enough fighting for one evening. McCloskey had come over and tried offering her his drink again, and she "accidentally" spilled it all over him. It served him right though, trying to get her to drink that damn drugged concoction of his. He hadn't been too happy about it either, which Kristal had found amusing. Billy came over periodically to try and get her to dance with him again, but she declined each time. She was tired and had the beginnings of a headache, though even if she didn't, she still wouldn't have danced with him. Nevertheless, Billy persisted, and it had driven her to the brink of insanity, till she finally relented.

"One dance, Bonney. Ya ask fer any more, I'll slit yer throat while ya sleep." She had grumbled, her voice filled with exhaustion.

Billy had merely grinned like he had won some sort of victory and led her out to the dance floor. The music had slowed to something soft, which had nearly mortified the poor outlaw. Of course, it would be a slow dance! The boy had wrapped an arm around her waist and took her hand, leading her into a slow waltz, smiling the entire time.

The boy's knowledge of dancing had piqued her curiosity, despite their closeness and slow movements. "How'd ya learn ta dance?" She had asked him curiously.

He had given her a strange look before smirking at her. "Are you actually curious about me?"

Kristal just rolled her eyes and looked away, noting Charlie, Doc, Chavez, and Dick watching them all with different expressions on their faces. "Don't answer then. I don't care."

"Yeah, ya do." Billy had drawled to her a sparkle in his eye. "Or ya wouldn't have asked."

Kristal turned to look back at him, about to tell him what she thought, but hesitated, seeing something cross his expression. She could almost swear it had been heartache and sadness she had seen. It was curious, and she couldn't help but wonder about it, but she wasn't about to pry. If he didn't want to answer, then he didn't need to.

"But if you really wanna know..." Billy continued, not waiting for a response, "my mother taught me all kinds of dances. She enjoyed dancing." Billy had said it so simply, almost casually, but she noticed the light in his eyes lessen some as he spoke of his mother. He had a strange far off look in those cornflower blue hues of his, but he didn't bother to elaborate any further.