Young Guns: Fire and Steel

Chapter 23: A Game of Hide 'n Seek

((Author note: I know y'all are probably getting annoyed by my notes by now, but I wanted to apologize for taking so long. I almost didn't post this chapter and went onto the next part of the "actual" movie. But my friend who inspires me in writing Billy, told me I should publish it.

So, here it is. I hope y'all like it. It's long again, I know. I get carried away in trying to give detail so the imagery will pop to life in your head. I try. Also, I tried something different with the Spanish translations. I put the translation under the paragraph so y'all don't have to scroll all the way to the bottom. Let me know if you guys like it this way or if you like it the old way. I LOVE feedback. It's often a kick in the butt to get me writing.

Also, I know the movie states it Juarez, but historically, I believe Charlie and Manuela were married in Fort Sumner. I may shift it to coincide with the movie. I dunno yet. But I really do like to add historical accuracy when and where I can.

One other thing, I may have lengthened the book a little. Originally I had about two chapters left. But, as ideas pop in my head, I lengthened it. I think I'm at five more chapters now. However, it also depends on how long chapters get. Originally, this chapter was about 20k words. I split the chapter into two. Which was part of the addition to length of the book.

Any way, without further ado...))

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"One. Two. Three..." William Bonney's slow drawl sounded from behind Kristal as she ran to find a place to hide...

_ _ _

They had arrived at Fort Sumner the night before. The ride away from the hot springs had been a leisurely one, since they hadn't had the need to worry about anyone chasing them for once. However, the ride had still been tense and awkward, at least for the lone woman in the group. She avoided Billy at all cost, unable to face him without remembering that blasted kiss.

By evening, Billy had knocked on the door of the Maxwell house seeking refuge. The wild blond apparently knew the Maxwell family rather well and arranged room and board for all of them. Being the only woman, Kris had been given a room of her own, while the boys all had to share --- Señor Maxwell had insisted.

The boys had all grumbled in sharing a room. All but Billy, who watched as Kristal was led away to her room by Deluvina Maxwell. Kristal, however was grateful to have her own space away from the boys for a while.

Once given her room, Kristal had disappeared and not returned for supper. Instead, she stayed alone in the small room. The peace and quiet helped her to try and absorb what exactly had happened earlier, after her bath. And it kept her away from Billy. She didn't want to face him or have an awkward conversation with him again. He made her feel... strange.

The room itself was narrow and small. A singular bed, large enough to fit two people took the far side of the room. A wooden nightstand with a lantern nestled to the left of the bed. On the opposite side of the room sat a slender writing desk and lone chair. Oil paintings lined the wall each of a meadow of flowers, all with different colors. There was only one window in the room, a circular hole in the wall that was a little bigger than her head. The small window was directly over the bed, barely giving a view to the night sky outside. As she had entered the room, Kristal swallowed and stared at the window. Deluvina mentioned dinner and then left, oblivious to any hesitation by the blonde woman.

Taking a deep breath, Kris had to force herself to step into the room. At first, she lay there on the bed doing her best to keep her thoughts from constantly dwelling on the kiss, while also trying to keep from focusing on how small the room was. If she wasnt careful she would start to feel like the room was closing in on her. After she couldn't stand it any longer, Kristal had to move. So, she started to keep busy by cleaning every weapon she had on her. It had taken hours with how meticulous she was. It wasn't until some time after midnight that Kristal finally fell asleep, too tired to focus on the things that were bothering her. Her slumber, however had been anything but restful, despite being on a comfortable bed for once.