The Legend of Green Eyed Red

[onyxsundrops]

Quote:

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And Tara saying that "she's a she", ironic as it could be said for the driver too.

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Dammit Wimpy, you beat me to it! I'm also not liking 3 and below, but I'll deal. Great update, Cameron.



Yvonne

[hermitfish]

Ooooh rules....I suppose we should abide by the rules...otherwise there'll be punishment. Are you gonna punish the naughty?



I get landscapes that can put you into a coma (like Nebraska)...I've driven across the country numerous times and some places are way more barren than others.



Willow seems to be a fun mix of brash and charming...a character indeed. Looking forward to more interactions.



And I'm not worried about the three-drink maximum...I'm a hermit who knows how to make my own hooch. I'll take a nip or two as I come down outta the hills to your establishment. Keeping my hands off sexy gals is a whole 'nother story.



~Cyd

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But if my freetime's gone, would you promise me this?

That you will please bury me with it?

~ Modest Mouse

[Viximon]

Poor Tara I doubt her job have any profit

jajajajja

Quote:

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She looked at the small dusty cart tethered to a small dusty horse driven by a small dusty man.

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Willow just know how to make a entrance. All was so funny. Hope they meet again very soon

Oh and the horsy by the way. Fantastic character " Go Go horsy " (Will you named she?)



I enjoy your fic very much, wish you upload soon

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Tarawhipped,



Good start! I like the Western vernacular and I think you did a particularly good job in the first post of sounding "authentic" without going crazy-overboard. I could imagine Sam Sheppard telling the story with his feet up on a bar stool somewhere.



I hope Willow's not terriblycommitted to her life of thievery because it seems like she'd need a good relationship with horses first unless she wants to invent the internal combustion engine. Her interactions with the horse are quite funny and certainly her converstion with Tara was. Talk about not making the good first impression.



I'm glad that Donnie, while a moron and a pig, doesn't seem to be violent with Tara. If the worst he does is make a mess and lose money, at least she's not hurt...



Good start. Looking forward to reading more.

Sign the ACLU Refuse to Surrender Pledge



"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King

[Artemis]

Oh, I don't think she'll mind this character, once she gets to know her Willow's small, dusty debut was very amusing, as was her continuing horse trouble. Poor Tara, having to clear up after the (inevitable) ruckus during the evening in the saloon, and Donnie being useless. He'd better watch where he tosses those glasses I'm glad you liked the banner - though I noticed I had Willow a lot more cleaned up and 'glamour western' looking than the real thing That's something I'm really appreciating with this story, it's not just wild west movie cliches, it's the real deal - there's dust, and dirt, and all that real world stuff.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[Floyd]

OO I looooooooove this fic!!

I never was much one for rules..so can you make an exception for me on rules 3 and 5? Pretty please?

I love the western tone of it..just fabulous!

[tarawhipped]

*Swaggers into thread through saloon doors, sees Tempest Duer on stage, playing to rapt audience of Viximon and Artemis (diligently taking notes for feedback on performance). Steps over curled up form of robotguru getting some much needed zzz's. Pokes head in back room, where Heather and JustSkipIt are playing cards and discussing how to best string along readers, bring them to the brink of insanity, and leave them begging for more.*



"Hey you!"



*looks startled as Tara angrily approaches. Searches for escape route, but door is blocked by Yvonne and Floyd trying to figure out how to get to the whorehouse*



"You'd better be here to update, cause they can't seem to leave until you do!"



"Uhh...actually, I just stopped in to say Happy Thanksgiving...but I'll be back on Saturday to update!"

*cringes under fierce yet smolderingly sexy glare*



"Well, you can't leave them here! That one *pointing at Wimpy* has grabbed my butt so many times you could lift her fingerprints off my ass, and that one *pointing at Reds* keeps chanting 'smut, smut' and leering at me."



"But...I set rules."



"Well, they aren't following them!"



*cartoon lightbulb lights up over Cam's virtual head*

"OH! I know! If they're naughty, you can punish them! Look! *points at grinning Kitten* Cyd brought her own whip!"







Happy Thanksgiving and peace be with you wherever you are!

-Cameron

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[VixenyTarasHot]

By golly I believe you got yourself a mighty fine story here ma'am, and I just can't wait to read myself s'more! And not like the eatin food, just you know.. some more..



Seriously though this story seems really awesome so far and I love any wester fics I can find, me bein a Texan native afterall!



Have a good Thanksgiving and I'll be a'lookin for more come this weekend!



Ashleigh

[wimpy0729]

Hey! She can't prove anything. There's no evidence I did it...lessn' you count the dusty handprints on her black skirt that just might happen to match mine. But honestly, they're not mine!



Oh, who am I foolin? I'll be first in line...thank you Cyd, may I have another?





Happy Thanksgiving to you all too!



Wimpy





"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[Tempest Duer]

Alms for the poor musician? Or at least some other, non-monetary benefits?

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[taralicious]

If you're out of sasparilla, barkeep, root beer's just fine for washing away this parched throat gained from too much trail dust.

Say, so the sheriff cheats does he? Reminds me of a gambler named Shaw in Chicago.

I can see Tara asking the deputy the same question Doyle Lonegan asked Shaw's employee Mr. Kelly.

"So deputy, your boss is a pretty good card player. How does he do it?"

"He cheats."

I see symbolism in Tara's remark about male/female gender confusion.

Won't she be surprised and pleased when Willow cleans up and saunters into the saloon looking as only Willow can.

Will Tara find a more productive use for the broom handle than sweeping the floor?

Perhaps the smutaholics could rent out the back room for a meeting and toss back a few root beers and have some comely wenches to frolic with?

[mollyig]

You have a talent for writing genre fiction in a very convincing way. The spy drama, murder mystery and now this western. Very impressive to have such distinct forms and to have them be so entertaining and not be at all contrived.



I look forward to reading more of this. Thanks.

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You stay the course, you hold the line, you keep it all together.

You're the one true thing I know I can believe in - Sarah McLachlan

[WickedReds]

Hey... hehe... i was leering at Tara... hehe...i was hoping to get a fix of some sweaty Tara ummm...hehe yeah... i hope to read myself in fics more often that was cool... that would be funny to have the kittens that left pervious FB to a chapter to be towns ppl in the next.. o god poor Bar and Tara.. Wimpy and I will never leave... hehe..well i better go get in line with wimpy for my whipns... hehe...whips..



-reds



Mein Banane tanzt für Schmutz

Smutbunny Anthem: *sung to tune from Goldfinger* Smutbunnies...they'e the bunnies, the bunnies that love the smut...and Willow's butt. They surf for smut fiction...always lookin' for the next naked sweaty fix...of Tara's tits.- Written By Cameron(tarawhipped) For Us Smut Bunnies

Edited by: WickedReds at: 11/24/04 7:53 am

[Floyd]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Quick people she's gone we can get to the whorehouse while she's away and she'll never know..

"Green day is like sex, when we're good, we're really good, when we're bad . . . we're still pretty damn good." - Mike Dirnt, Green Day

[hermitfish]

"Thank ya kindly Miss Cameron...I'd be right honored to be yer bouncer and keep the peace 'round these parts."







"Rest assured ma'am...I'll be takin' care of rascally varmints like them right now.







"Believe you me...this'll be a pleasure."





Well wishes to all,

~Cyd

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Oh! The Deadwood Stage is a-comin' on over the crest...Like a homing pigeon that's a-hankerin' after its nest. Twenty-three miles we've covered today...So, Whip crack-away!, Whip crack-away!, Whip crack-away! ~Doris Day in Calamity Jane (1953)

[tarawhipped]

Howdy Kittens! Back from three days of fun with the parents, who just seem to get more nuts every time I see them. They’re still running on Windows95 and AOL 4.0, so I couldn’t even view the Kitten Board, and was going through major withdrawal. Anyhoo, I promised an update on Saturday, and I’m deliverin’ (well, I guess it’s Sunday in a lot of places, but I did not take that into consideration before). First, though, some feedback responses, and thanks to everyone who’s reading and taking the time to let me know what you think.

-Cameron



robotguru: Thank you so much, and if this gets you back to updating, I’ll be very pleased, cause your stuff rocks! (could really use some more ‘Changing history to fix the present).


WickedReds: Good idea, Reds! I may definitely be inspired to include some Kittens in future chapters, though you’d better behave cause I get to choose where you go!


TempestDuer: Donnie is always a dolt, but if getting drunk and losing money is all he does….well, that’s about all I can say.


EasierSaid: Ahh, a gambler, huh Heather? I’ve spent the last couple of days watching the World Series of Poker, and I’m ready to quit my job and become a pro card player (you know, if my wife would let me…which she won’t). Next up is a bit of a tease, cause Tara does see Willow “sans dirt mask,” but you don’t get to find out her reaction til chapter 4.


wimpy0729: Oh, Wimpy! You and my missus would get along great, with the oh-so-subtle negotiating of rules to your own advantage. Glad you liked the image of Willow…hope the cleaned-up version is just as good (though I’m not describing her in this next one).


onyxsundrops: Thanks, Yvonne. I guess my subconscious is a lot more on the ball than my conscious, cause even though I labored a lot over that interaction, I wasn’t particularly thinking about the parallel. Bonus points (redeemable for spankins’!) to you and Wimpy for noticing it.


hermitfish: “Brash and charming” is a perfect summation of what I’m going for with Willow, so I’m glad it’s coming across. I think you misunderstood my Thanksgiving interlude though, Cyd. Tara gets to wield the whip, but since you’re so eager, you can be first in line for whacks.


Viximon:Thank you, and I’m glad you like Miss Horsey. I don’t think I am going to name her. I thought it would be a good play on the ‘Miss Kitty Fantastico’ naming thing.


JustSkipIt: I can’t think of anything more satisfying than seeing another writer who’s work I admire leaving me feedback, so it was quite a treat to see your name here. Good to know I can continue with the Western-speak and not drive people away. Glad you liked the interactions with W/horse and W/T. The second impression will be…different (better? Hmmm…that depends). As for Donnie, I wanted to make him less of an overt villain and more of a flawed man who’s made bad decisions, so there will be no violence against Tara by him. However, his decisions will have consequences that will not make for roses and sunshine.


Artemis: Thanks, Chris. Willow’s cleaned-up (but definitely not glam-western) look will make an impression on Tara, but that won’t be revealed for another chapter. As I told JustSkipIt, Donnie will not be beating up on Tara in this story, but he won’t be making her life any easier, either. As for the realism, I’m trying to walk the line. It’s very hard to not be influenced by TV and film images of the Old West, and if the myth is more fun than the fact, I may go with it.


Floyd: I’m very glad you like the story, Floyd, but I’m keepin’ an eye on you. You seem like a troublemaker. I can make more rules if you don’t behave.


VixenyTarasHot: Yeehaw! Praise from a real live Texan! Thank ya kindly, Ashleigh, and more is on the way.


taralicious: The male/female gender confusion will continue to be an issue for Tara. That’s about all I say for now, except…broom handle?!? *gulp*


mollyig: molly, you are so sweet! I’ve always loved film noir and thrillers, but I have to admit this is my first attempt at a Western, so your kind words are very much appreciated. Thank you.

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[tarawhipped]

Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red

Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)

Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com

Rating: R (just to be safe)

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy

Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!

Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!

Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?

Setting: AU (the Old West)





Chapter 3



Willow double-checked that the boxes built into the sides of her cart were securely locked before she pulled several bags out of the open deck. She looked back down and across the street to the saloon, momentarily mesmerized by the sway of the blonde’s long dress as she walked backwards, sweeping in long graceful strokes. Several strands of hair had slipped from the loose bun at the base of her neck, and despite the distance, Willow recognized a sudden urge to lift her hand and tuck the strays back in place.


‘Don’t be stupid, Willow,’ she chastised herself, removing her wide-brimmed hat and using it to whack the dust off of her clothes. ‘One night in this podunk town and then it’s back on the trail. No time to go gettin’ sweet on a girl.’


Willow narrowed her eyes as a sandy-haired young man walked out of the saloon and spoke to the blonde. The two appeared to exchange angry words for a moment before he stormed off down the street and she retreated into the bar.


‘See, there you go. She’s got a husband, cause why wouldn’t she…pretty lady like that. Just cause he’s obviously some big jerk, getting’ her all upset and marching off like a horse’s ass—no offense Miss Horsey—that don’t mean she’s ever gonna show any interest in the likes of you. So just go get yourself a bath and a good night’s sleep, stay away from the poker table, and then—’


“Hey you!”


A small dark-haired man in a brown suit rushed up to Willow, a horrified look on his face.


“You can’t leave that here,” he insisted, pointing at her wagon. “We don’t allow derelicts to camp out in front of the hotel! So just…climb back up there and…shoo!”


Willow slowly stepped up to the man, who stood a head shorter than she, and summoned up all of the command her small frame could muster.


“Now look here, little man. I’m fixin’ to be a guest of this here hotel, and since you appear to be an employee of said establishment, I believe a small amount of courtesy is order. Not too much, mind you…I wouldn’t want you to bust a gut or nothin’. I can tote my own cases, but if you would be so kind as to see to my steed and carriage, I would be ever so appreciative.”


Without a look back, Willow picked up her bags and walked into the Inn, striding up to the desk and ringing the bell. The same young man who had accosted her outside scampered behind the desk and smiled.


“Please accept my apologies, sir. I had no idea you were a guest…Mr.?”


“Uh…Smith…Will Smith,” Willow stated, pulling out a thick roll of cash and observing the glint in the man’s eyes.


“Well, Mr. Smith, I’m Jonathan, and if you need anything at all, please let me know.”


The suddenly ingratiating Jonathan happily gave Willow a tour of the hotel, which featured all the latest amenities, including the modern marvel of indoor plumbing. He left Willow in her room after assuring ‘Mr. Smith’ that he could use the bath at any time, and rushed off to make sure the horse and cart were being attended to.


An hour later, Willow snuck back down the hall from the bathing suite to her room. She’d had to refill the tub twice to get off all of the grime, but now that it was gone she felt invigorated. Ignoring her earlier decision to steer clear of the card tables, she pulled her best clothes out of one of her bags and began to dress. By time she walked out of the inn and across the street toward Maclay’s, the saloon was already filling up, and a lively piano could barely be heard over the raucous laughter and clink of glasses.


Willow paused to adjust her jacket before stepping through the swinging doors. Her eyes drifted over the crowd, which was made up of an assortment of ranchers, roughnecks, and townsfolk. The only women she saw wore colorful crinoline frocks and enough face paint to make it clear what their profession was. The only women, that is, except for one. As Willow walked toward the bar a group of men moved off to one of the tables, leaving her view of the barmaid unobstructed.


She wore a simple blue calico dress that Willow found much more appealing than the ostentatious garb worn by the bar’s other feminine occupants. The blonde’s back was turned, and Willow noticed with a hint of regret that every hair was now firmly in place. The redhead sauntered up to the bar confidently and rested one elbow on the railing.


“Evenin’ Ma’am. I take it you’re open now.”


“What can I get,” Tara began, her back still turned, but instantly recognizing the voice. As she turned to face her customer, she nearly did a double-take at the sight of the redhead in front of her. “You.”




TBC

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[hermitfish]

Whoops I'm gonna blame it on the hooch...Grandpappy could really make some good stuff in his day.



And this cleaned up redhead is certainly worth a double take or ten.



~Cyd

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What is love but whatever my heart needs around

~Trespassers William

[silentinformer]

So I loved the last update even though i didn't leave feedback i know i'm bad



This update rocked though i thought it funny that willow just abandoned her decision to stay away from the poker table really quickly and i think it will be amusing about the whole gender confusion thing although its hard to imagine someone mistaking Willow as a guy have you seen her she's to pretty to be a guy

[wimpy0729]

I admit it, I did it, and I plan on doing it again and again. It's an addiction you see, and the meetings aren't helping. They're really just an excuse to get closer to other ass grabbers, such as myself, hoping for some possible ass grabbage in any way, shape or form.



Now that I've cleared that up...hehe...you said "tote"...hehe.



Willow thinks Donnie is Tara's man? Ewww!!



And let's see...Willow adjusting her coat...would that have anything to do with possibly disguising nice pert little...um...protrusions?



Even with her "protrusions" covered up, Tara still needed a double take...oh yeah...I see hotness on the horizon...and dare I say...smut????????





Much more very soon please?



Wimpy





"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[EasierSaid]

*snicker* Poor Jonathan, being towered over by little ol' Willow. Glad he gave the jiggy Ms. Rosenberg (er, Mr. Smith) a room, and yay for Willow wanting to smooth Tara's hair back into place! Liked the image of Tara in calico standing behind the bar, and Willow being drawn to that simple dress. Can't wait for the next bit, thanks Cameron!

[onlyhalfevil]

so, i had half an hour of nothing to do before gilmore girls aired, and none of the fics i am following currently had updates. guessed checking out a short fic would do nicely. well, lucky me! the intro was a blast, and up to the last update, Willow with a wild west attitude (esp. sauntering to the bar, resting one elbow on the railing. what a charming image, rofl) is just so cute.



hum. think i'll have a rootbeer.

[Floyd]

Ahm 'a' not a troublemaker ma'am. Ah'll be good ah promise. Just no more rules!!

"Green day is like sex, when we're good, we're really good, when we're bad . . . we're still pretty damn good." - Mike Dirnt, Green Day

[meretricious]

i'm so glad to see you've started another fic, secrets and spies was such a great ride, and your short fics crack me up. people toss around "lol" all the time, but every time willow says "horsey" i actually do laugh out loud. i doubt anyone has to cheat at cards with donnie, he seems like someone who would go all in on a lame hand, and blame everyone else when he loses. and your jonathan is perfect, so easy to see him scurrying around, trying to be important.

so, is there any blackjack at this saloon? cause poker i'm o.k. at , but i rock at blackjack.

at least your folks have a computer-mine took 3 lessons on a commadore 64 sometime in the 80's, and promptly crawled right back into their cave-mary

here and now is all that counts,here and now in large amounts,uh-huh
adam ant

[Viximon]

Miss Horsey is ok XD, She could play a great rol in the show, you know saving Willow ass like those super-hero pet-mates on the movies. Or...embarassing Will around Tara



The story is going perfect... you always left in the best part though you evil author.



I want to read more soon, please upload already, I like very much this fic

[WickedReds]

I have to behave... my girlfriend would umm post kill me... if thats possiable...

Will Smith?!? wtf... what is gonna be the wild wild west now...haha.. thats a good one cam..

OO double taking... bein that shes all clean there..



-reds



Mein Banane tanzt für Schmutz

Smutbunny Anthem: *sung to tune from Goldfinger* Smutbunnies...they'e the bunnies, the bunnies that love the smut...and Willow's butt. They surf for smut fiction...always lookin' for the next naked sweaty fix...of Tara's tits.- Written By Cameron(tarawhipped) For Us Smut Bunnies

[JustSkipIt]

What can I get you indeed! Well done. I can't wait to see what Willow has to say and the flirting that will doubtless begin. My only curiousity is whether Willow is dressed as a man or a woman. Cute either way.

Sign the ACLU Refuse to Surrender Pledge



"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King

[Tempest Duer]

Will Smith! *sniggers* So is the Willster also known as the Shaft?

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[tarawhipped]

Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red

Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)

Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com

Rating: R (just to be safe)

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy

Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!

Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!

Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?

Setting: AU (the Old West)

***Author’s note: Just a personal disclaimer for this chapter: I am not advocating underage drinking, but at the time (1860s) there was no legal drinking age in the United States (that I’m aware of). I myself have been sober for over 5 years, but this is the Old West, and saloons and drinking kinda seemed appropriate.





Chapter 4



Tara knew she was staring, but found herself unable to stop, so amazed was she that this was the same person she’d encountered earlier. She was internally relieved that she’d at least managed to pick her jaw up off of the floor and close her mouth after only a few seconds of gawking.


“You,” she stated again as her wide, unblinking eyes took in the stranger’s appearance, remarkably changed from the dust covered grayish-brown mess of before. He wore a stylish dark blue—almost black—suit over a crisp white shirt with starched collar. A gold watch chain gleamed across his shimmering dark green brocade vest. A neatly tied silk cravat and felt hat, both matching the blue of the suit, completed the ensemble.


In sharp contrast to his dark hat, bright red hair fell to the top of his collar in back, the sides neatly tucked behind his ears. His flawless skin was slightly tanned and smattered with freckles. The green eyes that had so struck Tara before now sparkled back at her in amusement.


‘He’s just a boy—doesn’t even look old enough to shave,’ Tara realized, shaking her head in wonder and smiling. The grin did not escape the attention of the young man, who frowned and looked down at himself quizzically.


“Somethin’ funny? Or do laugh at all your patrons?”


Tara couldn’t help giggling at the petulant pout that had replaced the boy’s confident bravado.


“No…no. It’s just…how old are you?”


“Well…how old are you?” he defensively sputtered.


“I asked you first.”


“I’m eighteen,” he stated defiantly. Tara crossed her arms, pursed her lips, and arched an eyebrow. The redhead’s resolute gaze faltered after a moment and he rolled his eyes.


“Okay, I’m seventeen…and a half,” he added with a grin. “So? How old are you?”


“Nineteen,” Tara haughtily replied. The boy laid both forearms on the bar and leaned forward with a wicked smirk.


“Well, that’s okay…I like older women. How ‘bout you join me in a shot o’ whiskey.”


Tara glared at the redhead, but his grin only widened and he winked at her saucily. She was amazed at how delightful she found his flirtatiousness, and marveled at her own desire to continue it. Before she could playfully berate him for his presumption, however, her attention was drawn to another figure approaching the bar, and her countenance darkened.


“Good evening, Tara. You’re looking well.”


“Sheriff,” she responded through clenched teeth.


“Is Donnie around?”


“Haven’t seen him since this afternoon.”


Warren Mears nodded vaguely as his eyes drifted around the room. Satisfied that Donnie was not in the saloon, he shifted his gaze to the redhead at the bar. Tara had noticed that as soon as she’d greeted the Sheriff, the young man had turned slightly and rested his right hand alongside his head, effectively obscuring his face from the man. Tara watched in troubled silence as Mears narrowed his eyes at the stranger.


“You’re new in town.”


“Yessir,” the boy mumbled.


“Staying at the Inn, are you?”


The redhead nodded curtly, his head lowered. Tara was just able to see his eyes under the brim of his hat, and she could swear she saw panic in the green depths.


“What’s your name, boy? And look at me when I talk to you. Didn’t your mama teach you any manners?”


The redhead reluctantly faced the Sheriff but kept his head bowed, just enough to appear contrite and not evasive, Tara thought to herself.


“Name’s Will Smith.”


“Well, Mister Smith, since you’re new here, there’s something you should know about Dusty Hollow.” Warren took a menacing step toward the boy, who boldly stood his ground. Tara observed his jaw clenching and his eyes darting left and right. “We have ourselves a nice little town here, and we don’t need any troublemakers coming in and causing problems. Do I make myself clear?”


“Not lookin’ for no trouble. Just passin’ through.”


Warren paused a moment before stepping back with a laugh and clapping the redhead on the shoulder.


“Well then, I hope you enjoy your brief stay. Tara, I’ll wait for Donnie in the back room. See that he joins me as soon as he arrives.”


Tara murmured her acknowledgement and purposefully ignored the Sheriff reaching across the bar to grab a bottle of gin and a glass. She looked worriedly at the redhead, who stood pale and shaking, his eyes closed, lips tightly drawn, and knuckles white against the bar rail. Without a word, she placed a shot glass in front of him and filled it.


“You look like you could use this,” she said gently. The boy opened his eyes and regarded her with a look of embarrassment and gratitude. With a trembling hand he reached for the glass, downing the whiskey in one gulp and wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. Tara refilled the glass, and when the redhead brought it back down, a hint of a smile had returned to his lips.


“Is he always like that?”


“No,” Tara stated contemplatively. After a quick glance to the back room, she leaned forward and in a conspiratorial whisper added, “Sometimes he’s not so friendly.”


The boy laughed, and Tara was again struck by the glistening eyes and playful smile. There was something about him that intrigued her, even more since the interaction with the Sheriff. The redhead seemed so young and carefree one moment, but in the next his eyes seemed to hold the edge of hard-earned experience.


More of a surprise to Tara was the realization that she felt an attraction to the boy, as she’d never felt any romantic interest towards men. She’d grown accustomed to her brother’s teasing that she was quickly becoming an Old Maid, and had long ago learned to ignore it. She’d had several suitors, but had quickly dissuaded their pursuit. The reason why was not something she’d ever spoken about to anyone. Despite her deeply held belief that there was nothing wrong with her feelings, she knew that the good folk of Dusty Hollow—or anyplace else—would not agree.


She justified the unfamiliar feelings stirred by the redhead were on account of his particular physical features. The slim figure, fine-boned face entirely devoid of whiskers, the soft, full lips…all gave a decidedly feminine appearance. Nevertheless, the idea unsettled her.


“Did you want another, Mr. Smith?” she asked, indicating the bottle and slipping back into her professional demeanor to quiet her unease.


“Call me Will…and you’d better make it a beer—I’m not much of a whiskey drinker,” he admitted with a shrug. “And you have me at a disadvantage, Miss…”


“Tara Maclay,” she stated, handing over the drink and moving off to attend to another patron.


“As in Maclay’s Saloon,” Will concluded as the blonde returned, nodding. “So, you and your, err…husband—”


“My brother owns it. I just work here.”


The boy’s face immediately brightened at her admission, but clouded when he registered the bitterness in her tone. Before either could speak, however, Donnie Maclay himself stomped into the saloon. Tara motioned him over with a nod of her head.


“Warren’s in back, wants to see you.”


Donnie ran his hands through his hair and exhaled before raising sheepish eyes at his sister, who regarded him sternly.


“I ain’t gonna play tonight, Tara, I swear. But some of the boys are comin’ over and I gotta be there…you know how they are.”


Tara sighed and walked away, realizing it was futile to argue with him again. Out of the corner of her eye she watched him lift the curtain and disappear into the back room. She picked up a rag and began vigorously wiping the bar top, unconscious of the green eyes following her every move. She wasn’t aware she’d been scrubbing the same spot for several minutes until a soft hand gently covered her own, stilling it.


“Are you alright?”


Tara heard the whispered words, but couldn’t respond. She stared down at the hand resting on hers, the thumb soothingly brushing her knuckles. The touch was electric, and when she finally raised her eyes to meet his, she was stunned. Simple concern was evident, but Tara could see something else—an almost primal protectiveness—apparent not only in his eyes, but in his stance as well. While the hand that lay on Tara’s was relaxed, the other was curled into a tight fist, and his shoulders were squared and stiff as though ready for defense. Tara drew in a sharp breath.


‘This can’t be happening,’ she thought. ‘I can’t be falling in love with a man.'




TBC

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 11/29/04 8:41 pm

[tarawhipped]

Howdy-do Kittens! Many thanks to everyone reading and replying to mah lil’ ol’ story. Y’all are the best. Chapter 4 (a longer one!) is comin’ up after feedback replies. Hope ya like it!

-Cameron



hermitfish: Now dagdabbit, Cyd, don’t you know better than to get loaded up on hooch and leave feedback?! *sigh* Get yerself back in the whippin’ line. And while you wait, I hope cleaned up Willow lives up to expectations.


silentinformer: No worries on missing feedback, I’m just glad you came back! Yeah, Willow lacking willpower seemed like a good gag, though I personally think she has some incentive other than the poker to head over to the saloon. I also agree with you that it would be hard to mistake Willow for a man, but I’m going on the assumption that at the time, most folks wouldn’t look beyond the clothes (unless it was like a bearded guy in a dress).


wimpy0729: *joins in AGA chorus of “Hi, Wimpy!”* I didn’t realize that the word ‘tote’ was so amusing. Tote. Tote. Totey toten tote toting toted tote. Hmmm…no…it’s just you. I thought it was appropriate that Willow jump to a wrong conclusion (that will be cleared up in the next chapter), since she is going to be the focus of a lot more mistaken impressions. As for her, um…protrusions…the men’s fashion of the day was loose fitting clothes, so they aren’t gonna give her away…not yet at least.


EasierSaid:

Quote:

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the jiggy Ms. Rosenberg

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I must need new glasses, cause I keep reading that “the jiggly Ms. Rosenberg,” which then leads to images of Willow go-go dancing, and…on second thought, my glasses are fine. As for Willow and Jonathan, ‘towering’ may have been a stretch (harhar) on my part, but I actually checked on IMDb.com, and Alyson Hannigan’s listed as 5’6”, Danny Strong as 5’2”. How’s that for quality in-depth historical research! Glad you liked Willow’s thoughts r.e. Tara, and the flip side is up next.


onlyhalfevil: *slides over a rootbeer* So lemme get this straight…my lil’ ol’ fic beats watching an infomercial or rearranging your sock drawer, huh? That’s okay, I’m very glad you stopped by and liked it. Hope it continues to entertain.


Floyd: Okay, Floyd, no more rules, but only coz I’m a sucker for the implied Southern drawl of your plea.


meretricious: I’m a total whore for fic flattery, especially when you mention S & S, my first born baby. The Miss Horsey joke came out of nowhere, and I have to admit I giggle each time I write it, so it’s nice to know others share my dumb sense of humor. As for Donnie, you’re probably right. I intended him to be kind of a sad-sack with terrible luck and not enough sense to know when he’s been had. Glad it’s coming through.


Viximon: Evil? *looks around* Me? Nahhh! Miss Horsey will continue to play a small role, and will no doubt have more opportunities to embarrass Willow. More comin’ right up!


WickedReds:Glad you liked the “Will Smith” gag, though I’d forgotten about Wild Wild West. I figured the name Rosenberg would have stood out to much in this setting/period, and a pseudonym was in order (plus it fits her shady past).


JustSkipIt: Thank you! Flirting has been confirmed and will be arriving shortly. As for Willow’s appearance, well, I’ll just let you read it.


TempestDuer: heh heh…you said ‘shaft’…heh heh. It’s nice to get multiple references to my lame-ass jokes, so thank you for your encouragement. Or humoring me. Whatever.

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay