A/N: I rewatched Once Upon a Time in the West yesterday. It's my favourite Western to date.

The Man with No Name

( Part Twenty-Nine: Jill )


She stole his heart and branded it hers with a red hot iron poker. Marked him forever, and forever is a long stretch of the stars for someone inexperienced in love.

He leaned over her; an ungloved hand caressed her thick, auburn hair and marveled at the unbelievable softness of it. It must take her a long time to look pretty, even if she did fix herself up for someone who wasn't him.

He never felt so deeply about anyone before, never cared so strongly. Feelings drowned in a well of emotions so pure and clear it actually hurt.

"I could make you a widow, you know."

Her dark eyes painted with purple shadow smiled up at him as she touched his cheek fondly. He always was her favourite, he knew that. The world did funny, cruel things to her. In time, those same things would happen to him.

"Don't do that, darling. You know I won't be going anywhere."