Chapter Two: What's in a Bar Anyway
Rubbing my sore rump ruefully I was undyingly grateful to have made it into town in one piece. Saitou was… pleasant. Okay, the silence could have killed a mute, but I was alive. That should count for something, shouldn't it? He didn't have to kick me off the horse. I was getting down; just a bit slow that's all.
A loud racket drew my attention and I blinked. Apparently the bar was in full swing at this time of night. Maybe they would direct me to a good place to stay the night.
Pushing in the door I was greeted with blinding light and a lot of smelly men. Wrinkling my noise I waited for my eyes to adjust. The bar tender acknowledged me and I decided to wade over and see if I could ask her. She seemed friendly. I tried not to think of the rifle hanging behind her and the knife that was surely hidden under the counter. Funny how during the war I never worried about dying, but now I was practically paranoid.
'That's because you're a wuss,' Battousai sneered and I told him to go back to hiding under his rock.
Before I made it to the bar someone jumped me from behind. Cheap perfume hit my nose and I was spun around to face the biggest pair of breasts I had ever seen.
"Oro!"
"How about a tumble in the hay handsome?" The sultry female purred and I struggled to extract myself. Maybe being gay would work better.
Another woman, this one the other end of the scale on top, glided up with a smirk, "Sweety, why would he want you? Can't you tell he's gay?"
"Oro!" Okay, so maybe not.
Taking a closer look I realized she was a he. No wonder he was flat… I mean, gah. At the moment I just wanted to flee and let the panthers tear me apart. This was crazy. All I wanted was to get a good night's sleep. What was with these people? Was this whole town insane? It must be the dust from the mines.
"No one would want a freak like you." The first woman said snidely and clutched my arm possessively.
"It takes all kinds." The he-she replied smoothly tracing my palm.
"Ladies…" Should I address them that way? Damn politeness. I should just jerk my arm away and serve myself up to Saitou. Nothing could be worse than this. Nothing.
"Lady?" The he-she raised an eyebrow and giggled. "We're soiled doves, not ladies. Prostitutes. But I do love a man who is so polite and considerate."
"Dove?" The woman with the extensive cleavage screeched, "You're more like a vulture stealing other people's men."
"In that case I believe you would be a raven. Bringer of Death and Destruction. I mean, look at your lipstick. It's atrocious honey."
"Hey gals, why don't we make it a foursome. I wouldn't want anyone to be left out." A lean youth leered. His spiked brown hair hung over a red bandanna on his forehead and his hazel eyes had a misted quality to him. It didn't take a genius to figure out he was drunk out of his mind. The booze bottle in his hand and the stink on his breath testified to that quite nicely.
"Go dunk your head in a horse trough." The woman growled clearly not pleased with the intrusion. I was thinking this was getting a bit too crowded… wait! Foursome? Did he think…?
"Aw, let the boy have his fun Yumi."
The woman scowled and I noticed she had on green lipstick. Who wears green lipstick? How exactly did you make green lipstick?
"Sanosuke never pays."
"Now," The young man began and swayed slightly. He draped an arm over my shoulder to steady himself, "Don't be that way."
This was uncomfortable enough but when his hands started to wander I squirmed. I was not gay!
"You're a pretty little thing. Don't think I've seen you 'round here before. New?" Now it was definitely going over the line. His fingers were drifting towards my ass. Vow not to kill? What vow.
Must… be… polite. "This unworthy one would ask you to remove your hands sir."
"Shy? That's okay. I like 'em that way." His fingers grabbed skin and twisted. Yelping I was now not caring in the slightest what kind of scene I was going to make.
His other hand rested on my chest while the original one continued it's explorations, "You're kinda small ain't ya? But I'm not one to turn down a female in need."
'Small?' Battousai howled in outrage throwing himself at the mental prison he resided in.
I realized that the youth was talking about my chest long before Battousai did. Even so I couldn't help feeling very annoyed. Grabbing his hand I decided to show a bit of backbone. This had gone on way too long.
"This unworthy one is male, that he is." I put special emphasis on male and he. The youth jumped back like I'd lit him on fire.
His eyes darted around and he stumbled, "Fuck."
Suddenly his eyes rolled back in his head and he fainted.
Concerned I started to see if he was still alive when the he-she yanked my hair. The totally distracted me. It was one thing to feel me up, quite another to touch the sacred hair.
Unmindful of the taboo he'd just broken he purred, "Now how about we go to the back honey?"
Did he just not pay attention to anything that had just happened? It was quite obvious I was not seeking a man's attentions. Apparently that wasn't about to stop him.
"Keep your filthy, good for nothing hands off my client Kamatari!" Yumi yelled. I winced wondering how long it would take for my hearing to return. That couldn't be good for her blood pressure.
They were occupied with each other and I made a good escape.
Abandoning the idea of a nice room I was ready to settle for sneaking into someone's barn. At least donkeys didn't try to hit on me.
Stumbling out I must have looked like I was the one with too much liquor. I knocked over a card game and almost got scalped. Apologizing like mad I somehow made it to the door without getting killed.
A small body slammed into me and I fell back. Growling under my breath I decided I was sick of apologizing.
"This unworthy one is very sorry." Damn mouth. It never listens.
"Hey, watch where you're going you big, dumb jerk!" A boy who looked too young to be drinking, let alone going in a bar hollered. He eyed me strangely then muttered red faced, "Sorry lady."
Lady? Watch it brat.
Ignoring his pro-offered hand I rose to my feet and dusted myself off huffily. Getting answers was becoming a personal goal of mine. I wanted to know where the nearest room was. At the moment I didn't care if it had bugs, so long as they weren't a certain cricket-faced man, or a roommate, so long as the roommate wasn't interested in groping me all over. I was not common property!
"This unworthy one was wondering if there was a room to rent." I said, not bothering to correct the boy. He'd figure it out eventually.
"Naw, this is a mining town lady. You could go over to the Kamiya Ranch. Ugly, the owner, could always use some spare cash." He advised. "Tell her that Yahiko sent you. Better shout that first if you don't want to get shot at. She's got some mean buck shot."
The joys never end in this wonderful town. Another crazy with a gun. I wondered what this 'Ugly' was like. It sounded like it was my best shot though and if she left me alone I'd be happy.
Trudging in the direction the boy pointed I came to a comely little place at the end of main street. I could see open range stretched out behind it into darkness. Keeping in mind what Yahiko had informed me I did my best to stay in the open. Skulking should only be employed with you're ready to be shot at. I just wanted to sleep.
Belated I realized I had no idea what to call out. Somehow I didn't think Ugly would be appropriate… unless it was a liked nickname. Maybe it was. Baffled I paused. It was an offensive nickname. If they didn't like it I would be pulling lead out of my body.
Going with the never fail politeness I called out across the yard, "Ma'am, Yahiko directed me to your place…"
Whizz. A bullet richoshaided past me touching the hair. Throwing myself flat I blinked. What did I do wrong?
"Is that brat wanting more money again?" A female voice asked. Totally confused I laminated my defense, "Ma'am, all this unworthy one wants is a room to sleep in. Young Yahiko merely pointed this out to me, that he did."
"Oh."
There was a shuffled and the bolt clinked back. A slim young woman stood in the doorway. Her hair was pulled into a thick braid and she was wearing some night clothing. They clung in all the right places. Now I know that last thought was not completely mine. Scowling mentally I yelped as the butt of the gun came crashing down on my head.
The very irked young woman had one arm crossed around her chest and was glaring with beautiful sapphire eyes, "Pervert!"
"Oro." I whined rubbing my dishonored head and tried to clear my vision.
"I suppose I do have an empty room. How much are you going to pay?" She sniffed.
Pay? For a moment I was thinking favors of another nature. Well, why wouldn't I considering the evening so far! Then I realized she wanted money. Digging in my pouch I felt stupid counting it out in front of her. Why couldn't I just once, just once come prepared for something?
Offering it out to her like a sacrifice to a goddess I waited. She peered down and I could see her thinking. She looked up and smiled. I thought I might melt. Or do the pee pee dance. All that liquid at dinner was catching up to me.
"I guess that will be enough." She declared allowing me inside, "But no funny business. And don't expect breakfast."
I almost asked, but my lump throbbed warningly and the urge subsided abruptly. Curling up in the hard as a rock with sharp bits sticking up bed I instantly fell asleep.
Facts
-The mining of Silver and Gold became very substantial during the 1870's and 1880's
-Cattle were introduced in the 1870s and ranching continues today
-Prostitutes were called Soiled Doves
Author's Note: And enter most of the rest of the cast for this ficcy. Poor, poor cast. I almost feel sorry for them.
Fyyrrose: You and your WPB need to hush up. I wonder why she reminds you of a *cough*certainbeta-reader*cough*... And B will be loosed eventually.
MissBehavin: They might just be High Noon- ing it =] Once I figure out how to write a gun fight anyway O.-- Thanks for the recommendation, I'll pick up some Zane Grey next time I go to the library.
The Weird One (no 2!): Eep, that came from another source, but hopefully I made the premise clear enough. Saitou and Tokio aren't getting along very well at the moment.
Califpinay3001: Meep, what's confusing so I can fix it?
Rubbing my sore rump ruefully I was undyingly grateful to have made it into town in one piece. Saitou was… pleasant. Okay, the silence could have killed a mute, but I was alive. That should count for something, shouldn't it? He didn't have to kick me off the horse. I was getting down; just a bit slow that's all.
A loud racket drew my attention and I blinked. Apparently the bar was in full swing at this time of night. Maybe they would direct me to a good place to stay the night.
Pushing in the door I was greeted with blinding light and a lot of smelly men. Wrinkling my noise I waited for my eyes to adjust. The bar tender acknowledged me and I decided to wade over and see if I could ask her. She seemed friendly. I tried not to think of the rifle hanging behind her and the knife that was surely hidden under the counter. Funny how during the war I never worried about dying, but now I was practically paranoid.
'That's because you're a wuss,' Battousai sneered and I told him to go back to hiding under his rock.
Before I made it to the bar someone jumped me from behind. Cheap perfume hit my nose and I was spun around to face the biggest pair of breasts I had ever seen.
"Oro!"
"How about a tumble in the hay handsome?" The sultry female purred and I struggled to extract myself. Maybe being gay would work better.
Another woman, this one the other end of the scale on top, glided up with a smirk, "Sweety, why would he want you? Can't you tell he's gay?"
"Oro!" Okay, so maybe not.
Taking a closer look I realized she was a he. No wonder he was flat… I mean, gah. At the moment I just wanted to flee and let the panthers tear me apart. This was crazy. All I wanted was to get a good night's sleep. What was with these people? Was this whole town insane? It must be the dust from the mines.
"No one would want a freak like you." The first woman said snidely and clutched my arm possessively.
"It takes all kinds." The he-she replied smoothly tracing my palm.
"Ladies…" Should I address them that way? Damn politeness. I should just jerk my arm away and serve myself up to Saitou. Nothing could be worse than this. Nothing.
"Lady?" The he-she raised an eyebrow and giggled. "We're soiled doves, not ladies. Prostitutes. But I do love a man who is so polite and considerate."
"Dove?" The woman with the extensive cleavage screeched, "You're more like a vulture stealing other people's men."
"In that case I believe you would be a raven. Bringer of Death and Destruction. I mean, look at your lipstick. It's atrocious honey."
"Hey gals, why don't we make it a foursome. I wouldn't want anyone to be left out." A lean youth leered. His spiked brown hair hung over a red bandanna on his forehead and his hazel eyes had a misted quality to him. It didn't take a genius to figure out he was drunk out of his mind. The booze bottle in his hand and the stink on his breath testified to that quite nicely.
"Go dunk your head in a horse trough." The woman growled clearly not pleased with the intrusion. I was thinking this was getting a bit too crowded… wait! Foursome? Did he think…?
"Aw, let the boy have his fun Yumi."
The woman scowled and I noticed she had on green lipstick. Who wears green lipstick? How exactly did you make green lipstick?
"Sanosuke never pays."
"Now," The young man began and swayed slightly. He draped an arm over my shoulder to steady himself, "Don't be that way."
This was uncomfortable enough but when his hands started to wander I squirmed. I was not gay!
"You're a pretty little thing. Don't think I've seen you 'round here before. New?" Now it was definitely going over the line. His fingers were drifting towards my ass. Vow not to kill? What vow.
Must… be… polite. "This unworthy one would ask you to remove your hands sir."
"Shy? That's okay. I like 'em that way." His fingers grabbed skin and twisted. Yelping I was now not caring in the slightest what kind of scene I was going to make.
His other hand rested on my chest while the original one continued it's explorations, "You're kinda small ain't ya? But I'm not one to turn down a female in need."
'Small?' Battousai howled in outrage throwing himself at the mental prison he resided in.
I realized that the youth was talking about my chest long before Battousai did. Even so I couldn't help feeling very annoyed. Grabbing his hand I decided to show a bit of backbone. This had gone on way too long.
"This unworthy one is male, that he is." I put special emphasis on male and he. The youth jumped back like I'd lit him on fire.
His eyes darted around and he stumbled, "Fuck."
Suddenly his eyes rolled back in his head and he fainted.
Concerned I started to see if he was still alive when the he-she yanked my hair. The totally distracted me. It was one thing to feel me up, quite another to touch the sacred hair.
Unmindful of the taboo he'd just broken he purred, "Now how about we go to the back honey?"
Did he just not pay attention to anything that had just happened? It was quite obvious I was not seeking a man's attentions. Apparently that wasn't about to stop him.
"Keep your filthy, good for nothing hands off my client Kamatari!" Yumi yelled. I winced wondering how long it would take for my hearing to return. That couldn't be good for her blood pressure.
They were occupied with each other and I made a good escape.
Abandoning the idea of a nice room I was ready to settle for sneaking into someone's barn. At least donkeys didn't try to hit on me.
Stumbling out I must have looked like I was the one with too much liquor. I knocked over a card game and almost got scalped. Apologizing like mad I somehow made it to the door without getting killed.
A small body slammed into me and I fell back. Growling under my breath I decided I was sick of apologizing.
"This unworthy one is very sorry." Damn mouth. It never listens.
"Hey, watch where you're going you big, dumb jerk!" A boy who looked too young to be drinking, let alone going in a bar hollered. He eyed me strangely then muttered red faced, "Sorry lady."
Lady? Watch it brat.
Ignoring his pro-offered hand I rose to my feet and dusted myself off huffily. Getting answers was becoming a personal goal of mine. I wanted to know where the nearest room was. At the moment I didn't care if it had bugs, so long as they weren't a certain cricket-faced man, or a roommate, so long as the roommate wasn't interested in groping me all over. I was not common property!
"This unworthy one was wondering if there was a room to rent." I said, not bothering to correct the boy. He'd figure it out eventually.
"Naw, this is a mining town lady. You could go over to the Kamiya Ranch. Ugly, the owner, could always use some spare cash." He advised. "Tell her that Yahiko sent you. Better shout that first if you don't want to get shot at. She's got some mean buck shot."
The joys never end in this wonderful town. Another crazy with a gun. I wondered what this 'Ugly' was like. It sounded like it was my best shot though and if she left me alone I'd be happy.
Trudging in the direction the boy pointed I came to a comely little place at the end of main street. I could see open range stretched out behind it into darkness. Keeping in mind what Yahiko had informed me I did my best to stay in the open. Skulking should only be employed with you're ready to be shot at. I just wanted to sleep.
Belated I realized I had no idea what to call out. Somehow I didn't think Ugly would be appropriate… unless it was a liked nickname. Maybe it was. Baffled I paused. It was an offensive nickname. If they didn't like it I would be pulling lead out of my body.
Going with the never fail politeness I called out across the yard, "Ma'am, Yahiko directed me to your place…"
Whizz. A bullet richoshaided past me touching the hair. Throwing myself flat I blinked. What did I do wrong?
"Is that brat wanting more money again?" A female voice asked. Totally confused I laminated my defense, "Ma'am, all this unworthy one wants is a room to sleep in. Young Yahiko merely pointed this out to me, that he did."
"Oh."
There was a shuffled and the bolt clinked back. A slim young woman stood in the doorway. Her hair was pulled into a thick braid and she was wearing some night clothing. They clung in all the right places. Now I know that last thought was not completely mine. Scowling mentally I yelped as the butt of the gun came crashing down on my head.
The very irked young woman had one arm crossed around her chest and was glaring with beautiful sapphire eyes, "Pervert!"
"Oro." I whined rubbing my dishonored head and tried to clear my vision.
"I suppose I do have an empty room. How much are you going to pay?" She sniffed.
Pay? For a moment I was thinking favors of another nature. Well, why wouldn't I considering the evening so far! Then I realized she wanted money. Digging in my pouch I felt stupid counting it out in front of her. Why couldn't I just once, just once come prepared for something?
Offering it out to her like a sacrifice to a goddess I waited. She peered down and I could see her thinking. She looked up and smiled. I thought I might melt. Or do the pee pee dance. All that liquid at dinner was catching up to me.
"I guess that will be enough." She declared allowing me inside, "But no funny business. And don't expect breakfast."
I almost asked, but my lump throbbed warningly and the urge subsided abruptly. Curling up in the hard as a rock with sharp bits sticking up bed I instantly fell asleep.
Facts
-The mining of Silver and Gold became very substantial during the 1870's and 1880's
-Cattle were introduced in the 1870s and ranching continues today
-Prostitutes were called Soiled Doves
Author's Note: And enter most of the rest of the cast for this ficcy. Poor, poor cast. I almost feel sorry for them.
Fyyrrose: You and your WPB need to hush up. I wonder why she reminds you of a *cough*certainbeta-reader*cough*... And B will be loosed eventually.
MissBehavin: They might just be High Noon- ing it =] Once I figure out how to write a gun fight anyway O.-- Thanks for the recommendation, I'll pick up some Zane Grey next time I go to the library.
The Weird One (no 2!): Eep, that came from another source, but hopefully I made the premise clear enough. Saitou and Tokio aren't getting along very well at the moment.
Califpinay3001: Meep, what's confusing so I can fix it?
