I must thank those who are reviewing this story. I love reading them and thrilled that my attempt at this AU thing isn't failing.

Mega huge thanks to Smacky 30. Wow…just wow, you are awesome. And I got to thank Jersey. You are the big kick in my ass to keep writing.


The Other Side

Gil didn't remember falling asleep. He slowly opened his eyes and let them drift over his surroundings in an attempt to get his bearings. Discovering it was the back room of the brothel, he decided that the warm body pressed against his side was much more important than the room he was in.

Gil let his eyes drift down to the sight of Sara as she snuggled into his side, her warmth almost making up for the crick in his neck. Several painful attempts to move his head reminded him that sleeping sitting up wasn't on his list of favorite things to do.

He knew he needed to get out of the bed and head out to Robbins' ranch, but Sara's arms were wrapped around him. Even in sleep she was strong. Or maybe he didn't really want to move. Gil smiled and closed his eyes.

The sound of shouting from the front of the brothel roused the peaceful couple. Gil's attempts to get out of bed without waking Sara failed, and she sat up.

"What's wrong?" She asked her voice rough with sleep.

He pulled his boots on his feet. "Just stay here." Gil stood and leaned over to steal a quick kiss. "I'll be back tonight."

She remained on the bed as he had told her, but snuggling under the quilt alone did little to ease her fear and confusion.

Gil casually strode from the back of the brothel towards the sound of the man shouting. Unfortunately, it had something to do with him. Fortunately, only he knew that. Coming out of the hallway, Grissom took in the scene before him.

"Dammit, Jim!" a man yelled. "I got a notion something happened to them, and all you're going to do is sit here with your…your…"

Jim finished chewing before calmly wiping his mouth and placing the napkin on the table. He stood and confronted the angry man. "Travis, if you would just calm down and tell me what I want to know, maybe I can help you."

Gil eased his way over to the bar and leaned against it.

The man's rough hands moved waved wildly as he spoke. "Sam sent Roger and a few of the boys out yesterday to round up some strays they spotted the day before." His voice went from booming to the low tone of determination. "And they never came back."

Jim thought briefly before he spoke. "Maybe they made camp somewhere for the night?"

"Not Roger. He would come back," Travis protested.

"Travis, let's just give him a few days, maybe he'll turn up."

His entire body vibrating with anger, Travis shoved his finger in Jim's face and spat out, "Horse shit! This is shit and you know it!" Spinning on his heel, he stormed out of the brothel, the doors slapping shut behind him.

With a shake of his head, Jim sat back down to finish his interrupted breakfast. As he ate he eyed Gil at the bar. "You're working for Al. Do you know anything about what he's saying?"

Gil turned to look at his friend, his face a blank mask. "No, I don't have a clue." He pushed off of the bar and headed for the door.

"Gil, be careful. Travis works for Sam, and they're not the kind of people you can just walk away from." Jim commented.

With a slow nod Gil pushed the door open and stepped outside, taking Jim's piece of information and storing it away for a later time.

As Gil rode up on Dr. Robbins corrals, he was thinking about the men lying under the brush on the north part of the spread. It was only a matter of time before they were discovered. An uneasy feeling settled in his gut. If Roger's body was found, everyone would point the finger at him. He was the one who confronted Roger after the incident with Sara. He worked for Al. He had killed men in the past; unfortunately some were in the wrong place at the wrong time but some just deserved it. Giving his head a quick shake to clear his thoughts, Gil headed towards the group of working men.

After a day of moving calves in and branding them, Gil was more than ready to cover his tracks. He gave some last minute instructions before reining his horse north. Gil rode to the familiar place where he ended the lives of four of Sam Braun's men.

Dusk was settling in, but the circling buzzards were clearly visible. He could only wonder what the men looked like after a day and a night in the desert.

Gil dismounted a short distance away and followed his nose to the bodies. As suspected, a couple of the men had been dragged out from under the bushes. The carnivores had really done a number on them.

The sun was getting lower in the sky and Gil knew he was quickly running out of light. He pulled his rope from the saddle and tossed it carelessly on the ground. The smell wasn't making him sick, but it definitely wasn't pleasant. One by one he managed to arrange the men in a line. Gil looped his rope around the first man's ankle, and simultaneously coupled an ankle of the remaining three men. Once he had the rope secured, Gil quickly mounted his horse. He glanced around trying to decide which direction to take. The lay of the land was unfamiliar but he remembered hearing of some canyons on Sam's land.

With a heavy sigh, Gil wrapped the rope around the saddle horn several times before giving his horse a slight kick. The rope tightened and his horse instinctively put his weight into the breast collar pulling the weight of the four men.

It was nearly dark and coyotes were yipping and howling indicating that they were on the prowl and looking for a quick meal. Gil managed to locate a deep arroyo and decided it would have to do. He pulled his horse to a stop and climbed down. Gil cringed as his eyes scanned what was left of the men. They were unidentifiable now. The friction from being dragged so many miles across the hard sandy desert had removed pieces of flesh, and in two cases, a limb.

He quickly untied the bodies and rolled them down into the deep open grave. Without a second look, or thought, he re-coiled his rope and stepped up onto his horse. Gil knew it would be extremely late when he got back to Al's home, let alone town. As much as he wanted to keep his promise to Sara, he knew she would be sleeping and he didn't want to disturb her. So he headed home.

Once again, Nick was nowhere to be found. Gil figured he was enjoying the charms of Mandy again. After taking the time to put his horse away, Gil carried his tack inside. The cabin was engulfed in darkness, but he knew where the matches were kept. After lighting a candle, he kneeled next to the fireplace and arranged several pieces of wood. He quickly had the fire at a comfortable blaze.

With his stomach rumbling, Gil turned toward the small kitchen area, but surprise stopped him in his tracks. With the fire lighting up the cabin he saw what he had missed before, and he couldn't believe his eyes. A newly built table, countertop, and several shelves stood out against the old, darkened wood of the walls. He thought he smelled pine when he first entered the house, but disregarded it. The only thing he could think of was that Sara would be impressed. Hell he was impressed.

Gil noticed a note on the table and picked it up.

Gil,

I hope this is satisfactory. Thank you for your help, and I hope that you will continue to aid my operation. You are a great friend and this is the least I can do. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

Your friend,

Al

Gil walked towards the shelves and noticed they were fully stocked with canned goods. Feeling certain there were more surprises, he headed outside, candle in hand. He held it up to light the area. Standing behind the cabin was the beginning of a small smokehouse. Next to the cabin, a door had been built over the cellar opening, giving him a place to store the prepared meat. Gil couldn't help but smile at Al's generosity. The man was determined to help take care of him, just as Gil was willing to help Al in any way possible.

XXXXX

Sara had just finished the things Heather asked her to do before the night's guests began arriving. The regulars were beginning to wander in and Sara felt comfortable enough to do some bartending. They all knew about the incident that took place only days before. The swelling to her face was gone, but several angry bruises still remained. Heather admired her spirit and knew she would be just the woman to help Gil settle down. With a sly grin, Heather approached the bar.

"I see you're feeling better."

Sara looked up and smiled. "I feel much better."

"That smile is not just from feeling better." Heather pointed out.

Sara attempted to hide the blush that colored her cheeks. "Gil said he was coming back tonight to see me."

Heather inclined her head and turned to briefly observe the crowd. "Wouldn't it be easier if you lived with him?"

Sara froze. Even though Heather wasn't looking at her, Sara heard the comment loud and clear.

Heather turned back around. "Sara, this life isn't for you. No matter how much you might think it is. You are too independent, and in here you have to give that up. " Sara gulped and continued to stack the clean tumblers under the bar. "I've proposed that same matter to Gil."

"What…um…what did he say?" Fear suddenly struck her. It seemed Heather was going to put her on the street and she was going to have to go live with a man she barely knew. Sara didn't want to force herself into his life. She believed she had nothing to offer him. Other than companionship, she literally had nothing.

"I think he liked the idea and asked for a few days to get things organized." She paused and tried to judge Sara's reaction, but the girl's face remained neutral. "Tonight will officially be your last night here."

"Then what?" Sara was now concerned the street would definitely be her new home.

Heather reached across and took her hand in reassurance. "Sara, that man loves you more than even he knows. You two will have a great life together." She ended the conversation with a warm smile then went to greet her patrons.

As the night went on Sara forgot all about her appearance. She continued to tend the bar, and during the down times, daydreamed about being in Gil's arms. Then she found herself looking around the room. It was getting late and he was still nowhere to be found.

After midnight, Sara went back to her room. Gil told her he was coming to see her but he hadn't shown up. She sat down on her bed and pulled his pillow into her arms. Hot tears began forming and rolled down her cheeks. Slowly, sobs began to overtake her. Sara lay back on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

XXXXX

Gil did everything he could to try and fall asleep. The soft crackling fire was usually a sure thing, but not tonight. He continued to think about Sara and what she might be doing right at this moment. He tried not to think about her being upset since he didn't go to her as promised, but he couldn't block the image of her crying from his mind.

He remained on his back, staring at the ceiling, trying to determine how late it was. A grazing bullet had struck the last watch he had, and since then he never carried one. Suddenly, the door flew open and Gil quickly un-holstered a gun from the gun belt he hung off the short bed post. Without sitting up, he aimed it at the shadowy figure standing just inside the door. It was the bounty hunter in him: he kept his guns close at all times.

"Whoa man, it's just me." Nick held up his hands and hiccupped. "I'm in need of sleep. That Mandy…whew…"

Gil uncocked the revolver and placed it back into the holster. He watched as Nick managed to shuck off his boots, hat, and coat without incident before falling into the spare bed fully clothed. Almost instantly, the sound of snoring filled the cabin. After the sudden rush of adrenaline Gil knew he would never sleep. He climbed out of bed and peered out the hazy window to the east. A new day was being born with the light peeking over the horizon.

The heavy weight of guilt for not keeping his promise to Sara was weighing on him. Gil pulled on his boots, gathered his tack, and left Nick asleep on the bed.

The brothel was dimly lit as he rode up. After securing his horse, Gil made his way inside and headed towards Sara's room. He tiptoed up the stairs in an attempt to not wake the rest of the occupants and easily found her door. With a gentle hand on the warm wood, Gil eased the door open and entered. A small oil lamp on the main dresser was still burning.

Sara was still curled up on top of the covers clutching a pillow. He removed his hat and sank down onto the mattress next to her. He didn't want to wake her, but he wanted to explain why he hadn't kept his word.

As he watched her sleep the need to touch her was too much and he brought his hand up and softly stroked her hair. Sara stirred under his touch. "Mmm…Gil?" She slowly opened her eyes.

"It's me." His voice was a rough whisper.

Sara blinked rapidly until she could clearly see his face. "You came." Her exhaustion was clearly evident in her voice.

Gil offered a smile. "Yeah." His hand traveled lower to softly stroke her face. "I'm sorry about last night. I didn't mean to hurt you; I never wanted to hurt you."

She moaned and pushed herself into a sitting position. "It's okay, I'm fine."

He used his thumb to brush away the sleep from her eyes. "Sara, have you been crying?" Gil noticed the dry salt trailing down her cheeks. She turned away but, with gentle pressure on her chin, he brought her around to face him. "I'm sorry. I haven't slept all night. I've been thinking about how my actions affected you." He leaned in and gently kissed her.

Sara became lost in his kiss. Then the reality of what was spoken last night brought her back, and she pushed away from him.

"What…what's wrong?" He was afraid he had aggravated one of her injuries and became concerned. She shook her head, but Gil was persistent. "Sara, please…"

She wanted to remain silent, but his blue eyes were irresistible. "I uh…I guess you can say I've been fired."

"What!?"

"No, no…not like that." Sara reached out and took his hands in an attempt to calm him. "Heather told me about her conversation with you." When she got a confused look from him, she elaborated. "It was about me living with you."

Gil's eyebrows went up as he suddenly remembered. "Oh…that."

"Yeah, that. So, I guess um…I'll need a place to live." He didn't respond immediately so she tried to get away from the subject as well. "That's okay, I'll find somewhe…"

He silenced her with another kiss. "Sara, I've never shared my life with anyone before, but suddenly I can't imagine it without you." She smiled and slid her hand up to tangle in his hair, pulling him into her kiss.

After a long moment, Gil pulled away. "I need to get going, but I'll be back. So, get your things together and I'll take you to your new home."

Sara smiled. "I'll be waiting." Gil gave her a smile in return, stood, and strode towards the door. Her voice stopped him. "If you stand me up again…"

"I'll shoot myself in the foot." When she gave him a throaty chuckle, he knew he was in love.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Sara was sitting on the small bench in front of the brothel when he rode up. She smiled and went to him as he stepped off his horse. Gil returned her smile and gently kissed her. "Do you have your belongings?"

"Yup." He looked her over, an eyebrow rising in question. "I only have the clothes on my back." Her voice was a whisper as embarrassment coursed through her. She lowered her eyes, avoiding his surprised gaze.

He reached up and caressed her cheek. "Well, it's about time you get some other clothes." Gil moved behind her, gently placing his hands on her hips and hoisting her onto his horse. He then led her down the street to the other end of town to buy supplies.

Their first stop was at the General Store. Gil walked up to the counter and gave his list for a bag of salt, flour, and other food supplies to the proprietor. Sara began browsing through several of the garments that were on display.

"Would you like that?"

Sara jumped as his voice startled her. "I can't afford these."

He pressed his body closer to hers. "You can have whatever your heart desires."

She turned her head and he stole a quick kiss. Sara picked out several different dresses, shirts, and trousers. She had every intention of doing some work to help out if she was needed.

They placed the purchased items in his saddle bags and headed out. Sara climbed on the bay gelding without hesitation. Gil smiled and proceeded to walk out of town. When they reached the Livery Stable he stopped. "Wait here." He handed her the reins and she watched as he disappeared into the barn.

Sara sat patiently, but it didn't take long before she heard hoof beats coming from the stable. Gil emerged riding a flashy yellow palomino and white painted horse.

"Wow, he's beautiful." She commented looking at the golden horse as his long crème colored mane and tail flowed as he moved.

Gil leaned over and patted the horse's neck in an attempt to ease the animal's nervousness. "Thanks, he's still young. I left him here for Randy to break out for me." She smiled, and Gil was hypnotized by it.

Sara cleared her throat. "It's getting dark." She grinned while stating the obvious. It was still unclear to her as to why he was so enthralled with her.

"Oh, yeah…sorry." He steered his horse in the direction of his small accommodations and hoped that Sara would approve.

They made small talk as they rode towards the cabin. The twenty minute ride didn't last long enough for Gil; he enjoyed listening to Sara laugh and being in her company. He helped remove the saddle bags, and proceeded to unsaddle his horse.

Sara was determined to show him that she was self-sufficient and began unsaddling the bay. Gil smiled as she pulled the saddle off and set it on the ground next to his. They walked to the small coral together.

"Whose horse is that?"

He looked at the sorrel saddled and tied outside of the fence. "That's Nick's."

"Who's Nick?" She was beginning to get worried.

Gil smiled and as he stood by her, let a hand move to gently rest in the small of her back. "He's the man who saved my life. I let him stay here with me these past few days; I guess he's going somewhere."

They worked side by side, and once the horses were put away, Gil took her hand into his and walked inside for the first time as a couple.

"Oh, hey. I was just fixin' to leave." Nick turned and threw his saddle bags over his shoulder.

"I saw your horse waiting. Where are you headed?"

"I've been asked to scout for the cavalry. I guess some of those Indians are getting out of hand." The men shared a slight chuckle, and a few glances of appreciation and understanding. "I'll see you around."

Gil shook Nick's hand. "Thank you." Nick nodded and headed out the door. Gil stood and watched from the small porch as the horse carried his friend into the semi-darkness leaving a trail of dust. With a sigh, he decided to let the past go and he headed back inside to his future.

"Did he leave because of me?" Sara asked as she stood in the middle of the small cabin not knowing what she was allowed to do. "I don't want to be any trouble."

"Sara." Gil approached her and softly framed her face with his hands. "You could never be any trouble." He leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. Her injuries were still visible but the ache was gone. "Come on, let's make dinner, I'm starving."

Gil took on the task of building the fire. He tended to it while Sara began preparing their meal after she stowed away the purchases he had made. She had some experience in cooking, but her recipes were limited. He sat at the small table near the fire and watched her work. Sara quietly hummed as she found the small cast iron pot.

"Would you please fetch some water, and a small chunk of meat?" She finished with a smile and held out the pot. Gil grinned and stood to do as she asked.

After he returned, Sara mixed up the ingredients and hung the pot over the fire. While that was simmering, she started to clean up the small mess that was created with the preparation of dinner. Gil was silently watching her and when she would glance at him, he would smile at her.

Sara presented Gil with a simple dish of beef hash and beans. He devoured the first serving and when he asked for a second helping, she couldn't help but smile and oblige.

After they ate, Sara cleaned up the tin plates while Gil brought in more wood for the fire. After things were situated for the evening, they found themselves in each other's arms resting comfortably on the bed, watching the fire crackle.

Sara fingered the buttons on his shirt while the fire provided the light that highlighted his soft features. "So, what exactly do you do?" In the brothel she had heard others talk about him and what he did, but something in her needed to hear it for herself.

Gil's eyes never averted their stare upon the ceiling as he sighed and gave her a gentle squeeze. "I was a bounty hunter."

"Was?"

"Was, past tense. I tracked down people who broke the law and brought them to justice." His voice was hesitant yet calm as he spoke briefly of the only life he had ever known.

Sara snuggled into him and without thinking about her next question, and she just blurted it out recklessly. "How many people have you killed?"

Gil released an uneasy breath before he pried himself from Sara's hold. He stood and crossed the small floor as if he was distancing himself from her. His hands ran through his hair.

"I'm sorry." Sara sat up on the bed. "I should know when to hold my tongue." She brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as she hid her face against her knees.

"It's not your fault." He said took several steps back towards her. Sara lifted her head and looked at him with dampened eyes. "I earned a lot of money by killing men. They were criminals I was attempting to bring to justice. Many weren't going to just throw their hands in the air and surrender." His eyes locked onto the soft orange blaze as he remembered the not so bight aspects of what he used to do. "But there were times when people I wasn't after stood in my way to protect a brother, a son, a father." Sara didn't know he carried so many ghosts with him, and she didn't care. "I'm not proud of it, and am glad I will be able to bury it in my past." Gil sighed. "I hope you won't look at me differently, and that because of what I did…" His thought died on the edge of his lips.

"Gil…" Something in her voice caused him to stop and look at her. "Come here." Her tone was low and seductive.

She didn't have to tell him twice. Gil crossed the room in three large strides and went into her outstretched arms. He captured her lips with his and relished in their softness. Sara pulled him down on top of her as she continued to help kiss away his history. Gil lifted himself up and began undoing his shirt. They were both rushing forth in a need to wipe away their past and create a clean slate.

Sara helped him free his body of clothing, and he was graciously helping to remove hers. His lips were furiously attacking her neck and across her clavicle. He then slowed enough to give her breasts attention before kissing his way lower.

"Gil…" She exhaled, her breathing ragged.

"It's okay, sweetheart, just relax."

She nodded her head and lay back to begin drowning in the sensations he was creating. He softly kissed his way around her sweet spot. His tongue slowly licked up the outer folds and Sara gasped. He eased two fingers into her while gently sucking and teasing her.

"Oh, God." Sara writhed and moaned as her pleasure mounted, Gil teased her until she was poised on the brink of orgasm, but stopped before pushing her over the edge.

When he rose from between her thighs, Sara reached out and pulled him down into a hard kiss. She was enthralled by the heat of his passion when he pressed into her. It took will power she didn't know existed to not break away and cry out as he filled her.

Gil felt her throat rumble with a contained moan as he kissed her. He gave her a moment to adjust before he continued to move within her. He kept his thrusts slow, yet deep, making her feel the love he possessed for her.

Their lovemaking was drawn out into the evening. They peaked together, and fell asleep in each other's arms. Sara drifted off before Gil. He held her and stared into the crackling fire, trying to decide what this young, vibrant woman saw in him.


So, depending on how many reviews I get for this chapter, I'll send the next one to be edited and you may continue to read. And we all just might reach the end.

TDCSI