Sixteen year old Kathryn Sully stood behind the bar of Hank's saloon serving drinks to the patrons as they ordered. She liked working the bar best, there was always lots going on there and sometimes she could make a little extra cash if she shrugged her top down low. The patrons liked it when she served too, after all she was better on the eyes than Hank's gruff appearance. She was pouring a shot of whiskey for a man when the saloon doors rattled open. Kat looked up to greet the newcomer. It was the Barber's Apprentice from across the street, the one who'd given her the aspirin for her headache a few days ago. He looked nervous, he's eyes darted back and forth around the room like he was looking for someone.

"Afternoon, Mr. Slicker." She bobbed her head politely. He smiled back at her, happy to see a familiar face.

"Good Afternoon, Kat." He nodded and walked right up to the bar.

"What's brings you in here today?" She asked, setting down the bottle of Whiskey in her hand. She rested her elbows on the top of the bar, with her left fist propping up her chin. It was a trick she learned from Myra, it made men feel like you was listen to them and only them, like they were the only other person in the room.

"I 'd like a drink." He ordered with confidence. Kat nodded, lifting her head from her hand.

"What'll it be?" She gestured to the rack of liquor behind her. Jake squinted nervously at the rack. He'd never had a sip of liquor before and had no idea what the difference from one bottle to the other was. He decided to go the easy route, and pointed at the bottle by her elbow.

"I'll have some of that." He reached into his pocket and started to fumble around for money.

"Top shelf whiskey?" Kat asked, holding up the bottle by the neck.

"Sure." He agreed uncertainly. Why was she looking at him like that? She seemed concerned.

"Well, all right then." She shrugged. Kat produced a shot glass from beneath the counter and poured some of the rich honey colored liquid into it. "Drink up." She inviting, sliding the glass across to him. Jake slapped three dollars down on the counter before cautiously sitting at an open stool. He didn't drink the whiskey right away, instead he stared at it, like it might jump out and take a bite of him. Kathryn stared from him, to the small stack of bills and back up again. She laughed.

"What's so funny?" He looked up, glad for the excuse not to drink.

"You ain't never had a drink before have you?"

"No I-I've had lots of drinks." Jake stammered, trying to sound convincing. She didn't seem to buy it for one second. He sighed and hung his shoulders. "What was your first clue?"

"Well for starters, you looked nervous as heck coming in here. And you drastically overpaid." She handed the three dollars back to him."Tell you what, the first one's on the house."

"Are you sure?" He looked down at the money. "I don't want you getting in trouble on account of me."

"Consider it payment for that aspirin the other day." She suggested. Jake took the bills from her and stuffed them back in his pocket. She then pulled out a second shot glass and poured herself a shot. "Now the trick to this," She said picking up her glass, "Is to drinking down as fast as you can. Don't bother tryn' to taste it." Jake picked up his own glass and continued to stare it down. "We'll drink together on the count of three..two...one." At one they both tossed the whiskey shots back. Kat quickly slammed her now empty glass back down and made a sour face. Whiskey wasn't her drink of choice, but she could choke it down once in awhile. The same apparently could not be said for the young Mr. Slicker, who sputtered and gasped as he tried to swallow the liquor.

"Hey, Kat, no killing the customers!" Hank shouted from the other side of the room.

"Sorry Hank!" She hollered back, not really bothered by his shouts or Jake's sputtering. "Forgive me fur sayin' so Mr. Slicker, but I just don't think drinkin' is going to become a hobby of yours."

"No," Jake managed to cough. "I don't think it is. Have you...have you got any water?" he choked.

"Oh sure." She rushed to pour him a tall glass of water, which he accepted gratefully.

"Ah, that's better." He exhaled, massaging his throat. "To be honest, I wasn't really comin' in for the drink. Thankfully." He coughed the last part out, mostly to himself.

"I see." Kat nodded. She leaned on her elbows once more."So what was it that brought ya' in today, Mr. Slicker?"

"Please, just Jake." He insisted. He took another gulp of water and tried to steady his breathing. She was staring back at him, her chin resting on her fist. Her ocean blue eyes waiting patiently for him to respond. "I was hoping to find you." He finally confessed.

"Oh it weren't your fault Jake! I don't care what that woman says." Hank groaned from behind the bar. Jake was standing on the other side of the bar holding is head. Loren Bray was standing on the side of him, offering words of encouragement.

"No!" Loren was agreeing with Hank. "It was just an accident! Happens all the time."

"Not to me it don't." The barber groaned.

"Hey, why don't I let you shave me, right now?" Loren suggested. He pulled his young friend by the elbow, but Jake recoiled.

"LET GO OF ME YOU OLD FOOL!" He bellowed. Loren looked down at his mug of beer nervously. "Can't a man drink in peace?" He tossed back the remainder of his own.

"Sure, Loren mumbled. "Sure, Jake, anything you say." He abandoned his half-full mug at the bar and left the saloon, shaking his head. Kat stepped into the Saloon and watched the scene unfolding at the bar.

"I think you've had enough, Jake." Hank said.

"What are you my mother?" Jake slurred. "Now set 'em up!" He demanded. Kat was about to intercede when Myra came running from across the room. She flung an arm around her friend and smiled.

"Hey, Jake!"

"Hey." He nodded at her.

"Jake I hate to see you like this, worrying an' all. Loren's right you didn't mean to do anybody no harm..."

"Shhhh..." Jake placed a hand over her lips. "I don't feel like talking." He started to pull Myra away towards the rooms in the back.

"Jake, you're Hurting me!" Myra winced. "Stop, let go!" Immediately Hank leapt into action. He jumped over the counter of the bar and pried Myra away.

"No man-handling the merchandise!" The Saloon owner chastised as Kat ran over to asses Myra. Luckily her friend wasn't hurt, only shaken up.

"Or what?" Jake asked, he shoved at Hank but all that accomplished was to send himself staggering backwards.

"I don't wanna hurtcha." Hank threatened.

"Who's gonna hurt who?" Jake slurred. He gave Hank another drunken shove.

"Jake, knock it off! Go home, you're drunk." Kat barked. She stood in front of Myra protectively. The barber cast a dark glare in their direction before taking another shot at Hank.

"Who the hell is the whore for anyhow?" He asked. "Horace? Or maybe you're saving her for yourself?"

"Watch your mouth!" Hank threatened him again, this time picking Jake up by his vest. Jake fell to the floor, but he quickly scrambled to his feet.

"I DON'T NEED YOU!" He shouted at Hank before swiping a bottle off a nearby table. "I don't need any of you." He mumbled before swaggering out the door.

A/N: As always, thank you to Michaela, Kim and Maria for your reviews of Chapter 13! I'm glad to hear that y'all enjoyed it, and that I didn't disappoint! Please let me know your thoughts on Chapter 14! And yes, technically is should be "Mr. & Mrs. Byron Sully" but Kat was just teasing her brother after all! :D