Chapter 8: Dusty's encounter with Iris McDonald

Dusty rode up north to New York harbor when he saw a woman with red hair & green eyes there, "Iris!" He exclaimed happily. Riding up to her & pulling her up onto his horse, "Long time no see, Iris!" He greeted.

"Indy? Is that you?" Iris asked.

"Sure is." Dusty answered. "My you've grown since I last saw you. How's life going for you?" Iris asked. "Do you have time to talk?" Dusty asked.

"I think I can spare a couple of hours." Iris answered.

Dusty rode up on a quiet, grassy hill.

"So, what's going on, Indy?" Iris asked.

"Nothing really. I was just wanting to talk since we haven't seen each other in a while." Dusty said.

"Now, I agree about that, it has been a while. But, I also know you. What's really going on, Indy?" Iris asked.

Dusty sat down on the ground, "My mother was murdered a couple of months ago." He answered.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Indy. I know you loved her & you miss her a lot." Iris replied.

"I did. Then, I killed the man who did it." Dusty remarked.

"Indy!" Iris exclaimed in total shock.

"That's not the worst part! I'm an outlaw here in the States. I'm a wanted man, now. They gave me a new name even. Dusty, they or so they call me." Dusty replied.

"Indy, why did you choose to go down this road? I know what it's like to be on the wrong end of the law and it's not a joy ride, by any means." Iris informed her young friend.

"I know. I've got at least two lawmen searchin' fir me, now. And, I don't enjoy it. I'm already tired of runnin'!" Dusty answered.

"Indy..."

"I want my family back!" Dusty cried.

"Shh, Indy. It's alright. You're going to be okay." Iris replied as she hugged him & stroked his hair out of comfort as he mumbled other stuff that wasn't able to be interpreted because his sorrow was almost too much for him to bear as Dusty buried his face into her shoulder like a child."Indy. Indy, you still have family..."

"I'm so tired of being alone!" He remarked.

"You're not alone, Indy. You always will have me around every now & again." Iris said trying to lift his spirits, "You remember when I first met you?"

"Yeah. I was just a little kid." Dusty said.

"Today's a good day for an expedition." Iris said to no one in particular since she was alone. She looked around & for miles she could see nothing, but beautiful landscape.

Soon, all the beauty & splendor of the landscape was interrupted by a voice exclaiming, "Help! Somebody!"

"Huh? What was that?" Iris asked as she quickly rode over to the river where she saw a little boy who was being swept away by the river. Iris reacted immediately and quickly directed her horse into the water. She grabbed the little boy out of the water, "I've got ya!" Iris remarked as she lead her horse to the bank of the river then sat him under a tree. She grabbed a blanket & wrapped it around him & made a fire.

The little boy with blonde hair & big blue eyes smiled weakly at her, "T-thanks fir savin' me, nice l-lady." he said.

"It wasn't a problem at all. But, how did you get in the river in the first place?" Iris asked.

"Lost my hat & when I got it... The river took me up." The little boy explained.

"I see. So, what's your name?" Iris asked.

"Indy!" He answered.

"Indy? That's an interesting name." Iris said.

"My full name's Indian Territory, but my Momma calls me Indy for short." Indy explained.

"Oh, so you're an American territory?" Iris asked.

"I don't know what ya mean, but okay!" Indy giggled.

Iris giggled at him, 'He'll figure it out soon enough.' She thought.

"You'll understand when you're older." Iris said.

"How come all adults say that?" Indy wondered.

Iris giggled, "Because, somethings just happen to be that way." She answered.

Indy sighed, "So, now that ya know my name... What's your's?" Indy asked.

"Iris McDonald." Iris answered.

"Howdy, Iris!" Indy greeted.

"Hello, to you too, Indy." Iris responded. "Iris?" Indy asked.

"Yes, Indy?" Iris asked.

"Will-will you marry me?" Indy asked.

Iris giggled, "I'm afraid not Indy." She replied.

"Why?" Indy asked in confusion.

"Because, you're still a boy & I'm in love with someone else." Iris explained.

"Oh." Indy pouted.

"Don't worry, one day you'll find a girl who is prefect for you. But, if you'd like, I'd love to be your friend, Indy." Iris replied.

"Really?!" Indy asked happily.

"Of course." Iris answered.

Indy smiled, "Okay!" He said.

'He is quite the charming one isn't he?' Iris thought, 'In fact he reminds me a lot of... him.' Her train of thought was soon distracted by little Indy who was cuddling up to her side with a tried expression on his face as he yawned. Iris smiled & stroked his hair for a while until he was totally asleep. She then picked him up gently & laid him down on the ground before laying down herself for the night.

"I remember that. I'm kinda embarrassed that I asked ya that." Dusty replied.

"Don't be. I was flattered. Really. And, I thought it was cute coming from a little guy like you." Iris giggled then kissed his cheek. Dusty blushed a bright red then looked over at Iris.

"Now, promise me, Indy. Don't change who you are. You're not some big time outlaw. You're my friend, Indy." Iris remarked.

"I promise." Dusty answered.

Iris smiled & hugged him, "I love you, Indy."

"I love you too, Iris." Dusty said as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Keep yourself out of trouble for me, alright?" Iris asked.

"Alrighty. I swear to ya, Iris." Dusty replied.

"Good." Iris remarked.

"So, what brought ya here anyway?" Dusty asked.

"I was coming here to find you, since I haven't seen you in years." Iris answered.

"What's the real reason?" Dusty asked.

"I'm going to have a meeting with some other countries, but after that I was going to go to Indian Territory to visit you." Iris said.

"I see." Dusty said.

"Well, I'm afraid our time together has to come to an end. I'll try to find you again before I sail away again, but if not... Take this for good luck on your journey. I hope you'll stay in good health & I'd start running, if I were you." Iris said after giving Dusty a three leaf clover medallion after seeing Ranger Jones.

"When can I start lookin' fir ya again?" Dusty asked.

"Tomorrow. At the docks." Iris answered.

"What time?" Dusty asked.

"Noon!" Iris said as she began to walk away.

"See ya then!" Dusty exclaimed as he began to run.

Ranger Taylor Jones noticed Iris, but didn't say anything to her. 'Probably runnin' late for another meetin'.' She thought.

"How's it goin', homie!" A man with brown shaggy hair & blue eyes asked.

"Nate?" Taylor asked.

"Yea! How's it goin'?" Nathaniel asked again.

"Not good. Been lookin' for an outlaw by the name of Dusty. Heard of him?" Taylor asked.

"Nah, I haven't bra. I'll keep a look out for ya though." Nathaniel answered.

"I hope Kenny's havin' worse luck than me." Taylor sighed.

"That's a little rude, Tay." Nathaniel remarked.

"Well, I'm tryin' to protect Dusty from Kenny tryin' to kill him." Taylor explained.

"Oh, I got'cha, player." Nathaniel said.

"Really?" Taylor asked.

"Yea. You in love with him, huh?" Nathaniel teased.

Taylor body slammed him to the ground, "It isn't like that!" She snapped. Then climbed back on her horse & rode off.

"I for reals gotta get the hang of not makin' my sisters angry, yo!" Nathaniel said, laying on his next day Dusty went to the docks to find Iris. Dusty figured since he hadn't shaved in a while his new mustache would be enough of a disguise to protect him from Ranger Taylor & Sheriff Kenny.

Dusty smiled when he saw Iris.

"Indy! It's good to see you again." Iris replied.

"How was the meetin'?" Dusty asked.

"You know same as usual. England & France fought the whole time. America wouldn't stop talking about nonsense of making another state. And, a complete waste of time, if I might add." Iris remarked.

"Sounds stressful." Dusty said.

"Yes, it was & always is." Iris replied. Dusty chuckled.

"Well, Indy. I'm afraid this is good bye for a while." Iris said.

"I guess so." Dusty replied. "Goodbye until I can visit, again." Iris said.

"Bye, Iris. I'll try not to get into too much trouble while you're gone." Dusty teased.

"I don't believe that for a second!" Iris giggled.

"Didn't expect ya too." Dusty chuckled then kissed her hand.

"Good bye, old friend." Iris said then smiled at him before boarding the ship. Dusty walked away as the ship departed.

Disclaimer: Iris McDonald does not belong to me she belongs to my friend Nina luvs Iceland. Also Hetalia does not belong to me, I just wish I did.