I apologize for this taking so long to come out. I had a severe health crisis that put me out of commission for several months. That mixed with bad writers block meant that this took a long time to make but hopefully I'll have another chapter out sooner than nearly a damn year. I don't plan to abandon this story at all, but as these months have proven it may be a while between chapters depending on how hectic my life gets.

June 3rd

The whistle of the police rang out against the brick walls of Saint Denis. I looked back, the policeman tripped over a box George threw down, I laughed and clutched the bag of stolen fruits tighter.

"Come on! Let's go," George called from up ahead. He climbed over a fence with me right behind, I tossed him the bag before scrambling over.

"The hideouts not far, let's go before they catch up," George said, helping me to my feet. I put my old worn out flat cap back on and followed after him.

Thankfully no more law showed up and we made it back to the hideout without any more trouble. I grabbed the bag from George and took an apple out and bit a chunk out of it.

"So good," I said with juices running down my chin.

George grinned as he peeled an orange, "This'll be nice eating for a day or two."

I nodded, "Momma's been sayin' she wanted some apples. Joe will like the banana."

George pulled another orange out of the bag, "Take the rest."

I stopped eating and looked at George, "George-"

He shook his head, "As your elder I insist."

I rolled my eyes, "You're only two years older."

George grinned, "Yeah? And you're only twelve that means I'm the boss."

I shook my head and shoved him, he started laughing.

"As long as I'm around, I'll take care of you and Momma and Joe," George said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

I grinned.

I blinked my eyes open as I saw the sunlight lighting up the canvas above me, tear marks ran down my face. I wiped my eyes and sighed.

"What the hell was that," I mumbled, putting an arm over my eyes.

Eventually I slowly slid out of the wagon and went through my morning routine of putting my boots and gunbelt on. It was a little chilly this morning so I grabbed my coat to pull on. I looked at the spot where I had been shot in the arm and saw that it had been stitched up.

I looked around the camp, people were bustling about. Judging by the sun it was around eight in the morning which meant I overslept a little.

I walked over to the stew pot and poured me some coffee. I grabbed a plate and spoon and got some stew before walking over to the gambling table and sitting down.

I wiped at my eyes and took a sip of the steaming hot coffee. I set my cup of coffee down and started to eat what tasted like venison stew.

"Just waking up," Hosea asked as he sat down beside me. He held a newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee.

I nodded between bites, "Had a bit of a late night with Sean. Decided to tell me about his Da."

Hosea chuckled and shook his head as he started to read the newspaper, "That doesn't surprise me one bit."

I grinned and took another sip of coffee.

"So Miss Tilly seems excited. She has just been chatting away to the other girls about you taking her to town today," Hosea commented looking over at me. He looked like what I pictured a dad looked like.

I blinked however as what he said registered, had I asked her to go to town? In all honesty yesterday was a bit of a blur with all that had happened.

"Is she," I finally asked.

Hosea nodded as he turned back to his newspaper, "I do hope you don't hurt the girl's feelings. Lord knows she's been through enough as young as she is."

I frowned, "I'm not courting her. I'm just getting her something nice for always helping me."

Hosea nodded, "Okay. Hope you're ready to go," he said before standing up.

I frowned, "What?"

A second later Tilly sat down beside wearing an expensive looking dress.

"Good morning," she said with a smile.

I blinked and closed my mouth, "That's a really pretty dress, um…I feel underdressed."

Tilly smiled and shook her head, "Thank you. I don't go to town often so I thought I'd dress nice. You look just fine."

I smiled slightly, "Thanks. By the way did you stitch this back up," I asked, rubbing my finger over the stitching on my coat.

She nodded, "Figured I could go ahead and do that while you boys were out robbing."

I chuckled, "Thanks."

She smiled and nodded, "When are we heading to town?"

I looked down at my half full plate, "Let me finish eating and then we'll go."

She nodded and I hurriedly finished off the cooling stew. I downed the coffee in one gulp and set the dishes in the dirty pile.

I walked back over to Tilly, "Do you wanna take Quinton? Or take a wagon?"

She frowned in thought for a moment, "Let's take Quinton."

I nodded and went to grab Quinton's saddle. I slung it over him and made sure the straps were tight but not too tight. I went and grabbed my Litchfield and put it in its holster on the saddle.

I climbed on and held out my arm for Tilly to grab onto. Once she grabbed onto it I pulled her up behind me.

"All set," I asked looking back. My face felt hotter as I felt her hands on my hips.

She nodded, "I'm good."

I cleared my throat and nodded and set Quinton into a trot, "Andrew and Tilly heading out." I called to Lenny who was on guard duty.

Lenny waved and grinned, "Have fun you two!"

I grinned as I led Quinton onto the road. It was a bright sunny day with only a few clouds here and there in the sky. I glanced back at Tilly who smiled back. I grinned and shook my head.

"So how'd you fall in with the gang? You saw how I did," I asked as I turned Quinton onto the road to Valentine.

"Arthur and Dutch saved me from an old gang I used to ride with. It was a…bad place for me and they got me out," Tilly explained.

I nodded, "I understand."

"So what's Saint Denis like? I haven't ever been to a city that big before," Tilly asked.

I frowned as the dream resurfaced from last night, "It's big, very big. There's so many different parts to it. You have the rich, the poor, the factories, the docks, the farms, the slums. It's amazing how it all collides and works together."

My frown deepened as memories I don't remember having of Saint Denis flashed through my mind.

"It sounds amazing. I know Dutch, Arthur, and Hosea despise bigger towns and cities but it's always fascinated me," Tilly said with a wondrous look.

I shrugged, "There's beauty in it sure but the beauty hides the ugliness."

Tilly sighed, "You sound like Arthur and Dutch."

I shook my head, "I don't loathe places like that like them but I do see what the city tries to hide."

We crossed the tracks and passed by the post office. There was steady traffic flowing both into Valentine and out of it. It was a lot busier than usual which confused me.

Was there some event going on? That was the only thing that made sense to me.

"Valentine looks busier than usual," Tilly voiced.

I nodded, "I was thinking the same thing."

I spotted some men milling about the stocks and auction yard and turned Quinton towards them.

"Excuse me sir. Is there a reason why Valentine is so busy today," I asked.

One with a big bushy mustache turned towards to me, "We got some sheep coming later today, people are coming into town for the night to buy'em."

I nodded in understanding, "Alright. Take care," I said as I led Quinton back onto the road to Valentine.

Tilly remained quiet as we rode up onto the main street of Valentine. I had to steer Quinton out of the way several times as carriages and buggies steadily passed by.

"I've never seen Valentine this busy," Tilly said, looking all around the town.

I stopped in front of the general store and climbed off of Quinton and loosely tied him to the hitching post. I turned towards Tilly and held my hands out, I caught her as she slipped from Quinton's back and set her down.

I held my arm out, "Shall we madam," I asked in a snooty voice.

Tilly giggled and looped her arm around mine, "Why of course sir."

We walked up on the porch and I walked in and held the door open for her.

"I recognize that face," said the store owner as we walked in.

I nodded as we walked up to the counter, "Was hoping to look at some of your jewelry. Might buy one or two if it piques my interest."

The owner, whose name I couldn't remember, nodded and reached under the counter, "Well we have a few over there on the pedestals but I have a few others under here."

I pointed towards the necklaces hanging up near the window, "Go look at those. See if there's anything you'd want."

The man laid out several necklaces on the counter, some were simple chains and others had gemstones. One that caught my eye was a silver chain with a sapphire gemstone surrounded by diamonds.

"How much is this one," I asked in a whisper pointing at the one that caught my eye. I looked over at Tilly to see her still browsing the necklaces.

"Twenty five dollars," the owner answered quietly.

I reached into my pocket and counted out the money before handing it over. I pocketed the necklace before walking over to Tilly.

"Found anything you like," I asked, walking up behind her.

She nodded, "A few."

"What one's," I asked looking over the displays. There were a few pretty ones but none of them were particularly amazing.

She picked up one that had several small emeralds on the front, "I think this one is the best."

I nodded, "I like it. If that's the one you want then."

She smiled, "It is."

I turned towards the owner, "How much is this one?"

He looked up over the counter, "Fifteen."

I nodded and pulled out the money, "I'll take this and a few cans of coffee."

I grabbed a few cans of coffee and stuck them into my satchel before handing over the money.

"Is there a mirror anywhere in here," I asked.

The owner pointed to a door beside the counter, "Right in there."

I nodded and turned to Tilly, "Wanna try it on?"

She nodded and walked over to the door, I walked in behind her and shut the door.

She turned to me with a confused look, "What are you doing?"

I tilted my head to the side in confusion, "Helping you put the necklace on?"

She paused before nodding and handing me the necklace. I uncipped the necklace and raised it over her head before placing it around her neck.

"How's it look," she asked, holding her hair up as she looked in the mirror.

I looked in the mirror and smiled, "It looks great. It compliments your eyes really well."

She looked down, almost causing me to drop the necklace. I reached into my pocket and pulled the other necklace. I pulled off the necklace Tilly had picked out, she gave me a confused look in the mirror.

I lifted up the necklace I had picked out and set it on her neck, "I also bought this one."

She simply looked in the mirror and blinked, I frowned.

Did I do something wrong? I thought it looked pretty.

"Um sorry I thought it was pretty so I bought it," I explained, my cheeks hot, as I lifted it off her neck only to stop as she grabbed my arm.

"No no. Put it on me please," she said with a smile.

I paused before laying it back down on her neck and clipping together. I stepped back and looked in the mirror to see her smiling. She turned towards me and gave me a hug, catching me off guard.

"Thank you," she said giving me one last squeeze before stepping back.

"Your welcome," I said with a smile.

"How much did this cost anyway," she asked examining the necklace in the mirror.

I grinned, "Doesn't matter."

She looked at me in the mirror with an exasperated look to which I smugly grinned back.

I opened the door to the room and stepped out, "I'll be waiting on the porch when you're done," I said. I gave the store owner a nod before walking out.

I took a seat on the bench and watched as the townsfolk went about their daily lives. I pulled out a carton of cigarettes and lit one as I waited. A few minutes later she walked out, looking around with a confused look before turning to see me.

"You have anything you wanna do," I asked, taking a drag as I stood up.

Tilly nodded, "I need to head to the gunsmith."

I raised an eyebrow but nodded, "Okay. Let's go."

"Actually I'd rather go on my own," Tilly said as I stepped off the porch.

I turned and looked up at her, "Pardon?"

"I'd rather go to the gunsmith by myself," she answered.

I blinked and then slowly nodded, "Okay. I'll be in the saloon when your done then."

I watched her walk across the street and head into the gunsmith before walking into the saloon. I looked over to see a man getting a haircut and felt at my own hair, it was starting to get pretty long but it was still manageable.

I walked up to the bar, "A whiskey. Any kind," I said as I set some money down. I took a seat and knocked back the whiskey as I waited.

A few more shots of whiskey later the stool beside me was moved and somebody took a seat beside me. I turned to see Tilly with a grin on her face and holding something large wrapped in cloth. She set down two large boxes full of bullets.

I sighed, "You got me a gun didn't you?"

She smiled, "Yup. I wasn't sure what to get you but the gunsmith recommended this," she said as she unwrapped the bundle to reveal a rifle.

I recognized it as a Rolling Block rifle, minus the scope from the game. It truly was a beautiful gun and one I had planned to get after saving up a bit more money.

"It's beautiful," I said as I held it up and examined it. The stock was a beautiful dark red, contrasting and complimenting the black barrel.

"How much did it cost?"

Tilly merely smiled, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

I turned my head toward her as I set the gun back down and wrapped it back up.

"Yes actually, I would," I said.

Tilly grinned and shook her head, "That's too bad then isn't it?"

I scoffed as if that hurt before standing up, "Come on. Let's take a ride."

I grabbed the two boxes of bullets and stuffed them in my satchel before grabbing the gun and walking out with Tilly behind me. We walked back down to the general store and stopped beside Quinton.

"Here hold this," I said, handing Tilly the gun before lifting her up and sitting her on Quinton's backside.

"Where to next," I asked as we started out of town on the road by the stables.

"We could head back to camp and get some food then go for a picnic down by the river," Tilly suggested as she held one hand on my hip and the other on the rifle.

I nodded as we passed the theater tent, avoiding the wagons and stagecoaches pouring in.

"Sounds like a plan," I said with a nod, glancing back at her.

"So where'd you grow up in Saint Denis," Tilly asked as we turned onto an open road.

"Grew up in between the slums and the farms. Plenty of the colored folk around and we took care of each other. My ma and I used to go in the city for work though," I answered as memories I had no recollection of appeared.

"Sounds like you miss it," Tilly said.

I shrugged, "I do at times. I'm sure most people miss their childhoods though."

I felt Tilly stiffen for a moment before muttering, "I guess so."

I glanced back at her but stayed silent as I turned Quinton onto the main road leading to camp.

"Hold it right there mister," came a shout as several men wearing black and green stepped out onto the road.

I pulled Quinton up short and glanced back at Tilly before turning to the group of what was obviously O'Driscoll's.

"Howdy gentlemen. I'm guessing you want my money," I asked as I held my hands up.

"That's right mister. Go ahead and climb on down! Leave your bitch up on that horse if you want," said one of them walking forward, his gun slung onto his shoulder.

"If they start shooting, get back to camp and warn some of the others," I whispered to Tilly before climbing off Quinton.

"Gentlemen. I heard about a group of you O'Driscoll's getting wiped out at Six Point Cabin. That true," I asked as I reached into my satchel and pulled out a clip of money. I noticed several of their faces twist into anger as I almost expected to be cut down then and there.

"Well you ain't wrong," said the obvious leader as he strutted up and plucked the money out of my hand before striking me across the head with the butt of his rifle.

I fell to the ground, the world now very shaky and I had a hard time focusing on anything. A second later I heard gunshots followed by a lot of yelling. I lay on the ground not sure if the sounds were real or just in my head.

I felt someone's hand turn my head towards them and my unfocused eyes could make it out as Tilly. The gunshots had dimmed but I wasn't sure if they had stopped or not.

"Are you okay," I heard her voice ask as it ringed around my head.

I mumbled out a 'yes' but couldn't tell if she could understand.

"Y'all alright," called out another voice, I turned my head to see Arthur walking over to us. He held his Lancaster in his hand, the barrel still smoking.

"Andrew got hit in the head with the butt of a rifle," Tilly explained as she looked up at him.

Arthur grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me up, "You'll be fine in a little while. Come on let's get y'all to camp."

"Did you get the money," I slurred out as they helped me over to Quinton.

Tilly left my side for a moment before opening my satchel and putting something in it.

"Alright, put one foot in the stirrup," Arthur said as he lifted my right leg up.

I tried only to miss several times before Arthur grabbed the stirrup and pushed my foot into it.

"Grab the horn kid," Arthur said as he and Tilly pushed me onto the saddle. I swayed slightly in the saddle as I held onto the horn for dear life.

"Let's get you two to camp," Arthur said as he lifted Tilly up behind me. He then grabbed my Rolling Block and climbed onto Boudreaux.

I looked down as I felt Tilly's arms reach around me and grab the reins. She set Quinton into a slow walk back to camp.

Gradually my mind cleared as we made our way to camp. At least enough to where I didn't think I was gonna fall every second.

"I'll put your gun at your spot kid," Arthur said as he climbed off his horse.

I nodded as I felt Tilly climb off and I slowly and shakily did as well.

"Do you still wanna head out," I asked Tilly as I held onto Quinton as I get my balance.

She frowned slightly, "Are you sure? You took a bad hit to the head with that gun."

I nod, "I'm sure. It's just to eat some lunch anyway."

She smiled brightly and nodded, "Okay. I'll go get the food you…just rest."

I chuckle and nod as I lean against the hitching post, "Fine by me."

A few minutes later she came back carrying a basket and a blanket. My head was mostly clear and I didn't feel woozy anymore.

"You got a red mark on your forehead," she remarked.

I snorted, "That's what happens when you take the butt of a gun to the head."

She giggled.

I grinned, "Let's take a wagon this time," I suggested.

She nodded, "Okay."

I removed the saddle off of Quinton and set it on the hitching post before walking over to the two Shire horses we kept and hooked them up to the wagon. I helped Tilly onto the wagon and climbed on after.

"Ready," I asked as I grabbed the reins.

"Yup," she said with a smile.

I grinned and gave the horses a light swatch on the back to get them going.

"Where do you want to go on the river," I asked as I turned the wagon onto the trail to the river.

"Right down there is fine," Tilly said pointing at the small batch of trees near the burned down town.

I nod and slow the wagon to a stop by the trees. I climb down and walk around before grabbing the basket and blanket from Tilly. I turned and set the basket down before unfolding the blanket and laying it on the ground in the shade.

Tilly grabbed the basket and started setting out the food. It wasn't anything fancy, just some meat with some oranges and apples.

I sit down on the blanket and just lay there for a few seconds as I listen to the birds chirping and the water whooshing past.

"You okay?"

I look over to see her already eating and I chuckle.

"I'm fine. Just…enjoying nature and your company."

I saw her cheeks darken slightly at my words.

She turned her head towards the river, "Wonder if this would be a good fishing spot."

I shrug as I reach over and grab a piece of meat, "Probably. I don't have a fishing pole though."

She laughs softly, "I didn't mean right now."

I blush and grin, "Oh."

She smiles and shakes your head, "So…do you plan to stay with the gang for a while?"

I nod as I chew, "For a while. How long do you think it will last though?"

Tilly tilted her head in confusion, "Think what will last?"

I gesture towards the cliff where Horseshoe Overlook was, "Running with a gang. The Van der Linde gang no less."

She frowned and looked down for a few seconds, "I've talked with Hosea about it a little. He thinks Karen, Mary-Beth, and I should leave soon."

I raise an eyebrow, "He does?"

Tilly nods, "He's been saying it a lot lately."

I purse my lips as I eat another piece of meat, "I guess it makes sense. He's getting old and wants to make sure some of us are safe."

Tilly shrugged and started to eat an apple. I looked over at the water and started to pull my boots off.

"What're you doing?"

I grin as I stand up and feel the grass beneath my feet, "Going to see how the water feels."

I unbuckle my gunbelt and set it down on the blanket. I pull my jeans legs midway up my calfs and step into the water. I shivered as the water was really cold compared to my usual hot nature.

"How's it feel," Tilly called from the bank.

I grin as I nearly fall from the water pushing me, "It's cold."

Tilly laughed, "It can't be that bad, it's June."

I grin as I try to keep balanced, "Maybe not to you."

Tilly smiled, "Is that a challenge?"

I laugh as I nearly slip on a rock, "Call it what you will."

Tilly giggled and pulled off her shoes and hiked her dress up before stepping into the water.

"See? It's not that bad," she said with a shiver.

I grin, "Uh huh."

Tilly smiled, "Are you doubting me?"

I chuckle, "Maybe a little."

Tilly reached down and splashed the water at me. I gasp as i feel the cold water hit me.

"You did not just do that," I say as water drips off of my nose.

"I would never," she said with a grin.

I squint my eyes and look between the water and her.

"No. Don't. This is one of my good dresses," she said as she backed up some.

I grumble and sigh, "Fine."

Tilly breathes a sigh of relief before a sudden wave of water splashes her.

"Hey!"

I look around innocently, "I guess Posidon agrees with me," I say cheekily.

Tilly reached down and splashed me again. I grin and start walking towards her. I could see her eyes widen and she hastily climbed back onto the bank.

"No! Do not pull me in the water!"

I grin and grab her and throw her over my shoulder. I could hear her squeal as I step back into the water.

"I thought you said it ain't that bad," I say as I walk deeper into the water.

"Andrew! Do not put me in the water," she said laughing.

I smile as I act like I'm gonna drop her, "Come on, it ain't that bad."

"I swear if you drop me in this water."

I grin and sling her off my shoulder and hold her bridal style, "You'll what?"

My grin grows as I see her cheeks darken, "Um…uh…"

I chuckle and carry her back to the bank and set her down.

"Relax. I did think about doing it though," I say as I sit back down on the blanket.

I grab an apple and take a bite as I look up at her. She stood still a few more seconds before sitting back down on the blanket.

"You okay," I ask before taking a bite of my apple.

Tilly nodded, her cheeks darkening further. I chuckle and continue to eat the apple. I looked out back at the water as I finished chewing.

Suddenly I felt her hand on my face and a second later her lips on mine. I froze, unable to process what was happening until she leaned back.

"S-sorry, I…sorry," she said laughing nervously.

I put my fingers to my lips as my mind finally caught back up, "It's…it's okay."

Tilly blushed, "You…you sure?"

I nod, my own fave growing redder.

"Yes. I..I liked it."

Her face grew even darker, "Would you want to do it again?"

I nod as I slowly lean forward, "Yes."

Our lips met again and although I knew it wasn't real, I imagined steam whistling out of my ears.

The faint sounds of a horse galloping caught my attention as I drew back from Tilly. I looked over towards the hill leading down from camp to see Charles riding down in a hurry.

"Andrew! Tilly! We need to go now," he called as he rode up to us.

"What's going on," I asked standing up and holding a hand out for Tilly.

"Dutch, Arthur, and John just got back from a shootout in Valentine. Strauss got shot too. Apparently Cornwall has tracked us down," Charles explained.

I blinked for a moment, stunned and nodded. I reached down and grabbed the blanket, as I started to fold it back up.

"Alright. We'll pack up and head back up to camp." I said tossing the blanket into the wagon.

Charles nodded and turned Taima towards camp, "I'll see you two there," he said before riding off.

I turned towards Tilly as she turned towards me.

I smiled weakly at her, "This isn't over."

She smiled and grabbed the basket before setting it in the back of the wagon before climbing in beside me. I gave the Shires a switch and turned the wagon onto the trail back up to camp.

Tilly sighed as we neared camp, "Moving again."

I nodded as I slowed the wagon to a stop at the entrance to camp. A wagon was already packed up with another almost done.

"Ms. Jackson! If you would be so kind to help us now that your done gallivanting," Ms. Grimshaw called.

I gave Tilly a sympathetic look before walking over to Pearson's wagon as he looked to be struggling with a large box.

Dutch had sent Charles and Arthur out, despite Arthur missing a sizeable chunk out of his arm from the shootout. The rest of the gang, including myself, continued to pack up. As the hours past I could see some of the girls taking a break and watching me as I worked, smiles on their faces.

I sat down on a empty box with a groan, it was late in the afternoon now. All the wagons were packed and everyone was just waiting on Arthur and Charles to return.

"Tired," Tilly asked as she walked over to me and handed me a cup of water.

I nodded as I took a drink, "Very. I'm ready to get to wherever we're going."

Tilly chuckled as she looked around the camp, "I know what you mean. Today has been an…interesting day to say the least."

I nodded and stood up as Charles rode up, splatters of blood on his shirt.

"Charles? Where's Arthur," Hosea asked as he walked over.

"He's at the place we decided would be a good spot," Charles explained as Dutch walked up.

"Was Dewberry Creek not a good slot," Dutch asked.

Charles shook his head, "Way to open, easily seen. Wouldn't be good during rainstorms either."

Dutch scratched his chin and nodded, "Okay. Everybody get in a wagon! We need to get going now!"

The former camp was bustling as we made our ways to the wagons or our horses. I was caught by surprise when Tilly stood by Quinton as the wagons started rolling out.

"You riding with me," I asked, looking down at her.

She gave me an exasperated look before reaching her arms up for me to lift her. I chuckled and wrapped my arm around her before lifting her onto the back of Quinton.

"Alright, moving out," came a distant call from the front of the small wagon train.

"You and Arthur have much trouble," I ask Charles as I rode along the wagon he was in.

"Some. We helped out a family that didn't speak English, a man was tied up at a small camp in Lemoyne and we freed him and took out the men holding him captive," Charles explained.

I nodded and settled into silence for the rest of the ride. The sun was halfway below the horizon as we approached our new camp. It was fairly well hidden behind a patch of trees and facing Flat Iron Lake.

"You were right, this place looks nice," Dutch said to Charles as we rode into the clearing.

Arthur walked up to the wagons as Dutch climbed off the wagon. I climbed off of Quinton and helped Tilly down before walking over.

"Ain't much," Arthur said as I walked up to the two.

Dutch nodded as he lit a cigar, "Maybe, but we will make the best of it. Miss Grimshaw, Mr. Pearson! Put everyone to work!"

We didn't get everything unpacked by the time the sun had fully set but we got enough for everyone to have a spot to sleep.

I skipped supper and went straight to bed only to have strange dreams plague my mind once again.