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Being a woman of your profession it wasn't unknown or unlikely that a patron would get far too handsy. In fact you dealt with handsy people day in and out. But when a young man, claiming to be untouchable by any bounty hunter, walked in throwing money on the counter and demanded you, it wasn't pleasant to say the least.
Every lady that worked in the saloon had their stories but this man was your first bad experience. The aftermath of said experience was a badly bruised body, face and mind. It must’ve looked as bad as it felt as when the Madame had asked what work you intended to do today, she quickly accepted your answer of washing clothes in the back room, or running any errands the girls needed.
Flashes of his fist caused you to scrub a little too hard on the washboard, grazing your skin and sloshing water out of the barrel. "Shit." you winced, pulling your hand from the soapy water, shaking it to relieve the pain.
The barn door heaved, alerting the few horses behind you and you turned your head to meet May-belle's eyes. She gave you a soft smile and pulled a handkerchief from her bosom.
"Now, we can't have you more injured than y'are." She shook her head wiping your hand. "I am sorry about it dear, if only I were here. I came as soon as I could."
You smiled sadly, it was only yesterday and she was already here. Why should she be sorry? "Now you know you couldn't have interfered with my affairs. However sordid they are."
She tutted. "I have to look after you, you're like the little sister I always wanted."
You pulled your hand out of hers, refocusing on your task. "And what of Lou-Beth? I'm sure she'd love to hear you say that."
May-Belle laughed, helping you hang the clothes you had beaten and then washed. "We all know Lou is more like a man than a lady. Has poor manners too, if she could she'd run off and be the sheriff." She thought for a moment, ceasing her movement before adding. "or maybe a bandit."
You fully laughed at her then. The way her face scrunched in thought before she considered little Lou-Beth being a bandit.
"As long as she's earning." You spoke between chuckles.
There was a lull as you two worked quietly, you knew she was listening for your winces so you wouldn't give them. You'd be strong, even with bruised ribs and an aching face.
"So… will you be working tonight?" Keeping her face forward as she slyly eyed you.
You shook your head. "It's bad for business to have me out there." The excuse was a good one but you two both knew it was just that, an excuse.
"Well then, I suppose you can wash my stockings as well as these shifts." You silently thanked her for dropping the subject and appreciated the help.
..
The Madame was kind to you, giving you task after task to keep you occupied. You had brought supplies, brushed the patrons horses for a few bucks and obviously washed clothes and even some sheets.
It had only been three days since the incident when May-Belle rushed into the kitchen. She had been leisurely coming in and out demanding more and more cheese each time. She rushed up to the cupboards you were reorganising and stopped you.
"He's here!" She smiled pointing behind herself, to the window. "Your dashing knight has returned."
Your heart had stopped when she spoke the first two words, images of the other night flashing behind your eyes, but as she continued you eyebrows lowered and mouth closed.
"You startled me!" Playfully hitting her with the dusting rag you held, before you walked over to the window.
Staring outside the glass there was no doubt that was him. You'd recognise him anywhere even though his silhouette was far away and barely visible on the purple horizon. The sun barely poked out behind the ground casting lengthy shadows. You could still tell, part of you knew you’d always be able to tell; the way his battered hat and worn jacket formed harsh lines, and even the way Razor, his huge horse plodded. It was clearly him.
Your smile slowly fell as the realisation set in. "He can't see me like this. I-I'm not working. I can’t work."
May-Belle sighed, "You know he won't see you differently."
"I know but.." You didn't know what you meant but hoped she would somehow be able to understand.
"You're his girl." She shrugged. "If you don't see him, he'll seek you out. He has before, hell, you 'member when he pulled you out of that man's lap and they made me continue your work?"
Your lips tugged upward remembering how he vowed to 'make you forget' the previous man. He did in fact have a soft spot for you and wouldn't see anyone else. He must've paid a lot too, because aforementioned if you weren't around, he'd kick up a fuss.
"I'll have to get ready," You gestured to your dirty clothes and unkempt hair. "Can you keep him busy while I do?"
A triumphant grin split her face and she nodded enthusiastically. "I'll have him washed and waiting for you."
..
"Where's my Sweetness?" Din questioned, suspiciously, as a woman he knew but couldn't recall her name, led him up the stairs to the biggest room. You usually greeted him at the door, or even outside of it, arms outstretched and lips puckered.
He acted tough but he secretly loved it, making sure to pull you in close and kiss you back as hard as you did. You were so sweet and it was something he craved desperately.
"You need to give her time to get ready, darl." The woman spoke over her shoulder.
It was unusual for you to not be ready, it wasn't early, the sun had set at least 45 minutes ago. There were plenty of patrons around the bar area and there were many men chasing women around the hallway when he reached the top step.
The woman giggled as she opened the door motioning to the steaming tub. "I made sure to make it extra hot for a weary traveller."
Din grunted a thank you. Taking his jacket off, letting it land where it fell. "I'm assuming the reason it's so hot is so it gives my Sweetness more time to prepare herself?"
The woman's eyes widened as her cheeks flushed. "They said y'ere good." She raised a brow and shrugged. "Well, I ain’t gonna lie, you're right."
The bounty hunter pulled the bandana off his face letting it land on top of the jacket. "How long will I be waiting? She better not be with another man." He practically growled the last sentence was at her.
The anger in his voice was not lost on the woman, she stepped back slightly, staring up at him like a scolded child. "She hasn't been with another for a few days now." Speaking quietly as his hands settled on his belt. "Just be gentle with her."
The words held more weight than they should, it was normal for girls to miss a few days due to biology but the way this woman - it was really annoying him now that he couldn't remember her name - spoke made Din's jaw clench.
"That's a promise, Miss." He tipped his hat and she curtseyed, taking her leave.
The Bounty hunter was still for a beat before he stripped himself bare and hopped into the tub, scrubbing the dirt off of his tan skin. You normally took care of this part, he hated to admit but it was probably one of the things he craved the most when he was away. Your fingers in his hair, massaging his neck and then kneading the tough muscles of his back. You always took care of him before he took care of you. It was one of the many reasons he favoured you, the way you treated him like he was worth something.
You, his Sweetness, had the biggest heart he knew. You were kind to anyone and always offered others what little you had. Even starting to give Din little gifts for his travels, a handkerchief here and a bandana there but the most recent one was a small vial of the perfume you used. You and he had blushed profusely when he had requested it but the payoff was worth the temporary embarrassment. He had put some on his bandana and on particularly hard nights he dropped some on his battered pillow. It was never the same though, you didn't just smell like perfume; you had your own sweet smell, he couldn't tell what it was, probably just your own sweat mixed with all the other ladies scents. It was a known fact you girls shared and swapped clothing, but whatever you wore or scrubbed your body with couldn't be replicated. Your scent was your own and on those lonely nights he wished and begged to have you.
A knock on the door made Din realise his eyes were closed, the bounty hunter eyed his pistol, set delicately, unlike his other belongings, on the side table before he answered gruffly. "Yes?"
"It's m-" Your voice was cut off by a shrill giggle and a side step. "It's me."
Din grinned, his girl was here. "Well, why're you waiting outside, Sweetness?"
You were quiet for a little bit, Din strained his ears in case but could only hear the faint sound of a fast piano and a set of footsteps here and there. "Will you close your eyes?"
That was an odd request but he complied. Maybe you had a new dress on. Last time you had a new dress and stockings you made a fuss about them but you didn't make him close his eyes. "Alright, darling." He kept his impatience out of his voice.
The door squeaked open and your cautious footsteps stopped at the tub. There were two separate clatters and the sound of soft fabric being taken off before he heard you fiddle with your corset. The laces were untied before you pushed the dress and shift down. You set the clothes and shoes away from his pile and sunk yourself into the warm water. Din smiled ready to open his eyes before you clamped a hand over them.
"No."
He sighed. "What's the point of me closing my eyes if you're not revealing a new outfit? Or a new hair cut or whatever else women like."
"What if I just want to be elusive?" Your voice was small and strained despite your position, straddling his thighs with your arms around his shoulders. "I've missed you."
He was quick to agree, dipping his head onto your shoulder and sniffing, how did you smell so good? You both were reluctant to end the hug, both unsure of what the other was thinking.
"Can I please look now?" The question caused you to tense in his arms but you let out a shaky sigh and uttered a small 'okay'.
You pulled back from his embrace and anxiously watched as his eyes opened. He took you in, brows immediately frowning and jaw tightening.
You had tried to cover your eye with your loose hair but he was quick to tuck the strands behind your ear, showing the tender flesh. Your nose had bruises as well and your lips were split. There were handprints on your neck and although he couldn't see much under the water he knew the marks didn't stop.
When he spoke he was eerily calm, "Who did this?"
"Just a stupid kid, left a fake name." You shrugged, wincing a little as it pulled on your ribs. You were careful not to wince taking your clothes off or getting into the tub but you unintentionally let him know you were still hurting; and that's what made his eyes flash with rage.
"I will find him," Din lent forward, capturing your left hand between his, vowing, "I'm gonna ask the Madame for information and I will take whatever little I'm given and I will find him."
You shook your head, "Don't worry. It happens in my line of work."
"No. Not to you." His response was immediate.
"I'm a whore Din." You took your hand back, fiddling with your fingers. "Just a dumb whore."
"Now you know that ain't true." His voice was slightly raised. "We both know you're educated, you know your numbers, your letters, you love reading them romance novels, and you're streetwise. We both know the only reason you're here is because your daddy died."
You half regretted telling him your story and half loved him for remembering.
Din saw you absently bite your lip, making the scab bleed a little, to stop yourself from crying. The pain probably caused more tears than stopping them. Your eyes were glossy and by god they shone. He could see them light up as the white turned a vague pink, tears oozing down your cheeks. You were a mess but a beautiful one.
"I have something for you." Din spoke, his thumb capturing the tears that dared fall. "I saved up to buy you something special." You didn't speak but he could tell he peaked your interest. "I now realise I shouldn't have stayed away so long, I should've been here. I don't regret travelling to get your gift but I wish I could've stopped this." His hand on your face was soft and delicate as he always was with you.
"If it wasn't me it would've been someone else." You reminded him, your voice barely audible.
He pursed his lips, shaking his head, "I would've scared him off."
"Big bad bounty hunter." You chuckled, rolling your eyes.
"Damn straight."
Feeling childish but not caring you asked, "So what'd'ya get me?"
"In my coat pocket." He nodded his head toward the strewn clothes, before looking away almost like he was embarrassed. "I hope you like it."
Pulling yourself from the less than hot water, causing Din to bite the inside of his cheek at the bruises. You haphazardly towel dried, too interested in what he'd gifted you, while he manoeuvred closer to you, his arms resting on the sides of the tub. Kneeling next to his jacket you rummaged through the pockets, there were a few coins in the left pocket so you turned your attention to the right. You pulled a blue velvet box out, it was a flat rectangular shape with gold trim. Your eyes met his, confusion clear in them, but he just stared back, his gaze not faltering.
Slowly bringing your hand to the lid you opened it revealing a very expensive looking necklace and earring set. It was beautiful, silver loops intertwined with navy blue jewels. The earrings had little hanging loops to match.
"Din..." You hadn't noticed but when you looked back to him he was blurry, a tear quickly escaped, solving that riddle.
"Y-You like it?" His gruff voice sounded small, almost scared.
Closing the lid, you smiled sadly. "Surely this isn't the gift, I- you- I thought it would be a flower, not something so beautiful. I don't deserve this treasure."
Din scoffed. "Darlin' you-” He shook his head, “well, let's just say that this is the least you deserve. This was the best I could do and it's not nearly enough."
You didn't say anything but gave him a shy smile, reopening the box and admiring the design. Din finally heaved himself out of the tub and wrapped a towel around his waist.
He then stole your towel, which had loosened around you, and used it to dry his hair and forearms before he pulled the necklace from you and unceremoniously clasped it around your neck. It wasn't romantic.. and oddly it was. You knew he didn't know how to be with a lady and it was awkward for him but he did his best and you loved that.
"Now, a pretty lady like you needs to be surrounded by pretty things." He let his hand hover on your back, fingers trailing your shoulder blade, careful with the purple marks. You picked up the earrings, fixing them into place, trying not to shiver as he delicately ran his hands up and down your back.
"Well, you're here." You smiled back at him, slowly turning in his arms. "And you're the prettiest thing I need."
He chuckled. "You could steal a man's heart with that smile."
"And the fact that I'm completely naked, bar your jewellery?"
Dins eyes travelled up and down you before he gave you a cheeky grin, "that helps."
Your hand found his towel, picking off nonexistent dirt as you contemplated your next words. "It's too bad a girl like me can't afford to hold a man's heart then... No matter how much she’d like to."
"Well, I’m sure he’d take what he can, when he can." He nodded sadly. “And he would be happy with that.”
You smiled up at him, eyes shining yet again with tears and joy, "Thank you." You wound your arms around him and squeezed before repeating yourself.
"It's alright, Sweetness." That's all he said but you both felt the silent 'I love you'.