outlaw

Hi everybody! Here I am with another chapter of outlaw. All standard disclaimers apply. You know I don’t own them.. If I did I wouldn’t have to worry about finding a job!
Warnings.. I suppose language. Maybe violence…….

 
 
 
Outlaw

 
Chapter 8

 
 
The day dawned cold and dreary. Duo Kissed Hilde as he slipped out of the bed and moved across the floor to the small stove. He shivered as he opened it and shoved small pieces of wood into it. He watched it flare up and start to burn. He looked back at the sleeping woman then left the room, closing the door behind him. He tossed a few logs in the fire place and started the other stove for coffee. Once all these things were done he returned to the bed room. He dressed, then gently woke Hilde.
“Good morning , lover.” He whispered in her ear as he kissed her. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close.
“Hi,” Was her reply, as she kissed him soundly on the lips. “Time to get up?”
“Yes, Heero will be over in a few minutes as soon as he smells the coffee.”
She reached up and grasped his shirt .”You sure you’ll be ok all alone here while we go to town?”
He nodded. “You have to go. Heero has to go , he wants to go to Relena. And some one has to stay here.”
“It will probably be two days.”
He nodded again as he pulled her from the bed. “Dress now, before I do something rash and we get caught .”
Hilde giggled and moved past him gathering up her clothes. She slipped into her jeans and then turned to face him. “So what are you going to do for 2 days while I’m gone?”
“Miss you.” He said, gathering her in his arms.
“Sweet talker.”
He leaned down and kissed her, but it was short lived because Heero came into the house.
“Are you ready, Hilde? I smell coffee.” Heero cocked an eyebrow as the two oft hem exited the bed room. He said nothing as he poured a cup of the steaming brew. He held it up to his mouth and took a sip.
He looked up at Duo and said. “Be sure to check on the Indians up in the caves. I believe the men are out on one more hunt before winter sets in.”
Duo nodded and slipped on his coat. He turned to Hilde. “You got everything , babe? Heero?”
Hilde nodded and stepped up to him. She ran her fingers along his cheek. “See you in a couple of days.”
“You be careful, ok? Don’t take on bandits.”
Heero noticed the tender look Duo gave her and knew he didn’t need to worry about Hilde any more . She was going to be well cared for. He turned away and moved toward the door.
“I’ll be ready when you are.”
She didn’t linger long in his arms. Duo followed her to the door as he shrugged on his coat.
He watched her as she hurried down the steps to the wagon. Heero’s horse was tied behind, and all his belongings were tossed in the back.
He watched until the wagon disappeared from sight, then he went to the wood pile and began to pile up the wood. He filled the box and placed the extra beside the box. As he worked he didn’t notice the man who watched him prepare the cabin for the long winter.

 
 
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Hilde and Heero rode in comfortable silence. The only sounds were the rattle and clank of the harnesses, crunch of the horses hooves and the wheels on the snow. The day was rapidly warming , and this first snow would gone in a few hours. Hilde turned to Heero and opened her month to say sorting but closed her mouth.
Heero looked over at her after he flicked the horses reins. “What?”
She shook her head, “ Nothing.”
He looked at her then turned back to the front. “He loves you.”
“What?”
“Duo. He loves you.”
“I…. I guess I know that.”
“No, Hilde. He loves you.”
“What are you trying to say?” She asked, confused in his answer.
“He would die for you.”
“I…”
“You Can’t let him do it.”
“Ok Heero, stop being cryptic and spit it out.”
“Don’t let him go after Treize by himself.”
Her mouth dropped open and a trace of panic crossed her face. “You don’t think he would..”
Heero shook his head. “No, he won’t go when your gone. He will wait.” He paused. “Don’t let him go alone. Make him take others with him.. Me, Zechs.. It doesn’t matter.”
Hilde just stared at him.
“Promise me!”
“Why do you care? I thougyou you hated him?”
“I want you to be happy, if he is what makes you happy , then Promise me.”
She looked him but promised anyway.
The sun was low on the horizon when they made they way into the small town. Heero pulled up in front of the general store and Hilde jumped out of the wagon. She hurried in and started to get the supplies she needed. As she worked on getting her supplies, The store owner came in from the back.
“Miss Hilde!!” He cried as he came over to her.
She looked up as he looked up at her and grasped his hands . “Quatre.”
Quatre Winner was a short blonde with a pretty face . He looked far younger than his years but he was a shrewd businessman.
“How are you? Getting your winter supplies , I see.” He paused. “We need to talk, Miss Hilde.” He grasped her arm. “Give Jonah your list, he’ll finish for you.”
He pulled Hilde to back room where he lived with his wife and children. Catherine, Quatre’s wife looked up as he dragged Hilde into the small kitchen.
“Hilde!” She said as she chased the children from the room. “Tea?”
Hilde watched as the three children ran from the room. She nodded.
Catherine poured her a cup as she sat down, with Quatre across from her.
“There has been trouble.” He said, as he looked at her. “I have been threatened by Treize Kushrinada.”
Hilde cocked an eyebrow. “What has he threatened you with?” She asked, a little afraid of his answer.
He threatened t o put me out of business if I helped you. It seems he has a hard on for you. He has gone all through town with these threats.”
“What of Zechs?”
Quatre shrugged. “Many believe he is in cahoots with him.”
Hilde sighed. “Why are you defying him by selling me my supplies?”
“Because I can and I will.”
Hilde looked over at Catherine. “Are you alright with this?”
She nodded.
“Who else?”
“He threatened the Changs. Oh by the way Sally wants you to stop.” He picked up his cup and took a drink. “He also threatened the Barton’s. Dorothy went on a tangent. I don’t think you’ll havany any problem there.”
“And?”
“The others maybe a problem.”
“Others?”
“What do you need from town?”
“Just things from you and the livery. Why?”
He nodded. “Ok. Well, I’m sure the Bartons or the Changs will put you up for the night.” He thought for a moment. “Maybe Miss Relena will do it.”
“Do what?” She questioned.
“Stay the night. The hotel will not let you stay.”
Hilde clenched her fists. He would not get away with this.
“Catherine send one of the children to Miss Relena’s.” He looked over to Hilde. “You have brought Miss Relena’s betrothed, correct?”
Hilde blinked. “Excuse me, Heero came of his own free will. I did not “bring” him as you so put it.”
He nodded. “I understand. Come let’s see how your supplies are coming.”
Hilde stood and thanked Catherine for the tea. She followed Quatre out into the store again. Jonah smiled and handed the list back to Hilde.
“Everything is loaded on the wagon.” He said, then he frowned, “It seems a little more than normal. But I know it’s going to be a long winter so I added a bit more to everything.” He looked over to Quatre as if for approval. Quatre nodded.
Hilde reached into her pocket and pulled out some cash. “How much do I owe you?”
Quatre waved his hand in front of her. “No charge. It’s my second defiance to Kushrinada.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
He nodded. “You better hurry to the livery and get your grain.”
She nodded and said , “Thank you, Quatre, I appreciate this . We willp hp him.”
She reached out to shake his hand but he pulled her into an embrace. “Should you need any thing else, let me know.”
She nodded as he released her.
She left the general store and climbed back into the wagon.
Heero snapped the reins and got the horses moving.
Hilde sighed. “It seems that Kushrinada has gotten his hands on this town as well. Heero what should I do? If I stay with Relena it may put her in more dr.” r.”
“Hn, If Relena wishes for you to stay there will be no one to stop her. It will not matter about the danger.”
Hilde looked over at him, frowning. “Heero…….” She was interrupted by them pulling up in front of the livery.
Trowa Barton opened the large door and stepped out. He was a tall thin man with a shock of auburn colored hair that had the tendency to hang over one eye.
He nodded to Hilde and Heero as they disembarked from the wagon. Dorothy emerged from the shadows carrying a small child. Her long blonde hair was tied back away from her face.
Hilde looked at both her friends. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Trowa nodded as Dorothy went on an other triad.
“I will not let that bastard run our lives! Damn him, telling us who we should sell to. It’s not going to happen.”
Hilde smiled as Dorothy shifted the baby and moved closer.
“Dorothy! You’re pregnant again! Congratulations!”
Dorothy stopped her triad and beamed. “Yes.”
Hilde spoke with Her and the upcoming birth as the two men loaded the wagon with corn and oats. After they were finished she turned to Trowa. “How much.”
“No charge.”
“Come on.”
Dorothy stepped up. “No, Trowa’s right.. No charge.”
Hilde thanked them and stepped back into the street.
“I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Heero said nothing.
“I have to go to the Changs now.” She said with a sigh.
A few minutes latter she was standing in front of Sally and WuFei Chang’s door. She rapped gently, and waited for some one to come. The door opened and a little girl with black hair and dark eyes looked up at her. She bowed and let her into the house. She disappeared and Sally appeared. Sally bowed and greeted her friend.
Hilde bowed back and greeted her.
“So, Sally what did you need?”
Sally smiled. “I have something for you. Come.”
Sally motioned her to follow her. She followed her into a pantry area where She handed Hilde a small satchel. “I know you gather your own herbs for medicinal reasons but here are some others for you to take. I hear you have a new hired hand. I hear he’s quite handsome.”
Hilde blushed, “I ….”
Sally placed a hand on her shoulder. “Not to worry , no one knows your secret, besides your friends.”
She nodded. “What is going on ,Sally? When did Treize start to threaten everyone?”
“It actually started about 3 months ago. He came into town looking for some boy he claimed he was missing. Said the boy stole something very precious to him.”
When Hilde said nothing Sally smiled. “You have that boy , don’t you?”
Hilde blinked. “I…”
“And you love him.”
It wasn’t a question ,but a statement. Hilde frowned. How did she know these things?
Sally laughed. “You better get to Relena’s. You will want an early start tomorrow so you can get back to your man.”
Sally ushered her out the door to the wagon and Heero.
Heero started the wagon and they were at Relena’s in a few minutes. Her house was larger than most . It had a old south feel to it.
Relena let them in and stepped back. Heero stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. Hilde stood in the background until they finished their greeting . After they were finished, Relena greeted Hilde.
“Hello, You must be Hilde.”
Hilde smiled and held out her hand. “I presume you are Relena.” She replied as she looked the girl over. She had creamy skin and long blonde hair. She seemed very sophisticated .
She smiled as she wondered what attracted him to her or visa a versa…. Relena led them into her spacious home and showed them their rooms for the night. After chatting with Her for a few hours ,Hilde stretched and bid them good night and went to her bedroom. As she climbed into bed her mind went back to a certain young man waiting for her back at her place. She drifted off to sleep with him in her mind.

To be continued////

 
Sorry about that ………. The blank page….