Back to the Wall [[Open]]

[bwavobunny]

8:45 pm
Outfit: [Top/bottom] [Bonnet]

"...maybe this is a bad idea..."

Standing at the entrance to the bar/inn, Rose hugged her bag tightly to her chest; this was unlike anyplace she had ever set foot in. The only place similar had been a gentleman's club her husband used to be apart of, and she wasn't allowed in because she was...well, not a gentleman. But I am certain it wasn't...like this.

Smoke and the smell of whiskey choked the air as the general murmur of voices were occasionally broken by the loud laughter of drunks. Pressing her back to the wall, Rose scanned the bar nervously; there were few women, and most of them were serving. Turning her gaze down on herself, she was once again reminded how dirty she was; would anyone let her board there with her looking like that? And with me being by myself... Though she had not been in love with her husband, he had been good to her and made moments like these casual affairs.

However, without him there, an arm around her waist or fingers intertwined with hers, she felt totally vulnerable. And hated it. I am a strong Englishwoman! Just because I am on my own does not mean I am helpless! Simply ask someone about the Inn, and they will help. I am sure of it! The voice in her head was full of such confidence and courage, Rose almost thought she had some herself.

But just as she was about to head into the fray, a man stumbled back into her, spilling a mug of some murky liquid all over her blouse. Gasping, she stepped back, the man stumbling past her back to the bar. Oh how she wanted to box his ears! That wasn't lady like though, and all she could do was bite her tongue. Looking down at her white top, a long brown stain going down it that smelt terrible, Rose was now certain no one would let her stay anywhere. I look like a crazy vagabond...

Pressing a sleeve to her eyes, she forced herself not to let any tears fall. She would simply compose herself, then head outside. Maybe... the church is still open...the pews did not look too uncomfortable...[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

8:50 PM.

Clint had just finished with boarding Wildfire at the livery for the night, making sure the horse had been well-groomed and had plenty of water and food. His first instinct, especially after his run-in with the Mrs., had been to turn tail and run. Spend the night out on the range, find a good spring to satisfy his and Wildfire's thirst at...but, the mare needed some better caring than that, a roof over her head. It had started to sprinkle down rain a few hours ago, see. And he didn't want either of them getting sick, more so if he was going to see about a job in the morning.

Seeing the bar, and smiling for the fact that it seemed connected with the Inn, well he smiled a little wider at the prospect of having a drink to calm his nerves in preparation for tomorrow. A drink right now sounded like exactly what he needed! Tugging down his hat a little tighter, he pressed open the swinging doors of the bar and headed on inside, scarcely batting an eye at all the noise and, well, obviously drunken people inside.

He headed straight for the bar, and ordered himself a shot of his favorite drink - whiskey. As he waited for the bartender to fill the glass he'd put down, Clint's gaze caught upon the glass behind the bar, and how it was reflecting everything else that was going on inside the room. His eyes slowly roved over the goings-on there, wanting to make sure no one was about to stab him in the back, or nothing like that...

Laying down the proper amount of money, Clint nodded his thanks to the bar keep, his fingers 'round the glass as he brought it to his lips, about to take a sip. Just then his eyes caught onto something going on in the reflection, and he saw a woman...a very familiar woman. Eyes widening, he quickly gulped down the shot, wincing only slightly at the burn as it went down, slammed it back onto the counter and pushed away from the bar. Stalking his way towards he, he paused every now and again to make sure he could still see her through the people. For such a small town, it was leaning far more on the crowded side in here.

"Mrs. Marshall!" Clint's voice was at first more of a stern shout, but now that he was almost beside her, and could see her pressing a sleeve to her eyes, his disposition towards her softened considerably. "...What're you doin' in here?" He asked, stopping in front of her and was using his body as a shield from the worse of the riff-raff, so at the very least no one would bump into her again directly...he frowned as he noticed the stain on her blouse; looks like she had not gotten away from that one unscathed...

[bwavobunny]

Hearing her name being called, she lowered her arm, alarmed for a second. But the familiar figure that suddenly appeared in front of her brought her some peace of mind. He also made her heart beat faster but she could handle that. "...What're you doin' in here?" Looking at her feet, she sniffed, quickly wiping away the wetness in her eyes. "I was..." realizing her voice wasn't carrying well in the loud room, she looked up at Clint and started again, "I was hoping to get a room. But...now I am not so sure if I want one..."

Becoming conscious of how she looked, even more so now that Clint was there, she hugged her bag to her chest, hiding the stain. "I am sure the church will let me sleep there," she nodded, avoiding Clint's eyes; she felt ashamed. When she had first met him, she had always looked her best, was always composed and witty. Sure, she got flustered and embarrassed but never humiliated. Realizing how important it was to her to look perfect in front of the cowboy caused a new wave of guilt to hit her.

Changing the subject seemed seemed the best way to forget these feelings. "What about you, Mr. Allen? Looking for a place to stay?"[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

He had been straining to hear her voice, but was thankful when she looked up at him, better able to hear then, and explained that she had simply been looking for a room. But, now she wasn't sure if she wanted one...huh. He smirked a little at this; she must not be used to the ways of the West, after all! She had been a wife to a man that Clint had noticed had more of a taste for the finer things...so, certainly, this was what she was used to...not the dusty, drunken, broken ways of the country out here. Well. Since she was out here now, to his thinking, she had better start getting used to it. Or, she could always go back home...

"The Church? Aw, no...that ain't no place t'sleep, Mrs. Marshall. ... Here, lemme help ya get a room," He spoke, looking away and as if he were looking for someone, but catching her last two questions before he moved at all. "What about you, Mr. Allen? Looking for a place to stay?" "...Yeah." Turning to look at her, he nodded. "So it won't trouble me none, t'get you a room, too."

He paused a moment, looking into her eyes and wondering if he was troubling her more than helping her, but still...a woman like her, needed a nice private room to stay in. Not on a pew. So, he lifted a hand and beckoned her to follow him. "C'mon, let's go see if they 'ave any open." He said, and, turning but making sure she was close behind him, he headed for the man behind the counter, to ask about rooms or if he knew who to ask.

[bwavobunny]

"The Church? Aw, no...that ain't no place t'sleep, Mrs. Marshall. ... Here, lemme help ya get a room," Blinking, she looked up at him, her cheeks flushing. "N-no, you do not have to do--" "So it won't trouble me none, t'get you a room, too." The gaze that followed this caused Rose to go silent. For several seconds, the two gazed at each other; Rose did her best to keep her breathing even. He was still as handsome as he had been before, even if he had a sadder look in his eyes. Ugh, what are you, a lovesick puppy?!

"C'mon, let's go see if they 'ave any open." Glad for the break in their gazes, she kept close behind Clint, keeping her eyes on his boots. Unfortunately, this proved to be a bad choice as she didn't see the woman passing in front of her until they had collided. Stumbling back some, she straightened up instantly. "O-oh, I am terribly sorr--"
" 'ey! Ya got my drink all over me!" The brunette's voice was shrill, whether from anger or a misfortune of genetics Rose couldn't tell. With holding a cringe, she forced a smile, "I am very sorry about that, it was an accident I assure you. I will get you another drink-"
"Wat's wrong, dove?" A tall man with a baby face was suddenly beside the other woman, who was wiping her saloon girl dress with her hands. Looking up, she jabbed an accusatory finger at Rose, "SHE ran inta' me, spillin my drink on my new dress! And she said she wouldn't buy me a new one! Tell her ta get me a new one!"

Rose's hair bristled as she did her best to keep her voice level, "Excuse me, madam, but I just offered to buy you another drink." The brunette sniffed indigently, wrapping her arms tightly around the man, "Not a new DRINK, a new DRESS. You've ruined it afta all. Right, daaarling?" Batting her eyelashes up at her 'bou' the man was obviously in agreement, nodding fervently. Rose could have gagged.

Tucking her bag under her arm, she started to make her way around the two of them. "I will not concede to such a ridiculous and foolhardy request. If you would like another drink, you may find me, but that is all I will give you. Have a good night." The woman's bou had other plans though, stepping in front of Rose, and pushing her back. "My dove wonts a new dress. Ya look like ya might have some money, so you'll be gettin her one."

Rose's face was getting red, but this time it was not from the flutterings of embarrassment or extended gazes. Gritting her teeth, she glared coldly up at him, "I will not buy your...dove, anything of the sort. Especially since you are being such a brute!" A few people around them had stopped their conversation, and turned to watch the confrontation; anything exciting was a welcome change, especially a fight.[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

Clint hadn't at first noticed that she was no longer following. He had even made it as far as the counter before he actually looked back and realized she wasn't there, in part because of how the bartender was now staring at something behind him, his look expectant. Wondering what was going on, Clint looked back to see Mrs. Marshall and another woman going toe-to-toe over something. His hackles were raised at once due to the big lug advancing on the redhead, and, frowning, Clint quickly shouldered his way through the gathering crowd to stand at Rose's side.

"Hey! Please take a step back, sir," Clint glowered to the man, but kept his voice from showing any much impartiality, his arm also going up to force Rose back a step. If someone was going to get hurt, he did not want it to be her. Or the other lady, actually, which it why he was now standing before the man. Glancing between the two ladies then looking back up at the huge man, he asked them, "...One 'a y'all mind tellin' me what's go'n on here?"

[bwavobunny]

Having Clint suddenly in front of her didn't help Rose's anger much, though she knew it was better to have him between her and the other man. "...One 'a y'all mind tellin' me what's go'n on here?" "I accidentally--" Rose started, but was cut off by the shrill woman, who was looking Clint over slowly, twirling a lock of hair, "She knocked my drink all ova my new dress. It's totally ruined, so I jus' asked if she would buy me a new one." Her tall companion muttered in agreement, catching on quickly to the way his lady was looking at Clint. Rose did too, but she couldn't do much about it, and that wasn't any concern of hers any how.

Scowling, she glared at the woman, "I offered to buy you a drink, which is more than you deserve at this point," Her mother would have a fit if she could hear all of this, but Rose was mad, and far from anything familiar. Well, maybe not anything she thought, her gaze darting to Clint. The brunette frowned at Rose, then smiled charmingly at Clint, "...is she yor gal?...cuz ya know, I can ferget this whole thing if YOU buy me a drink~"
"B-but I thought I was buyin ya drinks, Hollie!"
"You were. But the sitiation changed, and I want him to buy me one now."

This whole mess was making Rose sick. Peering up at Clint, she whispered apologetically, "I am so sorry to get you involved like this, Mr. Allen. You do not have to do anything, I am sure we can work this out," actually she was sure nothing would stop these two except a new dress or Clint buying the scandalously glad woman--at least by Rose's standards--a drink. Today could not get any worse...[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

"She knocked my drink all ova my new dress. It's totally ruined, so I jus' asked if she would buy me a new one."

Well, that seemed reasonable so far...but, he had been around places like this far too much to let his guard down yet. He was busy focusing on the man and preparing to dodge any blows, hence he did not yet notice the attention either woman was paying him. He blinked as the woman and man interacted, and started to relax a little. So...the woman would calm down if he just bought her a drink? ... Well...he glanced at Rose. "I am so sorry to get you involved like this, Mr. Allen. You do not have to do anything, I am sure we can work this out," He shook his head, not so sure.

"...'S a whole lot easier, this 'a way." He spoke, turning his gaze from Rose to Hollie. He may not have exactly been happy about this, but...duty calls. Putting on a smile, Clint nodded to the woman. "Sure thing. I'd love t'buy ya a drink, Miss...Hollie, was it?" He asked, reaching out and grasping her hand, and lightly he brushed the back of it with his lips. "How 'bout a little later tonight? Gimmie 'bout an hour, then I'll meet ya at the bar, an' order ya a glass of whatever ya want." He said, speaking smoothly and smiling at her. His glance traveled back every now and again to the other, large gentleman...constantly weary of him, he only hoped that he did not start a fight with all this. Just as he said, though, a drink was all that the woman would be getting from him.

[bwavobunny]

"...'S a whole lot easier, this 'a way." Rose was about to argue the point, but Clint was already telling the other woman he would 'love to buy her a drink' and even kissed the back of her hand. Hollie was instantly charmed, giggling and blushing like a school girl. Rolling her eyes, she adjusted her grip on her bag; he seemed almost eager to buy the woman a drink. But he had had quite a few girls he 'escorted' when she knew him before. This is just who he is. "How 'bout a little later tonight? Gimmie 'bout an hour, then I'll meet ya at the bar, an' order ya a glass of whatever ya want."

Didn't mean she had to like it though. Hollie's original date for the evening was noticeably upset, but more so sad than angry. Rose almost felt sorry for him. But he had shoved her, and had been a jerk for the lady who was now fawning over another man. ...relationships are more heartache than they're worth.

Seeing that the situation had calmed down, people turned back to their tables and conversation started up again. Sighing lightly, Rose moved past Clint and the large fellow, "I am going to go ask for a room." Her anger, which had not died down yet, fueled her confidence into asking for a room herself. Besides, why did he have to wait an hour? To freshen up? Get a room ready for Hollie's late night visit? Ugh. You need to calm down.

Stopping in front of the counter where the bartender was, Rose took a deep breath and released it. Sleep...that is what I need. And tomorrow, I will be back to normal...or whatever normal is these days.[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

"I am going to go ask for a room." She said as she passed him, and releasing Hollie's hand but giving her a smile, nod, and a 'pardon me,' he was quickly at Rose's heels and ended up beside her at the counter. Unconsciously, almost for a protective measure, he had started to put his arm up to rest his hand on Mrs. Marshall's back - but quickly, before touching her, he'd realized what he had been doing and the arm retreated without him ever having looked at it. It was just 'cause he was worried on her - he'd of done it the exact same if it had been any other woman, too.

"'Scuse me, do you 'ave a couple free rooms for the night?" Clint asked, leaning away from the Mrs. so perhaps he could tell they were not together, just...happened to arrive here at the same time. The man blinked at them a moment, his gaze going from one to the other, then he nodded. They weren't too often full of visitors, so yes, they had room...

"You wan' a double?" The man asked, flicking his gaze up at them. Quickly shaking his head, Clint responded.

"No, sir, two singles if you got 'em." Clint amended, his gaze again flickering to the glass to be sure no one was sneaking up on them. All seemed clear, for now, though that Hollie woman seemed to have followed them at a distance, the big brute behind her gazing sadly as Hollie was...looking at him? Clint averted his gaze. The man got out a ledger and tapped it.

"Ah, yes, rooms 4 an' 5 should be open..." after giving the price, Clint handed over the amount for both rooms, even if it did leave him just about broke, and took the key for 5 as he gave the key for 4 to Rose. He would be getting a job tomorrow, he was sure, so money didn't matter...and he sure didn't want Mrs. Marshall to go broke.

"Thanks, sir." Clint nodded to him, and was about to step off to try and go and find these rooms.

[bwavobunny]

Sensing Clint behind her, Rose turned and listened as he asked for the rooms. When the bartender asked about having a double, she shifted away from Clint, flushing lightly. "No, sir, two singles if you got 'em." That would mean a small bed for just one person. That did give her hope that Hollie wouldn't be seeing Clint after their drink rendezvous. But as she glanced up, she spotted the brunette's reflection in the glass, and turned to see her gazing dreamily at Clint. Frowning, she faced forward again.

Distracted by the other woman, she didn't realize Clint had paid for her until he handed her the room key. Blinking, she looked at him puzzled, "You did not have to pay for me, Mr. Allen. I could have paid for it..." she trailed off though, thinking that since she hadn't actually heard the price, maybe she shouldn't make that kind of assumption.

Swallowing her pride, she gripped the key in her hand, "...thank you, Mr. Allen. I really appreciate this. Honestly." Meeting his gaze, she smiled sincerely; he was the only person she knew, and she knew she was lucky. He's a good man... Stealing a glance at Hollie, she frowned, ...even if he's a flirt.

Bag in one hand, and key in the other, she headed for the small hallway not far off, labeled 'Rooms.' "I suppose this is where we need to go," Looking over he shoulder at Clint, she noticed Hollie move towards the bartender. No doubt to ask about which room Mr. Allen is in... Facing forward she racked her brain for what could be done. Stopping in front of her room, she gazed at the number, then over at Clint's room number. "...Mr. Allen, would you mind trading with me? Four has always been my unlucky number." Smiling apologetically, she waved a hand, "It's silly...but I will be worrying the whole night that...the bed will collapse or something." Ha! I would like to see you try and sneak into 'Mr. Allen's' room tonight.

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[ricochet]

"...Oh, yeah." Clint stated rather lamely, having been about to go in the clear opposite direction. He was ever so tired, he would blame it on that, as he turned and followed Mrs. Marshall down the hall. He barely held back a yawn, man he was ready for some-shut eye...but he had to stay up for that drink. Rubbing the back of his neck, he was beginning to regret having done that. She would probably wanna talk his ear off, an-. "...Mr. Allen, would you mind trading with me? Four has always been my unlucky number."

He stopped, looked up, and blinked. He hadn't even realized they were already at the rooms, half-asleep as he seemed to be! Blinking and giving his head a quick shake, hopefully to wake up a little, he stepped up to Rose and looked at their room keys, holding up his as well. "...Sure, if it...uh. Yeah, go ahead." He nodded, and held out his key to her. ... All he wanted to do right now, was hit the pillows, and sleep. That's all he could think about.

[bwavobunny]

Watching Clint now, Rose realized how tired he looked. She didn't know how long he had been riding on Wildfire, or even where he had come from. "...Sure, if it...uh. Yeah, go ahead." Even his response sounded exhausted; poor thing had to stay up for that drink too.

Breathing out of her nose, she smiled lightly to herself. Gently taking the key from him, she unlocked room number 4 for Clint and handed him the key, "Mr. Allen, you are exhausted. You cannot stay up an hour simply to buy that woman a drink and have her attempt to seduce you. And I do not plan on staying up to help you out of said position." Shrugging she stepped back so he could get into his room. "So, I insist you get to bed. I will inform the...young lady, that you cannot meet with her this evening, but would be happy to buy her a glass of milk or something first thing in the morning." Nodding firmly, she started to unlock her own door. "Not breakfast though, that would cost too much and you would be stuck. So do not let her sucker you into that tomorrow." Pushing open the door, she almost stepped in, then paused to add, "And tomorrow you have an appointment to get a job somewhere early in the morning...not that I don't think you can't come up with your own escape plans but I am not sure when she will come a knocking and you need to be prepared."

Huh. She wasn't usually this talkative. Especially since she was sure Clint was zoned out, wishing she'd shut up and let him go to bed. Ah well, it was kind of nice to have someone to blabber to, even if it would only be this once. Smiling to herself she remembered how attentive Andrew would try to be when she got like that. Poor thing just couldn't escape. Shaking her head, she met Clint's sleep filled eyes. "...well, good night Mr. Allen. Have sweet dreams, and I will see you in the morning." Bowing her head, she entered her new room and closed the door. She decided to get things set up before delivering the news to the desperate brunette.[/font][/size]

[ricochet]

"Mr. Allen, you are exhausted. You cannot stay up an hour simply to buy that woman a drink and have her attempt to seduce you. And I do not plan on staying up to help you out of said position." Clint blinked slowly, indignant at the thought that he would be needing a woman's help to get him out of...uh...som-what was it again? Not being able to suppress the yawn this time, he let it go since his cover had been broken anyhow. He was half-listening to her speech, catching the main points, that of her going to tell the dark-hiared woman that he could not be seeing her tonight.

"Tell 'er...mebbe tomorrow, er...eh, yeah." Nodding, Clint smiled at Rose, glad to have a friend like her. "Thanks, Ms. Marshall...watch yer 'self, an' see ya...tomorrow." Standing at his door and waiting 'til she had shut hers, Clint finally retreated, shutting and locking his own door, then, taking off his hat, boots and belt, he climbed right up onto the bed and fell asleep, out like a light.

[bwavobunny]

Undoing her bonnet, Rose set it on the nightstand wishing she didn't have to go back out there to talk to Hollie. "Oh well...it is for the best. He needs his rest any ho--" Hearing the door open, Rose whirled around with her heart in her throat. However, seeing a certain brunette slipping in then closing the door, her fear rapidly morphed back into the anger from earlier.

" 'ey, handsome~ 'Ow bout we..." Turning to face the actual room, Hollie's seductive voice dropped to one to confusion as she realized the only other person in the room was Rose. The two women stared at each other for several moments before Hollie scowled, crossing her arms. "Uagh, d**n bartender..." Glaring at Rose she asked, "What are YOU doin in here?" Though she knew it wasn't ladylike, or morally right, to get enjoyment from other's suffering. But seeing this girl's frustration made Rose smile.

"This is my room. And even if it wasn't, what exactly did you expect to accomplish sneaking in? He offered to buy you a drink so you would leave me alone, not for any other reason. Why don't you get out of here before you embarrass yourself further." Her words were a bit sharper then she thought they might be, but she didn't retract them; it was the truth after all. Hollie growled, her cheeks getting red, "You ain't his girl, so you can't tell me what to do with him!" Gritting her teeth, Rose took a few steps forward, eyes narrowing. The other woman, though glaring right back, took some steps away from her.

"Oh...well then, what is his name?" Here, Hollie was stumped. She hadn't gotten it at all, and she was too busy giggling over him to hear what the redhead had called him. Seeing the woman fume silently, Rose's smile grew, some teeth showing. "Listen, I think it is best for you to just go home. He is sleeping now but will--" "Stop tellin' me what to do, you bi'ch!!" Her voice reached a whole new level of shrillness as she lunged at Rose.

Startled by this sudden act, the Englishwoman leapt back and as Hollie tried to realign herself to charge again swung an open palm at her face. To both of their surprise the brunette went flying across the room, falling into the wall with a loud thud. For several seconds, the two stood staring at each other, one clutching their hands together, the other clutching their swelling face. "Oh...dear..." Rose breathed; she had never hit someone like that before.

"Wha...wahtevur, you can 'ave him! There are plenty 'an'some men round here!" Stumbling out of the room as fast as she could, Hollie slammed the door on her way out. Lowering herself onto the bed, Rose wasn't sure if she should be impressed with herself or horrified. Gently rubbing her hands together, she let out a shaky sigh, "You are getting me into trouble...even when you're a room over..."

Standing, she locked her door and pushed the one chair up against the door knob in case Hollie sent her tall man after her. Meticulously taking out her hair pins, she set the small pile on the nightstand before laying down; she was finally feeling the weight of everything that had occurred that day. Running a hand through her tangled curls, she prayed sleep would take her quickly so she could dream of happier things.

And much to her surprise the next morning, her prayer was answered.

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