౨ৎFOR THE DEAD TRAVEL FAST꣑ৎ
꣑ৎ(based on Bram Stoker's Dracula) Something supernatural begins to torment you as Billy navigates a new job with an unusual employer꣑ৎ
fem reader x billy the kid thank you @phantomamour for proofing! <3 *contains graphic descriptions of blood*
alternative large text version here!
Billy rose from the tangled mess of covers and sheets, leaving a longing look at you, still sleeping with the blanket bunched around your waist. You were lying on your stomach, breathing soft. He was happy he hadn't woken you up at least. Fish looked up, blinking sleepily at Billy as if chastising him for potentially disturbing you. He settled his head back over his paws after a moment, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble.
Willow, on the other hand, lifted herself up in a stretch and padded off the mattress, jumping down to join him. Billy bent down to give her a pet before pulling out a drawer to find a suitable shirt for the day.
You lifted your head by the time he'd gotten his pants on and he rushed back to gently push it back down on the pillow, half leaning over you. "It's okay, baby. Go back to sleep."
"Mm." You sat up on your elbows, looking up at him with sleepy eyes. "Wanted to wish you luck today."
"Thank you, sweetheart," he murmured, pressing his lips to your forehead. Billy was leaning over you, one knee braced on the mattress. "It'll go well. I think it will."
"Yeah?" You wrapped your arms around his neck. "You're not nervous?"
"Maybe a little," he admitted, and you stroked his cheek. "First man who's hired me in a long while."
"You'll be wonderful, darling," you mumbled. "You're so smart. So talented. He'll be very impressed."
"You're too sweet," he muttered, kissing your nose. You tilted your head up for a real kiss and he obliged, smiling into it. "I'll be home later, alright? You feelin' okay?"
"No bad dreams," you said. He smiled softly. You didn't look pale or tired the way you sometimes did when you were plagued by nightmares. All was well and he didn't feel as nervous about leaving you.
"Can I bring you some coffee?" he asked softly, not minding the gentle tone he always took on with you. "Or 're you goin' back to bed?"
"No, no." You sat all the way up, straightening your necklace. "I'm gonna make you a nice big breakfast for your nice big day."
"Oh, honey." He sat up on the bed with you. "Don't have to do that, sweetie. I can find somethin'-" You were already throwing back the covers, bothering Fish, who meowed quietly.
"It's not a problem," you insisted excitedly, getting out of bed and smoothing your hair with one hand. When he stood up, you wrapped your arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "I want you to have a good day. Always starts with a good breakfast."
He knew better than to argue with you when you were determined. When there was a chance to do a kindness you always took it, and he was the greatest beneficiary. So instead of pressing it further, he kissed the top of your head and threaded his fingers through yours, letting you lead him into the kitchen. Truly the least he could do was help.
The house of Mr. Ardelean was old, towering over the hill like a spectre. Billy swallowed as he stepped down from his saddle, walking into the house's shadow. His horse seemed skittish; a strange occurrence. All through battles and run-ins of all kinds throughout the years, the creature had been reliable as anything.
"'S alright," Billy soothed, petting his neck before he tied him to the hitching post. He left the horse with a carrot to distract him.
Billy felt like he'd spent half his life walking around ranches or studying them, and this was unlike anything he'd ever seen. Usually there were field hands running around, the head shouting orders or joking with his buddies. The area around here was dead silent and there wasn't a trace of anybody. All he could hear were the birds chirping behind him, a few crickets at his feet.
He tentatively climbed the steps and knocked, trying to stand up straight. Good first impressions. Remembering you waving at him leaning against the doorframe as he left, he felt his racing heart begin to slow down.
When the door swung open, he was met with the sight of a tall, pale, thin man dressed in an expensive looking black suit. There was dust swirling at his shoulders. He had piercing eyes that looked grey, but Billy couldn't tell from the shadows over his head. A white goatee pointed his chin and when he smiled, there was a similar sharpness at his teeth. "William Bonney." It wasn't a question.
"Mr. Ardelean." Billy held out his hand, but the man merely stood to the side, still holding the door.
"Please come in," he said, and that was when Billy noticed his unplaced accent. It didn't have the posh turn of his old friend Mr. Tunstall, nor the nearly musical lilt of his mother's. The way this man spoke made it seem like words were slithering from his mouth. Billy didn't know if it was due to his country of origin or if it was just the way he was. Either way, he shook it off. It wasn't his place to judge a person just because they weren't from around here.
Stepping into the house, his eyes began to adjust to the dark. The furniture was all covered in white sheets, and there were but a few candles as well as a large window in the front room with the curtains drawn.
"I have only arrived last night," Ardelean explained, walking in stiffly and gesturing for Billy to sit down. He did tentatively on a seat draped with white. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Sure, thanks." Billy looked down at himself while the other man presumably went to the kitchen, trying to dust himself off.
Ardelean returned shortly carrying a tray that balanced a teapot and a plate of sandwiches the size of his palm. Billy would have thought a man with his obvious money would have hired help, but he remembered that the man had only just arrived. Or perhaps, he didn't feel a need since it only seemed to be himself living here.
Billy accepted his teacup with perhaps an abundance of caution. His big hands weren't exactly built for the delicacy of fine china but he'd manage. Thinking of the way you would wrap your fingers around the tiny handle, he lifted the rim to his lips and sipped carefully. Ardelean had not poured a cup for himself.
"I would like to discuss the work I will need you to do," Ardelean said after Billy had swallowed his second mouthful of tea. "I apologize for being vague in the process of seeking you out. I am very private, you understand."
"'S no problem," Billy assured him, setting his teacup down.
"For many years I have studied American news. I have always wanted to live here, you see." Ardelean folded his hands on his lap, his back ramrod straight. "It would be quite a task to avoid hearing about you."
A stone sunk to the bottom of Billy's stomach. He should have expected this to come up at least once. Exhaling softly through his nose, he lifted his chin. "Sir, I know I've got a lot 'f words to my name, but I promise I've left it all behind and I'll work hard to prove it all wrong. You don't have to worry about anyone comin' around to give your ranch any trouble, sir."
The older man studied him for a long moment. He tapped one of his long fingers on his knee. "I appreciate what you have said, however, that is something I am unconcerned about. The reason I had my associate contact you is because I have a feeling you will be…discreet."
"Discreet," Billy repeated without meaning to.
"Yes. You see, if I had hired any other sort of man I know they would be perhaps a little too curious." He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. "From the tales I have heard, I do not think that will be a problem for you."
"Sure." Billy shifted in his seat. "I understand."
"Good." Ardelean rose, smoothing his crisp jacket. "I will not keep you. You may begin your work."
Getting to his feet with a slight frown, Billy asked, "What do you want me to start on?"
"Whatever you see fit." He disappeared before Billy could get in another word.
That night when Billy walked through the door and hung his hat on the hook, he was met instantly with you barreling into his chest and squeezing your arms around his waist. "How was it?"
Burying his nose in your hair, Billy breathed you in, the softness of you in his arms easing any possible worry. This was the reason. You were what mattered. He didn't ruin the silence with a word, starting to relax the longer he was in your presence. Willow meowed at his feet, rubbing her face into his leg.
"Billy?"
"Hm?"
"How was it?" You pulled back, eyes round with anticipation. One of your hands was fiddling with the heart pendant around your neck. Billy cupped your cheek, a smile playing at his mouth. He leaned in and kissed you gently, savoring it. Your hands rose to rub at his chest, and he caught a hint of concern in your eyes. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah," he breathed, holding your waist. "Yeah, it's alright."
"Did something happen?" you murmured, your ear over his heart. One of your hands stayed stroking the space under his collarbone and he started to sway back and forth with you.
"No. Just missed you." He drummed his fingers at your side. "Somethin' smells good."
You perked up with a smile like sunshine. "I made a roast and potatoes and there's a pie baking."
He could have fallen to his knees. "You're perfect."
"Oh, Billy Bonney, you're such a lover." You took his hand and he let you guide him into the kitchen. To his relief, you didn't ask any further questions about his day.
Filling up on your flawless cooking, Billy pulled you to sit on his lap once his plate was clean, kissing your cheek from behind. "You know you're an angel?"
Turning so you could see him, you smoothed his hair from his forehead, pressing your lips there. "I think you're my angel." He made a face and you laughed, arms around his neck, face in his shoulder. "You are. No matter how little you think of yourself."
"You're too good to be true." Billy held you to him, rubbing your back in a few tender motions before you asked again.
"Won't you tell me about work?" When he hesitated, you set your hand on his cheek, eyes longing. "Please? Even a little bit? I've been wondering all day."
He melted, bouncing his leg underneath you. "It was fine. Really. Nothin' I haven't done before."
"How was Mr. Ardelean?"
Billy pondered his answer. "Bit 'f an odd fellow." He remedied, "Ain't from around here. 'S probably all it is." Thinking of the way people had mocked his mother's Irish customs and accent when they'd immigrated to America, he shook his head. "That's all it is."
"You're kinder than most would be," you said quietly, smoothing his hair away from his forehead. "How were the other men?"
"There weren't any." You frowned, tilting your head and he nodded. "'S just me."
"All that work all by yourself?" Your concern was apparent, but he brushed it off.
"Ain't hard work," he soothed, rubbing your leg. "There're only a few cattle and he pays me nicely. I'm sure he'll hire more folks if he wants to grow the ranch."
That satisfied you. He was rewarded with a sweet kiss and a melty look. "You're good. So good, my love."
"'S only cause I've got you," he murmured as you brought your lips to his again, his air, water, and blood.
When Billy woke, the world was still dark and the first thing he noticed was that you were no longer nestled in his arms. Willow was the only other being in the bed. He sat up, listening for the sounds of your soft footsteps in the hallway. Getting up, Billy rubbed the sleep from his eyes, sluggishly making his way out of the room in search of you. If you were ill or upset for some reason, he wanted to help.
"Baby?" he called softly, turning the corner into the kitchen. His eyes widened when he saw you sitting on the floor, slumped against the wall. Fish was pawing at your foot, meowing quietly. Hurrying over, Billy knelt at your side, putting a hand on your knee. "You okay, sweetheart?"
Stirring, you looked up at him, blinking something away. Billy's brow pinched in concern. "Hey. What happened?"
"I don't know," you mumbled, and he sighed gently, leaning in to wrap his arms around your waist. Lifting you as he stood, he brought you back to the bedroom. Lighting a candle, Billy looked you over the best he could. It was hard to tell at this hour, but you looked paler, your eyelashes fluttering when he brushed the backs of his fingers over your cheek.
"You have a nightmare?" he questioned softly, rubbing your side.
"Think so," you whispered. Blinking fast, you shivered. "There w-was a man with long teeth."
"Long teeth?" Billy sat beside you, pulling you to rest between his legs. When you'd had a bad dream, you liked to be surrounded by him this way. "What else?"
"He w-wanted me for something." Your brow furrowed and he reached his thumb up to smooth it out. "He was taking me away."
"Oh, sweetie," Billy breathed, settling you against his chest. "It's alright. 'M not lettin' anyone take you away."
"Nobody?"
"Nobody," he promised gently. He kissed the top of your head, breathing steadily so that you would too. "You're safe, angel." Fish leapt onto the bed, letting out a soft prreow as he came to rest at your feet. "See? Fish is gonna protect you too."
Your giggle was sleepy and music to his ears. He managed to coax you to lay down with him. As he listened to the soft sound of your breathing he was able to drift off with you. It didn't take long for sleep to take his hand and guide him to where you were now.
He was slow to get up in the morning, noticing how pale you still were, how you didn't even stir when he rose. Even when he pressed a kiss to your head, you didn't move. Fish was laying half across your back, and he blinked at Billy as he tugged on his boots.
"Mm." He turned around at your soft mumble, abandoning his course out the door and returning to your side.
"There's my girl," he greeted with a smile, smoothing your hair and carefully guiding your head back down onto the pillow. "How're you feelin'?"
"Tired." You smiled at him despite it. "Are you leaving?"
"I'll stay home if you'd like," he said quickly. "I'll stay with you."
"No, sweetheart," you said, kissing his wrist. "You go. I'll feel better when you come home, I'm sure."
Still, you were on his mind all day. He worried that you might be sick and he hadn't noticed. Your skin hadn't felt at all feverish, but something could have developed after he left. Trying to stay focused, he reasoned with himself that last night had been out of the ordinary. Usually you didn't leave the bed when you had nightmares but it was entirely possible you could have sleepwalked. Joe used to sleepwalk for a period of time until their mother had made him a special brew that she said would calm his nerves. Maybe he would try and remember what was in it and pick up the ingredients at the market.
At around noon, a short, nervous man came to fetch Billy, citing Ardelean as the reason. He stuck out his hand for a shake. "Radford." He was about a head shorter than Billy, with dark eyes like endless pits. His hair was thin and carefully parted to the side, his clothes neat. "I work for Ardelean."
Billy kept his strides short so he wouldn't walk in front of him on the way back to the house. Maybe he'd be more nervous if he wasn't so preoccupied thinking about you. When they entered the house he noticed that it was still dark, all the curtains drawn and only a few candles lit. A few of the sheets had been removed from the furniture and the floor looked cleaner.
Ardelean was sitting straight in the same seat from yesterday, and he stood when Billy entered. "Mr. Bonney."
"Mr. Ardelean." He removed his hat and sat when the other man invited him to. Radford exited towards the kitchen at the wave of a hand. "Does everythin' look alright?"
"It does," he responded, nodding once, slowly. "That is why I invited you in. One day of work and already everything looks far superior than before."
"Ah…" Billy wasn't used to being called in to receive praise. He scratched the back of his neck and tapped his hat against his knee. "Well…'m glad it's to your liking."
"Very much so." The other man studied Billy for a moment. "Is everything well with you?"
Swallowing, Billy nodded, dropping his eyes to his boots. "Yeah. I'm doin' alright."
"Nothing troubles you?" There was a strange look in Ardelean's eyes, like he already knew.
Billy straightened himself before he answered. "It's just my wife, sir. I worry about her."
"Your wife," Ardelean said thoughtfully. "I see." He studied Billy for a long moment, stroking his chin with two of his long fingers. "How long have you been married?"
"Close to a year." Billy softened the way he always did talking about you. "We knew each other awhile before that."
Ardelean smiled, and Billy noticed two of his top teeth were rounded into a near point. "Perhaps you should go to her. Your work has already far exceeded my expectations for today."
He tried not to seem too excited. "You sure?"
"Please." Ardelean rose, and Billy did too. "Your time is spent far better with her, I am sure."
"Thank you sir." Billy crammed his hat back onto his head, lowering his chin in a deep nod. "I appreciate it."
"It is my pleasure." Ardelean licked his lips before waving his hand in dismissal. Billy could hear Radford somewhere in the house, his voice bouncing off the walls. Even though he'd been sweating from his work outside, there was a sudden chill that rattled his bones.
Billy's horse couldn't move fast enough getting home. You'd be so happy to see him, he hoped. Knowing you, you'd likely leapt out of bed the second he left to start your chores. When he got back he'd make you sit down while he finished whatever needed to be done. You worked your fingers to the bone for him even though you tried to play it off like it was nothing. Even though you called him the provider, that title truly resided with you.
In his life, Billy hadn't ever had what one might call stability. Coming home was once something he dreaded, something he had to do for his mother and brother's safety. He lived on edge, balancing sharp on a razor blade. After his mother died, he never really had a home. There was simply a place he slept, nothing more.
You turned home into a real word. Home was where you were, the walls in which your heart thumped the beat of life. Home was something he wanted. You crafted a world for him to live in, to truly rest in. He buried himself there night after night, the promise of forever in the air.
When Billy arrived home, he cocked his head, noting a strange high pitched sound in the air. Dismounting, he let his horse loose in the pen and made for the house, the noise getting closer. Was it you? Suddenly his steps grew quicker, and his hand flew to his gun. Had someone hurt you?
Once he opened the door, he identified the noise as Fish. He had a distinct meow that Billy was absurdly familiar with after being the target of it for so long. He called your name, not bothering to kick off his boots as he rushed in. "Baby? What's goin' on?"
As he approached the bedroom Fish met him, a frantic look on his furry face. For once, he wasn't batting at Billy's ankles or leaping at him in attack. He yowled, circling Billy's legs and butting his head at the back of them. Getting the message, Billy hurried in, his breath stolen when he saw you.
It looked as though you had fallen out of bed, the sheets half wrapped around your waist. Your arm was flung above your head, eyes shut, breathing ragged. His heart nearly stopped as his eyes traveled downward, where an overwhelming stain of crimson blotted the white wound around your waist.
He fell to his knees at your side, scooping you up and patting your cheek gently. "Sweetheart…hey, wake up. C'mon, please." Tears thickened his throat and he tried to swallow them down. You were still breathing. That was something to cling to.
Your eyelashes fluttered, gentle as a butterfly's wing. "Sweetie?" he breathed, smoothing your hair away from your cheek. "C'mon, stay with me."
"Bil-ly." The two syllables seemed to take too much effort, so he hushed you, holding his palm to your crown.
"Just stay still. I've got you," he managed, leaning you against him. "You're okay." The lie was for both you and him.
Your fingers curled around one of his suspenders. He stroked your hair some more, mind frantic. If he left for the doctor he'd be leaving you here alone. On the other hand if he stayed here with you there was even less of a chance of helping you.
Very gently, Billy managed to lift you as he stood, laying you back on the bed and tucking the sheet carefully under you. "I'm gonna go get help. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can." Your hold stayed on his suspender, and he carefully removed it, kissing your knuckles. "I won't be long. I promise you, baby." He was nearly in tears trying to step away. Even though he tried to remind himself it was for the best, it hurt his heart like a bullet. You were in pain and he was leaving intentionally, something he'd sworn he'd never do.
He lingered at your side, every breath that rose in your chest a gift. His mind finally won though, pushing him away from your side. If he stayed, you might not have many breaths left.
The light in his life would burn out and it would be his fault.
Though leaving you had been excruciating, the doctor assured him it was the right thing. The pair of them had returned to find you paler than before, mouthing things they couldn't make out. Billy held you while the doctor looked you over, chewing on his tongue and whispering to you when your body spasmed at the feel of the examination.
You tried to sit up, a desperate little noise escaping your lips when he held you down. "There w-was…" Your words were pushed together, half spoken. Billy tried to soothe you, rubbing your side gently.
"What? What is it, sweetie?" he asked softly, and you whimpered, shaking your head. Billy smoothed back your damp hair, taking deep breaths to try and encourage you to do the same.
"A m-man." Your fingers were tight at his sleeve.
"She's delirious," the doctor said gravely, and Billy nodded.
"What'd the man do to you, baby?" he played along, trying to steady the shakiness in his voice.
"Hurt." The word carved a hole in Billy's chest, and he rubbed his hand over your collarbone.
"Shh, just stay still- no! Stay still," he tried. You were wriggling in his arms, and the doctor sat up straight, meeting Billy's eyes firmly. Billy tightened his legs where they were cradling you, careful not to hurt you further. Both his arms were locked around your chest, holding you down to him. Your fingers pried, but he wouldn't budge.
When the doctor finally finished, Billy released a sigh of relief. You went limp against his chest, eyes falling shut. He held you to him, hoping you would fall asleep now. Shielding your face when the doctor came to his side, he swallowed and looked up, ready for the verdict.
"Were you aware?" he asked, and Billy frowned in confusion. The doctor sighed through his nose. "It was a miscarriage."
It felt as though he'd been knocked in the jaw. Billy's breath fled his body, and he choked on it. "A mis- there was a…?"
"Yes," the man confirmed gravely. "I'm sorry for your loss. She'll be okay with a week of rest. I'd get ahold of the local midwife. She's got salves and the sort for this kind of thing. I'm fresh out or I'd give you some myself. Hers are better anyway." Billy was silent, trying to formulate some sort of a response. The doctor nodded, patting his shoulder. "I'll see myself out. Make sure she stays off her feet and keeps eating."
Billy managed a nod, his breathing shaky, the weight of you in his arms suddenly that much more present. Only once the doctor's footsteps had disappeared did he look down at you, pale and shaky, the ghosts of tears streaked down your cheeks.
You shifted on him just slightly, and he rubbed your back as much as he dared. "Just settle, sweetie. I'm here. I've got you."
"Billy," you whimpered, shivering. "The man."
"Ain't gonna let anyone get to you, baby." Billy was trying to work out how he could change the sheets without disturbing you. "I'll be right here all night. I promise." He kissed your head, rubbing your cheek. "You were so brave today." The corners of your mouth turned up just slightly, and his heart eased. "Sweetheart, I'm gonna change the covers so we can go to bed, alright? Where should I move you?"
"Floor," you croaked, and he opened his mouth to protest but you shook your head. "It's okay. It's only for a minute."
Billy spread a blanket on the floor before carefully laying you down. He made quick work of changing the sheets, and all the while he didn't stop speaking to you, trying to keep you calm. "'M just tuckin' the corners in. Almost done. Now I'm gonna put the covers on so we can stay nice 'n cozy tonight." He dug through a drawer for a fresh nightdress, sitting you up against his chest so he could remove the old one. "We're gonna rest for a long while, 'n then I'm gonna make us a nice big breakfast-"
"Billy," you mumbled against his chest, tugging lightly at his shirt. "What'd the man do?"
"The doctor?" Billy rubbed his hand over your collarbone. "He helped you get better."
"N-no," you tried to sit up as you spoke. "What'd the doctor find? What'd the man do?"
A shudder racked through his body, and he held you tighter. "Baby…did you know you were…you…" Your hand flew to your stomach and his heart shattered right then. "You knew."
"I was gonna tell you tonight," you whispered, tears beginning to pour down your cheeks. "Billy…" Your breaths were getting sharper, nearly gasps now. "Billy, the man took our baby. He took it away from us." His brow furrowed when you began to shiver, violently quivering as he tried to pull you back in. "We h-have to get our baby back. I want our…" a sob erupted out of you, and he drew you back into him, rubbing up and down your spine.
He managed to get you into bed, easing you under the covers and wrapping you up in his arms. Fish had fled when the doctor arrived, but now he padded back into the bedroom, Willow at his heels. Billy patted the bed for them, hoping their presence would ease your sorrow. He shelved his own away for later, the shock letting him do so. You were all that mattered right now.
When he woke, you were sitting up, knees to your chest. Fish was asleep at your feet, Willow curled around him. Light was only just beginning to peek through the cracks in the curtains. Your eyes were fixed on the wall straight ahead, the emptiness in them making his chest ache.
He kept his movements slow, as not to startle you. Billy sat up, one hand finding your leg. "You okay, sunshine?"
"Yeah," you breathed, your legs falling to the side as you turned to look at him. He held still, watching you shift towards him. Billy held out his arms and you burrowed into them, breathing softly. "Billy, the man-"
"What'd the man do?" he asked, warm and easy. You nuzzled your head into him, and he pressed his mouth to your hair. There were questions boiling in his mind, but he kept them to himself. Right now, you didn't need him worrying you further. He didn't know if the man you spoke of was a phantom you'd dreamt of, or an unlocked memory from long ago before he could protect you.
"He's gonna t-take me, Billy," you sniffled. "He wants to take my b-blood. That's what he said."
"Nobody's gonna take your blood while I'm here, baby," he promised. "I won't let 'em."
You shook your head, hands trembling as you reached for his. Billy had you bundled against his chest, and he pulled the blanket up around you before he let you trace his fingers, connecting every freckle and line and scar in a perfect constellation. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I keep feeling things…seeing things."
"When'd it start?" he asked gently, watching Fish stretch in his sleep.
"The day you started your job." Some of the tension in your body left, and he was quick to think of something else to ask. Maybe if you put it into words, you'd be able to sort it out and let yourself fall back asleep.
"What is it you're seein'?" he asked, brushing some of your hair behind your shoulder.
You tucked your head into his chin and snuck your free hand under his shirt, palm flat on his ribs. "I see…see…the man. Tall. Pointy teeth."
"Pointy teeth," Billy repeated, picturing a tall, menacing shadow. He cupped the side of your head without thinking. Thumb rubbing up and down, he thought to himself for a moment. "Will you tell me if you see him again?"
"Yeah." That seemed to satisfy you. Curled up against him playing with your necklace, your breathing grew softer, more even, and he was relived when he looked down and you'd fallen asleep.
A knock at the door in the morning woke the both of you, and he reluctantly left you with a kiss to your forehead to go answer it. Trying to smooth down his hair, he pulled on his trousers and both suspenders before swinging the door open. Radford stood in the frame, twisting his hat between his hands, eyes darting from side to side. "Mr. Bonney."
"Mr. Radford," Billy greeted, perplexed by the call. He stepped aside. "Will you come in?"
"Won't be here long," Radford said, shifting on his feet. "Ardelean sent me to tell you that he'll not be needin' you 'till Monday. You'll still be paid for the days you don't come in, but he said you're not to come on the property 'till then."
"Oh." It was splendid timing, though Billy was confused by the meaning. "Is it cause 'f my-"
"He's real pleased with your work," Radford shook his head. "He's just got a few personal matters to deal with."
"Ah…alright." All Billy knew now was that he'd been given ample time to take care of you. He tried not to smile too wide. "Thanks for lettin' me know, sir."
"No problem." Radford turned to leave, but paused, looking back at Billy. "Ardelean was askin' after your wife, too. She alright?"
An uneasy feeling struck Billy square in the chest as he looked into the other man's shiny eyes. "She's fine."
"He'll be glad to hear it." With that, Radford went on his way, leaving Billy speechless, the door still wide open.
"Billy?" He turned to see you standing a few steps from the bedroom, your nightdress falling off one shoulder. Pale and dressed in white, your hair loose, you looked like a ghost. He shut the door, making for you to feel your solid form in his arms.
"Let's get you back to bed," he said, an arm around your waist guiding you back in. The second he touched you, his heart steadied. "Doctor said you need lots of rest."
"You'll be there?" you asked, sleep still at the corners of your voice.
He smiled despite everything. "I'll be wherever you need me."
Billy had asked no less than a thousand times if you were sure you didn't want him to stay home. You'd practically pushed him out the door. "I'll be just fine, sweetheart."
"You'll stay off your feet-?" he asked, holding your waist and searching your eyes. "Make sure to eat somethin'?"
"I promise," you said warmly, reaching up to kiss his cheek. "Fish will make sure I relax, won't you, Fish?" The black cat lifted his chin when Billy looked at him as if to say yes. You blinked sleepily, smiling sweetly. "I'll start the new book you got me, maybe do a little sewing."
"Alright." Billy looked you over, trying to gage any hurt or aching you might be concealing. Your face had more color in it than in days, and your smile was bright. A corner of his mouth turned up. "'S my wife gonna give me a kiss 'fore I go?"
You giggled, standing on tiptoes to wrap your arms around his neck and tilt your head up. He bent his neck to meet you the rest of the way, side swiping your mouth and kissing your cheek, your nose, your forehead, your chin instead. Laughing, you let him do it, humming in satisfaction when he finally reached your lips. He held you tight to him, breathing in your scent and trying to memorize it for the road.
"I love you," you murmured, pulling him down by the collar for another kiss. "You're gonna be great today."
"I'll only be gone a few hours, sweetie," he murmured, kissing the top of your head. "Then I'm gonna come home and make us somethin' good to eat, alright?"
"Mhm," you hummed, kissing his eyebrow.
Billy bent to give you one final kiss, nudging his nose against yours. "I love you."
"I love you too, my sweet Billy." Everything from the look on your face to the honeyed tone in your voice stayed with him the whole ride to work. So did Fish's accusing meow at his back as he left.
He was light on his feet all day, burning through his work without breaking much of a sweat. He ate his lunch daydreaming of you, imagining you reading and relaxing with the cats at your side. Mr. Ardelean did not summon him, and he reported to Radford when he was finished for the day.
Whistling as he rode home, Billy patted his horse's neck, tilting his hat up so he could take in the sunshine. It was a beautiful day today, and he hoped you'd been able to go outside. Fish and Willow would accompany you if you so chose. Another happy daydream entertained him for the rest of the ride home as he imagined you humming and picking flowers for the vase on the table you'd inherited from your mother.
"Honey?" he called as he opened the door. "Where're-" Freezing in his tracks, he dropped his bag when he saw the droplets of red staining the wood.
"Baby?" Billy bolted into the kitchen, dropping to his knees frantically when he saw you shivering on the floor, the cats nudging at your knees. "Hey…what happened? You okay?"
"The man," you gasped, chest heaving. "Billy, the man."
"Oh, honey." He thumbed your cheek, checking your body. No sign of bleeding or injury. "Let's get you to bed, alright? Knew I should've stayed home-"
"Billy!" You tugged on one of his suspenders. He met your eyes, his own widening when he saw the tears gathering on your cheeks. "He took my necklace. The one you gave me."
"Sweetie-" He paused his reassurances when his eyes dropped to your collarbone. The heart pendant you always wore was absent.
You never took off that necklace, and you hadn't ever since he sheepishly presented it to you after you'd moved into this house. A celebration gift of sorts. He'd been embarrassed at how little he'd spent, but you acted like it was chipped from diamonds. Even when you were in the bath, or wearing a dress with a high neck, it was always there, faithfully waiting for you to grasp it.
"Sweetheart-" Billy felt faint, remembering the blood on the floorboards. He tilted your chin so you were looking up at him. "What'd the man do? When he came?" Please let it be a dream. Please let your necklace just be lost outside. I'll find it. I promise I'll find it.
"He b-bit my neck," you cried, fisting both of his suspenders like they were holding him to earth. "I d-don't know w-why." As gently as he could with how frantic he was, Billy tilted your chin up with his thumb, examining your neck.
Two puncture wounds. Barely there, but there.
The next day at work, he was sleepwalking.
He'd left you sleepy, the cats curled around your head. "Lock the door, sweetheart," he whispered, and you'd nodded, rolling over into his pillow.
Billy could hardly concentrate on his work, body itching to bolt home to you and shield you from any sort of harm that would dare come your way. He barely got the cattle through the gate, and the head of his hammer cracked as he was nailing a fence.
What kind of a creature was he dealing with? A being that could enter the house, but not to kill you. Blood on the floor…was it your blood? And how did it take your necklace that you could hardly bear to be parted from? You'd cried to him that night about losing his gift, and he comforted you the best he could.
He tried to ask you more questions about the man, but you'd been so tired that you couldn't respond. As Billy wandered up to the house to replace his hammer, he tried to think of something he could ask tonight. Garnering the answer he wanted from a different collection of words.
Billy opened the door to the house, wandering into the sitting room. Usually, Radford was sitting with his box, counting something with an intense patience. He always shut it when he saw Billy. Today though, he wasn't there.
"Radford?" he called, trying not to yell in someone else's home. His mother would tell him he knew better.
Every room he entered was empty. So much of the house was as dusty as the first day he'd entered it. There were footprints in the white substance, practically thick as sand now. He frowned, covering his mouth with his arm when he sneezed, eyes watering. Except for the front room and kitchen, most of the furniture was covered in white sheets. Billy paused at the stairs, the darkness upstairs ominous. The only light in the house right now was from the sunshine streaming through the dark curtains.
Billy had turned around, thinking he'd move on without the hammer, when he heard a crash from upstairs, a high pitched squeak echoing through the house. Without thinking, he bolted upstairs, grasping the dusty rail.
There was only one door, at the end of the hallway. He found himself gravitating towards it pushing past every thought that told him no. The doorknob was in his grasp before he knew it, and he pushed it open, eyes round.
A loud squeak made him cry out, and he ducked just as a dark shape with sharp wings flew at him. Billy watched in shock as the bat bumped into the walls, and he threw open the curtains of a nearby window, pushing at the pane until he felt the wind on his face. The bat staggered towards the light, disappearing under the porch roof. He shut everything quickly, chest heaving.
His boots clomped loudly as he made quickly for the door, worried he'd find a cave of creatures of the night. The room was empty when he entered though, save for a long box like a coffin in the corner of the room furthest from the door.
There were no windows in here. Billy fumbled for a match from his pocket, bending to light it and picking up dust as he did. There were several sets of footprints marking a dark trail into the floor. As he followed it, Billy felt like he was walking to his own grave. A shiver ran down his spine when he peered into the box. He was expecting a half-rotted body, but what he found prickled goosebumps over his skin and made the hair on his arms stand up.
He reached into the box and lifted your necklace up by the pendant, turning the heart over and tracing his thumb over his engraved initials in the back. WHB.
Billy made sure to shut the door behind him, tucking the necklace into his pocket. His mind was cloudy as he drifted down the stairs, heart pounding in his ears.
When he reached the front porch, Ardelean was standing there like he'd been waiting for him. Billy froze in place. The man smiled slowly, tapping his long fingers at one thigh. His hair somehow looked darker, but maybe it was just the shadow.
"Mr. Bonney," he greeted, a rasp under his voice. Billy couldn't draw a word from his mouth, so he nodded, and the other man smiled. It took everything in Billy not to jolt back. Blood on his teeth. There was blood on his teeth. Blood or something so red it was nearly black clinging to the teeth that jutted out cradling the two front ones.
"G-gotta get home," Billy managed, his hand falling to cover his pocket. He tried not to run to his horse, but his mind was on you, and his feet moved quickly.
The second the house was in view, Billy flung himself off the saddle, sprinting for the door. He called your name until his throat was raw, nearly tearing the door off its hinges.
You were slumped against the side of the bed, paler than he'd ever seen you. There was a dribble of red at the neck of your dress, and your eyes were cloudy when you looked up at him.
Billy's knees hit the ground. His palms cupped your cheeks, and he rubbed the side of your face frantically. "Sweetie-"
"B-Billy," you whispered, trying to keep your eyes open. "I…the man…"
"I know." His voice broke on the last word. "I know baby, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." Billy was choking on his tears as he tilted your head, heart shattering at the fresh marks in your neck. "I didn't believe you…you were tryin' to tell me…" He sniffled, gathering you into his arms and tugging you into his chest, cradling the back of your head. "I'm so sorry, sweet girl."
Willow nudged at his elbow, meowing softly, and he broke down, tears wetting your hair. "My baby…I let you get hurt…" There might as well be a bullet in his chest. He thought of all that you'd lost because he'd been so ignorant. Your energy, your thirst for life. The baby, still supposed to be growing safe inside you.
You tried to say something, but your breathing was staggering. Billy let his chest rise and fall exaggeratedly. "Shh, I've got you. I've got you." He didn't want to hold you too tightly for fear of breaking you.
He held you until you whispered, "Did you find my necklace?"
Billy half-laughed, a tear slipping from his eye. He buried his mouth in your hair, kissing you there. "Yeah. Yeah, I found your necklace."
The doctor came the next day because Billy refused to leave you alone for even a second during the night, when he was paranoid Ardelean would come for you. How many times since Billy started working for him had he woken to find you pale and listless in the morning, claiming to have nightmares? He kept your face tucked into his chest, his hand steady at your crown. You were cozy in his arms, asking for the cats every now and then.
Fish stayed curled up protectively around your back, and Willow was by your head. Billy sent a silent thank you to them both for trying to keep you safe, trying to tell him something was wrong.
He locked the doors and drew all the curtains shut before leaving, bringing you a bowl of fresh strawberries before he left. You'd started to eat them before he walked out the door, which eased his heart a little.
The doctor didn't ask questions when Billy arrived. He just gathered his medical bag and told him to lead the way. All the way there and back, Billy kept his eyes peeled for any sign of Ardelean, any tall, menacing shadow that had become such a threat to his girl. Radford too, although Billy was unsure of his role? Did he accompany Ardelean? Hold you down while the other man hurt you? It sent a shiver down Billy's spine even to think about.
He held you while the doctor studied the bites on your neck. Billy stroked your collarbone gently, as you explained the circumstances. "A man would come into the house while Billy was gone. He always wore something dark over his head, so I've never seen his face," you whispered, clasping his fingers. "I thought it was a dream at first because I wouldn't be able to remember much after. But it kept happening…and I felt so weak afterward. Then my necklace disappeared." Your hand flew to it, as if making sure it was still there. "And my…" Your voice hitched, one of your hands falling over your stomach.
"We don't know what exactly's happenin' to her," Billy picked up when you trailed off. "But someone's hurtin' her."
The doctor sat back, taking off his glasses. He didn't look too much older than Billy, but there was a pointed look in his eyes that seemed beyond his years. "In town, I hear a lotta things, Mr. Bonney. 'S hard to work out what's real and what's not, so I'll let you tell me." After Billy nodded, he resumed. "Are you workin' for the fellow who lives on the cattle ranch just past the clearing?"
Billy nodded slowly, a little stunned. "Ardelean's his name."
"Yes. Ardelean." The doctor ran a hand over his chin, blinking once. "I treated a man in his care not long ago. He was experiencing similar symptoms. A Mr. Radford, I believe."
"Radford." Billy frowned. "He…?"
"What he insists are dreams are drivin' him mad," the doctor said, a solemnness falling over him. "He's begun to eat bugs. Whatever he can find. Insists it'll help him live forever."
Your eyes were round as saucers. Billy let you lean into his chest, and he held you, rubbing your back. "Do you know the cause? Do you have a guess, even?"
"Not a guess. I know." The doctor put his glasses back on, sitting up straight in his chair at your bedside. Billy was still sitting with you between his legs, and he kept a hand over your head as if it could protect you from what the man was about to say.
The doctor met Billy's eyes. "He drains blood. Ardelean does. It keeps him alive somehow…I don't know how. But he needs it to survive."
Billy remembered the blood on his teeth as he left. He held you tighter. "He's takin'-?"
The doctor nodded. It hung over the room, practically moths fluttering and wearing holes into the happy veil Billy had pulled over both your life and his. "I've looked into it. He is not a man of humanity."
Billy's jaw clenched as he remembered the day he'd come home to find you bleeding on the floor, the little life inside you lost. Had there never been a baby, you might have been gone before he could reach you, your blood wholly your own and taken away.
"How do I stop him?" Billy asked instantly. His hands tensed at your back. "I've got a gun-"
"The only way to kill him is to drive something through his heart," the doctor said, his mouth flattened to a line. "He'll be protected. The alternative is to leave. He'd find another victim soon enough, or hopefully dry out."
"No," Billy said instantly. It didn't seem to surprise the doctor.
He merely blinked, nodding as he thought. "Take time to decide. In the meantime-" Reaching into his bag, the doctor pulled out a strong-smelling garland of flowers. "Have her wear these when you aren't home. They'll drive him away." He gestured to Fish and Willow, who were asleep on the bed. "The cats are good too. She might be gone already if it weren't for them."
Billy hardly let go of you for the rest of the day.
Even when you got up to stretch or walk around, he was your shadow, clinging to your hand. It was only close to dark that he realized that you were trying to comfort him as much as he was you.
"I don't want to make you leave this place," he whispered to you that night. You reached up to rub his chest, and he shut his eyes, relaxing into it. The scent of the garlic flowers on the bedside table made his nose itch, but he kept quiet about it for your sake.
"I'm going to fix this," Billy muttered into your hair. "I'll go tomorrow and-"
"Billy," you interrupted, sitting up, your hair falling to the side of his face. He watched, mesmerized by every movement in your face, every twitch in your fingers. You watched him quietly, seeming to search for something. "It won't be as easy as you're making it sound."
"Honey-"
You shook your head, and he fell silent. "He'll hurt you, Billy. I can't let him." Even in the dim candlelight, he could see the tears welling up in your eyes. "I can't. Not when I know how awful it is."
"Baby-" He sat up, taking your hand resting over the covers. "He could find us if we leave."
"I'm not talking about leaving," you said softly. Shifting to sit on your knees, you pulled his face between your hands. He'd let you do whatever you wanted to it. "I can help you. It's so dangerous to do it all alone."
His expression must have betrayed the immediate denial building up in his chest, because your thumbs started to rub up and down his cheeks. "Sweetheart, this is the only way we'll be able to stay. You can't do this all by yourself- you'll get hurt. Or worse."
You were so earnest. A tear slipped down your cheek, and it almost made him cry too. Billy swallowed, the decision made for him.
The first time Billy ever saw a sunrise with you was after the night he'd married you. Most men rushed their brides back to their houses, or a nearby motel. Billy put you on his horse and rode off into the night, a keen eye out for bandits or rogue lawmen.
You'd been so sweet about the whole situation, pressing your cheek into his back and holding onto his waist as he rode like mad for hours, trying to find a place to settle. He stopped periodically to let you stretch your legs, stopping longer and spreading out a blanket so you could lay down, him protectively curled around your back.
He'd thought you were asleep when the light began to stretch its arms across the sky, but you took his hand resting on your stomach, cozying up against his back. "It's beautiful," you muttered, and he could hear your smile. It had just been hitting him then that you were his wife. Bound to him for all eternity, for better or for worse. He'd buried a long kiss in your hair, his vows outlined in gold.
Now, he was riding just as fast as he had back then, the sun just barely beginning to peek over the hills. A beautiful memory in such circumstances. This time he put you in front of him, not trusting that Ardelean wouldn't appear and snatch you away while his back was turned.
His heart was in his throat, a dagger at his belt. It was a tool he'd never before needed to use, and after today, he never would again. He kept tilting his hat up, worried the shadow of the brim would cause him to miss something. You were sitting upright, one hand over his arm, likely for both of your sakes.
When the house came into view, he had a strong urge to turn around and ride as fast as he could away. Putting your life in danger…how could he do such a thing? When he'd promised he never would? Billy was about to suggest leaving as he reined in the horse, but you were already slipping off the saddle.
Of everyone in the world, it had to be you. The sweetest, kindest person in the world, his girl. He'd hurt you, ripped your unborn child away. There was so much he couldn't do, so much he couldn't avenge, but your hurt would not be one. Billy gritted his teeth, dismounting and patting his belt to make sure the dagger was still there.
You turned to look at him, and he nearly melted. His sweet girl. Moving quietly to him, you grasped his hand, tracing his wedding band. He lifted your fingers and kissed over yours. "Sweetheart…we don't have to do this. I can just go in and you could stay hidden."
"No." Your voice was quietly firm. "It's okay, Billy. We're going to be okay. As long as we have each other, we will be."
There was nothing else to do except what you wanted. Billy squeezed your hand, slowly leading you to the porch. It was with great reluctance that he let go of you, letting you walk up the steps. You gave him one final look before opening the door and disappearing behind it.
As he waited, a thousand images flashed through his mind. Cracked marble, melting candles, blood on crisp white sheets. Drying wildflowers like the ones you kept in your bedside drawer. The pale pink thread you used to embroider little rosebuds in your pillowcase. You used blue for him, stitching little green vines in between each one.
Your laugh like wind chimes, the sunshine in your hair. Your soft skin, your gentle hands, your kind smile. Whenever you thought you'd woken up before him, you'd kiss over his heart. You loved when he slept shirtless so that you could feel his skin. Every bit of this was your love. It was as if the earth had been constructed from what you deemed beautiful.
Ever since Billy had met you, he'd tried to be the person you saw. The hero, not the outlaw, even though you insisted he could be both. Past and future seemed to blend for him, though, and it was only hurting you. His new job awakened his curse. Your kindness made you a victim.
The scream was bloodcurdling. His feet recognized it before he did, and he bolted up the steps, tearing the dagger from his belt. Throwing the door open, Billy sprinted for you. He found Ardelean in the kitchen, teeth sunk into your neck, expression vacant. You were gasping for air, color draining from your skin.
It was a terrible move, but he couldn't help it. Billy surged forward, knocking you from Ardelean's grasp and tackling him to the ground. His knees were on his chest, knuckles white as he gripped the handle of the dagger. You shouted his name and he nearly lost his resolve, but held steady when he caught the blood dribbling down Ardelean's chin and pooling at his neck.
Ardelean laughed dryly, sending a shiver down Billy's spine. "You of all people should have understood." One of his hands rose slowly, sharp nails bent into claws. "The blood of a beautiful girl will keep me alive forever."
You screamed again. Billy's dagger sunk into Ardelean's chest just before his nails reached his throat. He began to choke, flecks of red flying from his mouth and spattering the ground. Billy jolted away, kicking the body far from you. He couldn't tear his eyes from the sight of Ardelean shuddering, dry noises pulled from his throat. His skin was an ashy grey, almost as if he'd turn to dust at the touch.
The sun was peeking througha crack in the dark curtains. Billy crawled over to you, checking your neck frantically. The skin was smooth, not a mark to be found. He supported your head as he pulled you into his lap, thumb anxiously rubbing your cheek. "Are you okay? What'd he-?"
"Billy." The corners of your lips were turned up, not a brighter thing in the world. "The sun. I want to see the sun."
He couldn't scoop you up fast enough. Billy carried you out of that dusty house, now a coffin for a force that had make you suffer. He stopped when his boots touched the grass. You pressed your cheek to his, glued to the vision of the sunrise. He watched you instead.
You were his sun, finally shining again and painting the world with color. If you were the sun, then he was your shadow, clinging to the light he was surrounded with. Billy didn't turn away when you caught him staring. You lifted his hat from his head, clasping your arms around his neck. He searched your eyes, not moving an inch when you leaned in, mouth brushing against his. Billy kissed you with a fire in his heart, the only true way he could match your light.
Today's sunrise was not a beginning, but an end. Finally dawn, and all was well.
