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curlysgirl0202 · 26 days

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ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM: THE SONG OF RIVALS

Story About Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo Fighting over Reader. Which One Will Win Your Heart, Reader?

Doc Holliday sits in the Silver Nugget Saloon, sipping whiskey and staring into his glass while slowly swirling the liquid while moving the rotgut in a circular, almost methodical manner. He takes another shot, breathes heavily and pours more.

From the moment he met Ringo, Doc hated the younger gunfighter. Doc was not a man who let the law stand in his way just like the Cowboys, but he seemed to have such disdain for the unsophisicated red sash bunch. Not to mention that the Cowboys had it in for the Earps and Doc and Wyatt had a relationship where neither one would turn on the other. They expressed loyalty to each other; Doc looked out for Wyatt and Wyatt often looked the other way while Doc cheated patrons during poker games. Morgan and Virgil seemed less enthusiastic regarding the unbreakable bond between Doc and Wyatt. They viewed Doc as trouble; someone who cost them their political ambitions. With Doc in the picture, Wyatt's climb up the social latter moved slower and that meant it moved slower for them.

Now Doc sits in a saloon by himself, downing shots, seething about what you and Ringo are doing together.

"That lying scum," Doc whispers, while his lips rest on the edge of the glass. "No good Johnny Ringo, a lost soul who serves no purpose other than to lie, kill and steal." Doc chuckles to himself as he has done his fair share of cheating and killing. To lose you to Ringo would be more than Doc could bear; he's a man who hates losing. Doc imagines you sitting near him while he dazzles you with stories of his upbrining; living in Georgia on a lush plantation, dreaming of his future as a dentist, serving the elite community. And he did build a successful practice; so much that he could afford to work three days a week.

"I am a Southern gentleman," he recalls telling one of his patients. "And Southern gentleman are lazy so I do not wish to break a long standing tradition by working too much."

Then the war hit.

He moved from a prestigious profession to a gunighting gambler after he learned of his tuburclosis; a diagnonis that would change the entire direction of his life. With a strong death wish and everything he adored gone, Doc turned to a vicious gunslinger, bitter with rage. He thinks of Ringo and how the two are more alike than different. Ringo suffered in the soul while Doc suffered in the body. There were moments when Doc felt unbelievably close to Ringo as he often pondered that the two had more in common than had differences. Perhaps that triggered their hatred for each other. Or that Doc was the refined Ringo and Ringo was who Doc was behind the silk cravats and fancy language.

Doc sighs and lights up a cigarette. He can hear the familiar voice of his companion, Kate Elder. She stomped up the stairs of the saloon and pushed her way through the batwings. Doc smiles to himself and ignores her desire to get his attention. Kate moved her way through the saloon to the table where Doc sat.

"Oh how I wish they locked you up in Liberty!" She howled. A few patrons laughed while others sneered at the dueling couple.

"Why, Kate. What a pleasant surprise," Doc grunts. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence. Doc waves his hand through the air as if shooing a fly away.

"Don't give me that! I know what happend between you and Johnny!" "Kate, why would you bother yourself with someone like Ringo? You know I cannot stand that man."

"You want her?" Kate demands. "You were fighting with Johnny over her, werent you?"

Doc adjusts himself and straightens his back. He stares into the mouth of his glass before taking another sip. "Why don't you have a seat, my dear and we can talk about this like respectable persons."

Kate scoffs at Doc, her arms folded. She sits down and looks directly at her sick companion.

"I want you to stay away from her!" Kate bellows, angrily. She takes the bottle of whiskey and downs a shot without using a glass.

"You were always uncivilized," Doc mocks Kate.

Kate wipes her mouth and stands before Doc, her lovely bossom pressing against her dress. Doc felt tempted; the comfort of a woman was like nothing else. And it didn't seem to matter where she came from or if her looks were less than appealing; a soft body next to him felt better than the cold of lonliness and horror of his sickness. His lungs burned and his throat felt dry, even swallowing caused great pain on occasion. He made a bet with himself years ago that he would die from being shot to death before he died of his relentless disease. Or just drink himself into eternity.

"And you! Just look at yourself!"

It was not uncommon for Kate to create a scene in public and Doc brushed off his embaressment by holding up his glass and nodding to the annoyed patrons. Doc knew she was fuming over you although she had her own share of encounters with other men. But in the end, she did not want Doc leaving her for another woman. She already hated being second to Wyatt Earp.

"You're wasting away to nothing! She wouldn't want you anyway!" Kate shouts before exiting through the batwings and hurrying down the stairs.

Doc watches her leave and continues drowning his anger in whiskey. Although he already sucked back enough to cause most men to fall over, Doc could handle his alcohol like no one Wyatt had ever known. Even after drinking for several hours, he could still deal and play cards with steady hands. The delicate and long hands of a dentist.

Doc sighs and stares at the bottom of his glass as if searching for something. He mumbles to himself and begins thinking about you taking up supper with Johnny Ringo. Doc scoffs while he pours himself another drink and lights up a cigarette, completely unaffected by the poisons he fed his body. He would rather die of drunkeness than lonlieness. He wonders how Ringo is trying to impress you. He laughs to himself when he thinks about Johnny telling you how he steals cows or that he robbed a number of stage coaches and would cut a man in half over the slightest provocation. However, Doc knew Ringo probably possessed a softer side the same as Doc, who was more misunderstood than anything else. Doc could tell by watching Johnny Ringo that the Shakespearean quoting gunfighter was a man scarred; just like Doc, he had dreams before the war hit and the fighting and loss of their rights and land drove them to kill. He almost felt pity for Ringo, but his hatred superceded all other emotions regarding the younger pistoleer.

#val kilmer #val kilmer doc holliday #doc holliday fanfiction #fanfiction doc holliday tombstone movie #doc holliday tombstone movie #johnny ringo tombstone movie #johnny ringo fanfiction

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curlysgirl0202 · 29 days

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I just stumbled back into the tombstone fandom and was so pleasantly surprised to find reader insert writings for Johnny Ringo. Thank you so much for what you’re creating. I’m living for every single thing you’ve written so far 🥺🫶🏻

Hi Anon! I'm so pleased you enjoy my Tombstone historical fiction stories! I am currently working on two projects: Doc Holliday and Ringo: The Song of Rivals and Forbidden Love on the Wild Frontier.

I take requests for stories and I do not have restriction on content. Send any requests for head cannons or short stories!

Thank you again for your support!!!

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curlysgirl0202 · 1 month

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HEAD CANNON STORY: How Curly Bill Would Try to Impress You...

The King of the Cowboys, Curly Bill Brocious loves attention. It's no secret he does things just to get attention. Usually, he's doing something that gains negative responses, but it doesn't matter to him as long as he is getting the recognition he craves. When he and his boys aren't busting up the town with their six shooters, they're probably getting drunk at a saloon. Curly Bill relishes in the looks and stares he gets from townsfolk and tips his hat, knowing he is fiercely feared... He likes knowing he can evoke that type of emotion in others...He is also a guy that most people like; drinks are usually on him and he's known for paying for everyone's dinner when he's in a restaurant. Curly Bill and his gang of cowboys love to have fun and when they're done drinking it up, they head to the parlor of fallen angels so they can get some lady comfort and a taste of home sweet home!

Curly Bill sees you talking with deputy Breckenridge and asks the agent to introduce him to you. Curly Bill likes you right away, you smile sweetly and have the most beautiful face he's ever seen. Curly Bill doesn't have to do anything to impress the ladies of the night because he's paying for their affection and he knows when they laugh at his jokes, they're doing it to get more cash out of him. For the most part, he's fine with it...But the challenge of a real conquest is something he's not likely to walk away from...

So what would Curly Bill to impress you?

*He would exert his strength over his cowboys by beating them at arm wrestling, showing you that's he's the strongest. He may also lift something heavy right in front of you to further demonstrate his braun.

*If Curly finds out you had a bad day, he'd want to be the first man to bring you flowers and attempt to dazzle you by helping you solve your problem.

*The King of the Cowboys " would ensure you knew that he was the king because he's the bravest and most daring. He may talk about a time when he barely got out of a deadly scrape and he'll make sure you hear it or at least hear about it.

*When another man tries flirting with you and you're clearly uncomfortable, not to worry... Curly Bill will be right there, standing up for you so he can impress you with his authoritarian personality.

*Is there a shop owner that won't extend your credit or you are short paying for your groceries? Curly Bill will not only pay your bill, he will let the shopkeeper know you're credit is always good there!

*If his rowdy cowboys are nearby and being obnoxious, not to fear... Curly's got your back...He will admonish his gang and let them know in a stern voice that "It ain't right for a lady!" And of course he would love of you smile at him with adoration and appreciation.

*If you're walking down the street by yourself, Curly Bill will walk with you and ensure nobody gives you any trouble and he will impress you further by always making sure you feel safe!

*He'll look to impress you further by asking Ringo to teach him a few Shakespearean quotes or memorize a short sonnet...Curly isn't the smartest guy around so memorizing an entire sonnet may not happen...Or he may want to look like he's reading a book when you're nearby so he can impress you by showing you he also likes to read! Even though he really doesn't...

*The Cowboy King is a sharp shooter and he would love a chance to impress you with his iron skills! He may toss a coin in the air and shoot a hole right through it just for you! Or he'll shoot the cigar right out of the mouth of a sap head who tried to flirt with you earlier. He'll feel mighty important knowing he's impressing you and protecting you all at once.

*He knows what a clean and beautiful woman you are and he'll want to impress you by always looking and smelling his best! Curly spends most of his time with surly dudes who don't bathe regularly and wear the same socks and underwear for days...Or weeks! They're cowboys...But he will have his clothes laundered and will take a hot bath and change his socks before seeing you. He wants you to know he cares and wants you to want him too!

*Curly may take you to an expensive restaurant and order for you...Even if he really doesn't know how. He'll do his best anyway! He will probably have your favorite white wine chilling on the table when you arrive just to further impress you.

*If you're having a special day or a recent promotion at work, Curly Bill will get his boys together and shout, "Three cheers for Y/N!" He may even pick you up and swing you around.

*He will give you compliments...He's no Shakespeare, but he'll say things like:

"Your eyes are lovely!"

"Your smile is brighter than the stars!"

"Everytime I see you, you're more pretty!"

"Look boys! An angel fell from heaven!"

*Curly Bill likes the theater so he'll probably take you to a show and impress you by paying for balcony seats complete with champagne, gourmet cheeses and fresh fruit. He'll even be washed and clean shaven just for you! He'll be on his best behavior too; no firing pistols into the air when you're around since it right for a lady like yourself to be around that!

When it comes to impressing you, Curly Bill wants to show you how strong, brave and daring he is. He will also want to show you his softer side and his protective side. He may not shower you with meaningless gifts or empty praises. He is the boss and he's a tough guy and he wants you to not only know that, but also give him the attention, respect and admiration he so desperately craves.... Especially from a beautiful and kind woman like you!

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curlysgirl0202 · 1 month

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Wild West Writing: Old West Character Names for Head Cannon or Short Stories: I came up with the these since most of my writing is dedicated to the Wild West. 🤠

Pistol Pete

Injun Sally

One Eyed Joe

Skinny

Yankee Jim

Two Gun Johnny

Red

Big Nellie

Ace

Texas Pete

Crooked Jay

Mad Mary

One Shot Steve

Lazy Dan

Saddle Sam

No Neck Ned

Whiskey Bill

Johnny Tornado

Wild Jack

Crazy Jane

One Ear Phin

Grizzly Pete

Coyote Charlie

Mad Dog Jim

Sleepy Sam

Rum Mill Mary

Smiley Sue

Iron John

Rattlesnake Charlie

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curlysgirl0202 · 1 month

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HEAD CANNON STORY:

What Would Curly Bill and His Significant Other Argue/Fight About (IN PROGRESS)

Curly Bill isn't always the easiest person to get along with. He's been known to have a fierce personality, guffawing so loud it can be heard across the street and lots of practical jokes such as the time Curly shot the cigar out a man's mouth just for fun. Or when he made a preacher dance a jig when old Curly was looking for some reform. He also made a group of patrons in a restaurant stop eating and made them wait for him to be done with his meal before they could finish. When the big cowboy was done eating, he felt so full, he fell asleep at the table. The customers didn't move out of fear until the rustler woke up. When he did, he paid for everyone's dinner. Curly was known to do things like this. He usually kids around in fun and likes people who can play along and not take themselves too seriously. If they don't, he may shoot the flames off candles or shoot a hole right through their cup or shatter their shotglass out of their hands. He doesn't intend to really harm anyone (unless they hurt one of his own), it's just about having fun and getting a rise out of people. So, if the two of you are together or just starting to get to know each other, you may have a few hiccups along the way while you're getting to know each other. What would the two of you argue about:

*His drinking. It's no secret that Curly Bill and all his red sashers are heavy drinkers. They can start in the morning and not finish until they run out of booze or money or just pass out. There are moments when Curly feels disgusted with himself for not being able to control his drinking at times. But in the old west, there wasn't as much to do as in the big cities. Even towns like Tombstone had limited entertainment options. There was the theater, a small library, bowling alley, a museum and an ice cream parlor. Since Curly really has no interest in reading or museums, he sticks to the gambling houses, saloons and the whore houses. Eventually, it just becomes routine and he would run out of things to do. But booze flowed a plenty in the towns he and his boys frequented. Without much else and for a man like Curly Bill who doesn't care about books or culture much, he tends to drink lots! So you may find yourself telling him you think he's had enough. Since that's the last thing this old cowboy wants to hear, he tells you he's fine and no one is going to spoil his fun! He may even take you home and tell you to stay home if you don't want to see him drunk and no one is going to tell him what to do...Not even you. He'll be ashamed and afraid of your feelings about his drinking, but you're understanding and don't want to push him into more drinking or an argument that may get heated since Curly Bill doesn't always have the best emotional regulation skills. Some days, you let it go. When he's so drunk, he's almost belligerent, he tries to avoid you so he doesn't end up doing something stupid. But when that drunk, he may start flirting with you and touching you, trying to seduce you into making love. But because he's drunk, you're not interested. Although he will try to control himself, you may find him getting on top of you and refusing to let you go. When you start crying because he's basically holding you down against your will, his shame will cause embarrassment and he may continue to try to get with you or he'll leave in a huff only to return later to apologize with his tail between his legs and he'll tell you that you're so beautiful he couldn't stand it. Either way, he'll be a handful when he's really drunk!

*His friends. Ringo may be the only one of Curly's friends that doesn't make you sick to your stomach with their stench, wild sense of humor and drunken brawls. At least Ringo is always a gentleman. Sometimes he'll even intervene on your behalf and tell the Cowboys and even Curly Bill that enough is enough! Although Curly is your love, you can't help but appreciate Johnny Ringo. Ringo would feel that Curly Bill is a fool for getting so drunk he could lose you altogether. And Ringo may lecture his bestie by telling him he's got a wonderful woman who loves him and he needs to get his head out of his kesiter and understand that if he doesn't modify his behavior somewhat, you'll be nothing more than a distant memory. Of course old Curly knows that, but he's too proud and well, too stupid to realize it. When Curly's friends are around you, they're usually drunk and sometimes like their boss, say obnoxious things. You do your best not to overreact as you know they really don't know any better, but sometimes you stand up, tell them directly they were out of line before you storm off... Justifiably so. This gives Curly Bill mixed feelings; he loves how you're strong and can stand up for yourself, but he also wants you to get along with his friends. Sometimes if they get too rowdy, Curly will stand up, put his arm around your waist and tell, "leave her alone!" Other times, he lets you handle his friends. And Ringo will shake his head at Curly Bill who knows damn well he should never let his boys talk to you with anything but absolute respect. Sometimes they're on the "best" behavior and sometimes they're so intoxicated, they start touching your hair or even your face. They'll say things like, "you sure are pretty!" They may start asking you what Curly Bill did to get you to go with him and what does a lovely lady like yourself is with a known rustler and gunslinger. The whiskey on their breath mixed with stale cigar smoke along with their stench can be more than you can take. You have a right to tell them they could use a bath. It is when Curly Bill sides with his friends over you that hurts. He can feel torn sometimes...Of course he wants to protect you and he always delights in coming to your rescue . He also is not the most sensitive man around and may not fully understand why you're so upset. It is when those misunderstandings occur that the two of you argue. You beg Curly to always be on your side and his friends tell him sometimes you're just too sensitive and take yourself too seriously. Sometimes the big cowboy agrees with his friends. If he knows they're joking, he laughs it off because of their bond and sense of humor. He's used to it! When you get upset over something they were just fooling about, sometimes Curly tells you that they're joking. If he sees they've gone too far or worse, you're starting to cry, he will become angry at his rowdy cowboys and will want to make sure you know he cares so he may yell at them in front of you so he knows you know he cares. But he may return to his cowboys and say that you're too sensitive sometimes. And sometimes his friends need to back off if they want to be in the presence of a beautiful lady who is kind to them and often bakes treats like muffins or cupcakes just for them. Since nobody cares about the Cowboys at all, they would hate to lose your soft touch and sweetness. And as long as you're around, they may have a chance to steal you away from their leader. But you're in love with Curly Bill! Just to save face with his gang he may tell them that you're sensitive. He doesn't want to come across as a guy who does whatever his woman wants. At the same time , he hates seeing you upset. He may just knock the cowboy out with a punch if they get too out of line. He's got a reputation to maintain!

*His language. Curly Bill doesn't drop f bombs regularly nor is he big on swearing. But he ain't great at talking eloquently either. When he talks, it sounds like, "there ain't nothing, it ain't no matter, hell, it don't bother me none! I ain't got no beef with that! It ain't nothin' neither!" You get the picture. Sometimes you just want to have a conversation with actual words. You may not necessarily argue, but he may find your correcting him on occasion to be annoying. You're just trying to be helpful and he knows that, but he's going to tell you, "I ain't had much schoolin' and there ain't nothing in books!" And that may hurt because you love to read. You know there's plenty in books and deep down so does he, but he's practically illerate and somewhat embarrassed that you know so much more than he does. If Curly Bill needs to know something, he usually just asks Ringo. Sometimes Ringo tells his friend to pick up a book sometime! And of course Curly just laughs out loud like he does to hide his shame. Sure he knows he should be smarter like Ringo, but lacks the patience.

* Your interests. You're more cultured and sophisticated than all the cowboys combined, including Ringo. So that can be more intimidating than anything else to old Curly. He doesn't know Mozart from Strauss, has never heard of Renoir, thinks museums are boring and there's nothing to learn anyway. Wandering through an art gallery would not be old Curly's first choice for an outing. He'd be intrigued with how interested you are and may smile when you start talking about something you're passionate about, but he really doesn't appreciate the finer things the way you do. But don't be shocked if he interrupts you and starts talking about how he just doesn't get it and he wants to leave and get a drink. He may grow impatient and ask if you're done gawking at all this art. He's not the most sentimental guy around. If you tell him to stop it, he may take you in his arms and hug you to get you to forget or he may walk out and tell you you know where to find him when you're done wasting your time. When he's this insensitive, you put him in his place and sometimes he takes his hat off and apologizes because he knows he's a horse's ass. Then you usually give him a kiss on the cheek to remind him you do care. You understand he's a cowboy who never really amounted to anything in his life and regards you as an irreplaceable treasure. Since Curly Bill has never had anyone to care about, he isn't savvy on how to handle you sometimes. He's known for his wild and tremendous sense of humor. He lives to live and embrace life without limits or orders. However, he in his private moments, desperately wants you to see him as so much more than a reprobate cowboy who never worked an honest job in his adult life. The only honest work he did was mending fences or fixing other things around Old Man Clanton's farm and ranch. And you do see him as more than that and since you're the only person who sees him that way and ever made him feel like he is more than that, he can't help but be so in love with you. You see the side he tries to hide with his loud guffawing and practical jokes. All to hide the pain or fear in his heart. Some of the things that interest you may interest him and he'll pretend on occasion to be into what you're saying. Sometimes when he's had a few shots of nose paint, he'll smile at you and say, "you're so smart. Damn! I think you're smarter than Ringo and I ain't never met anyone that smart. He's always got his nose in a book!" And you'll answer, "well, that's why he's so smart!" At that, Curly will take your joke and laugh at himself. "I ain't done nothing smart cept know how to drive cows!"

*His lifestyle. We all know Curly Bill is the King of the Cowboys and he enjoys that title very much. He got into the rustling business shortly after the war ended and by the time he met Old Man Clanton and his sons, Billy and Ike, he was already a seasoned cowboy. Old Man Clanton liked Curly Bill's leadership abilities and that he could shoot as well as he ropes. It was for that reason that the old man made Curly Bill the head of the gang, passing over his two sons.

#tombstone 1993 #tombstone movie #Curly Bill #Doc Holliday #Johnny Ringo #Tombstone Movie Head Cannons #tombstone cowboys #curly bill brocius

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curlysgirl0202 · 2 months

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Any other writers struggle with this??

#writing #writers humor #creative writing #finishing stories #story ideas #writing creatively

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curlysgirl0202 · 2 months

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DOC HOLLIDAY AND RINGO'S RIVALRY STORY EXERPT!!!! From the Short Story, Holliday and Ringo: Song of Rivals.

Doc Holliday Angers Johnny Ringo in this scene.

Ringo looks up and slowly nods. He stands, his unreadable poker face staring at the exit. He follows the others out and then sees you walking out of the back wing of the theater. He swallows hard and adjusts his hat, clearing his throat. Curly Bill sees you and then looks at Ringo. Curly chuckles. "Good luck, Juanito, round two!"

Ringo shows a small smile and walks towards you.

You stop walking while Ringo moves closer to you. He can feel his face grow red and flushed by his own shyness. He walks as confidently as he can. He's delighted when you smile at him and you appear more beautiful than he recalls. He tips his hat to you.

"Good evening, YN," Ringo says. He takes his hat off and holds it in his hands, trying not to rock back and forth on his feet, showing his fear.

"It's Johnny, right?" You ask, the smile never leaving your face.

Ringo feels a sense of relief that you offer your consideration even though you only met him once at the hotel restaurant.

"Yes, ma'am," he responds. It's tough for him to say much else because of his nervousness; not just because he doesn't want to endure the humilation Doc would rain over him, but also because each time he sees you, he becomes more smitten with you.

"Well, it's nice to see you, Johnny," you beam.

Ringo to his own surprise smiles back at you, keeping your large liquid eyes in his memory.

"It's real nice to see you. I enjoyed your performance. It was as lovely as you," Ringo remarks, suddenly feeling that hot and flushed feeling. He recalls experiencing similar emotions when the girls at church would turn around to get a glimpse of the mysterious boy called Johnny Ringo.

"A lovely lady like yourself should have an escort," Johnny clears his throat. "I would like to ensure your safety this evening. You may have noticed, it gets wild here, especially at night."

You smile up at Johnny, who you can't help but like; he held himself like an aristrocratic cowboy. He suddenly snaps back from his shyness. "Unless you already have one." Ringo looks at his boots, still holding his hat.

"No, I don't," you convey softly. You shake your head and then glace back at the gentleman gunfighter.

"It would be an honor to ensure your safety." Johnny puts his hat back on and waits for your response. He feels a slow ember of confidence begin to burn in his heart. He knows he's not as sophisticated as Doc Holliday, but Ringo has a charm that is as interesting as it is mysterious.

"Thank you, Mr. Ringo," you finally answer.

"Johnny." He tells you.

You nod and take his arm. Johnny Ringo walks with pride down the street with you, moving towards the shops that line the town. A few jewelry stores, a music shop that sells various instruments, a stationary, small art museum, photography studio and other small boutiques that offer the latest styles and custom dress making and a tailor. Several barber shops also line the street and other clothing stores.

Johnny desperately tries to think of something to say. "It's a lovely evening for a walk through town," he says in a soft voice.

"It is," you answer, not sure what to make of this mysterious gunfighter.

"Let me know where you're headed. I'll make sure you get there safely," Ringo tells you, looking straight ahead.

"Well, you begin. "I'm going to the hotel to rest."

Johnny nods his head and escorts you to the Grand Hotel. He takes his hat off and waits for you to disappear up the stairs and into the lobby. When you're out of sight, he puts his hat on and turns to leave. He stops quickly when he sees Doc Holliday moving towards him, a death grin on his face while blowing smoke from his cigarette.

"Why, Johnny Ringo. I see you made an acquaintance." Doc stops walking and looks Ringo up and down. Ringo is in no mood to fight Holliday and his mind is still spinning from walking with you. The sweet aroma of your perfume is enough to weaken him.

"What's it to you, Holliday?" Ringo inquires, staring the death doctor with as much confidence as he coud muster considering his impaired judgement.

Doc holds his cigarette between his fingers while tapping the handle of his pistol. Johnny's eyes move about, eyeing with wonder how steady Doc's hands were.

"You still thinking you're going to win her affections, don't you, Ringo?" Doc examines his opponent.

"Are you?" Johnny quickly responds.

Doc smiles, while he suddenly grows motionless, still holding his cigarette. Doc's ability to move quickly and gracefully and then turn to stone could distract the steadiest of minds. Including Ringo's.

"Oh, I guess nobody informed you. I had the chance to escort that lovely lady through town and we enjoyed a delightful moment together."

Ringo's eyes narrow in on his nemesis for a moment and confusion begins to surface on his face. He can feel his neck grow hot from his rage.

Doc's expression changes and he begins to grin with an almost child like countenance.

"It turns out, YN enjoys chocolate cake." Doc taps his ivory handled gun. He blows smoke from his mouth, his eyes never leaving Ringo's.

"She also loves cream and sugar in her coffee. I bet you didn't know that, Johnny." Doc winks at Ringo, who turns to leave.

"It was a wonderful moment we two shared together," Doc finishes, still standing motionless.

"And what did Kate think about that?" Johnny retorts.

Doc's smile fades for a moment and Ringo feels a sense of triumph. Women were so scarce in Tombstone, it was unlikely that any man would leave his woman. Being without a woman seemed worse. At the very least, you could sleep next to one and feel the comfort of her touch, knowing all the uncomfortable moments promised more intimate ones.

"Well, you know Kate, Ringo." Doc finally answers.

"Go to hell, Holliday!" Ringo responds, turning to leave.

"I'll let YN know you said hello!" Doc asserts.

Ringo's rage boils over and he pulls his pistol quickly and due to his spinning head, he misses Doc by a hair and then stumbles backwards, almost losing his balance. Doc chuckles with triumph, his composure never shaken. He winks at a frustrated Ringo.

"What the hell is going on here, Ringo?" Wyatt Earp demands, moving closer to the battling gunmen.

"Evidently, Mr. Ringo here cannot hold his liquor well." Doc shakes his head and takes a long drag of his cigarette.

Wyatt and Virgil take Ringo by his arms and force him towards the horse troph where they dunk his head in the dirty water. They pull him out, Johnny gasping for air and cursing the Earp brothers.

"Sons of bitches!" Ringo howls, causing Wyatt to drop Ringo into the water again.

"Cool off, Ringo!" Virgil shouts, slapping Johnny in the back of the head. The lawmen toss Johnny aside and he falls, knocking over two chairs after losing his balance. Ringo spits towards the Earps and Doc smiles, watching Ringo squirm.

"What's this about, Doc?" Virgil demands.

Johnny staggers to his feet and throws himself at Doc, who laughs and moves out of the way with his signature aristocratic gait. He holds back his urge to cough and circles around Johnny, who can barely stand, water dripping from his head.

"Would you have to ask Johnny Ringo. He came at me like a wildcat."

"That's enough, Doc," Wyatt shouts. "I already told you to stay away from Ringo! I don't want anymore trouble!"

Ringo, still soaking wet, stares Doc and the Earps down. He knew he made a fool of himself and hoped you didn't witness any of it and hates the idea of you finding out or worse - Doc Holliday telling you about how Ringo was so drunk and out of control that the law had to cool him off by shoving his head into a horse troph.

"Sleep it off, Ringo!" Virgil demands, showing a look of disgust at Holliday, who seems unaffected by the Earps attitude. Doc takes a whiskey flask from his front pocket. He reveals a death grin to the men there and takes a long swig. He clears his throat, stifles a cough and tips his hat to Ringo, who can barely stand.

"Just give up, Mr. Ringo," Doc warns, backing away. "What will YN think when she learns about this?"

Ringo stands upright and moves to throw a punch at Doc, who quickly moves out of the way, mocking Ringo's clumsiness.

"I said that's enough!" Wyatt shouts as he and Virgil take Ringo to a holding cell located behind the courthouse.

"What the hell am I being arrested for?" Ringo demands.

"Fighting!" Virgil growls back. "Let's go, cowboy. Maybe your friends will bail you out!"

Ringo struggles against the law men, but they overpower him and drag him to the jail. Ringo grabs the prison bars, looks to the ground and curses them.

"You damn self righteous sons of bitches!" Ringo bellows

"You're losing over mind over YN!" Wyatt grumbles, fumbling with the keys. "You and Doc both better give up this conquest of yours. YN isn't going to be with either one of you. It was foolish of you both to enter into this deranged bet."

Ringo sits on the cot and holds his head in his hands. The image of your face enters his mind and he closes his eyes and delights in a whimsical fantasy where you come to his rescue. His ears become flooded with your voice.

"You'll stay in here and cool down, Ringo. I'm sure Curly Bill will be here to make bail as soon as he hears about this. And you tell that idiot we don't want anymore trouble with you cowboys!"

Ringo smiles menancingly at the Earps.

"You're the boss, Earp!" Ringo groans.

"And don't forget it, you reckless son of a bitch!" Wyatt snaps.

Ringo stands and faces Wyatt. Ringo's menacing stare causes Wyatt to back away a few inches. Ringo's eyes showed a fearlessness that bordered on rage.

I should let him rot!

Wyatt thinks.

"Do you understand, Ringo?!" Wyatt growls.

"It's easy to understand men like you, Earp," Johnny grunts.

"I really hate your attitude, Ringo."

Wyatt turns to leave.

"I already told Doc. You two are going to end this ridiculous bet of yours! The both of you are acting like petulant boys."

"Maybe Doc should be in here with me. He's not innocent in this," Ringo snaps. "You wouldn't have to worry about losing money because of his cheating." Ringo backs away from the bars, his face twisting into a sinister smile. "I heard about that fellow in Dodge. Doc cut that poor bastard from his dick to his neck!" Ringo turns and sits on the bed.

"See you for your bail hearing tomorrow morning!" Wyatt shouts before leaving.

Ringo holds his head in his hands.

I wish I never saw her! Ringo screams in his mind.

#val kilmer doc holliday #doc holliday #doc holliday tombstone #tombstone movie #johnny ringo #johnny ringo tombstone movie #stories about doc holliday tombstone #doc holliday from tombstone movie #stories about doc holliday #tombstone cowboys #stories based on tombstone movie #tombstone historical fiction

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curlysgirl0202 · 2 months

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SHORT HEADCANNON: CURLY BILL'S SECRET...

*Curly Bill has a secret he keeps all to himself...

So, the Cowboy King's heart burns with desire for you.

This old cowboy has noticed you to the point where he has memorized your daily routines so he can get a chance to look at you. Each day, be nervously gazes upon the bustling street, eager to at the very least, get a glimpse of your lovely face and wonderful curves.Curly Bill sits near the Grand Hotel, the favorite hang out for the cowboys and while sucking on an imported cigar, he waits, his heart racing.

From the corner of his eye, he spots you walking out of the library, one of your preferred places. Your lovely hair flowing in the breeze, a beautiful smile decorates your face. Curly Bill tries to remain calm as you walk closer, hoping he'll get a chance to at least say hello.

Curly Bill absent mindedly plays with his cigar while his mind spins with different things he could say to you…

If he confesses what rests on his heart, he would tell you:

“My, my, why you sure are pretty.”

“There are nights I can't sleep, thinking of you.”

“If you give me a chance, I would do anything to make you happy.”

The strong dust and wind that usually blows wildly through town is quiet on this day so there's no need for you to cover your alluring face with a handkerchief. Curly pretends to be gazing at the livery station, admiring the Appaloosa a man brought in earlier. He doesn't want you to know his little secret; that he waits for you everyday, hoping for a chance to lay some of his charm on you.

His anxiety increases when he remembers you don't engage in the activities that occur in the red light district and because of that, he may never really get a chance to say anything more than, “howdy, ma'am,” but he's a believer that anything is possible and that with a stroke of luck, he may get you to see what a great fellow he is. And when Curly isn't sucking back whiskey, he's a well mannered man.

Men outnumbered women in Tombstone to the point where men were becoming increasingly discouraged in regards to courting the few that were available. And the talk around town included rumors that you didn't belong to any man and any fellow that was brave enough to approach you would gain the opportunity to impress you. Curly Bill was well aware of his competition; men like Behan and even Doc Holliday already tried their luck and you showed disinterest to both which left a bittersweet taste in his mouth. On one hand, your availability was clear and on the other hand, you seem selective of who can court you.

While Curly Bill continues biting his cigar, he tries to look away from you so you don't notice him staring with unblinking eyes. You cross the street and sway close to where he's standing and Curly takes a breath and hopes he gets a chance to talk to you. He feels his heart race with each step you take towards him. He puts his cigar behind his back and tips his hat. He takes a small bow and tries to speak through his awkwardness.

“Well, how are you today, ma'am?” Curly tries to think of something to say, but finds his tongue tied when your eyes meet.

“Good day, Mr. Brocious,” you respond through a smile Curly can't resist. He delights that you remember his name, although you only met once when Billy Breckenridge introduced the two of you. He recalls how your wonderful, liquid eyes showed a trusting and free spirit. Eyes that look through people and not at people.

Curly stumbles over his own words and he becomes lost in your stare; you never look at him for more than a second and his intense craving to converse with you becomes overwhelming. Curly Bill is not a man to find himself at a loss for words, but suddenly grows hesitant; perhaps you find him a stinky nuisance or just a down and dirty cowboy who does nothing more than amuse you for a second or two.

“Uh, well, where are you off to today, ma’am?” Curly Bill tosses his cigar and takes his hat off, holding it in his hands while he rocks on his feet. He yearns for you to take his arm while he proudly walks with you and ensures your safety.

“I was on my way to Silver Owls. I was hoping to purchase some new earrings.” You beam up at Curly Bill who smiles sheepishly, flashing his signature grin at you. He’s exhilarated that you stopped to speak with him.He can feel his neck and face grow red with uncertainty; if he can secure an opportunity to at least walk near you and possibly enjoy you holding his arm while he walks with you, he would feel that hot blooded passion that can only come from a beautiful woman. He could brag to his gang of red sash cowboys that he escorted Tombstone’s most desirable woman to her destination and that you were overcome with rosy adoration over him.

“Well,” Curly starts, still holding his hat. “Will you allow me to escort you there? Tombstone can be a wild place and a lovely lady like you should have an escort.”

You look up at Curly Bill and he smiles again. You gently take his arm and Curly Bill gazes down at you, filled with pride and gratitude. He decides that even if this encounter becomes the only one he gets with you, he at least got to talk to you and stand near you, your perfume a heavenly scent that floods Curly’s nose and drowns out the stench of manure and the horrendous body odor most men had.

The walk to Silver Owls takes only a few moments and while Curly happily strolls through the streets with you,a few gentleman tip their hats while others look upon in disgust and Curly notices a few ladies cover their open mouths with their gloved hands, wondering why such a lovely woman like yourself would want to engage in any activity with Curly Bill; a man with a reputation for fierceness, rustling, killing, treeing and stealing. But few people know the softer and even sympathetic side to this old cowboy. Curly Bill wanted what every other man in town wanted; to secure the courtship of a beautiful gem, buy some land and build a life with her and finally break free of the vicious whirlwind of this wild country.

You approach your destination and Curly Bill walks you up the stairs. He wants to enter the store with you and perhaps purchase a small piece of jewelry, but decides against it, not wanting to push his luck. You break from his arm and smile at him. Curly Bill, absentmindedly brushes your hair away from your face. He winks at you and watches you disappear into the store.

Curly takes another cigar from his shirt pocket and happily lights it while walking back to the hotel porch, where a few of his cowboys are watching, giving each other inquisitive looks.

“She talked to you?” Ike Clanton queried. “What did she say, Curly?”

“Are you going to see her again?” Stillwell inquires.

“Does she smell as good as she looks?” Johnny Barnes questions.

Curly Bill feels a surge of pride rush through his veins.

“She needed an escort and she chose me,” Curly answers, knowing damn well you didn’t ask, you simply accepted his offer.

“Will you introduce us?” Ike continues questioning.

Curly grins with satisfaction. “Well, maybe, boys. Just maybe”

I hope to be the one that escorts her everyday…

TO BE CONTINUED IF REQUESTED…

#tombstone movie #tombstone cowboys #tombstone 1993 #doc holliday #cowboys from tombstone movie #wyatt earp tombstone movie #tombstone fanfiction #curly bill #curly bill writes #curly bill from tombstone movie #curly bill fanfiction

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curlysgirl0202 · 3 months

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RINGO'S RECKONING: A TALE OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION

Johnny Ringo and the reader have a special connection as friends even though both strongly desire the other. When Ringo opens up to the reader about his past and his guilt and shame, he fears rejection...How does the reader react when she learns about Ringo's past...Keep reading and find out!

Everyone knows how secretive Johnny Ringo can be and that he's got a signature poker face even Curly Bill can't read. When overwhelming thoughts or anxiety come creeping into his mind, Ringo tends to do two things; be drinks himself intoxication and relieves his darkness with the comfort of a woman's touch. In fact, nothing can cure his darkness except women. Even if he's not going to lay with them, he at least wants to be in the presence of women. So when he meets you and the two of you begin seeing each other regularly, it's only a matter of time before he falls into the abyss of his own mind and opens up to you...

Spontaneous decisions don't fall into the symphony that envelopes Johnny Ringo; he prefers to exercise a more deliberate and planned approach; especially when it comes to a woman he loves and that woman is you!

Ringo sees the love and kindness that flows freely from your spirit. You enjoy embracing others that the world seems to forget; you help care for the homeless and you take pleasure in volunteering with orphans and disabled children so Johnny Ringo sees you as a safe place to fall as you do not seem to turn anyone away when they are in need. Johnny loves that about you; you don't just offer up your time to those in need, you do it because you truly want to make a difference. So when Johnny Ringo decides to open up to you, it is absolutely not by accident...He has been thinking about it for weeks. When he wakes in the morning and breathes the Arizona desert air and stretches his body which feels stiff from sleeping on the hard ground, he thinks about what he wants to say to you and when he will gain the opportunity to bring you into a place where he can dwell in your presence without anyone around. Johnny loves how you always seem genuinely happy to see him and he delights in how you can laugh off awkward moments in a way he could never do. So it shouldn't be a surprise to you that you're the one he feels safe with and he feels your heart will hold his secrets like a treasure. After some cowboy staples; biscuits, beans, bacon and coffee, he decides to meet up with you and take a walk together so he can empty his aching heart to you in the hopes that you can relieve some of that pain and turn his guilt and shame into fighting chances that lead to a path of relief and true happiness; only women can do that for Johnny Ringo and the woman he wants is you....

Johnny rides out to your home which sits on a small piece of land a mile from town. A little garden of red and yellow roses lazes near the small stairs that lead to your front porch. A few flower pots occupy the corners and a sign that reads: Welcome decorates the front door. A perfect message from someone like you who makes Johnny feel welcome in your life. He knocks on the door and waits for a few moments before knocking again. His heart falls and he hopes you didn't forget he was coming to see you. He turns when he hears your voice.

"Well, hello Johnny!" You sneak from the other side of the house. A bouquet of freshly picked flowers rests in your arms. A lovely summer dress fits loosely on your body, but doesn't cover up your curves. Your hair cascades to your back and a black handkerchief wraps around your head.

"Hi, YN," Ringo says, moving to you. The gunfighter seems more anxious than usual and you wonder what he wants to talk to you about.

"So what do I owe the pleasure...A visit from Johnny Ringo?" You smile, still holding your flowers. Ringo eyes the buds and suddenly feels guilty that he came empty handed. He takes his hat off and tries to say something, but can't find the right words. It begins to drizzle and thunder rumbles in the distance. "And just in time too. Looks like rain!" Ringo walks towards you, his hat in his hands.

"Come on in. I'm going to get a vase for these. While arranging your flowers, Ringo notices how elegantly you arrange them in an old vase with painted blooms along the sides. You occasionally glance at him and smile and he looks down and then returns the grin.

"Would you like some tea, Johnny?" Suddenly, rain begins to fall and splashes the front porch and begins to soak the garden. Thunder booms overhead and you look over at Ringo, who rushes to shut your front door.

"Thanks!" You say casually, while placing your vase on the table.

"Sure! Can't go for a walk now!"

"No, I was never crazy about walking outside during a lightning storm!" You laugh and he chuckles in spite of himself. He cherishes your casual attitude and how effortlessly you bring harmony to uncomfortable situations.

You boil water for tea and put two plates on the table and then grab two forks, a pie cutter and a freshly baked apple pie off the counter near the stove.

"I baked this in the morning. I got fresh apples from the market. I just love to bake pies!" You declare while cutting two pieces.

"Well, that's wonderful. You're beautiful and you love to bake. Hard to believe you're not married," Johnny answers, suddenly feeling flushed and a bit embarrassed.

"Sorry," he responds. "I didn't mean it like that...I just meant that it's not usual for a lovely lady like yourself to be single."

You smile and sit down, giving Johnny his tea cup. He looks down and then back at you, a look of shame in his eyes. He didn't want you to think that he believes you can't find a man who would want to marry you. He only meant it seems surprising for someone so beautiful to not choose a husband yet.

"I know. And thank you for the compliment!" You take a bite of pie and smile. Johnny can't help but chuckle a bit and shake his head. You seem to know him so well and carry a unique quality most women do not. A way about you that brings others at ease. That everything will be ok as long as you're in the room.

The rain continues to beat against the windows and lightning flashes causing an explosion of thunder. You sip your tea and for a moment, Johnny glances at you without you knowing and becomes lost in your presence. The raging storm outside seems tame simply because he is with you and he swears at that moment that he has never felt safer in his life. When you look up at him, he snaps out of his trance and shakes his head. Your soft hair, large liquid eyes and peaceful smile stir the embers inside of him. Emotions Ringo thought the war and his own darkness extinguished suddenly began to enflame inside him and those feelings began to awaken. While studying the sciences, he learned about people falling into a coma. His current feelings parallel in a metaphorical sense because he felt like he had been sleeping and he was just now waking up. He wants to empty his heart to you, tell you if his upbringing and the events of his life that slowly and almost methodically created Johnny Ringo instead of John Peters Ringo, MD or Surgeon.

He finishes his slice and drains his tea cup and then watches you finish enjoying your sweets at your own pace. When you finish your last bite, you look out the window and the rain continues to come down in sheets accompanied by a colossal dance between thunder and lightning.

"So, how have you been, Johnny?" You inquire, pushing your plate away and giving him your undivided attention.

"Things weren't always like this. I didn't always...I guess what I'm trying to say is I wasn't always this way. I guess I just want you to know that...I know the things you must hear about me. I'm not exactly proud of being the "Deadliest Pistoleer" since William Bonney or whomever. Don't even keep track anymore. I wasn't always this way." He can't bring himself to look at you for fear of how your eyes will study him and he dreads thinking about you looking at him with admonishment in your eyes; the same way the world sees him.

"I wasn't always this way either," you answer, with empathy flooding your eyes.

He smiles at you and adores your response which shows him you understand a thing or two about loss and maybe you also struggled with such feelings. You endured the war too...

"I grew up in a big family. Farming was always what my family knew. My father was a lawyer, but a terrible businessman. He took his own life. Well at least I believe he did." Johnny lowers his head and waits for your response.

"Oh, Johnny! I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I don't know what to say...I can't imagine." You shake your head and take his hands into yours. He grips your hands in his and absent mindedly kisses them. The comfort you bring overwhelms him.

"We were moving to San Jose. We stopped." His eyes welled with tears. You take a handkerchief and wipe his eyes. He looks at you the way a man would look at an angel in the center of darkness.

"He went to take the shotgun down from the wagon and...it just went off and he died. He died right there. My mother dropped to her knees and began weeping. I didn't know what to do. We all stood there like it was a dream...A nightmare. His head just..." His eyes flooded with tears and he tried to control his emotions, but found himself crying.

"Johnny. I...you don't need to go on if this is making you sad or stirring up painful memories."

"No. Please let me tell you. I don't talk about this to anyone. Curly Bill knows a little about my time with Quantrill. And Bloody Bill Anderson. He pauses and then looks at your eyes, hoping not to see disappointment or disgust as Quantrill and Anderson names were synonymous with mass killings and guerilla raids. But your eyes show compassion and tenderness and safety. He sees you like a life boat in the middle of a raging sea. "We've talked about who we rode with. But I don't talk about my feelings..." He stops again and tries to regain his composure.

"Let's go sit on the couch." You suggest. The both of you rise and when you face each other, Johnny suddenly falls into your arms and begins to weep tears that flood from the darkness he feels trapped in. The door of his heart opens and he cannot stop crying and you, to his relief allow him to experience the realness of his emotions and for the first time, he is falling into a safe place. You embrace him warmly and allow your bodies to fall into a unity that comes from deep feelling.The two of you stand in the center of your home and listen to the storm swelling outside. It seems to come closer with each strike of lightning and the booming thunder only adds to the whimsical symphony of God's Earth.

And then Johnny begins to recall his upbringing; his mother never struck or shouted at any of her children. In fact, Ringo marveled at how his mother rebuilt her life the best she could. Ringo wanted more than staring at a mule's ass all day, praying to God that the weather would bring rain and sun at the right times.

Running a farm with Ringo helping her and the tough life of farming never took away her natural beauty. When not working, which wasn't often, his mother sat with a Bible in her lap, sometimes her eyes closed and her mouth muttering prayers. She would pause to take a breath and look down at her open scroll of scriptures, but then return her gaze towards the window. Johnny never understood his mother's sadness; he knew the life she endured due to her husband's demise did not include much time for herself, but even when in the presence of family and friends at town gatherings, she remained quiet and submissive.

"I loved...love my mother very much." Ringo let's go of you and you hold him again to reassure him that you're not leaving him until he wants to leave.

You lead him to the couch and he holds you while you rest your head on his chest and he strokes your hair and gently caresses your shoulders.

"She listened to every word the preacher said," he continues stroking your hair. "You must converse with the Preacher Lewis, she would say. Ask for forgiveness and confess, Johnny. Remember, God punishes the heart that is hard." Ringo firmly believes his heart became hardened and that God would rain His wrath on Johnny the same way He did with Pharaoh.

"That's not true, Johnny..." You begin.

His heart stirs as he recalls listening to the preacher go on about the severity of losing faith. He desperately wants to know what you think.

"Our hearts don't become hard, Johnny. They break...The world can be a crushing place."

Ringo's heart lifts with a spark of joy. He knew you would know what to say to bring him back.

"Yes. You're right," he answers, taking your hands and kissing them.

"We were late a few times since sometimes my brother was slow getting the horses hitched. I'll never forget the time Preacher Lewis went on about purgatory and the way to hell being wide and the path to righteousness narrow. My mother held onto that."

"Well, religion can be a weapon." You continue to rest your head on him and he delights in the closeness. He smiles at your assessment; he never thought of religion in that way.

"I don't believe in purgatory. I know it's a controversial topic, but it doesn't seem to fit in with the message of Jesus Christ, who was always talking about a new testament and we are to reject the old. Except for the Psalms." You pause for a moment, desiring to find the right words. "If Christ died for our sins...Then why would purgatory need to exist?" You rub his hand and kiss it. "There's something else, Johnny. Where do you think the Catholic Church got the money to build St. Peter's Basilica?"

"What do you mean?" He asks, sitting up a bit, very curious about what you just said.

"Johnny...We cannot buy our way to God's Kingdom. Salvation is a free gift. There is no fine print. The Church collected money from people who didn't know. The elders preyed upon the poor and drained their finances so they could build something. Purgatory is basically a financing project."

"Are you sure?" Ringo asks, his heart pounding fast. He never questioned what Preacher Lewis said and he refused to ask his mother to elaborate on anything because she always seemed to be frustrated by his questions. "I always thought...We just didn't question or at least out loud...I don't understand." He shakes his head and sits up.

Ringo smiles and lets out a small laugh. Your understanding of scripture, your kind words and your realistic approach to religion fills him with a sense of comfort so tender, he feels warm and secure. And feeling safe seems like a distant memory to Johnny as he can't really remember a time when he experienced a sense of safety and peace. His heart dueled with his mind in an endless stand off where neither side is willing to weaken.

"My mother didn't seem to want us to ask too many questions. Sometimes she reflected on my father always being too curious."

"Well, it's a good thing you never wanted to be a journalist," you let out a chuckle in an attempt or relieve some of Johnny's pain and he begins to laugh. "You're a funny lady, YN."

Ringo kisses your forehead and when you touch his face, you can feel a wetness you know is not sweat. You wipe his face with the same handkerchief and let him talk.

"I thought I would finally get away from farming. I didn't mind it. I just wanted something more. Then a relative of ours told us he had some money set aside for me to go to medical school and that was what my mother wanted. She told me the only way to be a righteousness man was to become a doctor...Or a surgeon."

You sit up and take Johnny's face with your hand and turn him to face you.

"Johnny. There are men who do all sorts of jobs from being a dishwasher to being a surgeon. And nobody's just anything! A man who is a blacksmith or cook is just as righteous. Besides, isn't being righteous a little overrated?" You shrug and Johnny's half closed eyes look you over and he feels in awe of you and your quick wit and how you can simplify even the most difficult of topics.

He takes your hands and kisses them repeatedly and enjoys how you don't pull away.

"I have never thought about it like that." He responds. Your perception of life doesn't include feeling guilty over past mistakes or sins...You see the world through a different lens; a lens that doesn't notice the flaws in a person, but you see instead what makes them unique and you view each person as an individual. In fact, that is something Ike Clanton pointed out once to Ringo and a few other cowboys; "she talks to me real nice. I feel like...I don't know like she's hearin' what I'm sayin'," Ike comments.

"She treats you like a person," Ringo reflects and Ike adds, "yeah! That's it. She don't treat us like we're bad men. She always asks how I'm doin,'" Ike concludes.

And now Johnny Ringo has you in his arms and he doesn't want to let go. He is feeling an overwhelming sense of....

Relief...

"You really think so?" He asks, still stroking your hair.

"Of course.. What's so great about being righteous, it's so stifling and ineffective. Being right doesn't build homes for orphans. A love for children and a love of making a difference changes lives. Even a demon can quote scripture when it suits their needs."

Ringo's eyes hold your loving gaze and the words that fall from your mouth give him almost as much comfort as your touch. His mind replays what you said over and over. "Even a demon can quote scripture." Ringo's mother never said anything like that and he never thought of it that way.

Johnny looks at you and can't take his eyes off of you. Your words surround him like an unfamiliar blanket that somehow feels comforting.

"I would have finished... School I mean."

"The war," you whisper.

Ringo nods. "I had to return to Missouri and help my cousins the Youngers. They took me in while I was attending school in Liberty. I got close to Cole, Jim and John, their father. In fact, I spent holidays with them." Johnny smiles while remembering his days at the Younger plantation. After a five course dinner, drinks were served in a sitting room that occupied over 2,000 square feet. A large dance floor decorated a large part of the room and a bar was erected near a few tables and chairs. Large and lavish sofas sat lazily on the back wall and during parties those sofas usually had a few lovely ladies conversing and waiting to dance with one of the charming Younger brothers.

"When the Yankees came through, they burned our farm and then they rode up to take care of the James and the Youngers. Jesse James' mother lost her arm during a raid after the war when Pinkerton's came looking for Frank and Jesse. The sad thing was their half brother, Archie died and well, Mrs. James lost her arm." He puts his head down.

"I attended Archie's funeral. Mama James was forced to watch Frank and Jesse bury her little Archie. She was already a force to be reckoned with, but the war and Archie's death just...She was never the same. None of us were."

"Oh Johnny!" You sit up and kiss his lips and then motioned for you to put your head back on his chest so he could continue talking to you.

He holds you tight, wanting to show his appreciation for you being there and for letting him unload in you. He stops for a moment and feels guilty for not listening to your story about your experience during and after the war. He knows you come from a Confederate family and that you like so many others watched the oppression of the Yankees destroy your way of life.

"I can't imagine how Frank and Jesse must have felt. They weren't there that night..."

"Johnny..." You whisper. "The Yankees.. they took...". You lower your shaking head and then hold Ringo close.

"They took everything," you mention, your voice just above a whisper.

"When I returned to the Ringo farm, I saw that those Yankees took everything. The house was burned and all the animals were gone. I had no idea where my mother or brothers were and didn't find out until I got a letter from Cole Younger."

"Gosh, Johnny." You begin stroking his hand.

"I rode off with Cole, Bob and Jim Younger and we caught up with the James boys. Then I met Charlie Quantrill and we operated as guerillas killing Jayhawks."

Johnny once again waits for you to show your shock or disgust and once more, you responded with compassion.

"What happened to the Youngers? I know Jesse James is no longer with us."

"Yes," Ringo answers. "Shot and killed by Bob Ford. "Jesse was shot in the back. As far as I know, Frank wasn't there."

Ringo stops for a moment.

"I didn't rob the trains or banks like they did. Jesse loved the hit the railroads especially. They were a force to be reckoned with for a long time. Then, they tried to rob a bank in Northfield, Minnesota and the townspeople gathered together and fought back. Frank and Jesse got away, but Cole and his brothers are serving time at Stillwater."

Johnny sighs and lifts your head. He kisses you gently and then motions for you to lay your head on his chest again.

"Well, I did kill a lot people, YN." He waits for your answer, his heart beating so loudly, he's afraid you'll hear it.

"The war did that to you, Johnny." You whisper softly.

He holds you tight and lets out a long sigh of relief, as if he'd just let go of a heavy object. The heaviness of his burdens pulls on his heart and sometimes, he's up all night, his mind racing about everything he could have done differently.

"Then I was driving cattle for Stapleton who operates the Double O. And I met Curly Bill and the Clanton brothers. I knew I was destined to ride with them for a while."

"Curly Bill is funny," you say, smiling.

"Yeah he is," Ringo chuckles. "He's usually laughing about something or making others laugh. He's also got a real nice side most people don't know about. He's a little awkward socially, but it doesn't stop him from socializing."

Ringo laughs out loud, thinking about his friend. "When I first met Old Curly, I didn't think much of him. I thought he was awkward, loud and full of jokes. He really likes to get a rise out of people. He's also one of the bravest men I know. Unless he's around women that are of substance. Not parlor queens, I mean. Then you'd see a different side of that old cowboy." Ringo laughs. "In fact, I've never seen a man so uneasy around women. He thinks he's a real ladies man." Ringo chuckles again. "Well, I guess if he lays that old charm he's known for, he feels he may get a bite. He wants women and well just about everyone to notice him, but often goes about it wrong. Sometimes I think Curly laughs everything off to hide the hurt in his heart. The war did things to him too." Ringo lets out a sigh and continues. "But he's a reliable man who gets real shy around pretty women." Ringo chuckles again. You laugh, thinking how funny it is that someone as tough as Curly Bill would suddenly become weak in the knees when he sees a pretty face.

"We did lots of stealing, YN." He waits for you to pull away, but you stay with your head on his chest. Johnny feels a strong sense of relief that you're still willing to spend time with him after everything he's confessed so far.

You look into his eyes, that look full of shame and guilt and your eyes become windows that lead to a heart that truly cares for him and is not disgusted by his past. Ringo recalls courting a young woman named Grace Reilly. When Grace learned that Ringo had been arrested for riding the Quantrill, she came to visit the gunslinger while he was in prison. When he confessed to Grace about his deeds, she responded by putting a hand over her open mouth and crying while reciting a prayer. She admonished Ringo and told him to stop committing sins and that he deserved to be in jail. Ringo recalls how he put his head against the bars of the jail while he watched Grace look at him with such digust, it ripped at his already broken heart. The lives he took...The people he felt he betrayed...The rejection he felt from his family. How he seemed to disappoint everyone that ever meant anything to him. And he remembers the conversation he had with Grace because he words had been etched in his mind.

"Why, Johnny? Why did you do all those terrible things!?" "Because I am what I am, Grace. I am everything everyone says I am."

"I never want to see you again, Johnny! You disgust me!"

When Grace left that day, Ringo felt he had lost his lst chance to get out from under his own darkness. She was the last decent woman he he ever had his life and with her gone, he lost all hope of ever living as a respectable man. He came to accept that he was a hellbound man full of sadness...A suffocating depression that chocked his heart like a noose of brokenness.

And when Johnny Ringo met you, that darkness inside of him began clearing like storm clouds disapearing due to the bursts of sunlight.

Johnny Ringo, maybe even for the first time, did not feel his heart being pulled or crushed. He feels peaceful whenever he is around you...He feels alive. Like when a person comes out of a deep sleep full of nightmares and awakens to the rythm of beauty.

You kiss him on the cheek which stirs a smile from him and he turns so he can look at your beautiful face and feel the warmth of your heart.

"I never told anybody all of this. I knew they knew me. I'm tired of being Johnny Ringo, deadly gunfighter, outlaw, rustler and killer. I want to change." He looks intenty at you.

"Johnny, I don't think I'd like you any other way." You offer a warm smile. "I like you how you are. So much more to you, Johnny! I see so much good in you!"

Johnny Ringo begins to sob, almost uncontrollably. No one has ever said those words to him; not even the Sunday school girls who used to take turns staring at him. They would flirt and smile at him and take turns talking to the mysterious boy who sat in church across from them. He can recall their innocent gazes and the obvious curiosity they shared about him. And before the chaos of the war, Ringo did in fact lose his innocence to one of them. He longed for that connection with a woman for so long, but couldn't find it and the more he moved through life killing and stealing, the idea that he could fall in love again and feel the comfort of a woman's touch without it becoming a business transaction slowly turned to a distant dream.

With you now, he feels that longing stir inside him.

"I had a dream, which was not all a dream.

The bright sun was extinguish’d, and the stars

Did wander darkling in the eternal space,

Rayless, and pathless, and the icy earth

Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air;

Morn came and went—and came, and brought no day …"

Johnny Ringo closes his eyes, but his tears burst through. "That's Lord Byron, YN and this is how my heart has felt for so long." His voice decends into a whisper.

Johnny's words pierce your heart; you can feel the goodness in him and when the two of you embrace each other again, he can feel the love flowing from you.

After several moments of holding you, he releases and sits up. "I am forever grateful to you, YN. You cannot imagine what you mean to me."

"Oh, Johnny! You can't imagine what you mean to me! I care about you so much. I am so happy you're here with me. We can put the war behind us and just leave!"

"Maybe California has a lot to offer," he declares. "I don't think I am meant to do much else besides farming or cowboying."

"What about Curly Bill and all the others?" You beg.

"Curly would be the first person to tell me to take you away and leave everything behind. I hope Curly Bill retires in Mexico like he always said he wanted to. I can imagine him sipping mescal while sitting on his front porch while his beautful wife sits on his lap and he can imagine the life he will buld with her." Ringo smiles. "That's the future he always said he wanted."

"Do you want to leave Arizona, Johnny?"

"Not without you." He affirms. "Maybe one day we'll sneak away like bandits in the middle of the night." Johnny jokes. You smile sheepishly back at him and stand up, stretching yourself. He stands up and you look into each other's eyes and then you both look out the window to see the sun is coming out.

"YN," Ringo begins. "With you by my side I can do anything. I know I can."

"So, we'll mount up on your horse and run away," you chime while straddling the couch as if it were a horse. Ringo laughs and gets on the couch in front of you and you lay your head on his shoulder. He pantomimes the rythmic movement of riding. You hold his waist and he shouts, "giddyap now!" You both giggle at your silliness and then he pretends to pull his reigns in. "Hold on now, this horse goes fast!" Johnny snickers, loving how you're playing along with him. You move to face him, your legs now straddled around him. You wrap your legs around him and the of you share a soft kiss.

"YN, you changed my life and for the first time since I can remember, I don't want to die." He kisses you again, this time cupping your face intensly and then he finishes his soft peck gently and then kisses your nose.

"Johnny!" You begin to weep and he wipes your eyes. "Johnny, please stay with me. Just stay with me." You look out the window at the rain that still beats against your windows accompanied by strong gusts of wind and booming thunder.

"Come..." You take his hand and lead him to your room. Ringo follows, enthusiastically, hoping you will give yourself to him.

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