AN: This is for those, including Shannon, who asked for the story about the dresss in my story Consequences Be Damned. You don't need to have read that story to enjoy this one. Also a big Thanks to Wendy who posted information about town socials and dances over on one of the RPG sites!
Part 1
Kid propped himself on his elbow and gazed lovingly at Lou sleeping peacefully beside him. Ever since Willow Creek he couldn't get the image of her dressed as a saloon girl out of his mind. It was the third time he'd seen her in a dress, but with her hair grown out more, he'd never seen her more beautiful... until last night.
She thought he'd been angry at her for wearing that dress, but in reality he had been extremely jealous. He wanted Lou for himself, and he knew what Jimmy, Noah and later Buck had to be thinking when they saw her too. They were seeing her for the beautiful woman she really was for the first time, instead of the boyish tomboy they were use to. After she had left them by the corral, they'd teased him endlessly.
Slipping silently out of bed so he wouldn't wake her, he quickly dressed and decided to head in to town to check on the package they were suppose to take back to Sweetwater and to bring back breakfast. Gazing once more at the woman he loved, he walked out the door.
~~ ** ~~
After learning the package they were supposed to deliver wouldn't arrive until late that night, Kid walked down the street. He noticed two men hanging a banner on the balcony of the hotel welcoming folks to a dance being held that night. Kid remembered the dances he and Lou had gone to before, where Lou had gazed longingly at the other girls dressed in their finest while she had been in her masculine disguise. This time, he wanted it to be different.
He continued down the street towards the livery where their horses were. When he was taking care of them the day before, he had caught Lou looking in the window of the dressmaker's shop across the street.
"Bet you'd look real pretty in that," he said coming up behind her. "You oughta buy it."
"Why?" she tried to ask nonchalantly, but he could hear the longing in her voice. "So it can sit in the bottom of my trunk with the other dress I never get to wear?"
Kid watched as she walked towards the house where they were spending the night. Now as he realized that the dress shop was open, he knew what he had to do.
"Can I help you sir?" The salesclerk asked as he entered and the bell above the door rang.
"Yes ma'am. I was interested in the purple calico in the window for my..." Kid paused not sure what to call Lou now. Obviously he couldn't say "my lover," but "my girl" didn't feel right now either.
"For that someone special?" the clerk prodded.
Kid nodded. The clerk said, "She'll love it, and love you for havin' such fine taste. Since she's not here, do you know her size?"
"Size? Um..." Kid blushed.
The clerk smiled at his discomfort. "How tall is she?"
"About this high," he said indicating she came to about his eye level.
"Is she thin, average, or more than average?"
Kid remembered how tiny she felt as he wrapped his arms around her waist last night. He imagined she was in front of him again and indicated so with his arms.
"Tiny thing ain't she?" the clerk asked as Kid nodded. "And what about her upper body area?" Kid looked confused. "Her bosom," the clerk elaborated.
Kid turned an even deeper shade of red. Like the rest of her, that part of her was perfect, but he didn't think the clerk or Lou would appreciate that comment.
"I imagine she's small there as well. No matter, I think I might have the right size, let me go check in the back. Will you be needin' shoes as well?"
Kid nodded, still too afraid to speak. He was relieved when the clerk disappeared into the back of the store. He couldn't believe it, but just buying a dress was turning him on. He was still trying to think of things other than Lou lying in their bed when the clerk returned.
"These should fit just right," she said handing him the dress wrapped up with a pair of matching shoes on top. "If they don't, have her bring them back and I'll make sure she gets the right size. Will this be all?"
Kid nodded as he paid for the items. He left the shop and quickly headed back towards Lou.
Part 2
Lou stretched before rolling over to lie against Kid's chest. Her eyes opened wide as she realized he wasn't in bed next to her.
"Kid?" she called out worried that he'd left her. He'd acted strange after they'd made love for a second time, but she never expected him to leave without saying goodbye. "Kid!" she called out louder in case he hadn't heard her the first time.
Kid heard Lou calling his name as he opened the door. "Good mornin'" he said smiling as he noticed the worried look on her face. "Didn't think I'd run off without you did you?"
Lou released the breath she was holding and smiled. "The thought crossed my mind," she said as Kid reached the bed and leaned down to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his trying to pull him down next to her. She became worried as she felt his hesitation and watched him sit next to her. "Kid?"
"Lou trust me, I'd like nothin' better than to spend all day in bed with you," he said blushing.
"Well we can't spend all day. We have a package to pick up and take back to Sweetwater," she said, the regret obvious in her voice.
Kid heard the disappointment in her voice. "Well that's the good thing, we don't have to. I checked the status of the pickup while I was out, and it'll be to late tonight to head back when it gets here."
Lou grinned as she started kissing his collarbone and working her way up to his ear. "Then it looks like you get your wish," she whispered huskily.
Kid groaned as he tried to find a more comfortable position to sit in. When he couldn't he stood up and Lou giggled as she saw her kisses had had the desired effect.
"As much as I'd like to, I have a better idea. I have a surprise for you so close your eyes."
Lou pouted but did as he asked. She heard the door open and packages ruffling around and she tried to sneak a peek.
"No peekin' Lou, now close them." Lou sighed and placed her hand over her eyes to resist the temptation. After a few moments, Kid spoke. "Okay you can open them now."
Lou opened her eyes to see Kid holding the dress she'd admired in town the day before. She sat there speechless.
"You don't like it?" he asked worriedly.
Lou shook her head. She took it from him and held it up in front of her admiring how it looked. Disguised as a boy for so long, she rarely indulged in such luxuries, like dresses, but the moment she saw the purple calico dress in the window, she longed to have a place to wear it.
"I love it," she said kissing his cheek. "I just wish I had somewhere to wear it."
Kid grinned. "I have something in mind, but you have to try it on first. I wasn't sure about your size and the sales lady said if it doesn't fit..."
Lou wasted no time and immediately put the dress over her head.
"You're beautiful," he said, stunned at her how her looks continued to amaze him.
Lou blushed at the compliment and turned towards the mirror to see how she looked. Kid came up behind her.
"You look even better than I imagined you would."
Lou shyly looked at him in the mirror. "How'd you know what size to get?"
"It was easy," Kid lied as he turned red. "Just answered the sales lady's questions s'all."
"Easy was it? Then why are you so red?"
Kid chuckled. "The answers were easy it was the questions that were embarrassin'."
"What kind of questions?" she asked turning around and wrapping her arms around his neck.
"How tall you are, your build, stuff like that."
"That doesn't seem too bad, so why are you so red?"
"I couldn't think of an appropriate answer when she asked about your chest," he mumbled.
Lou grinned in understanding as she stood back and looked at him in mock concern. "And what was your inappropriate answer?"
Kid pulled her back against his chest. "That like the rest of you, it's perfect."
Lou grew self conscious and turned back towards the mirror. She covered her small chest with her arms like she usually did when she was trying not to bring attention to herself. "You wouldn't rather bigger ones like Rachel?"
"You mean I could've had Rachel?" Kid joked in mock surprise. Lou playfully punched his shoulder as he turned her back around and lifted her face to look in her eyes. "Lou, you're perfect to me. I love you the way you are and always will. When I pictured you in that dress, I couldn't wait to see how you would look in it."
Lou saw the truth in his eyes and chuckled. "Or out of it I'm sure." She grinned as he turned an even deeper shade of red and kissed his cheek. "So what did you have in mind?"
"There's a dance in town tonight. I'd love to take you and be able to dance in front of everybody for once." Lou didn't think it was possible, but Kid inexplicably turned even redder still as he stumbled over his words. "I mean..."
"Kid, what's wrong with that idea? I love it and I love you for thinkin' of it."
"It's nothin' Lou, just something Jimmy said."
Lou cocked her eyebrow. "You talked to Jimmy about me?"
"I wanted his advice. I was nervous."
"About what?"
Kid explained how he'd gone to Jimmy for advice on what to do next in their relationship and how Jimmy suggested it was time to start "dancing" now that she had stopped backing off. Kid told her how he talked Rachel into switching the schedule so they could take this run together.
"I just wanted both our first time to be special," he said as he started kissing her neck and unbuttoning her dress.
Lou's smile faded as she realized what he said. He doesn't know... he couldn't tell, she thought as she fought back long ago forgotten memories. should tell him, tell him everything now. He has a right to know, she thought as she began to argue with herself. Why? You don't know where this is going. It's not like he's asking you to marry him. This could all just be a fling to him. He says he does love you, but if you tell him, what then? You were the one that said I love you first, maybe he felt like he had to say it. Why would anyone fall in love with someone like you?
Pushing her thoughts aside, she tried to concentrate only on Kid as he laid her naked body on the bed.
"It was special, Kid. And tonight will make it even more special."
Part 3
Kid grew more worried as he watched Lou on the dance floor with yet another partner other than him. For the rest of the afternoon and even at dinner, she'd seemed to have lost the playfulness that she'd had earlier in the day, but seeing her dance with other men, he saw a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her lips. He also noticed that once she was on the dance floor with him she would cling tightly to him when someone asked to cut in. This was the first time they were able to be with each other in public as a couple, and they both wanted to enjoy it for as long as they could.
When the dance ended, the gentleman escorted Lou back to where Kid was standing. "Thanks again for your company, Miss McCloud, it was my pleasure," he said before kissing Lou's gloved hand and then tipping his hat as he walked away.
"Can't says I blame the other men for wantin' to dance with the most beautiful lady here," he said trying to lighten her mood.
"It's not my fault there's not enough women here tonight," she grinned before kissing his cheek. "It's not often I get to dress up and spend the night on the town."
With what had happened with Lambert only weeks before still fresh in his mind, Kid shook his head and mumbled, "Yeah and look how the last time turned out."
At first Lou was taken aback by his statement, but one look in his eyes revealed the reason behind his comment. "You're jealous."
Kid nodded. "I can't help it Lou."
With what had happened with Lambert only weeks before still fresh in both their minds, she welcomed his need to be overprotective and tonight she was more than grateful for his clinginess. And it even gave her a small thrill that he now knew what she felt like when they had attended dances previously and she watched as he danced with the other girls, while she stood in the corner wishing he was dancing with her.
"Kid, there's a difference between what happened with Lambert and even with DeWitt. You're here to make sure none of these men try anything. And besides you have one advantage these men don't," she said grinning.
"What?"
"You get to dance with me all night," she said grinning. She chuckled as Kid grew embarrassed and made sure no one else around them had heard.
"Miss McCloud," the dance master greeted as he approached the couple. "May I have the honor of the next dance? We can't have you spendin' most of the night with your gentleman friend here, it wouldn't look right. A young, attractive lady like yourself should be free to dance with whomever she'd like."
Kid felt Lou squeeze his hand tightly. "Actually," he started. "We were just headin' outside for some air. Maybe the next one."
He nodded as he walked away and Lou took a deep breath.
"Thank you."
"Come on Lou, let's get some fresh air." She nodded and they walked outside and around the corner of the town hall where there was a small garden. Kid led her to one of the benches, and only then did Lou loosen her grip. He sat first and pulled Lou into his lap with her back pressed against his chest and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Lou hugged his arms back, feeling safer than she had in a long time.
"Lou, what's goin' on? You've been actin' weird the last coupla hours. One minute your fine and the next you're not. What's goin' on?"
Lou looked at Kid and smiled. "I'm fine. Just not use to all the attention. It's been awhile since I've gotten to spend this much time bein' a girl."
Kid wasn't sure whether or not to believe her. There seemed to be something else on her mind, and then he realized what it might be. "Are you worried about what's happened between us, what could happen?"
Lou's eyes widened as she wondered if he might have figured out her deepest secret. She turned to the side and looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Kid turned red. "Well, we ain't been real careful. Guess we just got so wrapped up in each other, we didn't think about the consequences. I want you to know that..."
Lou placed a finger on his lips and smiled. "Kid, it's ok. I know you wouldn't run away from your responsibilities."
"Lou, if you are carryin' my child..."
"You don't need to worry 'bout that." Even though she knew she should tell Kid it was highly unlikely, she was scared of his reaction. She knew he would love her even if he wasn't her first, but the rest of it... This had been the perfect trip together, and she didn't want anything to spoil it for him.
Kid had felt Lou tense up and he started to massage her shoulders and slipped one hand down and gently rubbed the area around her breast. Lou giggled at his boldness and playfully slapped at his hand while looking around making sure no one was around or watching them.
Kid smiled but didn't remove his hand. "Then what's been buggin' you? You don't seem the same this evenin'."
Lou smiled. "I'm the same as I was yesterday, just a lot happier. I guess... Never mind, it's dumb."
Kid placed his finger under her chin and smiled. "Nothin' about you is dumb. Tell me."
Lou chuckled. "I kinda miss us sneakin' out to dance. I mean I'm glad we came tonight, thank you for that, but it's not the same."
"Well, when we get home tomorrow, we'll still have to sneak out to dance."
Lou giggled as she realized which dancing he was talking about. It was hard to believe this was the same Kid who just a week ago, insisted they stopped their fooling around before they went to far. Now it was as if he couldn't get enough of their lovemaking. She could feel his desire for her already and she leaned back to kiss him gently on the lips.
"Do you think we can make this work?"
Kid nodded. "We'll find a way. I love you, and I don't think I can stand not being able to be with you. There's the barn, the swimmin' hole, and if those don't work, I can always get Rachel to change the schedule so we can have more runs together." He wiggled his eyebrows and began gently sucking on her earlobe.
A shudder ran through Lou's body. "Kid!" she exclaimed as she felt his hand slide under her dress. "We can't."
"Why not?" he asked continuing his hand upwards.
"Because anyone could walk by and see us. If it's not proper to spend all night dancin' with you, then it's definitely not proper to do this... here."
Kid groaned as he rested his head on her shoulder and removed his hand. "You're right." He grabbed her by the waist and stood her up. She held out her hand and helped him up as well. Remembering what she had said only moments earlier, he smiled. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"
Lou giggled. "You can have this dance, the next dance, and every dance for as long as you like." She kissed his cheek and then smiled. "Last one back to the house cleans stalls for a month!" she said as she took off running.
Kid chuckled as he realized she misinterpreted his intentions. He was also surprised that even in fancy shoes and a dress, she was still faster than him. But if it was a race she wanted, he'd make sure they would both enjoy the prize.