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Wizards, Whiskey and Wonderful Things - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2244699" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 34, “The Summons”, Monday, March 13th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Ruby takes Jake's hand and leads him upstairs. They go to their room and Jake shuts the door. Ruby looks at him expectantly. "Not like I don't know what you want to talk about." Jake stands in their room and looks awkward. "You said in the letter you were terrified because you didn’t know if I felt the same way. I have strong feelings for you Ruby West, and I've done things for you that I've never wanted to do for anyone else. You also said don’t tell you something just because I think it’s what you want to hear." He puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head. "Damn, every time I tell the truth around here it brings nothing but trouble." </p><p></p><p>Ruby sits on the bed, sitting on her feet. She looks up at Jake. "Look, I said that because not one person who ever said it was telling me the truth. I don't want you to be another in a long list of people that I don't believe or trust. I know the truth has brought us a lot of trouble," Ruby reaches out for Jake's hand, "But let's at least know we can tell the truth to each other, no matter what it is." She looks down. "You don't feel the same way, it's ok. I just don't want things to change. I just wanted you to know how I felt and that I would have done anything to get you out of the whole mess." </p><p></p><p>Jake takes her hand briefly to kiss it and then lets it go. He steps over to the window and pushes the curtain aside. Resting his head against his forearm, he leans on the top of the window while looking out. "Sometimes I despise the truth. Folks go around expecting so much from it, thinking it will make things right, but it always is less than they want. Can two people even have the same truth? I don't believe the truth is good for everyone; some folks just aren't made to handle it. Most folks don't really want the truth when they ask for it, what they really want is to feel good. Me, I would rather make them feel good. It works out good for them and good for me. You, however, are asking me for the truth good or bad. I wish you hadn't asked me, but I will tell you." He turns from the window and looks at her. </p><p></p><p>In a plaintive gesture he spreads his arms slightly. "I wasn't kidding when I said I won't pretend to understand. Ruby, you want me to give you a yes or no answer. I can't. Not if you want the truth, because the truth is I don't know. Neither was I when I said maybe you could teach me." Jake puts his hands in his pockets and starts to pace. "You know ol' Silver Jake has been known to be a pretty good conniver. Say the right thing, make a lady feel good, get what I want for a while and everyone's happy." He stops pacing near the bed and looks down at her. "Red told me I was married to you but just didn't know it yet. I thought he was joking, or maybe I hoped he was." Ruby raises her eyebrows but says nothing. </p><p></p><p>"I'm not a man of deep thoughts, go ahead and laugh but it’s true." Jake sits on the bed next to Ruby. "I plan when I have to but live in the moment when I can. Has something happened to Silver Jake Cook and he just hasn't noticed? Wouldn't be the first time something snuck up on me. It would be the only time for falling in love, if that what this is." He turns and looks her straight in the eyes. "Dammit, how would I know?" </p><p></p><p>Ruby reaches out her hand and gently pushes some hair off Jake’s face before running her fingers down his cheek. His brown eyes are serious but she could see the feeling behind them. She leans towards him and whispers, “You know like this.” She kisses him slowly and softly and puts his hand on her chest so he could feel her heart pounding. Moments go by, what feels like an eternity, and Ruby’s kisses get more intense before she finally pulls herself back. Slightly breathless she says quietly, “I know because I feel it. And I know you feel something too.” </p><p></p><p>"I can't stop being me, but I will be up front about it." He slides his hand up to her throat and then the side of her face. "I do feel something for you, and I don't want you to lose you. I don't think boring rich men are going to make you happy. I don't know how long you and I can make it work together, but while we do I promise you a time you'll never forget nor regret." Jake finally smiles a bit. "That wasn't very good convincing was it? Have I told you how beautiful you are lately? Have I reminded you yet today that you are the most desirable woman I've ever met? Did I tell you how much I missed those kisses while I was in jail? Maybe we'll make it work a very long time..." He trails off as he wraps his arms around her and returns the kiss. </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs lightly in between kisses, “No, tell me all that again. I never tire of it.” Ruby lets Jake continue to kiss her and she whispers, “I hope it lasts for a very long time, Mr. Cook, I really do.” She locks eyes with Jake, “And maybe we can teach each other what this love thing is about, if you give it a chance.” Ruby pulls Jake to the bed, “But let’s worry about that later,” she smiles as she starts slipping his shirt off. “You were gone a long time…” </p><p></p><p>Some time goes by and eventually they fall back to the bed. Jake lies belly down on the bed and Ruby lies on top of him, caressing his back. Ruby casually says, “Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier. I am having dinner tonight with Mr. Eastman.” </p><p></p><p>"Hermes!" Jake exclaims without dislodging Ruby from his back and then laughs. "You play me like a blasted violin, woman." He then rolls over and squirms to face her. "You've been doing that since I met you. I must be muy loco over you." </p><p></p><p>Ruby holds herself up above Jake, her hair hanging in his face. "Of course you are moy laco or whatever you just said. Wait, what does that mean?" Ruby playfully furrows her brows. "I'm not trying to play you baby, I have to go tell him I won't marry him. Unless you want to do it?" </p><p></p><p>"It means very crazy." Jake grabs some of her hair with his teeth and pulls down a bit before letting go. "I'll leave that up to you. If you want, I'll make sure he goes away." Jake smiles a bit at her. "You said he is rich. Do you think he wants to leave any of that here in Promise City or are we supposed to be nice to him?" </p><p></p><p>"Very crazy, ha," she leans down and kisses him lightly before pulling herself up again. "He said he made a fortune, for me. But this is tough because he knows my parents and I don't want them to know where I am. Besides, you don't want to meet them. And you already know I don't want to leave." Ruby bites her lip, "So that is why I am having dinner with him. But I tried being nice already, he doesn't seem to get it." Ruby continues dramatically, "And the advice from my friends last night was to get you to marry me instead." Ruby gives him a shocked face before laughing. </p><p></p><p>"I think you need some smarter friends. The judgment of anyone who'd recommend me as a husband is suspect." Ruby laughs hysterically. "I'm sorry, I have to agree with you, you're just not marriage material, Mr. Cook. You're too good in bed." Ruby sits up on Jake's lap. "So, did you have an idea for helping Mr. Eastman leave some of his money here? I could always show him just what kind of a wife I would make." Ruby crunches up her nose as she thinks, "But he might actually enjoy that..." </p><p></p><p>"You said you tried to be nice. We shouldn't scam anyone who you might feel guilty about. There is always poker though." Jake seems to lose his interest in the conversation and is gently running his finger up and down Ruby's curves when he abruptly continues. "Might be better just to get him out of town if you are worried about your parents. Seems a shame not to have him redistribute some of his wealth in Promise City though." </p><p></p><p>"Guilty? Me? I was only trying to be nice because one, we don't need more enemies and two, yes, my parents would be an issue." Ruby puts her hands over Jake's and helps him find the right curves. "Poker, yes, maybe I'll bring him by. He is staying for a week, not sure if he would leave sooner than that." Ruby is also concentrating more on Jake than their conversation. "MMmmm.. that is nice... you think you could beat him Mr. Cook, he is after all, also vying for my attentions." </p><p></p><p>"I don't know if he knows how to play poker or not, I suspect I'd have the upper hand in that." He continues to gently massage her. "Outside of poker, I don't intend to play fair." He turns her and pulls her down to him so that she is laying face up on top of him while he continues to caress her. "I don't mean to brag, Ruby dear, but if I'm not mistaken I already have." </p><p></p><p>"Yes, yes," Ruby whispers, "We know all about your upper hands and not playing fair and stealing poor girls hearts...taking all the advantage you can." Ruby reaches her hands over Jake's head. "But you'd better be careful, one of these days someone might do the same to you." She wiggles a little until she is comfortable then closes her eyes. As far as she was concerned she had no where better to be.</p><p></p><p>A while later Postmaster Eddie Palmer arrives at the Lucky Lady with a letter for Jake Cook. Hoover offers to take it but Palmer is insistent that mail be delivered only to the intended person. Hoover sends Harry Rote up to Jake and Ruby's room to see if Jake can come down.</p><p></p><p>Ruby wakes from her second cozy nap of the day, very content. She tries to pull herself out from under Jake but even in his sleep he is holding her tight. She gives him a light poke. "Jake," she whispers, "Wake up." She blows gently on his face until he starts to stir. "We should get up sometime today." He releases Ruby, stretches and smiles. "I suppose we ought to..." </p><p></p><p>He is interrupted by a knock on the door and Harry's voice. "Jake, there is a letter for you. Can you come down and take it?" "...get up." Jake finishes. "Sure Harry I'll be right down." He gets up and pulls some clothes on, and Ruby does too. They head down together.</p><p></p><p>Postmaster Palmer hands Jake a letter. It is in a plain brown envelope with no return address and is marked "Jacob Cook, Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon, Promise City, Arizona". He opens it and inside is a sheet of paper with just one word on it, "Tucson", written in red ink. Jake says, "Mr. Palmer, can I have you deliver my mail to Miss West if I'm not around?" He replies, "I don't see why not, she is your business partner." What is it, Jake?" Ruby asks curiously, trying to look over his shoulder. Jake stuffs the letter in his pocket and thanks the Postmaster. "Ruby, I need to go up stairs." </p><p></p><p>Jake goes quickly up to their room. "I need to pack." He hands her the sheet of paper with just one word on it, "Tucson", written in red ink. "I need to be on the stage tomorrow morning." Ruby starts looking slightly nervous, biting her lip and pulling on her hair. She walks over to Jake and puts her arms around him. "Jake," She looks at him with big eyes, "Do you have to go? I mean, you just got back from jail, and last time you were gone so long... This isn't because of the whole talk we had earlier, is it?" </p><p></p><p>"No. Hell no. I don't have too many folks I can call friends," He pushes some stray hair off her face. "or more than friends. Most of them are in Promise City. Only one is in Tucson. Either he's being a bit dramatic or....." Jake doesn't finish that thought. "Look if you were in any trouble there isn't anything that would stop me from coming to help you. I need to get my stuff all together, but tonight I'm all yours."</p><p></p><p>"Alright." Ruby quietly helps Jake pack his bag. Most of Jake’s getting ready is taken up meticulously cleans his guns, taking extra time with his Peacemaker. After that he packs some clothes, his long barrel Colt, and his sawed off shotgun. He trades his old hunting knife for the fancy new one and takes some time adjusting the sheath so that it is easy to draw and comfortable in his boot. </p><p></p><p>When he's not looking Ruby quickly sticks a Queen of Hearts playing card inside the book of Fairy Tales and stuffs it on the bottom of his bag. Then while he finishes she starts getting ready for her evening out with Mr. Eastman. She pulls out her cream dress, the one she bought in Tombstone and slowly gets dressed. When she is finished she sits on the bed, waiting for Jake to be done packing. "I guess I don't need to say I'll miss you." She replies, "I'm gonna miss you as well. Make that dinner short, I'll be waiting." </p><p></p><p>At the end of the afternoon he attempts to see Berg, who had asked him to stop in. After that he makes the rounds and checks in with Katherine, Nanuet and Chester. He lets them know he'll be gone for a few days.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2244699, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 34, “The Summons”, Monday, March 13th, 1882:[/B] Ruby takes Jake's hand and leads him upstairs. They go to their room and Jake shuts the door. Ruby looks at him expectantly. "Not like I don't know what you want to talk about." Jake stands in their room and looks awkward. "You said in the letter you were terrified because you didn’t know if I felt the same way. I have strong feelings for you Ruby West, and I've done things for you that I've never wanted to do for anyone else. You also said don’t tell you something just because I think it’s what you want to hear." He puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head. "Damn, every time I tell the truth around here it brings nothing but trouble." Ruby sits on the bed, sitting on her feet. She looks up at Jake. "Look, I said that because not one person who ever said it was telling me the truth. I don't want you to be another in a long list of people that I don't believe or trust. I know the truth has brought us a lot of trouble," Ruby reaches out for Jake's hand, "But let's at least know we can tell the truth to each other, no matter what it is." She looks down. "You don't feel the same way, it's ok. I just don't want things to change. I just wanted you to know how I felt and that I would have done anything to get you out of the whole mess." Jake takes her hand briefly to kiss it and then lets it go. He steps over to the window and pushes the curtain aside. Resting his head against his forearm, he leans on the top of the window while looking out. "Sometimes I despise the truth. Folks go around expecting so much from it, thinking it will make things right, but it always is less than they want. Can two people even have the same truth? I don't believe the truth is good for everyone; some folks just aren't made to handle it. Most folks don't really want the truth when they ask for it, what they really want is to feel good. Me, I would rather make them feel good. It works out good for them and good for me. You, however, are asking me for the truth good or bad. I wish you hadn't asked me, but I will tell you." He turns from the window and looks at her. In a plaintive gesture he spreads his arms slightly. "I wasn't kidding when I said I won't pretend to understand. Ruby, you want me to give you a yes or no answer. I can't. Not if you want the truth, because the truth is I don't know. Neither was I when I said maybe you could teach me." Jake puts his hands in his pockets and starts to pace. "You know ol' Silver Jake has been known to be a pretty good conniver. Say the right thing, make a lady feel good, get what I want for a while and everyone's happy." He stops pacing near the bed and looks down at her. "Red told me I was married to you but just didn't know it yet. I thought he was joking, or maybe I hoped he was." Ruby raises her eyebrows but says nothing. "I'm not a man of deep thoughts, go ahead and laugh but it’s true." Jake sits on the bed next to Ruby. "I plan when I have to but live in the moment when I can. Has something happened to Silver Jake Cook and he just hasn't noticed? Wouldn't be the first time something snuck up on me. It would be the only time for falling in love, if that what this is." He turns and looks her straight in the eyes. "Dammit, how would I know?" Ruby reaches out her hand and gently pushes some hair off Jake’s face before running her fingers down his cheek. His brown eyes are serious but she could see the feeling behind them. She leans towards him and whispers, “You know like this.” She kisses him slowly and softly and puts his hand on her chest so he could feel her heart pounding. Moments go by, what feels like an eternity, and Ruby’s kisses get more intense before she finally pulls herself back. Slightly breathless she says quietly, “I know because I feel it. And I know you feel something too.” "I can't stop being me, but I will be up front about it." He slides his hand up to her throat and then the side of her face. "I do feel something for you, and I don't want you to lose you. I don't think boring rich men are going to make you happy. I don't know how long you and I can make it work together, but while we do I promise you a time you'll never forget nor regret." Jake finally smiles a bit. "That wasn't very good convincing was it? Have I told you how beautiful you are lately? Have I reminded you yet today that you are the most desirable woman I've ever met? Did I tell you how much I missed those kisses while I was in jail? Maybe we'll make it work a very long time..." He trails off as he wraps his arms around her and returns the kiss. Ruby laughs lightly in between kisses, “No, tell me all that again. I never tire of it.” Ruby lets Jake continue to kiss her and she whispers, “I hope it lasts for a very long time, Mr. Cook, I really do.” She locks eyes with Jake, “And maybe we can teach each other what this love thing is about, if you give it a chance.” Ruby pulls Jake to the bed, “But let’s worry about that later,” she smiles as she starts slipping his shirt off. “You were gone a long time…” Some time goes by and eventually they fall back to the bed. Jake lies belly down on the bed and Ruby lies on top of him, caressing his back. Ruby casually says, “Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier. I am having dinner tonight with Mr. Eastman.” "Hermes!" Jake exclaims without dislodging Ruby from his back and then laughs. "You play me like a blasted violin, woman." He then rolls over and squirms to face her. "You've been doing that since I met you. I must be muy loco over you." Ruby holds herself up above Jake, her hair hanging in his face. "Of course you are moy laco or whatever you just said. Wait, what does that mean?" Ruby playfully furrows her brows. "I'm not trying to play you baby, I have to go tell him I won't marry him. Unless you want to do it?" "It means very crazy." Jake grabs some of her hair with his teeth and pulls down a bit before letting go. "I'll leave that up to you. If you want, I'll make sure he goes away." Jake smiles a bit at her. "You said he is rich. Do you think he wants to leave any of that here in Promise City or are we supposed to be nice to him?" "Very crazy, ha," she leans down and kisses him lightly before pulling herself up again. "He said he made a fortune, for me. But this is tough because he knows my parents and I don't want them to know where I am. Besides, you don't want to meet them. And you already know I don't want to leave." Ruby bites her lip, "So that is why I am having dinner with him. But I tried being nice already, he doesn't seem to get it." Ruby continues dramatically, "And the advice from my friends last night was to get you to marry me instead." Ruby gives him a shocked face before laughing. "I think you need some smarter friends. The judgment of anyone who'd recommend me as a husband is suspect." Ruby laughs hysterically. "I'm sorry, I have to agree with you, you're just not marriage material, Mr. Cook. You're too good in bed." Ruby sits up on Jake's lap. "So, did you have an idea for helping Mr. Eastman leave some of his money here? I could always show him just what kind of a wife I would make." Ruby crunches up her nose as she thinks, "But he might actually enjoy that..." "You said you tried to be nice. We shouldn't scam anyone who you might feel guilty about. There is always poker though." Jake seems to lose his interest in the conversation and is gently running his finger up and down Ruby's curves when he abruptly continues. "Might be better just to get him out of town if you are worried about your parents. Seems a shame not to have him redistribute some of his wealth in Promise City though." "Guilty? Me? I was only trying to be nice because one, we don't need more enemies and two, yes, my parents would be an issue." Ruby puts her hands over Jake's and helps him find the right curves. "Poker, yes, maybe I'll bring him by. He is staying for a week, not sure if he would leave sooner than that." Ruby is also concentrating more on Jake than their conversation. "MMmmm.. that is nice... you think you could beat him Mr. Cook, he is after all, also vying for my attentions." "I don't know if he knows how to play poker or not, I suspect I'd have the upper hand in that." He continues to gently massage her. "Outside of poker, I don't intend to play fair." He turns her and pulls her down to him so that she is laying face up on top of him while he continues to caress her. "I don't mean to brag, Ruby dear, but if I'm not mistaken I already have." "Yes, yes," Ruby whispers, "We know all about your upper hands and not playing fair and stealing poor girls hearts...taking all the advantage you can." Ruby reaches her hands over Jake's head. "But you'd better be careful, one of these days someone might do the same to you." She wiggles a little until she is comfortable then closes her eyes. As far as she was concerned she had no where better to be. A while later Postmaster Eddie Palmer arrives at the Lucky Lady with a letter for Jake Cook. Hoover offers to take it but Palmer is insistent that mail be delivered only to the intended person. Hoover sends Harry Rote up to Jake and Ruby's room to see if Jake can come down. Ruby wakes from her second cozy nap of the day, very content. She tries to pull herself out from under Jake but even in his sleep he is holding her tight. She gives him a light poke. "Jake," she whispers, "Wake up." She blows gently on his face until he starts to stir. "We should get up sometime today." He releases Ruby, stretches and smiles. "I suppose we ought to..." He is interrupted by a knock on the door and Harry's voice. "Jake, there is a letter for you. Can you come down and take it?" "...get up." Jake finishes. "Sure Harry I'll be right down." He gets up and pulls some clothes on, and Ruby does too. They head down together. Postmaster Palmer hands Jake a letter. It is in a plain brown envelope with no return address and is marked "Jacob Cook, Lone Star Dance Hall and Saloon, Promise City, Arizona". He opens it and inside is a sheet of paper with just one word on it, "Tucson", written in red ink. Jake says, "Mr. Palmer, can I have you deliver my mail to Miss West if I'm not around?" He replies, "I don't see why not, she is your business partner." What is it, Jake?" Ruby asks curiously, trying to look over his shoulder. Jake stuffs the letter in his pocket and thanks the Postmaster. "Ruby, I need to go up stairs." Jake goes quickly up to their room. "I need to pack." He hands her the sheet of paper with just one word on it, "Tucson", written in red ink. "I need to be on the stage tomorrow morning." Ruby starts looking slightly nervous, biting her lip and pulling on her hair. She walks over to Jake and puts her arms around him. "Jake," She looks at him with big eyes, "Do you have to go? I mean, you just got back from jail, and last time you were gone so long... This isn't because of the whole talk we had earlier, is it?" "No. Hell no. I don't have too many folks I can call friends," He pushes some stray hair off her face. "or more than friends. Most of them are in Promise City. Only one is in Tucson. Either he's being a bit dramatic or....." Jake doesn't finish that thought. "Look if you were in any trouble there isn't anything that would stop me from coming to help you. I need to get my stuff all together, but tonight I'm all yours." "Alright." Ruby quietly helps Jake pack his bag. Most of Jake’s getting ready is taken up meticulously cleans his guns, taking extra time with his Peacemaker. After that he packs some clothes, his long barrel Colt, and his sawed off shotgun. He trades his old hunting knife for the fancy new one and takes some time adjusting the sheath so that it is easy to draw and comfortable in his boot. When he's not looking Ruby quickly sticks a Queen of Hearts playing card inside the book of Fairy Tales and stuffs it on the bottom of his bag. Then while he finishes she starts getting ready for her evening out with Mr. Eastman. She pulls out her cream dress, the one she bought in Tombstone and slowly gets dressed. When she is finished she sits on the bed, waiting for Jake to be done packing. "I guess I don't need to say I'll miss you." She replies, "I'm gonna miss you as well. Make that dinner short, I'll be waiting." At the end of the afternoon he attempts to see Berg, who had asked him to stop in. After that he makes the rounds and checks in with Katherine, Nanuet and Chester. He lets them know he'll be gone for a few days. [/QUOTE]
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