Stellar and Quartz: Ghost Town Showdown

The next morning, Stellar and Cloudy met up with the survey team at Ridgeway’s office to discuss their findings; Wheeler had been invited as well as the results were of most interest to him in particular. The seven of them sat around a pair of the team's laptops as they visually displayed their readings.

“Can’t say I know what I’m looking at,” Ridgeway admitted with a chuckle. “What exactly is the verdict?”

“Well, based on Diamond’s readings, there are still pockets of both gold and copper; however the depth of the deposits in comparison to the amount means that mining it would profit just above breaking even in the cost to do so.” Maccabee explained.

Wheeler hummed in resolute acceptance. “I see.”

“Is that enough of an answer for you, Wheeler?” Ridgeway asked. “Mining that location any further would be more risk and cost than reward.”

“So it would seem, old friend.” Wheeler’s typical poker face failed to hide his disappointment. “I will take the time to consider everything, I’ll give you my answer tomorrow.” He quietly stepped over to the door, tipping his head to the team. “Thank you for your hard work, it is appreciated.”

As Wheeler left, Stellar let out a short laugh. “He took that better than I imagined.”

“We’ve met worse,” Diamond confessed as he closed his laptop. “Today or a hundred years ago, the call of gold can bring out the worst in any creature.”

“Well, thank you for doing this,” Ridgeway said graciously. “I’m sorry it turned out more dangerous than planned.”

“This one’s definitely going in the story book.” Meadow laughed.

“If that is all, then we’ll be on our way.” Maccabee held his hand out.

“Of course,” Ridgeway took his hand. “Thank you again.”

“Ms. Flare, it was good to meet you.” He offered her the same.

“Same here,” Stellar stood and shook. “I’ll get on the phone and let my boss know how it turned out.”

“I hope the drive home is quieter than the job.” Cloudy wished with a wave.

“Not the way Meadow drives.” Diamond laughed as the three of them headed out.

As the office fell silent, Stellar let out a long sigh and looked to Ridgeway. “Well, hopefully Wheeler will let it go and we can finalize this deal tomorrow. I had hoped to get the buffalo to agree as well, but as long as we have majority we can call it done.”

“Hopefully your employer can win their trust through his actions.” Cloudy added.

“All things in time,” Stellar shrugged. “Right now, breakfast.”

Bidding Ridgeway farewell for now, the duo made their way over to the diner for something hearty to refill themselves after the long day prior. Unexpectedly, Arcus had already returned to work with his claws bandage free; he quickly went to claim their table for his own as he brought them water.

“Morning,” He smiled, setting the glasses down.

“You’re fine already?” Stellar reached out and took his claw, finding no traces of damage.

“Dragons heal fast,” He noted, squeezing her hand. “How are you?”

“Honestly, better.” She lightly squeezed back. “More so after some food.”

“What can I get you?” He looked between them.

“I will have the spinach and artichoke omelet.” Cloudy set her menu down.

“I’ll go with that county benedict again,” Stellar ordered. “You’re right, it is great.”

“Some coffee would be nice as well, please.” Cloudy added.

“No problem, have it right out.” Arcus hurried back into the kitchen.

Cloudy watched Stellar’s eyes follow him off and smiled. “May I suggest that, since we are awaiting news, you spend some time outside of the bedroom with him today.” She suggested.

Stellar drummed her fingers on the table. “You really think this is a good idea?”

“I do,” Cloudy nodded. “You clearly feel things for him that have escaped you for so long, I know that you will regret not at least exploring those feelings while you have the chance.”

“Yeah, maybe I can text Sunburst and find out what kids are into these days.” She muttered, half jokingly.

“I know this may seem odd coming from me, but you should not dwell on things like age.”

“You’re right, that is odd.” Stellar countered.

“Age is nothing but a number we use to label,” Cloudy stated. “Our hearts never care about such things.”

“Okay, I get it…. just stop talking like I’m in love or something.” Stellar waved her down. “I’ll do it; I guess it would be nice to know how I feel when I’m not drunk or getting plowed by him.” She downed a third of her water. “How about you, going to cut loose today?”

“I’m not sure about cutting loose,” Cloudy paused in thought. “But perhaps I can mingle more freely.”

“Go hang out with Hatch,” Stellar offered. “Show him some ankle while you’re at it and see what happens.” Cloudy looked at her with disapproval. “Hey, start dressing in line with the current century and I’ll stop.” Stellar aimed her glass at her. “Hey, that’s an idea; new you new clothes, go hit up that boutique and get yourself a fresh outfit.”

Cloudy laid her thumb to her chin. “A new wardrobe? That could be nice.”

“It’s a good place to start.” Stellar noted, halting as Arcus approached with a pot of coffee.

“Here you go,” He sat down two cups and poured.

“Thanks, kid.” Stellar took up her cup. “Uh… hey, I’m just sitting on my ass today; you want to get together after your shift?”

“Really?” His eyes brightened even further. “Definitely, I’m off at five.”

“Alright, it’s a… date.” She said as surely as she could manage.

“I’ll be right back with your food.” His face barely contained his delight as he went back to the kitchen.

“Okay… there,” Stellar rattled her head proudly. “I have a date.”

After breakfast, Stellar and Cloudy parted ways; taking Stellar’s advice, Cloudy headed into the boutique to see about a fresh set of clothes as a first step in moving forward in life. The bell above the door rattled as she entered which drew out the southwestern garbed mare behind the counter.

“Well hello,” She greeted. “I’ve seen you walking around town.” Her hand extended as she neared. “I’m Cerulean.”

“Cloudy,” Cloudy took her hand. “A pleasure.”

“Can I help you find something in particular?”

“Well, my friend suggested that I seek out a new look.”

“Oh, well what did you have in mind?”

“That, I do not know,” Cloudy confessed. “To be honest, the majority of my existing wardrobe consists of simple dresses like this one.”

“Ah,” Cerulean twisted her lips in thought. “Sounds like you could use some flair; well, when in the west it’s best to dress the part. How about a honest to goodness, wild west look?”

Cloudy looked at her uncertainly but maintained an open mind. “I suppose that is as good a place to start as any.”

Cerulean took her around and started picking out individual pieces; after depositing her in a dressing room she let Cloudy be and waited back at the front. After about ten minutes, Cloudy walked back up to showcase herself. Now wearing a plain white tee beneath a rose embroidered, curved hem blouse and mid-rise denim jeans that showcased her labor hardened legs, Cerulean beamed at the sight and hurried over to her.

“That looks great on you.” She complimented.

“It is certainly… different.” Cloudy noted with an unsure smile.

“I’d say one last thing,” Cerulean went to a rack and removed a western style hat. “How about you let that hair down and try this on.”

“My hair?” Cloudy reached up to the familiar bun that she had always kept her hair confined within. “Very well.” She undid the pins and allowed her silver hair to flow publicly free for the first time since her youth; it hung in loose, lush volume bobs down to her shoulders. Cerulean adorned her with the hat and stood back with a smile.

“Take a look.” She gestured over to the full length mirror.

Cloudy stepped over to the framed glass and let out a short gasp at what she saw; barely recognizing herself, she reached up and touched her cheek with a light smile of approval. “Oh my,”

“Do you like it?” Cerulean asked as she joined her.

“I do,” Cloudy slowly nodded. “I never imagined I could look like this before; it’s been so long since I strayed from what had become familiar.”

“It’s easy to get into a fashion rut,” Cerulean nodded understandingly. “But I’ll bet you’ll be turning heads now; if you’re happy, I can just pull the tags and ring you up so you can wear it out.”

“I believe I shall.” Cloudy agreed, actually feeling exited for someone to see her.

Stellar had returned to her lodge to idle away the time until Arcus was off; her jumbled thoughts were interrupted with a soft knock at the door, she bounced herself from the bed and opened up to see Dandelion and Legerdemain.

“Oh, hey you two,” Stellar backed off and let them in.

“Hi, sorry we didn’t make it by sooner,” Ledge offered. “Things have been a little crazy since that mine incident; whole town is on edge.”

“Did it really speak?” Dandelion quickly asked, eager for more information on the beast.

“Yeah, twice now,” Stellar nodded. “I must be special.”

“It’s because you’re closer than ever to making this deal happen.” Ledge noted. “Aren’t you scared?”

“I’m not excited about it.” Stellar shrugged.

“It may sound weird, but I’m glad you finally saw it for yourself.” Dandelion added. “No one was doing anything and it was driving me crazy, but you’ve finally got Ridgeway to start treating this seriously.”

Ledge took the chair, pulling out a deck of cards and shuffling them with one hand. “So, what was the final verdict on the mine anyway?”

“To put it simply, it isn’t worth the effort,” She answered. “Wheeler is thinking it over and will let me know his final decision tomorrow; although, I’m pretty sure he knows it’s a financial dead end.”

“So… if he says yes, that’s it then? The town will be officially sold?” Dandelion asked further.

“After the finalization of the paperwork, yeah.” Stellar confirmed.

“Wow, this has been going on for so long that it feels weird to finally be at the end.” Dandelion thought back about her life at the town. “Kind of bittersweet.”

“I know,” Stellar nodded. “No deal goes through without some rough feelings on someone’s part.”

“Guess I’ll have to take my act on the road.” Ledge smiled whimsically.

“Maybe you can get to Las Pegasus like you always wanted.” Dandelion patted his shoulder.

Again the door received a knock, Stellar went over and pulled it open. “Uh, hey, can I…” Her eyes widened as she realized who it was. “Cloudy?”

Cloudy smiled lightly at her shock. “What do you think?”

“Holy shit… I didn’t even recognize you at first.” Stellar let her in, smiling as she pointed to her hair. “And you let your hair down, I was starting to think that fucking bun was nailed to your skull or something.”

“Wow, Ms. Quartz,” Dandelion beamed. “That’s a great look on you.”

“Yeah.” Ledge cut his deck, revealing a queen of hearts.

“Has Hatch seen you yet?” Stellar laughed. “I bet he came in his pants.”

“Actually, he apparently left town to deliver supplies to the buffalo.” Cloudy noted.

“Eh, I’m sure he'll be back soon.” Stellar took her shoulder. “How do you feel?”

Cloudy thought for a moment. “A bit excited, actually.”

“Well you should, you look great,” Stellar shook her lightly. “Proud of you.” She doubled back towards her dresser and grabbed her purse. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a… date.” She still struggled with the word.

“Arcus?” Dandelion inquired.

“How did you know?” Stellar eyed her.

“Whole town is talking about it, everyone thinks you two are cute together.” She grinned.

“God damn it,” Stellar scowled. “Cracker barrel humping, small towners.”

"Just enjoy yourself, freely.” Cloudy suggested as everyone followed her out.

“Yeah,” Stellar waved over her shoulder as she headed off. “Knock em’ dead yourself tonight.” With about a quarter hour to spare, Stellar made it back to the diner before the end of Arcus’ shift. She waited around outside, mad at herself for feeling nervous for some reason she didn’t fully understand. Soon enough he emerged, changed back into his street clothes; he immediately waved as he caught sight of her and headed over.

“Hey, Stellar.” He smiled.

“Hey,” She turned as he stepped up beside her. “Long day?”

“Only because I was excited about seeing you.” He noted sweetly.

“Not that big a deal,” She said humbly. “So, anything to do around here besides drink and screw?”

He laughed with a light shake of his head. “Not really, and with all this Ataata business it really doesn’t seem safe to leave the town.”

“Well, let’s just… walk.” Stellar suggested, not knowing what else to say.

“Sure,” He happily agreed. The pair walked the span of the town, saying hi to passers by and chatting lightly. Arcus noticed how off she was acting as opposed to her usual outspoken self and looked down her curiously. “Are… you okay?”

Stellar sighed and held her temple. “No… I mean, yes; it’s just… I don’t really know what to do with a guy outside of a bedroom.” She shook her head. “Wow, that really shines a light on me.” She looked up at him with embarrassment. “Look, this is the closest thing I’ve had to an actual date in almost twenty years; it just feels weird and I don’t know what to do.”

“But I thought…”

“Yeah, I hook up a lot,” She cut him off. “That’s not dating, that’s just me getting my rocks off to clear my head. I don’t…” She stopped herself.

“What?” He asked.

“It’s nothing,” She waved it off.

“It isn’t.” He stopped and faced her. “If you want to talk about it, I’ll listen.”

She stared up at him with hesitant eyes. “I don’t trust guys,” She shrugged. “I just don’t.”

Arcus frowned a bit. “Even me?”

“No, not even you.” She said apologetically. “I like you, way more than I should and more than I thought I even could; that’s why this is so weird for me. I know you’re nice and sweet and all that good stuff, but every time I feel myself start to relax my brain starts screaming at me to run in the opposite direction.”

Arcus internalized her words, feeling hurt but equally curious. “What happened?”

“You don’t want to know all that,” She assured.

“I do,” He insisted.

“Why?”

“Because I really care about you, Stellar.” He said surely.

Stellar let out a light laugh. “You don’t even know me,” She pointed out. “I get it, I’m new in town and this is exciting and hot but if you really knew me... you wouldn’t be so eager.”

“I know all that,” Arcus noted. “I know we just met but… you really don’t feel that there’s something here? I do, I felt it after that first night, you’re special and I want to…”

“No you don’t,” Stellar raised her hand. “You do not want to go down that road with me; I’ve been enjoying myself but I really didn’t want you getting attached to me and I wound up doing that anyway.” She felt herself getting emotionally flustered.

“Don’t I get a say in this?” He asked. “Maybe I do want to go down that road with you.”

Her face grew irritated at his insistence. “You don’t want me, kid. I’m loud and angry, I drink too much, I smoke and I’ve got more baggage than an airport on a holiday weekend.” She held her arms out in frustration. “And as hot as it may seem to fuck an older woman, it won’t be so hot in ten years when I’m pushing sixty and you’re still in your prime.” She pointed at him. “And don’t tell me you don’t care about all that, no one in their right mind wouldn’t care about all that.” Her eyes started to water and she turned from him, looking up at the clouds. “What the fuck am I doing? I’m supposed to be having fun… you see,” She turned back to him. “This is why I don’t date; I wanted to have a nice night with you and my crazy brain is trying to chase you off.” Her arms hung listlessly. “Fuck me… maybe we should just call it a night.”

“No,” Arcus walked over to her. “Keep going, I want to hear all of it.”

She looked back up at him in disbelief. “What?”

“Talk to me,” He smiled. “You’re not going to chase me off, I promise.”

A tear finally left her eye and she couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re more fucked up than I am, kid.”

“Maybe,” He admitted. “All I know is that I don’t want to just walk away from you.”

Stellar looked around and found a place where they could sit. “Fine, come on.” She led him over and sat with him. “I had my life planned out; I was with the guy I loved, going to school and had my career path set. Then, a few months after a drunken night without protection, I found out I was having his kid.” She stared into the dirt. “And honestly, I was happy… I mean, l loved him; sure I would have to make some life changes but we’d be okay as long as we had each other.” She shrugged. “Then he literally ran away; couldn’t handle the responsibility… didn’t even fucking tell me!” She shouted. “Phone number disconnected and left town within a week according to a mutual friend.”

“Fuck…” Arcus lowered his head. “I’m sorry, that’s awful.”

“Yeah,” Stellar said simply. “But I did what I had to do and managed to succeed without him. After that though, how the fuck was I supposed to trust any guy going forward. When the guy you were in love with fucks you over that hard, then you just assume that love doesn’t mean shit and nobody is worth your trust.” She sighed. “Guys just became fuck buddies; I got what I needed and went on my merry way, not letting them get the chance to fuck me over ever again.”

“So, that first night we had wasn’t supposed to mean anything?” He asked softly, knowing how much it meant to him.

“No,” She said honestly. “You were a nice guy and we had fun, that was it; at least, that’s how it was supposed to go. But I caved in to some weird notion and fucked you again, and then I couldn’t get you out of my head; it was driving me nuts and I was fighting it like cancer." She laid her hand over her heart. "You made me feel the way I did with my ex, which scared the shit out of me.”

Arcus looked over at her. “So what made you ask me out tonight then?”

“Cloudy says I shouldn’t be running from… whatever this is; that I should turn and face it and be happy that being with you makes me feel good.” She smiled up at him softly. “Which is does, by the way; I know I sound like a shitty bitch right now, but you do make me feel better.”

“I’m glad,” He lifted his tail and wrapped it around her waist. “I’d like to keep doing that, if you’ll let me.”

Stellar reached down and grabbed the tip of his tail. “Even after all that shit I just rattled off?”

“Yeah,” He nodded. “I like those things about you; you’re strong and assertive and no nonsense, I like that a lot. I hate women who play games and think it’s cute, you know what you want and how you want it; I think that’s attractive.”

“Wow,” Stellar chuckled. “Your mom beat you or something as a kid?”

“My real mom left my dad too, when I was about ten.”

“Oh,” She cringed. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine; my dad remarried and I loved my step mom.” He smiled in thought of her. “She was a mare.”

“A mare?” Stellar eyed him in shock.

“Yep.”

“This isn’t some weird mommy thing, is it?” Stellar asked. “Because I’m not much for role play.”

“No,” He shook his head with a laugh. “She was awesome and my dad was way happier.”

“At least some stories have good endings.”

“And as for the age thing; you know that dragons live longer than any other creature right?”

“No.”

“That’s why we rarely date outside our own species; but that didn’t stop my dad, and I won’t let it stop me.”

“Well that’s even worse,” She noted. “You should be looking for an eighteen year old or something, at least balance it out in the long run.”

“I don’t care how old you are,” He assured. “I’d rather have a shorter time with someone I really care about than a long time with someone I didn’t. That’s how my mom put it anyway.”

Stellar reached over and took his claw. “You really want this?”

“I do,” He squeezed her hand. “At least give me a chance.”

Stellar felt a swell of something positive in her that brought back a lot of forsaken emotions; she stood and grabbed his head, kissing him deeply. “Let’s go back to the lodge, I’m going to ride you like a rental car with full coverage.”

“Yes ma’am.” Arcus nodded in eager acceptance.