#as for the hat thing i'm so sorry to tell you this but like. rodeos in oklahoma genuinely look like that

[aaronstveit]

the answer to both of these questions is the same sentence: because this is oklahoma. hope this helps ❤️

[countrymusiclover]

36 - Love Ain’t Complicated Anymore

Part 37

Country Rancher

Tags @whateverthecostner @rosie-posie08 @kaycejdutton @kayceduttonn @kcloveswrestling @the-morning-star-falls @kaymudd @hcwthewestwaswcn

Shutting the truck door my boots hit the muddy dirt. I had gone into town to get some stuff Bree had asked for since the baby was making her life miserable today. Carrying my hat in my freehand I saw Lioyd was climbing down from his horse. “Morning Lloyd, how is everything going with the cattle? I am sorry that Kayce and I have been so busy with our daughter and all.”

“You ain’t gotta apologize for that, Y/n. The family of this place is what matters. The cattle don’t have to bother with our life.” He responded back, coming to lean against the metal fence.

Sitting the bag of groceries down on the ground I smiled putting my hands on my hip. “I wanted to thank you. For helping ne when Kayce and I were fighting. It wasn't right for Bree to see that so I'm glad she had you there."

“Your little darling is so sweet. If she’s anything like you dear she will turn out to be a very good mamma…Hey, I was heading up to the rodeo tonight would ya’ll want to come with me?” He asked tipping his hat to me, smiling.

Grabbing the bag of stuff I heard the front door open with Maxon barking his head off as he ran down the porch steps. Bree stopped holding her hands up when he placed his front paws on her growing stomach. “Easy boy. I won’t get her going down steps.” She explains seeing that he wasn't letting her move another step.

"Maxon! Here boy." I called hitting my hands on my knees where he dropped on all fours rushing over to me. “Hey little B go find your siblings and tell them to get ready for the rodeo tonight. LIoyd is taking us there for the evening.”

She nodded, turning on her heels and up the wooden stairs. “Alright mamma.”

Entering the main house with the golden retriever following me at the heel of my boots. Going upstairs to our bedroom I shut the door knowing that Kayce was finishing up something in the barn since it wouldn’t take him as long to get ready. Pushing some shirts away I gasped catching a box that I had put up on a shelf not really remembering what was inside of it. Laying the lid down I gasped feeling some tears seeing a picture of Lee and I hugging one another in a sidebar at a rodeo when Bree was still a baby. "Oh Lee, I hope you were right about us…"

"I feel uneasy about not carrying around my little girl right now." I admitted to him while we were sitting on some barstools waiting for the events to start.

The eldest Dutton sent me a look smiling back at me. "Look, I don't think it would be hard to be away from her. But I think you deserve a night out where you can have adult fun."

"I appreciate it, Lee. I haven’t really been out of the house since forever…" I paused hearing a familiar song playing where I sat my beer bottle down squealing. "Oh my gosh. I love this song!"

Lee sat his drink down, tipping his hat and offering me his freehand smirking down at me. "Do you wanna dance with Y/n?"

"Sure thing, cowboy." Placing my hands in his we headed away from the bar so we had room to dance. He placed his right hand in mine. I put my hand on his shoulder and his other on my hip.

Lee started singing slowly, twirling me underneath his arm when he spun me out and back into his chest. "I wonder what he's doing. (Love ain't) feelin' like a fool and. (You can't). Keep lettin' him do it to you, uh. 'Cause love ain't you on a sidewalk in your new dress all alone."

"Love ain't you callin' me 'cause he ain't pickin' up his phone. The way you're talkin' sounds like he's somebody you should hate. I may not know what love is girl, but I know what love ain't." I sang meeting his gaze spinning him under my arm as best as I could, making him lose his hat and it fall on the ground.

He chuckled, picking it up off the ground dusting it off. He sits in on my head before we finish the ending of the song. "I may not know what love is girl, but I know what love ain't. Come over, let me show you what he can't. 'Cause he can only show you what love ain't. Love ain't (love ain't) yeah yeah. (Love ain't) love ain't."

"Y/n, the thing between you and my brother is complicated. And I understand if you don't want to give him another chance since he left you when he got another girl pregnant. But I do think ya'll can find your way back to one another." Kayce's oldest brother declared squeezing my hands intertwined with his.

Grinning up at him I hope that he was right and one day I did find my way back to him like the romantic couple would in the movies. "Maybe one day you are right, Lee. We will have a fairytale life of some sort."

"Come on kiddos. This way I'll get us some good seats." LIoyd pushed the twins along with Bree and Tate following after him.

I paused in my step leaning against the fence sniffing a little since we had passed the bar that Lee and I had gone to when we were split up. Kayce walked up to me resting a hand on my shoulder seeing that I was a little upset. "Hey, you alright honey?"

"I uh - I came here with your brother Lee. And he…he told me that he hoped that we would find our way back to each other." I sniffled feeling some tears falling down until he cupped my face in his larger hands making me look into his brown eyes.

He pressed his forehead down onto mine and sniffed through some tears of his own. "Hey now. Don't focus on the past. We can't change what happened…but he was right. We are meant to be together, you and I. We are a team. I love you, my sweet darling."

"I love you too, Kayc…I'm sorry about this. I shouldn't be getting emotional when this is a night with the kids." He puts a finger to my lips, cutting me off before he wiped away the stray tears.

"Don’t shut your emotions out. Alright you know what we are going to do. We are going on a date night tomorrow just the two of us. Because we need some time away from our kids even though I know we love them like crazy.”

Burying my face against his chest gripping his jacket in my fingers he put his chin on top of my head. Footsteps ran over to us where we saw that it was Elsa who was wearing Lioyd’ hat on her head where it was way too big. “Mommy. Daddy, I want to rodeo when I grow up.”

“Well sweet girl. You have to wait until you're big enough to ride a horse on your own. But I bet Uncle Lloyd will be thrilled to teach you.” Picking her up from the ground Kayce ruffled her hair handing him back his hat when we went to find our seats.

Kayce wrapped his arm around my waist mumbling into my ear when I leaned into his embrace seeing the kids all entertained by the events. “You don’t have to hide anything from me, love. I will always be here.” I felt a pit in my gut at his words since I hadn’t yet told him about Jaime’s phone call the other night. But that would be a problem for down the road hopefully.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[galaxyedging]

Part of the Merged series

Tim Rockford x OFC

WC:2.8k

Warnings: talk of smut.

Summary: Tim and Evie decide to learn more about the world they have found themselves in.

Recon

Tim instantly drew his weapon. "Put the gun down!"

The pirate looked over at him. "Relax. I'm not going to shoot him!" 

The mirth in his voice suggested he thought Tim was crazy for thinking he was going to shoot the man than he had just been aiming a gun at, before holstering his pistol. 

"We're going to duel." He drew a long sword with a flourish.

The knight raised his own sword in preparation for the pirate's attack.

"What the hell?" Evie pulled Tim back into the apartment slightly as the sound of clashing swords filled the space. "Are you really willing to get into the middle of that?

"Yes. Well, it's my job. I can't let people run around brandishing weapons. People could get hurt."

As if to prove his point the Knight cut a portrait on the wall in half with a backswing of his sword. 

"Yes. Us. We're the people who could get hurt. I get that you're a cop but you're not a cop here. You don't know if this is just something they do here."

The two men crossed swords time and again. The clash of the metal like nails on a chalkboard to Evie's fraying nerves. The two swordsmen were either perfectly matched or this wasn't their first rodeo.

"That's enough, you two! I won't keep telling you about this. Words! If you have a problem, use your words." A thick Brooklyn accent preceded its owner up the stairs to your right. "I'm not going to keep climbing up these goddamn stairs."

The owner appeared, a cop in a 1930's uniform. He was fair skinned, blonde, maybe late 20's. 

"Sir. Ma'am." He tipped his hat at you. "Sir, why don't you take your girl inside. I'll handle this."

Evie was out in front of Tim in seconds. "His girl doesn't need to be taken anywhere." 

The cop casually looked at the door number of their apartment. "Sorry, Ma'am. I didn't realise. Henriksen's new recruits, right? I'm Mallory. I'll take care of these guys from here. You enjoy your day." 

As he ushered the pirate and the knight down the corridor to what they guessed were their apartments. Tim and Evie caught bits of a dispute about a shared balcony and the pirate growing an invasive species of plant that keeps taking root in the knight's planters. A little stunned by the whole thing they wandered back into their apartment. 

"So I guess that's normal here?"

The laughter that bubbled up from Evie startled them both. Tim hadn't heard her laugh. He was utterly charmed by it. It was crazy that he knew he loved her yet he didn't know what he loved about her. Her laughter was definitely one of the things he loved. It crushed him when the laughter turned to tears. 

"Hey. Hey. It's alright." Tim hugged Evie as tight to his chest as he could as he guided her to the nearest chair. A comfortable brown fabric armchair in keeping with the style of the apartment. It cushioned Evie as he eased her down. 

"I'm so sorry. I'm being stupid." Evie tried to stop her tears. She hated to show weakness. Logically she knew it was perfectly fine to cry after one had died and moved on to some weird place, with cops and pirates and knights, and having amazing and confusing sex with a stranger that felt like your soulmate. Fuck. Henriksen had said that. Soulmates. Still, she felt weak and didn't want Tim to see her like that. 

Tim knelt in front of her. His large hands rested on her knees provided a grounding point. "You are not stupid. This whole situation. The crazy land and the duel over plants. That is stupid. By getting upset over it all you are being sane and smart. Not stupid at all." He doesn't even think twice as he kisses her cheek. "You're alright. We just need time to process all of this."

"How are you so calm?" Evie sniffed, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.

"I think it's because this is a giant mystery. Mysteries always helped keep my mind calm. There's a logic to them, you just have to find it." Despite him being the older of the two, he looked boyish as he spoke.

"You're not just a Detective, you're a mystery fan."

"Yeah. My mom and dad worked a lot. My mom even more so after my dad was killed on duty. It was just me and my abuelita most days. She loved mysteries. She would make them up for me to solve."

Evie didn't know exactly why she loved Tim but his love for his grandmother was definitely part of it. 

His eyes were warm and wistful as they met hers. "Look. I don't have many facts to start with here and the one's I do have are based on any of this actually being real. The one thing I do know, and don't ask me how, I know I have these feelings for you."

"I know. Me too."

"Yeah? I know that I'm in love with you but I don't know why. I know nothing about you."

"After last night. I hope you know a couple of things about me."

Tim looked sheepish. "I don't usually do that, you know? Fall into bed with women. Even if they are beautiful. I only got divorced two years ago. I dated a woman for a couple of months. It didn't work out. My ex-wife was my college sweetheart."

"I don't usually either. I mean I have more than you from the sound of it. My last relationship was my longest."

"Kyle? You seemed happy together."

"We were I suppose. We just wanted different things. It was no-ones fault. Just not meant to be I guess."

"Meant to be." Tim's thumbs stroked softly at Evie's skin. It lit a fuse that trailed through her very being. Everything in her burned for him. It was as if she'd been missing him her entire life. Now that he was back, she needed to make up for lost time.

Swallowing thickly she asked. "So what do we do now?"

"I want to take you back to bed. Make you say my name like you did last night. Is that awful? In all this I just want the simple things. To hold you. To make you happy." Honesty, another trait she admired.

"That's not bad at all. It's silly but when I saw you picking at your food yesterday I thought about cooking for you. It's my love language. Acts of service."

Tim smiled as he slid into the seat next to her, pulling her into his lap to make space for himself. "It's not silly at all. It's sweet. I woke up this morning torn between feeling uncomfortable about doing that with a stranger and feeling that it was all so right."

Evie lay her head on top of his as he fit his into the crook of her neck. "Like it was the logical next step in our relationship. Even though we've only known each other like a day. Like it was something that we've always done."

Tim pulled her a little closer as he hummed in thought. "Or maybe we've done it before? Henriksen said soul mates. Don't some people believe that soulmates find each other in different lives?"

"Wow, that actually might be the straw that breaks my tiny mind apart." As Evie's thought drifted she absently ran her fingers up and down Tim's bare forearms. "As much as I'd love to trip out on that for a while. Or let you take me back to bed. We have a deadline. God, that sounded like a pun. Are you thinking about staying here?"

"Maybe. I don't know."

"Same. We should go take a look around."

"Really?"

"Yes. Detective. If not out of curiosity, imagine all the clues we can find!"

The street outside their apartment building was as busy as any other city street. Cars from all sorts of decades passed by. A young man in a flat cap shined shoes on the corner next to a Starbucks. The sidewalks held an oddity of people. A punk rocker hand in hand with a woman dressed in Victorian clothing. A few kids, one on a skateboard, one rolling a hoop with a stick, crossed in front of them.

"God, Tim. There are kids here." Evie gripped his forearm. 

"Yeah." Was all he replied grimly. Tim was more than familiar that awful things could happen to kids too. For a second his mind wandered to his own kids. No, he couldn't go there right now. Instead, he focused his attention on the road. Forward to the neon signs in front of him. 

"Henriksen said people from different times. Do you think they are from the future?" Evie looked everywhere but at Tim as she spoke. Her eyes tried to take everything in. The buildings were modern, almost futuristic. They had some distinct features of Asian architecture. When the street changed from the slightly retro slice of Americana there was a giant archway. It was intricately decorated. Carvings of dragons and dogs sat on top of the Xieshan style roof that bridged the two large red pillars. Tiles with pictures and writing decorated the front. It looked like the arches in Chinatown back home. Only with one difference. The arches back home didn't have Gaelic writing on them.

"Curiouser and curiouser." Evie muttered.

Tim joined her, blinking against the sun to see what she was looking at.

"This is old Irish writing. I've never seen it on a Chinese arch." Tim looked impressed by her knowledge. 

"I forgot you have a thing for languages. Any idea what it says?" He stared at the language as if it would translate before his eyes.

"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here." A thick Irish accent intoned behind them. 

Evie and Tim both whirled on the source. "I'm kidding. The Paifang represents a fortuitous entry into a benevolent time and space. I just added a few blessings of my own."

"You did?" Evie asked impressed.

"Yep. I'm Ailerán. Nice to…" He began to introduce himself.

"Holy…!" Tim's voice drew Evie's attention.

"Aye, you see it now?" Ailerán asked him.

Tim had resumed his staring. The text now appeared to be in English.

"Sometimes it takes a while when you're new. Don't force it. Just let it happen." Ailerán informed Evie.

"Let what happen?" Evie blinked at the stranger.

"Look at the writing." Tim's hand found her shoulder.

"Holy shit." Her hand came up to grip his.

"There you go. This place translates everything for us. I'm speaking an old Irish dialect but you hear whatever it is you speak. It makes things a whole lot easier."

Ailerán casually dropped himself into a nearby bench. "We get newbies through here all the time. You'll get used to it. Won't they?" He called behind them.

Turning they were met with the sight of a man who looked like he stepped right off the set of a Shaolin Kung Fu movie. He wore brown robes and carried a Damo, a cane-like weapon, slung over his shoulder. He was slightly out of breath and a sheen of sweat covered his brow.

"They will. They would perhaps feel more comfortable quicker if you were a better host." Walking around Tim and Evie, the man pushed Ailerán's foot, lazily thrown over his other leg as he reclined, until he uncrossed his legs and sat up. "Forgive him. Ailerán is the most laid back man I have ever met. Nothing ever bothers him. He forgets that not everyone shares his disposition. I understand this all must be very overwhelming. We are happy to help you settle in. I am Guo." He gave a small bow of his head.

Both Tim and Evie suddenly felt like they to stand on ceremony. They nervously gave their names. 

"And I'm the one not making them feel welcome." Ailerán pointedly shot at Guo. "He's still a little uptight, it's how he was raised. He was one of the first Shaolin Monks."

"One of the first?" Evie rooted around in the back of her brain to come up with a date. The best she could do was at least fifteen hundred years ago. "You're over a thousand years old?!"

Guo smiled. The laughter line around his eyes aged him a little but nowhere near his real age. He looked to be, at most, thirty five. "We don't age here. We don't feel time the same way either. I remember arriving like it was yesterday."

Tim had been standing quietly taking this all in. "A thousand years and you remember it all?"

"Yes. That is why you new ones are always surprised by the technology. I've been here for a long time. I've had a long time to work on my inventions. Other's come and go and add their own inventions and ideas. This advancement is what happens when scientists are allowed to work in peace with religious or political interference."

As if to prove his point about him having scientific free rein. A machine walked over. It stood as tall as Guo. It moved almost like a man…

"That's a robot." Tim exclaimed with a tone of childlike wonder.

"That is not the term I prefer." The not-a-robot told him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…what should I call you?"

"My name is Asimov." Asimov extended his hand to Tim, who shook it firmly.

"Asimov? As in Isaac?" Evie asked.

"Yes. I thought it was humorous at the time. I, robot." Asimov explained with a small laugh. His voice was human in tone but the speech pattern and inflection were different. "That was some years ago. Thanks to Guo I have learned that I am more than just a machine. I have imagination and free will. I am more like a human. I enjoy human pastimes, like cooking. Dinner is ready if you would like to join us?"

So that's how Tim and Evie spent their evening with an android, his preferred term, a Shaolin Monk and a Gaelic warrior. The food was incredible. It was served on a table that heated up in spots when it felt the plates come into contact with it, yet didn't burn them if they touched it. The glasses were automatically refilled by a small machine in the centre. The conversation varies from the beauty of Ailerán native countryside. A sight that he said was almost comparable with the land you had seen in the distance beyond the castle. Guo spoke about his passion for science. The soft spoken man came to life as he did so. Ailerán looked on adoringly. Asimov spoke about his 'birth'. The android explained that it wasn't the day he was activated that he counted as his birth. It was the day, when Guo trusted him, he was given free will.

After finishing off a beautifully light pavlova that Asimov had baked, they were dropped off at their apartment by a self-driving hover car. Coming in to the apartment, the two of them just sat in silence at the kitchen table.

"Remember when I thought going out would help us be less confused?" Evie finally broke the silence.

"It's funny, after all we saw, it's just Asimov's comment about free will that stuck with me."

"Really? That's all?"

"If we go on the next place, the peaceful, happy ever after one, will we have free will? Surely if it's a place everyone is happy in, forever, they can't be making their own choices? People don't always make great choices and groups of people make even worse ones. Freewill will just bring conflict."

"That makes sense." Being caught up in learning about their host and the wonders of this world, neither of them thought to ask about the next one. Maybe they could have gotten an insight into the next world.

Tim continued. "Plus there's this thing between us. Don't get me wrong it feels so good and so right to be with you. It's amazing…"

"There's a 'but' coming…." Evie instinctively moved away from him. Tim was quick and caught her hand.

"...but I kind of want do things the old fashioned way. I want to get to know you. Date you. I want to find out who you are for myself and why you are my soulmate."

Evie couldn't help the smile that blossomed on her face. "You, Detective, want to solve another mystery."

His lips found the back of her hand. "Maybe I do. It's one that is definitely worth solving."

"I think so too." She pressed a kiss to his lips. "So when you say the old fashioned way. Does that mean you wanna wait until we…again."

"Not at all." Evie squealed as he pulled her towards the bedroom.

[muchadoaboutjax]

moving on was always easy for me to do (it hits different 'cause it's you) -> rax

tagging: Jax Beiste, Riley July @rileyjulypsu location: psu building a timeframe: oct. 14 2024, lockdown day two warnings: none summary: comforting your ex girlfriend during a lockdown after three years of not seeing her? what could possibly go wrong?

Jax Beiste

Jax was doing her best to keep a level head despite the fact the situation she found herself in. One of her father's sayings was ringing in her head: "don't be the first headless chicken to start running, be the rooster" which while not making a lot of sense, did bring her some comfort. Still, Jax was stressed, not only was she indefinitely locked down to wait out and earthquake (nothing that new to a California girl, but still pretty stressful), but it just so happened that she was locked down with Riley of all people. It wasn't that Jax wasn't happy to learn that Riley had moved out to LA, but she knew that for whatever reason, her brain and her sensibilities went out of the window the second she and her ex were in the same room, and despite knowing how it always ended, Jax found herself drawn to her ex for reasons that she couldn't ever explain. Maybe that was why she was approaching her now with a bottle of water in hand, or maybe it was simply the fact that Jax could see that Riley wasn't doing so good herself, clearly worried about the fact she couldn't get in touch with her siblings. She knew how close Riley was to them, that she was about the nearest thing to a mother those kids had ever had, and not being able to check on them in a situation like this was probably incredibly distressing for her. It wasn't like Jax loved not being able to contact her own family, but it was different for Riley and she knew that. "Hey…" She smiled softly as she reached Riley, passing her the bottle of water, "Are you okay? Sorry, stupid question…"

Riley July

This was not happening. LA was supposed to be her place, her new start and chance to reconnect (and keep an eye on) her siblings, her escape from New York. But no, she was really reconsidering changing her mind right now. Fuck LA. And fuck earthquakes. She had no idea where her siblings were and that was the worst thing. Riley had spent the best part of nearly two hours pacing back and forth trying to call them over and over again until noticing that her battery was at 15%. Sighing to herself, she knew she needed to stop, just in case some service came back. But at least she wasn't on her own. She didn't know any of these people but at least it was company. Well, she did know one of them. It must have been karma or maybe lady fate playing a trick on her to have her locked in here with her ex, Jax. The one person that Riley could never stop thinking about, her eyes searching her out constantly throughout the day. They both didn't know what it was, but they couldn't stay away from each other. But now wasn't the time. At least that's what Riley kept telling herself. Keeping her eyes locked to her phone in case it rang, she heard the steps coming towards her and knew exactly who it was. Glancing up at Jax and then the water she hesitated, but then took it. She needed to stay focused and keep eating and drinking. "Thanks." She mumbled out and took a sip. But then Riley looked away. "What do you think?" Then she sighed. "How are you?"

Jax Beiste

Jax winced a little at both her own dumbass question and the sharpness of Riley's response, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, "Pretty stressed? Kinda grumpy? Same old, same old either way…" She joked weakly, shrugging a little, "I'm okay. You forget I lived in San Fran for most of my life, and now I live in LA, this is not my first earthquake rodeo. Think of it as an initiation rite, you're not a true California girl until you've been through your first earthquake." She was the way that Riley was clinging to her cell phone, barely dragging her attention from it and it made her expression soften. She hated seeing her so obviously distressed. "Here." Jax reached into the back pocket of her jeans and pulled out one of the wireless charging packs the first responders had given them, "Just promise me you're not going to sit here and play Angry Birds on your own all night okay?" A pause, Jax gently nudging Riley with her shoulder, "Eileen will call the second she can. They all will."

Riley July

Riley turned to glare at Jax, but softened slightly as she actually looked at her. Always had the ability to take her breath away. "You know me so well." She quipped back with a shrug of her own. "I'm seriously regretting moving here if this is going to keep happening." Then she sighed. "I suppose it's still slightly better than New York though." Her siblings being the reason. The phone was clutched to tight in her hand that it was a surprise that it didn't break. She was ready to throw it across the room but then Jax had handed her a charging pack and Riley took it eagerly, equipping it to the phone straight away. Then her lips twitched up into an amused smirk. "Do people really still play that?" Making sure the phone was definitely charging, Riley placed it on the floor next to her. "I just need to know they're okay." She replied, her tone tense. "Especially Eileen, she's the baby and as much as I love her she is easily led and if she is with people who can take advantage of her… I just need to know she's okay."

Jax Beiste

"I do." Jax agreed, feeling her cheeks tinge a little at the thought of just how well she knew Riley but forced herself not to dwell on that thought any longer. Dwelling on those kind of thoughts always caused her problems, "I mean… it's not a weekly occurrence, if that makes you feel any better? Just… every so often. Most of the time it's a little wobble and people get on with their day." Her smile grew a little easier, "Well I'm glad you're in LA. Y'know, for your siblings I mean, I'm sure they miss you." She had back pedalled quickly, but a lump still formed in her throat. That was definitely not what she meant. Not entirely anyway. Jax laughed a little, nodding, "Yeah? What do you think I do to kill time when I'm waiting for my next class to show up?!" Her expression softened, sighing a little as she ran a hand through her hair, "I get it. I haven't been able to stop thinking about Malea, she's so small, and I can't get through to Immy to check they're both okay, it's driving me nuts. But spinning out on your own about it isn't going to change anything, you just have to have a little faith Riles. Because Eileen is an adult now, I'm sure wherever and whoever she's with, it's all going to be okay."

Riley July

"It doesn't make me feel any better. But, its better than nothing." And Riley crossed her arms over her chest as she raised an eyebrow. It wasn't missed on her that Jax was glad she was here in LA and she felt her heart almost jump out of her chest. "Well they've told me they're glad. Whether they actually are or not is another thing entirely." Then she bit on her lip as she thought over what she wanted to say next. "At least some people are glad I'm here for certain." Riley snorted out a laugh and shook her head. "You're ridiculous." But there was a very fond smile on her face and the tone was only teasing. Then there was a frown on her face. Jax's niece of course, she would be caught up in all of this too along with her sisters. "They'll be okay. All of them." She stated firmly, shifting her body to look at her ex. "I know I need to have faith in Eileen and I do, it's other people I don't trust Jax. People are cruel."

Jax Beiste

"Which is Riley speak for 'thanks Jax that made me feel a little better'." Jax quirked her eyebrow a little, shaking her head. She'd always been good at deciphering Riley, which is why her cheeks were getting redder now, shuffling a little on the spot, "I'm sure they're glad to have you here, they adore you Riles." The words "who doesn't?" died on her tongue as she occupied her hands with playing with the water bottle label instead of reaching out to Riley. "You're ridiculous." Jax pouted a little, giving Riley a gentle shove, expression sobering again as she nodded, "I know they will. Still doesn't stop you worrying though does it?" With Riley facing her now, Jax could feel her heart pounding, wondering just how long it had been since they were this close, and wishing the thought didn't fill with her with both excitement and fear. Her stomach dropped at Riley's words, "I know… am… am I one of those people?"

Riley July

Riley rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Jax really did know her that well, dating someone for two years will help with that. "I hope so." She sighed. "I've tried so hard to make them the people they are today and not turn out like our mother. I can't fail them." Anyone else and she wouldn't be sharing any of this, but Jax already knew all of her secrets and all of her shit, so why hide it? She shoved back, a smile growing on her face. "No of course it doesn't. Like we said, our siblings are adults, doesn't mean we don't worry." Was Jax moving closer? No, must just be a figment of Riley's imagination and she shook her head to clear it. They couldn't do this, not again. "Are you a cruel person?" She asked confused. "Of course you're not Jax. You're amazing."

Jax Beiste

Jax scoffed, "Please, there's no danger of you, or any of those kids turning into Cassandra July. Or of you failing them, you have spent your entire life taking care of them, and if any of them decide to be ungrateful about then I'll set them straight for you." Despite everything that had happened between them, Jax found herself really grateful that Riley could still talk to her like this. God only knew she needed someone to be vulnerable with. Jax felt it then, that pull inside her that she tried to ignore whenever she was around Riley, that magnetism that got them into trouble time and time again. Riley seemed closer than before, and even as she watched her shake her head, Jax couldn't seem to make herself move back from her. "I just… I know when everything was going wrong, when we were back in New York I said some things I still regret, and… I'm not amazing. But I'm glad you don't think I'm cruel at least…" Some of the tension eased from her shoulders as she let her eyes meet Riley's, feeling her mouth go dry as she did. She really should move back.

Riley July

"I hope not. Hell I pray every night to whoever is listening that they don't turn out like her." The mention of her mother's name made her flinch, but she knew Jax never used the name to make her suffer on purpose. "Do you think I try too hard?" Riley asked, but then stopped herself and shook her head. "Nevermind." She bit her lip as she listened to Jax talk, the fact that she was talking herself down was killing her. "No Jax, it wasn't you. It was mainly me, you know what I'm like. I never made things easy for us, ever." Riley loved her, but she just had too many demons that she was fighting all the time. Hesitantly, she reached a hand out and placed in on Jax's shoulder. "We both said and did things we regret, and I don't know how I'll ever make it up to you."

Jax Beiste

Jax frowned a little at her question, shaking her head, "Hey, no, don't do that." It always used to infuriate her a little when Riley suddenly backpedalled on talking about her feelings, "You do not try too hard. Sometimes you forget to take care of yourself, but trying too hard? Never. They're really lucky to have you." "It wasn't, I was… I don't know, over the top? Clingy? Kind of a jealous bitch?" She managed a weak smile, hating the thought that Riley had been blaming herself for their break up all this time, "I know I kind of smothered you a lot, and that's on me, not you." God, Jax knew that there was something powerful between her and Riley, there always had been, but she had grossly underestimated how much of it remained after all this time apart. As her hand rested on her shoulder, Jax felt as if a jolt of electricity shot through her, the crashing reality that she had never stopped loving Riley hitting her. This was not the time for this realisation, nor was it even remotely a good idea to open that Pandora's Box again, and yet.. "You don't have to make it up to me. It's water under the bridge, ancient history… as long as you can forgive me that is?"

Riley July

She crossed her arms over her chest and listened to Jax's words. In a way she was right, but was Riley going to listen? Probably not. "But I don't have time to look after myself, I have to look after them." And she sighed, they were just going to go around in circles on this all day she could already tell. Plus they had just talked about her siblings being adults, they didn't need looking after as much any more. "Over the top and clingy? Maybe. Jealous bitch? Yes, but we were both easily jealous. And maybe I wasn't clingy enough." Riley just shrugged, it was all over and done with now. But it still didn't mean that she didn't miss it. "I know it might have seemed like I hated it, but maybe I needed it Jax. I mean you got me to stop drinking and that probably saved my life." Her hand slowly trailed down for her ex's shoulder to her arm. Maybe she shouldn't be touching her like that, maybe she should let go and pull away. But she couldn't. Because she loved Jax. "I forgive you. I forgave you the minute you walked out the door, the minute you ended things. I could never hate you Jax."

Jax Beiste

Jax rolled her eyes a little, knowing her ex-girlfriend all to well. It was the same argument they'd had time and time again when they were dating, but Jax knew better than to try and press this issue yet again. Whether she liked it or not, Riley's lack of ability to put herself first was no longer her problem. "I mean you could have been a little less repulsed by my touch…" Jax managed a short laugh, a sad smile tugging at her lips as she ruminated over the years they had spent together, surprising herself with how she had forgotten just how good it felt to be in Riley's presence, even after everything that had happened. "I never thought you hated it, we were just two different people Riley… and you saved your own life, you put in the hard work, I was just there to cheer you on. I still am if you need me to be." As Riley's hand trailed down her arm Jax had to suppress a shiver as memories flashed through her mind, memories of what it was like to have Riley touch her, memories that would only lead to making very questionable choices. But despite knowing that, Jax felt herself leaning into her touch, a lump in her throat as she pursed her dry lips. "Which time?" She mumbled, shaking her head a little, "I could never hate you either Riles, even after everything, you… I never stopped caring about you, you know that right? I didn't leave because I stopped caring."

Riley July

Riley snorted out a laugh too and shook her head. "I'm glad you didn't think that, because I didn't hate it." Her eyes searching Jax's face. "I needed it. I needed you." Needed, not need. Because Riley refused to admit that she needed anyone now, she could do this on her own. But with Jax saying that she would still be there if she needed her too made Riley falter. She was only so strong. But no, they couldn't fall back down the same rabbit hole that they always did. And now her ex-girlfriend was moving closer, and Riley's eyes fell to her lips. "Every time. Every time you left I forgave you. And I hope every time I left, you forgave me." Her jaw clenched at Jax's words and her eyes moved back to hers. "I… I didn't know that. I just thought you didn't care any more. You still care? I still care." And it was almost as there was a magnetic force between them that was pulling Riley closer to Jax.

Jax Beiste

The past tense made Jax's heart clench. Needed. Riley used to need her. But Jax had messed that up at every possible turn, and now here they were. As her eyes searched her face, Jax tried to her best to keep her expression neutral and supportive despite her very complicated feelings, and offered her a small smile. "I needed you too Riley. Don't ever think that I didn't." Jax didn't miss the way Riley's eyes wandered to her lips and it caused her cheeks to flush, feeling herself falling into that same trap again but seemingly powerless to stop it as her fingers drifted forward and brushed against the back of Riley's hand that wasn't resting on her arm still. God they were getting so close… "I don't know what I did to deserve all that forgiveness. God knows I messed up so many times." This amount of eye contact was killing her, especially when they were this close to each other, and as she tried to break it, her eyes find Riley's lips instead. Dammit. "No, no Riley, I left because I cared. I cared way too much and you deserved better. You do? Even after everything I've done?"

Riley July

"But why? How? How did you need me? I couldn't give you anything useful." This was a mess. Just like their relationship had been over the two years, and all the years that followed where they'd continuously end up in bed together. "It wasn't just you that messed up, it was both of us. We're adults we can both admit that we were in the wrong." Her grip tightened on Jax's arm. "But of course I forgive you because I love you." Love, not loved. Now Jax's eyes were on her lips and Riley swallowed hard. "I still care." And she dipped her head, moving in closer.

Jax Beiste

"Are you kidding?" Jax scoffed, shaking her head a little, "Riley I was so lonely in New York… you gave me everything, you gave me a lifeline. You…" She inhaled for a moment, trying to stop herself bursting into tears. Jax had never meant for this to get so heavy and deep, but after three years of not seeing her and now being forced to spend every second of the day with Riley, all these feelings that she thought she'd moved past were bubbling to the surface, "You never treated me like I was broken. You just loved me as I was." She sniffed quickly, desperate not to fall apart, to not lapse into old habits either, but the hold Riley still had on her heart was far stronger than she could have realised before being here in front of her again. The grip on her arm tightening made her heart skip, but not as much as it did when Jax heard her say "I love you." I love you. Not I loved you, I love you. "I love you too." She whispered, heart in mouth as instead of pulling away from Riley she leaned into her, forehead almost touching hers, "I don't think I could stop caring if I tried."

Riley July

A lifeline. Just what Jax had given to Riley, apparently Riley had given that in return. It's not like Jax hadn't appreciated it, but with all of Riley's issues of self loathing and low self esteem, she never felt like any worth to anyone. Not to her siblings, and definitely not to Jax. "You're not broken Jax, I would never treat you like that. Everything you've been through in your life, you're so strong." Three years they'd been apart with Riley trying to convince herself that she was over it, but right now it had felt like three minutes and every single emotion she'd ever felt for Jax was slamming into her at full force. And with that every single rational thought had left her head, and all that matter was them. "I love you Jax. I will always care about you." And then she's leaning forward and pressing her lips gently against her ex girlfriend's.

Jax Beiste

Jax had always known that her deep seated need to fix everyone wasn't healthy, and that it was a big part of the reason that their relationship had fallen apart, but for Riley it had been almost instinctual, like a primal urge to protect her from everything, including herself at times. But for herself? Jax had let herself stay broken, had known it every time she looked in the mirror, but hearing Riley say that she was strong, that she hadn't seen her as broken made her resolve crumble. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she shook her head a little, and as Riley's lips met hers she let out a soft whimper leaning into the kiss and responding in kind. Time stood still for a moment for Jax as she lost herself in how good it felt to be kissing Riley again, at how right this felt… but her brain caught up to her, and suddenly, she remembered how this always ended, pulling away quickly with a soft sigh, "Riley… I-"

Riley July

She really didn't realise how much she had been craving the feeling of Jax's lips on hers again. Three years apart and she'd not really been with anyone else, because that one person for her was still on her mind. And now here they were, finally back together. Riley let out a soft sigh and wanted to wipe away the tears that she could feel on her cheeks. But then everything came crashing to a halt as Jax pulled away. Riley's eyes snapped open and she looked at her ex-girlfriend in horror. "I shouldn't have done that." That was an understatement. What an idiot. She and Jax were never going to work things out or get back together so why fall back into this situation again. "I have to go." She stumbled to her feet and looked back at the other woman. "I'm so sorry Jax." And then she was gone.

Jax Beiste

Jax watched Riley go, open and closing her mouth as more tears started to fall, unable to speak or do anything but sit there as she scrambled away from her. This was exactly what she wanted to avoid, what she hadn't wanted to happen when she and Riley reunited. But it was what always happened, they'd get drawn into each other, they'd do something stupid, and then… someone got their heart broken. "Fuck." Jax hissed, wiping quickly at her cheeks, pushing to her feet. Following Riley would only make it worse, but that didn't mean she didn't want to. "God fucking dammit…"

[rodeoxqueen]

Ever since I got this idea I haven't been able to stop thinking about Dante being a stripper cowboy 😳😳 Maybe smol shy S/O was dragged by her friends into a strip club when she caught the attention the attention of a certain red devil? 👀🌹 I have a mighty need for some Dante erotica, I'm sorry 😅

Howdy Howdy,

Partner, there’s no need to apologize. If anything, I’m sorry this request was sitting in my inbox for more than a week. I was watching as many male stripper movies as I could find to make this accurate. Here’s a fully written work to make up for the wait. 

Part II is in the making, I couldn’t fit all that raunchiness into one chapter. For my male and gender-neutral readers, I’ll do my best to write inclusive installments that make you feel sexy and well-loved by this stripper cowboy. All readers deserve a lap dance.

Yours,

Rodeo 

Can You Touch This?-Cowboy!Stripper! Dante/Reader-(PART I)(AFAB! READER)

Tags/Warnings: 18+, AFAB! Reader, Stripper!AU, Magic Mike!Au, Erotica, Minors Do Not Try It.

Read It On AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28256070/chapters/69242487

You were never one for large crowds, alcohol, loud music, and nudity. So what a mess you were in, your friends dragging you into a strip club. 

It wasn’t your fault, they promised you were all going for a quiet dinner at your favorite restaurant. No loud noises, no crowds, and especially, you didn’t even know why you had to specify, no naked guys!  That’s what happened at first. You went and blew out your candles on your cake at a nice place, but then things got weird. Your friends had got you thoughtful gifts, except one of them who promised to give it to you after another “surprise.”

They practically herded you to their car, blindfolding and ear-muffing you while giggling. After driving in some unfamiliar directions, you were pulled into a strange building. 

So when you couldn’t hear your own thoughts due to the overbearing bass in the room you were in, you realized you should’ve known better. The blindfold and earmuffs were taken off and you opened your eyes to a neon-lit room with the most hard-cut abs right in your face. 

“A strip club?! W-why would you think I’d want to go to a strip club?” 

“Okay, first of all (Y/N). It’s a male strip club. Second, come on! I know you want to touch some diamond abs!” One of your friends exclaimed as they threw bills at one very tan and very oiled up man named Diego. The box from before landed on your lap, and you unwrapped it to find a giant stack of dollar bills. 

“Now stuff them bills down some hottie’s pants!” 

The orange thong-wearing male with the most defined quads you had ever glanced at winked at your friend and opted to dance on someone else. Clutching your drink, you swallowed thickly as other males who clearly went to the gym every other hour thrust their hips proactively at you. 

Your friends had called ahead and bought the lot of you a table to the stage, much to your chagrin. 

Luckily, your ability to disappear in a room, with your meek personality and small stature, came in handy in these situations. The tall and buff guys your friends screamed over seemed to prefer the company of the more extroverted and thirsty. While other tables farther from the stage had easy contact with the not-themed strippers, you were all confronted with the stage floor dancers. 

“My god, how many themes do these guys dress in?” You squeaked as an entertainer dressed like James Bond (minus the clothes except for the bowtie and gun holster) ground on the stage floor. 

“Not enough! Now make it rain, (Y/N).” Another friend demanded as she took another shot. 

You made a noise as your hand was forcibly placed onto an eight-pack. You quickly threw a wad of bills at the man and ran off to the bar. 

“I gotta go!” You panicked, speed-walking to the bar in your heels. Stomach quivering, you put a few bills down and asked for a stronger drink. Maybe you could pass out on the table and your friends would feel bad and take you home. 

You sighed as you watched your friends have the time of their lives, although they noted your absence. 

“First time?” The bartender asked, sliding your fruity drink to you. You fiddled with the napkin. A woman posed in the corner with the logo “Devil May Cry” to the side of her, all lined in neon pink. 

“Oh!... Yeah, it is.” You mumbled shyly. You blushed at his blue-eyed stare. Luckily, he wore a collared white shirt so you could look at him without bleeding out of your nose. He was very handsome, with rugged features and slight facial hair. His stark white hair shined even in the dim lighting. 

“Ah, could tell. Watched you get dragged in here.” He chuckled. 

“I-I was tricked, first of all!” You exclaimed, tucking some hair behind your ear. 

“It’s alright. Your next rounds on me if you stay a lil longer.” He winked, wiping a glass. A few other people came and went, requesting all sorts of raunchy-titled drinks. Despite that, he leaned on the table where you sat, making idle conversation. 

“I’m Dante.” 

“Nice to meet you, Dante. I’m (Y/N).” You impulsively stuck your hand out to shake and stilled at his strong and warm grip.

He whistled. 

“Nice name for a nice lady. It’s your birthday right?” You nodded. 

“What did you wish for?” 

“Peace and quiet.” He laughed at that, gesturing to your friends who screamed and clapped at a dark-skinned stripper who ripped off his pants. 

“With those friends?” He chuckled. 

“They’re a lot more restrained. This is an exception.” You whined. 

The conversation grew longer. You learned that Dante worked here with his twin brother Vergil. He loved pizza and strawberry ice cream, along with nice motorcycles. A total manly man, if you asked yourself. 

You found a safe space talking to him since you didn’t have to look at nude guys with your back turned. 

You were hoping to talk the night away until a similarly white-haired male with a serious glare rounded the corner. 

Swiping back a few stray hairs, the esteemed brother Vergil knocked the smile off his twin’s face. 

“You fool! Your shift has been over for some time now.” He snapped. Dante rolled his eyes. 

“Yeah, this is old douchebag.” You giggled at his comment, quickly stopping when meeting eyes with the frigid twin. 

“Have you been speaking ill of me? I will-”  Dante threw a towel at his brother’s face before leaving the bartending station. By leaving, he jumped over the counter. 

“Hey, (Y/N), nice talking to you. I’ll see you later.” The white-haired man left to the employee’s room. 

“Alright-” You muttered. You’d sit, but Vergil’s cold glare prompted you to leave and rejoin your friends. 

“Where were you? Chatting up the bartender?” 

“Look at you. Being social in a strip club.” They teased. 

After a few more dancers, you couldn’t help but miss the blue-eyed bartender with his quips and casual flirtiness. 

Suddenly, the music and lights went off. The crowd stirred. Your friend grabbed your arm. 

“Oh girl they’re gonna need a mop after this.” 

“Ew!” You cried out. Your friends sang that one horribly sexual song from the radio. Something about parking a truck in a garage and about wet-

A shirtless DJ grabbed the mic. 

“And now, for our next entertainer, we have the Legendary Lady Killer. Hold onto your panties and your wedding rings, you’re all in for the ride of your life.” 

 The lights were turned back on from back to front. On stage, stood a muscular man with a cowboy hat and shawl. His legs were perfectly framed by black leather chaps and boots. You turned as red as his shawl as you could see his formidable bulge from yards across. 

His spurs clinked on the floor as people began to cheer at his physique. Your jaw dropped in shock. 

White hair. 

“Ladies, I got some questions for y’all.” He drawled, lowering his hat. 

“Yes! I’m single!” Someone yelled from the back. He chuckled as others screamed with agreement. 

“That’s nice ma’am. But really, I got three questions.” He made his way down the stage, his shadow covering your table. 

He palmed his chest and abs, showing white chest hairs and slicked down muscles. 

“Can you touch this?” Everyone screamed for yes. He tutted. 

“No, no, no.” He waggled his finger. He spun and exposed his lush tush. He was packing it front and back and you blushed while putting your face in your hands. 

His hands groped his own butt. Even with his giant hands, he still had more ass to spare. 

“Can you touch this?” The screams grew louder. He waggled his finger again, wiggling his butt. 

“No, no, no.” The crowd awed. He turned back around, a cocky grin on his face. 

“Now, ladies.” He pointed to the crowd. 

His palms groped the leather that concealed his huge package. 

“Can you touch this?” Your friend threw a wad of cash at him, hitting him in the nipple. He stood unflinching. 

“No, no, no.” He drew out each word. 

“These are my laws.” Putting his hands on his hips, he rocked left to right, clicking his spurs. 

“But I see a hell of a lot of lawbreakers here tonight.” 

He shifted to walk around the chair placed behind him. He sat on it backward, legs spread to place his groin in the spotlight. 

“And I don’t see a cop in sight.”  He pointed at the DJ. 

“Hit it!” Music blaring, he did his number. And boy, was the DJ right to warn you. Dante practically made sweet love to the chair, flipping his head back. 

Hips circling and then pistoning the air, sweat trailed down his pecs. 

You ended up throwing a few bills, hoping to avoid eye contact. It failed as he slid to his knees to the edge of the stage and crawled off the ledge onto your table. Like a preying tiger, he made his way over to you. 

Thank god you had health insurance, your blood pressure was going off the charts. 

Your friends lost their heads, throwing bills and screaming like banshees. But he wasn’t interested in them. His eyes preyed after your own, baby blues on an absolute beast. 

“Wanna save a horse and ride a cowboy, pretty girl?” He purred as he traced your jaw. Your skin jumped as you internally imploded. This was was too sensual and people were watching, for goodness sake! 

“(Y/N), if you don’t agree I will cancel your Barnes and Noble membership.” Your friend threatened. 

“Come on, spare this outlaw some sugar?” You didn’t have a moment to think. Dante threw his hat on your head and carried you onto the table and to the stage. 

“Oh my god! Oh my god!” You shrieked. 

He ran hot. So hot. Your skin burned at contact with him, pressed up against his chest as he stood you in front of the chair he practically humped. 

“Take a seat, lil lady.” You blushed at his sensual persona, not sure where the kind bartender and the suave cowboy started and ended. 

Obediently, you turned the chair around and sat with your ankles crossed. Dante tutted in disapproval. 

His hands lingered by your legs.

“May I?” He asked. You shook your head slowly, feeling his callused hands on your thighs. He firmly spread your legs and stood over you on the chair. 

As if that wasn’t enough, his arm muscles bulged and twitched as he ripped off his leather chaps. He ripped the chaps. There were no zippers or velcro straps. That was all him! 

Your face a hair’s width from his abs, he gently took your hands and traced his pecs with them. He growled and winked at you. 

Despite the one in a million situation you were in, you shrank at the many peering eyes of the other women and bar patrons. Your anxiety was seen by Dante, who tilted your head up. 

“Hey, it’s alright. Just focus on me. If you’re nervous, just give me a purple nurple or something, alright?” You laughed at his idea of a safe word and nodded. 

“Okay, Dante.” 

And like that, it was like you pulled a trigger. Dante grinded on your form and explored his own peak-conditioned skin with your own hands. 

You gasped as he led your hands down his front to his leather shorts. You couldn’t stop looking with widened eyes at his crotch. You had read erotica before, describing the male member in the throes of passion, yet this was the first time you had really been this close to anything like those erotic novels. 

It was obscene! Why did it seem to get larger? How was he allowed to carry that thing around without a license?! 

“Hey, eyes up here.” He teased as you snapped your head up. 

“O-oh! Sorry.” You whispered. Your blood had rushed to your head and you had grown deaf to your friends’ yells of validation. 

“Grab him by the buns!” One of your friends yelled. Dante turned around to make eye contact with her. 

With a grin, he slid your hands to the back. What he didn’t expect was you to squeeze. 

“Whoa now, kitty.” He purred. You gave a watery smile. 

Suddenly, a water bottle was thrown at his head. With lightning reflexes, he caught it after it bounced off of him. 

“Hey! Stage times’ over, you fucking show pony.” A short-haired woman with mismatching eyes called out. Dante scoffed. 

“Just givin’ a nice lady some lovin’.” He argued. 

“No, get off the stage, Dante.” 

“Five more minutes?” 

“NOW.” He sighed. Getting off of your lap, he kissed your hand that was resting on his thigh. Lord, if you died right now, that’d be fine. 

“Glad to have this dance.” He flirted. 

“Y-you too.” Taking your hand, he took you for another surprise and swept you off your feet. You squeaked as he handed you to another dancer on the ground. The club-goers cheered as dancers arrived, dressed like businessmen with briefcases. 

You were promptly seated, head dizzy from everything that just happened. You watched as he took his leave as if he didn’t just cause you to get feverish from how hot he was. Your friend hugged you. 

“Nice work! You were so lucky!” Another friend plucked the hat off your head. 

“Ah! He left his hat!”  You exclaimed as you took it from her hands. 

“A souvenir.” 

For the rest of the night, you held onto the hat and traced the red stitching. You never saw Dante for the rest of the night, his brother in charge of the bar service. 

Finally, before the last round of dancers, you were tapped on the shoulder. You found yourself staring into much harsher blue eyes. 

One of your friends threw money at him, which he growled at. 

“I am not an entertainer. Well, not right now.” He explained. He handed you a drink with a napkin on the bottom. 

“My buffoon of a brother said to keep the hat. Although, I’m not sure why you would.”

“I-”

“The drink is on the house. Good evening with you all.” 

 He walked off, and you took your drink. You realized it was the same one you ordered when you got to the bar. 

“Hey girlie, take a look.” A well-manicured nail pointed to the napkin. You saw in red pen an arrow pointed to the folded corner. 

You shakily opened it to reveal a series of numbers and words, along with a card that flitted onto the table. 

Tonight was fun, wanna do it again? The card’s for a private dance, just call and ask for Dante Sparda. No crowds, only you and me. No Lady barking up my tree for appreciating beauty either-DS 

A little heart with an arrow through its center was scrawled in a corner. You picked up the laminated card and saw it was for a free private dance. Your heart beat out of your chest. 

Your friends laughed as you immediately stuck it in your purse, along with the note. The club closed and you were all ushered out. The night was pitch black when you emerged from the debauchery that was the Devil May Cry strip club. 

As your other wasted companions were stuffed into the car, you sat shotgun to the sober and designated driver. 

You were silent the car ride home, laying your head against the window. You thought about that white-haired flirt’s remarks and how gentle he was to you.

Waving and embracing your wonderful friends, you left for your apartment with all your gifts. However, the little slips of paper in your purse weighed the heaviest on your mind. 

High heels in your hand, you climbed up the stairs home. 

After closing the door, you slid down the wall and let out a pleased sigh. 

“Best birthday ever!” You said to no one in particular. 

[boneandfur]

Sneak Peek: Riding Lessons

Canon-divergence. NSFW. Dick Mulligan x BSC MC. Comment to be tagged when it drops! Sneak peek rated mature for sexual innuendo

Every man has a tell, that's what mama always said, and damn if she wasn't right. Dick Mulligan is eyeing her up and down from the other end of the midway like he's in prison for life, and she's his conjugal visit.

Juniper Rainbow-Raven Willow, once called Wren, once called Maybelle, smiles to herself and ignores him, like he isn't the man she came here to see, like he isn't making his way over to her right now, shoulders thrown back and chest puffed out, strutting like a red rooster. Instead, she leans back against the wall of the air rifle booth, surveying her domain, looking at every man in a ten gallon hat and faded blue jeans, until he's right in front of her, thumbs nocked in his pockets, fingers pointing down at the impressive bulge outlined by tight denim.

Dick Mulligan clears his throat like he's suddenly shy, though they both know he's no such thing. Juniper's mama always said, Make him work for it. And she intends to, though whatever Dick thinks he'll get out of the bargain is negligible. If Juniper plays her cards right, she'll be ten grand richer, and as for Dick...

"Can I help you?" Dick has a deep, rich baritone that rumbles through his chest, and Juniper looks up from under her lashes, as though he hasn't already undressed her a thousand times with those steel gray eyes. "Didn't you come here with them Oakley boys? You lost?"

She bites her bottom lip, playing with the hem of her short skirt, his eyes on the creamy expanse of her thighs and the slight peaking of her nipples as the breeze picks up. "No, sir." Juniper raises her chin, meeting his gaze full on, and a shiver runs right down her spine. "I'm right where I ought to be. This is where we sign up to ride in the rodeo, right?"

Dick runs a hand over his chin, tugging at his beard thoughtfully. "Ain't Oakley ridin'?"

Juniper shrugs, as though she could care less. "He sprained his ankle." Sawyer is laid up in the back of the truck, icing his ankle and swearing a blue streak. That ten grand was so close she could almost taste it, and to have it snatched away... Well. Dick is still studying her, as though she's become infinitely more mysterious. "What?"

Dick chuckles, lifting a strand of her golden hair. "Can you even ride, Goldilocks?"

Juniper lets out a low, husky chuckle, flicking one of the silver buttons on Dick's chest and stroking her finger down. "Hard and fast, cowboy."

Dick grabs her fingers in his hand as they brush his belt buckle, his eyes dark. He opens his mouth, about to say something, but he closes it again when Asha bustles up to them, clipboard in hand. The moment between them stretches, broken only when Asha coughs delicately.

"Juniper! What's this I hear about Sawyer gettin' hurt?" Asha tugs on her arm, and Juniper allows herself to be led away, feeling Dick's fingers brush against hers, igniting a spark that's sure to burn down the whole fair, hell, the whole town.

Juniper twirls a lock of hair, aware of Dick's eyes burning a hole into her back. "He sprained his ankle. It's swollen up like a grapefruit. I wanted to..." she swallows, looking back at Dick. "Ride in his place."

Asha looks at Juniper, then down at her clipboard. "I don't think..."

"Let the little lady ride if she wants to." Dick chuckles in amusement. "I'll give her some pointers. Ain't that right, darlin'?"

Asha's nostrils flare. "She doesn't need help from you, you bast--"

"Careful there, Ms Roanhorse. We wouldn't want anyone to think you had a preference." Dick's hand rests proprietarily on Juniper's lower back, and she can feel the heat of it burning through the cheap cotton, making her wonder for a brief moment what it would feel like on her bare skin. "You want me to show you how to ride, little lady?"

"Hard and fast," Juniper whispers under her breath.

Asha's head whips up. "Sorry?" She pulls Juniper aside. "You sure you didn't hit your head? That man is a real bastard. You want me to come? I wouldn't want you to get yourself into trouble..." Asha's bottle-green eyes search Juniper's face. She's a kind woman, Asha, but Juniper can't give Asha the kind of gentle love she so obviously yearns for. She left that gentle girl behind her long ago. "Honey, he's a real bad man."

Juniper sneaks a look back at Dick. He's cupping his hand to light a cigarette, his eyes on the two women with their heads bent together. A real bad man. Well, she's a real bad girl. If Asha knew the half of it, she wouldn't be warning Juniper off. She wouldn't even want to know Juniper at all. "I think I can handle myself."

Asha squeezes Juniper's bare shoulder. "If you need help, you just holler, honey."

"Asha Roanhorse! We need your help down by the 4H pens!" A very pregnant, very blonde woman with apple cheeks waddles up, distracting Asha. "We got an escaped goat, and..."

"You'll be hollerin', all right." Juniper lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding when Dick's lips brush against her ear, a husky timbre in his voice that makes her shiver all over. "You ready, Goldilocks?"

Juniper looks up at Dick, feeling a girlish blush heat her cheeks. "Only if you're fixin' to show me, cowboy." That damn Georgia drawl, thick as molasses, slips out when she least expects it, and Dick's gray eyes flicker in surprise. "Where are we headed?" Back to Boston proper, like she didn't grow up moving from place to place, like she wasn't born looking over her shoulder, moving from town to town, from carnival to carnival, finally disappearing into the anonymous obscurity of the commune. Once she hit eighteen, she lit out of there, and she doesn't mean to make the same mistakes her mama made, no siree. But standing here, in front of this man, she knows why her mama took her aside when she was just fifteen, back when she still swore she'd never be as wild as Opal Mae, back when she thought she'd still have a chance to be somebody else, other than what she was.

Stay away from the dangerous ones. I don't care if he lights you up inside like a Roman candle on the Fourth of July, baby girl. You play with fire and you're like to get burned.