#carter yellowstone x reader

[jetblack4realz]

damn bars - yellowstone boys

how the yellowstone (& 1923 too) boys react to you getting hit on at the bar

kayce, rip, ryan, carter, spencer

word count total: 5k

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kayce dutton:

you had gone out to the bar for one reason and one reason only: to dance.

you and kayce loved to dance, but you didn't get many opportunities to. so, when one night john took tate for a sleepover, winking at you as he pulled the boy away, you decided to get out there and swing away like you were teenagers again. you grabbed beth and rip to come too, knowing they'd appreciate getting out even if they didn't dance - would rip ever dance? probably not.

it was fun for the first little bit, all the good swing songs playing as he twirled you around the wooden dance floor. you pulled out old tricks he forgot you knew and he twisted and flipped you into cool routines you forgot he knew. when you decided to take a break, kayce heading to the bathroom while you ordered a drink, you just knew something was going to happen.

but, you ordered anyways, eyes on where beth was shaking her ass away to the fun country music playing and where rip was watching her with the fondest smile you'd ever seen from him.

the bartender slid you your drink. you smiled. "thank you."

he nodded at you, walking down the bar to attend to another customer as you leaned your back against the counter, eyes back to your sister-in-law.

"you've really been busting a move out there."

you turned to see a man, taller than you but definitely shorter than kayce, bigger, with a brown hat and black boots. he wasn't necessarily attractive and there was just something about him that made you want to scrunch your nose, so you did.

"yep," you hummed, sipping on your whiskey.

"you've only had the one partner. i'm sure i could show you some moves if you're looking for a new one," he said, glancing to the side as a smile pulled up one side of his mouth. "i don't see him here anymore."

"he'll be back," you told him, setting your drink down and looking him over again. "and even if i was looking for another partner, you don't look like much of a dancer, buddy."

he knitted his brows at that, looking down at you with a curious smirk on his lips. "spicy. i like that."

you wanted to throw up.

"don't call me that," you said. "that was gross."

"oh come on, darling," he said, shifting so he was more in your view. "just one dance? he'll never even know, he ain't here."

"he is." you held up your ring finger, flashing the rock that was your wedding band at him. "i ain't going with you buddy."

and that was when he grabbed you, hand on your hip as he pulled you into him. he smelled like bad beer, cheap cologne, and straight b.o. you instantly pushed away even as he held you tighter, speaking now: "one dance, baby. life is too short to only dance with one man the rest of it."

"life's too short to dance with ugly men," you retorted, scrunching your nose again as you finally, very forcefully pushed him away from you, backing towards where you knew rip was last standing. except he wasn't there.

you looked at the dance floor and your mind was blown. of course the one time rip wheeler decides to take to the dance floor was when you were actively being harassed at the bar.

the guy didn't like your answer and stepped towards you, mouth open to say something before another figure stepped in front of you, one you knew very well. especially since you'd picked out his shirt. you breathed a breath of relief as he glanced back at you, checking you were okay before returning a much more menacing gaze to your advancer.

"i don't know what you've said or done thus far, but the way my wife is lookin at you doesn't look very good for you," kayce said, his eyes turned in a glare as he stepped towards him.

"look, man, all i wanted was a dance, not anything more-"

"a dance is still too much to ask for, especially when she's already said no," kayce said sternly. "leave. now."

"what, like the whole-"

"i'd really love a reason to punch you and if you keep talking you're gonna be giving me one," kayce warned, but the guy didn't get it apparently because he kept going.

"hey, man i didn't do anything-"

kayce looked back at you. "he touch you?"

the moments between you nodding and kayce full on clocking the guy in the jaw went by in literally the blink of an eye. the man stumbled back and kayce swung again, effectively knocking him to the floor. he kicked him then, the man folding in half with a groan. kayce moved to do it again when you grabbed his arm.

"baby, let's just get out of here," you told him. "i don't need you getting in trouble."

"i'm the livestock commissioner, i'll be fine," he said.

"well, then, just..." you moved around him to where the dude was sprawled on the ground, looking up at your husband in fear as some blood tricked from a cut in his lip and also between his teeth. everyone in this town knew kayce dutton could throw a punch.

you stomped on his hand then, hard, earning a shout and an instant recoil. you could've sworn you felt a crunch under the heel of your boot when you did.

"so you can't grab any other girls anytime soon," you said before turning on your heel and grabbing your husband, who looked like he was chomping at the bit to get back to pummeling him. "c'mon, baby."

but, tonight was supposed to be fun. when you pulled him out the front door for some fresh air and maybe to bar hop, you thought to remind him of that. you turned to him with a smile, hand cupping his face just below his jaw. "c'mere, cowboy." you kissed him slowly, his hands falling to your waist almost instantly as he folded to your touch, returning the kiss eagerly.

when you pulled back, he kept you close, kissing you again.

"thank you," you breathed out when you finally broke again, smiling up at him. "i can always count on your mean right hook to get me out of any bad situation."

"i practice it just for that," he said quietly, pecking your lips again.

you laughed lightly. "seriously, thank you though," you said, wrapping your arms around his middle as you relaxed in his hold. "for saving me."

"i'll always save you," he promised, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "and i'm never going to the bathroom while we're out again."

rip wheeler:

to get rip to go out was a chore. it usually took some promising of later nightly activities and some chanting and begging from the wranglers too. and when you finally got him there, he wasn't exactly interactive, mostly just watching you dance and getting you the appropriate amount of refills to keep you semi-aware.

aware for situations like this.

you were dancing the night away with teeter, hands in the air as you laughed and jumped and twirled with your favorite of the cowboys, glancing up at rip regularly to shoot him a wink or shout something about how great his ass looked in those jeans, when suddenly you felt hands on your waist.

you spun around, brows shot straight up as you swatted this strange, tall and skinny man who oddly reminded you of a drugged out, dark haired jimmy, man away from you, stepping back and bumping into teeter. "damn you're ballsy, dude," you said. he stepped back to you, his hands landing on your waist again, fingers brushing over the waistband of your jeans as teeter grabbed your shoulders and helped you shuffle away. "seriously, get off!"

"hey, come back here, baby-"

it was instinctive, really. your father had taught you how to throw a proper punch and rip had taught you the best places to throw it, and well, the first one that came to mind was the throat.

he staggered back with a choked breath, hand rising to his jugular as he stared at you with wide eyes. "you crazy bitch!"

"did you seriously just call me the bitch?" you said, stepping towards him now with your hand balled into a fist.

but, before you could throw another punch and before the psycho dude could fully recover, rip was now in the picture. two extremely well-placed punches sent the creep into the surrounding crowd. no one did or said anything for a few moments, everyone having seen him grab you and insinuating exactly who rip was in this situation.

he turned back to you, grabbing your hand tightly and sending a look teeter's way that had her collecting the rest of the wranglers, who had all suddenly appeared at your side.

"let's go," he said strictly.

"can we go to another bar?" you asked as he dragged you out of the facility and towards the truck. he let out a short laugh.

"there's no way in hell i'm letting you back into another bar anytime soon," he said. "if another psychotic bastard thinks he can put his hands on you i can't promise that i wouldn't kill him right then. it took a lot of restraint not to keep going in there, baby."

"rip, come on, let's have fun tonight - woah!"

and suddenly you were thrown over his shoulder in a fireman carry. he barely even stopped to do it, just scooping you up and continuing on to where he'd parked the truck.

"nope," he said. "and anyways, there's other ways to have fun." he pulled the door open and set you on the passenger seat with a smirk. "you have a couple promises to fulfill for even dragging me here in the first place."

"damn," you mumbled as he gave you a quick kiss, shutting the door and crossing to the other side. as he got in and buckled, you looked over at him with a bit of a dopey smile on your lips. "have i told you i love you recently?"

"i'm sure you have, baby, but i'm happy to hear it again," he told you, smiling your way as he started the truck up.

"well, i do love you. and thank you. that sucked."

"and it ain't ever gonna happen again on my watch," he promised. "he really just snuck up on you there."

"literally crazy."

ryan:

you weren't much of a games girl, which everyone thought was weird given the man you were with. but, you were content to watch, to sit at the bar conversing with the wranglers who weren't involved in the game of pool or dancing, and to watch colby crash and burn as he approached girls again and again.

that last one was your favorite activity.

every now and again you would wander back over to where ryan was playing lloyd or jake, cheer him on, give him a quick kiss, and then return to the designated spot colby kept coming back to after another failed attempt at wooing a tourist.

the tourists were funny too. you could always tell which ones had just bought their hats and boots before or even while they were in montana just to blend in. some of the girls were wearing such california things you wondered if they were wanting to blend in at all, which the answer was no. colby, and plenty of other cowboys, liked the tourists. or at least, for a quick one.

you were watching him with a grin as he stumbled on his words with a pretty brunette, sipping on your drink casually. he was using his hands to emphasize something and she did not seem like she was interested in that something at all. you giggled to yourself.

"you like people watching?"

you glanced to your side to see a shorter man with spiky blond hair at your side. this guy didn't even take a try at a hat, sticking it with bright and shiny new black tecovas with a pointed toe and a snakeskin design that was so opposite of what you were used to.

you didn't think you'd ever been turned off more by a boot.

"yeah, i do," you nodded, looking back at where colby was actively losing his chosen girl's attention. "it's entertaining."

"it is," he agreed, taking the seat next to you. "you from around here?"

for some reason, you laughed. you guessed it was because he was so obviously not from here that for him to ask you if you were was just funny to you. "yep. you ever heard of the yellowstone dutton ranch?"

"it got anything to do with the park?" he asked.

you laughed again before taking a sip of your drink. "no. around here, when people talk about the yellowstone, they're talking about the 800,000 acre cattle ranch just outside of town owned by the livestock commissioner and the oldest family in montana."

he seemed shocked, but he tried to get through it, continuing his little q&a. "you're from there?"

"it's my family that owns it," you answered easily.

"and what's it like owning 800,000 acres of some of the most coveted land in america?" he asked, tilting his head at you. if you hadn't before, you definitely piqued his interest now.

you shrugged. "it's a lot of work, but it's worth it. it's beautiful."

"lonely, though, i bet," he said, and that made you laugh again. wow, he really tried that one.

"no, actually," you told him. "need a good amount of people to run that ranch. don't get too much time to yourself."

"do you want time to yourself?" he asked.

"i'm good with what i've got, thank you," you told him. you looked over at where ryan had caught sight of your predicament and was making his way over to you. you stood, shooting the man at your right a polite smile. "one of the cowboys we've got is particularly attractive. i'm entertained enough, don't you worry about me."

he saw ryan then and stood as well. "i wouldn't say he's particularly attractive. you could do better."

"are you suggesting yourself?" you asked with a laugh, holding an arm out to wrap around ryan's waist as he came to your side, pressing a kiss to the side of your head before eying the man in front of y'all. "sorry, pal. you may be decently cute, but you ain't no cowboy. if you're looking to get lucky in this town it'd do you good to remember that. shoot for your own kind."

the man looked up at ryan. "you her cowboy?"

"damn straight," ryan answered. "you better take that advice. a lot of the cowgirls you'll see around here anyways are taken, you're asking for a fight talking to 'em. you're just lucky she played nice. it's the only reason i am too." ryan nodded, tilting his hat at the man before stepping away and bringing you with him. "best of luck. just not with my girl."

he took you back to the pool table with him where lloyd was laughing at the sight of you. he pressed another kiss to your head.

"did you really have to call him cute?" he asked you.

"decently cute," you reminded with a shake of your head. "i called you particularly attractive, which is an understatement. i just didn't wanna shake the guy's confidence down too much. those boots are doin that enough for him."

ryan laughed. "damn tourists."

carter:

nearly everything carter did reminded beth of how rip was at that age. and nearly everything you did as you consistently visited reminded her of how she was at that age.

it had her worried and excited.

"don't break his heart," she told you one day, cornering you after lunch. "i've been there, i've done that, it's terrible for everyone involved. save yourself the trouble and just snag him now, you know you want him and he wants you. just date, okay? and don't be a bitch later."

the words shocked you, but definitely kicked you into gear. carter was shier than you ever were, awfully polite and gentlemanly as beth had trained him to be, and so you were the one to get him into going to the bar.

"will we even get served here?" he asked, holding your hand as you led him in.

"hell yeah we will," you answered, smiling back at him as you approached the bar. you were quick to pull out your id - a fake one, but one nonetheless - and slide it to the bartender. "an old fashioned please."

"what about me?" carter whispered.

you laughed lightly. "just get your id out, darlin'."

confused but obedient, he pulled out his wallet and was surprised to see a new driver's license in the clear slot he usually kept his in. one that said he was 21.

he held it up as he cleared his throat, catching the bartender's attention. "make that two." he looked back at you. "these any good?"

"i think so," you answered with a shrug. "you ever have bourbon before, or just beer?"

"just beer," he nodded.

"well, hopefully you'll like it," you said with a shrug. "i've seen your dad make them back at the ranch. i'm sure you'll like them."

"oh, he's not my dad," he corrected as the bartender slid them over to y'all.

you furrowed your brows. "really? you look exactly alike."

it was as he was taking his first swig of his drink that you felt someone slide between you and the person sitting next to you, their arm settling on the counter in front of you. you looked up, brows raised as you found a man, definitely in his late 30s, in a nicer shirt than this bar deserved, brand new boots, and what looked to be a cross between dress pants and jeans. interesting.

"can i help you?" you asked, his positioning crowding you into your seat even though you didn't move much. this was your bubble, he was the one who had to get out of it.

"just wondering if you had anyone paying for this drink," he said, his hand now on your whiskey as you narrowed your eyes.

carter moved sharply to stand, but settled when you set a hand on his knee, thumb rubbing circles into his jeans. you offered the guy a very thin, very fake smile.

"that's a nice shirt," you said, earning a wider smile from the man. "where'd you get it?" he almost went to answer, but you continued, your next few sentences stringing together in almost one breath.

"oh, well, i bet you don't know since your wife bought it for you. or - is it ex-wife, now? i don't see a ring, but i definitely see that faded tan line from it being there for years and recently taken off. probably because of a very similar situation we find ourselves in now. your wife is at home, with the kids, waiting for you to take her out to a dinner that will never happen because you're here, scoping out for the youngest woman you can find to sloppily sleep with in the back of your brand new honda civic that you convinced yourself and that girl was some new sports car because it's a 'newer model'."

already, he was in shock, staring at you with a scared kind of wonder that for some reason made you so proud.

you continued. "so, either you're here trying to do that again behind your wife's back, or she's already divorced you, which for her sake i hope is the case, because you seem like a pathetic piece of shit who blames his infidelity on being overworked and undersupported when really you're just a pedophiliac horndog who doesn't understand what the word 'no' means."

you took your drink back from him, taking a sip from it as you watched his expression change between shocked, offended, confused, and embarrassed.

"and yes," you added, "i do have someone to pay for my drink."

he gaped at you as you turned away from him, hand still on carter's knee as you grinned into your glass, sipping from it again. he glanced behind you at carter and you knew he wanted to exclaim how carter was a boy and he was a man, but didn't because he didn't know what else you would say.

"you psycho bitch," he muttered. "all i did was offer to pay for your drink."

"yeah, well i'm quite obviously young enough to be the daughter you had when you accidentally knocked up the drum major when you were a junior, so it's still kind of disgusting," you told him, rolling your eyes. "especially when it's so easy to see that the man i'm sitting next to is my boyfriend, or at the very least, someone else who is paying for my drink because we got them to us at the exact same time and my hand is on his knee. so fuck off, dickwad."

and he did, scoffing as he left. carter turned to look at you with wide eyes before he breathed out a laugh.

"you're my favorite person ever," he said. you smiled at him, shrugging lightly.

"i was trained by the best," you hummed.

he smiled at that before giving you a curious look, tilting his head at you. "so, i'm your boyfriend?"

"i'm hoping," you said, smiling back. "i mean, i really like you, and i think you like me. beth told me to get on with it already because why waste time, hence why we're here. i can call you my boyfriend, right?"

"yeah, yeah you can," he said, nodding as he breathed out a laugh.

you were beaming, maybe even blushing as you glanced away for a few moments before continuing conversation. "how's your drink?"

"surprisingly good," he answered. "you have good taste."

your smile softened a bit as you looked at him, nodding slowly. "yeah, i do." you finished your drink in one swig, setting the glass on the counter. "hey, do you wanna get out of here?"

"but, we just got here," he said, furrowing his brows.

"well, i just have this feeling more situations are going to arise that will either warrant me coming up with more speeches like that or you punching a guy square in the nose, and i'm not in the mood for either," you answered, standing and pulling your wallet from your bag.

"hey, no, i pay," he said. he tossed a ten and a twenty on the counter, his hand going to your lower back as he followed you out of the bar.

"hey carter?" you asked as he opened the passenger door to the truck, holding your hand to help you up. he smiled up at you.

"yeah?"

you reached forward, taking his face in your hand and pressing your lips to his gently. he froze for a minute, but stepped forward to reach you better and deepened the kiss as best he knew how, his hands on your waist as he pulled you closer to him.

when you pulled away, he was grinning, "damn."

spencer dutton:

when you and spencer left for africa, neither of you were fully prepared for the sheer amount of idiot tourists there would be, both on and off the safaris spencer went to go rescue.

most times, you accompanied him on his little adventures that were the hunts, him wanting to keep you close and you wanting to stay out of the city. but, for one fateful leopard chase, he'd told you to stay back at the lodge, which ended up being the right decision. you met back up with him in nairobi, where you'd stayed, and were sat at the bar waiting for him.

now, when a lady was without her man, other men noticed.

and the british men in africa noticed.

"no, thank you," you said with a polite smile as the tall, british man at your side told the bartender that he would pick up your tab. "i've got it taken care of."

"no, my lady, i insist," he said, helping himself to the seat at your side. he turned to the bartender then. "it'll be on mine. and i'll have a sidecar, please."

"a brandy man," you said, raising your brows as you sipped on your glass.

he chuckled, nodding as he then eyed your drink "yes. and... what it is you're drinking, ma'am?"

you smiled at him as you set your drink down. "whiskey."

"whiskey," he repeated. to say he was surprised would be an understatement, his brows raised so high they nearly touched his hairline. he didn't seem put off by it though, a smirk rising to his lips. "very american."

"well, i am american," you answered as you brought the amber drink back to your lips. "and so is my husband."

"and where is your husband?" he asked. there was a certain air to british people that made them seem as if they were always looking out for you and your wellbeing - he did not have it. his smile had shifted as he eyed you and your whiskey and his arm had somehow slid across the bar to nearly be touching yours.

"he's here," you told him, glancing over his shoulder in hopes that spencer would just appear out of the blue. "he's speaking with some coworkers currently."

"ah, a business man," he said with a gruff laugh.

"a hunter," you answered shortly.

his laugh cut short as he watched you with a hanging smirk, waiting for you to laugh and say instead that he was the viscount of hereford or something. but, you didn't. instead, you nodded, smiling as you set your glass against the counter once more.

"yes, he's an awfully good gunman," you continued. "grew up hunting in montana - where we're from. then, he went off to war. and, i mean, surely you've heard war stories about the american armies - they're intense. he learned a lot. it's definitely his area of expertise, shooting, so he does well here."

you felt a hand on your shoulder then, earning a quick check backwards. a smile tugged your lips up as spencer leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, his eyes on the man opposite you.

"you talking about me, darling?" he asked.

"yes, sir, i am," you hummed before turning to smile at the british man. "this is my husband, spencer dutton."

"i've heard about you," he stammered, brows knitted tightly as he stared at spencer. "you're the hunter, the one on the safaris who shoots the maneaters. the american."

"he's been hung up on the american thing," you mumbled to spencer, shooting him a sideways smile and shrug.

"yeah, i am american," spencer said with a bit of a huff. "had to clean up after y'all during the war, so i thought i might as well keep doing it here. just a bit more exotic, being in africa and all."

the guy didn't know really what to say, looking to you for help but you sure as hell weren't about to offer it. spencer's hand rubbed across the expanse of your shoulders, lingering on the exposed skin he could find.

"now, i appreciate you keeping my lady here safe while i was off, but it'd be good of you to move on now," he said, his brows raised as he eyed him.

"yes, of course sir," the guy answered, standing quickly. he looked to you, offering a tight smile as he nodded. "ma'am."

you nodded in return, an amused smile growing on your lips as you turned back to spencer. "it's about time you showed up. i thought you got eaten by that leopard."

"two leopards, actually," he said with a sigh as he sat on the chair next to you. he smiled when he met your eyes, reaching forward to grab the seat of the chair beneath your legs and pulling it towards him, the legs making a dull screeching sound before he stopped you in front of him. "i missed you."

"i missed you too," you answered, smiling as you reached a hand up to cup his jaw and bring his mouth to yours. he was happy to oblige, his hands on your waist as he tugged you to the edge of your seat.

"you're not leaving my sight for a while, baby," he mumbled as he kissed you again.

you laughed, shaking your head when you pulled back. "i reckon we should probably get back to our room then, hun. i wanna hear all about your hunt."

"i got hit on," he told you with a shrug, his grin growing as you raised a brow.

"serious?" you wondered as he stood, taking your hand and stepping back to let you out from between the bar.

"i'll tell you about it in our room," he said with a hum. you held up a hand as you began walking to the door.

"i don't wanna hear it," you said with a shake of your head. "i mean, she was probably right for thinking it-"

"they."

"they?"

"they."

"they were probably right for thinking it, but those things they were likely dreaming up about your cute face? that's my reality, baby. and i'mma make you say a lot of things that have nothing to do with those other ladies."

he laughed thinly, squeezing your hand as you pulled him out into the night air and down towards your hotel. his steps quickened as he moved close behind you, a certain urgency in his tone as he mumbled in your ear. "you never fail to, baby."

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[romaevelizz]

Sandpaper ˖ ࣪⊹

Carter Dutton-Wheeler x oc!Crystal Maverick

3.)Just a Momment!

sum: It’s been days since they’ve been able to hangout, their moments together short and always interrupted. Carter is starting to realize it’s harder to keep to himself than he thought.

warning: tension, story goes through multiple days at a time, cursing, Teens being teens, Carter being a sassy irritated teenager, psa!IM NOT A RODEO EXPERT I J LIKE THE AESTHETIC! Not proofread yet!

Unfortunately, Carter found himself unable to spend time with Crystal the following day or even the day after that. With the ranch bursting at the seams with activities and Crystal busy preparing for the upcoming rodeo, she was unable to use the pin at the barn, which meant she spent hours away from the ranch. The lengthy days dragged on for Carter, each one feeling excruciatingly long as he constantly thought about her. He found himself hoping for a serendipitous encounter with her, even if it was just a fleeting moment at the end of a long day, but luck was not on his side.

Lloyd, ever the observant man, began to pick up on Carter’s distracted demeanor, as did Rip, whose no-nonsense attitude cut through the haze of Carter’s thoughts. Rip would often bark at him to pull his head out of the clouds, his voice a sharp contrast to the gentle nudges from Lloyd, who would remind him, albeit more kindly, to stay focused. Despite their varying approaches, both men recognized that Carter was losing himself in daydreams, a distraction that was becoming harder for him to ignore.

Sunday hit the evening late Carter decide to stay out a bit longer and thank god he did. Crystal had come in with Theo putting him away for the day she must have not noticed him because when he spoke up she jumped startled form his voice. “SHIT CARTER, you scared me!” she screeched laughing a little.

Carter couldn't help but laugh a little himself walking closer to her “ Im sorry did mean to scare ya!” he chuckled watching as she closed the stable.

She shook her head smiling at him, ugh he missed her face and it had only been two days; kill him he thought. The two teens ended up talking for a bit small talk and catching up whenever it fell to silence it wasn't awkward but it felt different as she held his gaze and a lazy smile on her lips. She was exhausted and he could tell she was a bit sore from the way she kept stretching out. Carter helped her feed Theo, telling her to sit down that he could do it that he didn't mind. She talked to him a bit as he walked back and forth throwing hay and feed into Theo's bucket even refilling the horse's water. She laid her back against the stable as she sat on the two small bundles of hay, them standing on the ground enough her feet didn't touch the ground.

Crystal couldnt help but simply admire him his shirt sleeves short giving her a show as his arms flexed picking up the bundle of hay and organizing them after taking one apart. A small smile on his face as she talked to him, Carter listening to everything she said. Her eyes would scan him face when the barn fell silent a little giddy smile on her face as she did so, he was handsome, generous, soft-spoken, and strong. God what was not to like? Carter was so eager to please, eager to please her it seemed. Hands in her lap she smiled up at Carter as he came back out leaning against the opposite stall. “Thank you Carter, really..” She hummed leaning forward her hands form on the hay underneath her.

He stood up a bit straighter watching as she tilted her head teasingly her eyes never leaning his, “ Of course, anything you need Crystal.” he spoke softly a bit nervous.

She grinned, yeah she knew what she was doing. “ Anything I need?” she asked.

Carter nodded his eyes on her watching as she stood up “Hm ill keep that in mind than Carter..” she smiled.

Carter felt the steady thump of his heart echoing in his chest, a rhythm that quickened as he savored the sound of his name as it slipped from her lips. Each syllable was like a gentle caress, wrapped in the warmth of her voice, which was nothing short of enchanting. Her words lingered in the air, weaving a spell that captured his attention entirely, making the world around them fade into a distant blur.

The air around them was thick as she found her was a bit closer to him, he felt so stupid, a girl literally had him at her feet. Whats worse is that she knew it. The moment was cut short with the voice of Rio calling out for Carter, Crystal stepped back quickly giving them space right before her turned the corner into the barn his eyes catching them. “There you are,” his gaze met her Rip giving her a small nod before his attention went back to his son “You need to be up at the house in 10.” was all he said. Crystal noticed a look given to Carter by Rip, Carter rolling his eyes a bit letting out an annoyed sigh after Rip left.

“What was that?” Crystal asked a small giggle stepping toward him. “Nothing just him being… well dad like.” he explained unclearly.

Crystal hummed “well hopefully ill catch you later.” she smiled

“Yeah-”

“CARTER! Lets go!” Rips vouce yelled.

Carter groaned “See you later Cryst” he spoke quickly giving a nod of his hat as sphe ran out the barn.

As the evening dragged on, it became increasingly clear to Carter that something was off. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the conversation, Ril always seemed to interrupt at the most inopportune moments, grating on his nerves. With every interruption, Carter felt his irritation grow. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Rip was somehow orchestrating these distractions, perhaps trying to keep them apart on purpose. If it wasn’t Rip causing the disruption, I was someone else or something else from truly engaging with her.

Carter couldn't help but notice the way she subtly leaned in closer, her playful, flirty demeanor unmistakable. It was as though she was teasing him, inviting him to join in her game. Yet, every time he summoned the courage to flirt back, he found himself stumbling over his words, feeling foolish and anxious instead of smooth and confident. It frustrated him to no end. Just when he thought he could make a clever remark, she would shift closer, her laughter ringing lightly in the air.

“Smooth,” she’d tease, her voice laced with amusement and admiration. The twinkle in her eye made it clear that she enjoyed th way he got nervous, but every time he managed to catch her off guard, it only left him feeling more flustered. The atmosphere grew thick with an unspoken tension. The subtle yet meaningful gestures she made didn't escape his notice. He often caught the gentle brush of her fingertips against his cheek, whether she was wiping away dirt or deftly smoothing his hair. Her hand would occasionally glide over his arm, a light, fleeting contact that sent a shiver through him. And when she laughed, the warmth of her shoulder would lean into his, a silent invitation that sparked a connection between them. Each little touch held a weight of intimacy, weaving an invisible thread that pulled them closer together.

Thursday finally hit, the afternoon sun hot, Carter was sitting under a tree in the yard by himself thinking to himself. “Hey stranger!” Crystals voice startled him out of his thoughts.

“Hi!” he smiled up at her, watching as she sat down next to him her body facing him.

“Hows you're day been cowboy?” she asked leaning back on her hands.

Carter shrugged “been alright, hot as hell though.” he sighed.

She nodded “It very much is, giving Theo break, and me thinkin’ I deserve it!” she laughed.

“So do you, been working your ass off out there.”she hummed.

Carter glanced at her raising a brow “Been watching me ya weirdo!” he teased.

She rolled her eyes pushing him playfully “So what if I am!” she laughed.

“Like the view.” she spoke under her breath.

“What?” Carter asked.

She looked up at him her eyes wide “Hm? Nothing!” she smiled innocently.

Carter scoffed playfully “Youre lying! What did you say!” he spoke turning to her.

Her panicked giggle as he got closer to her him still asking. “I didn't say anything you freak you're hearing things!” she laughed.

“Youre so full of shit-” he laughed, before he could say anything else he was cut off by the voice of Rip calling him back to work.

She watched his face drop, clearly irritated. She smiled softly at him “Looks like you're being summoned Cowboy..” she spoke her hand moving to fix his collar. Carter groaned nodding.

“Yeah, guess my lunch is over.” she sighed getting up, he began to grab his garbage so stopped by Crystal.

“I got it baby don't worry about it, go on head back I'll hopefully see you later.” she smiled at him.

Carter gave her a half-hearted smile, a silent thank you, as he turned away, irritation simmering just beneath the surface—not directed at her, of course, but rather at the constant interruptions that kept catching them. As he made his way to the barn, he paused, suddenly freezing in his tracks. “What did she call me?” he muttered under his breath, realization hitting him in the face. Whipping around, he caught a glimpse of her as she stood, her brother at her side, both of them moving away together.

Turning back, a small grin crept onto his face as the realization sunk, a light flickering in his eyes. “What’s got you all bushy-tailed?” Lloyed chuckled, noticing the shift in Carter’s demeanor, the irritation lifting and replaced by a spark of amusement.

“Nothing.” Carter grinned at the older gentleman walking past him.

Few more days had gone by small comments and few worded conversation were the only thing the two got away with. Then Saturday hit, it was after four o'clock he was off of work as she had put her horse away and started walking out to her trailer up the hill. Would they finally get to hang out?

Catching up to her a quick call of her name ha her turn in her heels quickly. “Hi, Carter!” she smiled watching the boy slow down from running he was a bit out of breath. She stepped close to him patting his chest playfully her hand resting on him “Breath man, breath.” she giggled he hand sliding down his chest, making him shutter nervously.

“Sorry,” he laughed, “but was wondering if you wanted to hang out, not quite sure what we can do, but heard the bunk guys talk about so like street part?”

She tilted her head curiously “Like they play music out in the street, there's food, and other stuff minors are allowed so thought that be fun dress up a bit- not like fancy ya know- nit like a date. Unless you want it to be a date- I don't mind- or we could go just as friends up to you though!” he rambled nervously, his hands moving a bit, soon falling to his head, his head falling as he let out a groan feeling stupid for how he sounded.

Crystal laughed a little leaning down meeting his gaze from rm being hunched over “Are you asking me out Carter?” she smiled.

“Basically…” he muttered.

She nodded “when are we leaving?”

He stood up straight quickly “Is that's a yes?”

She hummed nodding “so when should I be ready?” she asked again.

He smiled excitedly “An hour I can meet you at your trailer!”

“Sound good to me you drivin’ or am I?” she asked stepping backwards slowly with a smile on her face.

“I drive! I can see if I can borrow a-”

“You can drive mine.” she spoke before walking up the hill.

“Okay..” he said softly a grin in his face, he pumped his fist as he stepped backwards twords the house is he could go get cleaned up.

Running up to the house he came in a bit loud catching the attentionof Beth and John. “Hey!” John called out stopping Carter.

“Yes? Sorry didn't mean to come in to loud.” he apologized quickly.

“Where are you heading in a hurry?” Beth asked.

Shit he hadent even asked if he could go out, well here was his chance “I was gonna go get cleaned up, hoping I could go out with the bunk house to town?” he asked.

“Who else is going? Because if it was just the wranglers you wouldn't be getting cleaned up.” she spoke knowing better.

“… Crystal..” he said quietly.

A small smirk appeared on her lips “Go ahead, have fun stay out of trouble. Might see you down there myself.” she spoke.

“If you guys do and Rip ends up coming PLEASE keep him busy he's after me can't talk or even hang out with her without him interrupting.” he groaned dramatically his hands rubbing down hs face.

John let out a laugh “ Rips doing you a favor” the sound of a deep voice came form behind Carter, his gaze looking over meeting Elijahs

“Supprised Mikey hasn't been up y'all ass.” Carter watched his jaw a bit droped as her father talked to him. “But again, he might be doing you a favor kid. My daughter is trouble, not really in the crazy need to keep an eye on her sense, but in honestly she's a flirt; a charming girl and seems like she has you wrapped around her finger.” Mr. Maverick laughed walking towards John and Beth. 

Carter stood up “She is.. To be honest myself sir I just asked her in a last minute date… could've been better planed but-”

“You asking my permission?” Elijah asked.

“Well.. I guess so..” He spoke cautiously.

“Go ahead make sure she has fun, she seems to have taken a liking to you I don't kind it I like you. Just don't hurt her because then I'd have to hurt you That, my baby,” he spoke taking a sip of his drink his eyes never leaving the boys to intimidate him. Not that Carter planed on hurting her, her dad just got a lot more scary than when he first met him. At least Mr. Maverick liked him right?

“Yes sir. She's safe with me.”

Elijah hummed “I know.”

Carter nodded turning to go up the stairs ti get ready. He just hoped this night would have any interruptions. Nothing that would keep them from enjoying the night.

tags: @nomournersonefuneral

[n3tworksucks]

if yall watch yellowstone. I need to write for carter- like needd to. PLEASE ASK FOR HIM PLEASE POR FAVOR PLEASE

[bellarkeselection]

We’re All Family Here

Reader is Carter’s younger sister and she has a prosthetic leg and the reader is worried that Rip and Beth will kick her off the ranch if they found out. Wattpad request from - @Quackity_bwead

Pulling down the Jean of my right leg I sighed staring at myself in the mirror that was in my room in Rip and Beth’s house. My brother Carter was already up for work in the barn but I got to sleep in this morning which was rare. Walking out of the house I headed to the barn with large Y above the doorway. The sun had just started to rise above the mountains and everybody was busy already working. Taking my horse out of the stall I climbed on feeling my fake leg hanging over. “Alright boy, let’s go.”

Kicking my horse we rode off towards the sunset with the wind running through my hair. I was wearing a tan dark cowgirl hat and my hair was tied in a braid. Riding through the fields I saw my older brother Carter who was trying to rope a cafe but it started running at me. “Y/n, watch out!” He cried when the cafe got underneath my horses leg and it spooked causing the horse to throw me off its back.

“Sis I’m sorry. I just couldn’t get a good hold on it.” My brother apologized coming over on his horse while Ryan rode past me to go grab my horse that had ran off somewhere else.

Rubbing the back of my neck I winced feeling some pain but it wasn’t as bas I have normally been through. Shifting my gaze away from my brother I saw that Rip was riding over to us. He dismounted his horse quickly dropping himself on a knee in front of me. “What the hell happened, kid. You can’t be injuring any of our guys!..are you hurt Y/n?”

“No just sore a little.” I shook my head not understanding why his deep brown eyes seemed to be filled with concern.

Rip moved closer to me touching my right leg and he pulled up the fabric of my pant. Once he saw something odd sticking out of your pant leg he knew something must be wrong. “Then what exactly is wrong with your leg here?” He questioned me where I finally noticed that he had seen my fake leg.

“I….uh….” I yanked my leg back feeling my face turn red being embarrassed over this. Carter wasn’t with me the night of the accident. I was just driving back to our place with our dead beat dad until someone rear ended me harshly.

Rip saw that I wasn’t going to answer him so he called to Ryan who had brought back my horse. “Ryan, take her back to the ranch.” Getting to my feet I climbed back on my horse and followed the ranch hand back to the ranch then he went back to work like Rip had asked him.

Laying on my bed inside my room I stared at the ceiling in silence and a pit of nervousness. Sitting upright I knew I had messed up or more so my brother had. I had done my best to keep the fact that I had a prosthetic leg a secret. In fear that if they knew I would be removed from the ranch. Someone came down the hallway and I lifted my head up seeing it was Beth. “Hi mom….uh what’s up?” I nervously asked since she had just started letting me call her that.

“I heard about your fall today from Rip. I’m happy you shook it off but we need to talk about something.” She entered the bedroom before I saw that Rip was also walking in behind her heels.

Playing with my thumbs in my lap I avoided their gazes when they came to sit down on the bed. Well Beth did leaving Rip standing directly in front of me. “So are you going to tell me about your leg or no?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it…” I gulped trailing off in my response already knowing the answer they would give me.

It was hard enough for Carter to prove that he would be a good worker. I already was a good hand but the fake leg wasn’t a good look. John Dutton had the greatest ranch in Montana and that means he should have close to the best people working for him. “You better tell us otherwise things will get ugly.” Beth warned me with her annoyed look and I froze knowingly.

"It's...it's about my prosthetic leg..." Rolling my pants leg, I made it visible to their gaze, and I didn't dare make eye contact with either of them. "I didn't want to tell you about it because I've been sp terrified of what you would say. Even though I get my work done, nobody else on this ranch has one. So I....just assumed that you would kick me off the ranch over it."

Rip put his hands on his hips, tilting my head to the side slightly. "That's totally ridiculous, Y/n. We would never do that."

"This family may be complicated, but we don't abandon our family members." Beth shifted on her spot on the bed, grasping my hand in hers.

Hanging my mouth open I couldn't believe it. "Really but I thought that-"

"That what us having some cowboys from the prison and others in debt wouldn't have given you the message that we take in the trouble so they can have a home." Rip declared, coming to sit down beside me, tucking hair behind my ear.

I parted my lips without thinking I fling my arms around his neck hugging him tightly. Rip stiffened up at the embrace but calmed down after a second and wrapped his arms around me with the same comfort. “Thank you….I didn’t think you would let me stay.” I sniffed against his chest.

“Anyone who has a problem with that will have to deal with me.” Beth responded after I hugged her and she actually hugged me back too to my surprise. I smiled at the pair knowing that Carter and I were gonna do really good here. This wasn’t just a rnhc, it was a family for everybody.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[i-heart-yellowstone]

17 - Awkward Family Dinner

Part 18

Raised Fair Share of Hell

Tag list @bvbwestfall @hcwthewestwaswcn @child-of-of-the-sunshine @elenavampire21 @keep-the-wolves-close @kmc1989 @tallrock35

The evening came sooner than I expected and I figured it would be an interesting dinner considering John had freed Summer and put her on house arrest here. Leaving her and Beth to most likely get into it sometime tonight. John was at the head of the table. Kayce and I took the chairs on the end. Carter was sitting next to Faith who had Rip on her other side and Beth beside him. Summer ended up being close to the governor like his daughter. Gator entered the room sitting down multiple trays of meat noticing Summer sitting at the table. "Oh I'm sorry ma'am. If I had known I would have made you something else."

"Give her what we feed the horses, Gator." Beth scoffed glaring across the table at the girl.

Biting my lip I forked some food on each of the twins plates so they were distracted with eating rather than watching what was about to happen. "Gator she'll be here for 6 months so could you make something that she can eat in the future?" John asked the cook.

"So uh what we have prepared here is an esuremain of game. There on the left vension-"

Summer interrupts him. "Which is to say a deer you shot that was just minding its own business."

"Yes that's right...beside that we'll have roast duck-" He started again but it didn't matter.

She asked a question intertwining her hands together. "Do you realize duck's mate for life?"

"If it helps I killed them both-"

She scoffed as I covered my mouth with my hands trying to not laugh at how ridiculous she was being. "It doesn't make it better. It makes its twice as bad. And what is this little creature that can't even feed one person?"

Kayce glanced at me then shifted his gaze to Faith and Carter who were just watching like the rest of us. "Actually I serve four per person.."

"So you kill four and what is this mystery?" Summer points towards the plate in front of her.

Gator slumped his shoulders and I felt bad for him that she wasn't being a very good guest. Because she could go back to prison if she liked. "Uh that's a dove."

"Dove, the bird of peace." Summer raised a brow. “You’re serving the fucking bird of peace for dinner.”

Kayce chuckled while taking a drink. “Dove is pretty good.” I throw my head back laughing because of how painfully awkward this whole dinner conversation was.

Beth sat down on her napkin, eyeing the girl. "Summer, let's you and I take a walk. Maybe I can educate you on our different ways of life."

"Our different cultures.." She snarled back letting her lead her out of the house.

Tate reached forward alongside my husband taking some of the duck from the plate. I forked some deer on mine about to take a bite until Faith showed me her empty plate. "Can I have seconds?"

I covered my hand with my mouth trying to conceal my laughter. “You’re just like your father, Faithy Rae.”

"How about you let others get some first you two." Kayce chuckled through a bright grin.

Rip focused his attention back on his boss asking softly. "Sir, do you want me to go after them?"

"I think that's a terrible idea, Rip." John chuckled, shaking his head, getting some meat on his plate. I couldn't hold in my laughter anymore so I just start hitting my fist on the table hearing him tell Gator I'll have four.

Carter watched Faith raise her hand asking like she was in school. "Is there any cake tonight?" Everyone at the table just smiled and laughed at her innocent question.

"Yes granddaughter, Gator is making dessert." Her grandfather replied as Rip got up to go check on them outside. When he came back both girls were beaten pretty badly and you could see blood on their faces. Summer ended up just eating some mashed potatoes until John returned with a first aid kit.

After dinner I slowly sat down in the porch swing just looking up at the stars in peaceful silence until the front door gently closed. Turning my head in that direction I smiled seeing my husband who sits down beside me. "I was looking for you."

"Were you already missing me after we had dinner with your family?" I smiled up at him running my fingers through his hair since he wasn't wearing his hat at the moment.

“Just a little bit, Lissa Rae.” He sighed enjoying the feeling where he rests his head on my shoulder intertwining my freehand with his left.

Running my hand up the side of his face he leaned into my palm. “Awe poor Kayce.”

“Don’t judge me, woman.” He sent me a small glare. I crossed my fingers that tomorrow would just be about us and the family. Riding horses and doing what we loved and teaching that spirit into our children. "If Carter and Faith try to share a tent I'm gonna punch him."

"He's a kid, Kayce." I scoffed at not taking him seriously.

He lifted his head up not changing his facial expression meaning he was dead serious about this. "I ain't kidding darlin'. I'm not comfortable with the idea."

"Have you forgotten that we got into much more trouble than they ever have. I mean we got arrested, drank underage and you got me pregnant in high school. I think you’re worrying far too much about them." I replied, tucking hair out from in front of his eyes where he nodded softly yes.

We allowed the familiar silence to surround us again just watching for any shooting stars. He wrapped his arms around my waist tugging me to sit on his lap. Laying my head against his chest he put his chin on top of my head until I started giggling. "I can't believe our kids were eating like wild dogs. Tearing all that meat apart so easily."

"Yeah that was pretty fun. Summer would have probably thrown up at the sight. Don't you think Lissa Rae?" Kayce chuckled with a huge smile and my heart swooned seeing him happy again.

Lifting my head up I softly kissed him. He leans into it resting one hand to cradle my cheek in his hand. "I agree with that, cowboy. I wonder who they got that instinct from hmm?"

"Don't act like you wouldn't tear up my mother's biscuits exactly like that." He teased me while twirling some loose strands of my hair in between his fingers.

Wrapping my arms around his neck I smirked when he leaned forward kissing me deeply. I moaned into the kiss, twisting my fingers in his brown curls. But he broke the kiss before we got too heated and ended up making love tonight. "Let's get to bed darlin'. We've got a long ride on horseback tomorrow."

“Oh hang on. Someone’s calling me.” I put my phone up to my right ear hearing my sister’s voice.

“Alissa, are you free tomorrow?”

I looked at my husband confused. “Uh no. I’m going to bring down cattle for the branding. Why is something wrong at our ranch?”

“The lawyers are coming up tomorrow. Mom has to sign over the ranch to us after what happened to daddy.”

Bringing my freehand to my mouth I blinked through some heavy tears having to remember what happened when our families were attacked a year ago. “I - um - can you hold them off until I come back in a few days. This is really important for both our ranches since I’ll be helping brand our cattle too.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Just be safe out there.” My sister responded before I hung up the phone.

“Yeah, you guys two.” Kayce gently touched my arm before I flung my body against his sobbing heavily before I had even looked him in the eye. He knew what had happened during the family attack had changed me and my family for the rest of our lives.

[colorfulrunawaytragedy]

Chapter Two: Silent Savior

The house on the corner wasn’t much to look at, but Carter had gotten used to that. Foster homes always fell into two categories—meticulously polished and soulless, or rundown and neglected. This one, with its too-perfect lawn and flower boxes brimming with cheerful daisies, leaned toward the former. The curtains always looked freshly ironed, the doormat was pristine, and the porch light never flickered. The family inside was the kind Carter didn’t quite know what to do with. David and Maria smiled too often, spoke too softly, and never raised their voices—not even when the youngest foster kid, Rosie, knocked over an entire jug of orange juice at breakfast.

“Accidents happen,” Maria had said, reaching for a towel with a serene smile.

Carter had braced himself that day, ready for the shouting or the slam of a hand on the table. It never came. It wasn’t just the lack of anger that threw him off. It was the consistency. David, a stocky man with graying hair and an easy laugh, was always asking how Carter’s day was or offering to help him with his homework. Maria, with her patient eyes and endless supply of casseroles, acted like she genuinely cared about the kids in her home. But it was too much. Too nice. Carter wasn’t used to kindness without strings attached. He waited for the other shoe to drop, for the inevitable punishment that followed even the smallest mistake. But it never came. Despite the stability they offered, Carter couldn’t shake the restlessness in his chest. His father might have been a mess—a man whose life was a chaotic swirl of poor choices and broken promises—but he was Carter’s mess. And no amount of fresh-baked cookies or warm smiles could fill the ache of missing him. 

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That night, after yet another failed attempt to scrounge up something worth pawning, Carter trudged home. The streets were quiet, lit only by the soft glow of street lamps. His hoodie pockets were empty, and his stomach growled, a constant reminder of his failed mission. He was halfway home when he spotted her. She was sitting on the porch of a small, weathered house across the street from his foster home. Wrapped in a chunky sweater, she held a steaming mug in her hands. A plate of cookies rested beside her, untouched. Her eyes met his, soft and unassuming, and something about her presence made him pause.

“Long day?” she asked, her voice low and gentle, like she already knew the answer.

Carter froze. His instinct told him to keep walking, to avoid the conversation. But her tone wasn’t probing. It wasn’t nosy or pitying—it just was.

“Something like that,” he mumbled, his hands shoved deeper into his pockets.

She nodded toward the step beside her. “Come sit. There’s enough for two.”

Carter hesitated, but the warmth of her voice—and the smell of chocolate wafting from the mug—won out. He climbed the steps and settled onto the porch. She handed him a mug without a word and nudged the plate of cookies toward him.

“Thanks,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The cocoa was hot, sweet, and richer than anything he’d tasted in months. He sipped it slowly, unsure of what else to say. She didn’t push. They sat in silence, the kind that wasn’t awkward or heavy. It felt... safe. For the first time in a long time, Carter felt the tightness in his chest loosen, just a little. The sound of tires crunching gravel broke the quiet. Her movements shifted instantly. She set her mug down with deliberate care, her shoulders stiffening as she glanced at the driveway.

“That’s my husband,” she said, her voice calm but clipped. Her hand twitched slightly, like she wanted to reach for Carter but thought better of it. “Just follow my lead, okay?”

Carter’s pulse quickened as he saw the man step out of the car. He was tall and broad, his sharp eyes scanning the porch before landing on Carter. There was nothing warm about his gaze—it was cold, calculating, and predatory.

“Who’s this?” the man asked, his voice laced with false pleasantness.

She stepped forward, her body a shield between Carter and the man. “He’s one of the kids from the foster home across the street,” she said smoothly. “I was just about to send him back.”

Her tone was calm, but Carter caught the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped the edge of the porch railing just a little too tight. She turned back to Carter, handing him a thermos and a bag of cookies like they were old friends. She ruffled his hair in an almost motherly gesture and smiled—a soft, careful thing that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“You better get going,” she said, her voice steady. “Maria will be worried if you’re late.”

Carter nodded, clutching the thermos tightly as he stood. He forced himself to walk down the steps, feeling the man’s eyes boring into his back. He didn’t look back until he reached the sidewalk. The sight made his stomach churn. The man had wrapped an arm around her waist, his grip too tight to be affectionate. Her body was stiff, her smile plastered and false. She waved at Carter, her hand trembling just slightly. Carter waved back, but his chest ached. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That night, lying in his bed, Carter couldn’t stop thinking about her. About the way her entire demeanor had shifted when her husband came home. About the careful way she spoke, the way she’d shielded him without hesitation. It hit him then—she hadn’t questioned him, hadn’t pried, because she understood. She knew what it was like to just need a moment of peace without explaining yourself.

Taglist: @yourgirlypop

[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 ❤️

[jetblack4realz]

sleeping together - carter wheeler

summary - beth and rip, in particular, really struggle with letting you and carter sleep in the same room, in the same bed, all alone

word count - 1.4k

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it had gotten really late really quickly, you realized as you checked your phone. 12:27am.

"shit," you mumbled, throwing the covers off of you and beginning to move out of carter's bed. he sat up quickly, reaching to pull you back towards him, hand wrapped around your torso.

"hey, where are you going?" he asked quickly as you pulled his hand off of you.

"it's past midnight," you told him, clicking your phone on again to show him. he grimaced. "i've gotta get home."

"you sure you can't stay?" he asked. he shut the lid of his laptop and set it on his bedside table, watching you with a frown.

you pulled on your shoes and shook your head. "sorry, cowboy, but i don't think so. your parents would skin me alive if i did."

you stood to head to the door, offering him a hand. he sighed and took it, letting you pull him out of the bed and out his open bedroom door - a rule of rip's.

you pulled your coat off the hook by the door, beginning to pull it on when beth entered the room, her brows furrowed as she watched carter give you a quick goodbye kiss, his hand on your lower back still. "you leaving?"

"it's past midnight," was your only answer.

"it's snowing," she said, glancing out the window behind you.

"i've got my truck."

"you're not driving," rip said, walking in the room behind his wife with his forever frown on his face. "it's been coming down for a few hours now. your shitty truck ain't making it, kid."

"so, what?" you asked, raising a brow. "i can't stay, i can't leave - what the hell do you recommend i do?"

it was this spunk that endeared the wheelers to you and scared the shit out of carter. he watched rip carefully as beth chuckled lightly.

"you stay, obviously. you're not leaving, honey," she told you. "you're always welcome here."

"yep," rip seconded. "i ain't having you get in a wreck on my watch."

you and carter exchanged incredulous looks. "okay. let me just call my dad real quick."

"i'll call him," beth said, waving a hand at you and carter. "you two get ready for bed. carter still has work in the morning."

"it's a sunday-"

"you know how it goes," rip sighed.

"i didn't have to work sundays back at-"

"it's just you, me, and lloyd. we work every day out here. now, go get ready for bed. we'll call your parents, honey."

you smiled, nodding lightly as you put your coat back on the rack and grabbed carter's hand. "okay. thank you."

rip just nodded as you pulled carter away back to his bedroom.

"i'll be up at the crack of dawn just so you know," he told you as he pulled out two pairs of sweats and one sweatshirt - you were already wearing one of his. he tossed you your pants. "won't be getting a ton of sleep."

"at least it'll be good sleep," you answered, smiling at him as you moved to press a kiss to his lips. "i always get the best sleep when i'm with you, even if it's just for thirty minutes or two hours."

"in this case, it'll at least be four," he laughed, kissing you again.

"hey!" you guys turned quickly to see rip with raised brows and a finger pointed in your direction. "none of that. nope."

you laughed, nodding. you grabbed your pants and moved out of the room towards the bathroom. "i'm gonna change."

while you did, you could hear rip giving carter a stern talking to about keeping your hands to yourselves. you giggled to yourself, knowing nothing was going to happen while everyone was still in the house, but also knowing rip wasn't gonna give it up.

you walked out into the hallway, pausing when you saw carter and rip in the doorway to his room.

"we won't! i promise. trust me," carter said. he braced himself for his next question, glancing at the still open door and then back to rip. "but, can i shut the door?"

rip looked at him with raised brows, his hands resting on his hips.

"there's no way in hell you just fucking asked me that."

"i can't sleep with the door open!"

"why the hell not?"

"i don't know, it's just a thing, okay? look, we're not sleeping together, we're just sleeping together. it's not a big deal."

"if it ain't a big deal, then you can learn to get over your stupid open door thing."

"what? that's not even the same - i can't just get over it."

"well, you better learn to, son, because there's not a chance in hell that that door is gonna end up shut," rip said told him.

you glanced past them to see a smiling beth, shaking her head at her husband even though you knew she agreed with him. you didn't care either way, you just wanted to be able to go to sleep in peace.

"carter!" you called, catching both of the wheeler men's attention. "let's just sleep on the couch. grab your blankets, come on. it'll be like a slumber party."

rip grinned, clapping his hands together as you approached. "perfect, all out in the open. you know, i like you more every time you come over."

"thanks mr. wheeler," you laughed as he gave you a one-armed hug.

carter changed into his sweats and then followed you out to the living room, collapsing on the couch with his comforter surrounding him. you threw two pillows at his head, the boy laughing as he caught them and sat up to put them underneath him.

"you know, he's just protective because carter's a lot like him," beth told you as she came to your side, a small smile on her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest. "and you're a lot like me. and we used to get into all sorts of trouble without my daddy knowing."

you laughed. "well, you don't got to worry, mrs. wheeler. his rules are pretty efficient - aint' nothing happening tonight."

"it's not just tonight i'm worried about," she mumbled, smiling at you again as she turned to leave. she squeezed your arm. "goodnight, honey. goodnight baby!"

carter's response was instant. "goodnight momma!"

you watched to see if she'd flinch or shoot him a look, but she didn't, instead smiling as rip followed her up the stairs. he shot carter a look.

"sleep well, you two," he said.

"goodnight mr and mrs. wheeler," you said as he flicked the lights off and you approached carter again.

he opened his arms, opening the blanket as well as you fell onto his chest. this was a regular position for you two and you snuggled into his chest naturally.

"that's an improvement," you mumbled, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"yeah, first night we're sleeping together," he said with a chuckle straight from his chest that shook your relaxed figure. "that they know about."

"not that. your mom. she let you call her momma."

he smiled lightly at that, his hand rubbing up and down your back. "yeah, it's a recent development. i guess i do it enough that she's finally given up trying to stop me."

"you're her son, she ain't ever gonna see you any different. i don't see the point in her not letting you both fully accept that," you said quietly.

"yeah, me neither. i'm glad for it."

"i'm glad for you."

he pressed a kiss to the top of your head, the hand around your waist pulling you further up his chest. you looked up at him, smiling at the smile he was giving you before he shortened the space between you and pressed his lips to yours.

his hands were efficient as he pulled you closer to him, beginning to sit up to get a better angle before you broke away, laughing a bit. "carter."

"what?" he asked with a teasing smile.

"we're supposed to sleep."

"i'm just giving you a goodnight kiss," he defended lamely, reconnecting your lips in a slow kiss.

and then the worst happened.

"hey! none of that shit!" rip yelled, looking down over the railing that led to the upstairs. "quit it or i swear i'm gonna make y'all sleep in separate rooms."

"sir, yes sir!" you called, saluting him before settling back onto carter's chest with a laugh.

rip raised his brows at the boy, earning a sigh from carter. "okay, yes, fine."

"good. goodnight."

"goodnight." carter adjusted you in his arms again, laying down in a more comfortable sleeping position against his pillows and pulling the comforter up to your shoulders. "he's a pain."

"he loves you," you mumbled, leaning up to press a short kiss to his lips. "and i'm glad he does because i do too. and i ain't too mad at his rules. you've got to get some rest anyway. goodnight, cowboy."

"goodnight, cowgirl."

[jetblack4realz]

i love your carter wheeler story it’s so cute!

thank you!! i'm working on a pt 2 right now and will be doing more carter fics, so i'd love if you stuck around for those!!

[romaevelizz]

Sandpaper ˖ ࣪⊹

Carter Dutton-Wheeler & oc!Crystal Maverick

1.) Miss Mav

sum: June had finally started meaning people would be coming and going from the ranch. Carter was excited to watch cowboys come and go from the ranch. Little did he know he’d be meeting a family friend that would be staying for the summer. The bunkhouse quickyly giving him shit for his little girl crush, little did he know just how close this family friend was.

warnings: cursing, Orginal characters! non-canon storyline! Not thoroughly proofread.

The sun had not yet begun to rise, casting a soft, dusky light over the rugged mountain peaks, but Carter was already awake and preparing for the day ahead. The scent of coffee mingled with the aroma of sizzling bacon wafted through the air as the bunkhouse came to life. The morning air was filled with a quiet anticipation, and conversations were just starting to bubble up among the occupants. Carter moved through the small, cluttered space, collecting his thoughts and his breakfast. He glanced at his bunkmates with a hint of amusement. Teeter was playfully flirting with Colby, herthick accent ringing out like a bright chime, while Colby, his cheeks flushed with joy, grinned from ear to ear, clearly enjoying the attention. In another corner, Lloyd and Ryan were engaged in their usual banter, teasing Jake mercilessly as they sipped their steaming cups of coffee. Carter couldn’t help but chuckle at their antics, feeling a warmth in his chest as camaraderie filled the room.

The atmosphere shifted slightly as Rip made his entrance, his presence commanding immediate attention. A hush fell over the bunkhouse as everyone turned to see what was planned for the day. He moved purposefully, and when he reached Carter, he offered a reassuring pat on the shoulder. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes about their relationship. Carter met Rip’s gaze with a grateful smile, in many ways, Rip had become more of a father to Carter than his biological dad ever was. With every shared moment and every word, Rip had given Carter a sense of belonging and support that he had longed for. As the day began to unfold, Carter felt a deep sense of gratitude for this second chance ata life.

“Alright, well be having people coming in today I need bout, four stalls cleaned and set up,” he spoke up his gaze shifting to Carter as he said the last part. “We have family coming in needles to say, some of y'all know 'em and some of ya will just be meeting them. They're guest of Mr. Dutton treat them with respect.” he finished off the team nodding.

Carter cast a wary glance around, trying to gauge who was approaching. Rip had just wrapped up giving orders, and one by one, the others began to disperse, their footsteps echoing against the ground. With a sense of purpose, Carter moved to the stable, quickly getting to work on saddling the horses. As he tightened the girth and adjusted the stirrups, the distant rumble of a truck engine broke the stillness, its sound growing louder as it drew nearer. Finally seeing the truck it wasn't just one but two, two GMCs pulling horse trailers, one black, the other white. He let out a low whistle at the nice trucks. His eyes wandered curiously his gaze being shaped away hearing Rip yell at him.

“Boy! I need them stalled cleaned, get on it!” Rip hollered getting off his horse.

Without a moment's hesitation, Carter made his way directly to the stalls. The air was thick with the earthy scent of hay and the faint sound of rustling hooves. He rolled up his sleeves, he began to clear away the old bedding, gathering clumps of straw and manure into a wheelbarrow. The warmth of the sunlight filtering through the open barn door cast a golden hue on the wooden beams as he meticulously cleaned each stall, ensuring that everything was fresh and tidy for the animals that would stay in them. He heard the unfamiliar voices of people talking, the sound of hoves entering the barn getting louder before he stepped out of the stall. He Came face to face with a teenage boy his age, an older guy and Rip, bringing in three horses.

“This is Carter, he's mine,” Rip spoke half introducing him.

“Hello.” Carter smiled at the two.

“Hey! I'm Micheal, you can call me Mikey.” the younger boy introduced himself shaking Carter's hand. Mikey was pretty tall bout six feet like himself, he was black, his hair short clean fade on the sides but a hat backward on his head covering the small pit of hair he had on top. He seemed to be pretty strong a tone build not too skinny but a bit smaller than Carter. He wore a black tee shirt with a logo that Said ‘Maverick ranches’ inside a star, and some washed-out wranglers and boots.

“I am Elijah Maverick, his father. Thank you for cleaning up for us we got two other horses to bring in.” he smiled shaking the boy's hand. Now that was a big Man. He easily made Carter nervous though he was nothing but kind and even smiled at him, He was taller than his son and Rip maybe bout six-three, a dad-built with huge shoulders and arms he was muscular, to say the least. The Tan button-up shirt his sleeves rolled up with a different logo that Said Maverick Ranch kind of reminded him of the top gun logo but kinda different, but it was black showing the tattoo sleeves on his arms.

“Its a pleasure to meet you guys, do you need help with the other horses.” Carter asked wanting to be helpful.

Elijah let out a small chuckle at his eggness “No its alright, My daughter and her friend are out on them helping your cowboys for fun.” he spoke shaking his head.

He had a daughter? He thought meeting Mikeys eyes he asked “She older?”

Mikey scoffed “ She’ll tell you she is but only by like— seven minutes.” he rolled his eyes.

“Shes your twin? Wow that's cool.” Carter grinned.

“You could say” Mikey smiled, “you ride man?”

Carter nodded “Nice maybe you could show us around a bit haven't been here since we were kids.” Mikey explained.

“Sure id love too, but I don't get off till later this evening.” Carter shrugged.

“Hey no worries! We got some work to do, my sister in ropeing this summer so we got errans to run.”

She Ropes! The phrase hinted that she might rodeo a bit. The conversation between the three faded, and they stepped outside, with Carter trailing closely behind. He strolled toward the fence, where he could see them skillfully herding the cattle. His attention was immediately captured by an impressive all-black gelding, which glided smoothly across the landscape. Sitting atop the horse was a dark toned girl whose long, mixed-color braids of different browns and blonds were woven into a single, thick braid thatmoved as she maneuvered with practiced ease. She commanded the horse effortlessly, guiding the cattle with precision. She wore of a snug pink t-shirt with a Maverick Ranch logothe shirt highlighted her curved frame, paired with light-washed boot-cut True Religion jeans that hugged her legs comfortably. A pair of boots on her feet, complementing the rugged ensemble. Cinched around her waist was a stylish belt, adorned with a gleaming buckle—perhaps a trophy from a recent victory.

As Carter's gaze shifted to her face, he couldn’t help but notice how striking she was. A wide, radiant smile lit up her features, radiating confidence as she worked the herd. Her youthful appearance was enhanced by several piercings; both nostrils and ears displayed shimmering gold jewelry that suggested a sense of maturity. On her head was a light tan felt hat, which she adjusted with a quick flick of her hand as she turned to listen for her name being called in the distance.

“Well shit miss. Mav you can cowboy better than Jake here!” Lloyd complimented the young girl.

Her laughter bubbled up, bright and infectious, and it brought a small, genuine smile to Carter's face.

“Crystal, mere!” he heard a deep voice say next to him.

She quickly made her way over the fence, “Hi daddy!”

“Hi baby, wanna intriduce you to Carter, take it you met some of Rips new boys.”

She hummed nodding her head “But this is Carter, he Beth and Rips kid.” he spoke.

Carter watch as she raided a brow “They took me in.” he spoke up clearing her confusion.

“Ohhh- that makes a bit more since, Nice to meet you Carter! I'm Crystal, how old are you?” she asked quickly.

“Im 16 turn 17 in july.” he said.

“Nice! Bit older than Tate.” she spoke.

Her head looked over her shoulder again “Sorry I started helping them wanna finish up before I come out! But again it's nice to meet you good to know there are kids our age here so I wo t be stuck with those old farts.” she giggled motioning towards Lloyd and Jake.

He nodded “No worries I get it I gotta get back to work myself, nice to meet you Ma'am.”

She flashed him a radiant smile one final time before returning to her work, a gesture so warm and genuine that it felt contagious. Carter couldn’t help but feel the corners of his mouth tug upwards into a grin. The brightness of her expression seemed to light up the room, and perhaps it was a tad too apparent, as he caught Lloyd’s gaze across the space. Lloyd was watching him with a knowing chuckle, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement at Carter's unintentional display of infatuation.

“Don't let that sweet smile fool you, kid; she's quite the handful,” Elijah chuckled, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes as he warned the young boy. His heart swelled with love for his daughter, a whirlwind of energy who had a delightful knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. With her vibrant personality, she commanded attention wherever she went—her laughter rang out like a cheerful melody, and her outgoing nature was unmistakable.

Though her smile was disarmingly charming, Elijah knew that beneath that veneer lay a fierce spirit capable of surprising even the hardiest of souls. Her words often spilled forth without hesitation, and it was her fearless confidence that sometimes left adults taken aback. She could rope and ride with an expertise that rivaled seasoned cowboys, effortlessly outshining those who had spent years honing their craft. Every time she mounted her horse, it was as if the wild spirit of the West surged through her veins, and Elijah couldn’t help but beam with pride at the audacity and joy with which she embraced life.

“Common miss. Mav shows em whatcha got.” Walker spoke.

Carter's mind drifted as he pondered the unusual nickname, "Miss Mav." The curious title echoed in his thoughts, leaving him with a sense of intrigue. He couldn't help but wonder about its origin and what it revealed about her character. Yet, he decided to put that question aside for now, focusing instead on the moment at hand.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, the day began to draw to a close. The Mavericks had ventured out for a while, promising to return later, leaving behind a lively atmosphere in the bunkhouse. Inside, the boys gathered, their laughter echoing off the wooden walls as they shared stories and teased one another. Teeter, seemed particularly taken with Crystal, affectionately referring to her as “my girl.” The friendly ribbing continued as they playfully jabbed at Jake, tasing that the young girl had outdone him in their cowboy activities that day.

Carter still curios he was still a bit out of the loop regarding the Mavericks. When he inquired about them, Lloyd took the opportunity to share tales of their impressive ranch located up in Oregon, not quite as expansive as Yellowstone, but substantial nonetheless. He painted a vivid picture of the Tillamook area, where the Mavericks cultivated a diverse array of animals—goats, chickens, and horses. This conversation reignited the question that had been lingering in Carte's mind,.

“Why do you guys call her ‘Miss. Mav’?” he asked.

Lloyed chuckled “Just respect really, a nickname that has been with her for years. She was a bossy thing when she was younger and hung around here. Shit I mean she still is. They call her that in the rodeo to just kinda stuck Mr. Dutton started it really.” he finished.

Carter nodded, his gaze drifting away from Lloyd, his thoughts lingering on their recent interaction. He recalled the moment when she was putting her horse away, a vivid picture in his mind. Her spirited chatter had flowed effortlessly, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being scrutinized, as if he were in the hot seat. The way she tilted her head, a delicate movement that drew attention to the soft curves of her features, captivated him. Her eyes, bright and intent, locked onto his with a piercing focus, making him acutely aware of every word he uttered. An unsettling mix of nerves and intrigue bubbled within him, leaving him both breathless and contemplative.

He watched her as she bikers with her horse as one would with a person made him laugh, “Why do argue with him like he can understand you.” Carter asked laughing a bit and closing the stall as she stepped out.

“Hes like a giant dog who has no manners.” she scoffed glaring at her horse.

He chuckled a bit watching the horse wander around the unfamiliar stall before sticking his head out and going for her hat. Crystal quickly grabbing her hat from him, “Can you not! Can't you see in having a conversation!”

Her horse shook his head almost in a mocking manner “Take it he's a handful when y'all aren't actually showing?”

“Handful is an understatement Theo is a Boy dog with leg extensions.” she laughed a bit.

Their eyes met, “so whatcha doing tonight Carter?” she asked putting her hand behind her back.

Carter scracthed his neck nervously as she stepped a bit closer to him, “Well.. Uh nothin much, just plan on turning in for the night having dinner with my family tonight.”

She hummed “ Ouu sounds fun so ill see you at dinner then! Maybe after-”

“Cryst! Let's go!” Mikey yelled into the barn, his voice stopped quickly seeing them close.

“Hey! You leave that poor boy alone!” Mikey yelled.

Her head shaped over to her brother scoffing “Shut up Michael! Can't I have friends!” she finish shoot ping her hands up in a shrug expression.

“Carter run while you can!” he spoke, a small playful scream leaving him as he quickly ran back as he saw his sister start to move towards him.

She looked back quickly waving at Carter and smiling at him “Bye Carter I’ll see you at dinner!” she spoke quickly before turning back and running out of the barn.

Coming back out of though he laughed a bit to himself his eyes looking up meeting Ryans. He sat up quickly looking around “ What?” he asked.

“Oh nothing, just watching you smile to yourself over there like a lil weirdo.” Ryan spoke shrugging his shoulders.

“What no! Am I really?” he asked quickly.

“Ye’ yet are” Teeter grinned, “Thinkin’ bout’ lil miss Mav huh?” Teeter spoke to the boy.

Carter shook he head standing up “No its not like that, just not used to talking to kids my age and having some around is nice..”

Lloyd hummed mockingly “mmhmm, Thats why you waited a hole hour after just to unsaddle her horse.”

“I was being nice.”

The bunkhouse erupted into a chorus of laughter, the sound echoing off the wooden walls. A playful teasing filled the air as the boy, his cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and delight, exchanged glances with his obvious crush. It was to early to say he had any actual feelings toward her but he'd be lying if he said he didn't grin when thinking about her.

The bunkhouse fell to a hush as Beth entered the house, “Baby lets go we have guest tonight.” she spoke motioning to him.

Carter looked back at everyone “Not a word..” he mouthed, the cowboys only laughing lowly as he left.

Getting in Beths car she looked over at him. “I need you to take a shower when we get up to the house okay? Gotta be a bit presentable.” grabbing his head kissing the side of it, “You smell like horse shit.” she smiled before starting the car heading up to the house.

This was bound to be an interesting dinner.

tags:

@nomournersonefuneral

[jetblack4realz]

domestic - carter wheeler

okay, everyone loved the carter fic and it's actually so fun to write for someone around my age, so we're gonna do it more!

part two to sleeping together but can be read separately

word count: 2.9k

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he wasn't lying when he said he had to wake up at the crack of dawn.

you groaned as he tried to slip out from underneath you, gently shifting you so you'd fall right where he'd been laying before as he moved to stand. you rolled to your side, eyes closed and brows furrowed as you head rested on his pillow. you reached a hand out, catching his when he moved to walk back to his room.

"hey," you mumbled, squeezing his hand. "you can't just leave."

"i've got to go to work, baby," he said in a hushed voice, crouching at the side of the couch to brush your hair out of your face. he pressed a kiss to your forehead. "i'm sorry i woke you up. i'll see you later, okay?"

you finally opened your eyes, meeting his crystal blues with a small frown. "when?"

he laughed a bit, tilting his head as he continued smiling at you. "i don't know. you just go on back to bed and come out to find me when you wake up. momma usually does that to see pops."

"pops?" you repeated with a short laugh, sitting up a bit to be at his eye level. "i never thought i'd hear rip wheeler referred to as pops."

"he actually doesn't mind it," he answered, smiling still at your sleepy form. "i've gotta get ready, hun."

"just say bye before you do," you mumbled, squeezing his hand again before flopping back onto the pillow. carter moved his blanket to cover you more fully again, kissing your forehead before standing.

"okay," he agreed quietly.

he went back to his room and you heard the door shut so he could change in privacy. you let yourself sink back into the warmth of the blankets and couch, your boyfriend's leftover heat keeping you comfortable.

you were pretty sure that you passed out in the time between him leaving and him coming back, because only two seconds after you closed your eyes he was back at your side with a clean pearl snap shirt, jeans, boots, and his hat on his head.

"you awake?" he whispered quietly, to which you hummed and nodded. it was a struggle to open your eyes again, but you managed and he laughed lightly. he lifted a hand to cup your cheek gently, thumb running over your cheekbone as he leaned down to press a short but sweet kiss to your lips. you kissed him back quickly with your hand covering his, smiling at him when he pulled away. "bye, sugar."

"bye, cowboy," you told him, hanging onto his hand until he walked far enough away that it finally slipped out of his hold. "be safe!"

the smile he shot you was so wholesome it made your heart pound as he nodded at you. "i will."

and then he was out the door and you were back to sleep, drifting off easily as you thought about your cute boyfriend.

--

when you woke up, you could hear beth in the kitchen not too far away. you laid there for a few moments before finally mustering the strength to get up and move to carter's room to change.

you pulled on the jeans you'd worn the day before and grabbed one of carter's spare button ups to throw over your tank top. you slipped your boots on, brushed through your hair quickly, and went to the bathroom to finish your morning routine.

beth was, in fact, in the kitchen when you walked in, a few pancakes on a plate with eggs and sausage. she smiled over her shoulder at you when you walked in, placing the final pancake on the plate before turning to you completely. "good morning."

"good morning, mrs wheeler," you said with a smile.

she gestured quickly to the spread behind her, nodding at you with a wide but hesitant smile. "do you want breakfast? i don't usually make it for anyone but me since the boys are out there so early."

"i'd love some breakfast," you answered, following her lead and helping yourself to all of what she'd laid out.

you didn't see the way she looked when you sat at the table in your unofficial official spot, the way her eyes followed you with a motherly softness in them as a small smile pulled at her lips, the way she watched carefully as you took your first bite of the pancakes she'd made from scratch this time - not just the add water and stir kind, and how she lit up at the same time you did when you chewed.

"mrs wheeler, these are amazing," you told her after swallowing. "what kind are they?"

"buttermilk," she answered simply, grabbing her plate and joining you in her spot.

you nodded, shoving another forkful in your mouth. "well, they're amazing, thank you."

"of course, honey," she told you. "like i said last night, you're always welcome here. and it's kind of nice having someone to eat breakfast with. it gets quiet around here when the boys are out."

"yeah, i bet it does," you hummed. "back at our place i've got three rowdy little brothers and a little sister who doesn't understand what the word no means. i've come to enjoy the quiet."

"most of the time i do. it's just sometimes i'd like some more going on. i grew up with three brothers and a million ranch hands all around. quiet is hard to get used to."

you laughed and waved your fork at her. "that i understand."

the two of you talked while you ate and then you helped her put away breakfast and finish dishes. afterwards, you bounced towards the door excitedly.

"you think mr wheeler would mind if i ran out to see carter?" you asked, glancing back at beth.

she laughed, shaking her head and moving towards you. "not if i go with to see him too."

you grinned, both of you grabbing your carhartt jackets before heading out the door and down to the stables. you saw lloyd out pushing a couple cattle out of the arena, presumably after being doctored, and you waved wildly at him to get his attention. he smiled and waved back, tipping his hat a bit as he watched you skip ahead of beth to where rip and carter were just getting on their horses to head back out again.

"hey!" beth called to rip from behind you. the man looked up and stopped stepping into the saddle, a grin pulling at his lips as he crossed to reach her.

he passed you with a nod and a small smile as you rushed to carter. "good morning, honey."

"good morning, mr wheeler!" you said, smiling at him before turning your complete attention to getting to the other end of the barn where carter was waiting for you, standing next to his tacked up horse. he laughed as you wrapped him in a firm hug, tugging you closer to him as he pressed a kiss to your cheek. "good morning, carter."

"good morning, sugar," he mumbled before pulling back to kiss you shortly. "sleep well?"

"well enough," you answered with a shrug. "i was sad without you though."

he laughed. "trust me, if i could've stayed in bed with you i would've."

"you mean couch? you would've stayed on the couch with me," you teased, letting out a short laugh as your fingers played with the curls at the nape of his neck.

he rolled his eyes. "yes, the couch."

"you missed out on your mom's breakfast," you told him. "it was great. and i think we really bonded."

"you're already bonded, she loves you," he said.

"i know. but, it was nice just the two of us. i think she gets lonely here sometimes," you answered, a small frown pulling your lips down. "i might come out here more while you're working and spend some time with her. and to distract you from working."

"well," he said with a laugh. "i don't think either of us would mind. pops might, but we wouldn't, and neither would lloyd. but, i've got a better idea for now."

"oh, you do now?"

"i do."

"and what's that?"

"you don't go home just yet and you wait a little longer for me and then i'll come get you and we'll go out on a ride."

you grinned. "deal. how long do you think you'll be?"

"a few hours, maybe more, maybe less. i'll text you when i'm on my last chore and then i'll tack you up a horse and we can head out," he said.

"that sounds great," you replied.

"hey! carter, let's go!" rip called, stepping away from beth and getting back in the saddle.

you pressed a quick kiss to his lips again before moving out of the way. "text me. i'll see you later, hun, have a good day. i love you."

"i love you too," he answered, taking two quick steps to you to kiss you again before walking backwards to his horse and mounting. he tipped his hat at you before following a quickly trotting rip out of the stables and into the general field, moving to meet lloyd with the rest of the plans for the day.

you sighed as you watched him go, beth coming up behind you to watch them go too.

"you know," she hummed, arms crossed over her chest. "you two are... how do i say this? you're so domestic. you're seventeen, you're not married. you realize that, right?"

you rolled your eyes, letting out a laugh. "yeah, we realize that. don't mean we don't wanna be, mrs wheeler. i ain't letting him go, i hope you realize that."

"oh, i'm praying for it," she said honestly, smiling before squeezing her arm and walking back to the house. "but, if that's the truth you better get your ass inside to help me with the chores. we don't just lazy around all day, us cowboy wranglers!"

you laughed, finally taking your eyes off carter and turning to follow her. "yes, ma'am."

--

you helped beth with household chores and a few basic ones to do with the horses. you weren't a stranger to working around the ranch and she appreciated your help. but, when you got a text from carter that he was on his last segment of fence to repair, she was happy to let you go.

"bring him some food, would you?" she asked. "i'm gonna get rip and lloyd to stop for lunch, but you two can have your lunch on the trail."

"i was already planning on it," you answered, holding up a small tote bag that had a few sandwiches, chips, and apple slices in it. you grinned at her before backing out of the house. "see ya mrs wheeler! i'll be back!"

you were down at the stables as quick as could be, rip and lloyd passing you by on their way back to the house.

"hi lloyd!"

"hey kid," the older man said with a grin, patting you on the shoulder as he followed rip. "carter taking you on a ride?"

you almost laughed at the opportunity for a crude joke you knew you would've taken had it just been you and carter, but you just nodded instead. "sure is."

"no damn funny business out there," rip said with a pointed finger.

"you think i want funny business happening out there?" you asked with an incredulous look in his direction. "there's snow everywhere. it's muddy. there's cow shit. it's completely out in the open. mr wheeler, don't you worry, i have no desire to get naked on your ranch."

he rolled his eyes at you. "just making sure you know the rules."

"trust me, sir, i do and i abide by them," you said, saluting him. your voice took on a teasing tone as you glanced at a highly amused lloyd and then back to rip. "just because you and mrs wheeler didn't follow her daddy's rules doesn't mean that-"

"oh don't you fucking start," he huffed, brows narrowing in a short glare. "how the hell do you even know about that?"

"your wife talks," you answered with a shrug. you stifled a laugh as you looked at lloyd again. "and so does your best friend here."

his eyes snapped to lloyd. "are you kidding me?"

lloyd laughed heartily. "you have these strict fucking rules for your kid and you expect me not to tell them all about you and beth when you were their age? you two were so caught up you ended up branded!"

"and i have no interest in that," you said with a mocking shake of your head. "so no worries, sir."

he sighed, head hanging as he rested his hands on his hips. "can you go home now?"

"mrs wheeler already told me i can stay whenever and however long i'd like, so while i can i'm not sure i will," you answered simply. "you're gonna have to deal with me for a long time, mr wheeler, i hope you know that."

"oh i'm looking forward to it," he sighed. he turned back to head inside, shaking his head. "whatever. just don't get pregnant."

"i already told you i have no interest in that!" you called as him and lloyd went inside, giggling to yourself when he flipped you off.

that was when you noticed carter had trotted in.

you turned to him with a smile. "i love your family."

his brows were furrowed, but he was still smiling a bit at you. "okay... what happened?"

"i just told him i have no interest in getting butt naked and pregnant in his field," you answered with a shrug. "like they tried to do when they were our age."

"ew, mental image," he said, scrunching his nose. "are you ready to go?"

"ready," you nodded. "want me on a different horse or wanna go together?"

"up to you."

"let's just go together. i wanna be close to you."

"sounds good to me."

he held a hand out to help you up behind him, scooting up a bit to give you more space. he set your tote bag into the saddle bag and grabbed the reins, you wrapping your arms around his middle and leaning your head against his back.

"off we go," he hummed before tapping his heel against the belly of the horse, starting him into a trot.

you headed out to a spot you hoped and prayed would be dryish, and luckily for you the snow had at least melted enough for you to put a tarp down to sit on. he tied the horse off and joined you on the mat, you handing him his two sandwiches and starting on the apples.

"good day so far?" you asked.

"so far so good," he said with a nod, inhaling the first sandwich in what seemed like seconds. "you?"

"good. just some chores around the house. i cleaned your room."

"you did?"

"mhm."

"you didn't need to do that."

"you're pretty clean, babe, it wasn't hard to just remake the bed and pick everything up. there were just a few pearl snaps on the floor was all."

you finished your apples and sandwich, placing the ziplocs back into the bag and starting on your little bag of lays.

"well, thank you. i appreciate it."

"anytime. your mom called us domestic."

"domestic?" he eyed you, crunching on some ruffles. the bag was practically gone, and so were his apples and sandwiches. the boy was always hungry. "what do you mean domestic?"

"like... we act like a married couple," you said, shrugging. "she reminded me that we're not married."

"well, duh," he said with a roll of his eyes. "don't mean we can't just live life together. that's my favorite thing to do with you."

"live life?" you laughed.

"yeah! make dinner, watch movies, do chores, take care of the horses. and waking up to you this morning was my favorite thing."

you smiled. "it was my favorite thing too. you know what my second favorite thing is?"

"hm?"

"being alone with you for the first time in a day and a half."

that caught his attention real quick. he raised his brows, letting out a bit of a laugh as he kept his gaze on you. "oh yeah?"

you smiled. "yeah."

he grabbed your empty chip bag from you and shoved it and his into your tote that now served as a trash bag. he sat up, shifting closer to you and cupping your cheek just under your jaw. gently, he pressed his lips to yours. you were quick to respond, one hand holding you up from the ground and the other sliding up his upper arm to his shoulder and neck, running through his hair smoothly.

the kiss lasted longer than you expected, and when you pulled away you were pretty out of breath. he grinned at you, pecking your lips again before sitting back and pulling you to him.

"i thought you didn't want to break his rules out here?" he asked, kissing you again.

"i don't," you mumbled, kissing him back. "i just wanna be close to you."

"close like this?"

"or this."

you pulled back to lay down, holding a hand out to pull him down next to you. you cuddled into his side as he let out a laugh, happy to oblige you. he pressed a kiss to the top of your head.

"i see what she means, the whole domestic thing."

"i don't mind it."

"don't worry, sugar, i don't either."

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thanks for reading! leave a request in the comments or message me privately! i love writing, so if you've got an idea you need fleshed out on paper i'd love to be the one to do that for you

masterlist!!

[romaevelizz]

anyone interested in reading Oc x Character idk if yellowstone is a real active fandom on her but i recently got into it and i love carter he’s such a cutie! just kinda putting this out there i dint have anything written up but i know what it’s gonna be on about. Basically teenager summer love vibe!

[romaevelizz]

|| ˖ ࣪⊹ Carter Dutton-Wheeler

˖ ࣪⊹

- Sandpaper (x oc!)

[romaevelizz]

Sandpaper ˖ ࣪⊹

Carter Dutton-Wheeler & oc!Crystal Maverick

sum: Summer brought a lot of things, hot weather, longer days and friends. With a family friend visiting the ranch for the summer Mr. Maverick came with kids Carters age. Carter for the first time in a while actually came to enjoyed his summer, the adventures the longer days allowed as well as discovering new feelings he can’t quite recognize.

warnings: canon typical violence, cursing, non canon story line, suggestive themes, teens being teens, Original Caracters,(Crystal Maverick, Micheal Maverick, Elijah Maverick and some others)

1. Miss Mav

2. Supper

3. Just a Momment!

[i-heart-yellowstone]

33 - Coming up on Fall Break

Part 34

Raised Fair Share of Hell

Please leave comments of your thoughts or any suggestions ❤️

Dutton ranch - Alissa’s pov 

Gator had finished up making dinner around the same time that John and Madeline had returned from their evening horse ride on the property.  Beth and Rip had kept the tradition of sitting at the living room table and eating dinner. Simply to avoid Beth biting someone’s head off about eating in the room with the dining room table. 

Carrying Madeline in my arms I sat her down in the chair beside her brother Tate.  Carter sat on the other side of him then it went to Rip and Beth.  That left me, Kayce and John on the other side of her.  

Comfortable silence filled the room along with the crackling of embers in the fireplace until Carter chuckled over in Madeline’s direction.  “Has your grandpa ever told you the story of the biggest snake he saw?” 

“No.  Why?  How big was it, grandpa?” The eight year old leaned forward eyeing her grandfather. 

John answered, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “Six feet.” 

“That’s a big damn snake.” Tate cursed. 

I raised my tone at my son.  “Tate.” 

“Sorry, mom.” He apologized knowing he shouldn’t cuss in front of his sister. 

Carter turned his head from John and then to Rip wanting to tell the story to the youngest one at the dinner table.  “Can I tell her?  Can I please?” 

“Sure, kid.” Rip nodded, taking another bite of steak off his plate. 

Carter leaned forward in his chair beginning to tell the old snake story that I remembered from my childhood.  “They were rebuilding the horse stalls.  Rip was about your brother's age and when he saw it.  He did exactly what the rest of the other boys did.  He ran up the wall like a damn spider and hung from the rafters.” 

Everyone started laughing before Rip waved his finger adding onto the story.  “Discretion is the better part of valor.  And trust me, there was a ton of valor up in them rafters.” 

“Did you kill it, grandpa?” Madeline questions with her eyes sparking with curiosity. 

John set his fork down.  “Hell no, I didn’t kill it.  You know how many mice those things eat.  I wouldn’t let any of the other boys kill it either.” 

“I know one thing you’re daddy screamed like a girl so loud he nearly lost his voice the next day.” 

She giggled when I saw Kayce lower his head down to stare at his plate of food.  “I didn’t like snakes as a kid.  And I remember you not liking bats.” 

“Eww.  Don’t talk about’em.” I shoved him lightly not wanting to have a nightmare about those things later when we went to sleep. 

Madeline hit her hands on the table getting bored.  “So what happened to the snake?” 

“I had this old heeler dog way back when and he was meaner than shit - excuse me Alissa.” 

I spared my father in law a weak smile.  “It’s okay, John.” 

“Anyway he was cat-quick.  One day he found that snake and oh my god, those two, they went at it like nobody’s business.  Show her the box.” John gestured his head toward the black curly haired kid. 

Carter reached behind where he was seated grabbing a small rectangle box, sitting it in front of her plate.  “Be careful when you open this, Mads.” 

“Ahh! Daddy!” She carefully began to open the box but jumped when Kayce reached down and pinched her hip knowing she was ticklish there.  

Covering my mouth with my hands I didn’t want to spit out my food.  “And the family tradition lives on.” Kayce opened the box all the way and Carter took the snake tail out showing her how old it was.  Resting my chin in the palm of my hand I truly cherish these moments. 

Kayce heard someone knock on the front door about to get up till I grabbed his wrist.  “Who’s here so late?” 

“I’ll get it.  Sit down.  I’ll be right back.” Leaving the living room I pulled the front door opened revealing my sister and our mother.  “Hey ya’ll, what are you doing here so late?” 

Alana responded simply.  “We thought it was easier to come and tell you in person that we almost have everything we need for branding in a few weeks.” 

“That’s great news.  Faith should be coming home that weekend to help us out -“ My mother, sister and I turned our attention back to the living room where an idea came to my mind once I watched Tate and Carter start chasing Madeline through the house pretending to be ghosts.  “Would you want to join us for dinner?” 

“We’d love to.” Our mother grins shutting the front door with us following her back to the dining table. 

Texas Tech Campus - Faith’s pov 

“No. No. No. You’re cheating.” Dylan, Cooper’s roommate, smacks my hand away from reaching for the card deck to shuffle them. 

Raising my hands up in surrender I snapped back at him, not doing anything wrong from what directions I had been taught on how the game works.  “I’m not cheating.  I wouldn’t know how, considering you taught me the rules of Kemps for the first time ever in my life tonight.” 

“Don’t lie to me, Ms. Montana.” Dylan waved his finger at me. 

“Hey. Don’t be picking on my girlfriend.” Cooper warns his friend.  Caroline took the card deck from Dylan’s hand and began dealing out a new round of cards for our new game. 

“Cooper, I have been meaning to ask you something.  With break coming up and everything I was planning on going home for the time - and I was wondering would you want to come meet my family then?” 

Cooper nearly choked on his Dr. pepper.  “Meet your family.  Are you sure that’s a good idea so soon?” 

“I know we’ve only been together for a couple of weeks but I really like you and I want them to meet you.” I tucked some hair behind my ear out of nervousness.  “Unless you don’t like the idea.  I’ll completely understand-“ 

She hit her hand on the tile floor making noise to get their attention.  “Can we get back to playing the game.  Because we girls got to beat these boys at Kemps.” 

“I’ll meet your family, Faith.  I just hope they’ll like me.” He smiled in my direction and I mirrored his expression.  Cooper’s phone vibrated with an unknown caller ID when he got up from the floor stepping out into the hallway.  “Uh I’ll be right back.” 

Dylan stretched his arms out getting up from the ground as well.  “It’s getting late and I have an 8am tomorrow.  I’ll see you two tomorrow.” 

“Bye.” 

Caroline waved bye picking up the deck of cards.  “Bye Dylan.” 

“Hey um Caroline, can we have the room for a minute.  I need to tell my girlfriend something.” Cooper stepped back into the room. 

My roommate slipped into the hallway going to the bathroom.  “Sure.” 

“What do you want to talk about without her in the room huh?” I asked pushing myself up to stand seeing he was shifting his feet around which is his nervous tick that he does like with me tucking hair behind my ear. 

He leaned his back against the shut door, slumping his shoulders heavily.  “That was my dad.  He just finished my paperwork for me to start working the Patch.” 

“The Patch.  You’re talking about the oil rigs?” Cooper gave me a nine verbal head nod yes to my question.  “Why would you do that?” 

My boyfriend dropped his gaze to his boots, running a hand through his messy hair rather than looking me in the face.  “I - I’m failing my classes this semester.  I don’t think I can bust my ass enough to make it past midterms next week.” 

“Cooper, what’s the real reason?” My stomach was turning in knots at the thought of how dangerous this could be for him.  Ranching had its dangers but nothing like what working an oil rig does. 

He finally raised his head looking me in the eye.  “It’s the truth, Faith.  With my current grades I’d end up working some dead end job selling computer chips or some other shit.  I don’t want that to be my life.” 

“Oh Cooper - We’ll figure this out.” I crossed the room flinging my arms around his waist since he appeared like he needed a hug.  He wrapped his arms around my waist, laying his head on my shoulder. 

He whispered into my hair.  “God I hope your father won’t shoot me off the front porch.” 

“Hey! I ain’t met yours yet.  So I hope he won’t do that to me.” I chuckled and he raised his head giving me a weak smile back in response. 

Tag list @bvbwestfall @hcwthewestwaswcn @child-of-of-the-sunshine @elenavampire21 @keep-the-wolves-close @kmc1989 @tallrock35 @whatelsecouldgowrong @lover-of-books-and-tea

[colorfulrunawaytragedy]

Chapter Three: Fleeting Moments

The next morning, when Carter walked his foster siblings to the daycare, he had glanced toward the door, and saw her again. There she was, in her familiar sweater–draped over her shoulders– smiling warm and genuine as she guided the younger kids inside. When her eyes met his, her smile softened–even more than it did the day before. 

“Good morning,” she greeted him, her voice soft but light.

“Morning,” he replied, his own voice uncharacteristically bright.

She looked at him for a moment, her eyes kind but searching, before returning to her task. Carter lingered just a second longer than he usually would before heading off to school.

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Over the following months, Carter began to anticipate their brief morning exchanges. It was a small thing, just a smile, a kind word, or a subtle acknowledgment that she saw him—not just in passing, but truly saw him.  It started small—comments about school or his siblings—but gradually, he began to open up.

One morning, after dropping off his siblings, he admitted, “I’ve been saving up.”

She tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “For what?”

“To find my dad,” he said, his voice tinged with both determination and uncertainty. “It’s gonna take a while, but I’ll get there.”

Her expression softened, but there was something else there too—a shadow of worry.

“Just make sure you’re careful, okay?” she said gently.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day after day, he found excuses to linger a little longer, to catch a glimpse of her. Little by little, they started to talk. She told him about her life in small, guarded pieces–her words careful as though her pain was hidden between lines– and he told her about his. Never once did she push him to talk, but when he did, she listened. She listened without judgment, and in her presence, Carter felt something he hadn’t in a long time—safe. 

Their connection grew slowly but steadily. She’d ask about his day, and he’d return the favor. Sometimes, she’d let bits of her life slip out—small pieces that Carter pieced together like a puzzle. He noticed how her smile faltered when certain topics came up, how her hands trembled slightly when she thought no one was looking. 

But it wasn’t until one day after school that Carter realized how much he cared about her well-being.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When he arrived at the daycare to pick up his siblings, she wasn’t there. His stomach dropped as he approached the desk, trying to sound casual.

“Where’s, uh… the lady who’s usually here?” he asked.

“Oh, she called out sick today,” one of the staff members replied.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. He tried to focus on school, but the thought of her absence gnawed at him. After the final bell rang, he bolted toward her house. Her husband’s car wasn’t in the driveway, so Carter rang the doorbell, his heart pounding. When the door opened, he froze. She stood there, bruises marring her face and arms. Her eyes were tired, her movements slow, but she still managed a soft smile when she saw him. His heart sank at that. 

“Carter,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Without thinking, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, careful not to hurt her.

“You have to leave,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Please. You don’t have to stay with him.”

She rested a hand on his shoulder, her touch feather-light. “It’s too late for me,” she said, her voice breaking. “But it’s not too late for you.”

Carter shook his head, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to stay!”

She gave him a sad smile and pressed an envelope into his hands. “Use this to find your dad,” she said. “Promise me you won’t stop fighting for something better.”

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After that, Carter couldn't help but feel like their time together was limited, so he spent every spare moment he could with her. He’d visit her before school, after school, and even on the weekends when her husband was away. She’d make cocoa, they’d sit on the porch, and they’d talk—or sometimes just sit in silence, enjoying the brief reprieve from the world. She shared stories of her younger years, her voice soft with nostalgia but heavy with regret. Carter told her about his dad, his hopes, and his fears. It felt like they were kindred spirits, two lost souls trying to make sense of the lives they’d been dealt.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the last day of the week—just like he always did—Carter arrived at her house after school. And there she was, sitting on the porch, just like the first time he’d met her. A plate of cookies and a steaming mug of cocoa sat beside her. Except this time, she greeted him with a smile brighter than usual.

“I wanted to say goodbye properly,” she said.

His chest tightened as he sat beside her. She handed him a small chain with an initial and a cross at the end.

“Something to remember me by,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tears welled in his eyes as she hugged him tightly. “I’ll never stop looking for you,” she said.

A car engine rumbled in the distance. Her husband’s car pulled into the driveway, and the weight of the moment pressed down on them both. “Go,” she whispered, her voice urgent. “You have to go.”

Carter stood, clutching the chain in his hand, and ran. He didn’t look back, but her words stayed with him: Fight for something better. 

He would. For her. For himself. 

And he did. But he’d never forget her. 

Taglist: @yourgirlypop