#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

[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 ❤️

[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. 

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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]

39 - The Slow Side...You're Wrong

Part 40

Country Rancher

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

Kayce, Lee and I all climbed down our horses from our day ride. Holding Kayce’s head down while I climbed down my horse. My boots hit the dirt as the sun was setting on the horizon. “So what did you think of the land, Y/n?”

“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it.” I responded to Lee’s question where he took the reins of my horse and led them towards the barn.

Kayce led his own following us as we walked until he walked beside me where I had to look up since he was taller than I am. “That’s good that you enjoyed it. So uh….would you be okay with going to get some dinner with me tonight or some other time?”

“Wait a minute. Are you asking me out on a date, Kayc?” Whipping my head around when I spun on my feet I blush not expecting to have him ask me that when we had just met a few hours ago. I mean he was an attractive guy but again we had just met this morning.

He gently put his horse in the stall shutting the door behind the horses tail where Lee had already left us alone. He hung up the white cowboy hat he was wearing on a hook showing his curly brown hair for my view. “Uh yeah. I get it if you don’t want to…”

“I’d like to do that. I’d like to go on a date with you sometime, Kayce.” Taking his hat off of my head, handing it back to him where he set it on his head smiling at me.

He gestured towards the door where I followed him to the front porch never dreaming that I would call this place home thirteen years later. “Good. I’ll pick you up from your parents at six.”

Dallas and Elsa were playing on the front porch when Tate and I were coming back from the fields since he had asked if he could help us out. It would be a few more weeks before John, Rip and the remaining bunkhouse workers return to the ranch after being away. “When is Bree gonna stop walking around the house with a bouncy belly?”

“Tate, be nice to your sister now.” I warned him with a raised brow kicking my horse in the belly to race back to the barn with him in tow behind me.

Once we reached the barn he dismounted his horses sitting his tan hat on the saddle making a face at me. “Have you seen her belly? It looks like she might explode or something.”

“Hey, what did I just say.” Spinning on my feet I waved my fingers at him where he raised his hands up in the air following me towards the main house. “And even though she feels like crap right now. You need to remember that you will be an uncle soon. That is just as important as being an older brother.”

Walking up the front porch steps I held the door opened letting Tate inside first. The second we stepped inside I caught a whiff of the smell of baked goods almost. Finding my way into the kitchen I halted in my tracks seeing that there was a mess of flour and other ingredients on the kitchen floor. “Mommy, we’re making biscuits!” Elsa threw her hands up, flinging her messy hands around my knock where I almost dropped her on the floor.

“Oh Elsa!” I grunt shifting my hands underneath her butt so her head was laying on my shoulder. “Who’s idea exactly was this?”

Bree sat down the oven mits after closing the oven where the biscuits are cooking. Her stomach was round and a lot bigger where Tate was right that she did look like a balloon. “The baby has been craving biscuits so I was trying to recreate the recipe that was marked as grandma Evelyn’s. But Elsa decided to throw half the ingredients around like a monkey.”

“Woah what are ya’ll doing down here?” Someone came down the stairs where I turned my head seeing it was Dallas and Kayce who was carrying his guitar in his hands.

“Trying to make your mothers famous biscuits it seems. But I doubt she was as messy as this one is.” I tickled Elsa by her feet where she squealed until I sat her back down on the wooden floor.

Dallas ran up to his sister and picked up some flour from the floor throwing it on her. “Flour fights!” She begins throwing some back at him and it goes on for a few minutes.

“Why do you have the guitar. I thought you only sang songs around our anniversary. I mean not that I’m complaining, I’m just curious.” Crossing my arms over my chest I smiled at my cowboy husband seeing him take a seat on the main couch in front of the fireplace.

He sat the instrument on his lap eyeing our eldest daughter. “Hey B, bring a towel down so your messy siblings can sit. Tate, go help her then come here. I heard a song on the radio that I think is talking about me and your mother a little bit. So I thought I’d try it out myself.”

“Alright Kayc, let’s hear this song from the radio.” I clasped my hands together plopping down beside him. Tate and Bree managed to wrangle their twin siblings, all four sitting down in front of us.

Kayce began strumming his fingers on the guitar strings avoiding our gaze for a moment as he played. “Well, you know how it goes. When you meet somebody. That you like somebody. Wanna hold somebody. But you just can't stand. To think about somebody. As another somebody. Becoming someone else. When it all goes to hell. Why can't we keep it on the sweet side. See how it feels to take a slow ride. This time.”

“So you try to run away from the one somebody. That you like somebody. Wanna hold somebody. But you can't stay away from the one somebody. 'Cause there ain't nobody else running through your dreams. So we complicate things.” He began shifting his gaze upward seeing that the kids were now clapping to the beat.

I grinned at him where we met the others gaze where I started tapping my boots on the wooden floor. “Why can't we keep it on the sweet side. See how it feels to take a slow ride. This time. You don't need to meet my mama. You don't need the key to my house. We don't need to dream and plan and scheme. Ain't nothing here to figure out.”

“Wouldn't it be nice just to find somebody. That you like somebody. Wanna hold somebody. And you didn't have to worry about losing somebody. 'Cause you pushed somebody, a little too hard, too fast. I could use some of that.” Kayce and I slowly sang in unison where we both started laughing together finishing the song. “I wanna get back on the sweet side. I wanna get back on the slow ride. Want every kiss to give me butterflies. See that oh, baby come here look in your eyes. This time.This time.”

Bree got to her feet grinning brightly at her father resting her hands on her stomach. “That was great dad…oh!” She bent her knees a little, moaning in pain.

“Bree!” Jumping to my feet I rushed towards her placing a hand on her shoulder trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

Kayce jumped up to his feet shortly after hearing the front door opened and Carter hung his hat on the wall seeing that we were all concerned about something. “What is going on here?”

“Mom, dad, what’s happening?” Dallas and Elsa huddled to their feet alongside Tate when he stared at his sister.

Bree bent down lower to the wooden floor once Carter had rushed over to her side and I gasped seeing water coming from between her legs since she was wearing just a dress and some socks after her shorts were tighter. “Oh my god. I think the babies coming.”

“Oh shit!” Carter cursed under her breath getting a glare from me. “Um sorry.”

Kayce and I frantically turned our head towards one another sharing the same terrified look that we weren’t expecting this yet. Her due date wasn’t supposed to be until the rest of the family got back in town. “Call the helicopter!”

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[n3tworksucks]

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

[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

i added to this story so read that too if you like this! it's called domestic

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."

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

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!!

[jetblack4realz]

pull out couch - carter wheeler

summary - in the domestic category bc i love it, basically just you being even more accepted into the wheeler family

you could probs get more context from sleeping together but that's up to you!

word count - 3.4k

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when you walked in the wheelers' front door, without knocking as per usual, you let out an excited gasp.

"you got a new couch?" you asked, glancing from the living room to where rip and beth were discussing something in the kitchen.

rip let out a pained sigh when he spotted you, resting his hands on his hips as he gave you a short nod. "yep."

you grinned as you ran a hand along the back of the brown leather. "feels nice."

"i thought you'd love it," beth said, crossing her arms as she watched you with a small smile. "wanna see something?"

"no, don't show her," rip sighed again as beth moved from the kitchen to the living room with a grin.

"it's why we bought the couch, of course i'm going to show her," she answered, waving him off as she rounded the couch and began pulling the leather cushions off. she looked up at you. "help me here, would ya?"

"oh, right," you said quickly, moving to the other side and pulling the remaining two cushions off with her. you stared at the black fabric underneath, imprints of springs lining the underside with a small halfmoon silver handle on the bottom edge. you knitted your brows. "is this a pull out couch?"

beth was grinning as she grabbed the handle. "damn right it is."

she tugged it up and out, you grabbing the bar and helping her pull it completely out and prop it up. the mattress flopped down from being folded in half, covered in a simple white cover and single sheet. the leather cushions behind it made the perfect headboard.

you grinned as you both stared at it in all its glory.

"i love it."

"knew it," beth answered.

rip sighed again, opening his mouth to make some comment, but you beat him to it.

"damn mr wheeler, if i had a dollar for every time you sighed at me i'd buy this ranch and fire you," you said, clicking your tongue as beth held back a laugh.

his mouth was a straight line as he met your eyes. "good, then i could stop pretending i like having you around."

"don't worry, you don't have to pretend with me - i know you love it when i'm here," you answered. he rolled his eyes. "i mean, you even bought a pull out couch so i could stay here longer."

"it's not for you."

"oh, it's totally for me."

"we have a guest bedroom, you know."

"okay, that's actually a fair point," you said, pointing a finger at him. "the guest bedroom is for me and this beautiful thing is for me and carter."

he paused, brows furrowed at you as beth answered for him. "she's not wrong, baby."

"it's for watching movies. for lounging," he said.

"and for me and carter to sleep on without him waking up with a sore back and complaining to you about it all day," you hummed, grinning still. "and we'd still be following your rules! doors open, completely in sight, no hanky panky."

"i didn't buy a two thousand dollar couch so that you could cuddle with carter."

"you didn't not buy a two thousand dollar couch so that i could cuddle with carter."

beth was still smiling, awfully amused with the banter between you both.

"speaking of, where is carter?" you hummed, glancing around the open floor house, surprised he hadn't emerged from somewhere yet.

"outside working like a cowboy's supposed to," rip answered with a huff.

"why aren't you out there, then?" you asked, raising a brow.

he stared at you, entirely unimpressed. "get out of my house."

"no can do, i have cookies to bake," you told him. you lifted your wrist, looking at your nonexistent watch and clicking your tongue. "which is looks like i have to start on now in order to get them finished before y'all come back in." you looked up to grin at rip. "or, i guess, when the cowboys come back in. you're already in."

and then you skipped around them, heading into the kitchen and pulling out the kitchenaid and various ingredients like it was your own home.

beth shook her head. "i love her."

"she's a menace," rip muttered. he stood straight again, leaning forward to peck his wife's lips. "i've gotta get back outside. we're almost done for the day."

"you tell carter his girl's here and maybe he'll finish quicker," she told him.

"no way, he'll just come straight inside and leave the rest of it to me and lloyd," rip answered, moving towards the door with a gruff laugh. he paused, hand on the doorknob as he watched you sync to the bluetooth speaker and begin playing your usual country playlist before beating the eggs, butter, and sugar in the kitchenaid.

he shook his head as he pulled the door open, stepping out and letting out a deep sigh at you.

"that's a dollar!" you called over your shoulder.

he frowned, glancing back at you grinning as you faced away from him. "hey y/n?"

"yes sir?"

"get out of my house" he said. when you glanced back at him with an amused grin he flipped you off.

you laughed loudly, waving as he shut the door. "love you too mr wheeler! tell carter to finish up quick!"

a half hour later the sun was halfway down the sky and the door was thrown wide open.

lloyd stomped in with a shit-eating grin, walking up to the counter as you pulled the first tray of cookies from the oven and slid the second one in. "that you baking, honey? thought that smell was heaven calling me home."

"it was, and surprise, you're not invited," you told him with a smile as you began balling the third tray of cookie dough.

"now that's just mean," lloyd laughed.

"tell me something i don't know."

he reached for a cookie on the edge of the tray, steam still rising from the perfectly browned chocolatey disks.

"hey, you have to wait for those to cool or they'll burn you," you told him, swatting his hand away as he laughed again.

"kid, at my age you take risks where you can get 'em," he answered.

"you remind me of my granddad," you said, turning back to the bowl of cookie dough with a furrow of your brows.

"funny, handsome, and charming?"

"stubborn, wrinkly, and prone to stealing food."

what you said earned a hearty laugh, but he was still reaching for that cookie. he snatched it quick and you only noticed when he walked off towards the dining room, eying the spot on the pan with just a slightly oily ring left where the cookie once was.

"hey! i said to let them cool!"

"wasn't me, it was carter!"

"what? what's that smell?"

the sound of the door shutting had you tossing a glance to your boyfriend, who lit up at the sight of you.

"it's a gas leak, i hope you said your prayers," you teased. he smiled.

"you made cookies?"

"nope, they made themselves."

he laughed. "that's wild, you're magic."

you smiled, turning to press a kiss to his lips. "hi, honey."

"hello, gorgeous," he hummed, wrapping his arms around you and tugging you close to him as he kissed you firmly again.

which you promptly pushed away from, fake-gagging all the while.

"gross, carter, you're sweaty," you told him, turning to push him away with a smile that was strictly reserved for teasing him. "go shower and then you can flirt."

he laughed but nodded, holding his hands in the air as he walked backwards towards the hallway that led to his bathroom and bedroom. "alright, alright. don't let lloyd eat my share."

"no promises!"

the front door opened for the third and last time, rip and beth walking in from where she met him on the porch.

he stopped in the doorway to the kitchen as beth moved to finish chopping the vegetables for the salad she'd begun before leaving to meet him.

he sighed. "you're still here?"

"are you really surprised?" you asked, glancing at him as you finished lining up the last row of cookie dough on the sheet. "that's two dollars by the way."

"you're a menace."

"i'm a chef who made you mashed potatoes and fresh rolls. all you gotta do is wash your hands and grill the steaks, please and thank you," you told him, pointing to where the lined up steaks were sitting on another cookie sheet.

"when did you have time to make rolls?" beth asked, knitting her brows. "i was outside for like fifteen minutes."

"made a batch of dough last night and left it in the fridge to rise," you answered with a shrug. "all i had to do was pop 'em in the oven and boom! rolls."

she stared at you with an amused smile, shaking her head. "you're not allowed to leave."

rip exchanged a look with lloyd who held his hands up in surrender. "she's making it easy for you, bud. hope you didn't buy that couch to bribe her to stay."

"i bought it to finally have something in this house that didn't talk back," rip answered as he washed his hands and grabbed the tray of uncooked steaks. lloyd stood to follow him outside.

"baby, you lost that battle the day you married me," beth told him with a smirk.

"and the day you let me in the door," you added as you switched out the cookie trays.

"damn do i regret that now," he said with a heavy sigh as lloyd held the back door open for him to get to the grill.

"three dollars!"

by the time that carter had emerged from the shower the steaks were finished and you all were plating yourselves dinner.

lloyd was spouting off some story about the yellowstone during the 80s like he usually did, you listening intently as carter inhaled his food.

he kept one hand on his fork and the other on your knee permanently, thumb running circles into your jeans as you made idle conversation. whenever your fork was back on the table your hand was on his, lacing your fingers together and smiling without looking his way.

it made beth smile, and even rip could see the cuteness in it.

of course, he didn't have the courtesy to leave you be or say something nice.

instead, he started scolding carter for tracking dirt in, revealing after carter retraced his steps awfully confused that that dirt was in fact you.

"mrs wheeler, you mind passing me the lemonade before i throw my fork at your husband?" you asked, eyes on rip still as you pursed your lips.

she laughed. "you'd be doing the Lord's work."

"i'm right here," rip said.

"i know," she chirped, running a hand over his shoulder as she laughed lightly.

soon enough you'd finished with dinner and carter and lloyd were finishing dishes. that was rip's rule before you'd shown up - whoever didn't cook had to clean.

and then you started making dinner with beth, eliminating half his position and requiring him to start cleaning too. luckily he'd done the steaks, so he was able to retire for the night.

"i want you two staying out here," beth told you from the stairs, pointing at you and carter. "no funny business."

"oh carter ain't all that funny so you got nothing to worry about, mrs wheeler," you told him.

"hey!"

"just joking, cowboy."

beth grinned. "alright then. enjoy the couch."

"we definitely will," carter said, nodding before lloyd whacked him with a spatula.

"you're an idiot," he told the boy.

"okay, rude."

"did you try a cookie, mr wheeler?" you asked, rip stopping on his way up the stairs.

"yes."

"how was it?"

your smile was too wide for him to not get annoyed, but rip wheeler wasn't a liar. "they were great. thank you, honey."

and for some reason that made you smile wider, your heart settling happily in your chest. "you're very welcome, sir."

"it's rip!" he reminded on his way up the stairs again.

"i thought you liked that i have manners?"

"you're too close now."

you turned your attention to beth, smiling lighter. "he likes me."

"'course he does," she said with a chuckle. "you remind him of me. you're just a bit nicer."

lloyd laughed loudly in the kitchen. "ain't that the truth."

"oh, shut up lloyd," beth said, shaking her head. "you guys have a good night. goodnight."

"night mama!" carter called over his shoulder.

"night baby!" she answered.

you turned to carter with a smile. "you finish those up quick and i'm gonna go turn on a show."

he met your eyes, nodding and matching your smile. "sounds like a plan. you wanna change first?"

"you got clothes for me?"

"well sure. you know where to look."

"thank you," you hummed, pushing off the back of the couch to press a kiss to his cheek before moving to his room to find some sweatshorts to change into.

carter watched you until the door shut, lloyd smirking sideways at him.

"you must've saved an orphanage in a past life," he told him, shaking his head as he finished scrubbing the steak tray and placed it on the drying rack.

carter smiled, letting out a soft chuckle. "definitely punched way above my weight, didn't i?"

"damn right," the older man answered. "but it's good. this place needed her, i think. seems more lively now that she's around so much."

"momma sure appreciates her help."

"and rip appreciates her being here too," lloyd said. "she makes you and beth happy, and, well, she definitely keeps him on his toes."

they both laughed as carter placed the last plate in the dishawasher, pouring the soap in before shutting the door and clicking start.

"think about how it is for me," he answered, shaking his head.

"oh, i'm sure she'll have you hopping for a good long while," lloyd said. "it's good for you."

"wouldn't change it for the world," carter said.

"glad you realize it," lloyd said, clapping a hand on his shoulder before making his way to the back door where his place out back was only a thirty second walk from. "i'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. don't mess around too much or your dad 'll kill you."

"not planning on dying tomorrow, lloyd," carter told him. "goodnight."

"goodnight."

the door shut tight behind him just as you walked out of his room in an orversized hooey tshirt and a pair of biker shorts you'd left there a few nights prior. you raised your brows.

"you finished quick."

"i have some things i want to get to tonight," he answered, walking up to you and wrapping his arms around your waist. "thank you for dinner and cookies."

"anytime, cowboy. 'd love if you'd help sometime," you hummed, pecking his lips quickly as your hands came up to rest on his biceps.

"when pops lets me off in time i'll definitely do that," he chuckled. "maybe we can bake a little something this weekend. brownies, maybe? brownie sundaes?"

you laughed. "you're just trying to suck up so you can get more cuddles, huh?"

"guilty," he admitted with a grin. "sue me."

"nah, i think i'm okay with this one," you answered, squeezing his arms before slipping from them and moving towards the couch. "shut the light off, will ya?"

he followed instructions, the house going pitch black before the tv turned on. you turned down the volume before going to amazon prime, picking out 'a star is born' as carter groaned from behind you. "you said you'd watch it with me."

"i don't think i'll like it," he said, hopping over the back of the couch and landing on the mattress next to you with a huff. you immediately leaned into his side, letting him situate you comfortably.

"i think you'll love it. i love it."

he laughed, rolling his eyes. "oh, of course that means i'll love it too."

"well, it applies to most things. i love brownie sundaes, so do you. i love horses, so do you. i love me, so do you. i love 'a star is born', and so will you."

he just pressed a kiss to the side of your head and laughed lightly, arms wrapping around your middle securely. "whatever you say cowgirl. i'll watch it."

except he didn't, not really.

by the time the bar scene passed he had you on your back with your hands in his hair, one hand under your (his) shirt as he kissed you again and again.

"carter," you breathed out, kissing him back still when his lips pressed to yours again.

he hummed. "yeah?"

"the movie," you told him. "you're not watching the movie."

"oh, i'm not? lemme just-"

he pulled away from you, sitting up completely and leaving you lying next to him as he attached his eyes to bradley cooper and lady gaga.

you watched him from your position, the corners of his lips rising slowly into a amused grin as you finally sat up.

"you're not watching the movie," he whispered.

you rolled your eyes, laughing lightly. "you're an idiot."

"so you've said," he answered, glancing between you and the screen. "you gonna watch the movie?"

"i think you might've changed my mind," you hummed, placing a hand on the side of his neck as you pulled his lips back to yours, feeling him smile through the kiss.

and then, almost a routine at this point, there was a shout from the top of the stairs. "hey! no making out on my brand new couch! use it for what it's meant for."

carter raised a brow at rip, leaning around you to meet his eyes. "you mean for sleeping? you want us to sleep together, pops?"

"in the strict, normal form of the word, yes. i want you to sleep," rip answered, and you could hear the eye roll in his voice.

"we can do that," carter said, grinning now. "we're great at that."

rip glared, huffing. "turn the damn movie off and go to sleep. you work in the morning."

"i work every morning."

"point proven. go to bed."

"we are in bed."

"carter, i swear-"

"turning it off!" carter said, grabbing the remote and flicking the television off. he looked back at rip, still smiling. "happy?"

rip sighed. "not really."

"four dollars!"

"y'know, one day you're really going to be banned from this place, and that will be the happiest day of my damn life," he said, glaring at you over the back of the couch.

"not your wedding day?" carter asked, whistling lowly.

"i'm telling beth," you said, song in your tone as you peeked over the couch.

"go. to. bed."

"goodnight!"

"goodnight."

"love you mr wheeler!"

you were met with silence as his footsteps echoed down the hall to his room and the door finally shut.

you looked at carter. "he loves me too."

"even if he doesn't, i love you enough for the whole lot of us," he answered, smiling as he kissed you again. it was slow this time, sweet, and you couldn't help but smile into it. "i am a bit terrified he's going to show up again, so we should probably go to bed."

you collapsed against the mattress with a sigh, holding your arms out. "fine. c'mere cowboy."

he laughed and laid down, pulling you into his side and relaxing comfortably as you moved to rest half on top of him, one arm thrown over his torso and your legs threaded through his.

you'd long since learned that blankets in the summer were a terrible idea since carter was literally a walking furnace, but that also meant you had to stay very close to said furnace in order to be comfortably warm.

it wasn't any different from how you cuddled in the winter, though, so there were zero complaints from either party.

"i love you," he mumbled, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

"i love you too, cowboy."

he smiled, his breathing slowing as he started to drift off into a very comfortable sleep.

"and this pull out couch."

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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]

Sandpaper ˖ ࣪⊹

Carter Dutton-Wheeler x oc!Crystal Maverick

4.) Blue Collar Romancing

sum: The warm summer night filled with lights, music and laughter was what he needed. Their first date, a night for them to be teens with minimal interruptions, but as the night goes on their night gets a bit bumpy.

warnings: Cursing, tension, parents being nosy, jealous Carter! bit of violence. Suggestive, Uhh line dancing/ swing dancing(I'm not a professional) Lots of dialogue, boring parent conversation, this chapter is lit me ranting and listing to country music. Not proofread!

Carter had finished getting ready, Wearing a simple outfit a gray-blue Carharrt t-shirt, and nice wranglers held up by his belt and of corse his hat and boots. He looked nice, yet delayed if he should wear a bottom up instead, so he ran downstairs and asked his mamas advice, unfortunately it wasn’t just her in the house but the family plus Mr. Maverick still.

“Hey mama, should i wear a button up instead-” he stoped him self as he saw every else in the kitchen.

“We’ll look who know how to clean up,” Monica teased.

Carter gave a quiet hi advoiding Rios staving gaze. “And where are you goin?” Rip ended up asking.

“With the bunkhouse, asked to go Crystal with me…” he answers.

Rip hummed giving a look to Beth leaving her to only scoff, “Baby it’s nothing fancy think the untucked shirt is the move, you wearing your cowboy hat or a Cap?”

“Cowboy-“

“where your ariat hat, the clean one i just got ya.” she spoke, “will look better, plus think you’ll look more your age out there without the cowboy hat.” she smiled.

Carter nodded a bit before heading back up stairs and grabbing the hat. She has got him a dark blue kimes ranch hat with a flat bill, he liked it and looked nice on him definitely looked better than his cowboy hat. Heading back down stairs he said his goodbyes to his parents and everyone else, even though he had a feeling he was gonna end up seeing most of them tonight.

Carter shut the front door walking across the yard over to where the Maverick trailer was parked. Before he fully got there Crystal had opened the door and come out. Carters eyes looked over her outfit admiring her, to be honest this is the most skins he’s seen of her and she was only wearing a crop top. She wore some low rise light wash true religion jeans with pink embroidering her belt holding them up, a pink corseted top with lace outlining the chest and tank straps, There was a bow on the front with long strings hang down.

To be honest his favorite part about the top was the cut. Sitting low enough on her chest, and low enough it stoped right before her bellybutton, which was decorated by some dangly gold jewelry. All the jewelry she wore was gold, it looked amazing on her completion. Her boots were different nice, cleaner and the they were pointed not the round rope but square.

“you ready to go?” she asked wallet and keys in hands her body moving close to his.

“Yeah..” he nodded, “You look amazing, i really like the pink.” he complemented.

Her glossy lips spread into a wide smile her eyes meeting his “Thank you, it’s my favorite!” she spoke her body twisting a bit giggling. He couldn’t help but admire her face, her makeup done neatly, it sat on her face so perfectly she was sparkly like covered in glitter maybe from a body spray? He thought. She smelled good to, ugh he was gonna lose his mind.

She put out her hand basically telling him to take it, “Let’s go cowboy, and who knew you could clean up yourself.” she teased as they started to walk hand in hand

Carter shook his head grin wide “Special occasion i guess,” he shrugged his shoulder.

She laughed swinging their arms a bit, as they walked down to her truck. “Here,” she said handing him the keys, “You can drive the big girl truck.” she spoke sticking her tongue out a bit.

“Are you sure?” he asked a bit of worry in his voice.

“Yeah i trust you, the only vehicular i see on this ranch are big trucks plus mine turns easier than the rams.” she spoke pushing him twords the driver side.

Crystal watch as a grin grew on Carters face “Alright!” She could only laugh at his excited tone.

The Ride to town was nice felt short due to them enjoying each others conversation, the teens laughing and talking about things they enjoyed and liked to do, the music softly playing in the background. It wasn’t what he normally listen to but he liked it, the mix of 2010s pop, new and old rap.

He would look over at her any chance he could get just wanting to take her in features. He couldn’t help but catch small glimpses of her cleavage, when his gaze lingers a bit longer he was caught. “Watcha looking at Carter my eyes are here.” she laughed.

His eyes darted right back to the road quickly the tips of his ears redding form embarrassment, “No, i wasn’t- I was looking at your necklaces!” he defended himself.

she hummed teasingly “Yeah soo what shape are they?” she questioned.

Shit, he thought his eyes starting to move but her hand caught his face making him look at the road “Nope, what shape where they Carter?” she grinned.

“Ugh i don’t know, i’m sorry i-“

“no need to apologize just giving you shit baby.” she laughed leaning in the center console she held the two necklaces up to him to see.

“they’re stars,” she spoke. One’s a northern star with a cheap diamond in the middle with another one dangling under it, and the one above was a shooting star gold with a clear gem pattern as the shooting part of the star.

“you like stars i take it.” revering her ranching shirt, and even her earrings.

“mmhm i do, also really like lillie’s but they don’t make Necklace i like in lillie’s.” she hummed leaning back into her seat.

“Like the flower?”

“yep, they’re really pretty.” she smiled to herself.

They had finally made it to town, finding parking was a pain but ended up finding a spot. Carter was quickly to get out running around the front to open Crystals door. She smiled taking the hand he offered out to her, Closing and locking the door as she got out. Crystal didn’t end up peeling her hand away after but adjusted so their fingers intertwined, Carter was new to PDA but he was starting to learn he didn’t mind it. Her closeness and almost need to touch him he enjoyed, he liked that she wanted others to know she was with him.

Didn’t take long for them to reach the blocked of road, sounds of music and conversation bringing warmth to the atmosphere around them. Lights Hung between the streetlights to light up the streets when it got dark, diffrent kinda of food trucks and even little markets on the sides, plenty of seating to eating and even relaxing. As they walked around What caught Crystals eye was a place in front of the stage placed flooring for dancing, there were already people dancing songs for squat dancing being played by the band.

“Can you dance?” She asked glancing over at Carter.

“Um kinda… Teeter and Laramie get the guys into dancing so i’ve learned a few things, Why..?” he questioned warily.

Didn’t take Carter long to put two n two together, her look asking him ‘would you?’,

“Maybe…” he spoke.

“Hmm okay and if not Cori is gonna be here i’ll find her and dance!” Crystal said leaning into Carter.

The sun had started to get low the two teens had been walking around for a bit talking back and forth as they looked through the shows and people watched. Seeing Familiar faces Carter could only blush when the hands saw him with Crystal, Teeter being the loudest about it. Carters embarrassment as Teeter and Coly teased the teen made Crystal laugh, the comment of “If he does sumthin stupid you let me know!” left form Teeters thick accent as Colby pulled her away to leave them be.

“The whole bunks gonna give me shit.” Carter groaned sitting on the side walk next to Crystal. A wide smile on display as she comforted him.

“ Don’t worry I’ll get to hear all about it tommorow from my Dad, Brother and Best fried, and trust me when i say Teeter and Lara are gonna be ten times worse.” She spoke through giggles. “Just how they are, and i take it you’ve never been seen with a girl.”

Carter nodded “Yeah never with, they’ll approach me but i just kinda slip away or Ryan saves me; sometimes.”

She raised a brow teasingly “Oh so i should be worried about you being hit on while your with me mr. Popular?”

Carter sat up kinda panicked “What no! I’m here with you, you’re the only girl i’ll be talking to.”

She laughed pushing her shoulder into him “I’m joking, You’re a handsome guy if i saw you out here i’d wanna bite myself.” she hummed eyeing him.

“You’d wanna bit me?”

“UGH NO!” she laughed, “like i’d adpriach you, try to talk to you!” she spoke her face warm from embarrassing herself.

A smug grin on Carters face made her glare at him “You knew exactly what i ment didn’t you.”

he nodded laughing as she swatted at him “get out of my face!”

“I’m not that dense; I just wanted to see your reaction. Seems when you get called out of the question when you flirt, it makes you all flustered!” Carter chuckled. She rolled her eyes playfully. It was true, of course, but he didn’t need to point it out.

After a brief moment of lingering in the comfortable embrace of the evening, they finally rose to their feet, driven by hunger. As they wandered through the space, the tantalizing aromas wafted through the air, guiding their steps until they unexpectedly bumped into Carters parents.

Beth's face lit up with a warm smile, a beacon of familiarity that brightened the already vibrant scene her arm linked with her husbands. Rip nodded in acknowledgment, A few casual words floated between them, Beth being nice and curious to what the pair had been up to.

Soon, an invitation was extended to join the gathering at a big table, where everyone was at talking amongst each other. And when she said "everyone," she truly meant it—the space was teeming with family and the ranch hands, all gathered together, their voices mingling together that echoed with joy and connection.

Carter glanced at Crystal, “Sure we'll be right over getting some food, see y'all over there!” she spoke.

Beth nodded briefly, offering one last smile to her and then a knowing smile to her boy. Carter tuned back, Crystal noticed a look on his face “Everything alright?”

“Hm? Yeah just kinda wanted to stay away from everyone sorry..” he said hit tone bummbed.

The feeling of her fingers slip through his caused him m to look over to her, “This is the most time we've gotten to spend together since I got here, I think a little family time won't hurt plus. We still have to drive home… we could make a detour?” she spoke her voice getting a bit quieter at the end.

“What?”

“Plenty of trails we can drive up to look at the stars.” she hummed her eyes meeting his.

Carter nodded a small smile on his face “Yeah there is.”

She grinned, watching his demeanor change, It was not that she didn't want to spend time just with him herself, but with everyone here they were hard to avoid. Wouldn't hurt to hangout with everyone.

As they gathered their food and drinks, the group made their way to the table, sliding into the open spot nestled between Laramie and Caroline. The air buzzed with a delightful mix of chatter and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere. The Cowboys, with their playful camaraderie, took turns ribbing Carter, recounting amusing tales from his past that had everyone howling with laughter. Crystal, who had been giggling along, suddenly fell silent as her father chimed in, his voice teasing yet affectionate. With a mischievous grin, her brother jumped into the fray, adding his embarrassing anecdotes about Crystal that had the table erupting into laughter once more.

Carter watched as Crystal's eyes flickered restlessly toward the vibrant dance floor, where the rhythmic thump of boots striking the polished surface mixed with the pulsating music reverberating through the air. The lights danced around her, casting playful shadows on her face, reflecting her growing excitement and longing to join the crowd swaying to the music.

It wasn't long before Cori seized her friend's hand, tugging her enthusiastically onto the vibrant dance floor. The moment they stepped into the pulsing rhythm of the music, the two girls fell into a perfect sync, their movements fluid and effortless. They weaved through the throngs of dancing bodies, twirling and laughing as lights overhead, casting a soft glow around them.

Craters, observing from a distance, couldn't take his eyes off Crystal as she danced with an enchanting grace, her body flowing to the hypnotic beats of the song. Each sway and twirl seemed to draw him in, highlighting the sheer joy radiating from her. Yet, as he watched, a knot of uncertainty twisted in his stomach. Despite the urge to join her on the dance floor, his pride held him back, sared that he'd do nothing but embarrass himself.

Carter felt a pat on his arm his eyes moving from her meeting Walker and Colby who grinned as the boy, Walker leaned in “You better get out there before someone else snags up your girl.” he spoke, Laramie nodding at her boyfriends words.

“If there's one thing the girl enjoys to do is dance, and shit lil boy shell dance your boots off.” Colby spoke

Laramie pointed over turning Carters gaze “Take a look, the only thing stopping those boys right there is the fact they know she's being watched by these cowboys.”

Carter scoffed a little eyes the group of guys that looked around their age talking amongst each other, ones eye directly on Crystal. Carter felt his stomach twist uncomfortably a small frown creeping onto his lips. “Do be a pussy go dance with her.” Ryan spoke leaning down to the teenager.

“I can't dance-”

“Bullshit, what are you Embarrassed? Because I think its time to move past that because someone else can make her nice a lot more fun by one dance,” Laramie said laughing.

“And looks like someone might just make it better, and he doesn't look like you baby.” Beth spoke pointing, Carters head snapped looking towards Crustal the guy he was just eyeing dancing next to her in the line.

“What the-”

“I'll go with ya gives me an excuse to dance with Coraline,” Tate spoke standing up with Carter heading one over.

Crystal's eyes met craters quickly, a smile on her face as she reached her hand out. Carter's gaze glared at the guy next to her, earning a scoff from the blonde, who quickly took his spot as the dance continued. His expression changed as he met her eyes, a smile blooming on his face as he took her hand to spin her. Took her m a second, but he caught up quickyly with the group, Carter found himself enjoying dancing in front of everyone 2 to 3 songs later; he was winded, but he wasn't going to give up. Dirt on my boots kept playing as the dance got to the end, and people started to slow down.

A little dirty dancing

Craters eyes looked over to Crystal as she swayed her hips getting lower,

blue collar romancing,

quickly standing up from her low position, spinning in her heels.

Carter whistled under his breath a bit before she looked over to him offering him a smile, “Common Cowboy keep up,” she teased right before the beat dropped again and they finished off the dance.

Carter stood next to Crystal hands on his hips shaking his head “Hope you know how to swing dance baby.” she hummed walking closer to him.

“Ive seen it its not to hard, sure you can keep up?” he tease.

“Trust me you don't need to worry about me.” she laughed, her hands reaching up to his hat. The first thing dong trough his mind that she was gonna put it on, he was confident she knew the hat rule. Much to his relief she just flipped it.

She pulled herself back eyeing him playfully, “mm you look good all hot ‘n sweaty.” she teased a hint of suggestiveness in her tone her fingers lingering on his neck and dragging down.

“Stop that- our parents are watching.” he spoke embarrassed from her comment and her touch.

She shrugged “They can't hear me.”

Carter only shook his head, his grin widening as he took her hand, his other placed on her lower back, his thumb looped into her belt loop. Good time played as the dance floor moved together, spinning and sliding in pairs, bodies close together as they moved around. They were practically grinding up in each other, at least that's all the table saw Beth and Elijah could only laugh at Rip as he complained that now he has to deal with Carter being distracted.

“Common baby its good for him, and wouldn't you rather it be Crystal out of any other girl. Busy herself and knows work comes first.” Beth pointed out.

Elijah nodded “My daughter is bound to keep your boy on his toes and honestly sneak around a bit but won't distract him, like your wife said work comes first, and she's prepping for rodeo herself.” he spoke taking a sip from his beer.

“And I like your son, can see right through the kid, and he's yours.” the emphasis on yours Rip, and Beth both knew what that meant, the kid wasn't stupid and loyal. He didn't have to worry about this boy hurting his baby, to be honest, they should be worried about her.

“With all do respect I like your daughter, she's a better hand than half of my boys. Just worried I know how teens are and she's not very quiet about…” Rip spoke cautiously.

“Her boldness? Yeah- She wants to eat the boy alive, Theyer teens, and she know unsafe actions have consequences. Hope your boy knows the same.” Elijah spoke giving a knowing look.

Rip raised a brow “For her being your only girl, you aren't very protective.” Kayce said.

Elijah laughed “Oh that boy hurts her, or gets her pregnant ill kill him, kill her and bring her back but he ain’t common back from the dead. It’s the same for my Son, want to do grown activity’s you better be prepared to face grown consequences.” elijah stoped for a momment, “But it’s not just my say, I have rules and by god i want my children to come to me if needed in a emergency that most parents would flip out on like sex, STDs, scared and just the talk in general. I was a teen parent my self their older brother is 8 years older than them, i was a stupid teen and i know what it’s like. But i won’t turn my back on them and not ignore that fact they’re teenagers.” he finished shrugging.

“And that lil girls is deathly afraid of pregnancy, loves kids but god does the idea scare her.” Elijah could only laugh looking over at his daughter dancing with Carter a bright smile on her face.

“But as his parents you gotta have that talk with him, and have set rules.” Elijah spoke one last time before standing up to get another drink. Beth and Rip shared a knowing glance, they’re gaze shifting back to the teens. It wasn’t a conversation Rip wanted to have but he knew his wife was gonna make him lead it.

As the night began to wane, the atmosphere at the table was lively, with Carter and Tate engrossed in an animated conversation, their laughter blending with the cheerful banter of the surrounding cowboys. Beth couldn't help but smile at Carter; his eyes sparkled with pure joy, a radiant expression she hadn't seen on him in what felt like ages. Watching him revel in the moment, she felt a warmth in her heart, knowing he was genuinely enjoying himself amidst this vibrant gathering. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie, and Beth embraced the happiness radiating from Carter, grateful for this fleeting glimpse of his unguarded delight.

She watched his gaze shift briefly her eyes following his catching Crystal, the blond that was eyeing her earlier took the chance while she was alone with Cori to creep in and talk to her. The change of Carters face made Tate turn his head “Well shit, he's trying to get up on your girlfriend.” Tate teased, that only got him a sharp glare from Carter.

He watched as Crystal at first politely told him off, even pointing over to him, but the blind only rolled his eyes, turning back to her and stepping closer. Yeah, Carter got up fast. Beth pulled Rip out of his conversation, Turning his attention to Carter, who stormed off in a ‘jealous Beth’ fashion, is how he'd put it. Ryan, Kayce, and Tate were quick to follow Carter, not to stop him, but just in case. The blonde wasn't by himself had about four guys around him as he talked to Crystal. Rip groaned standing up following after the guys.

Carter watched as he got closer the uncomfortable expression on Crystals face, then quick turned into a nasty glare. Her right hand slapping him quickly shoving him back, “What the fuck! You bitch-” the blond hollered standing up just by his stance, Carter knew.

One swift punch before he could put his hands on her, though knocking the blond down he was quick to swing back. Ryan and Colby quick to shove his friends back giving them a warning to back off before they turned to Carter who was on top to the blond landing blow after blow. Crystal covered her mouth to hide a grin, as she backed up letting Carter beat the day light out of this dude. Carter wasn't only the jealous type but protective, really protective. And she liked that, a lot.

“Youre stupid enough to try to put your hands on her!?”

From

“What the fuck did you call her?!”

Yeah, that was Rip right there, Kayce, though. That boy may not have been their blood, but fuck he was so much like them in different ways. Before things got bad Rip and Kayce pulled him off, yelling at first to call down to Rip saying something quite where only Carter could here, before pushing him back towards Crystal.

Crystal was quick to catch him, only for him to turn on his heels, grabing her hand and pulling them out, out to the road away from people. He could hear her voice but what she was saying wasnt going through his ears. Craters adrenaline high his heartbeat heavy in his ears a stubble ring, a harsh tug as his hand mad him stop his eyes meeting hers.

“What- Im sorry I didn't mean to grab you so suddenly I didn't hurt you did I?” he asked motioning to her wrist.

She shook her head a worried look in her eye “Are you okay?” she asked stepping close to him.

“Wha-”

“Are you okay, Carter take a moment, please.” she spoke softly. Her hands grabbed his face, gently holding him.

His hands grabbed her wrist carefully, nodding in her hands, closing his eyes, he took a moment. As Carter took a deep breath, Crystal's eyes looked over his hands. His knuckles were split, he'd hit the concrete a few times, and the guy's face must have been the tough cause, shit, did he look bad sure, Carter had a busted lip and a bruise starting up on his cheekbone. “Good baby, just like that…” she hummed, his touch becoming not as shaky.

Craters eyes opened slowly meeting hers. “I just- he was gonna hit you..” he muttered soon to start a ramble.

“Hey, hey, baby- I'm okay, I'm right here,” she spoke catching his eyes again.

“I know just, he was gonna.”

“And he didn't, you got him before he could.” she reassured, he knew she didn't need a hero or a man to stand behind her. He knows she would have knocked him if she had the time.

She pulled his hand taking him in the direction of her truck, “Do you wanna drive?” she asked.

“Sure..”

“I have a first aid-” she began

“Let's just get out of here, you know, that trail up the mountain a bit; there's a place where we can look at the stars like you wanted. I'll take you,” he spoke, walking with her.

“Lets go then, then ill clean you up can have that shit infected.

The teens were quick to leave, the ride was quiet. Crystal not wanting to irritate him on accident, the man next to her eyes glued to the road seemed to be deep in his own thoughts. So she left him be. Her gaze shifting to the road in front of them, the soft glow of her phone causing her to look down. A few messages from her father, telling her to keep the location on and don't stay out too long. Then Carters phone, a buzz causing her to look over, ‘Mama’ the screen read but he didn’t pick it up. Then ‘old man’ Rip was now calling him.

Carter fliped his phone over his action full of irritation. “Carter you gotta atleast call your mom back.” Crystal spoke quietly.

“I’ll call her back later.” as he was saying that her phone started buzzing.

‘Bethy💗’ she shook her head at the boy next to her who gave her look.

“Hi auntie-“

“give the phone to Carter please baby.” her voice spoke.

He let out a groan before she put the phone to his ear, “Hi mama.”

“You’re lucky I don’t beat your ass, answer the damn phone when I fucking call you.” she hissed.

Crystal could only chuckle as the boy got his ass chewed out by beth. She could hear beth’s tone change after a momment, telling him that she better see him in his bed in the morning and to answer when either of them call. “I love you, be safe.”

“I love you to mama.” he spoke softly before crystal removed the phone putting it back to her own ear.

“We won’t be to late i’ll bring him back in one piece,”

“Okay honey, does you’re daddy know your going to be out late?”

“Yes ma’am,”

“good love you.”

“Love you to.” she responded before hanging up the phone.

looking over she met Carters eyes, he had forgotten how close she was to Beth. Beth had watched her grow up more than she had him, it didn’t bother him maybe it was a good thing though that his parents knew her. That not only they liked her but loved her.

He smiled softly at her, his hand leaving the wheel grabbing her hand in her lap. A silent gesture but one that told her a lot, Carter unfortunatly wasn’t great with words so all he could offer her was a comforting touch. His thumb rubbing over the top of her hand gently, “Thank you.” was all he could say.

“Thank you for what C?” she questioned her fingers playing with his.

He shook his head softly “Just for being here, I enjoy your company. And for not leaving me or being upset.”

She chuckled softly “ Maybe if you haven’t notice I like you, a lot. So i’d hope you enjoy my company just as much as i enjoy yours, and I don’t know why you’d think i’d be upset? You stood up for me carter, not a lot of girl my age can say they’ve had a boy- well a man do that for them. Because believe it or not a lot of guys your age are pussies, and don’t have enough respect to stand up for someone they supposably care for.” she said, her eyes on his hand in her lap.

she smiled to herself “And believe it of not i’m not impressed easily by boys nor can they handle me. There’s very few men in my life that can handle me and my high maintenance, my father is the reason i will never settle for less.”

Carter understood what she was saying, she’s a daddy’s girl through and through and it wasn’t secret that she was favored. Even though he’d only talk with her dad a few times, he was a man, a man that would do anything for his children, a man that understood his children, could give them anything they wanted and not in the spoiled brat way, but he made them earn it. He’d raised them to be humble but to never let anybody talk down to them, to treat others as equal unless they proved they’re not worth your time or respect.

Sure it made Carter nervous, that maybe he couldn’t be what she needed. But he’d learn if needed, he didn’t have a lot of money and was always working, he didn’t have an education. What did he have to offer her. Almost nothing.

“I don’t make a lot of money, and i’m not the best with my words…” He spoke honestly coming to a stop, he watched her gaze shift up to him.

“I’m not worried about money carter, you work your ass off. Sure it’s nice but if that what you think you need to please me your wrong, all i ask for is effort which i’ll feature in full. Communication, that’s something i really think you’ll get ahold of pretty quickly. We’re both busy people our worlds don’t have to necessarily revolve around each other.” she spoke genuinely to him.

Carter nodded, “I just- what if i’m not what you need?”

she pursed her lips “ We can work through it figuring things out and create balance, or maybe it just won’t work out.” she shrugged.

As much as that last part bothered him, it’s how things are. “common let’s get you cleaned up.” she said opening her door.

Carter had brought her to an open area surrounded by trees, the stars and moon could be seen clearly above them. Carter sat on her tailgate waiting for her, First aid in hand she sat on the tailgate next to him. Opening it and getting to work on his hand, whipping away the dried blood and disinfecting the cuts. She was gentle, talking to him trying to distract him from the sting. Her voice soft and comforting, he liked hearing her talk, no matter the tone of her voice.

“Need to get your lip C.” she said looking up at him.

Carter didn’t think much of it sliding if the tailgate and standing in front of her. The light from her truck bed glowing in both of them as she whipped his lip, there was a small split but it had stoped bleeding, she put some vaseline on her finger gliding it across his lower lip. He could feel butterflies in his stoumach from the simple touch.

Looking up Crystal took noticed to Carters gaze, his flushed cheeks and heavy eyes. “There you go baby all done.” she smiled touching his face softly her hands then falling into her lap not leaning back any to create space.

“Call me that again..” he whispered, his hands hesitantly sliding above her knee.

Crystal grinned tilting her head, “Call you what baby?”

“That.”

leaning in a bit “You like it when i call you baby?” she whispered.

Carter nodded his lips grazing over hers, “Use your words baby, I wanna hear you say it.” she hummed her hands grabbing his face.

shaking his head lazily “I do, i like it when you call me baby.”

Crystal grinned pulling him in. Their lips at first not quite moving together but were quick to find a rhythm. Carters hands holding on to her thighs to keep balance, as she held his face her hands moving from his neck her fingers lacing through his hair pulling him closer. A soft groan left her lips as his grip tightened on her thighs as she pulled his hair. The kiss once soft and innocent now needy and messy, her pulling him closer her legs on either side of him, Carters hands holding on her hips tugging at her belt loops to bring her closer. The feeling of her pulling his hair to pull his head back made him groan, her eyes looked over him their breath heavy as she did so. He looked a mess, the mix of brown lip liner and pink tint of her lipgloss smudged around his mouth, his eyes heavy. She giggled to herself at the sight her hands letting go of his hair sliding down to his shoulders.

“What?” He asked leaning in trying to reach her lips again.

“Mmm nothing baby.” She hummed kissing him again smile on her lips.

Her heart fluttered at the way he looked at her his hands brushing against her cheeks softly. “Thought you brought me up here to look at the stars cowboy?” She tease pulling on his waist band.

“Don’t do that.” He said quickly grabbing her hand.

Crystal laughed, “okay, okay won’t! Didn’t think I was bad just trying to pull you closer.”

He shook his head laughing a bit “It’s not that it’s bad but it’s not, just no more-“ he rambled his face flushed.

She laughed “how come?” She questioned, knowing damn well why she shouldn’t pull on his pants like that.

Carter stayed quiet avoiding her gaze, her eyes looking at him through her eyelashes “You know why.” He said kissing the side of her face, letting out a big sigh “we should get going, it’s getting cold.” He spoke picking her up off the tailgate.

Getting into the truck and heading off, Carter was glad that the night wasn't ruined. That in the end it went better than expected.

A/n: Okay this is everywhere I'm sorry lol, I really had no idea how to conclude it but I really am enjoying writing this!

[jetblack4realz]

make yourself at home - carter wheeler masterlist

i decided to just make a masterlist of what i've been calling the domestic series until now!

this is set on the wheelers' new ranch in dillon where carter has a spunky and fun girlfriend (you) who beth loves and rip tolerates (adores). you're basically always at the ranch, working with beth in and outside the house, and distracting carter as much as humanly possible without pissing off rip too bad. your banter with the man keeps his wife and lloyd entertained and scares the shit out of carter, but it's all a good time on the dutton ranch!

they're all just little one shots, can be read in or out of order, literally doesn't matter but i love em

sleeping together

domestic

cowboy tacos

pull out couch

[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!!

[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

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

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]

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]

lessons - carter wheeler

summary - anon request for carter teaching reader to ride! super cute idea i love

word count - 1k

super short and sweet!

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when carter figured out that you had never been taught how to ride a horse his first instinct was to tease you about it.

"you talk big about how you grew up on a ranch and know all the ranch things," he said with a wide grin as you stood in front of him with crossed arms and eyes rolling. "but you can't even ride a damn horse!"

"they scare me, okay?" was your excuse, but carter wasn't taking it.

"i'm teaching you," he told you matter-of-factly. "tomorrow."

"no, you're not."

"yes i am."

"i don't wanna learn."

"yes you do, you just don't wanna admit it."

"carter, i-"

"if she doesn't want to ride the damn horse, don't force her to ride the damn horse."

you both turned to see beth in the doorway, brows raised high as she shook her head at the boy. carter spluttered for a second, brows knitting as he glanced between you two and searched for a reasonable response. a sense of relief and a sense of panic filled you from conflicting areas of your mind (to defend your lack of interest in horseback riding or to aid your now flustered boyfriend), and ultimately you sought to ease the panic.

"i do wanna ride," you said quickly, almost cursing yourself at how quickly you defended the idiot you called your boyfriend. "i do. i should."

she eyed you and you knew that she knew you were lying, but she didn't mention it. she hummed and shook her head, a dry laugh escaping her lips. "whatever you say, kid."

carter and you both exhaled in relief when she left the stables in search of rip. you glanced from him to the horse still tacked up and tied off to the side. "well, let's get this over with."

"we can start tomorrow," he offered, but you'd already crossed to the him.

"let's just get it done," you sighed. "how do we start?"

he smiled, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek before grabbing your hand and pulling you to his horse. "say hello to ziggy. you know him awfully well, so it shouldn't be too hard."

"hi ziggy," you said, resisting the urge to laugh as you offered the animal a single wave.

"you feel alright mounting?" carter asked, brows raised at you. "since we've gone on rides together, i'm sure you're used to it by now."

"usually i've got you to help pull me up, but yeah, it should be fine," you answered, eying the saddle almost suspiciously.

he guided you to it, grabbing your right hand and pulling it up to hold onto the horn of the saddle, and then covering it with your left hand. "you don't need me to pull you up, you pull yourself up using the horn. your left foot goes here," he jostled the stirrup, "and then you'll swing your right leg over. want a boost?"

you debated it for a moment before shaking your head. "i got it."

and you did, mostly. you managed to drag yourself up onto the saddle well enough, letting out a huff as you finally landed on it. carter whooped when you did, patting your knee encouragingly with one hand and using the other to unwrap the reins from the horn.

"good job, baby. now take the reins and hold them not too tight but not too loose, just relaxed. keep your head and back straight and look where you want him to go. when you're ready, just tap his side lightly with your heel and he'll start walking."

you took a deep breath, eying the reins in your hands intently as you mentally tried to build the courage to tap the damn horse. carter watched your with furrowed brows before moving closer and resting a hand on your arm.

"hey," he said quietly. "you've got this. you'll be fine. when i first learned how to ride a horse i was scared out of my mind. but, you've got a one up on me - you've ridden before. even if i was the one guiding, you've still been on the back of a horse, and you've done it a lot. ziggy knows you and he knows the cues. you'll do great."

a small smile pulled at your lips when he finished, nodding shortly. "okay. thank you carter."

with another heavy breath you nudged ziggy's side and he began walking forward just like carter had said. you laughed joyously, glancing back at your boyfriend as ziggy walked you out of the stables.

"steer, babe!"

you turned ziggy away from the arena he was heading towards and started him towards the one you knew carter always practiced in. ziggy was familiar with the path, and seemed anxious to move closer to it.

"tap him again," carter instructed, following beside you with one hand still on your knee. "when i step back, tap him again, a bit firmer this time, and let him trot. we'll get into galloping later."

"okay," you said uncertainly. carter stepped away and let you have the space to tap the horse and have him begin trotting. ziggy started moving and you shrieked a bit, holding onto the reins as he casually trotted his way around the arena. "carter i'm doing it!"

"hell yeah you are!" he said, grinning as he watched you settle more comfortably in the saddle, ziggy relaxing as you did too.

you did a few laps around the arena before you pulled on the reins, clicking your tongue as you stopped in front of carter. he grinned up at you, holding his arms out as you stepped off the saddle, dropping on the dirt and hugging him. you laughed into his shirt as he squeezed you tightly. "that was fun."

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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!!

[jetblack4realz]

cowboy tacos - carter wheeler

HAHA i'm back on the carter train!

same universe as domestic, so if you haven't read that and it's prequel sleeping together definitely check it out, you'll love those too!

basically just carter fluff post-season five when they move out to their own ranch!

word count: 2k

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he'd packed the lunch. you'd packed the attitude.

"are you sure your dad isn't gonna be pissed that you're ditching work early?" you asked as he hopped on the horse in front of you.

he glanced at you over your shoulder with a grin. "he'll survive. i've already finished mucking out the stalls and spent half the morning on that damn fence both he stuck me with. we're good."

"right. unless they think we're running off to hook up in a field."

"we're bringing sandwiches and carrots - the least sexy food groups," he answered.

"carrots isn't a food group, idiot," you said with a roll of your eyes. he snorted a laugh as you wrapped your arms around his middle. "let's get going then."

in an instant, you were off, your arms tightening on instinct as he whooped into the wind.

the trail was well-worn to your usual picnic spot, and his horse basically knew his way himself.

the sun was bright and had already burned carter's cheeks from the day's work. it made you unbelievably happy though - a well earned reward after a long, cold, and snowy winter.

you set out the blanket and carter grabbed the food, both of y'all beginning to munch at the sandwiches he'd made in a hurry.

conversation was easy, teasing, kind. it'd been a long week of school on your end and a week of work on his, and you both had stories to tell.

his consisted of the wild, out of pocket things lloyd was telling him about his parents' teenage years, and how he never wanted to have some of those conversations again.

yours just consisted of teen girl gossip and how the star quarterback hadn't asked the lead cheerleader to prom like everyone thought he was going to - instead he asked the catcher of the softball team.

"you gonna let me take you to prom?" he asked as he laid back on his arms, you sitting cross-legged in front of him with a smile.

"if you ask me," you answered, tilting your head at him.

"okay," he said, dragging the word out with a lopsided grin. "will you go to prom with me?"

you shrugged, popping a grape in your mouth and chewing slowly. "i guess."

"you guess?" he laughed.

you grinned, laughing loudly when he reached out to drag you on top of him.

"no guessing," he told you, flat on his back as you snuggled into his chest. "yes or no."

"fine."

"not fine, yes or no!"

"yes!" you laughed, pushing away from him but letting him drag you right back.

"good," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as you rested against him.

conversation continued for a long time before it eventually lulled, your eyes shut and carter snoring softly as the sun slowly slid down past the mountains.

it was a crack of thunder that woke you up.

"carter," you said, shaking his arm. "carter, wake up."

"mm, why?"

"because we fell asleep and we were supposed to be back hours ago," you told him, and in an instant he was up, eyes wide as he surveyed the graying sky.

"shit."

you both scrambled to gather your things, tossing the blanket and empty tupperware in the saddlebag before he helped you up, mounted himself, and rode off back to the ranch.

when you passed over the ridge both your phones pinged about seventeen times.

you fished yours out and pulled carter's from his back pocket, grimacing as the texts continued popping up.

on carters there was a series from rip:

did you go inside? come back out, lloyd and i need help. where are you? kid, if beth finds out you ditched out you're dead meat. carter where are you? beth's worried. we found her truck. where are you two? i swear if you ran off with your girl to go fuck in my field i'm going to kill you both. where the fuck are you?

and then there were the ones from beth:

hey honey, i heard you come inside, did you want lunch? rip said you didn't go back out to work. wherever you are you need to finish your work for the day before heading out again. seriously kid where are you? y/n's truck is outside. you aren't sneaky. come home. carter dutton wheeler i'm gonna beat your ass if you're not home by sundown. i'm going to call the sheriff if you're not home in thirty minutes.

that last one was sent twenty minutes ago.

"hurry up, carter," you told him, and he tapped his horse's belly to encourage his speed.

on your phone you were surprised to find texts from his parents too.

rips:

where the hell did you drag carter off to? this isn't funny. you two need to come home. you're never allowed at the house again. where are you? i'm serious, get your asses home now.

and beths:

carter didn't tell me you were stopping by. you staying for dinner? carter's not answering his phone and rip can't find him, are you with him? where did you guys run off to? i'll hold off rip if you just let me know you're safe. seriously girl come back. now. y/n, carter, get your asses back to the house asap.

and you each had at least five missed calls from each of them.

"we're so fucked," you groaned, leaning your forehead on his back. he shook his head.

"it'll be fine. they'll get over it."

"you're not reading their texts," you answered. "they're pissed."

he let out a breath as you came up on the house. "i guess we'll see."

they were standing in front of the house, rip's arms folded across his chest, beth leaning against the front post like she'd been practicing what to say all afternoon.

her practice seemed to pay off, speaking first as you guys hopped off the horse.

"well, look who finally decided to come home. i hope the grass stains were worth it."

carter seemed to short circuit, his eyes widening as you brought a hand to your forehead to cover your reddening face. "what?"

"we were just out for a picnic and we fell asleep," you sighed.

"sure, a picnic. you two run off without telling anyone, without a radio, not answering your phones, for hours. what were you really doing out there?" rip said with raised brows.

"wait, you think we were-?"

"i already told you," you said, cutting off carter as you stepped towards his parents. "i have no interest in getting pregnant on your damn farm. well, at least in the field."

carter's eyes widened as beth choked back a laugh, rip's glare hardening as he eyed you.

"you sure about that?" he asked.

"pretty sure. see, your son thought it'd be cute to ditch work for an afternoon and go out for a picnic. don't punish him for being a romantic," you answered, waving a hand his way as you moved towards the steps. "everyone knows you are."

rip rolled his eyes. "didn't i ban you from this place already?"

"yep! got vetoed by your wife!" you called back to him as you pulled open the front door. all three wheelers watched you as you moved into the house. "y'all have a nice chat, i'll get started on dinner!"

once the door shut, beth and rip turned their attention back to carter, who was rolling his eyes at your quick exit.

"you can't just leave like that, kid," beth told him.

he sighed, eyes dropping to his boots. "i know."

"then why did you?"

"because i wanted to do something nice for my girlfriend," he answered, shrugging lamely. "i'm always working and she always comes here to help lighten me up. i wanted to make time for her like she does for me."

his parents exchanged a look, both sighing softly before rip stepped forward to clap a hand on carter's shoulder. "look, i know you just wanted something normal, but we can't just have days off on a whim. we plan for it. that's the cost of being a cowboy."

"and your girl isn't a stranger to that. if she had an issue with this life she would've walked out of it already," beth reminded, smiling slightly.

"yeah, i guess you're right," carter sighed. "i'm sorry. it won't happen again."

"damn right it won't," rip said. "now go make your girlfriend stop making us dinner. she doesn't live here, i don't know why she's always cooking us shit."

carter laughed, moving up the steps and towards the door with a glance to his parents. "it's her love language. she said 'yes' to being my girlfriend with a plate of brownies."

"i remember that. rip ate them all," beth hummed.

rip shot her a look and carter laughed again, stepping into the house and making his way into the kitchen.

you turned from where you were browning taco meat, smiling as you spotted carter. "you out for a few weeks or did they let you off?"

"i think you coming in here and starting to make us dinner saved me," he answered, wrapping his arms around your waist with a side smile. "thanks for that, i guess."

"well, you're very welcome," you said brightly, pecking his lips shortly. "it's what i do best."

"i can think of a few things you do better than make food," he told you, smirking as he leaned down to capture your lips for a few seconds longer than you were expecting.

you were on the verge of very girly giggles as you pushed away from him, pointing to the cutting board by the stove with the bag of tomatoes next to it as you grinned. "stop teasing and start chopping, cowboy."

he rolled his eyes, dropping a kiss to your cheek as he passed you to reach the counter. "as you wish, sweetheart."

you moved back to your place at the stove, bumping his hip with yours as you smiled gently at him.

"cowboy tacos?" he asked as he glanced over at the pot of chili beans you were warming up and the assortment of vegetables waiting to be cut up in front of him.

"you know it," you answered, pushing the ground beef around the pan and adding some seasoning to it.

"and you seem to know the way to pops' heart."

"actually," you hummed, letting your wood spatula rest against the side of the pan as you moved across the kitchen towards the alcohol cart. "i think it takes two things to get to dear ole rip's heart."

you pulled out a glass, dropping two ice cubes into it before filling it with some of his classic kentucky straight bourbon. you placed it at the head of the table before going back to your place at the stove.

carter raised his brows at you, breathing out a laugh as he shook his head. "damn, babe, you're an expert."

"gotta make him like me somehow," you answered, grinning as he bumped your hip again.

you heard the door open and soon rip and beth were standing in the doorway of the kitchen, rip's face stoic as ever even as his wife smiled gently at you both.

you leaned around carter to shoot rip a grin. "i'm making cowboy tacos and there's a whiskey on the table for you."

"alright, you can stay," he sighed, walking to the table and immediately reaching for the glass you'd set out for him.

beth winked at you, smiling softly. "you can always stay, baby."

"as long as you keep cooking dinner. i hate to admit it, but it's pretty damn good," rip added.

"well thank you mr wheeler. i am pretty good at what i do," you answered.

carter winked and you shared a grin, working happily on the tacos.

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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

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[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!