#island wet bar sink

[iamthelandscape]

Great Room Kitchen Inspiration for a huge open-concept coastal kitchen remodel with white cabinets, quartzite worktops, a multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, and recessed-panel cabinets. The kitchen will also have a medium-tone medium-wood floor and brown floor.

[golshiftehnews]

Boston Living Room Music Room Large trendy open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo with a music area, gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand

[analogveins]

Great Room - Kitchen

With a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, black backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an island, this large, contemporary u-shaped open concept kitchen has a light wood floor.

[youknowyourefromsingaporewhen]

Basement Walk Out Charlotte A sizable transitional walk-out basement image with a gray floor, white walls, and a hanging fireplace

[biyuti]

Home Bar - Contemporary Home Bar

[yugioh-network]

Beach Style Home Bar

[twinpeaksfashion]

Transitional Home Bar in DC Metro

[saisa-sound]

Denver Home Bar U-Shape

[passionoverfashion]

Dining Kitchen (Nashville)

[nail-it-in]

Kitchen Pantry

[caykeisart]

Wet Bar - Home Bar

[mjolnirswriststrap]

Just Another Notch

Masterlist PART 1/? PART 2

Bucky Barnes x Plus Size F!Reader

Summary: If Bucky thinks his charms will work on you, then you’re gonna put up one hell of a fight to prove him wrong.

Word Count: 1,473

Warnings: None, but future chapters will hold explicit content, read everything at your own discretion.

You remember the first time Bucky really looked your way, like it was yesterday. It was late, the core team all went out for drinks, no room for any trainees. They were just returning. You could hear everyone hooting and hollering before they got off the elevator.

You wouldn’t say you were particularly close to any of them. Sure you worked together, but that’s as deep as it got. They all seemed like family to one another, it wasn’t the same for the revolving door of interns and new trainees.

You watch as everyone passes the kitchen door, not even glancing to investigate the yellow glow emitting from it. You stirred the bowl of granola and milk, it was subconscious, something that instantly cleansed your mind of the pompous heroes. The smell of cinnamon fills your nose when you bring a spoonful of oats and almonds to your mouth.

You accidentally places the spoon down a little too hard, causing a metal and ceramic ring to chime. The last one out of the elevator heard it, stopping in their tracks at the kitchen door. “Cereal sounds perfect right now.” He says, walking towards the refrigerator. You don’t respond to him, you just start chewing faster, wanting to concede and hide in your room.

You keep your eyes down, listening to his sloppy movements, over the sound of your crunching. When the pale bottom of the bowl begins to show you slip from the the bar stool situated opposite of the kitchen island to the sink. You would either have to walk all the way around or slip past Bucky for a faster escape.

Rinse the bowl, put it in the dishwasher, turn on the garbage disposal, and run before he says another word. You decided to cut corners, stepping behind Bucky pouring his cereal. You don’t expect him to step backwards and knock your bowl of milk and mushy cereal all over your white cotton pajamas.

He turns, quickly apologizing and grabbing paper towels. “I didn’t even see you there, I’m sorry.” He takes it upon himself to wipe and dab the milk from your front. You clear your throat, you’re deciding to blame it on his drunkenness as to why he thinks it’s okay to touch your breasts like this. He doesn’t even realize what he’s doing wrong, he’s just helping you clean up. But he’s coasted over your cold wet nipple one too many times, it’s beginning to peek through the fabric.

“It’s fine. I should go.” You say, against better judgment you gingerly toss the bowl into the sink and make way for the kitchen door. “Wait.” He grabs your arm, spinning you back. “Get me back.” His tone is serious.

“What?” Pure confusion fills your face. “Spill milk on my shirt. So we’re even.” You laugh lightly. How chivalrous, “Thanks for the sentiment, but ruining your nice button down isn’t gonna unsoil my nightshirt. You’re good, I swear.” You say, not really wanting to throw milk on the best assassin in the world. What if he remembers tomorrow and decides to have a vendetta with you because of it?

“Fine, but now I owe you, and I would rather pay up now.” He crossed his arms infront of him. A playful smile on his lips. Your heart was pounding a thousand miles a minute, the second he walked in all you wanted was to escape. “Wash that bowl for me please.” You say, running out of the kitchen, solving two problems in one.

When you make it to your room you’re mortified as you look in the mirror. Your white cotton had turned see through, your nipples on full display. No matter how drunk Bucky was, you knew he noticed that. You rub your forehead as you replay the moment back, wondering what went wrong. Wondering why he even stepped back in the first place.

He was drunk, sure. But a super soldier of his status rarely loses their footing, no matter the circumstance. It felt intentional now that you analyze the situation. He didn’t move from that spot. It took you more than a minute to finish your cereal. He should’ve already been sitting down, eating. He was waiting for you to move first.

Your phone buzzes beside you, it’s your best friend. A Snapchat video awaits you, while you run to your bathroom to fix your messy situation. When you emerge from the tiny water closet your phones lighting up again. Another Snapchat but it’s a message this time.

You swipe right on her animated icon, “My data is shit and that video took 20 minutes to send.” You stifle a laugh and tap the purple square. Your phone starts blasting house music and you rush to turn it down. The flashing lights distract your eyes from the highlighted caption on the screen, “the avengers are here 😱” you toss your head back in annoyance. You’d reminded her plenty of times that they’re not celebrities, plus they’re kinda assholes. Ever since you started working here, all of the pedestals you put them on crashed to the ground. None of them were perfect.

You look back at the screen and see a familiar figure in the background, it’s Bucky, holding a water bottle. You squint your eyes, wondering if you’re over reacting, you need to prove something to yourself. You let the video play through, texting your friend back to ask an unconventional question.

“When exactly did you take that video?” You lay down in bed and wait for her to reply. Your phone chimes.

“Like I said, probably around 20 minutes ago. They left right after. Your eye candy didn’t seem like he was having a good time 😬” you read the words and can’t help but groan, she was really getting on your nerves tonight. You mention one time, sophomore year, that you thought the winter soldier was hot. Five years later, she still hasn’t given it up, even after you began working with him.

You stopped feeling that way once you saw his personal revolving door that connected to the new trainees one. He really doesn’t help their return rate. You bet half of them run for the hills in pitiful heartbreak. You had to admit, his proximity and diligence in trying to clean your shirt, was hot. Your a woman of the people, you can’t deny his attractiveness because of his personality.

So if what you saw is true, that means Bucky sure as hell wasn’t drunk when he got home less than 10 minutes later. Why would he do that to you? It was sleazy, and definitely would’ve worked on anyone else. You just couldn’t fathom the possibility of him coming on to you. He’d never spoke to you before.

Not like you expected him to, you were far out of his wheel house of girls. You were recruited for your strength. And with that came fat. You never thought anything of it growing up, you knew you were stronger than the other girls because you were bigger than them. But as you got older you became stronger than all the boys too. Your parents took you to a specialist, you were only 9. That’s when the doctor sat you down and told you that your strength was within, your muscles were mutated, it had been so since birth, benign till now. He said your muscles were the worlds strongest rubber bands, operating on your mental will power to use them, you’d only ever be as strong as you believed you were.

You knew and believed you were stronger than all the girls, so your muscles allowed it. You grew in weight and height, towering over some boys and definetly larger in size than them, so you believed you must be stronger than them, so your body allowed it. When you got around the age of 16, your parents let you explore your mutation more. Letting you hop in the fighting octagon with a man triple your size. You were confident in your mutation, therefore you were confident you could beat him. It was a cycle that won you many championships, and medals, before people started asking too many questions and you had to get a real job, doing something for the greater good, like contract killing for shield. Or offering your services to the avengers to only be treated like a lowly high school office intern.

You weren’t his type, that much was clear, so what’s his motive? Toy around with you for sick twisted fun? You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. He’s going to have no effect on you if this is how he intends to play. You put your phone on the charger, checking your alarm, before you force yourself to fall asleep, a long day of training awaits you.

[danikamariewrites]

Hello! Can you please write a story where the reader cleans up and slips on the wet floor? What would Azriel's reaction be? Thank you!

I love all your stories and I am delighted every time you post.

Caution

Azriel x f!reader

A/n: Hi anon! Thank you, that’s so sweet of you to say. I hope you enjoy this❤️

Warnings: injuries then some fluff

Making your way to the kitchen you hear Cassian and Nyx playing. Correction, you heard them screaming and running around. As you walked down the hall Nyx comes barreling out of the kitchen, laughing and screaming at his Uncle Cassian chasing him.

He’s holding an almost empty sippy cup with no lid in his little hands. He screeches out a ‘hi auntie y/n’ as he disappears around the corner. Cassian follows shortly laughing like a maniac. “I’m gonna get you Nyx! Hi y/n.” You laugh at the boys and their shenanigans.

Walking into the kitchen your smile fades. The two left a mess! Cookies all over the island, bowls of snacks left out, and some sticky candy that you were sure Nyx couldn’t have was stuck to the marble counter top. Rubbing your eyes you knew you couldn’t leave the kitchen like this. You had to clean it or it would drive you crazy, and if not you definitely Rhys or Az.

As you bustled about the kitchen wiping down the counter tops and putting dishes in the sink, Azriel walks in. His face lights up when he sees you. “Hi baby,” he saunters over to you, pulling you in by your waist and giving you a quick kiss.

“Hi Azzie.” You continue cleaning the other side of the island. Azriel looks over the mess that’s still left, “Cass and Nyx?” “Yup,” you emphasize by popping the ‘p’. Az chuckles, shaking his head. He spots the sticky candy still on the counter, “Cauldron save me, Feyre told us he couldn’t have those before dinner.”

You kept walking and wiping down the counter listening to Az rant about Cassian giving Nyx candy until you slip. Letting out a squeak, you try to grab the ledge of the island but your fingers slip. Letting go, the back of your head hits the floor.

You hear Az yell your name as he rushes to kneel beside you. You blink owlishly as you start to feel the pain in your back, head, and fingers. “Baby? Y/n, are you ok?” “Yeah I’m fine,” you groan out. You start to sit up and Az helps you. He holds the back of your neck as his one of his shadows swarms you, checking for injuries. It lingers by the back of your head alerting Azriel to the bump forming there.

Staring at the floor you notice a puddle of juice. Then you remembered Nyx’s almost empty sippy cup and figured Cassian forgot to clean it up.

Azriel touches the back of your tender head, you suck in a harsh breath and wince. “Sorry, I’m sorry. Come on let’s get you some ice.” Az scoops you up into his arms, sitting you on one of the bar stools. He grabs an ice pack from the freezer.

He comes back over to you and holds the ice pack to the back of your head. “You ok?” “Uh-huh, thank you Azzie.” He hums, “Can I get you anything else, my love?” Letting out a dramatic sigh Az leans his face in front of you. His eyes shining and a playful smile graces his lips.

“Hhmm…I think a kiss would make me feel better.” Az lifts the ice pack and kisses your head. “Better yet?” “One more, I think,” you pucker your lips, tilting your head slightly. Az’s shoulders shake from silent laughter and kisses your lips.

You get lost in each other for a while until you hear two voices, “Eewwww.” You and Az break apart, shooting Cassian and Nyx dirty looks. “Gross Uncle Az.” “Yeah, gross Uncle Az.” Cassian mimics. Az juts out his hip, placing his free hand on it, giving them a stern look.

“You two should be apologizing to Auntie y/n. You spilled your juice and didn’t clean it up, she slipped and hit her head.” Cassian pursed his lips as if to say ‘oh’. Nyx’s eyes go wide as he leaves Cassian’s side and runs over to you. He lifts his arms up and Az picks him up to sit in your lap. He gives you a big hug, tucking his face in your neck. “I’m sorry auntie.”

You stroke Nyx’s hair, “It’s ok buddy. Just gotta be careful next time ok.” “Ok. And really it’s Uncle Cass’ fault. He didn’t put the top on my cup.” Cassians mouth opens and his brows furrow together. Az laughs at the accusation. “Yeah Cass, your fault.”

tags: @nyotamalfoy @auggiesolovey @bubybubsters @baybay123455 @msiecrane

[simstorian-blog]

Residential Floorplan Suggestions

New York City: TWO

(CC List + Links)

World Map: San Myshuno

Area: Spice Market – Waterside Warble

Lot Size:  30 x 30

Capacity:

A Dive Bar

An Internet Café

A Pizzeria

A Tattoo Parlor

Bonus: 6 residential rental units floorplans completed – not assigned

Gallery ID: Simstorian-ish

Packs Needed

Expansion Packs

Cats & Dogs

City Living

Discover University

For Rent

Get Together

Get To Work

Growing Together

High School Years

Horse Ranch

Snowy Escape

Game Packs

Dine Out

Dream Home Decorator

Jungle Adventure

Outdoor Retreat

Parenthood

Spa Day

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu

Strangerville

Vampires

Stuff Packs

Crystal Creations

Home chef Hustle

Laundry Day

Moschino

Kits

Castle Estate

Courtyard Oasis

Cozy Bistro

Desert Luxe

Recommended Gameplay Mods

(Please read through what each mod has to offer before deciding if it fits your gameplay style or not.)

Carl’s Dine Out Reloaded

City Vibes Lot Traits

Functional Tattoo Parlor

Functional Venue Lot Traits

Lock/Unlock Doors for Any Lot

Spawn Refresh

Use Residential Rentals shared areas as Community Lots & Create Multi-Purpose Community Lots

Build Mode

CharlyPancakes

Chalk Pt.2 (Tiles)

Felixandre

Chateau Pt. 1 (Stone Foundation)

Chateau Pt. 2 (Doors, Metal Pieces, Tiles, Walls)

Colonial Pt. 3 (Fence 2, Plaster Foundation 2, Railing 2)

Florence Pt. 1 (Fresco Mural)

Grove Pt. 4 (Plaster Column, Plaster Floor)

London Interior (Dining Chair, Stool, Walls)

Paris (Cartouche Large, Corbel, Swag)

Schwerin (Terracotta Female)

SOHO Pt. 2

SOHO Pt. 3

SOHO Pt. 4

Harrie

Brownstone Pt. 2 (Traditional Door Frame – Med, Traditional Door – Med, Traditional Window 2 - Med)

Coastal Pt. 2 (Column)

Klean Pt. 3 (Concrete Floor, Painted Walls)

Kwatei Pt. 1 (3x1 BiFold, Double Arch, Single Interior Door)

Mutske

Stairs Add-on

Lijoue

Louer Collection (Iron Fence, Railing, Stone Stairs)

Peacemaker

Bistro Expanded (Awning 1x1)

Graffiti Mural 01

Pierisim

Winter Garden Pt. 2 (Double Door High, High Window w Bottom x2)

Sooky88

Checkered Marble Floor

English Country Wall Set (Subway Tiles, Subway Tiles w Wallpaper)

Scandinavian Wall Set (Plain w Tiles)

Syboubou

Neighborly 1 (Ceiling Outdoor Light, Mailbox)

Neighborly 2 (Interphone)

Buy Mode

AroundTheSims4

Laundromat (Seating x3 – Metal Base)

Tattoo Parlor (First Aid Kits, Gloves, Ink, Ink Display, Light, Saddle Stool, Tattoo Gun)

Cepzid

Functional Tattoo Chair

Felixandre

Berlin Pt. 1 (Curtain – Tall)

SOHO Pt. 1

Harlix

Baysic (Coffee Table, container, End Table, Kitchen Cabinet, Kitchen Counter, Kitchen Island, Kitchen Sink, Kitchen Trolley, Kitchen Accent Counter 1-3, Sofa)

Jardane (Leather Pouffe)

Kichen (Cabinet, Cups, Glasses, Plant, Shelf)

Kichen 2.0 Pt. 2 (Glasses 2 & 4)

Harrie

Shop The Look 1 (Armchair, Coffee Table)

Shop The Look 2 (Ceramic Side Table)

Shop The Look 3 (Circular Cushion)

Spoons Pt. 2 (2 Tile Glass Pedastal- Short & Tall, Counters, Espresso Bar, Island, Pastry Platter, Pizza Board, Shelving)

Kiwisims4

Blockhouse Dining (Booth Seating)

KKB

The Chilling Home (Module Bar Stool)

LittlleDica

Greasy Foods (Napkins, Salt Shaker, Stalls Door, Stalls Wall, Vents, Wet Floor Sign)

Modern Kitchen Stuff (Soft Breeze)

Rise & Grind (Décor Mural 2, Décor Syrup Bottle, Décor Wall Painting Menu, Dining Tables – All, Wastebun Counter)

Max20

Happily Ever After (Sign of Attention)

NANDO

Fashion Store (Ceiling Lamp)

Pierisim

Coldbrew Coffee Shop Pt. 3 (Menu, Paper Cup, Tea Box, Tips Jar)

MCM Pt. 1 (Simstudio Display)

MCM Pt. 4 (Kitchen Island)

Ravasheen

Shake and Shimmy Dance Floor

Shop Chef (Drink Dispenser)

Severinka

Industrial Light II

Simkoos

Clutter Dump Pt. 2  (Boba Notepad, Boba Stacked Cups V1, Cafeteria Straw Dispenser)

SimspirationBuilds

Toffee Pt. 1 (Art)

Syboubou

Catherine Sushi Restaurant (Wall Shelf 1 & 3)

Contemporary Haven (Armchair, Artworks, End Table, Sofa 3P Left)

Macaron (Counter Display)

TaurusDesign

Lilith Chilling Area Pt. 1 (Bartender Kit, All Drinks, SulSul Sign)

Tuds

Cave (Panel Light 2 x 4)

IND 01

IND 03

Turn Couch

Wondymoon

Fraxinus AIO Computer (DL on Patreon)

DO NOT REUPLOAD MY LOTS.

DO NOT CLAIM THEM AS YOUR OWN.

DO NOT PLACE BEHIND A PAYWALL.

Tray Files: DOWNLOAD

[just-lexy]

It looks like this year my creative spur was nonexistent. I found an old draft on my PC and I revamped it a bit to not let this year pass without any contribution. Not that it is necessary, but it makes me a tiny bit sad.

Please, have this bittersweet snippet featuring Kai and Max :)

About comfort and kisses

“How are you?”

“Same as usual.”

Kai had learned over the years to open up more to his friends, although he still struggled to openly admit when he wasn't okay. At least he was no longer glossing over fake answers or avoiding answering them altogether.

Since back in the day, Kai has been asked all sorts of questions by the other Bladebreakers.

It started as bits of advice on attacks and strategies, to then vary toward other topics according to their age, from school problems to issues regarding early adult experiences and the associated responsibilities.

Kai wasn't sure what he'd done to earn that trust, especially considering how he'd behaved during the early years of their friendship. Oh, how he wished he could have given his teenage self an earful.

Maybe the cause was how he'd presented himself since he'd started working alongside his grandfather in the family business. Outside of practice, he was always impeccably dressed in his polished, brand-name clothes, which gave him a more adult attire. Typical Bladebreakers to be fooled by appearances.

And this tendency continued, and in recent months he wondered even more why. He didn't feel in the right mental state to be a confidant or give any advice.

But Max had come to him with his questions, and although he hadn't felt able to, he had tried to respond most effectively. So, he had been following Max's events over the past few weeks as he was questioning his sexuality following a new and unexpected attraction to a friend of his.

They were sitting on the stools in his kitchen, on opposite sides of the central island, when he noticed out of the corner of his eye Max standing up. Kai blinked back to the present; he had zoned out glancing at a random spot in the sink, not remembering his own thoughts.

Maybe Max had gotten tired of sitting there in silence and was leaving. Instead of heading toward the living room, Max circumnavigated the island and stood next to him, causing Kai to turn in his direction.

From their position, Max, who had had a not inconsiderable growth spurt in his late teens, watched him from the same height.

Kai didn't have time to register his movements as Max leaned toward him, cupping his face in his hands, and bringing their lips together in a sweet little kiss. It wasn't a big deal, Max had barely tasted his lips. It wasn't a real kiss, but it wasn't a peck either. The whole thing had lasted little more than a second, just long enough to feel a hint of wetness on his lips.

“You told me you would have liked to have somebody to kiss.”

Kai was startled until he remembered a video call they had. Max had updated him on his crush and Kai had urged him to talk to his friend about it and, why not, maybe decide to kiss him. Then, he'd voiced that desire, more as a nudge of encouragement than anything else. After all, yes, he would have liked to kiss someone again, not a stranger in a bar, but someone important, someone he loved.

“That’s not what I meant,” Kai smiled fondly, trying to ignore the sudden lump in his throat.

“I know, but that’s what I can offer you as your friend.”

Max's hands were still around his face, and probably he felt the awkwardness, because he let them slide towards his arms. Instead of letting him go, he pushed him into a tight and warm hug, his hands on Kai’s back motioning in comforting movements.

Kai sighed and responded to the hug, wrapping his arms around Max's body, letting his warmth calm his latest turmoils.

Maybe more than a kiss, he had been needing a hug.

[madhattervanessa]

Kill You To Try (Chapter 1)

Summary: Between old and new issues, you let your own health drag. Not everyone seems to be okay with it.

Warnings: grief, prescription pills

Words: 2629

prev. Chapter - next Chapter

Series Masterlist

-

I need a hero! I’m holding out-

You’re abruptly ripped out of your dreamless sleep and reach out to blindly grab your phone from the nightstand.

“What’s wrong?”

You rub the sand out of your eyes with your other hand. As you open them, you blink up into the darkness.

“Need you to come down, I have some trouble with a horse.”

“Are you in the stables?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll be right there, Lee.”

You end the call and let your hand with the phone fall onto the mattress. You follow the grain of the wood in the ceiling with your eyes as you feel your pulse slowing down from its sprint.

It’s strange, not waking up in your bed.

Then again, you have not been sleeping in anything you could call your own bed for the past year.

You sigh and detangle yourself from the suffocating sea of thick duvets. As you swing your feet over the edge of the bed, the moist sheen of sweat on your skin makes you shiver. 

You drag your shirt off on the way to the bathroom.

You grab the bar of soap from the shower and bend over the sink. As you start washing yourself, you risk a cautionary look in the mirror. 

Your eyes are rimmed with red, the bags underneath a prominent purple, and the lines on the sides of your face are a testament to your tossing and turning throughout the night.

You close your eyes and breathe in the fresh pine smell of the soap.

After drying yourself with a towel, you wander back into the bedroom.

Mindlessly, you pull on your underwear, faded jeans, and a faded but thick sweater, before you roll on your socks and grab your boots as you make your way out of the room.

Downstairs, you hear the hiss of running water from the kitchen. You knock on your way in and let your eyes wander over the generous baskets of produce and the breakfast spread on the kitchen island.

Gabriel, the Dutton’s personal chef, looks over his shoulder from where he is washing produce in the sink.

“Good morning. Since when have you been back?” 

You shuffle into the kitchen, the scent of fresh herbs and wet vegetables washing over you.

“Few days ago. D’you have any coffee?”

He dries his hands on the towel hanging from his shoulder, offering a quick smile. 

“Definitely. Why don’t you grab some breakfast, too?” He gestures towards the breakfast spread, the eggs still steaming.

“God bless you, Gator,” you murmur and take a seat at the wooden kitchen island. As you lean onto the smooth wooden counter, the smell of bread and butter fills your nose. You spy a leftover plate from what must have been Lee's breakfast.

You reach for a thick slice of bread to pile some eggs on. Just as you chew on your first bite, your travel mug is set down next to your arm. You open your eyes to Gator's scrutinizing look and wipe some butter from the corner of your lips to your mouth.

“Jesus, girl, when’s the last time you ate?”

You hum and swallow before reaching for the coffee.

“Don't ask. Wasn't your food, anyways," you mutter before continuing to scarf down your breakfast with quick, eager bites.

Gator sighs and lingers at the counter.

"Well, I'm glad you're back to appreciate it. Lee just scarfs down everything and leaves. Don't get me started on the others."

You wipe your hands off on your pants and start pulling on your socks and boots. After swallowing your last bite, you meet his eye.

"Like father, like sons. They don't know how good they have it a lot of times, Gator."

You take another sip of the piping hot coffee, rolling your eyes in delight before screwing the lid shut.

"Can I leave my plate?"

"Of course. Just grab some fruit before you go."

"Thanks," you mutter. He pushes an apple into your hand and clasps your shoulder before turning back to the sink.

You bite into it and grab your mug. On your way out, you pull on your hat and jacket.

The morning air sends a shiver down your spine. On your way to the barn, you chew your bite of the apple.

Your steps are cut short when you see a shadow from the corner of your eye. The apple falls to the ground as Lee bumps into you, both of you apologizing to each other as you stop.

"Oh-sorr- Jesus Christ, kid. You look like shit."

You glare at Lee, unamused by his honest words this morning, as if you hadn't previously been aware of your greasy bedhead.

"You called me. I'm here.

"Right. Follow me." He clears his throat, awkwardly pushing his hands into the pockets of his jacket. A move that seems to be genetically imprinted on all of the Dutton kids. You drop your frown and follow Lee through the stable door.

The light inside is still dim, just a few pale yellow rays of sun manage their way through the windows, tinting everything in a gentle, warm hue that only seems to intensify the mellow fragrances lingering inside: Dry, sweet hay and musky manure, the smell of the leather saddles and warm, mellow horse fur.

It makes your heart squeeze. You missed it all, you realize, startlingly, as you look around until you find one of the horses already out of its box.

Lee gently envelops the horse's nose in his hands before walking over to its side, murmuring something soothing. The grayish gelding whinnies quietly before snorting and whipping his head towards his stomach.

"What made you call me?" you ask. Your boots click on the ground as you approach the horse you now recognize as Cisco, a young horse that had joined the herd just months ago. 

"He was sweating bullets and bein' restless when I came in." You study Cisco's eyes before opening his mouth to check his gums. When you finish, you muffle a yawn in the crook of your elbow and gently trace your hand over Cisco's neck. 

You pat it soothingly as you let your other hand glide over his side, feeling for anything unusual.

"I thought it might be Colic. But I wanted you to check now that you're back."

You hum in agreement and let your hands scan Cisco's shoulder, the crest, and his spine before reaching toward his stomach. You get a bump against your back for it, the morning air filled with the dull sound of hooves scratching against the concrete floor of the stables. 

"I'm thinking Colic is right on the money, Lee", you sigh and turn to look at him over the horse's back. "I'm going to have a look for any build-up but one of you guys has to make sure he moves around today, it will help against his stomach cramps."

Lee scratches the back of his head, already cringing openly.

"I need them out today."

"Well if you don't need me out on the pasture I can do it."

He nods and leaves with a muttered, "I'll leave you to it."

You watch him go, your hand ceaselessly repeating the back and forth on Cisco's back as you watch the first lights in the bunkhouse turn on, just in time for Lee to open the door.

You turn back, muttering some more encouragement to the sick horse before you go to work on him.

-

"Good morning."

You puff your cheeks before exhaling slowly. The air billows into small clouds in front of you.

"Mind your breathing. Use it to ground yourself, darling."

With the words, the memories of soft morning air, soft cushions on the ground and the smell of myrrh come flooding back, too.

You wish you could call her. Your throat feels tight at the thought.

"Morning."

You pull your hat a bit lower, mindful of the purple bags underneath your eyes that feel like your face is being weighed down. You roll up your whip over your elbow, fiddling with the flaying ends of it, twisting every strand.

"What's poor Cisco in for?"

The rhythmic pounding of Cisco's hooves in the sand echoes on the ranch.

"Colic."

"D'you need anything? Your case, or something?"

"It's fine, I'm almost done. Just needed to get him moving."

You click at the horse, encouraging him to keep moving. Rip's stare is burning holes in the back of your head. He kicks against the wooden post he's leaning against, grating against your already stretched-thin nerves.

"Don't you want to talk about it?"

You contain your laugh in a humorless, short huff.

But you smother the bitterness. Rip doesn't deserve your sour mood this morning. 

It might just be the sleepless nights, anyways.

"I ain't ever seen you like this, Bones."

"If you keep talking, you can run laps, next. I won't spare you the whip, either."

The high, grating sound of his whistling, and the warm laughter that follows, snap your nerves. 

You let your whip whirr through the air and precisely snap the fence next to him.

"Fuck-!"

You lift your chin, satisfied by the curses behind you as you follow Cisco with more encouraging clicks, turning with him until you can sneak a look at Rip.

The sight of his spilled coffee makes you smirk. Your eyes meet and you twirl the whip over your head again in a pretty circle.

He cusses, clutching his hat as he crouches down behind the fence, anticipating the next hit.

You don't let it come, just to see him squirm again. When he straightens up, he kicks against his coffee cup in the sand and throws another dagger of a look toward you before turning his back on you, leaving you behind, his hands no doubt balled into fists in the pockets of his jacket.

You gnaw at the raw inside of your cheek, biting at it until you can taste blood again.

-

When Lee finally returns, you watch the other farmhands file out towards the stables, too.

Rip is holding a new cup of coffee but doesn’t dare look at you.

The young farmhand next to him, however, does, chewing with his mouth open as he lets his eyes travel up, down, and up again.

It’s a whole thing with new farmhands, has been since you were twelve and suddenly nestling more weight on your hips.

He looks painfully young, dragged out of college young.

Probably the only reason he’s here anyways. Nothing fits him right, not even his silly little hat.

Except maybe for that fat grin of his.

“Who’s this pretty young thing!”, he hollers. Before you can say anything, a harsh slap is already delivered to the back of his head from Lloyd. 

You let the whip whirl over your head anyways, you have to. It’s the law. You would rather die than leave it to the men around the farm to enforce respect for you. You receive more welcome and friendly hollers that speak of admiration from the men you already know from the past few years in response. It warms your chest and you mock a curtsy before turning back to what you were doing. 

You hear Lee hiss something to the boy before nudging him along. The kid stumbles, kicking up dust.

“Dropped you some coffee at the stables, Bones!”

“Thanks, Lloyd!” 

“You need any help with the horse?”

“I’m fine! Calluses are still there!”

That makes Lee laugh and you spot John in the distance, smiling, too.

You tip your hat at the Dutton patriarch before making Cisco approach you, gently feeling for tension in his stomach again.

-

"Should I like that you're still here in the stables?"

"You better be likin' it, Lee", you grunt. Cisco huffs, twitching at the loud voices approaching.

You listen to the sound of the men filing in, putting their own horses away. You peek out from where you're braiding Cisco's mane.

"Any more medical emergencies I should know about?"

"Nah." Lee smiles at you as he passes. "How's this guy?"

"Getting the full treatment, washed and styled, ya know, stuff all of you guys could definitely use", you tease back.

He barks out a laugh in response, shaking his head as he takes his saddle into the back.

You hear Lloyd berating someone in the front, no doubt laying into a new farmhand or something.

Steps grow closer and you smile to yourself.

Lloyd is like a distant, older uncle, always with some warm, wise words he will gruffly mutter before he laughs at you, with his whole face, cheeks, and wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. 

You turn your head, ready to rib on him, too, only to find Rip shouldering his way into the box. He is crowding you, despite staying an arm's length away.

Everything in your chest shrivels up and you turn back to concentrate on what you're doing. You carefully fiddle with the hair in your fingers, taking extra care to add to your braiding, left over the middle, then right, brushing more hair into the other strands.

"Is this how it's gonna be, now? We're not talking anymore?" 

You open your mouth to answer but think better of it, biting your lip before shutting your mouth. Rip is good at this, making you argue with him until you run out of steam. He lets you take a pound of flesh until you roll over and give up.

"You look like a walking corpse."

"You're so charming, Rip."

"Stop deflecting."

"I'm not."

"You are."

God, you still fight like you are fourteen, bickering over who gets the best horse out of the stable. 

With the braid finished, there is not a lot you can do to avoid him, but you keep fiddling with the end of it for a little longer.

You hear him shifting. The heat is just rolling off of his body, permeating the air between the two of you.

"I called the Doctor. Got you some pills."

"I don't need medication, Rip. I need my fucking- goddamn peace."

"Yeah, that's just how I remember you. Wanting to be alone at all times. Real fuckin' like you."

Don't turn and yell at him, don't.

Just breathe.

Deep breaths.

You turn around to face him, uncaring of the others still milling about the stable as you get up into his face.

"Don't talk to me like that."

"It's the only way I get an answer out of you since you've returned."

You frown, still biting at your lip, tearing the skin.

"How about you just give me some space?"

"You've been so off, I'm thinking you need someone to stop giving you space", he hisses back before straightening up, his fingers scratching his jaw before he looks at you again, utterly defeated. "Just... take the pills. Talk to-" he sighs. "Talk to someone. Okay? Promise me."

His hands are warm as they gently squeeze yours before he lets them go. 

You swallow around the lump in your throat- but you can hardly feel it. It's like you're floating in the air, outside of your body, looking down on the situation happening. Rip glances over into the stables as he reaches into the inside of his jacket.

He pushes the pill bottle into your hand, making sure to fold your fingers around the plastic. The warmth of it, the sincere, searching eye contact- it snaps you right back into your body and you flinch like you have gotten whiplash.

You yank your hands out of his and flee the scene, leaving the pill bottle in the soft hay next to Rip's feet.

It's on your bedside table when you return to bed that evening.

-

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