#its fine..... two months till then thats plenty to prepare..... surely........

[autism-corner]

she pda on my stack till i transition

who up pumping they lemma

[purplexflamingo]

" Hey doggie quit it! Stop! Bad dog-- my bones! MINE! 

Give it back, stupid dog!"

Nubbins stumbled around exclaiming, entirely frustrated with the playful pup. She softly growled and tugged at the large bone in his hands. All the ruckus caused Selma to exit the station, generally worried for her animals well being. Only to find herself cackling at the sight. The dog just wanted to play, desperately. Once Nubbins had the bone back Dallas body slammed him. Panting as her excited tail wagged back and forth.

" She just wants to play with ya, thats all, honey. Relax, I'll make sure she doesn't take your bone again."

Dallas just kept staring at him, all attention was on that bone till Selma restrained her. The lanky male pouted and mumbled words she couldn't hear. Treading on his way to god knows where. The boy just wouldn't stay in one spot. His brother would have a fit if he saw him roaming these parts. As she recalled he should be back at the farm.

Dallas whimpered and whined as he left her behind. But soon calmed when provided with plenty of fresh water to lap up. Ruffling her companion's head she went back inside. Back to work she told herself.

" Have ya thought about it, dear? It's tonight ya know. At seven o'clock sharp."

Drayton slaved away preparing the next batch to cook. It was a miracle he never burned a thing, he knew exactly how long to let them cook and when to pull them off the grills. Oh she’d observe him when he allowed it. A majority of the time before the grilling process she was not allowed in the kitchen. 

" Hmm?"

Tying an apron around her waist, she chirped reminding him and well it appeared he was barely listening anyways. Multitasking was a skill he could manage as long as there wasn't talking involved. 

" The church-- that gatherin' I told ya 'bout its tonight ya know. There'll be food and dancin'. Oh and games! Remember now? I told ya last week."

Shifting his attention towards her for a split second. Leaving a pot to boil on the stove. He responded moments later.

" Well, we'll see. I got lots of fixin' to do. I can't make promises right now, darlin’. Oh could you start on them dishes."

As asked she complied and began scrubbing away. Stacking them on the counter beside the sink to dry later.

" It'll be fun....to get out a little bit, yeah?"

She tried to talk him into it, but she wouldn't force him of course. If she did that, it would be a miserable time for both. There was no doubt she looked forward to it, even before his answer. She hadn't been out in a long while other than to work there or at the diner. It was tiring. Constantly having to remind herself to not put her own hopes up.

" I don't know I ain't one for big fancy parties. Church or not."

Frowning she decided to not push the matter, at least she assumed he'd think about it. Just couldn't promise a thing-- as he said earlier. When she finished the first round of dishes she decided to take her break. Reaching for her pup's leash she hooked it to the dog's worn collar. A walk was in order. Dallas deserved it and so did Selma. Not too far, but enough space away from work. Drayton's brother could be spotted not too far from them. He was an interesting fellow, Selma thought him to be  odd-- not in a bad sense. She treated him as she would anyone else. Though she was concerned for his well being. Carrying that knife all the time, his reckless running, he'd give her a heart attack. Even mentioning to Drayton how thin he was. Drayton's reply was always " That boy ain't starvin', never has been. I feed him well, he can't keep no god damn meat on them bones. Always been that way. Don't you go worryin' about him. He's fine!"

With a yank she snapped out of her thoughts.

The dog threw her head back looking at her owner, wide eyed, tongue hanging out the side of her smiling mouth. Eagerly awaiting for direction. 

" Whoa, Dallas no pullin'!"

Calling their walk to it's end, she had gone back to the building once she tied her pup up. It was busier than before, just in time for her to return. This proceed till shops closing. Apparently it was a large order to be prepped and ready for tomorrow morning. Must have been a big event, Selma could along predict. Desperate for the extra cash, this was what they've wanted. It was rare to come by.

----

Eying the clock it had been nearly an hour now since the party started. It was a shame, but there was little to be done about it. She wanted to mention how disappointed she was. Again it wasn't his fault nor was it fair to share such negative feelings. He worked so god damn hard this evening, she couldn't even recall him taking one break. Once she had to force him to, especially to eat. Caught up in all his work he forgets to care for himself. She worried what it was like when she wasn't there. Watching him work, she wondered if she should make him take one again.

" Ah, sorry, darlin'. I've got lots more fixin' to do. You....you go on right ahead, go to that party. I won't force ya to stay any longer. Y-You've done enough help today and I appreciate it. Now go, maybe you can make it in time."

 Drying her hands on a spare towel, she shook her head.

" Nah, I'll stay and help clean up. You must be exhausted. You stress me out sometimes, hun."

" Ain't nothin' business picks up 'round this time of the year. Now hurry on."

A toothy smile given. Brow curved upwards exposing his forehead wrinkles. Reluctant to look her in the eye. Feeling guilty for letting her down. Even if he necessarily didn't want to go. The least her could do was insist she go alone.

" Oh hush, I'm stayin' and you can't make me leave. You're gonna be here hours on end without me. Over workin' yourself till you can't stand no more. Let me bring Dallas in and I'll finish up the dishes first of all."

Pushing the doors open she went through the lobby area of the station to dog proof it. Yawning the dog stretched when being woken up outside and sleepily followed her in before plopping down on one of the floor mats. Returning to the kitchen he still slaved away. She admired his determination and his drive to pursue his dream. It's wonderful to have this as a career. Consuming so much of his foods over the past few months. She hasn't felt healthier. Returning to the sink she turned the knobs waiting for the water to spew. Sliding multiple plates, silverware, pots, pans, anything that would fit inside to soak. Soon shutting the faucet off to not overflow the sink. Slipping her hands into the water as she had all day. Tedious work, but her mind wonders, it was never a bore. Grabbing the wash rag she proceeded to scrub and clean each individual plate. The kitchen was full of silence aside from faint humming on her end. 

 By the time he finished it was eight o'clock. Entirely too late for that event. By now she wasn't upset anymore. Just being here with him was all she wanted. It took sometime to realize this. Arms snaked around her waist reaching into the sink. His body close behind hers, chin resting on her shoulder. It startled her some, her breath caught in her throat. Cheeks flushing. This man was a mystery and she had trouble reading him, she couldn't understand what was happening. Feeling him so close, was very imitate. Leaning her head against his, closing her eyes for a second. His hands helped her with washing. What she felt was far from explainable.  She sworn she felt his lips graze her jaw, kissing her. Flustering her, but she managed to finish her work with his help.

It was difficult when he stepped away, she wish he wouldn't. Standing so close to him was what she'd craved for so long. It was frustrating..

" W-wait one second before ya even try to leave."

Out of the kitchen he went and as asked she stayed put. Looking over the entire spotless kitchen. Proping herself up against the counter. Digits tapping against the wood. Directing her eyes toward the doors he went out of, she could've sworn she hear some noise. Sounding like music. This urged her to go check out of sheer curiosity and she did peak her head through the doors. The old dusty jukebox was lit up and playing at a low volume. Drayton extended his arms.

" Haha-- ain't much, but it's somethin'. Let’s celebrate!"

Putting two and two together she began to understand. It was his way of making it up to her, it had to be. She even spotted drinks at the booth. Bashfully she hid her face, in disbelief. This was fantastic. No one else was around. This was more one on one more than anything else.

" Hun,but you worked all day!"

" C'mere here, c'mere!"

Motioning her near, she glanced down at the floor, and walked up to him. Within a few inches from him he lifted her chin and she was met with a warm expression. Encouraging her to carry on. Both of them cracked open a nice cold beer. It was all that was available here. Selma was not much for drinking, but she made an exception this one time. Almost as if this were a celebration of some sorts. In way it almost was. A way to celebrate a job well done. The night was spent drinking a few cans and having a pleasurable time chatting and so on. When Drayton stood up so abruptly he dragged her to the center of the room. Explaining how he doesn't really care of music these days, but a few old tunes.

The one currently playing was one of his favorites. Then he coaxed her into dancing, the whole time she was laughing her head off and even lost her footing once. Though he was able to prevent her meeting the floor with what strength he had. 

 Hand resting against the middle of her back while the other held hers. From there he guided her and she let him. Taking a moment she got lost in his eyes. Reflecting on all these years, she still loved him. While she shouldn’t, she couldn’t help it. But did he still love her? What was he feeling? Why would he never say? 

 Resting her head against his shoulder, feeling at peace- so relaxed despite those overwhelming questions. She never wanted him to let go. Rising her head she searching his face before moving in for a kiss. Melting away any worries or doubts, if he rejects this then she’d have her answer. For her sake he met her half way. 

They spent the night in each others arms sharing another moment together in the near by booth.