#just a new logo for their ranch

[acesammy]

I made a very cool gate panel at work today and yknow what? maybe i do still like Making Things for a living

[jolalibrary]

iii - just say that you need me

javier peña x f!reader | chapter three of late night texts

summary: It's the year 2000. Javi is minding his own business on the porch of his pop's ranch when a text from an unknown number vibrates his phone. The only problem is, no one knows he has a phone and no one has his number.

chapter warnings: fluff. flirting. continuous romcom vibes. an: the amount of people who look forward to tuesday's makes me grin. for those who are new, i don't have a tag list. wordcount: 2.6k.

text key: bold is you/reader | italics is javi

You should say yes more. 

to you or to my pop 

To your pop. I know you wouldn’t say no to me. 

you sure about that 

I’d bet my next paycheck on it. 

for you I’ll say yes to him once

Good. Now we have that out the way answer what the worst date you’ve ever been on was

shit. going with the hard hitting questions today

Just getting you to share, open up

probably when I first came back from colombia someone from my town where I live

They a bad host, bad dinner guest? Gimme more Javi cmon. You said you’d entertain me.

baby, im trying to entertain you but you told me to stop

I said stop flirting while I’m eating and answer the question

she wouldn’t stop asking me for details on escobar

Ah. Yeah I can see how discussing that would be a mood killer.

yeah didn’t wanna go in the first place either

So if we ever meet, do not ask about your Colombian experience. Got it. 

you can ask, doesn’t mean I’d tell you 

Ha! Good to know. I wouldn’t though. If you wanna tell me, I think you will. 

thanks, what’s yours?

Well I was stood up when we first began texting. Think that’s pretty bad, enough.  

he’s an idiot because only an idiot would stand you up 

You haven’t seen me, remember 

statement still stands 

Stop being so charming.

you still eating

No.

then I can flirt

Most of the time, he ignores the mail. 

Lets it pile up on the entryway dresser until his pop makes another reference to it. Unlike his pop, he is never in a rush to open them, knowing no good comes from the contents inside.

The same people contact him. The bureau being one. Sipping his coffee as he glares at the usual federal sign on the envelope, wondering how many more times they’ll try asking him to come in for a chat.

This afternoon, though, the envelope isn’t brilliant white, but rather off-cream. 

Peeling a bit, thumb digging in as he drags it across, the ripping sound filling the small space. It’s only as he opens it does he realise who it’s from. 

His eyes stare at the letter, taking in the number—the one in triple digits with his phone provider logo in the top corner. The number which is making him feel sick, the more he stares at it over and over again. 

“Fuck.” 

Folding it, he swallows. 

Shit.

Motherfucker.

He stuffs it away, tucks it under magazines and other leaflets, as though by keeping it out of sight, it’ll go away.

But it's there.

The edge of it sticking out. He even blinks, and the number is there, tattooed on the back of his eyes. Taunting him—the price of speaking to you. 

It's not that Javi can't afford it. He’s had a chunk of money sitting, gaining dust, in his account since he came home. Only able to force portions on his pop as and when he felt he could get away with it. 

But this was a lot. More than he’d bargained on, more than he even knew he could spend simply by replying to someone. 

There's a chance your day won't be done just yet—his day beginning far earlier than yours even began—but he pulls his phone out, fingers pressing into the keys.

so apparently talking to you is costly  Oh, you've had your bill. I feel I should ask whether I'm worth it? 

It’s instant—the way you make the nauseous feeling vanish. How you force it to slide back to where it came from, and in its place, warmth spreads. All accompanied by a smile on his lips. 

He doesn’t want to show his hand too much. Better at concealing, playing the long game when standing face to face.

This requires a skill he hasn't yet gained. Simply focusing on not sounding ridiculous, or over the top. Unnecessary. Like some of the desperate men, he's happened to arrest over the years.

Even if his chest flutters and his mind screams, of course. Wants to ask, isn't it obvious? But he chooses something easier, uncomplicated.  

yes just didn’t expect it  I had my phone bill the other day. I get it.  did your heart fall out your ass No. But I will be eating ramen for the next month.  We can stop texting so much though, if it’s costing too much.  would rather my bill be double than stop talking to you  You’re such a flirt. 

He drains the rest of his mug, leaning back in the chair—hearing the sound of approaching boots from his Pop’s side of the house. Fingers typing, all hurried and determined 

Don’t forget I’m out for drinks and a movie.  I remember don’t worry 

He remembers as soon as you remind him.

Realising it's the reason you're able to reply right now. You’d been telling him almost every night for the past week. All worried, as though hating the idea of breaking the nightly tradition the two of you have concocted. 

In a way, Javi should have assumed the bill would be high with the number of texts the two of you have been sending. How frequent it’s been—how nice it’s been. 

Nice things do usually come with a tag. 

you decided on sweet or salty  Verdict is still out. You sure about waiting to do the crossword?  if we don’t do it tonight, we’ll do two the next day  You sure? more than sure have a great time 

“Y’sure you don’t fancy coming with me, Jav?”

He thinks of it, tapping his phone against his palm as he thinks of your text the other night. The one about him trying to say yes—something curling in his chest as he realises he’ll be alone, alone if he doesn’t. 

A sentiment he didn’t mind on paper, but now confronted with, rather despised. 

 “Alright, yeah. Can—can I get changed?” 

Mid-grabbing his own jacket, his Pop turns, surprise knitted into his wiry brows. “Y-yeah, sure, I’ll….”

“I’ll meet you at the truck?” 

And he does. All without complaint. Plaid shirt on, a smile being forced as soon as the truck pulls off the drive. He doesn't even complain about the radio choice or the fact his Pop always takes the main roads when he could cut down the dusty roads. 

When he arrives, he doesn’t mind how many hands he shakes, one after the next. He tries not to grit his teeth as each person says the usual things, they’re proud, he’s grown, when is he settling down? Each time he laughs it off. Spanish rolling from his tongue as he smiles and winks. 

It’s performative. 

The old version of him coming out from a hidden place. 

Always there, ready, as his hand shakes another person's hand—one he’s already forgotten the name of. Someone he’s sure he’s met before, too. 

It always happens. The small-town boy who took down drug cartels has become somewhat of a celebrity tale. A thing to gawk at when he visits the store. Chucho's boy who ran away to Colombia and now hides away on the ranch.

For the amount of time it's been, he'd foolishly expected it to die down—but it hasn't. Not enough, anyway. 

After enough time, he excuses himself, sneaking down the corridor near the bathroom. Leaning against the wall, fingers trying to rub out a knot that hasn’t yet appeared in his skull. The one pulsing, threatening to build behind his eye.

He’s unsure what he wants to do, what he needs. Retrieving his phone, just clicking around, before finding himself on your texts—feeling better for it.

Reading them back, smirking at some, smiling wide at others. A shape forming in his head, little details he’d amassed to make up you. A person he was pretty sure meant more to him than evening company, but it seemed tricky to delve too far into it. 

That is until his phone vibrated. 

Just wanted to tell you I miss you. Even if that’s weird. 

His fingers hover over the keys, a retort quick—there in his touch.

Slowly he presses it out, hearing the click even over the bar’s music as he double and triple taps each button he wants, until it forms what it is he thought:

not weird, you drunk I’m tipsy, not drunk. Still mean it. good cause i miss you too

you never said how the movie was

As someone who flies a lot, I shouldn’t have watched it.

that bad

Will probably have to hold the hand of my seat mate the next time work makes me fly. 

I’m sure they won’t mind 

Depends on the length of my nails I guess. 

some people don’t mind nails clawing in certain situations

You trying to tell me you like nails down your back, Javi? 

if the situation is right, yes 

What about in your hair?

now who’s being a tease 

I’m learning so much tonight. 

and your putting images in my head 

I’d love to know what I look like in it, since you haven’t seen me.

beautiful, you look beautiful 

My face is burning. 

your day been ok

Yeah, was fine. Work has been rough. 

you want to talk about it

Not really, it’s stupid anyway. Plus, would rather do the crosswords and hang with you.

you do have two to make up to me

Best get giving me the clues then, Javi. 

four letters, begins with f 

Is this a Javi crossword or a real crossword 

baby, cmon 

Fuck?

fork 

someone’s in a dirty mood

You’re such a dick. Give me a real clue. 

There's not a point in time where he can track how his thoughts went from nothing to you. But, he thinks about you all the time.

Has been doing so constantly for the last two days, at least—the occasional vibrations from his phone making his lips twitch and his mind wander. Javi’s brain exploding with wonder at what your reply could say. 

Sometimes, he tries not to check immediately. Test—see—how long he can go before he does. It’s not been going well.

An excitement dashing through his veins that fills his chest, warms his neck and makes a ridiculous grin appear (one he’s caught accidentally in the mirror).

The back and forth has been quicker—for as costly as it was—outside of routines and work. His fingers have even improved in the speed of tapping the same key to get one single letter.

Each text makes him feel like he learns a new nugget about you, gathering a new piece of the puzzle—an idea of you forming in front of his eyes. One he likes—craves more of—wishing for other tidbits similar to how you like coffee after breakfast, not before. 

That you don’t care for birthday cake, but love cookies. 

morning hermosa hope you managed to grab the coffee

He doesn’t expect to hear from you.

Remembering that your time management in the morning isn’t to be admired. You are someone who is either awake too early or too late—never in the middle.

But, when he finishes. Sweat clinging to every muscle, he’s surprised to find nothing.

Even a little disappointed.

finished up for the day, unsure whether to lounge around on the porch or push the boat out and lounge in the barn

You’ve become such a part of his day, his shoulders sink when he steps out of the shower to see nothing.

His heart slips down inside his chest, resting unsteadily on his ribs as he checks and checks. His fingers fluff his hair as he runs his fingers through it before finding a strand, twisting, and twisting.

I’m probably worrying about nothing but just let me know you’re ok

A part of him had worried this would happen.

That he would allow the attachment to grow—ropes and threads wrapping around him—and it would be taken from under his feet.

He has a history of becoming hooked—usually combining itself with his need to help, to make someone’s day better, easier.

And on paper, he knew it was odd. To care for someone he hadn’t ever even met. But he cares all the same.

Copious amounts, in fact.

Far past an, ‘I miss you’—something else entirely, not that he’d admit as much.

hermosa I’m really getting worried now

He doesn’t want to call.

Doesn’t want to invade your privacy, your space. But it’s knotting inside of him. The things he’s seen, rushing to the surface, pecking away, making him overthink.

His mind conjures ideas that you’re hurt, wounded. That you’re crying, alone. Each flash of his past has the curated blob-of-a-face he’s created for you, written over it.

His fingers twitch, hand moving to his pocket before remembering there are no cigarettes to be found there. He quit. Ages ago. Felt better for it—for the most part—until now.

Now when all he wants is to focus on the taste, the way smoke swirls with the warm Texas air—

Hey, I'm so sorry, I had a bad day. Just didn’t check my phone.  shit hermosa, you scared me.  almost called you.  Really? yeah  Would you? what call you Yeah?

[Dialing number…]

you declined  I did

His heart sinks, crashes, and plummets. 

Then a new vibration, one that travels down his fingers to his wrist, suddenly staring at an instruction: Give me your landline number, be cheaper. For both of us. 

Glancing into the living room, he taps the number in for you. Hating each precious second he wastes by having to delete a letter that should be a number.

Pushing the chair back, hearing it screech as he hovers. Nervousness thumps through him, making him shake, vibrate. 

Staring, willing the phone to ring.

Even as he tries to collect himself, his mind has already begun running away from him. Hearing his pulse thump in his ear, thump, thump—

And then it’s ringing—you’re ringing. 

His voice shouts out he’ll get it as he picks up the phone from the hook. 

“Javi… that you?”

Grinning, he laughs, light and airy. “Hi. Yeah, it’s me.” 

Silence blankets his ears and the air, thumb circling a knot in his forehead. 

Smiling, he changes the phone to his other ear. “Knew you’d sound pretty. You have a nice voice.” 

“Shut up, Javi. I’ve said three words.”

“And a few more.”

He hears you suck in a breath as heat rushes to his ears, feeling the edges of his lips curl into a smile.

“You wanna talk about it or talk about something else?” 

He hears you take a breath another breath. Different this time, all accompanied by a shuffling sound from your end.

“Something else. If that… that’s okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Alright, lemme… lemme think for a second—“

You clear your throat, “You have a nice voice, too, by the way.”

Pausing, he bites the inside of his cheek. “Like you imagined?”

“Better, honestly.”

“I could have called you. I have this additional thing on our plan—so my Pop could call. When I was away.” 

“From when you were in Colombia?”

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he nodded. “Yeah…” 

“Well, if this conversation goes well, you may get a new number to add to your phone book.” 

“That so? Who’s flirting now.”

You laugh, sweet—fluttering its gorgeous wings down the phone to his ear as he readjusts the phone.

Dropping his voice, he turns more to the walls. “So, what you wearing, baby?”

“Oh my god, Javi.”

He doesn’t even mute his laughter, just lets it flow from him—rushing through the house. Not even caring if his Pop can hear him in the next room.

"I'm wearing nothing."

"Hermosa, you tease."

You laugh, and it's different. It's rich, and makes the room glow around him, without you even being here.

"I'm not really, I'm in a baggy t-shirt."

"Not as sexy, but I'm sure I can work with it."

You snort, "Javi, stop."

He wonders if your cheeks are warm. He hopes they are.

Leaning against the wall, he smirks, if only to himself. "I like how you say my name, Hermosa."

an: thank you so much for all being wonderful, i heart you

[louthestarspeaker]

[ID: A collection of six images of Jurassic World: Chaos Theory promo material. The images are in the style of a magazine, with a cover and interviews from each of the Nublar Six, minus Brooklynn.

The cover has all of the Nublar Six lined up on the docks in Costa Rica, just after they made it back to the mainland. Yaz and Sammy are holding hands, Kenji has a hand on Brooklynn's shoulder. All the kids are smiling nicely, with the exception of Darius whose smile is kind of awkward and looks a little uncomfortable on camera. The title of the magazine, The Dino Times, is splashed across the top of the page. Just below it is the subtitle "Who are the Nublar Six?". Below the photo of the campers is text that reads, "Meet the miraculous survivors of the Jurassic World catastrophe in this exclusive, celebrating the anniversary of their return."

Each of the interviews has a picture of each of the Nublar Six as a young adult, their name printed large, and a little logo for The Dino Times in the corner. A transcript of the text of each interview reads as folllows:

Darius: Dino Nerd Turned Hero

Darius Bowman never would've expected a shy, nerdy kid from Oakland could become the leader of the Nublar survivors.

"Back at Camp Cretaceous I had to learn to trust myself and my friends to make it through. It was a terrifying experience, but what they were doing to those dinosaurs at that facility just wasn't right. Somebody had to do something."

Since his return, Bowman has traveled all over the country giving talks about dinosaur conservation, and has worked with the Department of Prehistoric Wildlife.

Ben: Brave Soul Against All Odds

Ben Pincus had perhaps the most dramatic metamorphosis as a result of his experiences at Nublar.

"I was terrified of pretty much everything," he said. "Germs. The dark. Non-organic snacks. And then all of a sudden we were up against actual dinosaurs."

Luckily, Pincus found an unlikely ally in a baby Ankylosaurus he named Bumpy.

"Bumpy is my best friend. She helped me face my fears and see how much I had to contribute to the group."

We'll have to see if the campus office can make an exception for Bumpy as Ben gets ready for college in the fall.

Sammy: Cattle Rancher, Dino Wrangler

Sammy Gutierrez lived with her parents on a Texas ranch before Camp Cretaceous. Ever the optimist she remarked, "At least I was already used to big animals before that whole fiasco! There;s really not much difference between a longhorn and a Triceratops if you think about it."

Back at home, Gutierrez maintained that positive attitude by staying busy.

"I have my own ranch, now. And my girlfriend, Yaz. And tons of pies to bake! We don't have time to keep worrying about all that running for our lives stuff!"

Yaz: A Track Star and Her Team

Yasmina Fadoula went from national track star to Nublar Six survivor in the span of months, and the aftermath hit her particularly hard.

"I wasn't used to feeling helpless. Before, I would just push through to the finish line no matter what. Nublar made me realize you can't win all your races alone."

She credits her relationship with fellow survivor Sammy Gutierrez as a major source of support.

"I've been going through a lot of anxiety since coming back, and Sammy's been there constantly. I want to show her I can be the strong person she sees in me."

Kenji: Cool Kid Finds New Family

Kenji Kon has declined to comment on his father's incarceration.

"All that matters is my new family. They're the ones who always had my back."

The Nublar Six have been instrumental in Kenji's return to normal life, from his relationship with Brooklynn, to his best friend Darius.

"All I wanna do is chill, you know? I've moved out somewhere peaceful. Started my climbing school. All is good in Casa de Kenji."

End Transcript. The page of Kenji's interview has a ragged edge, like the page next to it has been torn out. There is no interview for Brooklynn. End ID]

[dickinfectionbez]

The ranch hadn't changed much since the last time Marc had visited.

It was strange being back, it was strange being back with Valentino. But here he was, wrapped up in his arms as they looked on at the track. "Celestino has been looking for you." Vale whispered in his ear, pressing a kiss behind it. Franky and Mig walked past, greeting the pair before rushing off. Marc let Valentino guide him into the main house where Bez and Cele sat in the kitchen, fighting over something. Marc coughed as both their heads turned, their argument forgotten as they came to greet the couple. Bez gave Marc a side-hug as Celestino wrapped his arms around him. They pulled apart and Marc placed a kiss on his hairline, brushing curls out of Cele's eyes.

Marc smiled at him, remembering the first time they met. They were both at a redbull event, Marc spending most of his time talking with Max Verstappen until he spotted Celestino in a corner, one can of redbull in hand as he drank from another. Marc remembered feeling worried as he watched Cele open a third can and stopped him from picking up a fourth. Marc spent the rest of the event keeping a close eye on him, eventually catching Cele falling asleep on a chair, head landing on his shoulder.

If Celin didn't drink those Redbulls and fall asleep on Marc's shoulder then Valentino would have never come to bring him back to the ranch. Without Vale and Marc meeting like this they never would have exchanged numbers, never would have talked about their past and wouldn't have the future they do now.

Dinner came and Celestino sat beside Marc, updating him on everything that had happened since the last time they talked. They talked about lap times and the struggles they had on their bikes. Pecco nudged Franky, "looks like Celin gained a new mother." Franky rolled his eyes as Bezz choked on his drink, Luca just rolling his eyes. Mig raised his drink in a toast, "to our new stepmother." He jokingly announced as the rest of the academy joined in. Marc blushed, shaking his head with a smile on his face.

The dinner wound down, everyone saying their goodnights and going off. Marc gave Vale a look, nodding towards the bedroom. Valentino not one to waste a moment alone with Marc, followed him inside, closing the door and pressing Marc against it. Vale caged him in, kissing him ever so gently. He unbuttoned Marc's shirt, playing with the hem. They pulled apart as Marc took his shirt off, Valentino on his knees, pulling his trousers down. Vale pressed his face into Marc's underwear, rubbing his nose against his crotch. The wet spot where the head of his dick was grew larger, Vale pressing his lips to it but doing nothing. Marc looked down at his lover, on his knees and looking up at him with lustful eyes. Marc moaned, rubbing his hips against Valentino's face, his head thrown back. He slid his thumbs down his waistband and pulled them down. Valentino paused, thumb rubbing against the tattoo on Marc's waist. It was his ant logo, positioned in the same place as Vale's turtle. He kissed it softly, looking up at Marc with love in his eyes.

Valentino not wasting any time as he took his cock in his mouth, nose pressed against the ant tattoo above. Marc gathered all of his curls in his hands, thrusting into his mouth gingerly as Vale started to move his head to the pace Marc set. It didn't take long for Marc to get close to coming, the emotions of the day leaving him half-hard at the dinner table. Valentino held his thighs to support him as he came hard, cum shooting down Vale's throat. Marc pulled out of his mouth, dick knocking against his chin. Vale stood up, gathering Marc in his arms and carrying him to the bed. He tucked a pillow under Marc's hips and opened his bedside drawer, digging through it. Marc lay, legs wide open as he watched Valentino fumble with the lube. "Ah, allora, Marc-" he said passing the container to him to open. Marc took the container and opened it, kissing Vale's palm before handing it back to him. Marc lay down, feeling cold fingers open him up. Marc bit his lower lip as Vale began to pump both his fingers in and out of him, scissoring them. Vale's other hand was wrapped around Marc's cock, pumping it as he watched Marc's face contort in pleasure. Vale pulled away from Marc, much to his annoyance as he lined himself up with his hole, pushing him self in bit by bit. Vale watched Marc's face carefully looking for any indication of pain. None whatsoever showed as they began to roll their hips against each other, Marc getting used to the feeling of being filled.

"hmm look at how beautiful you are." Vale said, hooking Marc's leg up on his shoulder. "Look even more beautiful with a baby in you." He leaned down and kissed him as Marc whined in his mouth. Valentino licked a stripe down his neck, placing a hand on Marc's stomach and pushing down. "You want me to get you pregnant huh don't you, give you a baby." Marc nodded, so very close to the edge. "Pleasepleaseplease," he begged, "vale please." Vale grabbed his thighs, lifting him up of the mattress slightly as he began to thrust at an animalistic pace. Marc's head began to spin as Vale pushed on his abs harder, stroking them with his thumb. Marc arched his back, only his shoulders on the mattress as he came, cum landing up onto his chest. Valentino looked down at his lover, head lost in bliss. He groaned, resting Marc's thighs back down as he pressed his bodyweight onto him, cumming inside him.

Vale panted, collecting his breath as he began to pull out. Marc wrapped his legs around Valentino's waist, pulling him down. They both lay in silence, Vale's face tucked into Marc's neck as he ran his fingers down his waist. "We need to buy more eggs, and replace Celin's magazine. His mail is still missing." Vale laughed, tickling Marc, "okay we'll get your son's things tomorrow." Marc slapped Vale's back lightly, smoothing his hand over his curls, not correcting him.

[wardenparker]

Down the Rabbit Hole - ch 15

Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

When Jack accidentally shoots a civilian on a mission he takes on not only the guilt of the man’s death, but inherits his soulmate as well. To you, it’s a dream job with more perks than you can imagine - but for Jack it’s a nightmarish complication. Even more so when he starts to develop feelings.  

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+   Word Count: 14k   Warnings: *Blanket warnings - mentions of deceased spouse, a lot of food and alcohol consumption, family recipes, age gap, cursing.* Flirty and somewhat explicit banter, pregnancy, discussion of symptoms, mood swings, cemetery/deceased loved ones, speaking to deceased loved ones.  Summary: A bittersweet return home to Montana brings mixed emotions for Jack, while you get some insight into the young man that he used to be via some unexpected new friends.  Notes: Sincerest apologies for any typos/mistakes I missed in editing this week, my loves. Chronic illness has reared its ugly head again. Next week’s epilogue will be the final installment of this beautiful rollercoaster ride, and I am so, so grateful to all of you for sticking with us on this adventure! Though I’m absolutely heartbroken to see it end, when one door closes another opens, and I know that we’ll have just as much fun with the next story as we’ve had with Jack and Sugar. 🧡🤠

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10 ~ Ch 11 ~ Ch 12 ~ Ch 13 ~ Ch 14 ~ Ch 15 ~ Epilogue

The last step off the jet's ramp makes him pause. One little step between him and the ground. Staring at it for a second before Jack Daniels steps foot back in Montana again officially. It's been a long time. Boot hits the tarmac and Jack turns, holding out his hand to help you down even though he's well aware you don't need it. He had decided to bring the jet, the smaller one. Needing the expedience of the private plane if something that required his attention happened, it also allowed him this moment without prying eyes. Swallowing slightly as he offers you a nervous smile. "Welcome to my home state, sugar."

"Looks a lot like every place else so far," you squeeze his hand gently and smile, knowing that this trip has been causing him a lot of apprehension in the weeks leading up to it. He had even called up the board overseeing the ranch to have the main house cleaned up for the two of you to stay in. It was still his house, after all. "I'm sure the rest of the state is lovely beyond this little airport."

"Hell, this airport wasn't even here the last time I was here." He had been shocked when he learned there was an airport within an hour of the ranch. He had purposefully ignored anything about the entire state while he had been an agent and Champ had not given him any missions that would taken him there.

"It's been a long time." With your suitcase in one hand you reach for Jack with the other. He might need an extra bit of grounding on this trip and you're happy to provide it. Especially with the added weight of things sitting on your shoulders. Happy, of course, but still heavy. "Let's find our ride and head for the ranch? I'm excited to see where you grew up."

The ranch. Jack nods, gripping your hand tightly in appreciation before he lets go so he can grab your suitcase from you. His own bag is sitting beside him right as two dually trucks pulls up, both with the emblem of a beautifully scrawled 'D' emblazoned on the side with the Daniels Ranch est. 1851 written underneath. The director of the ranch had told him he would have a truck from the ranch dropped off at the airport for his use. A younger man, obviously a cowboy, hops out from behind the wheel and dashes back behind him to the truck following to climb inside and the second truck takes off.

"I guess that's us." There's no mistaking the yellow logo on the side of the black trucks, and Jack loads your bags in the back before helping you up into the cab where the keys have been left in the ignition.

"Been a long damn time since I've been in a ranch truck." It's obvious that the truck has been cleaned and polished up, but it's a working truck. The toolbox in the back held plenty of tools and ropes for any issues they could run into. "You ready, sugar?"

"Ready as ever." It's a beautiful day and the flight was easy. There's no reason that this drive should be difficult at all beyond the emotional weight that it holds for Jack, and you turn on the radio to see what the ranch hands had been listening to on their way to drop off the truck. Classic rock pours through the speakers - currently a song by the little-appreciated band Little Feat that has you turning up the sound with a gleeful cackle. "This is my mom's favourite song," you explain, when Jack raises an eyebrow at you over the lyrics 'If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee Lamb'.

He grins, relaxing slightly at the way you start singing the song. Off key and not even trying, but he thinks that might be on purpose. “Should be at the ranch in no time.”

It's a beautiful drive. The Montana countryside is in full bloom as the end of the summer starts to just barely wave at autumn, and there are as many folks out on horses as there are in trucks or in cars. The rolling hills and striking distant mountains remind you of home much more than you had expected, lending a sort of calm to the whole thing. By the time the big iron main gate of the Daniels Ranch comes into view, you're nearly sighing. "I know we just got here, but I kind of love it," you tell him honestly.

Montana does have a sense of magic. At one point in time, Jack would have been content to spend his entire life here. “Wait until you see the main house.” He chuckles. “The master suite is the original log cabin, the rest of the house was expanded over the years.”

"1851." The year is on the gate as you pass under it just like it's on the side of the truck you're in. "That's before statehood, right? I barely remember all those dates from history class. But does that mean your family were early settlers or something?"

“I guess you could say that. Montana became a state in 1889. My family decided to move to the territory because a change of heart.” Jack explains. “The way I understand it, the first Daniels here wanted to go to Oregon in the ‘40s, but didn’t manage to convince his wife until ‘49. Then there was some kind of dispute on the trail and they turned north.”

"Sounds like it took a whole lot of convincing." You laugh, imagining the conversations that must have happened over the course of almost ten years. As he drives further onto the property it's apparent that his family's land is as productive as it is vast. There are fields as far as the eye can see and plenty of activity to boot. "Well you really are a cowboy, aren't you?" Past one pasture, you can see a heard of maybe two dozen head of cattle being inspected by a pair of men on horseback. "Right down to your bones."

“Born on this ranch.” Jack chuckles. “In the same bed we are sleepin’ in.” He breaks away from looking at the activity to wink at you. “New mattress though.”

“That’s a good thing.” Though you’re practically hanging out the windows for a better look at the ranch, you tangle your fingers through his on top of the gear shift. “Hope the bed frame isn’t as old as the ranch, either. Or we might break it.”

“Don’t think you’re gunna break that frame.” Jack hums, wondering what you will think of the rough hew timber bed frame that is polished smooth after over a hundred years of use.

“Maybe not.” Turning to flash him a mischievous grin, you also leave a kiss on the palm of his hand that you’re holding for good measure. “But we could sure give it a good try.”

Humming quietly, he smirks as he pulls your hand across his body to hold it against his heart. “We’ll give it a good try. I know you’ll like the tub that my momma had daddy put in.”

More than anything you just want this trip to be good for him. He has avoided coming back here for decades with good reason but you want this week to give him some new, positive memories to associate with the family ranch. “I’ll love every inch of it. Especially if there’s a good tub.”

“It’s big enough that I used to swim in it when I was younger.” Jack throws you a grin. “It was my swimmin’ hole when I couldn’t get out to go to the real one.”

“I like your parents’ style.” A swimming hole sized bathtub sounds like perfection to you. “We’ll have to have at least one bath while we’re here.”

“Oh yeah. I told them to make sure that we could use it.” He doesn’t mention Abigail. His daddy had still been in that bedroom when she had lived here.

“My back aches from hunching over the line at the restaurant thank you.” There’s been other aches lately, back and hips and those sorts of things, but it doesn’t matter. Life is good these days. Better than good.

“Well then, we’re going to get you set up with a Jack Daniels specialty massage.” He winks over at you and then nods as he spots the main house. “There she is. The old homestead.”

The ranch house is on top of a small hill, sprawling out against the late-summer sun like it’s welcoming Jack back with open arms. “She’s fantastic,” your eyes light up at the sight, already falling in love with every inch of Montana that unfurls around you.

“Lot of memories here.” They aren’t as bitter as much as bittersweet these days. “Most of them good. Unless you count the first time I broke my arm when I got bucked off my horse.”

"First time?" You raise an eyebrow at him as he pulls the truck up the driveway and parks in front of the garage. "What was the second time you broke your arm?"

Jack grins. “Uh…might have been jumpin’ off the roof.” He admits with a chuckle. “Thought I was bulletproof back then.”

"Of course you did." Despite huffing and rolling your eyes heavily, you just chuckle until your breath.

Snorting, Jack pulls up to the house and lets go of your hand so he can put the truck in park.

"Mr. Daniels." There's a man in a suit and bolo tie with a crisp Stetson on his head coming out of the house when Jack comes around to help you out of the passenger side of the truck. "Ma'am," he nods to you and tips his hat. "Hope your flight was alright. Did you find the place okay?"

“Like ridin’ a bike.” Jack keeps his eyes away from the northwest corner of the property. The iron fence is small and neat but he doesn’t want this to crumble now. “You always know your way back home.” He holds his hand out to shake the director’s hand. “Everything ready for our visit?”

"Yes, sir. Neat as a pin and fully stocked with essentials. I think you'll find everything in order, and of course you have my number if you need anything additional." Since it was the first time ever that the owner had asked to come out to the property, the director and his team had gone slightly overboard in making sure that everything was here that could possibly be needed.

“Place looks good.” Jack looks out over the front pastures with a hum. “I’ve been looking over the reports and it seems like the ranch is doing well.” Since Champ had retired, Jack had to take over his own oversight of the board for the ranch.

"Very well. Blue ribbons and record profits, actually." And clearly the director credits himself with that, from how puffed up his chest is. "Can I ask, sir...what prompted this visit? It's been a mighty long time since we've seen you. Not that we're not glad you're here, of course."

“My soulmate wanted to see the place.” He’s aware the director has been informed of the circumstances that had caused Jack to leave the ranch. Reaching back, he draws you forward and into his side to hug you to him. “It’s time to put old ghosts to rest.”

"Sounds like a very good reason for a visit." The director commends. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Anythin' you need, you give me a call. The crew knows not to use the main house this week while you're here but they'll be going about their duties as usual."

Jack nods. “Thank you. I’m sure we will enjoy ourselves. Thank you for having the truck brought to the airport.”

"Of course." With one more tip of his hat and another, "ma'am" to you, he gets in his car and heads off for the main road.

“Well, that went well.” Jack blows out a breath and grins at you. “Ready to go inside? I’m not sure if the house has been redecorated or not in the last…well, since I left. So, wanna find out?”

"Let's go find out." He earns a pout from you when he won't even let you carry your own suitcase, but you follow just behind him as he heads into the house with curiosity. It's a comfy little place - even though it looks small it seems to sprawl on forever as you step inside. One room after another with a long hallway and a carved stairwell leading to the small second floor. Everything looks hand hewn even though it couldn't possibly have been, and it seems as though the dormer dining room downstairs has been transformed into a working office. Other than that? You could trick pretty much anyone into thinking that a family still lived here every day.

“Damn.” The place is immaculate, telling Jack that they probably keep a housekeeper on. He doesn’t mind that, the old place deserves the respect. “Bedroom we are staying in is through here.” He nods down a hallway that connects the original cabin to the rest of the house.

"So upstairs was your room?" You guess, glancing up the stairs as you follow him down the hall. There's a little bathroom at the top of the stairs and another closed door. "At some point the attic got turned into a second bedroom?"

“Yeah.” Jack sighs. “Momma and daddy were tryin’ for another. When they remodeled that area last.” She had gotten sick and passed, making his daddy concentrate on the ranch.

One hand rests on his back gently in support, but when you follow him into the master bedroom you end up sighing a little. One entire cabin was now just a room - but what a gorgeous room. Carefully crafted and lovingly done, it's obvious that the whole rest of the house was done to try to mimic the style of the original little cabin and no one could come close to the beauty of the original craftsmanship. "Oh..." You breathe out, looking around as Jack sets the suitcases on the bed. "Jack, it's beautiful."

“The bed is original.” Jack reminds you, showing you the large bed in the middle of the room. “Mattress has to be special made.”

"This bed is from 1851?" You raise an eyebrow at him again, though this time it's in surprise. "That is some damn good craftsmanship."

“Solid.” Jack chuckles. “Hundred-year-old oak.” He sets the bags down and slaps one of the solid wood posts.

"Alriiight," you relent like it pains you. "We won't try to break the antique bed. But we will damn well enjoy having it all to ourselves."

“Oh yeah we will.” Jack smirks as he takes your hand and pulls you through to the bathroom. “Just like you will live in here.”

"Oh yes, yes I absolutely will." The bathroom isn't overly large but it is dominated by an enormous tub that fits neatly into the far corner of the room.

“Told you that you would like it.” He chuckles quietly.

"I'm gonna live in this room every night," you promise him with a grin. "We are going to live in this room every night. Long, indulgent baths after walking around town or the ranch all day."

“That sounds good. That tub has seen many nights of soaking aching muscles.” Jack tells you, smirking slightly.

"You trying to tell me you were conceived in that tub?" The smirk on your lips is barely holding back a giggle, and you lean in to kiss Jack in the doorway. "Let's unpack, baby. I want to drive around town and have you point out all the places that you used to hang out as a teenager that are different now."

“We can do that.” Jack stops you from moving, pulling you close and cupping your cheeks as he stares into your eyes seriously. “A lot of those stories include Abigail, baby.” He reminds you softly. “But I want you to know that I love you.”

"I especially want to hear the ones that have to do with Abigail," you promise him. To you, that really is part of the whole point of this trip. To give him the opportunity and the freedom to tell you those stories about how he came to be the man he was when you met him. The man who was very much formed by his experiences with his first soulmate. "I love you more than anything, Jack. All of you."

Closing his eyes, Jack leans forward and presses his lips to your forehead and then your lips. “Let’s get this trip started then.”

******

The day really is mostly spent in that truck driving around. For as small as Lloyd is, it holds a lot of memories and that means Jack has a lot of stories to tell. It's past dusk when he parks the truck on Main Street and helps you out, intending to walk down the main drag of town and pick out someplace to eat before heading back to the ranch for the night.

“So that little candy show used to be an ice cream shop. Or soda shop.” Jack points out, holding your hand as he slowly reacquaints himself with the little square. “They made the best floats.”

"I can see little Jack pulled up to the counter at the soda shop for a root beer float." The visual makes you grin, picturing a glass as big as his head and how big it would make his eyes with anticipation while he watched it being made. "I can't believe you still had a soda shop growing up. That's positively picturesque."

“The little old man who ran it, Mr. Johnson, he met his soulmate there. So he couldn’t bear to let it go.” He explains with a small smile. “Nearly all of our dates where there.”

"That's pretty much the perfect date place if you're a teenager." You can acknowledge that wholeheartedly. "That, and Lover's Lane." A place which he had already pointed out to you with an especially sly smirk on your drive earlier.

“Remember, nothing too bad happened on Lovers Lane.” He hums. “We were good and waited until our wedding night for the full experience.

"Definitely not something you and I can say." With the wedding still nine months away, you almost have to laugh at the irony of the amount of time you have left.

“No way I could wait with you, sugar.” Jack smirks, sliding a gaze down to your lips. “Not when you look like a sin wrapped angel.”

"Oooo, that's a good one." You crack a grin, beaming at him as you hold hands and stroll down the street. "You should remember that one. It's guaranteed to get a reaction out of me."

“It was good, wasn’t it?” He’s proud of that one. “Maybe you’ll ride me in that bathtub tonight. I did bring a bottle of whiskey with me for tub drinks.”

"Nobody's gonna make a noise complaint on that big ranch when it's just you and me at night." The smile on your face gets a little wider. "So I can all but promise I'll be taking my cowboy for a ride tonight."

“That’s - are you ready to go back now?” He waggles his brows playfully just to get you to laugh. He won’t cut this short, enjoying watching you experience it too much. It solidifies his theory that you and Abigail would have been good friends.

"You promised to take me to dinner on our first night here," you remind him with as pretty a pout as you can manage. It's not that the little town has anything grand to offer in the way of restaurants, it's just that you're enjoying seeing where he came from. The kind of place that brought your Jack into the world is exactly the kind of place you want to explore.

“Anything you want, you know you’re gunna get when you poke that lip out.” He groans, shaking his head even though he’s grinning.

"How about a kiss and whatever they serve at..." Arbitrarily looking around, you blindly point at a store front about a block in front of you that has a big bear's claw on the sign and not much else. "The Bear Claw," you read the name off the sign with a shrug. "If there's not one single thing on the menu containing bear, I'm gonna be disappointed."

“Done.” Jack pulls you close and doesn’t hesitate to cover your lips with his own. Groaning slightly at the way your arms immediately curl around him and hold him to you. There’s a sense of deja vu, he had kissed Abigail here a hundred times before on a rare night in town. Because of the Rollins bullshit, most often they were at the ranch, but on the nights that they ventured into town, it had been just as sweet as this moment.

The enthusiasm and sweetness of the moment has you giggling in his arms, loving how relaxed he is so far. It’s a little bit of a surprise - I had thought he would be more serious or more guarded - but this stroll down memory lane seems to have been a wonderful idea for him. Being wrapped up in each other on the little Main Street without a care in the world is a very good look for both of you.

“Are you hungry, sugar?” Jack pulls away and grins at you. “Might need your strength for later.”

“Let’s get some dinner.” Your nose wrinkles as your smile grows, not wanting to let go of him even for one second. “I’m suddenly ravenous.”

“For food, sugar.” Jack hums playfully, letting you turn and tuck yourself into his side. The lights that are strung over the street come on, giving the Main Street a very quaint and homely glow. Obviously set up for the festival, or maybe the town has them year round now.

“Yup. For food.” Deciding to go see what The Bear Claw is all about, you and Jack walk down the next block and find yourselves in a homey little restaurant-and-bar with a dance floor and pool tables not unlike Shootouts back in Louisville - but definitely more family oriented. There are kids at tables and some arcade cabinets lining one wall, giving you the impression that the place has put more of an emphasis on family dining than being a bar over the years.

“Have to admit, this place wasn’t around when I was here.” Jack tells you as you both walk up to the host stand. “This building used to be an old office humoring for lawyers.”

"I like it." Even at first glance it's homey and welcoming. Exactly the kind of place where you can imagine the owner knows every single regular's name without hesitation. You stay tucked into the side while Jack chats politely to the teenaged hostess and she brings you to a booth along the windows before retreating again. There's a sizeable drink menu, which makes sense, but you spot a section of the drinks list marked Homebrewed Iced Tea with raspberry listed as a flavour and hum happily.

“The menu looks good and I spy something….” Jack taps the menu where it says that all beef is provided by the Daniels Ranch. “Looks like I’m getting the largest damn steak they have.”

"Sounds like I'm going to satisfy my burger craving after all." If you've maybe been having more burgers than usual lately it is probably a complete coincidence, but you've definitely been on a kick lately. "So..." you venture quietly, reaching your hand across the table for his. "How has your first day back been so far?"

“It’s….” Jack pauses and tilts his head. “It’s not as painful as I thought it would be.” He admits quietly. “I thought I would be a mess. I probably would be if it weren’t for you.”

"Then I'm very glad to be here with you." Not that you wouldn't be glad to be with him anywhere, but it seems like it's especially important right now. "I love you, honey. And I'm so glad that this has been easier than you expected."

“I’m sure there will be some moments where it’s not easy.” Sunrise will be one of them. Abigail had loved sunrise on the ranch, often sitting with her tea or coffee on the front porch and soaking it in. “But just bear with me, sugar, and I’ll get through it. I love you so much.”

"I love you, too." You squeeze his hand gently as the waitress comes over, smiling sunnily when she greets you and takes your drink order.

Jack hums when you order the raspberry sweet tea, ordering a plain Arnold Palmer for himself and grinning when you impulsively order the Korean BBQ sliders as an appetizer.

"So the festival starts tomorrow." The little town seems to be booming with excitement - decorations are up and the streets are bustling. Tomorrow morning the town square will be transformed and there will be booths, competitions, and from the flier you saw there's even a beauty queen to be crowned. "Is there anything in particular you want to check out? I know you were peaking at the town website."

“There’s a roping competition.” Jack chuckles, smirking slightly at you. “Thought I might throw my hat in the ring.”

"You gonna show off a little?" It's definitely not something you're going to discourage him from, and you shoot him a sly grin. "You know...they're handing out a blue ribbon for a few categories of baked goods on the second day." The page dedicated to the rules on the town's website had caught your attention and you had wiped away the thought of showing off in your own right, but if Jack is going to throw his hat in literally, you could do it figuratively.

“You gunna make your coconut cupcakes?” Jack chuckles, sending you a wink. “Or that lemon tiramisu you made and nearly sent the restaurant into a frenzy?”

"That tiramisu is incredible." It was the final result of all of your experiments with lemon curd and the combination of the tart fruit with fresh basil had resulted in a new permanent menu item from how popular it was. "They have categories for cake, pie, and cookies. I bet if we took a spin around the nearest grocery store after dinner to look for ingredients, I could find everything I need for the coconut whiskey cake I made back when Champ first brought me to Louisville. Bring a little Statesman spirit into things?"

“I knew you weren’t gunna be able to resist.” He leans back on the booth, grinning. “Tequila owes me a hundred bucks.”

"I wasn't going to!" You groan playfully, sitting back at the table and pouting at him pathetically to keep yourself from laughing. "I was going to resist! I was! And then you said you might try your hand so I figured it was okay."

“Never make excuses for making me money.” Jack teases. “Even better than the hundred bucks is the braggin’ rights.”

“How do you know you’ll get to brag? Maybe someone here is a much better baker than me.” You pause for a moment to thank the waitress when she brings your drinks and appetizer, and you and Jack order dinner at the same time. “It’s not impossible.”

“Pretty damn near.” Jack snorts. “Face it sugar, you’re gunna win that competition.” He winks again. “Just like I’m gunna win mine.”

“I see we’ve come home to show the old town a thing or two about who Jack Daniels grew up to be.” There’s pride in your voice, and you don’t bother to hide it for even a second as you sip your tea. “Sounds like maybe you should get some kind of extra prize if you win.”

“What kind of prize are we talkin’ ‘bout?” His brow arches and he leans in, real interested in hearing a hit this secondary prize he could be winning.

“Let’s see…” His attention is piqued and you grin, always loving the slightly hungry look in his eyes. “The first thing that comes to mind is an extremely sensual massage from your devoted fiancée, but I’m open to requests.”

“Depends on if this massage comes while you are sitting naked, on my cock.” Jack leans in and murmurs the last part quietly.

The corner of your mouth twitches into a smirk. “You don’t want me to do your back first? Weird choice, but alright. It’s your massage,” you tease him, throwing a wink his way when you pick up a slider to have your first bite of dinner.

“How is that slider, baby?” Jack asks, watching as you moan softly after you bite in. “Is that what you wanted?”

“I guess I was hungrier than I thought.” He hasn’t remarked at all if he’s noticed your appetite increasing, but you know it has. He’s fired up the grill every time you’ve asked and let you call the shots when you had something in mind for a meal. “They’re crazy good. Try one.”

Jack does take one, taking a bite of it and then eyeing it. Humming in appreciation as he chews. “That’s really good.”

“No wonder,” you grin, inspecting the shredded beef in the sandwich before taking another divine bite. “I hear the ranch they use is excellent.”

“It’s an old operation.” Jack hasn’t had anything to do with the ranch in forever, but he’s damn proud of the quality. “What else are you getting to eat? Might want to try that too.”

“They have a burger with bacon, onion straws, sharp cheddar, and a barbecue sauce they mark as award winning.” The look on your face makes it clear that it’s as close to heaven as you could get right now. “With fried pickles and tater tots on the side, apparently. It’s called The Hot Mess on the menu.”

“Hot Mess sounds appropriate.” He chuckles. “All it’s missing is a fried egg.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to remake it at home.” The quiet moment between you is so welcome, even with the music playing through the restaurant and the sound of families all around you - and therefore of kids. This is just your personal little bubble of happiness and you couldn’t ask for more. “What did you decide on with your steak?”

“Sautéed mushrooms, onions with potatoes and red eye gravy.” The rolls that it comes with sound heavenly, although he had a feeling he would lose one of them to you. Not that he minded at all.

You moan softly at the choices, any and all god sounding amazing to you right now. “Sounds like we’re going to eat amazingly tonight.”

He chuckles, fully aware that you are going to be stealing some of his meal. That’s perfectly okay to him. “We will.” He nods. “Especially because we are going to be picking up something to snack on later if I’m knowing you.”

“We have to go to the grocery store to get cake ingredients,” you defend, those it’s half-assed.

“Oh, I know. And then we’ll find some shredded beef ‘n jalapeño cheddar dip.” Jack predicts. “Or you’ll get a hankerin’ for some cheeseburger dip. And then we gotta have some of that smoked Gouda.”

“You’re teasing me.” The wry observation comes with a little flustering in your part, and you bite your lip before sitting back in your seat. For a week now you’ve been walking around with something zipped into the pocket of your leather jacket or sitting in your bedside drawer, and not found the right time to give it to him. You feel like it’s finally crept up on you - finally - and swallow down your nerves. “I have something for you,” you tell him finally, reaching into the interior pocket of your jacket. “I haven’t…really…been sure of how to do this. But I feel like it’s time.” Here, in this little booth in this little restaurant in his hometown - a place that didn’t exist when he was growing up here seems to be an appropriate choice. It’s a new memory, just for the two of you.

Jack frowns slightly at the box that you set down in front of him. Reaching for it and watching you squirm in your seat. Happy or anxious, maybe both. He shakes his head as he flips the lid open and sees a gorgeous watch, butter leather band and gold trim. Obviously an antique that has been lovingly kept, gorgeous and expensive. “Sugar, you shouldn’t have.” He huffs, even as he is already moving to pull his Statesman watch off, so he can try on your gift.

“I know you like the one you were issued, but this one is…special.” It’s not even a birthday present, since you had abided by his wishes and not celebrated it this year. The Statesman watch, thankfully, is just for show and not a necessary gadget now that he’s out of the field. Otherwise you would never think to replace it.

“Special how?” Jack quizzes you, rubbing his thumb over the leather grain of the band and then there is a tiny imperfection on the back. His brows knitting together as he turns it over. Frowning as he reads a date on the back.

March 21, 2019 the date reads. It’s this coming spring but it’s not your chosen wedding date. Not a birthday. Not an anniversary. You exhale carefully when he looks up at you again, and find yourself beaming through the nerves. “I’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you,” you murmur softly, keeping the moment just between the two of you. “I—I’m pregnant, Jack. For certain, this time. That’s our due date.”

Jack’s lips part, his tongue running out to wet them as he absorbs your news. Thumb rubbing over the date again and he swallows harshly. “Pregnant.” The sheen to his eyes is nearly instantaneous and his gaze flickers between you and the watch. “Sugar, I—” he chokes out and slides out of the booth to join you on your side.

“I know it’s not exactly what we planned.” As soon as he slides onto the bench beside you, you feel like you’re going to start crying instantly. “But I think it’s right. You’re out of the field and the restaurant is doing so well. We have plenty of room in the new house to start decorating a nursery whenever we want and…” It feels like you’ve been rambling since your last breath when you finally stop and smile. “Do you want to see them? Ginger sent the last sonogram to my phone.”

“Yes.” Jack breathes before his eyes widen. “Them? Are— are there two?” He asks, breathless at the idea. You could just be using them as ambiguous terms or there could be two babies in your womb.

“Just one this time.” You could melt at how excited he sounds, though. It had worried you that you hadn’t exactly planned the timing. “We just can’t tell the sex yet. It’ll be a couple more weeks.” Digging into your pocket again, you come out with your cell phone and open the message from Ginger that has the picture from your last appointment. “Look…”

“Jesus.” Jack nearly sobs the word as he looks at the tiny little nugget that is in the middle of the sonogram. “I— sugar, you’re pregnant. With our baby.”

"Definitely ours." There's no way it couldn't be, this time. All doubts have been erased from your mind. "I love you so much, honey. I wanted to find some way to tell you that you could always remember."

“I’ll never forget.” Jack promises, lingering gaze on the photo before he reaches out and cups your cheeks to kiss you passionately.

It's a beautiful moment to get lost in, and you don't even hear the waitress come or go but when you part again your dinners have magically appeared on the table. "Ginger thinks she got the due date pretty dead on," you murmur, looking down at his watch and momentarily ignoring your plate even though it smells amazing. "She, um...when she took out my IUD it was crooked. So she asked if there was any particularly active night in the last few months that I could remember."

Jack frowns, trying to remember before his face clears and a slow smirk rides over his features. “You mean the night of Tex and Sophia’s wedding?” He asks smugly. “Where you could barely walk for the entire next day?”

"That's the one." You cover your face with one hand to smother the giggle that bubbles out of you. "If that's the right date, then I'm ten weeks along already."

“Almost through the first trimester.” Jack murmurs in awe. “I can’t- sugar, this is amazing.”

"I'm so glad you're excited." Of course there will always be worry, but seeing how happy he is - how the happiness completely overtakes everything else - makes this moment so worthwhile. "I've been bursting at the seams to tell you but just couldn't pinpoint the right moment."

“I— it’s perfect.” The urge to bundle you up and keep you locked inside a bullet proof room is there, crawling under the surface, but he tamps it down. “I— love you so much. A week? You’ve known for that long and kept it a secret? I don’t know how you did it.”

"I've known a little longer than a week," you admit. "But I wanted to find you exactly the right gift and find exactly the right time to give it to you. I swear it's all I've talked to Ginger about since I went to her for a test. If I didn't have her I would have broken and told you immediately."

Jack grins and shakes his head. “I would have been just as happy, but—” he looks down at the watch again. “I love this. I love you and I love our little nugget.”

******

You knew that after you told him that he would start pampering you immediately, but everything from the gentle way he washed every inch of your skin and caressed your belly in the bath to the slow and gorgeous way he made love to you last night has been amazing. This morning he had caressed you all over again before dragging himself out of bed to make you both breakfast and now he's being as gentle as a breeze in helping you out of the truck when you arrive for the festival.

He knows you won’t put up with him being too protective, but he manages to caress your belly gently only once before he is pulling away to gather your baked treats for the competition. “I’ve got all this, sugar.”

"You're not going to let me carry anything for the next seven months, are you?" You tease, shooting him a grin and sliding the strap of your purse over your shoulder. The little town square is already full to bursting with people even though the festival supposedly only started a half hour ago, and you're excited to see what sort of booths will be around.

“I can’t carry cupcakes for my soulmate?” He pouts, his own grin matching yours. Of course you will carry things, but he was going to dote more than usual. You deserve it.

"Of course you can." It's sweet, the way he has already jumped into high gear to take care of you. "I'm just teasing you, baby."

“I know you are.” Jack doesn’t want you to think he’s upset at you. “Helping mitigates the fear.” He leans in and kisses your cheek.

"Then help as much as your heart desires." That one little explanation is all you need to be nodding and letting him take over completely - leading the way with his hand on your back and a proud smile on his face. If helping is what lets him adjust and be less afraid, then you'll welcome every second of it.

It’s not that you are pregnant, per se, it’s that you’re pregnant here. If he had sat down with the doctor - which he had, but he didn’t know you were pregnant - before coming; he might have cancelled the trip. But you were right to do it this way. He knows the circumstances are completely different and he needs to work through the fear. This is a healthy coping mechanism and if you get to benefit from him pampering you, that was just fine with him.

The tent where they are accepting submissions for the baking and cooking competitions is bustling this morning. Everyone is supposed to drop their items off with a sheet of information and then show up for judging at various points during the weekend. It’s a nice and tidy way of doing things and you step into the line of folks dropping off submissions with Jack easily enough.

“Now that our mission is accomplished…” Jack takes your hand in his hand tucks it around his elbow, resting his hand on top of it. “What do you want to do first?”

“How about we take a walk and see what catches our eye?” There’s plenty here, of course, and you know that at some point this weekend you’ll get sucked into the game booths and the flower displays, but right now the bright excitement of everything is just the right way to begin your day.

“That sounds good to me.” Jack murmurs quietly. “Let me know when you need to rest or a drink.”

“I’m okay, honey. I promise.” Of course he’ll worry, but you’re feeling pretty good about the fact that you’ve made it through most of your first trimester with so few symptoms that you found out about the little nugget from being concerned over missing periods again and not from being sick in any way. The two of you start to walk through the maze of booths, tents, and stands in the town square. Some are new and flashy with colourful printed signs while others are old fashioned and folksy with handwritten and hand painted materials, but either way the effect is always welcoming. The town library has an Adopt-A-Book drive open at their booth and you can’t resist, nudging Jack toward the crowded tables with glee. Each volume with wrapped in brown paper and tied up with twine, with a one or two sentence description of the plot, setting, and characters written out on the paper. “They’re all duplicates,” the young librarian is explaining to the people gathered around. “Books that the library has more than two of, and we want them to go to a good home instead of sitting unread on the shelf.”

“That’s pretty good.” Jack nods. “You guys still have the Book-Mobile?” He asks, turning towards you. “Back when I was a kid, because we were so far out of town, they had this old van that would come and bring books to the ranch.” He explains. “All the kids on the ranches loved it because we didn’t have time to run to town to check out a book.”

“Yes sir, we do.” The young woman beams happily, obviously proud of that particular program. “Where’d you grow up, if you don’t mind my asking? I thought I knew just about everyone in town.”

“Daniels Ranch.” Before you or Jack can answer, a deep, smooth voice answers for you. Been a long time since we saw Jack Daniels’ face around here,” the man tells the librarian. “You were probably still in diapers back then.”

Jack stiffens slightly, wary, but not upset about hearing that voice. It’s been a long goddamn time though. Turning, he finds his former brother-in-law watching him with the same sense of appraisal. “Aiden.” Jack murmurs quietly, nodding his head towards the man. “Good to see you.”

“Surprised to see you.” There’s a ghost of a laugh in the imposing man’s voice, and he nods to you politely but without bothering to mask his curiosity. “What brings you back to town?”

He probably should have called the man. Warned him, but there’s nothing for it now. “It was time.” Jack admits quietly. “Past time. We’ve come to visit ‘em. Pay respects.” Jack subtly takes your hand and displays where the tiny bull’s eye tattoo rests on each of your left hands. “Finally got the sons of bitches that killed her, Aiden.” He manages, emotions and sorrow thick in his voice.

“You said you would.” Aiden nods solemnly, remembering the way Jack had railed about it years ago. How nearly unhinged it had made the man. He shakes his head, banishing the anger that he’s worked so hard to be rid of, and levels his eyes on you again. “I take it this is the second Mrs. Daniels?” He asks, not meaning to be unkind but able to read the situation easily enough.

“Not yet.” Despite that, you offer to shake his hand and smile warmly. “You must be Abigail’s brother?” The name does ring a bell, after all, and Jack has told you a little bit about her and her family over your time together. “I’ve heard some very nice things about you.”

Jack knows that this is going better than he would have ever expected, but Aiden knows how he had grieved Abigail, there has been no question of his devotion to his first soulmate.

Aiden accepts the handshake and you chat for a moment, mostly with him asking polite questions like what you do for work and if you’ve chosen a wedding date yet. The kind of low key chit chat one would expect to make with a new acquaintance or friend of a friend. “I have to be getting back,” he tells you both after a time, looking curiously once more between you and Jack. “You should stop by the farm’s stand later. We went all out this year.” He wants to say more - the urge to reconnect for Abigail’s sake is strong - but he doesn’t know how you would feel about it. “I’ll…I’ll put together a basket for you?”

Grinning, Jack shakes his head. “You’ve done it now.” He warns his former brother-in-law. “She’ll be askin’ for shipments to Kentucky.” He laughs. “Aiden’s place produces the best damn fruit and vegetables in the state.”

“Then we will definitely be stopping by.” Your eyes light up with possibilities, thinking of autumn and winter menu specials. When Aiden’s hand extends to you again you shake it warmly and offer him a smile. “I’m very glad I got to meet you. We’ll be sure to stop by the farm stand this afternoon.” Aiden finds himself chuckling, moving to shake Jack’s hand after yours. While he had first felt a twist of sadness to see his late sister’s husband with a new woman, even he had to admit that it wouldn’t be healthy to cling to old memories. Abby wouldn’t have wanted Jack to be miserable. “I’ll save you a bottle of cherry blossom honey to take home,” he promises. “It goes fast and it’s too good to pass up.”

Jack chuckles at the way you gasp in excitement, squeezing Aiden’s hand slightly. “You still visit ‘em?” He asks quietly. The Daniels cemetery still hadn’t been visited, although that will be something that is done soon.

“Every month.” The way Aiden nods is solemn, but not sad. He’s grown accustomed to the loss, as all survivors must after losing someone. “I planted some flowers. Keep their headstone clean. Nothing fancy, but I like to talk to her from time to time.”

“If you’ve not visited this month….” Jack shrugs, trying to extend the invite as casually as he can. “I’m plannin’ on visiting day after tomorrow. Properly introducin’ ‘em.” He licks his lips and looks up at the older man who had once kept him from doing something extremely stupid. “If you’re wanting to visit with us some more?”

“That…” For a moment the older man hesitates, but it’s a mixture of surprise and perhaps gratitude. The idea that Jack is remarrying but hasn’t pretended that Abby never existed is comforting in an unexpected way. “I’d like that,” he says finally, looking between you. We’ll have lunch? I—” He shrugs and grins slightly. “If you’re alright with it, I’ll bring Sheila? You guys always got along well, if I remember right.”

“Sugar?” Jack turns towards you, wanting to confirm that you are okay with the idea. “Sheila is the sweetest little spitfire you ever did meet.” He promises. “She runs that farm, truth be told and shame the devil. Always had since she came into the picture.”

"I think it sounds wonderful." Which isn't even an exaggeration, or an attempt at being polite. For you, this was part of the hope for this trip. A glimpse into Jack's past and the young man that he was before he grew into the man you fell in love with. "But you won't be able to stop me from cooking if we're having company. Consider yourselves warned."

“I know.” Jack sighs softly and shakes his head. “That’s why I was askin’.”

"He's making noise, but he likes to be kept on his toes." Aiden shakes his head and chuckles under his breath. "I really do have to get back, but come by the stand later and we're figure out what time we're doing this." "He's nice." When Aiden is out of sight again, you snuggle into Jack's side and leave a kiss on his cheek. "and obviously still thinks well of you."

“I’m glad that he does.” Jack admits with a loud, exaggerated exhale. He had been worried about what the man would think about him having a new soulmate.

"We'll talk to him more in a few days. But I'm glad we ran into him." Both of your arms rope around Jack to give him a squeezing hug. "Now I have someone I can ask for stories of when you were a kid."

“Great.” Jack rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning at you. “You know he was the one who convinced me to jump off the roof, right?” Jack chuckles. “I was in Abigail’s room and he had told me that his daddy was gunna stomp me. We weren’t doing nothing but kissin’.”

"Oh, I am going to enjoy this lunch." You practically cackle as you give him another kiss. "I can't wait to hear every single story."

Jack pouts at you, knowing that Aiden will tell you everything. “Well then don’t be surprised when you learn I ran down Main Street in my birthday suit.” He grunts, shaking his head.

"You did what?" The shock and glee on your face are joined by an absolutely delighted peel of laughter. "I have to know. I have to know why."

“I’ll let Aiden tell you that story.” Jack grumbles, smirking slightly. “Again, that was his fault.”

******

When the time for that lunch comes just two days later, Jack has resigned himself to the fact that there is nothing he can do to calm the whirlwind of you in a kitchen. The lemon tiramisu was made last night and will be the perfect thing to cool off after the enormous platter of spicy, smoky steak tacos with plenty of sides that you went overboard in spending all morning preparing. You've been perfectly honest about wanting everything to be perfect for Aiden and Sheila's visit, and since you're hosting in a house that is technically Jack's but he hasn't lived in in decades, you don't truly feel that comfortable. It will all be okay, of course, but it has you a little more jittery than normal.

“I put a gallon of that raspberry tea you liked in the fridge.” Jack murmurs, watching as you scrub the same spot on the counter for the millionth time. “There’s some coolers, I put some waters and beer in them.” Anything he can do to help calm your nerves, he will. “Anything else you need, sugar?”

“No…I’m just nervous.” Finally realizing that the spot you’ve been trying to clean is a natural dark spot in the granite countertop, you sigh and force yourself to step away from the counter. “I’m sorry. I just…Aiden seems like a very nice man, but I don’t want him to think you’ve picked some inferior after his sister. That’s probably stupid, but I can’t help it.”

“You are not inferior.” Jack frowns and steps in front of you, wrapping his arms around you to pull you into his embrace. “Sugar, Aiden will love you. Shelia will too. He knows you aren’t Abigail, and he doesn’t resent you for that.”

“I’m just glad the baby’s not making me feel sick during all this.” Although you do reach over and rap your knuckles on the wooden dining table just so you don’t jinx yourself. Your morning sickness has been next to non-existent so far. Hopefully that doesn’t mean it will come back with a vengeance in the second trimester.

“Come sit down with me, sugar.” His hand immediately goes to your stomach and he caresses it gently. Marveling at the still fresh news that you are carrying his baby. “Take a little rest.”

The love seat in the living room is where you’ve taken to sitting, and you relished the stories from Jack on the first night about how it was his mother’s favorite place to sit. Now you let Jack lead you over and plop down in his lap with your arms around each other. “Sorry if I’m a tornado,” you murmur near his ear.

“In a trailer park.” Jack jokes, squeezing you tight. “I know that you’re nervous, but you don’t need to be. I’ve known them both my entire life, and despite Aiden being Abby’s brother, he wants me to be to happy.”

“I think I’m nervous because of that,” you admit, laying your head on his shoulder. “Like somehow…” A sigh escapes you, resigned and acknowledging. “Like I know I’ll never have Abigail’s approval to be with you and make you happy. Her brother’s approval is the next best thing.”

“She would have loved you.” He promises, turning his head to kiss your forehead. “I know she would have, sugar. Aiden is going to love you.”

“I know it’s silly to worry.” Sniffling slightly, you snuggle deeper against Jack and huff softly. “Maybe I’m having my first overly-emotional-pregnant-lady moment.”

“Might be.” He honestly thinks it’s more to do with wanting approval by his original soulmate’s family, but he doesn’t say that. “And you are completely justified in feeling that way.” His hands slide up and down your back soothingly. “No matter what sugar, I’m going to be right here with you. Your backup.” He teases playfully.

"Thank you, honey." He's damn good at not making you feel like an idiot when you're being emotional, which you appreciate, and you trail your fingers through his hair softly while you sit firmly in his lap. "I love you so much."

“I love you too, sugar.” Jack hums, closing his eyes and smiling softly. “It’s good to be back.” He admits. “To see them. It doesn’t hurt like I expected it to.”

"If you still feel that way when we leave in two days, we'll have to see about making the trip more often." It will always be up to him whether or not he wants to come back to the place he called home for the first part of his life, but you've thoroughly enjoyed spending time here. It's quiet and homey, and feels like a world away from Louisville just for the slower pace of life. "It might be nice to have family vacations out here."

“I can see your family gettin’ a kick out of the place.” There’s plenty of room and it might be fun to see your dad on a working ranch. “The kids would shit themselves over the horses.”

"By the time we do another family vacation, we'll have another family member." Your hand drifts fondly over your belly. "I can't wait."

“Yes we will.” Jack nods. “Maybe we can figure out how to do some kind of reveal or somethin’ for your folks.”

"Yeah?" You had just figured on FaceTiming with your parents to let them know, but they would adore a reveal. It would be fun to see your father a blubbering, excited mess again like he was when he found out about both of your sister's kids.

“Maybe we should fly up there? Bring them some baby themed gifts?” Jack offers, wanting to make it special.

"They would lose their minds." It's such a sweet thought, and absolutely characteristic of Jack. "Do you think there's a store for baby things around here that we could go poke around this afternoon or tomorrow?" Without knowing how long Jack's former brother-in-law and his wife will be comfortable staying or how emotionally taxed you'll both be after the visit, it's good to be flexible.

“Whatever you want to do.” Jack smiles, happy you liked his idea. “We can do that for sure.”

"Let's see how we feel tonight." Like a cue in a play, the doorbell rings just as you're tipping your head back to kiss Jack's cheek.

Patting your thigh, Jack gets up after you do and throws you a smile. “It’s going be a good visit, sugar. You’ll see.” He promises, walking towards the door to let his brother-in-law and his wife in.

"Jack!" Sheila is an energetic woman with a personality as strong as she is physically, so when she opens her arms to hug Jack after crossing the threshold of the house she means business. "I'm so sorry I missed you at the festival! Heard you took home a shiny prize though, good for you."

“Hey Sheila.” Jack allows the other woman to scoop him up into a hug that would crush a lesser man’s ribs. “It’s so good to see you. How have you been?”

"Good!" Her exuberance is shining through at seeing an old friend again, and her head bobbles on a nod. "Really good. Farm is doing great and the kids are grown so the house is mostly quiet these days."

“That’s good.” Sheila had just found out she was pregnant with their second when Abigail had been killed. Their oldest boy had just been a year old, so the idea of the cousins growing up together had been very real. “Real good.”

"Let the man breathe before you start giving him the whole rundown." Aiden chuckles softly, obviously used to his wife's boundless energy. He pats Jack's shoulder but steps past him with a basket in hand to offer you a warm, if polite, hug. "Brought you something, hon. As promised."

"That's so sweet of you. Thank you, Aiden." You easily accept the small embrace as well as the basket, looking inside eagerly. There are all kinds of jars and a few fresh things as well as a bottle of the first batch of cider of the season.

“He was eager to show off.” Sheila appraises you with unabashed interest as she walks over towards you. “Something about you being a professional chef and wanting to show you farm to table.”

“That’s true, I do have restaurant.” Something about the way she’s looking you over makes you hesitate self-consciously, but you still put your hand out to her to shake. “You must be Sheila. It’s really nice to be able to meet some of Jack’s old friends.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Sheila shakes your hand heartily and pulls you towards her. “I can see why Jack likes you. Besides the obvious part of being soulmates.” One arm goes around you in a quick, half hug.

"It was...a surprise. To say the least." When you and Jack had gone to get your playing card put back on your arm he had also gotten a bullseye on your hands, and Sheila smiles softly at the mark now before letting you go. "Who knew that kind of thing actually happened in real life?"

“I know that it’s not something to be taken lightly and it looks like you aren’t.” She sends you a devilish grin. “So what embarrassing stories do you want to know about Jacky? He used to get so mad about being called that, but it was that or Jackson.”

"I want to hear everything." You return her grin with glee, already feeling much more relaxed than you had been a second ago. Maybe it was just a mood swing after all. "Why don't you both come in? We can have lunch before we go up and make our visit, if you want?"

“I wish you hadn’t gone through the trouble.” Sheila huffs, shaking her head. “We could have brought something from town. But I have a feeling it’s hard to keep you out of a kitchen.”

Jack snorts and nods. “Yeah it is. Practically impossible. Swear that’s why she moved in with me, I’m convinced. For the kitchen that I had.”

"And then we moved and now our kitchen is even bigger." That grin is now flashed at Jack, and you reach out to squeeze his shoulder gently as he and Aiden trail behind you and Sheila through the living room and into the kitchen. The basket sits neatly on the corner of the counter while you go about checking on the food that you have cooking, and Jack starts pulling out drinks from the cooler before pouring you a glass of tea. It's the small amount of caffeine that you're allowed each day and you relish it, hating having to give up coffee.

“Really thought you would have brought a bottle of that Statesman.” Aiden chuckles, lifting the tea. “Since you run the company.” Shrugging, Jack grins. “We aren’t big on drinking whiskey right now.” He admits, glancing at you before he decides to go ahead and break that other news when you give him a subtle nod. “Don’t think it’s quite fair for me to drink when she can’t.”

"Well damn." Aiden looks between you with dawning realizing. "I, uh...congratulations. That's real good news." It stings a little, in that deep part of his heart that misses his sister most, but this isn't about him. Feeling jealous on Abby's behalf isn't going to bring her baby boy back.

“It’s not something that we— well, it’s a little earlier than we planned but I am trying not to smother her.” Jack huffs with a slight grin. “It don’t replace Timmy in my heart one bit, just like Abby’s still there too.”

"We only just found out." As you bustle around the kitchen, it's easy to see how comfortable you are in this particular room versus every other. "And I mean just. I only told Jack a few days ago."

“That’s wonderful.” Aiden watches Jack, wondering if the other man is worried about the loss of another child. He knows he would have many sleepless nights. “I mean that.”

"Do you know what you're having yet?" Not willing to be impolite and assume she can tell how far along you are by your figure - something that the mother of three knows is pretty impossible to do anyway - Sheila just offers you a soft smile with the question.

"Not yet. It's a little too early." It comes with a shake of your head and you step back from the counter to go to the fridge for all the accoutrement you made. "It's a little nerve wracking, but we're excited. Everything right now is...it's really going pretty perfectly."

“I swear I almost didn’t believe it.” Jack admits, glancing down at his watch that you had given him. “But we are going to be good parents.”

"So your fiancée has a restaurant," Aiden sips the beer that Jack handed him as he sits down at the table with his former brother-in-law. "And you work for Statesman?" He hadn't been clear about it during their quick conversation during the festival. "What is it you're doing there?"

“I’m the Director of the distillery.” Jack admits, taking a sip of his tea. “I own the operation.” He doesn’t tell Aiden about the other side of Statesman, but he shouldn’t have to.

"Damn, Jacky!" Sheila spins around to face him with an impressed look of surprise on her face. "That's a pretty huge company, isn't it? I heard they - you - have an operation in Europe somewhere now?"

“We’ve partnered with a company called Kingsman in the UK.” Jack leans back and smooths his mustache down. “They make tailored suits. All keys to being a gentleman. It actually has been a very profitable venture.”

"So it's what..." Aiden tilts his head curiously. "Scotch and fancy suits?" That's a hell of a long way from the little town he grew up in, yet somehow he still fits here as much as he ever did.

“Pretty much.” Jack chuckles and pushes back from the table. “I’ll get that bottle for you to take home and try.” He offers.

"Sounds like you've been doing damn well for yourself," Sheila commends, offering him a genuine smile. "Running a bit company like that isn't easy." When she thinks about it, her smile softens a little. "Good job, happy wife, and a kid on the way. Sounds like you're settling down again. That's...that's really good, Jack. I'm happy for you."

“Peace only came after getting the men who killed Abby.” Jack can admit that. He glances over to you with a wry smile. “Fought the idea for awhile, make her and myself miserable until that happened.”

"It wasn't always smooth sailing, but it's good now. Everything is so good now." You step back, setting the tray of things on the table so you can leave a kiss on Jack's cheek. You're not going to be overly physically affectionate in front of his first wife's family, but you are so fucking happy. It's worth showing it just a little.

The bottle is retrieved from the side board, and set down in front of the couple. “Want you to know that it’s my involvement with Abigail that got her killed.” He murmurs quietly. “It’s not my fault, but she died because of me.”

"What happened?" Aiden hadn't wanted to sully the good atmosphere of the lunch with the question, but he needs to know. He has to know who the bastard was that killed his baby sister and unborn nephew.

“Rollins.” Jack grunts, still of a mind to go by that spread and burn it to the fucking ground. “Crazy ass Rollins killed her because he couldn’t have her.”

"Jesus." Aiden and Sheila exhale in unison, shaking their heads as their eyes cast down to the floor. The five of them - Aiden, Sheila, Jack, Abby, and Hank Rollins - had all been in the same class at school together. Grown up together. They had watched Rollins' madness grow over the years without understanding more than the fact that he was crazy. Dangerously so, apparently. "How did you find out?" Aiden asks, shaky breath hovering just below the surface.

Jack moves over to you, wrapping his arm around you protectively. “He kidnapped her.” Held her so I would sign over the ranch to him and let him kill me.” You shudder and his hold on you tightens, reassuring you. A lot has healed since that time, but he knows you still think about it sometimes. “He confessed everything. I have a video of it.”

"I—Jesus H. Christ." Sheila shakes her head with one hand clutched to her heart. "I don't think I need to see that." The shudder Aiden gives could be discomfort or disgust, it's hard to tell, but either way he shakes his head along with his wife. "Whole goddamn family needed help. They haven't been back to the valley in years. Bank repossessed the ranch near a decade ago."

“None of them will be back…ever.” Jack promises ominously.

“Just glad you’re both okay.” What else can Aiden say, really? He’s not glad to know that men have died - though the death of his sister’s murderer doesn’t pain him at all. It’s just not as comforting as he thought it would be during the many years he imagined it.

“Appreciate that.” Jack leans in and kisses you again before he lets you get back to finishing up and walk back over to slap Aiden on the back. “Tell me about the kids.”

“Tyler’s married.” Immediately, Aiden is reaching for his wallet to pull out family photos. “Actually…he and Faith just made us grandparents.” He beams when he holds out the photo. “Kayce is seven months old. Happiest little baby boy in the world.”

“Jesus.” Jack’s eyes wide dramatically. “I can’t believe Tyler is a daddy.” He looks over at you. “Last time I saw that boy was right before his second birthday.”

“He keeps talkin’ about wanting to move out and see the whole country,” Sheila shakes her head and laughs. “I told him it’s gonna be mighty hard with that little baby to think of.”

“Yeah it will be.” Jack smirks slightly and looks over at you. “Only reason we are as travel ready as we are is the company jet.”

Aiden whistles, making you grin as you finish putting lunch on the table. “Company jet, huh? That’s a pretty perk of being the big man in the building.”

“Sometimes it’s good to be the boss.” He agrees, winking at Aiden and Shelia and standing to get your tea from on the counter. “Sit down, sugar. I’ve got it.”

“Everybody dig in,” you encourage, knowing that you made something social and familiar on purpose. Tacos aren’t exactly a formal meal and that’s what you like about them.

“Tacos.” Aiden chuckles. “I’m guessin’ the beef is straight from the freezers in the big barn?” He asks, knowing that Daniels Ranch produces top quality beef.

“It’s been sort of a craving lately,” you admit, knowing that you’ve been eating a lot of beef than usual lately. “But how could we pass up such quality ingredients?”

“I see now why you wanted cilantro.” Jack teases, well aware of your cravings and completely okay with that. “We’ll see about having some beef shipped home with us.”

Settling himself across the table, Aiden slides another photo over to Jack for him to see - the other two of his grown children, the photo looking to be just a few months old if the little bundle they’re holding is indeed their nephew Kayce. “That’s Wayne,” he explains, indicating the boy on the left. “And our youngest is Abby. After her aunt, of course.”

Covering his mouth with his hand, Jack studies the photo, staring at his first soulmate’s namesake. “You— you named her Abigail.” He breathes out quietly, watery smile on his face.

“They have the same birthday,” Sheila explains, a little teary eyed. “It seemed like a sign.”

“That does seem like a sign.” Jack nods, handing the photo back to Aiden. “Beautiful family, brother. I’m happy you have that.”

“You will too.” The smile Aiden offers is to you this time as he tucks the photo away. “You’re already on your way there. Abby would… she’d be glad to see you happy.”

“If they knew each other…” Jack points at you. “I would never know peace.” He jokes, laughing at himself.

“Not in your whole damn life,” Sheila agrees with a chuckle. “And you wouldn’t ever mind.”

“Not a lick.” Jack winks at you again. “Not one damn lick.” He picks up a taco and takes a bite, moaning at the perfect balance of spices.

“Please tell me you have tacos on your restaurant menu.” The twin groans from Aiden and Sheila are music to your ears, and she looks up at you immediately.

“It’s a family favourite.” The compliment has you beaming, though, and you have to admit this is a particularly good batch. “The restaurant menu is a little different. But I made one of our specials for dessert.”

“This woman makes a crawfish salad that would make you slap your momma for another bite.” Jack promises, grinning at you. “Her cooking won me over slowly. I couldn’t stay away.” It’s a lot more than that, but it’s an easy, playful tease.

“Oh, wait a minute.” Like she’s just remembered an amazing fact, Sheila smacks her hand in the table and points at you. “You ran away with a baking prize this weekend, didn’t you?”

“Yes she did.” Jack puffs up proudly. “Just like I knew she would.”

“That cake recipe means a whole lot to my family, so I’m glad it went over well.” Jack looks as proud as a peacock beside you, and you can’t help but be pleased by it. It doesn’t matter that Tex will tease you mercilessly when he finds out you couldn’t resist entering. It just matters that it made one more happy memory.

“So you feel Jack’s sweet tooth?” Aiden grins. “He would bring candy out onto the ranch. Can’t imagine he’s gotten better.”

“Oh no, he hasn’t.” That makes you laugh, conjuring the image of young Jack on the ranch with a pocketful of sweets. “His desk has a secret candy drawer he thinks nobody knows about, and he’s my taste tester for all my desserts.”

“Hey.” Jack pouts. “You said you liked me trying your desserts.” Just because he’s had to start using the treadmill in his office doesn’t mean he’s eating too many sweets. He’s not running around on missions like before.

“I do!” His little pout makes you laugh, delighted that this meal is going so much easier than you expected. “It’s sweet, pun very much intended. And you’ve given me some great ideas.”

“What can I say? I know my sugar, sugar.” Jack smirks when Shelia and Aiden laugh, happy that this is going well. He hadn’t anticipated them not liking her, but it has to be odd to see Jack happy with a woman who is not Abigail.

******

The rest of the lunch goes about the same way, small jokes and stories shared as the four of you graze the taco platter and eventually break out the lemon tiramisu to have a sweet ending to the meal. It's midafternoon by the time you get up from the table, and though the mood shifts it doesn't become uncomfortable. It's easiest to bring both trucks up to the family cemetery on the east side of the property, and you climb into the vehicle that you and Jack are borrowing from the ranch beside Jack with a look on quiet concern on your face. "I was thinking," you turn completely to face him in the cab of the truck. "If you wanted to spend some time alone with them - with Abigail and Timmy, I mean – I can go for a walk so you can have some privacy after Aiden and Sheila leave. I wouldn't mind at all."

“Sugar…” Jack picks up your hand and kisses it. “I appreciate that, but I would like you to be there. If you’d rather not, that’s one thing.” He wanted to share this with you, but not if you didn’t want to.

"I absolutely want to." Originally, of course, it was the entire reason for the trip. "I just wanted you to know that if you want privacy, I totally understand."

“I’ve got nothin’ to hide.” Jack promises. “I might cry, but don’t blame me for that.”

"I would honestly be surprised if you didn't." He might not cry in front of many others, but you certainly have shared your fair share of tears between the two of you.

“It’ll be okay, sugar.” He kisses your hands again and he squeezes it slightly. “Let’s go introduce you to Abby.”

The drive up to the site doesn't take long. Maybe twenty minutes of driving total, and that is filled with quiet music pouring from the truck's speakers as Jack steers down the long ranch trails. When you pull up beside Aiden and Sheia's truck, Jack hustles around to help you out and you give his hand a squeeze before lacing your fingers together. A hundred and fifty years of his ancestors are buried up on this hill, and there are plenty of headstones to prove it.

Jack’s stomach flips and rolls as he holds on to you. His momma and daddy are buried here. Along with every other Daniels. In the newer potion of the cemetery, there’s a large angel rising up from the ground, standing guard over two headstones that are covered in colorful blooms.

The tulips all around the headstone have been planted in every color imaginable, and it's obvious that the other buds of flowers you don't recognize as easily have been very carefully tended to over the years. Aiden's expression is set in pride and sorrow and Sheila swallows a lump in her throat, but you hold on to Jack like a pillar. His need to do this is very different than yours, and you won't let go of him for a second unless he makes the move to let go of your hand first.

Abigail Monique Daniels April 24, 1976 - August 12, 1998 Beloved Daughter, Sister, and Wife A Light from Our Life is Gone

Timothy Charles Daniels Too Precious for This World

The two headstones stand side by side, and the fact that Abigail's can't even credit her as a mother breaks your heart. Tim's stone doesn't even have a birth date listed. It's agonizing in a way you truly didn't expect, and you can feel the tears pushing at your eyes immediately trying to imagine what kind of agony losing your baby before you ever got to hold them would be.

“Hello sweetheart.” Jack’s voice catches and he has to clear his throat. “It been a long time since I’ve been to see you. I’m sorry, I couldn’t do it before now.” In his minds eye, he still sees the raw ground, broken open as they lower the caskets in the ground. No one would dare interrupt Jack in this moment but the wind, a gentle breeze picking up and making the tulips wave in their own little hello. “There’s so much I want to say, that I should have said.” Jack stares at the dates on the stone and his heart aches but it’s not the bleeding agony that he had thought. “I got ‘em baby.” He manages first. “I got the bastard that took you and our little boy away.” Your hand tightens in his slightly, always the silent 'thank you' for keeping you safe. “I know you’ve been watchin’ from up there, shaking your head and chewing me a new one, so I won’t tell you about the last twenty years. But I—” he brings you up closer. “The universe gave me something special, sweetheart. I have another soulmate.”

“I wanted to come and meet you.” Unlike Jack, you kneel down beside the stone, instinctively feeling closer this way. It’s also so you can take the daisy blossom out of your jacket’s lapel that you’ve been saving there since you bought it from a florist at the festival. Jack has shared some wedding pictures with you and you had loved Abigail’s bouquet of daisies. “And to say how sorry I am we didn’t get to meet. Jack seems to think we would’ve made the best of friends,” you tell her softly, laying the daisy in the grass.

Jack’s lip trembles and he bites it to keep from crying already. Listening to your compassion, the flower, it makes him see that you are just too damn good for this place - for him. The universe has messed up, but it was to his benefit.

“I know you’ve been watching us, like Jack said, but just…please know that he’s loved. And taken care of. And that he thinks about you and Timmy every day.” There’s no denying it, and you never would, but as you stand back up with Jacks hand still in yours, you wipe away a few tears with your free hand. Saying goodbye is never easy, but sometimes saying hello can be just as emotional.

“I do think about you two all the time. You’re always in my heart, sweetheart. You and our baby boy.” Jack rasps out. “I’m not ever gunna forget you.”

“He’s going to have a brother or sister in about seven months.” You place a hand on your belly and try to bite back tears. “Not sure which yet, but the next time we come back, they’ll be with us.”

“I’ll protect them this time, Timmy.” Jack promise, his choked sob muffled by his hand. “I p-promise.”

Your arms come around Jack quickly and without hesitation, letting him bury his face in your shoulder to cry as much as he needs. There’s no reason to be ashamed of this moment of emotion, or to leave or anything like that, but you want him to feel safe and supported.

Jack knows that Shelia and Aiden are there, witness to this, although he feels no shame. They have seen him at his lowest, prevented him from destroying the place after coming home that first night. Stayed with him so he didn’t do anything stupid. They know how he has grieved Abigail. So he feels no shame in sobbing into your shoulder in front of them, letting the anger, sorrow and rage flow out of him cathartically.

“We are safe,” you remind him quietly, knowing that while there is nothing in the world that can bring back his first family, his second is going to love them with everything you’ve got. “We’re safe and no one’s ever going to hurt us again, because you saved us.”

“I know, sugar.” Jack clings to that fact and to you as the tears start to ebb. “I know. I know.”

Nothing will change what happened before, all of you know that. But even Aiden’s shoulders slump a little knowing Hank Rollins won’t be hurting anyone else ever again. “You’d like her, Abby,” he murmurs to his sister when he steps forward to lay his hand on the top of her headstone in an old, accustomed gesture. “I’m sure you’ve been watchin’ and shaking your head at Jack like always. But I promise I won’t lose track of them this time.”

That vote of confidence means the world to Jack. He knows you have been worried about what Abigail’s family would think, if they would accept this. He pulls away from your shoulder and kisses your forehead softly. “Thank you, sugar.”

“I love you.” Small words, just on a whisper, but right now they mean more than anything. Your arms around Jack are tight and sure and you know in your heart that this trip needs to happen more often from here on out. Coming home has been good for him. Not running from his past has lifted something almost visible from his shoulders.

“I love you too, sugar.” Jack stands in front of the graves of his first soulmate, his love, and the sweet baby boy he never got to meet. For the first time since that horrible day years ago, his soul is completely peaceful and at rest. His heart open to the future and what is to come with you, the other third of his soul. “What a journey.” Jack murmurs quietly, turning you in his arms and tipping your chin up slightly. “Thank you.” He whispers. “Thank you for going down the rabbit hole with me.”

“Any time, my love.” The shared ink on your skin, the twists and turns in the beginning, the ups and downs and in-betweens; all of it has brought you here to his arms. And from now on, that’s the only place you ever want to be. “Any time.”

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My Masterlist!

[writtenonreceipts]

Hi friend! How are you? I hope this sparks some ideas for your secret santa: N.12 for Elorcan, please?

Hi! I've been alright, I survived my holiday weekend and am back to the usual grind! I hope you're doing well! Thanks so much for sending me this, I really did enjoy this one!

from this prompt list

Prompt: "H-how long have you been standing there?” - “Long enough.”->I tweaked it just a little.

AO3 Link Here

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Tear In My Heart

The gritty scent of cigarette smoke was the first thing Lorcan noticed when he entered the bar.  Being this far out in the middle of nowhere Colorado led to no one caring about enforcing the law about indoor smoking, especially not the owner.  Mort never seemed to care about that sort of thing and it showed.  Lorcan doubted any sort of deep cleaning would ever rid the place of the stench so there was no use banning smoking.  Especially not when it was accompanied by the sharp tang of alcohol and vomit.

Unfortunately, there was nowhere else to get a decent drink around here unless you sat out on your porch with your own.  And even Lorcan didn't drink alone.

But there was another reason to come to the bar.

Eighties rock played through the speakers adding to the grungy atmosphere.  Dim lights over the counter set everything in an orange haze.  Even the neon lights of the different beer logos and other paraphernalia didn't add anything.  Two pool tables sat in one of the back corners along with a dart board.  No matter how few people were seated at the bar or various tables, it always felt overcrowded and tonight was no different.

All Lorcan focused on, however, was the woman behind the bar.

Her black hair fell around her shoulders in loose waves, framing her face.  He'd always found her beautiful, striking really, with her onyx eyes and pale skin, that sarcastic twist of her lips when she made a quip. 

She hadn't noticed him yet, which was good, he didn't need to be caught starting.  Instead, she was focused on pouring out a drink for the man across the counter from her.  She laughed at something he said, though he didn't know what.

Lorcan felt his own blood heat at that and he strode across the hardwood floor in just a few quick steps.  When he approached the bar, Elide finally noticed him and a smile lit up her entire face.

"Well, well," she said, sliding the drink to the other customer.  "If it isn't Salvaterre."

"Lochan," he said.  He took a seat a few stools down from the other man.

"Let me know if you need anything else, Dan," Elide said to the other man.  She moved down the bar until she reached Lorcan.  With her arms crossed she leaned against the polished wood so she could properly examine him. "You look like hell."

Lorcan rolled his eyes.  It was true enough.  This past week had been miserable.  The small shop he ran had been struggling a bit and things at the ranch were not better.  It shouldn't have surprised him, things always slowed down this time of year, but summer had been slower as well.  And then there was the fact that he had feelings for the girl he could never have.

"I always look like this," he said.  And because he was a bastard, he leaned forward, drawing closer to her.

"Yeah, you should do something about that," she said.  Her endless black eyes stared directly into him as though she could see to his very soul.  Then with a laugh she pulled back. "You want your usual?"

"Yeah, sure," he said.  He watched her go as she turned for a new glass, a bottle of whiskey. 

Elide had always been the sort of woman he knew he could never have.  She was good, first off.  She came from a good family with a good background.  She'd graduated high school with honors even though she had pretty bad dyslexia.  Then when her dad got sick she'd dropped out of college and left everything to move back home and help her mom out with bills by working at a crappy bar that probably doled out even crappier tips.

As she assembled the drink she glanced over her shoulder at him. "Just you tonight?"

"Nah, the twins'll show up eventually," he said. "And Rowan if he can drag himself away from another fight with Galathynius."

Elide snorted a laugh and she turned back to him with the drink. "Aw, upset your best friend actually has a life?"

"You know how annoying that woman is," Lorcan groused.  He accepted the drink.

For the last year and a half, Aelin had been working at the Whitethorn ranch as a trauma specialist in youth and children for kids needing help in various forms of therapy.  Rowan had inherited the business from his parents and for some reason thought it was a good idea to keep it running.  Even if he and his lead psychologist did not get along.

"Yeah, that's why she's my best friend," Elide said drily.  "She's a good person."

Lorcan doubted that but he'd shut up.  There would be plenty of other chances to put his foot in his mouth tonight.

"I'll take your word for it," he said instead.  He took a long drink, ice clinking gently in the cup.

"Well I am a very reliable source," she said. 

And then she was gone to fix another round for a couple at one of the far tables.  Lorcan watched her go, unable to look away from the sway of her hips or the sliver of skin that peeked out between the edge of her shirt and her jeans.

He only managed to tear his gaze away when the door of the bar opened and Fenrys Moonbeam entered.  Lorcan knew it was him without even looking because Fen, annoying as hell, always made sure his presence was known.

"Lochan!  How's it going?" Fenrys called, looping over to Lorcan.  Behind him was the more subdued Connall, eyes glued to his phone.  Lorcan had the sneaking suspicion that Connall was about to start dating someone.  But being who he was, wouldn't talk about it until it was an actuality.  Even quiet and distracted, Connall still managed to balance out his twin.

"Hi Fenrys," Elide called back.  She kept with her current task of drink refills and checking the kitchen on a food order.

When Fenrys dropped into the stool beside Lorcan he smacked a hand on his shoulder.

"You know you're getting obvious, right?" Fenrys asked.  "What's this?  Three nights in a row?"

"He's not that much of a psychopath," Connall spoke, he dropped into the seat on the far side of Fenrys. "He puts a day between the visits."

"Shut up," Lorcan growled.  He took another sip of whiskey, relishing in the bite as it slid down his throat.

Somehow, in some pathetic and sad twist of fate, his friends had learned of his crush on Elide.  He blamed it on a night a few months ago involving too much tequila and spur of the moment round of truth or dare.  It was pathetic enough that he was a thirty-year-old man playing truth or dare but to follow that up with the admission of having a crush?  Pathetic. 

He really had to get a life.

"You should make a move 's all I'm saying," Fenrys said.  He snagged a half-filled bowl of pretzels from down the bar and dragged it closer so he could snack.

"He's right," Connall added, finally looking up from his phone. "She's not going to stay single forever.  I heard Archer Finn wanted to ask her out."

Lorcan couldn't help his scowl.  Finn was best described as being a player.  One night stands, ghosting, playing games.  He wasn't a good person.  It was the one thing he could agree with Aelin Galathynius about.  He certainly didn't deserve to even talk to Elide.

"Yeah, the scowl's real convincing about your feelings," Connall said.

"Archer's an ass," Lorcan said.

Fenrys laughed. "So are you and she still talks to you."

Lorcan kicked his chair. "Shut up."

"Man."  Fenrys shook his head, brushing his blond curls from his eyes. "You've been obsessed with her for years.  At this point it's your own fault if she gets picked up by someone else."

"I'm not--" Lorcan began.

"You have her shifts memorized," Connall said, "know her birthday, her mom's birthday, dude you got her flowers on her dads anniversary."

Lorcan was never telling Rowan anything ever again.

"Didn't you fix her car for free too?" Fenrys added, mouth full of pretzels.

In the last five years of knowing Elide, having moved to this town on a whim after school, Lorcan had indeed done all of those things.  There had just been something about Elide and the first time he'd met her.  It had been at this very bar, just a few months after her dad's passing.  He hadn't been in the best of moods, admittedly that was usual for him, and she'd called him out on it.

Their friendship slowly developed from there where he'd learned all those things and more about Elide.  He'd been in love with her as long as he could remember.

He couldn't say anything of course because he was Lorcan.  He was the town miscreant who usually stayed on his property unless it was to come in for a drink.  He managed the stables for the Whitethorn ranch and ran a side mechanic shop.  Really, the jobs weren't stable and would likely only get worse from here.  His father was an alcoholic, his mother gone since he was eighteen--he wasn't good enough for someone like Elide.

"She's going to figure out you're in love with her eventually," Connall said, "and what are you going to--"

Connall abruptly cut off with a rather colorful curse and Lorcan felt his blood freeze.  He abandoned his drink and spun in his stool to find Elide standing behind them, half empty tray of drinks and plates in her hands.

Her eyes were too wide and her lips parted in shock.

"I-" Her gaze bounced between the three of them before settling on the floor. "I'll be out with drinks in a minute."

She dropped the tray on the nearest table and immediately left through the front door of the bar--not through the kitchens.

"Hell,” Lorcan muttered.  He stood and punched Fenrys' shoulder for good measure. "Thanks for that."

"Connall's the one that actually said it!" Fenrys shouted.

Lorcan ignored him and launched himself out and across the bar to the door.

The cool air of the night immediately washed over him, clearing his senses of the heady scent of the bar.  Overhead, a waning crescent hung in the sky with patches of stars filling the inky darkness.

He spun, looking for where Elide had gone.  He knew she was still on shift and wouldn't take off without a replacement.

It didn't take long to spot her.  She'd walked down the length of the sidewalk outside the bar a few yards away.  Overhead, a streetlamp burned with pale light, illuminating her as she paced with quick, uneven steps.  She tugged one hand through her hair, holding it out of her face as she muttered under her breath.

When Lorcan's boot scraped on the ground, she looked up.  Her eyes were still wide and shock remained cleanly written on her face.  Lorcan kept enough distance between them so that if she really wanted she could skirt around him and head back to the bar, but close enough that he could reach out to her too.

"How much did you hear?" he asked, because really that's all he really cared about, how much damage control he needed to do.

"Enough."

If there was one thing that Lorcan knew about Elide it was that she didn't shirk away from a problem.  Even if she didn't like the situation or what may come with it.  Just like now.

Her dark eyes met his and, for once, he couldn't read her.  He'd gotten so used to knowing her little quirks that the radio silence unnerved him.  Or maybe that was how it was supposed to be.  Maybe he didn't actually know her and everything he thought he did know was more or less a facade, an illusion.

"Is it true?" she asked, voice soft and far more vulnerable than Lorcan was used to hearing from her. "Or were they just talking shit, I know how they are."

"I--" Lorcan scrubbed at his face, looking away.  He didn't know if he could tell her the truth.  If he did there was no guarantee of how she would respond.  And he didn't know if he could take the rejection.  Because something like this?  It would ruin any semblance of friendship between them.

"Lorcan."

She wouldn't let him get away with the silence or the pretending to ignore what she had heard.

"Do you really want me to answer that?" he asked.

"Yes."  The hard line of her voice drew him back to her.  With hands on her hips and the way her hair swept over one shoulder, Lorcan knew he wouldn't get away with delaying any longer.  

The thing about it was that he didn’t like not being able to control the outcome of a given situation.  And he knew more than anything that there was no controlling Elide.  She was exactly who she was and would yield to no one.

Lorcan often put his foot in his mouth over so many things--especially when he had been younger.  It simply became easier to act.  Which was what he did then.

In two sweeping steps, he reached her.  Lorcan cupped her face in his hands, feeling how soft her skin was against his own calluses.  Her dark eyes gleamed in the streetlamp overhead, her full mouth opening in surprise.

Lorcan acted without thinking when he kissed her.  All he was really focused on was wiping that look of mixed hurt and confusion from her face--to show her exactly how he felt.

A part of Lorcan thought she would shove him away, but instead her hands gripped the front of his shirt, fingers digging into the fabric to pull him closer.  Her lips were soft against his, soft and warm and everything he’d imagined in all these years.  And when she exhaled a soft moan, Lorcan nearly broke at that sound alone.

One of his hands slipped into her hair, the thick locks like silk in his fingers.  His other hand went to her waist as he tugged her closer.  He could feel her warmth and her soft curves and all he could think that he wanted more.  More of her and more of what they could have.

“Lorcan,” Elide whispered against his lips.  She broke away only to catch her breath, her chest rising and falling heavily as she met his gaze.

He leaned in close enough to press his forehead against hers even though all he could think about was kissing her again and memorizing the way she felt against him.

“I’m in love with you,” he told her, voice soft.  He’d never said these words to anyone before and they felt strange on his tongue.  But he knew they were true and he knew that he had to say them at least once.  And it would only be for her.

He felt her tremble in his arms and listened to the sharp inhale of breath she made.  When she didn’t try and pull away from him, Lorcan felt a bit of hope rise in his chest.  Instead, Elide tilted her chin until her lips brushed against his.  The touch was barely there and hardly even a kiss but Lorcan swore he came alive with that simple act.

“It took you long enough,” she replied.  Her dark eyes stared into him with a spark of that same fire that had first caught his attention five years ago.

When she kissed him she held nothing back.  Her mouth was firm and insistent, her hands moving with determination until her fingers curled over his shoulders keeping right where she wanted.

And for the first time since he’d moved to this town, he felt like he’d finally come home.

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tagging still is not functioning properly, so if you'd reblog/comment I'd really appreciate it! Y'all are so great <3

[sketchfanda]

A Little Moxxie Love Party

New Dawn, New Day...

Dawn was a peculiar sort of hellhound in that you had to wonder had she been human in a previous life, after all how many hellhounds were so feisty and patriotic as she was? Small wonder she didn't standout too much in her little homestead in one of Wrath's small towns being a full on mascot for the state of Texas, with her home to her swimwear or her rides sporting the red, white and blue of the American flag and of course her accent and choice of fashion. But hey in Hell everyone was an oddity with a quirk one way or another and damn if she wasn't easy on the eyes, the kind of gal who could show you a good time so long as you weren't being a douche about it by thinking she was an easy lay.

Which of course made it a bit of a hassle for the patriotic hound babe as lack of action with any decent guys packing between their legs made for severe dry spells and boredom especially when her heat cycles would kick in. Soon as that alarm clock went off, she'd be spending her hours somewhere on her ranch-land twerking on and ramming one of her many stars and stripes coloured dildoes just to ease her itch. So of course in her little slice of heaven as she sat on her porch looking out at the view of her modest middle of nowhere town, it just so happened the latest estrus was pending at high noon. That fire of pleasure stirring within her loins as she felt her netherlips quiver and gush with sticky warmth which flowed down her thighs and set her every nerve ablaze.

it was an intense one to say the least and getting worse by every passing second to a point where not only would her toys or fingers not get the job done but she was going to need a man and soon! And she damn well sure didn’t want to jump any random demon that was for damn sure, slim pickings we’re already a default option around the wrath circle especially this neck of the woods. When lo and behold, if ever there was proof that there was a God, he had heard her lusty prayers and sent her salvation as a few feet away from her domestic patch of land, there pulled up and parked a large SUV baring the logo I.M.P. The sweetest, cutest looking imp she had ever seen exiting the vehicle as he tugged in his collar, no doubt not quite used to the heat around these parts and made his way over to her when he saw her.

Moxxie:*Unaware of the danger he had entered imo the vicinity of as he stood before the hellhound hottie, whose eyes were locked on him as they burned with lust.*”Uhm hello miss, you wouldn’t happen to know if I’m close to any gas stations around here would you? My ride’s running low and….miss? Are you okay?”*The thespian at heart started getting a familiar feeling he knew all too well from experience, here he was on his way to pick up Millie from her recent quality downtime with her family and wouldn’t you know it, the company car needed gas. Only to start picking up a few signs from Dawn’s body language such as the sensual smile growing on her face aaaaand ooh crumbs were those glowing hearts in her eyes? Suddenly it hit him now Loona often got that same look when she went into heat….aaand that’s when it occurred to him he was screwed…*

Dawn knew for sure she was in that state of mind when she would be so horny that she would almost pounce in the first guy she’d want to bone her. But soon as she laid her eyes on Moxxie, it was a different story as that earnest, sweet and sincere face made her heart beat as she smiled a sensual smile and got up from her seat to make her way towards him. Leaning down to cup that cute freckled face as she pressed her muzzle to his lips to give him a deep, passionate and sloppy kiss. The feel of her tongue clashing with his ensuring he got the hint as to what she desired from him, her tail wagging as she felt those hesitant hands to reach out and cup a handful of her denim clad ass as she could tell that it wasn’t his first time with a hellhound in heat.

If Dawn thought she was delighted with the sudden assertiveness of Moxxie’s grabbing her ass, the momentum of where their make out lewd to only served to increase the pleasure she was feeling as she had the imp in her living room. Making him sit on the couch as she was topless and had rendered him bottomless after taking away his pants, her arousal increasing upon seeing his cock in all its naked glory wondering how he managed to confine that whole length and girth in his boxers. Not it stopped her from proceeding to suffocate herself upon performing intense fellatio, deep throating that slab of meat as she sucked and blew on it as the taste of his pre dazzled her tastebuds. Before then sandwiching it between her her furry titties as he thrust his quite well built hips, his rod pumping ii to the valley of her soft twin pillows.

But as fun as this round of foreplay was of course, it was a whole other story when it came to the exquisite rapture of finally having that veiny piece of infernal heaven finally penetrate her. Seeing stars as inch after inch of that big imp cock hammered into her sloppy pussy’s warm inviting embrace as he was, naturally for a hellhound, doggy style. The patriotic country canine babe howling and moaning alike in ecstasy, tits swaying like pendulums as her asscheeks clapped and jiggled with every impact of their loins as Moxxie hugged around her waist while mounting her. His balls smacking hr clit and making her juices splash on down to join the growing puddle on her mahogany pinewood floor.

Bright neon pink hearts glowed bright in Dawn’s deep sky blue eyes, panting as her tongue was drooling just as much as slutty pussy. Her brain running wild with fantasies of wanting this sweet little red possum knocking her up with a litter of adorable little imp hellhound hybrid babies. The pitter patter of little feet filling her ranch home making her sensually holler for Moxxie to give it to her more, tomfuck her harder and deeper than he already was. She’d been with her share of man, especially when she went into heat but none of them had ever made her actually want kids before, that’s just how good the imp was for her!!

All throughout her primal desire overloading brain, her inner voice chanted “Get Pregnant!” like a mantra, her arousal only increasing with every and any orgasms Moxxie got out of her. But ooh whenever he came inside her? It was a pure thrill especially when he didn’t yet go soft or limp, still able to go as they kept on fucking. Moxxie rocking her world as he demonstrated the depth and level of sexual skill and experience that made him quite popular among a certain growing club of women in heaven, hell and the living world alike.

Going from doggy style to cowgirl in forward and reverse to a mating press, often shifting their position around whenever the compact stud let loose and flooded her womb. Her cosy biological oven welcoming the buns wanting to be cooked all the while even her ass got a jackhammering and ooh the sweet sensation of having him fuck her face, her oral and anal holes feeling every bit as good as pussy. Her living room filled with the rhythm and natural music of a man and woman dancing the ancient dance to mate and breed, with so fsr little to no signs of stopping. But alas all things have to come to an end eventually.

By the time Moxxie had finally managed to satisfy Dawn, the sun was starting to set as he finally arrived at Millie’s family farm, greeted by her and Sally May who were surprised and puzzled as to why he was late. Only to see the state he was in and start putting two and two together, the shortstack killer grinning with delight as she knew once Moxxie was rested well enough, she’d probe him for details particular the name of her man’s newest lady friend. In good time of course, right now her Moxxie needed a good meal and a nice bath or shower for his aching numb body. While back on Dawn’s ranch with the hellhound in questions……..

The Hellhound hottie was humming a little country tune to herself as she towelled herself off after a very relaxing, steamy shower. Parking her naked furry body on the couch as rubbed her stomach, giggling as she felt her womb still so filled with Moxxie’s seed. Wondering if he did managed to impregnate her, and if not, well she would need to make sure it was definite next time around. While she hasn’t managed to get his number, he was sure to have a social media account or or few as she found and picked up her phone, unlocking it and accessing the net.

A hum of curiosity came from her lips as she noticed one of Hell’s social media platforms for porn was trending no.1 nonstop with the hashtag “Red Possum”. Tapping it to find it lead her to the home page of Skullfuck productions which had a want ad all points bulletin calling for any details anyone might have for sightings and encounters with a certain rather familiar imp. Dawn grinning as she began dealing the number provided, tail wagging as she had a thought pass through her mind. Of her and her future baby daddy making some sweet, wild porn together…..grinning as she heard the voice of Mr.Sketch speak up, opportunity presenting itself big time…….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chloe Sin-claire:Mission IMPossible!!

To the business world at large, the woman known as Chloe Sinclair was an absolute enigma, a living puzzle of contrast by her very nature. She looked like some bimbo pin up model outside of the wet dream of a furry yet she somehow had the brains and knowhow to set up and run one of IF NOT the most successful business corporations on the planet. Sinclair Global, the leading force in many fields especially when it came to science with rumours abounding that her personal headquarters slash private home island being ground zero for all manner of experiments. Many of those same rumours often spoke of her as being a sexual deviant or a megalomaniac or even somehow both.

But one thing was clear was that Chloe was a woman who enjoyed the finer things in life and for her that involved in scratching her libido’s itch. Be it getting very affectionate and hands in with some of her staff (sexual harassment?! What’s that?!!) or going to a hard extremes like using an ultra sonic cannon as a glorified vibrator, she was always looking for her jollies. And today she was about to have herself a very hellraising experience, emphasis on hellraising and for good reason as she currently stood late on a full moonlight lit night inside one of her headquarters’ many research labs. Clad in just a simple silky white bathrobe, her long luscious tail sensually swaying as she grinned at the peculiar old book she had in hand and stood before some sort of device constructed by her little brain trust of eggheads.

Chloe:0w0”Alright then, let’s see now….”*She mostly said to herself as she commenced with her latest bout of using her company equipment and resources for her own personal pleasure. The piece of tech she was tinkering with resembling a stargate as she flipped open the book and began typing in a sequence, the circular portion spinning around as 4 joint locks snapped on certain key symbols.*"Come on now, give me someone or something to rock my world..."*If she did this right, she was going to see what the demon world had to offer in ways of lovers. Perhaps a feisty, kinky succubus with shapeshifting capabilities or or some very well hung hellbeast!!?*

Soon as she input the last symbol sequence, she pressed the ol' Big Red Button and snapped on some safety shades as crimson light flooded the room. The gate humming with power before in a hum and a flash, out tumble something very small and tiny not to mention soaking wet which made the sensual skunk quite curious as to who and what she called through from who knows the Hell where. The lights kicking back on to reveal none other than resident favourite sweet little possum who going by his state of nudity and the glistening skin oozing off steam, had likely just been in the middle of a shower. Any confusion or disappointment Chloe had of course was non existant as those bright blue eyes of hers widened and twinkled with delight at the sight they laid upon before them. That being the long, thick slab of meat hanging between his small but oh so damn well toned legs as it became clear to her little ritual experiment had worked and then some.

Moxxie:"Ah damnit for the love of....okay whoever this and whereever I am now, let's cut to the chase already huh? Who are you and how and why are you......ooooh crumbs...."*Any issues or queries the thespian imp had in regards to his current situation were rendered moot as his golden eyes locked with the dazzling sapphires of Chloe's own, the lust within them twinlking as she wore a smiling sensual expression while peeling off her robe. Letting it fall to the ground as she exposed her silver and snow white furry naked form before the imp, licking her lips with erotic thirst as her furry thighs became slick and sticky with her flowing warmth at the adorable expression of scarousal on Moxxie's face. Not to mention that oh so lovely big imp cock of his rising up to stand to attention as it became stiff and erect on instinct in the presence of a bombshell like her. It was at this point the little imp knew where things were going.*

So it was no small wonder that laboratory soon became filled with the scents and sounds of the adult twister as Chloe was currently bouncing and riding on Moxxie’s cock cowgirl style. An expression of pure pornographic ecstasy on her sexy face from the raw pleasure of having inches of this slab of infernal heaven hammer in and out of her snatch’s lusty embrace and loving every damn second of it. Deep moans escaping her lips as the imp held and massaged her silky furry hips, the skunk bombshell relishing his gaze in the hypnotic bounce of her juicy tits snd the sway of her tail as a heavenly scent of lavender and strawberries came from it. Leaning down to capture his lip in a passionate kiss to once more express her boundless affection once more.

It wasn’t the first and certainly wouldn’t be the last time Moxxie found himself summoned by some random chance into the living world but especially a woman. But Chloe Sinclair had t be within the top 10 to 3 thus far of women to do so whose libidos could put a succubus to shame. Right off the bat she had started off intense by giving him a power sucking blowjob that made it feel like she’d drain out his soul and seed all at once and it escalated from there. Because of course a woman like her didn’t opt to settle for soft gentle vanilla sex, she was down to fuck like a pornstar going through the entire kama sutra.

And oh how they fucked, all capitals FUCKED long and hard with abandon, Chloe clearly relishing the stamina and staying power the sweet little imp. Those quite loaded heavy red balls of his pumping out his quite delicious and addictive seed which she relished feeling on her fur and flooding her insides. And oh it certainly helped he was quite the talented little lover boy but of course that summons ritual had intended to gift her with the company of the finest love maker in all of the inferno. Flagrant false advertising this most certainly wasn’t!!

For Moxxie, Chloe was a relentless force of erotic nature beautiful and deadly to behold all at once as an experience when it was clear the only way he was getting out of here was to give her exactly what she wanted most. Deep, hard fucking and ohh did she get it from missionary to doggy style to cowgirl in forward and reverse to being spooned and prone boned, unable to stop bucking and thrusting his hips. Especially with Chloe holding him in the warm embrace of her silky furred arms and legs as she drove and spurred him on to fill her with all the love he had to give. And oooh did he keep on giving.....

Now he wasn’t sure if there was succubus blood within the skunk babe’s family tree or she was just naturally that horny but one thing he could be certain of was that she was addictive!! He hadn’t experience sex this intense since the first time he ever did it with Millie, his first time with a woman at that, he’d almost thought he’d screwed up when his wife to be at the time had passed out with a smile on her face. And just when he felt like he would pass out, that scent of strawberries and lavender coming off of Chloe’s tail and fur seemed to rejuvenate and motivate him like tantric aroma thereapy. Much to the constant delight of the sensual bombshell of course at finding her sweet little possum still good to go in their intimate game.

After minutes passed into hours, dusk having set in long into the twilight of evening, Moxxie had somehow finally found himself back in his cosy little slice of Hell looking as emaciated and exhausted as a man who'd been lost in the desert dying of thirst only to have wound finding and nearly drowning in an oasis. His body marked in lipstick kiss marks, his clothes laying in a heap beside him with a business card in the suit coat pocket also marked with a kiss as it had Chloe's contact details and a bonus nude picture of her. Millie and Loona arriving surprised and puzzled to find the alpha male of their love life looking so fucked wondering just what or rather who had happened to him this time before getting to work giving him a little tlc r&r. After all he couldn't share the juicy details without a little food and hydration with some after care now could he?

Chloe meanwhile was enjoying herself a little personal selfcare session in the form of a warm bubble bath, humming as she held up her phone to admire the selfie she took with Moxxie. Mentally making plans for her next personal date with the sweet little possum imp as she looked forward to their next little love making session. Neither aware of the presence beyond the veil of the universe that had been watching, an ominous force within the vast crossroads of what many would call the multi-verse who had relished coming across the little romp between the skunk bombshell and the imp lover boy. Unseen and imcomprehensible to mortal eyes as she was, if Chloe were able to see her...it'd be like looking at a demonic mirror!!

Demon Queen Chloe:*An ethereal infernal flame bodied version of Chloe from a universe where she was a sort of Damned Fiend Overlord, hummed and giggled sensually to herself as she hovered among the vast sea of stars among space. Hovering around the earth like an invisible phantom eclipse as she beheld the blue planet like a rare gem she was admiring from a special jewellery box.*Mmmm, found you my sweet little possum.....I'll see you real soon..."*Pray for Moxxie folks, because he's going to all the hope he can get. You think basic Chloe was a handful, just imagine how wild and succubus horny this one is!!*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It ain't Pretty...

Minerva Mink was a name that for many was associated with what could only be called an absolute sex goddess given shape and form in a curvy furry package, a girl who could turn heads and drop jaws whenever and wherever she went. Who could make even the most hetero woman question her own sexuality and could have a man be putty in hands and wrapped around her finger with a wink and a smile, but alas that had been her old life. Now here she was in Hell of all places though she figured it wouldn't be a big surprise she'd wind up here, what with being a case of literal lust on legs and as she found out, Heaven had a bit of a fickle stance on what souls got past the pearly gates. But while she could've likely given that redemption hotel she'd been hearing about a shot, the blonde furry bombshell decided to stick around for a different reason, mainly getting some payback and on who and why you might ask?

None other than Slappy Squirrel, ooh Minerva could never forget or forgive that trolling underhanded silverfox of a rodent, who somehow managed to age like fine wine despite having the attitude of a crotchety cantankerous hag. But it wasn't just envy over the fact that somehow the ol' battle-axe of a cougar somehow managed to become a big name Overlord in no time thanks to that infamous love of violence and that destructive nature of hers but Minerva knew it was partly her fault how she wound up dying and landing here to begin with. You see, boys and girls, not long after a certain sweet possum of ours had caused Slappy to shed the mortal coil, her demise had set off a string of hits from sinners come in and put out on old toons be they those who did a lot of wrongs or were outright villains long overdue on their karma warranty. With Minerva having been one such target put down for death by her old plaything Newt the hunting dog, yes sir, he was not forgiving or forgetting that cockteasing blueballing especially after the run-in that caused him to wind up as deep south as you could get.

Ironically it so happened to be Moxxie that did the deed on pulling the trigger, seems Blitzo for once had been impressed at how the thespian handled the Slappy job so he decided he could handle the gig. Which he pretty much did having taken to a simple approach by disguising himself as a hunter, she never saw it coming until she found the barrel pointing right between her eyes and boom, here she was in Hell with a splitting headache. But she couldn't stand the idea that somehow both in life and here, that damn squirrel was casting a shadow over her the old gal quickly becoming an overlord thanks to her destructive nature, and love of violence, while she herself found her charm almost non existent here especially compared to the average succubus and living a far cry from her life on Earth.

Her temper however, skyrocketed when she finds that Slappy is living the high life as an overlord, the kind of life of luxury she should've been living instead of actually, dare she think, working whatever passed for minimum wage in Hell. Or worse if things didn't improve for her at this rate, she might actually have to turn out tricks as a hooker!! Back in the living world she'd be turning heads and have simps laying on the ground to be doormats while down here she couldn't expect a manual on how a sinner could become an overlord!! Slappy on the other hand managed it at a rate not seen since the infamous arrival of the Radio Demon and she couldn't stand for it!!

So soon as she had found out where Slappy was living, she managed to steal and secure herself a weapon (good time to see if somebody could die in Hell twice!!) and upon arriving, snuck and broke in intent on giving her a piece of her mind, having been in the silver squirrel's shadow all her career and even now being dwarfed and outshined in the afterlife!! However, she made the mistake of attempting to attack her when she was having a 'personal meeting' with none other than Moxxie and Millie, having kicked the door down only to pause in awkward silence and confusion at the sight before her. The very same imp that had offed her having his horned freckled head right between Slappy's legs while Millie had been making out with her made the mink sinner freeze up like a deer in the headlights. Which of course gave Millie ample time to lunge at her and disarm her, knocking her out as she caught her before she fell and hit the ground.

As the Wrath shortstack held onto Minerva, Slappy got an idea, the sort of idea that was awful, wonderful, awfully wonderful and wonderfully awful. Within a a frame of time Minerva soon woke up naked bound and gagged, seeing Millie in her bra and panties smiling that big gap tooth smile of hers as she held her phone like she was recording with a video camera. While laying atop her midriff was Moxxie and Slappy using her as a glorified living mattress for their loving which was a polite way of saying they were going at on top of her like weasels in heat!! Minerva was understably angry, at first that is and then slowly found herself feeling horny as she sees first hand how good the squirrel is getting it, the expression of bliss and ecstasy on her face as the imp was mounted atop while thrusting and pumping his shaft onto her.

Minerva could certainly tell it was a big dick for sure given the noticeable bump in Slappy’s stomach indicating the depth of his length and girth, all the while she felt the squirrel’s pussy juices dribbling down onto her Snow White fur. Her own netherlips quivering itch a growing need which reminded the Mink just how far too long it’d been since she had gotten laid well before she even wound up in this infernal…….inferno!! But damnit did she really want Slappy’s sloppy seconds and from the same guy who offed them to boot? Even if he did have a pretty cute face and a no doubt very impressive cock and….what was she thinking about again?

Slappy:*moaning sensual as she lowered her upper body to drape herself atop the bound and gagged mink sinner, their tits pressed and rubbing together. Moxxie hugging around her waist as he kept going like a piston into her snatch’s ever welcoming embrace as the silver squirrel looke back and forth between him and the mink.* “Mmm that’s the stuff little man, keep going, just how mama likes it. Ya know Blondie, normally I’d be pretty pissed at having my personal quality time with Little Man interrupted like you done. But just s happens seeing your pretty face gave me some thinking to do so here’s a deal for ya. I’ll let Moxxie have a go at rocking your world with the best fuck you’ll ever have in any lifetime but only if you agree to be my personal secretary. What do you say Minnie?”*The saucy squirrel spoke in between the gasps and moans she made as the imp hit some sweet spots. All the while her fingers teased the clasps on the ballgag in Minerva’s mouth as she awaited for when the mink would decide to answer yes or no on her proposal.*

Minerva:*Now at first she considered refusing, mentally debating how and why with the reason above all being the fact she’d truly be laying second fiddle to Slappy. But she knew eventually, inevitably she’d have to give in as even now she became overcome with lust running through her nerves like a trail of gasoline set on fire. Glaring at the squirrel with a mix of horny defiance as she gasped and landed at her smirking face while she inside and removed the ballgag.* “Alright fine You twisted bitch whatever…just….let me get some already!!l *How she loathed that smug yet sexy grin on Slappy’s face as she gave the mink a soft, sensual peck on the lips while she signally for Moxxie to cease and dismount from her.*

The imp obliged her, more than used to Slappy and her kinky whims as he pried his cock out of her snatch, his length and girth glistening with a heavy coating of her juices. Minerva's eyes wide and locked on that big slab of fat imp fuckmeat, looking on as Moxxie firmly but gently pried her lovely legs apart and rubbed the tip against her sticky wet slit. Making her shudder before she soon felt it penetrate her, inch after inch of womb pounding, pussy stretching infernal heaven sinking in and proceeding to make the idea of ever wanting another guy at all fade away and classify itself as obsolete!! Feeling an orgasm rock her and this had just been from from it going inside!!

Slappy sat besides Millie as the Overlord and the imp watched with voyeuristic delight at Minerva becoming properly acquainted with the most sexually stimulating and addictive lover in all of Hell. Sensually biting her lip at seeing the Mink get plowed and rocked in a mating press as their sweet little possum of a thespian brought his erotic A game given who his audience was. Hands caressing and groping Minerva's immaculate, curvy silky furry form all over as he thrust away like a jackhammer. Waterfalls flowing between their legs as any remaining doubt or hesitation on Minerva’s part was drowned out by pleasure, her bonds undone as she was soon taking it doggy style on her hands and knees which Slappy considered a rather fitting snd suitable position for her.

The silver fox squirrel soon threw herself back into the mix kn the bed, feeling that her Little Man had done enough to hook Minerva to that addictive dick of his as she knelt before her on the mattress. Grasping that lush blonde mane of hers as she pressed the Mink’s muzzle to her slit, the bombshell getting the hint as she began to miss and eat it out, hands grabbing Slappy’s quite juicy fine wine aged booty as she accepted her new way of life in hell. More so particularly once Millie came in along to make the threesome a foursome as she placed the camera down to capture the action at the best angles. Suffice to say the mink sinner was thinking maybe her new lot in the afterlife might not be so bad after all, as she found herself in a rather cosy and warm afterglow pile snuggling with the squirrel overlord snd the imps.

Afterwards in the days and weeks that followed that little encounter, Slappy’s reputation as an overlord was said to skyrocket thanks to her newfound personal secretary, whose level of seduction was ssid to be on par with a succubus. Making for an effective one two combination of sex and violence who in their downtime always made sure to spend some quality time with their favourite little man. Often signalling him by sending him a nude or a sexy picture such as one of them in lingerie with a bottle and glass of red wine in hand. After all it was the least they could do to thank the little red possum for making the most of what the could in Hell, sweeter than candy and greener kn the other side than any grass….how sweet it is…

[saltsicklover]

Part Two

Here is part two! How are we liking it so far? I have so many feelings about asshole Bob and I needed them out in the world! I hope you enjoy!!

Title: Once an Asshole, Always an Asshole

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2800+

Rating: R

Warnings: Smoking, Rude Bob, Drinking, mentions of sex, betting/gambling (all fun and games), swearing.

Second Chance Romance!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bob Floyd, or anything related to Top Gun Maverick within this piece. Not Proof Read or BETA'd. All mistakes are my own.

I do not consent for my work to be edited, reposted, or translated.

You are responsible for your own media consumption. This is a work of fiction that may contain mature themes. If you are sensitive to those subjects, please do not read.

---

During Senior year of high school, Bob was what one would've described as a big fish in a little pond. Good looking, a captain of the varsity level swim team, and came from a stable family outside of the ranching community that was so popular in Montana. His father owned portions of a large fracking business, which meant Bob's family had money; the Floyd's have always been a very wealthy family in Florence, hell, in Montana, everyone knew it too. 

He was always clade in his letterman jacket, the leather and felt adorned with pins and patches from his many accomplishments both in and out of the pool. On the left side was his athletic letter, the large felt patch covered in bars to represent the amount of hours he put into practice. Each bar the equivalent of another letter earned. 

On his right side was an academic letter, reverse colors from the first, designating his academic achievements. More pins littered themselves around the front, patches up and down each sleeve. Each patch had a date and a swim style on the top, as well as the time for completion on the bottom. 

 "Robert" Was embroidered above the left pocket while his graduation year was embroidered above the right. Floyd was done up in beautiful, scrawling letters that crossed over the expanse of his shoulders, his school logo large and detailed below. 

The jacket itself was a work of art, the older woman at the embroidery shop said it herself. After all, after each new achievement, he brought the jacket into her for upkeep and to sew the new patches into place. She liked to joke that he kept her from retirement with all of the awards he was winning. 

The rich smell of tobacco clung to the fabric of the jacket, the scent wafting from it every time Bob walked past. The tobacco was quality, the smell of cherries and smoke alone making girls weak at the knees. 

Duchenne hated that jacket almost as much as she hated the man who wore it. She hated his perfect hair and the shy smile he always seemed to give teachers, even though he was one of the biggest players in the school. Between him and his buddies, they had slept with half of the girls in the school, grade level and experience be damned. Hell, emotions be damned, Robert Floyd and his buddies left more broken hearts in their wake than anyone she had ever seen. 

The women's bathrooms were littered with magic marker on the stalls, warning of Bob Floyd and his ragtag swim team. How they would love you and leave you, the same old story as the years before. The swim team always seemed to be the hub for the worst of the worst boys, but Bob brought a new level of assholery. 

"Hey there, Douche," Bob smiled, his eyes glittering with something less than friendly. He held his cowboy hat in his hand, arms crossed over his chest. A Cigarillo's tucked behind his ear, there's always one there, ready for Bob to smoke it at any given time. 

"It's Duchenne and you know it," She seethed at him, biting back her raising tone. One of his buddies, Gene, bumps her in the shoulder with his. 

"We all know that's just a nickname, and I think Douche actually fits you better," Bob shrugs, pulling his backpack further up on his shoulder as his eyes wander over her frame. "Tell me something," He grins down at her, eyebrows raised in anticipation, "Do you always dress so uhh..." He waves his hand up and down in front of her, like he is trying to come up with the words. 

"Hand-me-down drab?" His other friend, Johnny, finishes for him, quirking an eyebrow. 

"Yes, John, exactly, hand-me-down drab." Bob nods, pleased with the description. 

Duchenne can't help but look down at her jeans, the cuffs caked in a thin layer of mud, before dragging her eyes over the sleeves of her shirt. A long sleeve white shirt is covered with a faded tee-shirt that once belonged to her older brother. She can't help but try and brush back the hair from her face, but the hair falls in front of her eyes again. The haircut she had asked for looked less chic and more like a bowl cut. She was thankful in that moment to have shoved her glasses into her bag before leaving her last class.

"I am here to get my degree, not to put on a fashion show for the likes of you, Bertie." She stands her ground, her voice only wavering a bit at the end. He shakes his head at the nickname, trying not to let it get to him. He has always hated that nickname and the way it seems to crawl just under his skin. He shivers. She is proud of herself and tries not to let it show of her face. "Unlike you lot, I plan on moving out of this town after graduation instead of being stuck here for the rest of my life."

The boys laugh at her, each thinking about their own plans after graduation. Johnny is all set to take over the family business at the mortuary and Gene has plans on taking the autobody courses down at the community college.  

Bob wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he thinks he is the only one with any real plan after graduation. He's already been accepted to a 'fancy' out of statue university in order to get a mathematics degree so he can enter the Navy as an officer. He wants to be an aviator, he wants to make a difference, but the last thing he would do is let that thought slip out. But hell, he for sure knew that he wasn't going to get himself stuck in Montana like the rest of his family had- hell, like most everyone's families had. 

"And what exactly do you plan on doing out in the big bad world, huh?" Bob teases her, inching a bit closer with each word. 

He doesn't like that he is mean, though he wouldn't say that to anyone either. He found out early on, during the first semester of Freshman year, that the only way he was going to make it through was to establish himself as a bully before he himself could be bullied. The swim team took him in first because he was good. He swam fast and had good form, overall he started as a means to an end; get the team to nationals. Soon after that, he began acquiring more awards than he could count and the meanness was so far under his skin it came out in habit. 

She did not shrink as he stalked towards her- she had never been afraid of Bob. Hell, she even harbored a crush for him when they first started high school, but as the time went on, that crush grew into hatred and loathing for his presence and the man he became. 

"I am going to be a writer," Duchenne's words are a matter of fact. The boys just laugh at her, not entertaining her thoughts anymore than that. She could feel the pinprick of tears forming in her eyes, but did her best to blink them away as they turned to saunter down the hallway. 

"Fucking assholes," Is all she can mutter. With a swift wipe of the stay tear that has found it's way down her face, she turns and heads to class herself. She fails to shake the smokey cherry scent from her mind. 

---

"Somebody order the expensive shit, we are celebrating tonight!" Natasha shouts, her body basically hurdling towards the men at the pool table. Hangman is bent over the table, lining up a shot for a center pocket. As Phoenix comes barreling around the table, her hip catches the back of his cue, dismantling his whole shot and earning her a stern glair from the blond. 

She makes it over to Bob, sliding haphazardly onto the stool next to him. Their shoulders bump and he laughs a bit, but Natasha misses it, her nose glued to her phone. 

"What's got you all excited?" Rooster questions her, wiping foam off of his mustache. 

"Sunny is why I am so goddamn excited!" She shouts, earning her looks from each member of their team as well as other patrons that have found themselves sitting near the Dagger Squad. 

"What's up with Sunny?" Bob asks, excitement behind his eyes that's shrouded by furrowed brows. 

"Who's Sunny?" Payback questions, taking his shot at the pool table. 

"She is my best friend! And also my digital pen-pal! I just got an email from her and she said she is coming out to San Diego for work but is taking vacation after her business trip is done! She wants to finally meet!" Phoenix spills, tracing her eyes over the email for the fifth time since she got off work a half hour ago. 

"Wait- you've never met this woman?" Hangman questions her with a tilt of his well groomed head. 

"Nope, never met her! Never even seen a picture. We agreed to that when we first started writing each other and I guess after all of this time we never really thought to change the agreement," Nat shrugs, turning her attention to the beer Fanboy holds out for her. 

"How long have you been writing each other?" Rooster throws out a question. 

"Ten years, almost eleven maybe?"

"Ten��years?!" The group erupts. 

"Yeah. Started when I was twenty two, she was eighteen. It was the idea of the MFLAC counselor at the time, and I it was unconventional, but I got drunk one night after a grueling week during flight school and ended up on that dumb website. A drunk email later that I barely remember sending later, and here we are!" She throws her arms up ceremoniously. 

Bob can't help but laugh to himself. He knows all about Sunny. The pen-pal topic was one of the first really deep conversations Bob and Natasha shared. She was hesitant to share the knowledge of her best friend with her back seater, but she knew that if anyone were going to understand the situation, it would be Bob. 

By the time Bob zones back into the conversation, Natasha's attention is square on him, a big smile plastered to her face. 

"What is it? Do I have something on my face?" Bob's hand comes up to wipe at his lips. 

"Oh my God, Bob!" She swats his arm gently, "I thought you were always tuned in but I guess not," She laughs, "I said, I hope it's okay with you that I already told Sunny she could use our guestroom for the couple weeks she will be in town. I am going to take some of my leave days while she is here," 

"Oh! Yeah, definitely. Sunny is welcome anytime!" 

"Good, because she will be here next week, Wednesday. Her work thing in Monday and Tuesday, but then she will be all mine!" Phoenix practically giggles. 

"Are we going to take bets on if she is hot?" Rooster asks, his cheeks a bit red, more out of worry that Phoenix will slap him than of the words themselves. 

"Oh, we are definitely taking bets on if Phoenix's mystery best friend is hot!" Hangman said, taking out his wallet. 

Almost everyone bet on whether or not Sunny would be attractive. Bradley, Jake, Javy and Natasha herself bet that she would be, while Mickey, Callie, and Reuben voted against. Yale and Harvard wanted to vote but lost their cash at a poker game and couldn't pay in, but they voted 'yes' and 'no' respectively. Fritz and Omaha each got tasked with holding half of the bets, leaving them unable to make a bet of their own. Bob was the only one who didn't vote. Hell, he didn't need to. He knew from the way Phoenix talks about Sunny that she was going to be absolute breathtaking. 

He didn't need to know what she looked like; he knew from every little detail that Nat shared with him, and some that he read over her shoulder, that she was going to be his definition of perfection. 

Sunny was well read, well spoken, and had so many ideas about the world it made his head spin. He hung off of ever detail Nat would tell him, usually over breakfast, before they headed into work that morning. 

She always got the emails early in the morning, since Sunny was somewhere a time zone or two away. He wasn't actually sure where she lived, or where she was from. He made a note to ask Nat later. Bob loved to hear about the adventures of Sunny and the things she was up to in her world. She would write to Nat about her bad dates and the meetings that she often got stuck in that could have just been emails. She laments about her inability to find love and her hopes and dreams for the future. Sunny even shares stories from her past. Each little piece he gets makes him feel like he already knows her. 

As the night goes on, the liquor flows, specifically the good stuff that Nat ordered to celebrate the news. Half of the team left an hour ago before things really started picking up, and now Bradley, Jake, Javy, Natasha and Bob are slotted on stools, taking shots and talking about their worst memories from high school.

"I swear to god, I had no idea that she was the daughter of the district's super intendent!" Javy holds his hands up in defense, tears of laughter pouring down his face. "IF I would've know that, I most definitely would not have TP'd their house the same day I asked her to Homecoming!" 

The group laughs at their friend's expense before Hangman pipes up, "I remember Homecoming! All of the girls came to school with those giant, ridiculous, mums they wore around their necks!" The team looks at him like he has two heads. 

"You know, the big flower things that they decorated with streamers and all that crap? It was kinda like a pissing contest for the family's who had money, but I also think it was to keep dates from getting handsy. Afterall, who could cop a feel with all of that in the way?"  The team make mixed sounds of amusement and understanding, but Jake just shakes his head and waves his hand, muttering a 'you have no idea' into his beer. 

"My date and I were given condoms by my Mom before we left for Junior Prom," Bradley runs a hand over the back of his neck, a flush of color blooming over his skin. The men erupt in big booming laughs as Nat just looks at him with a wide smile. She has heard stories about his Mom and Dad and knows just how much they loved their son; she also knows that is exactly something that would happen to Rooster. 

"Did you use them?" Hangman manages to ask between fits of giggles. 

"Of course we did!" Rooster says the words a little more confidently than intended, making the validity of his statement round off into a question. 

"What about you Bob?" Javy questions, leaning in. 

"I uhh, I didn't really do school functions," It was a lie, he absolutely did, and he remembers Senior prom as one of the best and words days of his life. It was all so good, perfect really, until it all came crashing down, and it was his fault. 

The Daggers tease him a bit before deciding to call it a night. They stumble out to the parking lot, each waiting on some sort of ride service. Bob follows his drunken friends out of the Hard Deck, swinging his keys around his finger. He unlocks his truck and Natasha climbs clumsily into the passenger seat. 

When Bob pulls himself into the drivers seat, she mumbles something about being thankful that he didn't drink often, while she fought with her seatbelt. Once she finally gets it clicked in, Bob is backing up, ready for the night to be over so that he can stop thinking about the damn Senior Prom. 

By the time they hit the main drag, Natasha has turned to him with a goofy smile on her face. "So, tell me Bob, how was your Prom?" Her words come out giggly and slurred, and in that moment he hated that she could read him so easily. A blush bit at his ears as he let out a heavy sigh. 

"It was the best and worst night of my adolescence," He finally admits, throwing on a blinker to switch lanes. 

"Go on," She waves her hand for him to continue, rolling the window down with the other.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," He begins to explain, letting the memory wash over him like water that is just a touch too hot to be comfortable.

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

saw that one post of yours titled "his gaze softened" and fell in love with it! i was wondering if you would mind making a version with Haley, Claire and Daia instead? (my favs from vanilla SDV, SVE and RSV, respectively). if not, that's alright.

have a great day!

Of course! Have a great day too and enjoy 💖

Haley:

Click, click, click, click...

The clicking had been going on for more than 20 minutes, as Haley couldn't get a perfect picture of the forest lake with her camera. Such a beautiful summer atmosphere: sunny weather, birds singing, fish splashing, flowers fragrant - the girl was ready to sacrifice the cleanliness of her new stilettos in order not to miss and capture such a perfect moment in the forest on the photo tape.

But the blonde girl still couldn't pick any photo - none of the photos fits, everywhere there is some object spoiling the whole picture. Deciding to take a break for a couple minutes from the endless clicking of her camera button, Haley noticed that just as the "that" farmer came out of the door of the Marnie's Ranch. The same Farmer, who still continued to be friends with Haley, despite the fact that in the past she'd made some less than tactful, and at times even rude, comments about their clothing. She would have said something about it even now, to be honest: their worn blue overalls were covered in dust, earth, and grass. However, Haley had been annoyed by this scruffiness at first on the first day they'd both met, but now she thought there was some charm to it. Though it would seem - what charm could you find in a dirty farmer's clothes?

The Farmer held a lump of something white in his hands, and a small basket of sunflowers hung from the bend of their elbow. It wasn't until a few seconds later that Haley realized that the "something white" in their hands was none other than a little cute lamb. Oh, so adorable!

Not realizing what she was doing, Haley took a quick picture of the Farmer while they were playing with a farm animal they had purchased. Noticing a flash not far away near the lake, Farmer took a quick step toward Haley. The girl was only slightly startled, thinking that the Farmer didn't like the hidden camera taking pictures without their asking. But they only bestowed the girl with their snow-white smile, gave her a sunflower (her favorite...), and let her play with the lamb for a bit.

After they finished talking and the Farmer headed home, Haley started looking at the pictures she had taken earlier, and stopped at the one where the Farmer, in a straw hat, smiling toothily, was playing with the cute lamb. Her gaze softened at the sight of such a happy person, her friend, her... secret object of adoration?

Okay, she got distracted, still need to take pictures of the landscape. And that picture of the Farmer... Well, she would keep secret, away from prying eyes.

Claire:

Today Claire was lucky that there weren't many customers in the Jojamart, or else her manager would have made her miss half the break time again, because "customers need to be served, and rest can wait." The red-haired girl headed towards the small pond outside the store, the only place that wasn't lined with huge vans and crates with the dull logo of Joja. Just the quiet splash of water, a couple of trees, and silence... She could quietly enjoy a break and delve into reading her favorite book.

No sooner had Claire found a bench to sit down on than she noticed a figure not far from the pond. Birds of various colors were flying noisily around the person. Sparrows, titmouse, snowbirds - the very ones that don't fly south, staying in the Stardew Valley during the winter. The feathered lumps chirped happily around (as Claire noticed after a moment) the Farmer, perched on their shoulders, arms and head, gratefully and eagerly eating the bird food the Farmer had generously scattered. The cashier raised her eyebrows in surprise, amazed as she watched the smiling Farmer and the noisy little birds.

The birds seemed to trust them enough not to be afraid of them at all. Oh, how funny the Farmer looks when the little feather lumps, even after a hearty meal, were unwilling to leave the Farmer, perched on top of them. And how the Farmer pretended to be grumpy that they was going to stay here for a long time, but was nevertheless glad of such attention from the birds.

How Claire's gaze softened at the sight of the fondling birds and such a kind person for remembering to care not only their farm animals, but for the others. And the way her cheeks flushed slightly when the Farmer spotted her and waved a hand in greeting, and Claire could have sworn that the birds that perched on the Farmer also chirped happily as they greeted the red-haired girl.

Daia:

"You'll never catch up to me!"

"I am speeeeed!"

"Hee hee hee!"

The children's laughter filled the entire Ridge, not intending to end anytime soon. After all, Keahi, Trinnie and Blair had just gotten into the flavor of the game when they, squealing with joy and merriment, ran away from the Farmer who had graciously agreed to play catch-up with them. Naturally, the Farmer runs as fast as a cheetah and could have caught someone a long time ago, but that's no fun.

After an hour of playing, they dramatically fell to the grass, and the children immediately went up to the Farmer and fell on the grass too with them, celebrating their victory.

"Hehehe, we overtook you! I told you I am the speeeeed!"

While all four of them were lying on the grass and laughing, not far behind a tall poplar tree stood Daia. A noise in the forest caught her attention and the curious ninja decided to find out what was going on. Her gaze softened and her heart filled with mirth when Daia realized that it wasn't evil spirits that had managed to crawl out of Ridge Forest, but just local kids and that 'cutie farmer' from a nearby town. Oh, she wished she could join the game too!

It was a shame that grumpy Jio would be all over her about the abandoned post, so Daia just smiled again and disappeared into the mist.

[broiderie]

Lost Princessa: Meet the Reaper 14

Here's 14. It's a filler and you can probably tell it, but I have edited it too many times. It's just going to have to be good enough y'all.

Warnings: cursing, mentions of weapons. I can't think of anything else. Let me know if I missed anything.

Don't steal my shit.

The bike shop was only fifteen minutes away, so Creeper rode with Megan and Hank. He threw a fit when Megan started to get in the back though. “Nah, Little Princess. You ain’t taking the back seat in your own car. I’ll ride with the pooch,” he said.

Hank had let the top back down so that they could feel the morning sun, so the ride was more than pleasant. Bishop, Taza, and Marcus led the way and Megan grinned. She was slightly windswept when they got there, but she was smiling happily. None of the men who’d been with her the first day missed the contrast.

Hank came around to open her door aws Creeper got out on his side with Rex following him. “Alright, mi princessa. Think you’ll be alright this time?” he asked.

Megan smiled. “Yeah. I think so. Just don’t look at the prices, right?” She handed him her kutte.

“Right, Chica,” Taza said from beside them. He took her kutte from Hank.

Inside they all scattered. Taza went to the counter with Bishop to collect her patches and get them sewed on for her. Usually, she’d sew them on herself after being awarded them, but that wasn’t an option with her arm right now.

Marcus drew Megan over to the side where there were Harley accessories for dogs. Hank smiled and followed her, putting his hands in his pockets.

Creeper glanced around and headed for the electronics section. He was determined that Megan’s bike needed a better stereo - especially since he’d have to wire the new intercom system anyway.

Megan immediately noticed a leather leash when Marcus showed her the dog section. The leash that Happy had given her was nylon and a little rough in her fingers. She absently picked it up to look at it. She showed it to Hank. “What do you think?”

“I think it matches your gear better than the nylon one, and it never hurts to have multiple leashes, mi amore.” Hank smiled.

Megan bit her lip. “True. We should probably get an extra harness at some point too…”

Marcus picked up a set of food and water bowls. They were stainless steel with Harley logos around the outside. “Here we go. Rex needs food and water bowls still, right? You can keep the temporary one in your car for when you need it.”

Megan nodded, “Alright.”

“What about for at the clubhouse?” Taza asked as he joined them. “Get a second set that can just stay there too.”

Marcus added a second set.

Hank chuckled as he realized that Megan wasn’t freaking out about price when it came to her precious pup. He picked up a couple of chew toys shaped like motorcycle tires, holding one down for Rex to take immediately. “Gotta get him some toys too.”

“Yeah, but there aren’t a lot here. We’ll have to go to the pet store when we get home,” Megan said absently as she looked at the shelves.

Taza smiled. “We could order them online and have it all waiting at the ranch when we get home…”

Megan perked up. “Really?”

The men chuckled. “Really.” Taza answered her. “We’ll get you set up on Amazon on your phone when we get back to the casino, Chica. Then you can order away.”

“A doggy door would be nice for the back door…” Megan said.

“Whatever you want, Sweetheart. Doggy doors for every door in the house and clubhouse. The prospect can put them in,” Taza promised.

Megan laughed. “Thank you, Papa.”

“Of course. Now, we’ve got about a half hour to kill while they finish with your kutte. Let’s go look at human accessories,” he said with a smile. He drew her gently over to the women’s section. “Look. These are hair wraps. They help keep your hair from snarling on long runs.” He pointed to the long pieces of laced leather. “We need to get you some for your braids.”

Megan bit her lip. “Well… it would be nice not to have so much brushing to do after riding…”

Taza grabbed two in every color there. He also grabbed two more of the scarfs that Coco had taught Megan to use as dust masks. “One for each bike…” he explained.

Bishop called her over. “Hey Poquito - come pick out some more sunglasses.”

“But Tío- I already have a pair…”

Yeah, well, a girl deserves options and these are safety glasses too. They won’t shatter like regular ones do if you wreck,” Bishop pointed out. “You need some to keep in your car too. I”d rather it be these than some cheapos that’ll hurt you if they break.”

In the end, Megan chose three new pairs of sunglasses before Bishop was satisfied. Hank smiled as he watched Megan try to argue the other men in her life out of buying her more things.

Creeper came to her rescue. “Hey, Little Princess, come look over here. There might be some things you want for your bike.”

Megan glanced at Hank who nodded that he’d follow and went to look with Rex.

Creeper had already chosen a stereo system for her bike that would fit with the new intercom Bishop had bought her. But there were many other options to customize her bike. “I don’t even know what I’ll need though,” Megan protested.

“Think about being on your Pop’s bike. Anything you’d change if you were in the driver’s seat?” Creeper asked.

Megan thought. “Papa has to sit forward a lot on his bike - and it’s too tall for me. Even the footpegs in the back are a stretch from the bitch seat.”

“Alright. So your handlebars are closer to the rider and the bike is shorter. That takes care of most of that. That’s why they got you the Slim. It’s got a better seat height for a smaller rider,” Creeper explained. “The tank is painted to match your helmet, but it’s got a standard seat on it still.” He pulled up pictures on his phone to show her. “I’ll add the intercom and stereo when we get home.”

“It’s such a pretty green,” she said with a smile.

Creeper chuckled. “All I did was match Hank’s paint job. He chose the color.” He pointed to a phone holder and a GPS. “I’d suggest one of these, or preferably both. You’ll be a new rider - AND new to the area. This would mean your less likely to get lost if you ride alone.”

Megan nodded. “Probably a good idea then.”

Creeper picked them up with a smile. “Not that I think it’ll be a problem much, but I’d rather you have them if you need them.”

Hank smiled softly as Creeper walked Megan through his reasoning behind buying different electronics for her. She even allowed him to pick up another cell phone holder and GPS for her car. The bald man was patient and explained things carefully enough that Megan never questioned how much he was buying. By the end of it, her bike would be the most tricked out bike in the club, and he loved that Creep managed to do it without setting off her panic. He used logic and reason to keep her calm and convince her that she needed things.

Marcus caught his eye and lifted the finished kutte to show him. Hank grinned. It was perfect. “Alright, mi amore. Your kutte is ready. Ready to go?” Hank asked as she and Creeper paused.

Megan grinned. “Sure. Are the others done shopping?”

“Looks like it,” Creep said, pointing to the door where Taza a Bishop sat with bags. “Go on, Little Princess. I’ll meet you guys over there. I’m gonna have them ship the parts to the yard for me.”

Megan squeezed his arm gratefully. “Thanks, Creeper.”

“You’re welcome. Be there in a minute.”

Megan and Hank made their way to the others to meet up with Rex trailing along faithfully. On the way there, a jewelry counter caught Hank’s eye. “Just a minute, mi amore.” He tugged her over to the counter where there were various forms of Harley themed jewelry. This spot had everything from cheap children’s necklaces to a few high dollar pieces. He pointed at a small case of charms for charm bracelets. “I think earning your patch deserves a charm, Princessa.”

Megan smiled a little. “You might be right…”

The clerk behind the counter came over. “Looking for anything in particular, ma’am?”

Megan held up her left wrist to display her charm bracelet. “Just a charm to remember today.”

“Are you the one patching, honey?” the older lady asked.

Megan nodded. “Yeah… I am.”

“Well, I’ve got a few here that might work-” the clerk pulled the case out and shifted through them before laying out a charm that looked like a kutte, one that looked like a top rocker, and one that matched the crossed pistols on her new patch. “Any of these feel right?”

Megan touched the rocker with a tiny smile. “Is it engravable?”

“Sure is.”

“Would you put ‘Mayans M.C.’ on it, please?” Megan asked.

“Of course. Be right back.”

Megan smiled up at Hank, who kissed her gently. “Look at you. Picked it out all on your own too. I was expecting a fight.”

Megan shook her head with a small smile up at him. “No. You’re right. This one deserves a charm.”

“Good.” He kissed her again and squeezed her waist, before pulling out his wallet to pay for the charm before the price was announced. Luckily the nice lady either seemed to understand or she remembered Megan’s breakdown last time. She rang him up without question.

“Have a nice day, you two. See you next time.” He handed Hank the little organza bag with the charm in it.

“You too!” Megan said as they went to meet everyone else.

They all loaded back up and headed back for the casino. Creeper was fast becoming good friends with Rex. The big dog was perfectly content having his ears rubbed by the bald biker in the back seat.

“So… what exactly is the procedure here?” Megan asked. “I assume it’s more than just handing me the kutte, or Tío would have done that at the store.”

Hank chuckled. “I’m not actually sure either since the vote already happened. Usually, you’d wait outside Templo while we vote, we’d most likely scared the shit out of you making you think we’d voted no before Taza would hand you your new patched to sew on before the party. At least that’s what we do to prospects.”

Creep laughed. “Yeah - that ain’t gonna work this time. He’s probably just going to present it to you when we all meet for lunch before the Galindo meeting, Little Princess. We’ll combine your patch party with your birthday party when we get you home.”

Megan shook her head with a smile. “Y’all are determined with this party thing, aren’t you?”

Hank kissed her knuckles with a smirk. “You’ll enjoy it. Promise.”

Creeper half-grinned. “Damn right you will. We’ll make sure of it.”

“Maybe we should see if Venus and maybe Tig, Happy, and Chibs want to come down for it. Maybe we’ll have good news for them by then,” Megan suggested.

“Your party, mi amore. You invite whoever you want,” Hank assured her, pulling into a parking space.

Taza came to help her with her door as Hank, Creeper and Rex got out on the driver’s side. “Well Chica - what would you like for lunch? We’re ordering up to the suite,” he asked.

“I’m really not hungry, Papa - “ she said, looking up at him.

“Just something light then? You should eat before the meeting. We’re not sure how long Galindo will need us,” Taza explained.

Megan shrugged a little. “If you say so…”

“What about a salad or something, Princessa? Or a sandwich?” Hank suggested.

“Actually - a salad does sound good,” Megan admitted.

Creeper brought her Rex’s leash from where he’d taken him to do his business. “Yeah. I think so too.”

Taza chuckled. “Alright. Is chicken okay? Get a little protein in there.”

Megan laughed. “Sure, Papa.”

He kissed her head. “Alright. Your padrinos and I will order lunch and round up the others for Templo. You go rest a bit. Take your medicine. You should be overdue for it.”

“She is,” Hank said. “C’mon, mi reina. Let’s go decompress for a bit.”

Megan took Rex’s leash from Creeper with a smile and leaned in to the arm Hank slid around her waist as they headed for the elevators.

In the room, Hank encouraged Megan to lay down for a while after he got ehr to take her medicine. She protested, but he promised her that her papa had plans for them this evening and she’d enjoy them more if she wasn’t too tired.

“Will you stay with me?” she finally asked.

“Of course, mi amore.” He grabbed his book from his bag and sat himself against the headboard so she could snuggle down with her head in his lap. Once she was situated, he stroked her hair and neck gently. “Rest, mi princessa.”

An hour or so later, Taza poked his head in with a smile. “Lunch is ready, hermano,” he called softly. “Galindo will be here in about two hours.”

Hank sat aside his book. “Alright. I’ll wake her up.”

“Good. Her padrinos want her to have her kutte before lunch. They’ll be ready when you bring her out.” Taza patted the doorway and looked at Rex. “Rex, come.”

The dog looked to Hank.

“Go on Rex. Go eat,” Hank encouraged.

The big dog stood from where he was laying at the foot of the bed, shook himself, and followed Taza from the room.

Hank smiled down at Megan sleeping peacefully in his lap. He smoothed some stray hair back into her braid. “Time to wake up, mi amore. Your papa and tíos are ready with lunch.” He gently traced her cheekbone with the back of his fingers.

Megan’s eyelashes fluttered open with her little wake up squeak. “Mm?”

“Are you awake, baby?” he asked with a smile.

“Mmhmm,” she smiled and nuzzled against his thigh through his jeans.

He chuckled and shifted a little. He could feel the heat of her breath through his pants. “Are you comfy?”

“Very.”

“Good, but we still need to get up so we can get lunch in you before we need to meet with Galindo.” He rubbed his thumb gently along her jaw.

“Okay.” She stretched where she could before sitting up slowly.

Hank guided her up before pressing a kiss to the back of her neck. He pulled his own boots back on, before going to help Megan with hers only to realize that her new ones had zippers on the sides. She slid her guns back into the holster she still wore and the knife back into its sheath. Sleeping had loosened her hair enough that she simply untied it and brushed it down with the fingers of her good hand.

“My kutte should conceal the weapons, right?” she asked, eyeing the discarded flannel.

“Should, mi amore. If we meet on the casino floor, we’ll have to check them anyway. Tribal law says no firearms on the casino level,” Hank assured her.

Megan nodded. “But my knife…”

“Can stay with you, as can Rex. Law only covers guns,” he said with a smile.

“Alright then. Let’s go eat.”

Hank shrugged into his kutte from where it was hanging on the chair in the room. “Alright, mi princessa.” He followed her out to the common room.

The entire Santo Padre chapter was waiting for them. Bishop stood front and center flanked by Taza and Riz with the other men behind them. Megan stopped in front of her tío. Bishop smiled down at her. “Last night, we voted to appoint you our armorer for the Santo Padre charter of the Mayans Motorcycle Club, Megan. Today, you get your kutte. This kutte is the symbol of your connection with our M.C. It’s as sacred as anything can be in this life and the true symbol of the brotherhood we all share. Always remember that.”

Megan nodded solemnly. “Yes sir.” She swallowed hard.

Bishop turned to Marcus who was standing back, holding Megan’s kutte folded over his arm, and reached for it. Marcus handed it over. Then he turned back to Megan, but he looked at Hank. “Tranq, we couldn’t decide who would patch her in. Marcus can’t - he’s not SanPad. Taza is her blood. Bylaws say blood sponsoring blood isn’t recommended. I didn’t feel right doing it when Marcus and Taza can’t. So… it falls to you, hermano.” He held the new kutte out to Hank. “Patch in our Armorer.”

Hank smiled and took the kutte from Bishop before going to help Megan put it on by easing her sling and slipping it over her casted arm before supporting that arm for her so she could slip her good arm in the kutte. He quickly redid her sling before smiling at her. “Megan Morales - Welcome to the tribe.”

Megan smiled back up at him as the men whooped and cheered.

Megan got hugs from everyone as Rex bounced excitedly around the room.

They sat down to lunch where Megan got her salad, but she barely ate any of it between talking to everyone. The men debated whether they should head directly back to Santo Padre to start planning her patch party after the Galindo meeting. Megan continued to insist that she wasn’t a patch and therefore there shouldn’t be a patch party.

“Fine then - your birthday party slash ‘appointment’ party then,” said Gilly.

“We need to give people time to come, man,” Coco said. “Bet the Reapers would come if we called. Oakland will probably want to represent too.” He glanced at Marco and José. “Right?”

Marco laughed. “Oh yeah. I’ll make the calls if you want. Give us time to get here.”

José nodded seriously.

There was a knock on the suite door and Bishop nodded for EZ to answer it. Adam stood there. “Mr. Galindo has arrived. We put him in the big conference room.”

Taza nodded. “Thank you, Adam. We’re on our way down.”

Adam nodded. “Don’t forget to check your weapons at the desk, please.”

Bishop nodded.

Megan took a deep breath and called Rex. She put his new leash on his collar, before looking to her father and Bishop. They both nodded in satisfaction. Hank pressed a hand to her lower back and she relaxed a little.

After checking all guns at the front desk, the club made their way to the large, comfortable conference room. It made Megan smile a bit as they passed the room where she’d waited so nervously to meet Taza.

Inside the room, Miguel Galindo waited with the older man Megan had met with Marcus - Devante. A blonde woman was there too, dressed professionally but obviously on Galindo’s arm. The men all greeted each other with handshakes.

“My wife, Emily,” Galindo said, “will be joining us.”

“Of course,” Marcus said with a smile. “Mrs. Galindo,” he greeted her. Then he waved Megan forward. “We’ve made some additions to our club as well.” Megan stepped up, keeping her head high. “You remember my god daughter, Megan. She’s also Bishop’s god daughter and blood daughter to Taza. She’s going to be handling our armory from now on. Princessa, this is Miguel Galindo.”

Megan held Rex’s leash tight and nodded to the cartel boss and his wife. “Mr. and Mrs. Galindo.”

“Ah yes. The little princess from Tennessee. Good to see you’re relatively unharmed from your run in with your… brother, was it?” Galindo asked.

“Foster brother. But yes, sir.”

“Good. I’ll have to make formal introductions to my head of security later, I’m afraid. He’s currently handling another situation, but you remember Devante,”  Galindo said with a smile.

“Of course,” Megan gave a brief and business-like nod.

“We should get to business then,” Bishop said. “Megan…”

Megan stepped back to stand beside Hank as Marcus, Bishop, and TAza took seats with the head of the cartel and his advisors.

Miguel Galindo outlined the deal that he was forced to sign with the feds calmly and deliberately despite Devante protesting. When he was done, all the Mayans were tense. Then Miguel explained that he had an ace up his sleeve. His security detail escorted a young woman that they all recognized into the room. Adelita, the female rebel leader of Los Olvidados. The woman that the M.C. had been trying to track down for months.

Megan sucked in her breath and glanced at the rest of the M.C. for their reactions. Strangely - Angel, Gilly, Coco, and EZ looked the least surprised. She had expected Angel, at least, to blow his top.

“My organization is no longer at odds with Los Olvidados,” Miguel stated. He went on to explain that they wanted the Santo Padre Mayans to be the third party that they used to keep each other honest. 

The arrangement was discussed in detail, with all parties agreeing. Megan stood back with her mind racing. The LO were huge. They had so much control over different parts of Mexico all along the border. It’s what made them hell to try to track. Did they have access to a port?

Hank leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Are you okay, mi princessa? Need a breather?”

Megan shook her head subtly, and stood on her toes to whisper back, “We need to meet with Adelita without Galindo.”

Hank frowned a little and ducked his head so he could hear her better. “Why?” he asked simply. He knew that her mind had seen something that the rest of them had missed.

“The LO,” Megan explained. “They could be our answer to our port problem. They’re huge. You can’t tell me they don’t have access to a port in Mexico,” she whispered quickly.

Hank’s eyebrows hit his hairline.

“And for the twenty percent we were going to offer the Vatos - that’s a lot of supplies for Adelita’s orphans…” Megan explained with a small smile.

Hank grinned and couldn’t help but kiss her, hard. “Damn, Princessa. I love you and the way your brain works.” He glanced at Taza who was looking their way curiously. “Let’s run it by your papa.” He beckoned to Taza.

Megan’s father excused himself from the main group for a moment and came to meet them against the back wall. “Everything alright?”

Megan grinned at him as Hank answered. “Just La Princessa proving we were right to give her that damn kutte. She may have a solution to our Irish problem.”

Taza’s face went from shocked to absolutely proud as hell. “Alright. I’m listening.”

Megan outlined what she’d told Hank about the LO. She’d been listening more than they knew when they discussed the hunt for Adelita. “And,” she said, “it tied the LO to us as much as to the cartel, lessening the chance of a double cross even more,” she finished.

Taza smiled from ear to ear. He pressed a kiss to Megan’s forehead proudly. “Chica, you’re fucking brilliant. We’ll talk to Bish and El Padrino as soon as this breaks up. We’ll make sure to have contact with Adelita.” He nudged her chin with his finger. “Proud of you, Chica.”

Megan smiled some more. “Thanks, Papa.” 

Taglist:

@jemmakates

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@delightfulheroshoeflap

@xeniarocks

@iamthegraham

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[mbrainspaz]

It does bug me that I met a woman who is beautiful and owns her own ranch where she breeds exotic fish and runs a doggy daycare and she also collects rocks and competes at high level horse shows and fixes her own truck and trains animals for movies and travels —

But all she seems to want in terms of social connection are the hundreds of likes on her entrepreneur lifestyle Facebook posts. She’s not exactly famous but she has intense celebrity energy.

I’m not sure if I want to kiss her or be her but there is so blatantly no room in her perfect life for any kind of partnership. I did try. She is probably straight or ace but I’m fine with that too. I went on a trail ride with her once and she spent the whole thing lecturing me about running a freelance business. I was so smitten I enjoyed it. She was renting out a room to another crush of mine at the time. That girl was leaving and I needed a new place to rent—I have never been shot down with such humbling abrupt-itude. I didn’t even fully get to ask. It was made clear to me that she is so far out of my league, even in terms of casual association, that I never had a chance. Even working for her was out of the question. I doubt she remembers me at all, even though I interact with her posts sometimes.

I’m not exactly jealous of her, except for the having enough generational wealth to buy land thing. I do see in her everything I wanted to be, growing up. A lot of the things I still want. I actually have most of what she does, just on a smaller, landless hobo scale. And I tend to write about my struggles rather than my successes just because I find them more interesting. Insert some grindset tripe about me not manifesting my own success here or whatever. I’m pretty proud of myself for even being alive and renting a shed given what I’ve been through.

Her logo sucks though. 1/10, absolutely abysmal graphic design skills. If I wasn’t invisible to her and she asked me to make her one I’d do it for free.

[svgoceandesigns1]

Guns Dutton Ranch Yellowstone SVG - Western Cowboy SVG PNG, Cricut File

Guns Dutton Ranch Yellowstone SVG, Western Cowboy SVG PNG EPS DXF PDF, Cricut File, Instant Download File, Cricut File Silhouette Art, Logo Design, Designs For Shirts. ♥ Welcome to SVG OCEAN DESIGNS Store! ♥ ► PLEASE NOTE: – Since this item is digital, no physical product will be sent to you. – Your files will be ready to download immediately after your purchase. Once payment has been completed, SVG Ocean Designs will send you an email letting you know your File is ready for Download. You may also check your Order/Purchase History on SVG Ocean Designs website and it should be available for download there as well. – Please make sure you have the right software required and knowledge to use this graphic before making your purchase. – Due to monitor differences and your printer settings, the actual colors of your printed product may vary slightly. – Due to the digital nature of this listing, there are “no refunds or exchanges”. – If you have a specific Design you would like made, just message me! I will be more than glad to create a Custom Oder for you. ► YOU RECEIVE: This listing includes a zip file with the following formats: – SVG File (check your software to confirm it is compatible with your machine): Includes wording in both white and black (SVG only). Other files are black wording. – PNG File: PNG High Resolution 300 dpi Clipart (transparent background – resize smaller and slightly larger without loss of quality). – DXF: high resolution, perfect for print and many more. – EPS: high resolution, perfect for print, Design and many more. ► USAGE: – Can be used with Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Cameo, Silhouette Studio, Adobe Illustrator, ...and any other software or machines that work with SVG/PNG files. Please make sDisney Father's Dayure your machine and software are compatible before purchasing. – You can edit, resize and change colors in any vector or cutting software like Inkscape, Adobe illustrator, Cricut design space, etc. SVG cut files are perfect for all your DIY projects or handmade businDisney Father's Dayess Product. You can use them for T-shirts, scrapbooks, wall vinyls, stickers, invitations cards, web and more!!! Perfect for T-shirts, iron-ons, mugs, printables, card making, scrapbooking, etc. ►TERMS OF USE: – NO refunds on digital products. Please contact me if you experience any problems with the purchase. – Watermark and wood background won’t be shown in the downloaded files. – Please DO NOT resell, distribute, share, copy, or reproduce my designs. – Customer service and satisfaction is our top priority. If you have any questions before placing orders, please contact with us via email "support@svgoceandesigns.com". – New products and latest trends =>> Click Here . Thank you so much for visiting our store! SVG OCEAN DESIGNS Read the full article

[itsyourtime02]

The Path to a Cruelty-Free Lifestyle 

Introduction 

In a bustling world where our choices ripple through ecosystems and touch lives beyond our own, the concept of a cruelty-free lifestyle has gained prominence. At its core lies a profound respect for sentient beings—the animals with whom we share this planet. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to champion animal rights, the impact of our daily decisions, and how we can transition toward a more compassionate existence. 

Understanding Animal Rights 

Animal rights isn’t a new idea; it’s a timeless ethical framework that challenges us to recognize the intrinsic value of all creatures. Here are some key tenets: 

Sentience Matters: Animals experience pain, joy, fear, and love. Acknowledging their sentience means treating them with kindness and empathy. 

Freedom from Exploitation: Animals deserve freedom from unnecessary suffering. This extends beyond pets to farm animals, wildlife, and even laboratory subjects. 

Species Equality: Whether a pig, a dog, or a dolphin, each life matters equally. Species shouldn’t dictate our compassion. 

The Cruelty-Free Lifestyle 

1. Conscious Consumption 

Our daily choices shape the world. By opting for cruelty-free products, we vote for a kinder marketplace. Consider: 

Cosmetics: Look for the Leaping Bunny logo—a symbol of cruelty-free cosmetics. Brands like Lush, Too Faced, and Pacifica champion this cause. 

Fashion: Choose synthetic materials over leather, fur, or wool. Sustainable fashion brands like Stella McCartney lead the way. 

2. Plant-Powered Nutrition 

The food on our plates carries immense power. Here’s how to make it count: 

Veganism: A vegan diet excludes all animal products. It’s not just about salads; it’s a vibrant culinary adventure. Explore plant-based cheeses, lentil stews, and decadent chocolate mousse—all without harming animals. 

Health Benefits: Research shows that plant-based diets reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, they’re kinder to our planet. 

3. Advocacy and Education 

We can’t change the world alone, but we can inspire change: 

Spread Awareness: Share documentaries like “Earthlings” or “Cowspiracy.” Engage in conversations about animal rights. 

Support Sanctuaries: Visit animal sanctuaries or donate to their causes. Witnessing rescued animals thrive reinforces our commitment. 

4. Compassion Beyond Borders 

Cruelty-free living transcends national boundaries: 

Global Impact: The Amazon rainforest, home to countless species, faces deforestation due to cattle ranching. Our choices affect ecosystems worldwide. 

Factory Farming: These industrial systems harm animals, workers, and the environment. By reducing meat consumption, we challenge this status quo. 

Conclusion 

A cruelty-free lifestyle isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Each small step—whether choosing a soy latte over a dairy one or supporting an animal shelter—matters. As we embrace compassion, we honor the interconnectedness of all life. So, let’s walk this path together, hand in paw, toward a world where kindness prevails. 

[influencermagazineuk]

Zaxby's Release the MrBeast Box: A Collaboration Inspired by the YouTube Sensation

Zaxby’s has joined forces with YouTube sensation MrBeast to introduce an exciting new box deal and embark on a year-long partnership. Starting Thursday, participating Zaxby’s locations will offer the MrBeast box, a curated selection of delectable items personally chosen by the renowned content creator himself. The box includes Zaxby’s famous chicken fingers, crinkle fries, White Cheddar bites, Texas toast, signature sauces, a specially formulated milk chocolate bar, and a refreshing fountain drink. “I grew up going to Zaxby's, so when we started talking and decided to make the MrBeast Box, I knew it'd be perfect to include my new Feastables bar in it,” expressed Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast. “It’s the world's best chocolate bar and the world's best chicken, simple as that.” Crafted in collaboration with MrBeast, the box features Zaxby’s signature colors and MrBeast’s iconic logo. This partnership extends beyond the box, with plans for video integrations and social media content in the pipeline. “Just like MrBeast’s dedicated fanbase, Zaxby’s guests keep coming back for more to see how we’re raising the bar for quality,” remarked Patrick Schwing, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Zaxby’s. “As a lifelong fan of the local Zaxby’s in Greenville, Jimmy is the perfect partner. Zaxby’s and MrBeast are bound by a mutual admiration, small-town roots, and a dedication to our craft.” Here’s what you’ll find in the MrBeast Box: - 4 Chicken Fingerz: Premium-cut tenderloin chicken fingers, hand-breaded and marinated for 12 hours. - Crinkle Fries: Golden, crispy fries seasoned to perfection. - Cheddar Bites: Bite-sized White Cheddar cheese bites, dipped in batter and fried. - Two Slices of Texas Toast: Served with a buttery garlic spread. - Two Signature Sauces: Zax Sauce and Ranch. - Milk Chocolate Bar: Featuring a new formula with simple, high-quality ingredients. The MrBeast Box meal will be available at select Zaxby’s locations for a limited time, starting at $12.99. Customers can order in-store, online, or through the Zaxby’s app. Get ready to indulge in this exciting collaboration between Zaxby’s and MrBeast, bringing together the best of both worlds for an unforgettable dining experience. Read the full article

[nickgerlich]

Happy Tears

I have long studied line extensions, those inevitable new flavor, color, and feature variants that are issued after the success of a flagship product. I started studying them back in my PhD program, when I fell in love with the supermarket industry. I ultimately wrote my dissertation about my research and statistical model of how supermarket buyers—meaning the corporate kind, not you and me—select new items to stock in their stores.

And one of the key factors was whether the new item was an innovation, a “me-too” copycat, or a line extension. Innovations were deemed best from the supermarket viewpoint, but manufacturers love line extensions because they are typically much cheaper to introduce. After all, the heavy lifting has already been done, the brand name, logo, design, etc., already firmly established. It doesn’t take as much effort to simply spin out a new varietal.

All of which is necessary lead-in for today’s blog, the story of a major CPG (consumer packaged goods) manufacturer introducing not one, but several, line extensions. Coca-Cola, the company that until the introduction of Diet Coke in January 1982 at the time of the Super Bowl, had vowed it would never use line extensions, is working overtime to keep churning out new products.

I wonder how that crow has tasted through the years, because if you walk into any supermarket today, you can usually find 20 or more variants all under just the Coca-Cola name. And that does not include Sprite and its family of flavors.

The latest issues are Coca-Cola Spiced, in both the standard sugared and Zero versions (that’s two line extensions so far). Infusing a hint of raspberry flavoring, along with some modest spices, they have offered yet another take on what is the gold standard in colas. I just hope that grocers have enough room to slice the soft drink aisle into even thinner product facings.

The new Spiced appears in special skinny cans, which sets it apart on shelves, but also sends a subliminal message: that it must be lower in calories. This would automatically be true of the Zero version by default, but the skinny can trick has been used with a lot of other products lately, including alcoholic beverages ranging from beers to ranch waters.

But wait, there’s more!

The “more” part is actually the most interesting aspect of Coke’s latest announcement, because they are also partnering with TikTok for an exclusive distro deal available only through TikTok’s e-commerce marketplace. The new product comes packaged in a special tin lunchbox of sorts, and is part of Coke’s ongoing Creations series, already with eight iterations under its belt. Creations allows Coca-Cola to experiment with truly odd flavors and names, all in an effort to lure Gen-Z customers.

Coming soon to TikTok is Happy Tears Zero Sugar, delivered in a “hype kit” that comes with two cans of soda, and tissues to wipe away tears. The new product drops on 17th February, National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

How Gen-Z of you, Coca-Cola! I mean, I guess. I wouldn’t know, if only by virtue of being a few generations removed. But I do applaud the originality and the hype they have created. I just wish Gen-Zers well in trying to buy these, because they will be competing with eBayers intent on scoring a few to put up on auction. These will go fast, and fetch high dollars.

There are both upsides and downsides to scarcity and exclusivity, though. If you make it too exclusive and scarce, you will wind up with legions of disappointed fans. But if you flood the market, you will destroy any cachet you had created in the first place. It would no longer be cool to have this, a novelty which by its design loses value quickly as soon as you pop open one of those cans.

I still chuckle every time Coca-Cola releases yet another line extension, if only because turn-abouts are often remembered and invoked in a negative way. It’s like a politician allegedly flip-flopping on an issue. Those dance moves have a way of rearing their ugly head again and again in the court of public opinion.

But then again, I see nothing wrong with politicians doing so, if only because they have learned more about a subject, and, with better information, have made a more informed decision. I like to think that Coca-Cola did too once it reconsidered its decades-long opposition. Once it saw how well Diet Coke did, crushing the in-house rival brand Tab, they were off to the races with new versions. The onslaught has continued unabated for more than 40 years.

I just want one of those hype kits. I have a place on my shelf waiting for it. And I won’t be crying Happy Tears if I don’t get one.

Dr “On Down The Line” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[tempestaslokni]

"I think you're right on the money," Lokni murmured in agreement, "if famous people have gone missing, there's gotta' be some sort of search or somethin' going on. Although, with how different all the places are, I doubt that they'd trace it back to the same source." There was Hye-jin, Zaid, this 'survivor,' and certainly more that Lokni had yet to meet. So that was at least two different countries, not to mention folk went missing all the time. In terms of his own folk, the government did little to keep track of those reports, but maybe if a few prized celebrities went missing they might actually do something for once.

One thing was for certain, Tej was on to something. Whoever was watching them was getting a kick out of all of this. Didn't like the idea of unseen voyeurs getting off to the perils of others- Tej had an interesting imagination. "Now that you mention it, did you see any of those flower logos on the ship? It was all a blur for me and I have yet to go back- couldn't remember much except feelin' like shit." Tej's questions seeded new ideas in Lokni's mind as well, who knew if the ship was relevant anymore? "I don't know if it 'matters' to them sons of bitches that snatched us, but the ship might hold more answers- especially if it's not related to the island. After all, it was wrecked on the shore, right? I doubt that the placement was intentional. Maybe a byproduct?" For the first time in his life, Lokni wanted to know what it was like to drink, to take the edge off for a moment. He quickly shoo'ed away the invasive and unwanted notion.

"Moved from Cali to Oregon. Not fancy California, more like the type of area that gets burned down due to unnecessary fireworks at a gender reveal party." Lokni added, a hint of bitterness tinging his voice like coffee grains escaping into and ruining the pot.

Pictures? Oh- That was right, they had pictures on their phones, data that didn't need any connection to access. Nodding sheepishly, Lokni pulled his flip phone from his pocket, thankfully the water hadn't damaged it, actually it seemed to work better here than it had back at the ranch. Why was the reception so damn good? His wary gaze trailed to the tower before them. That's probably the reason, although Lokni didn't see any power lines or wires that would betray what its real purpose was.

He opened up his photos and selected the first one available, a grainy photo of his blue roan mare standing at the Calgary Stampede Indigenous Relay Race event. Lokni was at her side, in basketball shorts and a white t-shirt with the sleeves cut off of it. Chenoa was painted up, as was Lokni's face. He had intentionally placed a white handprint on the back of her shoulder muscle, where he knew her heart was pounding with anticipation, as was his own. He had also placed a black handprint over his own on that worn white t-shirt, signifying their unity. The striking contrast of the colors made them easy to see, even when moving at top speed.

Tej's suggestion was a blood-chilling one. "I don't know how much they know, but they wouldn't find much in here," Lokni replied, a cursory glance at his outdated phone. "Do you wanna' swap numbers-? Just to be safe- that is," Lokni added hastily, feeling a bit foolish for how casually he had suggested it.

All had gone well up until that point- and then the burning hot flash of light- and then pain- coursing through his eyes and into the far reaches of his skull. Teeth clenched, grunting his way through the pain Lokni stumbled back, hearing Tej's words as if he was more than a few hundred yards away.

He opened his eyes, but everything looked a bit too hazy and double- coupled with the sheer pain- Lokni wavered, a hand against the tower as he mustered all his control to not throw up in front of Tej. His body broke out in a cold sweat, the kind that made you wanna' get unshucked, but that was also not something that Lokni was particularly keen on doing in front of Tej. Taking deep, manual breaths through his nose, Lokni managed to keep his witts and stomach.

"I'm fine," Lokni groaned, wiping his brow and tugging at this shirt to try and dry the sweat from his skin. "Just a little dizzy." Experimentally he opened his eyes once more, it was still hazy, but he was no longer seeing everything in double. "I couldn't see for a moment there-"

An artist so practiced and attuned with visual images gave the vaguest description possible. Alex didn't exactly blend in, and all that stood in the way of a meeting now was time.

"There's a few celebrities around, yeah." Tej was known in such a specific circle. Part of a Met exhibition. Regularly caught by street fashion photographers in NYC. All hardly worth mentioning. He'd glimpsed second-hand celebrity, of course. Much of what it took to maintain seemed like a pain in the ass.

Tej threw a look to the silent, ever present paparazzi: the fixed cameras. Singular eyes on the end of an antennae and focused right on them. "Wonder what's going on back home. I'd hope someone might tie together the sudden disappearances of a few famous people. You reckon?"

"I'm sure someone watched the bridge collapse. Probably jerked off to the whole thing." (Which made Tej wonder: his subs were going through the roof, but how many did his abandoned OnlyFans have now?) With a gesture once again to reference whoever sat on the other end of the camera lens, "Those stupid flowers on the cameras. On everything. Except this bracelet." But the stone somehow provided an exhale when worn. A fog of uneasiness surrounded Tej when it was off his wrist.

"I wonder what will happen to the boat. It was a waiting room, I guess. Now it doesn't matter?" As new people dropped in infrequently, and no longer through the decaying carcass of a cruise ship. Tej nodded-- yes to keeping Lokni up to date, yes to the boot up the ass their captors deserved.

Lokni shared in a way so few bothered to do back in New York (which included Tej himself). To leave without looking back was relatable. "Bold move, just the two of you leaving the rez like that. Starting up in... same state?" A lot of questions to ask, although immediately Tej didn't want to pry. A curiosity best saved when they were out of the shadow of a looming tower.

An brow arched., unusually expressive for Tej. "Mongolia? Because of th horses, hm?" His lips pressed into flat line. "Mm. Got to go to a few places I never dreamed of going to." A twist at the base of his throat made Tej question if he'd ever be anywhere else again.

His mouth shifted into a lopsided amusement. A boy and his horse. Not difficult to imagine Lokni running an affectionate hand along the soft felt of hair, the swivel of an ear and lazy swing of the tail as Lokni shared a secret with Chenoa. "Horses tend not to interrupt too much. Keep their controversial opinions to themselves. It's a nice name. Got a photo of Chenoa on your phone?" Another anomaly, the phones.

"Ever wonder what they know about us." The contents of their phones. The name of Lokni's horse. Tej's jaw hinged tighter as his hand played with the light and the dark at the top of the tower.

A flash caused Tej to briefly shield his eyes. Warmth radiated across one ear, the cheek. Much like being behind the wheel on a hot summer day with the sun mercilessly following along the driver's side. But the light aimed for Lokni, who reeled back with a shout.

A small horror: I did that. (And the first real thrill in a long time, I did that.) Instinct moved Tej a few feet away, with hands locked on top of his head in disbelief. "Fucking hell, man. You okay?" Shit, the last thing he needed to deal with was blinding someone.

His hands lowered and he took a tentative step closer. "Not sure what happened." Lokni was way too savvy for Tej to feign innocence, so might as well fess up. "The light followed my hands. Don't understand how, or why. Wasn't thinking it would get that bright." He watched Lokni, carefully searching for signs of retaliation. "Sorry."