#so she lets them retire on a little ranch or something

[softquietsteadylove]

Could you write their first meeting in the Pokémon AU? It would be super cool to read about that!!❤️

"Ralts!!"

"Sorry," Gil startled back at the sudden exclamation. He leaned over the bushes again, but the Ralts was already crouched down and holding the green 'helmet' of its head. They were very easily startled pokemon, but they were more prone to running away than just...sitting there.

"Hey, it's okay," Gil tried to soothe the little guy, bending down to him but at a safe distance away. "I'm sorry I scared you, buddy."

The Ralts continued to huddle over itself. It was waiting for...something.

"I didn't mean to," Gil said gently. "I'm a pokemon ranger. I was just checking the area. Are you lost?"

"Ralts," the little psychic type whimpered.

Gil pulled his pokegear out of the inside pocket of his vest. He wasn't due back quite yet.

"There you are!"

Gil looked up, finding a rather intimidating looking trainer glaring down at him. He gulped; she was beautiful.

"Who's this?" she asked the Ralts, rather than asking him directly.

"Ralts-Ralts!" the pokemon answered her, scurrying in between her legs and clinging to her white denim pants. She was dressed in white all over, actually; he would think she was an ice specialist if not for the Ralts at her feet.

"Ranger," she frowned at Gil again. Maybe she was one of those super intense competitive types.

"Uh, sorry," he apologised (for nothing). Maybe it would soothe her already riled temper? "I was going to offer to help him get back to whoever was waiting for him."

She looked down at her timid little pokemon and back to him. There was a coldness in her eyes that made it seem chillier than it really was. "Ralts is...shy."

Yeah, that was clear. Gil looked at the trembling little pokemon to the much more headstrong trainer standing over it. How in the world did they happen upon each other? Gil took his hat off and straightened up to look at her more properly. She was tall, but he was still taller than her.

"How did you end up catching him?" he asked in a friendly voice. His eyes drifted to her hip, where he could see only luxury balls on her belt. She seemed severe, but she obviously cared for her pokemon. Or maybe she was just rich.

"He just...fell right into me."

Gil blinked. But the female trainer leaned down and picked Ralts up, holding it in a surprisingly gentle way. Maybe she was just protective of her pokemon, and that was what made her come across as so frosty. She was far from a young, dumb trainer running around with nothing but a bike to their name, but it seemed so strange for her to only have this little Ralts with her.

"I moved regions recently," that explained the accent. "I was camping and this little thing just...tumbled right over and into my campsite."

"Ralts," it crossed its arms and looked up at her, like a child complaining of its parent telling an embarrassing story about it.

"He has to grow into his feet a little." She smiled--she finally smiled! It was a pretty smile.

It wasn't abnormally tall...yet. But she was right, the tracks Gil had followed had made him sure it was a different pokemon all together.

"Swablu?"

Gil blinked as the Cotton Bird pokemon peeked out from behind the trainer's ponytail. It nudged some of it away with its beak. "Oh, hello."

"Well, hello," she greeted the pokemon sitting in the hood of her jacket.

"Swa!" it cooed back at her, stretching out its fluffy wings.

A Ralts and a Swablu...and with the blonde of her hair - even lighter than a Ninetales' colour - they made kind of a funny picture.

"What?" she demanded as to what he was smiling about.

Gil shook his head, still smiling at her. "It's a nice team, you have. They obviously trust you a lot."

"Hm," she relaxed some, although he got the sense that it wasn't his praise that had earned her trust. Her eyes ran over him, "what about you?"

"Uh," he blushed faintly, gripping his hat tighter, "m-me?"

"You're a pokemon ranger," she raised a brow at him, tilting her head (Swablu moved to her other shoulder). "I know you're not about pokeballs, or whatever."

That was one way to put it, Gil supposed.

"But you really don't have any pokemon with you?"

Gil shrugged, not disclosing that even for a ranger, it was a little odd to not even have a partner pokemon, free roaming or otherwise. "Not...permanently."

"Are you..." she trailed off, still regarding him warily. She had every right, now that Gil thought of it; if she was new from another region, travelling alone, obviously beautiful--it probably wasn't easy for her to trust any old trainer she ran into. "Do you get lonely?"

Gil's back straightened. That certainly was a word for it.

"S-Sorry." Ralts tilted its head up to look at her, revealing its well hidden eyes. She patted his head, "I suppose you can tell I don't speak to people much anymore."

"That's okay," Gil smiled. She was actually...kind of sweet, under that hard outside. Like a pecha berry. "I get that question a lot, as a ranger."

"Is it safe for you to be patrolling alone, in any case?" she tilted her head at him.

"Well," it wasn't without its dangers, certainly, "for the most part. I'm heading back tot he ranger centre now, actually."

The trainer's eyes lit up.

Gil met her gaze, although she looked back down at Ralts. She was stubborn. "How long have you been camping out here?"

She tapped her finger against the tip of Ralts' red crest (making the little Feeling pokemon giggle). She was...embarrassed? "Until you reach a higher rank, the salary of a pro trainer...it isn't as glamorous as the league makes it look on television."

She was done with camping, clearly. Gil straightened up, slipping his hat back on. "Well, you're welcome to come with me. There's a pokemon centre, and we're fully equipped to handle travellers for however long they need to stay."

She debated it a little more before sliding closer. "I appreciate it. I...I'm Thena."

Thena; even her name was beautiful.

Gil tried to keep his smile contained to 'normal' and not 'some creep she met in the woods'. "I"m Gil."

"Well then," she cleared her throat, trying to resume the more lofty attitude with which he'd found her. But the contrast was kind of cute. "After you, Ranger Gil."

His heart flipped over in his chest. Technically he was barely more than a junior ranger--this was his first route he was allowed to patrol by himself, and he hadn't really found his place at the ranger centre here.

No one had called him Ranger Gil before.

"Uh, r-right!" he also cleared his throat. He pulled the brim of his hat down as he felt himself blush. "This way!"

"Swab!"

He laughed as Swablu took the liberty of perching himself on top of Gil's hat for the journey.

"Swablu, stop it!"

"It's okay," Gil assured her, letting the little bird settle down on his head. "I don't mind, really."

"Swablu!"

He heard Thena sigh from behind him. "Fine, but only because he's cute."

He knew she was talking about Swablu, but still, his blush worsened.

[floydsglasses]

𝙄𝙩𝙨 11 𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙨

( I was like half asleep making these)

Bradley if being a naval pilot didn't work out for him he would have joined up to be a major leaguer

Natasha hates horses, she went saddle backing one time as a kid, got bucked off scarred her for life

Javy is always snacking on something, it calms him to have something to chew on (proof Hard Deck Bar scene)

Rueben is the one to ask where is a good place to eat, he has taste and will tell which place is worth trying and which is a skip

Mickey has those little car tree smell things, he likes the strawberry smells because it reminds him of his grandparents

Bob has only ever gotten into one physical fight his entire life, he was in Middle School and was still a quiet kid then, his friend was being beaten up so he stepped in fucked the kid up so bad people looked at him like he was hurt them next (Allah Perks of Being a Wallflower type beat)

Jake is the kind of person who says he isn't picky about his food and yet he will still not let his food touch certain ones

Bob collects Funkos, only ones from like movies he actually enjoys and if had the money would go to conventions

Javy or Bradley, was a lifeguard at a public pool when they were teenagers, and they had little girls trying to "get their attention" like if you know you know they found it amusing

Natasha is a health nut, like she will not leave her local whole foods with out checking every fruit or product she bought without weighting them.

Rueben when he was a kid growing up in Georgia ( he gives me those vibes) he would always sneak out to a park at night watching planes take off from the nearby air force base, inspiring him to join up.

Mickey is a total sports fanatic, like tailgates and front row tickets, he is there and will desperately try to get his friends into game (much like real life)

Javy has the best taste in clothes, like the best style out of the daggers, doesn't matter if he is in sweats and a plain jersey he still has charisma falling from him

Jake was never properly taught how to do certain manly things from his dad like change a tire or check his own oil, so he taught himself how to.

Bradley after losing his dad, he would sneak into his closet and take Goose's bomber jacket, sometimes falling asleep with it in his bed, Carole eventually gave it to him when he was old enough. He wore it out that he had to retire it, never selling it though

Mickey can't shoot whiskey, doesn't matter how much someone tries to get him to do it he can't stand the taste, however tequila and beer he is good with

Rueben is a secret F1 Fan, and secretly checks the stats if he is on a detachment with his phone.

Bob when he was a kid would go to a dude ranch as a kid, and he can still ride a horse better then anyone in his family

Natasha is a great cook, and food is her love language of sorts, recommending what would be better for her friends/partners

Jake used to be artsy when he was a kid, but he grew out of it when his dad took his picture off the fridge even after his mom said not too

Bradley can't really swim well, he can stand shallow water or pools but like lakes and stuff is a no go

Javy was a swimmer in college, he would have gone to the Olympics if not for his love for the navy and his mom encouraging him to chase his dreams

(okay like I said I was half asleep making this so if they don't make much sense then oh well)

[archangeldyke-all]

Hello Angel!!!

Perhaps Cowboy Sev breaking older Vi and Jinx out of jail. After so many years Sev would be so rusty that she needs reader to help too. Go wild with the shenanigans they get up too. Could bring back Silco and the boys to help legally maybe. Hilarious if somehow Vi got in trouble trying to impress Caitlyn and somehow managed to get Jinx involved. Also funny if Sev and reader meet Caitlyn as Vi’a girlfriend during this break out HAHHAHA

Pls I’m obsessed with cowboy Sevika HELP ME

Thank youuuuu

this is SOOOOOO cute such a good idea i'm crying.

men and minors dni

ten years into marriage, fifteen years into your relationship, eight years with the girls, five with them legally yours, and sevika finally retires.

there was no need for her to work at the ranch in the first place. the amount of loot she'd stolen and stored in your inn (both in your room hidden beneath the floorboards and in the rafters, and buried beneath your side garden) was enough to take care of you for ten lifetimes to come. but, sevika was used to spending her day on shimmer's back, and she needed something to do with her free time once she gave up her life of crime.

but now, things have changed. sevika's ready to settle down and spend her days in the inn with you. the girls are growing up, vi being sixteen and powder being twelve-- they'll be living their own lives soon, and sevika wants to be around to keep you company as you transition into empty nesters.

shimmer died last winter. the four of you spent her last days cuddled up beside her in the stable, feeding her sugar cubes by the handful, saying your final goodbyes to sev's trusty mare. she rests behind the side garden now, marked by a big stone vi and jinx engraved.

old man ernie died too, leaving his ranch to his son. when he took over, he offered to let sev keep her job, but she declined. she was ready to retire.

she's been adjusting to retired life really well.

she loves working behind the bar in the evening, chatting with locals who stop in for a drink and swapping stories with some of your shadier guests in the in.

she's gotten really into reading-- especially smutty paperback romances.

when she gets restless cooped up in the inn, you send her out to ride the new foal-- a sweet young horse the girls decided to name teddybear.

it's been great having sev around all the time. especially for your sex lives.

speaking of your sex lives, you and sevika have been having a particularly fun week. the girls took teddybear out on a trip to a town two days ride south. they're meeting up with mylo and claggor there to catch the traveling circus. and it's summer time, which is always your slow season, and as of two days ago-- you've got no guests. you and sevika have been having a fucking blast, fucking on any and every flat surface you can find. your legs have been like jelly all week long.

it's been paradise.

"what're you smilin' at?" sevika mumbles from her side of the bed. you grin, turning on your side to stare at your sleepy wife. it's the crack of dawn, not even the rooster is awake yet. just you and the crickets, singing through the open windows.

"you're awake." you say. sevika smiles.

"i am indeed. c'mon, what's got you smilin' all pretty, darlin'?" she asks again, yawning to punctuate her question.

you scooch forward to kiss her nose, and sevika grins, her eyes scrunching closed.

"what i've been smilin' at for the past fifteen years, baby." you say. sevika chuckles.

"havin' sweet dreams about me?"

"more like flashbacks to last night." you say, waggling youreyebrows salaciously. sevika laughs.

"mmm, knew we'd break the bedframe one'a these days." sevika says with a proud little smile. you giggle and sit up on your elbows to look over at the broken bedframe stacked against the wall beside where the two of you sleep-- on the mattress on the floor.

"shit, sev that was oak, can't believe you fucked me through oak." you laugh. sevika nods cockily.

"damn right i did." she says. you giggle and fall back down to bed, snuggling against her chest. "how're you feeling?" she asks.

you snort. "well, i don't think i'm gonna be able to walk straight for a few days, and i woke up giggling, so... i'm better than i've been since our honeymoon." you say.

sevika grins, her sweet little gap makes your heart melt, and she smacks your ass.

"fuck, i love you." she sighs. you giggle and kiss her neck.

"love you too."

you guys drift off to sleep in each other's arms.

an hour later, the rooster crows, and you both wake up smiling again.

"morning." sevika mumbles. you kiss her lips.

"morning."

"i'll fetch some fresh water if you start breakfast?" sevika offers.

"will you let the chickens out?" you ask. sevika nods.

"duh." she says. you grin.

"deal."

you guys move slowly, lazily rubbing your eyes and yawning as you wash your faces and brush your teeth, stretching and kissing between each article of clothing you pull over your naked bodies, luxuriating in the slow morning all to yourselves.

sevika laughs at the limp in your step, and you pinch the bruises you left on her shoulders in revenge.

you fry up some eggs and hashbowns, watching through the window over the stove as sevika pumps fresh water from the well, watering your garden, the chickens, and finally lugging two buckets inside for the two of you to share.

you guys eat breakfast on the front porch, cuddled together on the porch swing violet 'found' for the two of you a few years ago. (you're pretty sure she stole it off sheriff marcus' front porch, but violet hasn't admitted it yet, and the sheriff's still too scared of you and sev to say anything.)

"how do you think the girls're doin'?" you ask as you sip your coffee. sevika snorts.

"i knew you were gonna ask that." she teases. you roll you eyes and sevika leans over to press a kiss to your temple. "they're fine. you know they're fine." she says. you huff.

"i know, i just miss 'em." you say. sevika laughs.

"i do, too, darlin'." she says.

sevika leans in to kiss you, and you sigh against her, quickly melting against her lips. she licks against your lips and you hum, opening your mouth for her to slide her tongue into your mouth--

"ahem!" a voice calls.

you and sevika pull apart, necks snapping to the stairs in front of you where a teenage girl stands, blushing and rubbing the back of her neck.

sevika clears her throat in embarrassment. you giggle.

"how can we help you, honey?" you ask the girl. her eyes dart up to you, quickly shooting between you and sevika, back to you, and then sevika again.

"uh..." she chokes out. she squeezes her eyes shut and shakes her head, before taking a deep breath. "s-sorry to inturrupt ma'am, i just-- d-do you happen to know a mylo and claggor? or violet and jinx, percha-"

"oh fuck." sevika groans. the girl squeaks at the curse, and you chuckle. "what did those shits get themselves into now?" she asks.

she blinks. "uhm. jail, miss." she says.

you blink.

sevika's jaw drops.

the girl clears her throat. "a-about thirty miles south of here in a small town call--"

"what did they do?" sevika groans. "i trained them for every scenario, how the fuck did they get caught?!" she whines.

you blink again, spots in your vision popping up.

"uh... they shot the sheriff?" she says.

you gasp.

sevika laughs.

"shit." she says, somewhat impressed. "on purpose?" she asks, her eyebrow raising.

you feel lightheaded.

"n-no ma'am. accident. he's still alive-- but he's sentenced them to hang at the end of the week..."

that's the last thing you hear before you black out.

you wake up in bed, sevika nervously hovering over you, pressing a wet cloth to your forehead.

"wha--"

"you passed out."

"jinx and vi--" you snap up in bed, scrambling to your feet. sevika's beside you in an instant, steadying you as you're knees threaten to give out beneath you.

"it's oka--"

"sevika don't you dare say 'it's okay' to me right now!" you snap. she shuts her mouth.

footsteps start up the steps, and you look over your shoulder, where the teenager from before appears, a fresh bucket of water in her hands.

she freezes at the top of the steps, taking in the tense environment she walked in, then turning red as a tomato when she tries to avert her eyes from you and sevika, and makes direct eyecontact with the broken bedframe behind the two of you.

you would laugh at the poor, flustered girl. now though, she just reminds you a bit of the first time violet saw you and sev kiss, and that just makes you want to vomit.

"caitlyn, here," sevika starts in an irritatingly annoying voice, "was hanging out with the kids at the circus, right cait?" sevika asks. caitlyn nods.

"i live in town." she explains.

"and when they got arrested, cait was the only one who got away. violet told her to come get us, right cait?" sevika asks again. caitlyn clears her throat.

"i rode through the night. i also sent a telegraph to a mr. silco?" she says. you blink.

"right. and we're all gonna meet in town, and we're gonna figure something out, okay baby?" she asks. you gulp.

"sevika--"

"honey, i'm not gonna let anyone put a damn finger on our kids." she says firmly. you look away from the teenager to take in the steely sincerity of your wife's eyes, and you gulp. she gently reaches up to cup your face. "c'mon, have a little faith in me, darlin'" she coos, melting into a soft smile. you sigh shakily. "i'm the fuckin' weary woman of the west-- what's a little jailbreak, huh?"

you take a deep breath and lean forward to press your forehead against hers.

"we're gonna need a few horses." you say. sevika grins.

"i'm way ahead of you." she says.

grayson was happy to lend you two horses and buggies, almost crying at the thought of the girls in trouble. she promised to come over every day to care for your chickens and garden while you were away, and you thanked her profusely before riding the animals home faster than you've ever ridden-- anxious to get back.

when you arrive, it's to caitlyn and sevika waist deep in the dirt behind your garden, a few yards away from where shimmer lays. for the first time since caitlyn's arrived, you laugh.

sevika's pulls a crate out of the ground prying it open with a crowbar. as she opens the crate, she reveals dozens of sticks of dynamite, and she grins up at you with a proud smile. you giggle, and roll your eyes. caitlyn shoots out of the hole, terrified by the explosives.

"i'm gonna pack up some food for the trip." you nod to your house. "come help me kid." you say. the girl nods eagerly, sprinting away from the dynamite. sevika laughs.

you guys pack quickly, visiting the cellar for cans of food, gathering the essentials for travel, a couple blankets and quilts, a pack of matches, canteens and jugs of water. while you're folding some clothes, both for you and sevika as well as jinx and powder, you break down into tears.

caitlyn flounders around you for a few seconds, and you try desperately to collect yourself, but you can't quite manage.

the girl gently, awkwardly pats your shoulder.

you turn around and hug her impossibly close to your chest. she squeaks.

"fuck. shit." you cry. you take a few deep breaths, squeezing the girl in your arms, before letting her go. "sorry." you say, dropping your hands at your sides. "thank you." you sob. "for coming to get us."

caitlyn blinks, then wraps her arms around you, pulling you toward her this time. you giggle through your laughs against her shoulder and she gently rubs your back.

"violet told me you'd freak out." she says... "you remind me of my mom."

"oh, fuck, do your parents know where you are?" you gasp, pulling away. caitlyn laughs.

"yes." she says. you raise an eyebrow at her and she sighs. "okay, no. but they think i'm safe, at the circus, they won't be looking for me for a while." she swears.

"you stupid fucking kids." you groan.

you leave town at noon, and ride until midnight. the trip is solemn, nobody tries to talk much.

sevika's got this look in her eye, something you haven't seen in a long time. she's up to something-- something more than her usual mischievous pranks and jokes. the gears in her head are grinding, you can practically see her run scenarios and outcomes back and forth through her mind's eye.

it's a little scary-- you forgot how focused and intense she gets when she's plotting something. it's mostly hot though.

but you can't really say that-- not with caitlyn lurking. still, sevika catches your eye a couple of times and smirks, like she knows just how hot she looks as she rides beside you.

caitlyn's a good navigator-- apparently she's a junior guide up and down the river, so she knows the route to town like the back of her hand. she gets you around mountains, avoids most hills, and knows the best spots to stop for when the horses need to rest. sevika's impressed. the two of them chat over the campfire about the surrounding areas, comparing notes and shortcuts they've learned over in their travels. it's so cute it breaks your heart.

it's a dry, warm night, so you sleep beneath the stars.

you don't sleep.

sevika doesn't sleep.

you just stare at the sky while caitlyn and the horses rest.

at one point, sevika reaches over and grabs your hand. "it's gonna be fine." she says. tears well up in your eyes.

"i love you so much." you say. sevika squeezes your hand so hard it's painful, and she replies shakily.

"i love you too darlin'."

it's silent long enough for you to think sevika's fallen asleep, but then she speaks again. "betcha five bucks caitlyn's vi's girlfriend."

you burst into laughter, smacking your hand over your mouth as you laugh. caitlyn stirs beside you, and you can feel sevika's silent, mischievous laughter beside you. you nudge her with your elbow.

when you catch your breath, and caitlyn's snoring returns, you whisper to your wife. "you have way too much faith in your daughter."

she snorts.

you get to town by noon, and sevika sets you and caitlyn up in a the saloon that was the address caitlyn had telegraphed to vander and silco. she takes off to scope out the police station.

it's a pretty gritty place, and you look around it with a raised eyebrow, then look down at caitlyn. she's sitting with perfect posture, dusting off her tailored riding coat.

"you hang out in this saloon?" you ask. she blinks up at you and then sighs.

"well, no... but it's where all the shootouts in town happen!" she says. "it felt... good for planning a crime?" she tries. you laugh.

"sevika's gonna love this." you say. she grins. "what do your parents do?" you ask. caitlyn gulps.

"uh... oil?" she says.

you burst out into laughter.

"shit you're an heiress?" you ask. she nods. you shake your head. "no way vi's bagged you yet." you mumble. caitlyn blushes bright red and clears her throat.

sevika comes back before sunset, sitting beside you at the table and scrawling away in her notebook little sketches of the prison, mumbling to herself, occasionally looking up to ask caitlyn questions.

surprisingly, cait seemed to know a lot.

"do you know which cell they're in?"

"the one on the far end here." caitlyn says, circling a part of sevika's diagram.

"and who else is being held right now?"

"nobody. the sheriff's been itching for some action."

"how do you know all of this?" you ask. caitlyn blushes.

"it's good to stay up to date on local going ons." she says. you chuckle.

she's a dork, you think fondly. she's perfect for violet.

sevika returns to her drawings and you decide it's time to interrogate your daughter's possible future girlfriend.

"how exactly did the kids shoot the sheriff?" you ask. caitlyn blushes bright red, and you raise your eyebrow.

"uh. well..."

sevika looks up from her notebook, intrigued.

caitlyn gulps, then looks away. "it might've been me." she whispers.

your eyes widen.

"what?" sevika asks.

caitlyn blinks, then speaks so fast it's almost impossible to make out. "violet was showing off all the cool things she could do, and i had packed my gun to bring to the circus because they've got contests for clay duck shooting and you can win twenty bucks if you make it to the tournement and i'm a really good shot--" she sucks in a breath, tears bubbling up in her eyes "so i wanted to show off my shooting skills and vi told me to shoot the big roasted hog in the food tent and i did right through the eyes! but i didn't see the sheriff on the other side of the pig getting himself a serving, so the bullet went straight through his shoulder." she finishes, gasping for another breath.

"how did--"

"and before i could even do anything violet was already taking the gun from my hands and telling me to run and i'm so sorry--" she starts to sob.

"shit, relax, kid, it's okay." sevika says, reaching out to pat caitlyn's back. you smile. "it's fine, we're not mad." sevika says. caitlyn gasps, her eyes shooting up between you and sevika.

"you're not?" she asks. you shake your head no. "o-oh." she whispers, wiping her eyes. you ruffle her hair.

silco and vander arrive quickly after. they took the train, and they clearly left the moment they got the message-- wearing day old wrinkled clothes, no luggage, just pistols tucked in every pocket on their bodies.

silco's greeting is a gaurentee that he's going to kill the kids before the sheriff can, and vander's apologetic assurances that his husband is only joking. silco's appearance seems to ease something in sevika, and the two of them quickly fall into a hushed conversation as sevika discusses her plan with silco. caitlyn's right beside them, a little furrow in her brow as she absorbs their hushed discussions.

vander, cordial as ever, gives you a hug and presses a solid kiss to your scalp.

"how're you holding up?" he asks.

"better now that you're here." you respond. he laughs.

"can i be honest?" he mumbles. you nod. "silco's not gonna get the chance to kill the kids, i'll have already fucking done it." he whispers. you laugh. "we're not young and spry like you and sev-- we both nearly had heart attacks when we got your message." he groans. you rub his shoulder as you laugh.

"you wanna hear somethin' that'll make you laugh?" you ask. he nods.

"violet's got a crush on the girl here." you say. vander raises his eyebrow, looking over at caitlyn, who's absorbed by the diagram of the prison, pointing and mumbling to an interested and engaged silco and sevika. "an oil heiress." you say. vander chuckles.

"huh. well are the feelings mutual?" he asks. you laugh.

"they better be. violet got all our fuckin' kids arrested for her ass." you whisper. vander groans and rolls his eyes, grabbing his chest.

"oh, don't tell me these things." he begs. you laugh.

"you're lucky you don't have girls." you say.

you wait until midnight to start your plan.

you split up into three groups.

silco and vander are the horsemen, both of grayson's and cait's, plus teddybear, who they found outside the jail, wrangled up and tied to the two carts-- ready to get out of town fast once you break the kids out.

sevika's on explosives, obviously.

you and caitlyn have to find a way to communicate with the kids.

you're helping wrap a bandanna around the lower half of caitlyn's face, tugging an old hat low on her face to disguise her as best as possible. she grunts and squirms.

"quit movin'. you're a fuckin heiress, everyone knows your face. you can't be seen breakin' kids outta prison." you say. she sighs.

"fine." she grunts as you wrap a scarf over her neck.

"okay." you whisper, satisfied now that she's bundled enough to be indistinguishable. "show me this window."

caitlyn guides you around the back of the jail building, and quietly points up to a cell window about fifteen feet off the ground, iron barred.

"take the beef jerkey." you say, shoving the paper package in her hand. she pockets it, and then you crouch. "stand on my shoulders." you say. she nods, clambering on top of you.

once she's steady, you groan as you stand to your full height. with caitlyn on your shoulders, she can peek through the window.

the window, apparently, sits above the sheriff's desk-- likely where he's in a whiskey induced coma now-- sleeping away the pain of his shoulder. oppisite his desk, are the iron bars holding your children.

the sheriff's got a dog, hence the beef jerkey.

caitlyn whistles into the window. you cringe.

the sheriff snores, and the dog whines. you can make out the plop of a piece of jerkey, and then caitlyn's whispered, "hi doggie!"

you bite back your smile, and almost collapse when you hear jinx's voice.

"oh for fuck's sake-- violet!" she whispers."your stupid fucking girlfriend's here!"

you grin, tears welling in your eyes at the sound of your kid.

"caitlyn!" violet exclaims. you take a shaky breath.

"we're blowing the back wall down." caitlyn whispers. "you need to shelter on this end."

there's some shuffling as the kids wake up and run over to the oppisite wall, and you grin at the pitter patter.

the sheriff gasps, and you freeze. caitlyn bites squeaks.

and then he's back to snoring. you sigh shakily and squeeze caitlyn's ankles.

"stay there. we'll see you on the other side." she whispers, then she jumps down from your shoulders.

the two of you take off for the oppisite side of the building where sevika's waiting for the two of you.

she grabs your hand as she lights the line to the dynamite. you hold your breath. the line sizzles, sizzles, sizzles, quickly reaching the sticks at the base of the wall, until it... fizzles out.

sevika holds her breath. you hold your breath. caitlyn gasps, "oh fuck-- what do we do no--"

she's cut off by a BOOM!

the ground shakes, dust goes flying, and the wall comes tumbling down.

as the dust clears, a small fire illuminating the inside of the cell, you grin as the kids start hooting and hollaring in amazement.

"THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!" jinx and claggor shout at the same time as they all come sprinting out of the cell.

sevika snorts, then smacks them both upside the head.

"fuckin' stealth mission, assholes!" she whisper-scolds. mylo cackles.

"sorry sevika, but the stealth went out the window with that wall!" he laughs. sevika snorts and wraps all three of them up in her strong arms.

beside you, violet gasps, tears streaming down her eyes as she reaches up to pull caitlyn's bandana away.

"you came back." she whispers dramatically. you roll your eyes at the pure corniness, and then melt at the sweet sight of caitlyn darting forward and pressing her lips against your daughter's.

it's clumsy and quick, and they're both pull away bright red and gasping. you quickly look away when violet's eyes dart toward you, pretending like you weren't looking.

it doesn't seem to matter though, because next thing you know you have an armful of violet, sobbing into your shoulder. you squeeze her tight against your chest, and press a kiss against her head.

"you're in so much fucking trouble." you whisper against her hair. she giggles between her sobs.

"i knew you'd come." she whispers. you laugh.

"duh, dumbass. we need someone to take care of the chickens every day." you say. she cackles.

a gunshot rings out, and you all jump, turning around to face the now- open cell.

the sheriff stand sin the debris, a shard of wood speared through his unshot arm, his gun held weakly in his hand at his waist.

you push violet and caitlyn away to run grabbing their hands as you sprint down the street. beside you, sevika's got mylo under her arm, and calggor's got jinx on his back as they sprint, screaming and laughing down main street.

as the sheriff chases after you, unloading his gun at you, a bullet grazes violet's arm. she gasps in pain, and you gasp in horror, and before you know what's happening you're spinning on your heel and stopping dead in your tracks, reaching for the pistol you'd tucked into your waistband this morning.

you take a deep breath, and close one eye. lining your barrel up with the sheriff's bald, sweaty face.

he gets closer. he gets closer. sevika notices you're missing behind you, screaming your name, and the sheriff's right in front of you.

you shoot, and he crumbles to the ground.

it's quiet, and then your ears start ringing, and then, as the music fades, the sound of jinx's celebratory hoots fill your ears. you grin and turn back around, jogging to catch up to your family where everyone besides jinx (whose dancing in celebration at your shot) is frozen in place and gawking at you.

you smack sevika's ass as you pass her, grabbing jinx's wrist as you continue down main street, toward where silco and vander were waiting.

"c'mon y'all, someone's gonna check in on all this commotion soon!" you call over your shoulder.

shocked laughs fill the dusty main street as you and your family flee.

the ride back to your inn is mostly spent in long lectures, hilarious re-tellings of the kids' experience in jail, and tears and kisses being pressed to cringing children's heads.

but when you get back home to your inn, on your turf, all the anxiety and stress from the journey wear off, and you can finally relax.

you set up vander and silco and the boys in three rooms. violet eagerly volunteers to host caitlyn in her room, which makes you all laugh, (jinx groans in disgust) and you allow it.

and then, after scrubbing down with a washcloth, you fall crawl into the mattress on the floor beside sevika.

she's been snoring since you got back. she woke up for dinner, then fell back asleep after. but the second your weight hits the bed, she's blinking open, a smile on her face. you snort at her.

"what's that look for?" you ask.

"y'know that was the hottest thing i've ever fuckin' seen?" she whispers. you laugh.

"oh yeah?" you ask. she nods.

"didn't think you had it in you." she says, smirking. you just shrug and wink at her.

"you woulda done it anyways, i saw that look in your eye." you say. she grins and nods.

"yeah, but i didn't even have to try. my fuckin' outlaw wife killed the sheriff for me." she says, a blush working up her cheeks. you grin.

"now you know how it feels." you say. she laughs and you dart forward to kiss her forehead.

"i love you." she whispers. "i'm gonna fuck you through the floor tomorrow morning." she mumbles as she drifts off to sleep. you laugh.

"not happenin' babe." you say, kissing her forehead. "the kids are underneath us."

sevika groans. "those stupid fuckers."

you laugh and kiss her again. "i love you, sev."

"you owe me five bucks." she says.

taglist!

@lesbeaniegreenie @fyeahnix @sapphicsgirl @half-of-a-gay @ellabslut @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner @shimtarofstupidity @love-sugarr @chuucanchuucan @222danielaa @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther @gr0ssz0mbi3 @ellsss @sevikaspillowprincess @leomatsuzaki

[starfirewildheart]

Chapter 17

Summary: Sy and his lady both retire from the army but not before tragedy befalls Sy. He slowly tries to adjust to life again on their ranch.

Pairing: Sy / OFC

Word count: 2,512

Rating: no one under 17. I'm not responsible for what you read. Kindly police yourself.

Chapter 17

August glanced over his shoulder into the back seat. Three weeks and two surgeries later the hospital finally agreed to let Debbie go home. She still had a long road ahead and it still didn't guarantee a full recovery and her anxiety was through the roof at times and at other times was so depressed she was nearly catatonic and a few normal days scattered in between. She was refusing to eat and in general sulking like a brat. Sy hoped getting her home would help.

Mike had been released after a week and a half. Walt had taken custody of him and Napoleon and Will were staying with them as security until everyone was jailed, including the corrupt cops. He was recovering physically but emotionally he was distant and shutting them out.

Geralt turned onto the long, tree lined drive admiring the land and imagining what it looked like in summer. He loved the country and a working ranch brought a warm feeling to his heart. He drove past the barns where a few work trucks sat along with ranch hands tending horses noting a beautiful chestnut mare before turning his attention back to the drive. Finally they pulled up in front of the large ranch style home and parked. Everyone got out, Sy helping Deb out and lifting her into his arms bridal style while Geralt and August got everyone's bags.

Deb took a deep breath of the fresh air ecstatic to smell anything besides anesthetic and medicinal scents that she'd been trapped in for weeks. 

“Where's Aika?” Deb asked, seeking out their furry friend. 

“She's with my sister and the kids. They are bringing her home tomorrow. “ He gently bounced her in his arms. “Where would ya like to get comfy sugar?” Sy asked as they all walked in. All the Christmas stuff was still up even though it was after Christmas now because they hadn't got to celebrate yet.

“Bath.”

 “Baby,” he started but was cut off. 

“Bath,” firmer.

“You want to wash off again?” He could see wanting to smell like their soap and not hospital bath in a bag shit so he started toward their ensuite bathroom. He sat her on the edge of the bed with her bad leg up and started gathering clean clothes for her.

“No Sy, a real bath.”

He turned to her. “You know you can't get your leg wet Deb. Your stitches could come apart or you could get an infection.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled.  “I don't care. I've not been in a bath or even a shower in three weeks!” When he arched his brow at her and crossed his arms over his chest she sighed and stood shakily on her good leg. “I'll do it myself!”

“Sit down!” He yelled and stepped forward. She sat down and blinked up at him with wide eyes. He hated yelling at her after all she'd been through but he refused to let her act out like that. “Little girl, you will not hurt yourself or cause any further injury just because you want to get your way.” He gripped her chin in his big hand and forced her to hold eye contact. “I'm gonna try to get you into the bathtub but if it doesn't work I will give you a sponge bath and you won't fight me on it. Got it?”

“Yes sir,” She agrees . “I'm sorry I yelled. I just feel so dirty and I haven't… I know I've been washed but I just

.. I still feel their hands on me and i…I just want to wash it all away.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. 

Fifteen minutes later she was perched on the vanity in nothing but a shirt and bulky leg brace that went from her upper thigh to her ankle. 

Sy was filling the tub with water when something hit him in the back of the head. “Woman,” he turned to face her, suddenly realizing it was her shirt she'd thrown and she was now sitting on the vanity completely naked. “Fuck,” he rasped all blood flow in his body going straight to his dick. 

“I hope so,” She grinned,  crooking her finger and beckoning him to her. When he was close enough she fisted his shirt and pressed their mouths together in a heated kiss. Sy pressed against her, hooking her good leg over his hip and she felt him pulsing against her through his cargo pants. Tears brimmed in her eyes.

“Are you hurting?” He asked as he wiped a tear away with his thumb.

She shook her head , eyes locked with his while she tried to get her emotions under control enough to speak. Swallowing past the huge lump in her throat she pressed her hand to his bulge rubbing it and relishing in his sharp intake of air. “You still want me.”

“What? Of course I want you Deb. You're my life.” He didn't understand how that could even be a question but he could see the doubt in her eyes. “Debbie?”

“I just,” She didn't know how to express how she felt. Like she couldn't form the words much less say them. “I…”

“Talk to me darlin’, please.”

“Sy, the water,” She pointed to the nearly overflowing tub.

“Fuck!” he ran over and shut the water off just before it spilled over the edge of the tub. He laughed but drained enough of the water that she could get in without it pouring on the floor then went back to her. Cupping her face in his hands he leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. “Please talk to me. Don't shut me out Deb. I know you remember the hell we both went through when I tried to hide my thoughts from you. I was lost in my own hell and putting you through it too. We promised to tell each other everything after that, remember?”

She knew exactly what he was talking about. When he was recovering from his POW time he felt like he was too much, not worth the work, or the love she had for him and he tried everything he could to make her leave him but she refused. It nearly broke them both. “i..I'm not the one for you. Not your soul mate anyway. You're settling for me because I'm safe and comfortable.”

Sy felt like someone punched a fist into his chest and was crushing his heart. “You're my world Debbie, my heart, my everything. I'm sorry if I haven't shown you what you mean to me. Please, give me a chance to….”

“Austin, no! It's not that at all. You treat me like a queen and I know that you love me!” She hugged him tight. “This isn't about anything you've done or not done. It's about me. It's about me not being enough. I mean family is everything to you and your mom hates me. I turned your dream ranch into an animal rescue because I needed to feel like I was doing something helpful. I just latched on to you and didn't even notice that you weren't settling down or or ,” he head was pounding.

“That I haven't given you a ring so you couldn't possibly be what makes me happy? Isn't that what Lindy told you that night at the restaurant?” When he watched her he'd dip down because she couldn't look at him he gritted his teeth. “I haven't given you the ring yet because I wanted to be sure I could be the man you deserve,  that I could overcome the PTSD enough to give you a life, sugar. It has everything to do with you but not how you're thinking. I was so afraid of not being good enough I didn't show you how much I can't live without you.”

She shook her head, “No. It's not your..”

“We both said that but clearly there is a problem, sugar because you are doubting us.”

“Doubting me,” She explained quietly.

Realization washed over him and it all became crystal clear. She'd been his rock for so long he'd forgotten how she was when they first met. The chip she had on her shoulder because she felt like she had to prove she was good enough, that she could be the best at everything. He took it as a woman having to prove herself in a man's military at first but the more he was around her he realized that she was afraid to let anyone close, trusted no one to even have her six. She lived like she herself was the only one in the world she could trust or depend on. It led to a lot of being reprimanded, write ups, push ups, pull ups, and finally a talking to that finally made her see thongs from Sy's point of view about having to trust her team or they were all in danger. That was when he really started trying to get to know her in earnest, when he eventually learned about her abuse and abandonment. She'd come so far and he'd been through so much that he didn't realize she needed reassurance he wasn't giving her. He was a fucking moron. 

She gasped when Sy grabbed her face and kissed her and didn't stop until her tense muscles finally relaxed against him and she was breathless. She didn't even register him removing the leg brace until he was lowering her into the hot water, careful to keep her bad leg resting on the side of the tub. She sighed contentedly as she leaned back. Sy chuckled, “Feel good?”

“So good!” 

They both jumped at the knock on the bathroom door. Sy stood and went to see who it was.

“Your sister is here,” Geralt told him. “She needs to talk to you.”

“I'll be right there,” he sighed. He went back to Deb. “You stay put. If you aren't in the same position you are now when I get back I'm going to spank you until you can't sit and when that ass starts to cool down and feel better then I'm going to do it all over again and again until I feel like you learned your lesson and if I get tired I'll let Gearlt and August takeover.”

She fully intended to protest but what came out of her was more of a strangled whimper. He cleared his throat to hide his chuckle.  “I'll be good, I promise.”

“I know you will, sugar.” 

Sy went to speak to his sister and Debbie soaked in her hot bath. She sat still for a bit but really wanted to wash. Chewing her lip she pondered if grabbing the soap would be against the rules. Stretching her arm out she reached the soap without moving her butt at all and took it as a victory. Lathering up her bath puff she started washing herself. Once she felt squeaky clean she grabbed her razor and started shaving … everywhere. After three weeks she resembled a sasquatch except the leg and arm (shoulder) they'd done surgery on. When that was done she settled for a few minutes but quickly got bored, she was all alone after all. “Oooo jets!” Pressing the button the jacuzzi jets bubbled to life and massaged her sore muscles only with her bad leg up at an awkward angle it exposed her to the full force of the jets causing her to jerk and gasp. The pain that shot though her leg was almost instantly replaced with need as she used her finger to further expose her clit to the jet. Using her other hand she slipped two fingers into her slit working them hard and fast chasing the pleasure she didn't realize she needed so badly. Turning her body a little toward the side of the tub the jet hit the perfect spot and even though she couldn't reach the spot inside due to her awkward positioning the jet was doing the trick. Her hips slowly started to flutter as she threw her head back and whimpered through her release moving her hand away from exposing her clit as the pulse of the jet became uncomfortable. She hadn't noticed Sy come back in or even approach until she felt his fingers pushing into her still quivering hole. “Fuck!” She squealed at the stretch and shock of it.

He lifted her ass up out of the water enough to latch his mouth onto her clit and switch between sucking and licking until he'd made her cum two more times, the last time screaming out his name with a series of loud moans.

Sy got her out of the tub and carried her straight to the bed. It was tall enough that he could just bend her over the edge, carefully resting her bad leg out to the side up on the bed leaving her open to his hungry gaze. “You ready for me sugar? Gonna take my dick like a good girl?”

“Please,” he begged, trying to rub her ass back against him. She gasped when his big hand smacked against her ass leaving a burning ache in its wake.

“Be still, your brace is still off. You're in trouble as it is, little girl.” He grinned when she went still, knowing she was thinking about the spanking he told her she'd get if she moved earlier. He took the distraction to push himself in up to the hilt causing them both to moan at the sensation. “So fuckin tight for me, like your made to fit my dick.”

All she could do was moan incoherently as he railed her from behind, each thrust causing her to gasp as he pounded against her cervix. It was painful but the pull out and push in up to that point was bliss. She was losing the battle of control over her body and clamped down on him as tight as she could, wanting to give him some of the pleasure he'd Given her.

“Son of a bitch,” he growled as she squeezed him so tight he thought his brain was coming out of his cock. Reaching under her he started rubbing her clit. “Cum for me. I want to feel you come apart when I fill you full of cum.” A few more circles to her bundle of nerves and she was rutting between his cock and fingers.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,” She cried as she exploded around him and he emptied inside of her, the wet squelching sound of their combined releases echoing in the room as he collapsed breathlessly beside her.

Tag List

@shellyshellshell

@enchantedbytomandhenry

@mrsevans90

@summersong69

@mollymal

@warriormirkwood

@bloodyinspiredme

@kneelforloki

@liecastillo

@mollymal

[vodika-vibes]

Can i get a Cowboy Rex? Please? The story can be anything you want.

A Fresh Start

Summary: You're a new veterinarian in the area, and Rex, a local ranch owner, has become a regular client...and a friend.

Pairing: Cowboy!Rex x Reader

Word Count: 920

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: I hope you like it! I don't write Rex very often, I'm not entirely sure why-

Moving from the city to the county was supposed to be hard. Everyone told you that you were going to struggle with how quiet it is in the country. Some of your more assholeish friends claimed that you would be back in six months.

But the truth is, you enjoy the quiet and the slower way of life.

The idea of moving back to the city, even at this point, sounds like a nightmare to you. 

Besides, as a large animal veterinarian, you kind of need to live in the country for your livelihood. 

“You have no idea how glad we were when we heard you were taking over the old clinic,” Rex, one of your regular clients, says from where he’s sitting on a hay bale, watching as you check over one of his mares. 

“I can imagine,” You reply with an easy laugh, “Honestly, I can’t believe Doctor Whillis was still in business. He’s ancient.”

“I think it was sheer stubbornness,” Rex admits with a shrug, “But people weren’t going to him so much anymore.” He grins at the back of your head, “It’s why you’ve been so busy.”

“Well,” You say easily as you continue your examination, “if nothing else, all of the business is allowing me to drag the clinic into the modern era.”

“Oh, I’m sure the fossils who work with you have been thrilled about that.”

“There have been a few arguments. I informed them that I would be willing to pay for them to get the training they need on the new machines.” You pull away from the mare, and lovingly stroke her nose, “They’re all refused, and so I’m in the process of having to replace them.”

“Well, they were all retirement age anyway.” Rex says with a shrug, “So, how is she?”

“Totally healthy, if not a little overweight.” You reply easily, “You said that she’s acting oddly? Have you changed anything about her routine recently?”

“The only change is that we’ve cut down on her treats, because of the weight gain.”

You laugh softly, “She’s pouting. She wants treats, but you won’t give them to her, so she’s sulking.”

Rex huffs out a laugh and runs his hand over his short hair, “Of course that’s the case. She’ll get over it, right?”

“Eventually.” You agree as you smile at him, “Is this the only one giving you any trouble?”

“That’s it.” Rex hops off the hay bale, “Thanks for coming out so quickly.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad it wasn’t something more serious.”

He hesitates, “So…uh…would you like to come inside? Have some coffee? My brother made some cookies this morning-”

You smile at him warmly, “Let me put my stuff in my truck, and then I would love some coffee and snacks.”

“I…really?”

“Really.”

You carry your bag to your truck, and you toss it in the backseat, taking a moment to make sure the cooler with the vaccines is still cold, and then you head towards the house properly.

You push open the door, and kick off your boots so as to not track mud into Rex’s house, and you follow the sound of his moving around into the kitchen. 

“Coffee will be done in a few minutes,” Rex says, as you pull out a chair and take a seat. He sets a plate of cookies at the center of the table and then sits across from you, “So, Doc, how are you adjusting to live in the country?” He asks with a lazy smile.

“Easier than I thought I would,” You admit as you lean back against the chair, “I appreciate the quiet.”

“I bet you do. The city’s always so loud all of the time. I don’t miss it at all.” He smiles ruefully at your surprised look, “I was a soldier, and lived in a lot of cities. It was a family career, a lot of my brothers are still soldiers.”

“How many brothers do you have?” You ask.

“Too many.” He laughs, “But I don’t mind, I love them. Most of the time.”

You grin, “That sounds familiar.”

“Oh? You have brothers?”

“Not so much, but I have several much older cousins who were close enough.” You explain, “I’m the baby, unfortunately.”

“And they let you move to the middle of nowhere? I’m impressed.”

“I kinda just did it without telling them until after I moved.” You admit, “There was much screaming and shouting about my reckless behavior.”

Rex laughs, “That sounds right. It’s good that they care about you so much.” He pauses, “They’d hate that you were alone in my house with me, wouldn’t they?”

You snag a cookie and break off a piece, “Oh, without a doubt.”

“Hm…” Rex takes his own cookie and absently spins it between his fingers, “Say, are you doing anything tonight?”

“Not unless there’s an emergency.”

“You wanna go out to dinner?”

You pause and blink at him, “Like…on a date?”

“Yeah. Exactly like a date.”

You stare at him for a moment, and then you smile at him, soft and slow, “I’d like that.”

Rex relaxes slightly, “Then I’ll pick you up at the clinic tonight.”

Your smile grows into a grin and you lean across the table, “I hope you know that asking me on a date will only make my family dislike you more.”

Rex leans across the table as well, there’s a glimmer of something in his gaze that you can’t quite place, “That sounds like a them problem, cyare.”

And you laugh.

[miscfandomwrites]

A/N: This is a short drabble I had hidden in my drafts, I believe this is a start to my 'Volchista' series which is something that's been thought about for a couple years, but I think for now I just want a cowgirl who falls in love with another gal...or two. ;) Oh, btw, I make all of my headers by myself. Please don't steal them from me, they take a lot of work.

Pairing: Cowgirl! Reader x Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff

Warnings: None / Reader has an aversion to alcohol

Words: 935

Tagging: @tyler-t0t

~

"I think it's time to retire 76, she keeps going lame, and I doubt she'll survive another calf season" I told Clint as I headed to the kitchen to wash up for dinner. 

"You know what's best for the animals, if that's what you think needs to be done, take care of it." He replied beside me, cutting up some tomatoes for the burgers.

"How come you let her make all the decisions?" Tony asked him, leaning back in his chair, sipping on a glass of what I could only assume was either whiskey or bourbon. 

"She lived in Montana, and has spent, what..three decades ranching?" A slightly confused look on his face as Clint faced me, leaning back against the counter. 

"Four, but yeah, I have experience and background" 

"So what's going to happen to 76 then? You'll kill her?" Spoke the dark redhead, judging by the length of her hair, that would be Wanda Maximoff.

"I have a friend who will euthanize her out in the field, but until then I will make sure she is as comfortable as possible. I believe that an animal should live its best life, and be as healthy as can be, but if repeating issues occur or the way of life for the animal is made to where it would be unethical to keep alive, then in that case there is necessity for euthanization.” 

“So just because she’s old and can’t have a baby, you’re going to kill her?” 

“The average lifespan of a cow is twenty years. 76 is twenty-two years old, the last calf she had nearly killed her, and the last three calves haven’t survived birth or gestation.” 

“So she’s old, so she’s going to die?”

“No, it would be mean to keep her alive because she would keep getting sick and when she doesn’t feel good it’s not good for her, (Y/N) just wants the animals to be happy.” a small voice piped up, coming from Clint’s oldest, Abigail. 

I nodded at her as she glared, or as much as an eight year old could glare, at the billionaire.

“How old are you?” 

I shrugged, and started to help Lauren bring the dishes to the table, ignoring his question. 

~

“Want a beer?” Steve asked, holding out an unopened bottle to me.

I saw both Clint and Lauren open their mouths, but before they could said anything, I settled my face with a neutral expression and told him bluntly. “I don’t drink.” before walking past him to grab a soda out of the fridge. 

I grabbed one of the glass cokes that were kept stocked next to the beers and popped the top off, tossing it into the little bin next to the fridge. 

“Mind if I ask why?” Stark asked, sipping on whatever it was. 

I shrugged. “I honestly don’t like it. It dulls the senses and I’ve genuinely never had an alcoholic drink that tastes good. Besides, I feel like I’ve had enough alcohol to last me the rest of my life.”

“Are the cows names just numbers?” The dark red-head blurts out as I was sitting down. 

I took a sip of my drink and tried to piece together the best way to explain to her that I knew how. 

“Technically yes, we have three-hundred and seventy-nine cows in our herd, we can’t really give them all names. Well, the older ones, the ones past twenty, yes we name, but we also retire them.” 

“Just because they can’t breed?” 

“Yes and no, they are old enough and have had at a minimum of three calves, so I see no reason to have them out with the bulls where they could potentially get pregnant again and miscarry, or end up dying during labor. Or, if they resist the bulls, the bulls will attack them. Occasionally, if I have an orphan calf or if I am given one, I give it to the older ones because they know how to care for them.”

“Giving them a chance at motherhood again without the pain of pregnancy or the dangers of giving birth.” Lauren adds on, raising her mug to me. 

“Exactly. I try my best to look after them. If an animal’s well-being is ever called into question, especially if it has to do with how they could live the rest of their life in pain, I do everything I can to make sure that animal will not be in pain even if it means relentless vet visits or having to euthanize so they can have a chance of being free from the pain. And trust me, I hate it. But it is necessary.”

“You definitely sound like you’ve been doing this for a long time. Where on earth do you get the money for the vet visits though? I imagine with all of the animals you have the bills are ridiculous.” 

“I know a couple people, and I do the occasional mission to help fund the farm if needed. However, that's only when Clint or Nat are on leave.” 

“Why?” 

“I’d rather not leave my family without someone who knows how to protect them. That and someone who knows how to manage the farm when they’re gone.”

“Even then, I rely on the girls more than anything when it’s just me here. The cows have a particular…fondness for me.” Natasha spoke over her cup of juice. 

I chuckled. “They know a good soul when one’s around, I don’t blame em’ for gathering around you.” 

“Not when they leave their calves with me! I don’t know what to do with baby cows!”

[miilkybnn]

I know these have been requested already but I adore your 09 and cowboy Ghost/Roach/Soap art and would love to see more!! Also, do you have any cowboy/gunslinger headcanons for the three??

I, too, adore ’09 GhostRoachSoap AND cowboy/ranch life GhostRoachSoap so you absolutely WILL see more of them, I promise!!

As for ideas/hc for the cowboy au, it’s a lot more “ranch life” based than gunslingers so if you are into that, keep reading below the line!

If not, then you are more than welcome to skip over this :}

Disclaimer: Most of my ideas are a bit scattered so I apologize for the messy layout, I’ll try my best to keep it coherent. Also, this is not all of them I don’t want this to be overly long

Background:

The AU takes place in Roach’s family ranch where all three members have been discharged from duty.

In this AU, because I like happiness, there is no war over the horizon and is simply a group of people living their lives out on the rolling plains of either Texas or Tennessee— I’m leaning more towards Texas just because I know more about the agriculture of the Texas plains.

In this AU, the 141 & Co simply live their lives from either being retired/discharged/etc. While everyone is involved (except for Shepherd, eat shit and die Shepherd), they all do their own thing but primary attention is mainly on GhostRoachSoap

Roach (+ extended background):

Roach and his other 5 siblings have the ranch under their and their parent’s name. He and two of his siblings, the youngest and the second oldest, are more active in taking care of the ranch's needs now that their parents are well into their ages. The other three help ever so often with more minor things but they have their own families to tend to and his parents don't actually live in the ranch anymore (again, due to age) and live closer to the city.

Roach, however, is the main caretaker for the ranch. He spends the most time on the land and is often alone, that was until Ghost and Soap came

Headcanons;

His accent left when he joined the army. Came back tenfold after a week on the ranch.

Has a collection of cowboy hats and each one serves a purpose (although his favorite is his very worn-out Cattleman that he leaves by the front door to take on his way out)

Expert horse rider. I'm not saying you would see this man at the Rodeo, but he’s had his fair share of bucking broncos, and not ONCE has he been bucked off.

Though there are horses on the ranch, his horse is Estella— a Chestnut American Quarter Horse with three white socks (forelegs + right hind leg) and a star + stripe. She loves to chew on people’s clothes if they turn their backs on her.

Has slept in the barn before (multiple times) and regrets it every time (wouldn’t recommend it, very lumpy and you WILL wake up with straw in places you don’t want it to be)

LOVES cattle work, and hates paperwork 💀 (he lets Ghost, and his two other siblings take care of it) due to this, he is good at reading the animals and knowing when something is wrong!

Are good friends with the vet! (It’s his ex 💀) (They broke amicably though so it’s okay!!) (“So, like, when I kiss you??…. it’s gross” “OH thank God, I thought it was only me")

Gets SOOO distracted when Soap is picking the hay bales. Bff short circuits for a good minute before Ella gets miffed at him and throws her head back

Cows > sheep (will make an exception for baby lambs tho)

Soap:

Along with Ghost, realistically both would not actually retire in some rural Texas town but because I can, let's say they decided to retire to some rural Texas town.

Soap is the most recent member to the farm and took to it like a duck to water. (We'll ignore the times he forgot to lock the chicken coop). He was on active duty but after a close call that was too close to comfort, he decided that maybe it was time to retire. Price is the one that mentioned the ranch to him, although at the time he did not know it was a ranch.

All Price told him was “if you are looking for something a little different, take a look here" and looking he went.

Headcanons:

Not on the friendliest terms with the cattle dogs but boy do they LOVE him (they’ve tried to herd him multiple times and have succeeded) (he cusses both Ghost and Roach out for watching and letting it happen)

Loves the nitty gritty work. Hay bales? Check. Cleaning the stables? On it. Shearing the sheep? The Clippers are all warmed up already. If there’s a job that involves getting his hands dirty, he is the first in line

Sheep > cows

His horse is a Buckskin American Quarter Horse that he very proudly named Buck. This name came after Roach told him the color of his coat but was reinforced when Soap tried riding him and was almost bucked off. They became the best of pals after that, and Buck occasionally tries to nibble Soap’s mohawk for fun.

His favorite chore is feeding the animals! He loves watching them all flock to their food and munch away. He doesn't find it much of a chore as it fills him with such joy to see all the creatures he cares for flourish.

Gagged the first, second, and third time he saw a sheep give birth. Man has seen a soldier’s leg come clean off from a bomb and recovered in less than 5 minutes but BIRTH? Get the bucket ready.

Ghost:

Discharged after a mission had gone wrong, Ghost had no idea where to go. With no family to go back to and no friends to crash with, civilian life was looking very bleak until Price came to him with a plane ticket and an address to some rural town in Texas.

Ranch life was… different for Ghost. It wasn’t bad per say, and he can’t really find much to complain about, but it was just different. It is... steadier? softer? he's not too sure but at least it lets him sleep easier at night.

It took him and Roach a while to find a rhythm. It wasn’t easy and it was very awkward at first but eventually they were able to settle on something unique for them that worked out.

Headcanons:

Sheep > cows

He likes to roam around with the LGDs. He greatly respects their jobs and has grown a soft spot for them. He knows he’s not supposed to distract them, but he just can’t help himself and always gives them a good belly rub.

Became good friends with the farrier. Farrier does most of the talking but Ghost will join in here and there. He really likes learning about the Farrier's different methods and likes to watch him work on the horses. (Lowkey thinking about making Jackson the farrier bc why not)

One of my favorite personal hc's about Ghost is that he is shit at naming things so yeah, he named his horse, Horse. Roach almost took his horse privileges away because of it but anyway, his horse is not an AQH like Roach/Soap but is instead one of the two draft horses the ranch has! His horse is Blue Roan Clydesdale with a very splotchy coat that loves peppermints and loves napping her days away (she’s had three kids alright she deserves it)

Genuinely enjoys doing the ranch paperwork. Sure, he has to ask Roach here and there where some of the stuff is at but honestly? Could spend hours reading and organizing the books and such. He's very interested in the topics discussed.

Earliest riser. His favorite time of the day is just before the sun peaks over the horizon where everything is blue and foggy, where condensation sits on his skin, when the crickets are still chirping, and when the mourning doves are softly cooing. Roach wakes up soon after him.

[walker-extended-universe]

4x07 Review

The writer's threw us a bone and gave us a somewhat lighter episode this week, probably to make up for the angst coming at us in "Witt's End". That's not to say "Hold Me Now" is without its share of strife- the Walker family continues to deliver on the dramatics (and I wouldn't have them any other way).

Today, I'm going to shake things up a bit and focus more on specific characters rather than specific plots. That's just the way it's lining up in my head with how condensed the plotlines were this episode.

Let's start off with the shortest character line this episode: Abby and Bonham's Great Retirement Debate.

This one starts with Bonham complimenting Liam's PT. During this conversation, Bonham finds out that Ben and Abby are officially going into business together with their wedding planning at the ranch, something that catches Bonham by surprise. Abby can do as she pleases, but this is his ranch too and, as her husband, he should know more about what she's up to.

Later, after his and Stella's quick self defense lesson, he confronts Abby on her making that choice without him. After all, this is not his idea of what their retirement looks like. Abby rebuffs him and makes an odd comment about supporting her son's dreams and they get into a staring contest, leaving Stella in a very awkward situation.

I'm not gonna lie, this is one of my least favorite stories they've given us this season. I understand they need to give these characters something to do but this whole thing feels trite compared to what's going on in the rest of the show and it doesn't seem to fit their relationship much, especially with all the development they had. At least the other characters are having interesting reactions to it.

Moving on, let's look at what Stella was up to this episode.

We see that Stella finally recieved footage of the break-in at her dorm but there's not much to go on and campus police don't seem interested in doing anything (related too hard to that one). She's also getting more desperate texts from Witt about the necklace. When August once again points out that they should probably loop Cordell in, she again rejects it. At this point, they're in too deep and telling him would only land them in more trouble.

August makes another good point in telling her they need to play a little offense. Until they get the necklace, she's in danger. If she won't get protection from their dad, she needs to learn how to take better care of herself. This prompts her to go back home. While she was looking for Cordell, she finds Bonham and he's more than happy to give her some self-defense lessons. Let's hope that's enough.

Next, let's talk August.

This one starts off in the morning, with Cordell and August talking in the kitchen. August offers to do a make-up family dinner when Geri gets back from her trip and Cordell accepts, acknowledging that he may have been wrong about why he and Stella went AWOL. However, August is still stuck with a 5pm curfew.

This is also the day of his bootcamp graduation, which is the entire crew finishing an obstacle course. Everyone who finishes the course in under 8 minutes will be a step ahead at the military training. Durin ghte early practice run we see August is at the head of the pack and one student is struggling more than the others. Trey reminds them that it's never too late to help otu a struggling trooper as they all need to be able to rely on each other before they break to run it again.

We pick up here when it's time for the actual run. August runs the course very well, so well that he's on track to break a record. But, just as he's about to finish, we see him look behind to see the student who was struggling from earlier. After a moment of hesitation, he runs back to give the student advice and encourage him through the rest of the course. Both of them still finish on time and Trey looks on with pride.

Side note: Trey has officially made it up to August for lying to him about still being a guidance counselor way back at the end of season 2.

While everyone is celebrating, we see a brief flash of disappointment on August's face when he processes that Cordell wasn't there to witness it. He puts a smile back on when Trey comes over to congratulate him and ask if he's ready for bootcamp. For the first time, we see August hesitate a bit about his military career as he says he's not sure and that he has a lot of options. Whether this indecision is related to Cordell's absence is unclear but it's nice to see him considering other options for his life.

Up next (for better or for worse) is Cassie and her work/life dilemna.

We start with Cassie arriving at work- and Luna arriving right behind her. We also get her calling him by his first name, David. As they head to the conference room to get back to the case, we get a conversation about their potential relationship- or rather why Cassie doesn't really want to explore one publicly. Not only is she up for lieutenant, but after everything with Kevin she doesn't want to rush into another workplace relationship. Luna respects that but we still get some playful banter.

Side note: I'm glad to hear there are candidates from outside the office; I feel like that makes this all more suspenseful than if it was just Trey and Cassie.

Cordell immediately gets them all focused on the job, starting with running down the suspect lists to make sure they have up-to-date information. While this doesn't seem to lead them much of anywhere at first, Cordell points them at a potential lead which- unfortunately- doesn't lead much of anywhere. Cassie and Luna are both disappointed, but understanding. It wasn't that likely that a grainy security camera that caught a partial on a guy's face would grant them a concrete lead right away. However, they both notice that Cordell is taking this whole case very hard and won't listen to anyone who tells him to take it easy.

This only adds to how overwhelmed Cassie feels by the case. The Jackal is not going to be an easy killer to catch and now she's seen it wreack havoc on both rangers and civilians. She asks Luna for advice on how he keeps it all from getting to him and he has an idea: karaoke.

While Cassie is apprehensive of this idea at first, she's more than happy to try it out. And we the audience are treated to both of them singing in between them getting closer to each other. While it does seem like their relationship is moving a bit fast, I can't blame Cassie one bit for wanting to jump on that.

Side note: I refuse to believe anyone would cheat on Luna.

The next day, Cassie and Luna are more than willing to leave the office after James dismisses them from a good day's work. However, Cordell's reluctance to move on gives them pause. They listen to Cordell's questionable theory on the zookeeper and, when Cassie realizes he's not going going to let it go, she offers to go with him and Luna is right behind her.

The zoo search is short but intense and, surprisingly, they do find something. Whether this is related to the Jackal or not is still up in the air but it's enough to call in the cavalry and check it out. While this is all going on, James takes the time to let Cassie know he approves of her and Luna, even though it's none of his business. This gives Cassie the confidence she needs to hold Luna's hand at the crime scene, which is a very sweet moment.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for: Let's talk about Cordell.

As we all predicted would happen the moment he picked up that notebook, Cordell is completely throwing himself into this case. It's clear he's taking his responsibility as leader seriously in James' stead and he's not going to let his old partner down again. He's not going to stop until this lunatic is off the streets, regardless of the consequences.

At least, that's the intensity he gives off at work while he struggles to make connections between their potential leads and what little they know about the Jackal. I noticed he relied heavily on James' personal notes during this episode, which I think speaks a lot to the trust between them. Even though Cordell knew this case made James a bit crazy, he's still trusting his old partner's judgement here.

While he's leading the game at work, he's letting things slide at home, missing out on family dinner in favor of eating cereal and reading James' notebook again. When Abby tries to confront him on this, he assures her that everything is fine. He just has work to do. She accepts that answer, but I doubt that will last very long.

After the disenheartening failure of their first lead, Cordell seems more determined than ever to find some kind of connection between the Jackal and their suspect list, diving down to a former zookeeper that doesn't really have any of the hallmarks they're looking for. He's so determined to find that connection that he's willing to risk missing August's bootcamp graduation to check out the old zoo, which just happens to be near the Jackal's first kill. Despite the stretch of the lead and the fact that this could wait a day, he insists on going right away and lets Cassie and Luna tag along.

Side note: I have to wonder if he really thought he could search a whole zoo and make it back in time for August.

As they search the zoo, Cordell finds footprints in the mud and soon finds a strange figure to hunt down. He gets close, but doesn't get their man, getting a concussion and a good look at his shoes instead. While it's more than they had before, he's not satisfied. He wants to catch the Jackal above all else, even at risk to his own life.

Later, he comes home with his work duffle to find Liam sitting at his dining table. And he's got a lot to say, starting with berating Cordell for missing August's event. This leads into him pointing out how he's been ignoring Stella's needs after the break in. He then goes as far as to compare this current case to the Rodeo Kings mission- Cordell leaving his kids behind for work and leaving Liam to pick up the pieces.

Cordell brushes him off, insisting that he- and his kids- are fine and Liam can back very far off. Liam leaves the house in a huff, leaving Cordell to go back to his Jackal Investigation Porch, where he drops the duffle bag. He puts on gloves and we see that the bag is full of evidence, including some rope. We then get a very odd sequence where Cordell wraps the wrist around his own wrist and gets flashes of images of similar rope going over a victim's wrists. Which leaves us with the very big question of: What the fuck?

And that wraps up this week's episode. As usual, I'm left with far more questions than answers. Why does this retirement plot with Abby and Bonham need to be dragged out so long? Why did they tease us with Liam being an addict and just drop it? Will August ever convince Stella to own up to everything? Why is Luna so perfect and does that mean he's the Jackal?

Hopefully we'll start getting more answers next week. See y'all then!

[jacksoncaddel]

BASICS »

Name: Jackson Oakley Caddel

Nickname: J, Jack, Jacks, Oak, Oaks, Lee

Birthday & Age: April 25th, 1987 & 37

Hometown: Paxton, AZ

Length of time in Paxton: 37 years

Affiliation: The Cowboy Mafia

Occupation: Butcher & Owner of Necktie Meat Market

Gender & Sexuality: Cis man & heterosexual

DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER »

The Caddel family origins span back to the makings of the town of Paxton. Some great grandparent to whatever degree worked the Necktie Ranch, a cowboy in the time of Wyatt Earp, and through generations stayed connected to Necktie to see the town sprout up into what it is now. Somewhere in those generations the legacy of the Caddel butcher began. To Jackson's knowledge it was his great great grandfather that headed up the meat market with the Necktie Ranchers Association and passed on the trade.

Growing up Jackson didn't care much about ranching or farming in the way of wanting to be a cowboy or maintain a homestead, but like all before him he started young working at the meat market. By the time he was a teenager he was a fine butcher and could work any part of the lot, taught everything by his father and grandfather with the responsibility sitting on his shoulders that one day he would inherit what his lineage had taken over ownership of from the rancher's association. Most ranching families in Paxton have their legacies, this is Jackson's.

University had never been in the plans given that he already had his trade and destiny laid out ahead of him. Jackson did take some time to travel post high school with his best friend, a girl he'd been in love with a few years by then, and see the parts of the world that had always fascinated him. It was only for the first few years or so that he was in and out of Paxton, something his grandfather actually encouraged because there was only so much to learn in one place, and by age 21 he'd fallen into his role in the business.

As much as Jackson could easily work any part of the lot, including the slaughter house, he'd actually turned out to be the best butcher the family legacy had produced.His grandfather claimed it was due to starting Jackson young and letting instincts settle in with skill. Jackson, however, never fully got comfortable with the fact that his way with a knife and butchering was his talent in life. Even as he stepped into a more managerial role with the meat market as his grandfather had to retire and it was just Jackson and his father he kept allegiances with the Cowboy Mafia, whether that be discounts or anything else they need.

One of his greatest tests came around 30 when his best friend had returned and she was in trouble. She needed to get rid of somebody and rather this be an instance in the past where he'd go on about work and let his grandfather and father handle whatever business came in this was his first taste of what he could be capable of. Jackson had agreed to help her, formulated a plan with her and was ready to execute it, but then the unstable lover in question disappeared all on his own. What he was about to do so willingly for someone who was unsteady in his life hasn't sat well with his conscience since.

Now with the Necktie Meat Market in his name Jackson carries on the legacy and will continue to fulfill his part with the Cowboy Mafia, even if his business with them is only by affiliation and through a generational handshake. All he needs his a heads up and he can keep the pigs hungry for a few days. Not only has he taken on the meat market but since his father's passing he's also taken over the family ranch and has been rebuilding it by hand whenever he's not working.

PLOT ARC »

As the wheel of change keeps on turning and Jackson sees more and more of the life he's known transform and disappear, the deeper he will fall into the Cowboy Mafia. Even if his line of work is something that will remain in need, because who wants to give up steak and bacon, the pressure he feels around his ranch and around the meat market lot is what puts Jackson further in the fight. He'd always expected the town to continue to expand, it taking over everything and moving in the wrong directions has Jackson pushing back. If Obsidian Holdings wants to fight dirty, he's telling the Cowboys he's with them if they want to yell 'bring it on!'. Which you should always be weary of someone that owns a pig farm.

[cityandking]

thinking about my inquisitors between Trespasser and Veilguard

Vesper Trevelyan

Vesper spends a few months unmaking the Inquisition and ensuring her people are taken care of — new postings, new patrons, the most trusted quietly set up under Leliana to become a smaller, tighter, more discerning operation — and then she and Cullen move to Arlesans for some much needed rest and recovery. Vesper's older sister Helene (Vicomtesse d'Arlesans) and her husband provide them a townhouse, and Vesper and Cullen spend a year or two learning how to live without the sky collapsing on them. They get married (a small affair, though Divine Victoria (Cassandra) officiates) and have their first daughter (Niamh). In that time, Vesper's eldest brother Kit (Bann Christopher Trevelyan, head of the family since their father died) finally manages to reinstate her into the family line and officially cedes the Trevelyan estate outside Ostwick to her, so Vesper and Cullen move to the Free Marches and into Vesper's childhood home. Cullen uses the land for his Templar rehabilitation program, and they raise hounds and horses on the land. They also run an outpost for Leliana's spy network out of their back rooms. Vesper splits her time between the ranch, the kids (they have two more, twins, Naomi and James), and the shadow of her Inquisition. Sometimes her work takes her abroad, but mostly she stays home and operates behind the scenes. She and Cullen are happily semi-retired, but she's ready to get back in the field if she's needed (fortunately they have a great babysitting network; the kids have loads of aunts and uncles).

Narayani Lavellan

Narayani declares the Inquisition disbanded and disappears before the ink on the order has dried. She makes a few stops—the Arbor Wilds, Crestwood, Wycome, the Tevinter border where a certain mercenary band operates—and then between one visit and the next, she vanishes. She lets a few people know she's going (Leliana, Bull, Dorian) but doesn't linger long enough to be talked out of disappearing into the Crossroads. On the occasion that she does pop up beyond the Veil, she can most often be found in the north. There's little to bind her to the south, or anywhere really, but she'll stop by to see Dorian, and sometimes the Chargers, and Arlathan Forest. Once or twice she even visits Leliana, who will always be her spymaster, even if she's sitting on the sunburst throne. At some point she intersects with the Veil Jumpers, but she isn't one of them and has no desire to be. As the years pass she becomes something of a ghost story, and then truly a ghost. (As tales of the wolf spread, so do tales of the hunter tracking him, though none of the stories say what she'll do once she catches him.) [AU version where she also has a little grey-eyed baby boy nine months after Trespasser. Whoops.]

Rasa Lavellan

Rasa maintains the Inquisition under Divine Victoria (Cassandra) as an honor guard. He doesn't make many decisions these days and mostly puts his energy towards fostering friendships and protecting the Divine. He's a little harder than he was in his younger days, and a little lonelier, but it doesn't change him much—he's still happy to help, still determined to do good, still eager to meet new people and make new friends. But he always keeps half an eye out for the wolf, and he knows that when the time comes for it, the full might of the Inquisition will go towards stopping Solas before he can ruin everything. He also makes frequent trips to Tevinter. It's important to foster friendships. And sure, there's grumbling and whispers about magisters in bed with the southern chantry, but Dorian does love a scandal.

[ashbrat488]

Flower In The Desert - Chapter 15

Captain Syverson Fanfic

Violet's heart skipped a beat as she heard the familiar footsteps of her father entering the office behind her. Swiftly, she stood at attention, her hand snapping up in a crisp salute as her father approached with a warm smile. "At ease, little one." Her rigid posture relaxed as she melted into his embrace, feeling the reassuring strength of his hug. He then moved around the desk and took a seat, gesturing for her to do the same. "How are you, sweetheart?"

She sighed, the weight of her deployment heavy on her heart as she wiped away a few stray tears. "I'm okay..."

"It's good to have you back safe in the States. Any incidents?"

"We lost Chutsky..." she sighed, her fingers nervously fiddling with the fabric of her shirt. "I'm gonna go and visit his parents."

"I'm sure they'd appreciate that." Her father tapped his fingers on the desk, his eyes watching her closely. "Anything else?"

"No."

Charles let out a big sigh as he stood and came around the desk to lean in front of her. "Really?"

Violet groaned softly, her eyes rolling in playful exasperation as Charles chuckled. "What did Eddie tell you?"

"Eddie?" He raised an eyebrow, amusement twinkling in his eyes as he observed Violet's nervous squirming and blush.

"I mean Captain Syverson."

"Hmm." Charles chuckled again, thoroughly enjoying his daughter's flustered state. "He told me that he intends to marry you when he gets home. And he asked me how I felt about that."

Her heart leapt into her throat, her eyes widening at the revelation. She cleared her throat, trying to convey a sense of calm despite the butterflies in her stomach. "How do you feel about that?"

Charles laughed heartily, crossing his arms over his chest. "I think that you're a full-fledged adult who can make her own decisions. I also think that Edward Syverson is a good man."

She chuckled, standing up to embrace him. "Thanks. I guess some things do bloom in the desert."

"I guess so..." He glanced down at her as she pulled away, a fond smile on his lips. "You love him?"

"I do," she responded without hesitation as he nodded with a sigh.

"Okay then. I actually have something for you." He took a seat behind his desk once more and pulled an envelope from his top drawer. "It's much too big for me. Even when I retire, I'm going to want something smaller."

She looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion as she accepted the envelope, pulling out the deed to the house she grew up in. Charles had it built before he married her mother, envisioning it as a home for them to raise their kids. "You're giving me the house?"

"Yup. It's yours now. Do with it whatever you want. But I'm hoping that you'll keep it and raise your own kids in it."

"I will, daddy. Thank you..." She slid the paper back into the envelope, her smile radiant with gratitude and love.

***

Violet sunk into the warm embrace of her bathtub, letting out a contented sigh. For the past week, she had made it a nightly ritual to soak in the tub since returning to her childhood home in Sugar Land. After spending a week in Washington D.C. with her father and then a few days on the Chutsky ranch, she relished in finally settling down.

The tranquility of her bath was momentarily interrupted by the ringing of her phone. "Hello?" Annoyance flickered in her eyes, but it swiftly transformed into excitement as she recognized Syverson's voice on the line.

"Hello, flower."

A grin crept across her face as she leaned back into the tub. "It's late there. Can't sleep?"

"No," he replied with a sigh. "I miss you."

"Me too... How's it going there?"

"Tensions are higher than they've ever been. Honestly, for the first time in a long time, I can't wait to come home... I'm on the roof while everyone is asleep." He sighed, his voice filled with a sense of longing.

She smiled at his admission, deciding to steer the conversation towards something lighter. "Would me telling you I'm naked in the tub make you more or less tense?"

Syverson growled through the phone, shaking his head as he found a seat on the rooftop, leaning against the rampart. "Vi..." he groaned, "it makes me hard, is what it makes me..."

She giggled mischievously, shifting the phone to her left hand as her right hand traced a seductive path down her chest and stomach. "And if I said my hand is between my legs?"

"Goddamnit woman..." He undid his zipper, freeing his now throbbing cock from his pants as he stroked it firmly. "Are you doing this to torture me?"

"Maybe..." She slid her fingers lower, brushing her middle finger gently across her clit. "What would you like me to do, Captain?" Her moans danced through the phone, provoking a deeper growl from him.

He gave in to the desire rising within him, his hand working fervently over his erection. "Run your fingers down and insert two of them. Fuck that pretty pink pussy of yours and think of me, flower."

She eagerly followed his instructions, her two middle fingers slipping into her pussy with a whimper. Her hips moved to meet her hand's rhythm as she heard him moan in approval. "Eddie..."

"Yes, flower?"

"Will you talk dirty to me? Tell me how badly you want me?"

His breath hitched, and he closed his eyes, losing himself in the sensuous sounds of her voice. "I want to take you here, between these stone walls. I'd make you ride my cock, pulling you down hard on it as you screamed my name for everyone to hear. Would you like that flower? Would you like for my cock to be stretching you right now as you ride it?"

"Yesss," she moaned, her hips lifting in the water as she found the perfect spot just below her clit. She sank back into the water with a soft cry as waves of pleasure washed over her. "I'm coming..." she managed to whimper as she heard Syverson grunting through the phone.

"Fuck, Violet," he growled, wiping his hand on his fatigues as he steadied his breathing. "I need you."

"Me too. When are you coming home?" She pulled the stopper out of the water, letting it drain, and then stood up to grab a towel as the phone went silent. "Eddie?"

"I don't honestly know yet. I'm hoping soon though... How are you settling in?"

"Good. I got a job as a doctor at the VA. I start next week. And Matt is going to come and visit me."

"That's really great. Give Ocre my best. I have to go. I'll call you again as soon as I can. Okay? I love you, Violet."

"I love you too, Eddie." She sighed as the line went dead and she tossed her phone onto the bed before entering the bedroom. She flopped onto the bed with a groan, wondering if she truly had what it took to be in a relationship with someone devoted to the military.

Chapter 16

[that-one-random-writer]

Chapter 12 {Completed}

Summary: Jake retires from the military honorably. He steps into a new roll, ready to settle down in his hometown of Texas. He is placed on your shift. Your current relationship is stable until the dust settles, revealing cracks in the foundation.

Warnings: police work gets gory, smut in a chapter

Chapter 1. This story is complete check out more work from me here -> Masterlist

Kennedy rolled over, leaning over Tyler, grabbing his phone from his nightstand.

"Hello?" He rubbed sleep from his eyes.

"Ken honey. I'm getting my stuff. I have to come by and pick it up. I have to get ready for my family's dinner. I'm sorry it's early she called me and reminded me because I forgot."

"Pick up your stuff?" He paused, being pulled back down by Tyler wrapping his arms around him. "You know what, tell me later. Love ya bye." He hung up the phone quickly.

"I guess he's busy..." You smile over at Jake, raising your brows.

Jake smirked back. "Yeah, real busy..." He chuckled.

You rolled your eyes playfully. "I just have to pick up my car and drive it back, then I can unpack later. Are you coming with me to my family's dinner?"

"Yeah, I'll go with you." He grabbed your hand.

You wrapped your fingers with his. This new beginning felt nice and comfortable.

You drove your car back to Jake's house and rushed inside to get dressed. You wore something casual meant for a ranch.

You stood in the hallway watching Jake get dressed. He had his jeans on, a pair of boots, he was slipping his shirt on. You watched his muscles glisten with each move. He fixed his hair in the mirror. "You ready to go, darling?"

Your heart swelled as he stepped out of the room, taking your waist in his arm. "Um... y-yeah." You were lost in his eyes, unable to speak.

He leaned down, stealing a kiss from your lips. He walked away, leaving your body in a trance. You stood stunned until finally collecting yourself enough to walk.

Your family all stood around the same as always they helped around the kitchen where needed. Jake opened your side door. He helped you out of his truck.

The front door opened. "Honey, you're right on time. Oh..." she paused, seeing a truck replacing your normal car. "You're ophelia's boy."

"Yes ma'am." He nodded his head. "Jake seresin." He held out his hand, shaking your mom's hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you. Your mama's told me a lot." She smiled, letting you both in.

"All good, I hope." He chuckles, knowing the stories his mother could tell.

"Great things." She walked past the pair, getting to the kitchen to finish stirring the pot on the stove.

You both follow your mom, and you both step in helping out. Jake just washing a single dish would be more than James ever did, yet here he was right next to your mom cutting all the vegetables.

Dinner is put in the oven. Your family raves about the new baby coming from your sister in law, Jake's many accomplishments, and your dad giving him a hard time, but of course accepting him due to him already sky rocketing past how James ever treated you or them for that matter.

Everyone eats dinner, and Jake helps you with the dishes for clean up.

"You did good on this one..." Your mother whispers in your ear as she watches Jake play chess with your father after everyone had left.

"I think so, too." Her arms wrapped around you, kissing her little girl that will never truly be an adult in her eyes, but she has to accept it as you walk out the door with the new man in your life.

"Bye honey. Be good, you two! It was nice to meet you, jake." The doors closed, sending you on your way back to your new home. Your phone started ringing while the truck passed by the trees.

"Marilyn... babe... so we are double dating again tonight, so if there's nothing between you and Jake I need you to prete..." Kennedy starts saying before you interrupt.

"There is..." You save him the breath and words.

"Babe, tell me all the details later. We are going out tonight! You remember what I've taught you. No clashing patterns, colors that work together..." He continued rambling.

"Make sure I'm sucked, tucked, and plucked. I've got it, ken." You reassure him.

"My baby is all grown up." He fake cries. "We are meeting at Ultra again. We are going on a double date. I can't believe it!" He says with happiness oozing from the words.

"I'll see you in a few hours." You pause briefly. "Im proud of you, Ken, honey." Your voice trembling with happy tears threatening to spill, knowing he is finally opening up to someone as a partner.

"Bitch I'm hanging up this phone don't you make me cry. I love you." He started actually tearing up.

"I love you more." You click off the call. Your attention turns to Jake.

"So I take that it's going well with Ken and Tyler?" He spoke up, grabbing your leg softly with one hand on the wheel.

"Yes... thank you, Jake. We're all going on a double date tonight." You wiped away a single tear, pulling yourself together quickly.

"Good when we get home. I'm gonna go outside and feed the animals real quick, then we can get ready." It was so strange but comforting to hear him call a shared place with you home.

You get home. Jake heads towards the back door, waving at you before going out towards the barn. You head up to Jake's room and lay on the bed, pulling out your book.

'His eyes as certain as the sun. Completely sure that his world was nothing but her. She kissed his lips, pulling him into a deep kiss. This man was wholeheartedly hers. He wanted nothing more in his life. His arms wrapped around her waist, and every emotion fell under love. His mind pulled in no other direction but her. Their first kiss was so powerful that it could strike an ocean into a drought. Their bond became so connected as they reached new heights. His hands...' You stopped reading as Jake walked in.

He kicked his clothes off, laying next to you, holding you close to him. The book closed and fell long forgotten on the floor as his lips met yours. You no longer needed the men in the books to keep you safe and loved. You found your true love right in your arms. He was every woman's dream, but only you were his, and there the book laid holding all the fears and sadness from your past in the pages while it was your only safety for all those years. Many nights passed with the book laying under the bed, as your life kept getting more interlaced with Jake Seresin's as he settled down with his newfound family.

Many years past, the book was still in place long forgotten under the bed. The ceiling above held it away as You, Jake, Uncles Ken, and Tyler all gathered around watching your two children play in the living room below your bedroom.

A/N: just a song stuck in my head after writing this.

Tag list:

@emorychase

@emma8895eb

@deaddumblbumble

@wade-wilsons-chew-toy

@twsssmlmaa

@dakotakazansky

@eugene-emt-roe

@djs8891

[glassfullofsass]

Queen of the Rodeo - A Ronance AU

Playlist

Nancy Wheeler grew up in the saddle. She's spent more time on horseback than on her own two feet, and she's loved every second.

But on the other side of forty, it's getting harder to ignore what it's cost her.

She'd done her time as rodeo queen like her mother before her, but unlike Karen, Nancy hadn't married up and settled down when her year was done. Instead, when it was time, she passed the crown on to the inimitable Erica Sinclar, and kept competing.

She'd had a good run, too, winning more breakaways than she scratched and constantly breaking her own records on the barrel races. But then her roping partner Barb had taken a bad fall and quit the arena all together, leaving Nancy to face the circuit alone.

Since then, Nancy's been the only rider on Coach Hopper's roster, and the old sheriff has been hinting at his own retirement for a while. Even his lady, the legendary Joyce Byers, idol of every cowgirl west of the Mississippi, had given up rodeos younger than Nancy was now, though she even still worked hard as a rancher.

Joyce certainly hadn't started riding roughstock at thirty like Nancy did, seizing an open slot at a back country rodeo that didn't care too much about propriety. And since then, Nancy’d driven two or three states over any time the WPRA could pull together enough competitors.

Nancy doesn't regret it, even when it hurts, even when she loses.

But it's starting to hurt more often than it doesn't, and she's losing more often than she wins these days. Plus, Barb isn't the only friend Nancy's run off; she burned a lot of bridges and broke a few hearts to earn her place at the top. She still loves the rodeo like nothing else, but it's getting to be lonely.

It’s also a long way down. She's not sure the Harringtons will keep her on as a ranch hand if she's not bringing prizes to their stables, and if she has to leave behind ranching on top of leaving the rodeo…

Something has to give soon, though. Nancy can read the writing on the wall: she's slowing down and even though it's only in milliseconds, it makes a difference on the breakaway.

If Nancy could let go and trust that she'd land on her feet, maybe she could get out of her own way. She's pushed away friends, family, and lovers, but if she'd risk being vulnerable just enough, she could still reconnect with a community – and one woman in particular – that still loves her.

Robin Buckley's parents made a number of decisions about her life that were supposedly for her safety. The wisest was, probably, never letting her near a horse.

So, though she grew up out in ranch country, surrounded by brush and cowboys, Robin's never so much as given a colt a sugar cube, let alone ridden a full grown mare or – heaven forbid – a stallion.

That doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate a good rodeo. Or the riders, anyway.

But being an admirer – particularly of a woman's sport – doesn't pay the bills. 

Nor does an associate's degree in Spanish, as it turns out. So much for her late nights at the community college.

Once upon a time, Robin had bigger dreams. And it's not impossible to still chase them. Steve'd offered to take her, to load up his truck with their bags and just drive until they got somewhere. 

Robin knows she could do something, if she was somewhere. But that means leaving, and as much as Robin once thought she had to, it doesn't feel as necessary as it once did. And it’s a little more frightening, the idea of starting over, now that she’s no longer young and restless.

She has a place here now. She has regulars at the diner, and regulars at the bar, and Steve.

And yeah, sue her. She has some unresolved heartbreak courtesy of the local rodeo queen emeritus. It's been more than a few years since she and Nancy had anything between them, but messy and flash-paper quick as it was, Robin still carries a torch for her.

Hell, Robin has carried a torch for Nancy since they were both thirteen, and Robin wheedled her aunt into taking her to the rodeo for the very first time.

Nancy had been glorious, all red bows and silver thread, lightening quick around the barrels in a perfect clover leaf, strong and steady on a beautiful gray horse that thundered around the pen, kicking dust in its wake.

It's not like Robin had been naïve, going into things. Nancy wasn't the first cowgirl Robin had hooked up with, and she'd known she was hardly Nancy's first partner either. So Robin knew what she was getting with Nancy, the night she'd looked Robin over with those deep brown eyes and smiled honey-sweet.

She knew it wouldn't last, and that was fine.

Until it wasn't, because it did last. Longer than Robin expected, long enough that she forgot to hold back. Long enough that she forgot why she shouldn't fall in love.

She'd gotten burnt pretty bad, for that mistake.

Still, it had been years. Robin had moved on, had other partners, other relationships, had even been in love again.

Her breath still catches when she sees Nancy, and she's learned to live with it. She's just not sure she could live without it.

If she could find the resolve, Robin might find fulfillment elsewhere, where her ear for languages might be appreciated as more than a party trick and she wouldn't be dependent on tips to keep her lights on. But if she'd take a chance and risk her heart one more time, she'd find that the cowgirl of her dreams might be ready for a change of pace, too.

[the-whispers-of-death]

butcher is offering to help out with dinner after he's shushed and calmed down mārīte. shes sorta out of it on the couch, and is just looking at them both (i imagine that they always have an open concept kitchen-living room situation, even in the ranch au hdkjghds)

butcher is saying that this is basically paid leave for him, and he's offering that he'll pay for the necessities and rent and whatever, so stone and mārīte can spend time together.

something something butcher relating to the situation and just knows how important it is for someone to be there for them to take at least a little bit of the load off

in the meanwhile, he's also visiting the graves. god. ow. that one hurt to think about

Stone is hesitant on letting Butcher pay for the necessities since he doesn't really know Butcher, but he also can't pass up on the opportunity to spend more time with his daughter.

So he's using his bereavement days, finally.

Stone more or less doesn't know how to act around Butcher, but at least he's letting Butcher help out. He's been so burnt out from making sure the funerals were paid for and that he had a steady job after retiring from the military.

Something something even with the grief making everything so much harder, Stone still is overworking himself and just focusing on Mārīte.

[cfsharma]

Her smile grew fonder when she heard that Anthony was very productive. "That's good to know, I am sure that your clients are happy to rely on you." Her tone was sweet, she wanted him to feel encouraged and happy. As she removed her coat, Kate smiled and looked at Anthony going up to pick some towels for her. "Oh, thank you..." She wrapped her hair in her towel and removed her pants and pullover to let them dry by the heater. It was truly freezing outside, but it was also the kind of weather she particularly loved.

Hearing his words made her chuckle. He saw her in the rain. She wished he joined her and they could've played with their horses. It was a beautiful moment that she cherished, having time with the horses. "Next time join me, Cinna will be so happy to see you." It was true: the beautiful mare was a complete sweetheart and Kate adored having her around with Storm. She loved her as much as she loved her horse. She wanted Cinna to feel equally loved when her owner wasn't around.

As Anthony commented about the horses and her being carefree, Kate nodded: "It's my little heaven. I could spend my days playing with them and caring for them. Horses are marvelous creatures. Very clever and sensitive." She paused before blushing and admitting one of her several dreams: "The day I retire from my career... I have two plans. The first one would be to have my own company of PR in the equestrian world. And my second one..." She smiled before adding: "Buy a huge ranch, with several stables and find horses who are either mistreated, abandoned or just destined to a tragic end. I would take them to this ranch and provide them all the love I can. Just the way I do with our horses."

This was something very dear to her heart. Kate loved animals and wanted all of them to have the same luck than Storm and Cinna. "I would perhaps also adopt dogs and cats." She chuckled before adding in a teasing tone: "I hope you don't mind? I believe you would have lots of animals surrounding you if I... Or we... buy this ranch." She paused, wondering if she was doing the right thing to already project buying something in common with Anthony. A part of her was spreading wings and flying high already, but her heart was telling her that he was the right one while the reason was telling her to be careful.

As she approached him closer, Kate caressed his face and whispered: "And I feel also immensely lucky to have you in my life. I know it's early, but I love every single second of this with you." She slowly kissed his lips tenderly when he warmed her hands before then hearing the rain falling harder. "Oh snap. I have to go and pick up the horses. Do you want to come with me? Cinna will be happy to see you! We can put them in the stables, dry them and put the blankets on. I turned on the heating system last night so they have it warm and comfortable."

Anthony hated to see Kate go, but he knew he had work to do and that she'd be back soon. So after showering and getting dressed, he settled at the desk with his phone and laptop, determined to be productive. He had a number of client calls to make and documents to draft, so he did his best to set aside the complex swirl of feelings around his new relationship status and focus on his work. His clients relied on him, and he prided himself on being a steady presence they could rely on during difficult and emotional times in their lives. Once he looked at his notes and gave his first clients a call -- a couple looking to adopt their foster child -- he quickly got into the groove.

The morning went quickly after that, and he didn't hear Kate come back from her errands, but was caught by surprise when he gazed out the window in thought and noticed her with the horses. The rain was coming down lightly, falling in droplets on the window, but Kate didn't seem to mind at all. She laughed as she played with the horses, and Anthony's heart began to beat hard in his chest. It was like a glimpse into the future, seeing how much Kate cared about Cinna in addition to her own horse -- this could be their life together. She looked so perfectly carefree out in the rain, and he wondered if she even knew he was watching. Her beauty, her joy, and her compassion all threatened to overwhelm Anthony. When he saw her head back for the cottage, be closed his laptop and went downstairs to meet her.

"Hello," he responded, laughing at the sight of her dripping rainwater. He held her face as they kissed, regretfully keeping his body away from hers so his clothes didn't get wet. "I've been quite productive. Certainly ready to take a break." At her confirmation that she had visited the doctor, he nodded and said, "Thank you, I appreciate that."

He helped her take her dripping coat off, then jogged up to the linen closet to grab fresh towels to help her dry off. He gave her one to dry her hair, and used the other to pat down her body, taking a few liberties with his hands as he went, grinning back up at her. "I saw you in the rain," he said. "With the horses. I don't think I've seen you quite that carefree before. You looked so happy and I just felt...immensely lucky." He took her hand and kissed it, and noticing how cold it was from being out in the rain, began to rub it between his hands to help warm her up.

[arjaandsimoni]

The Dark Ride

The sun shone down on the Smith family ranch, burning away the remains of what had happened last night.

Inside Tex, Tara, Stephy, and Sammi were sitting on the couch as the rest of the family sat across from them. Nelen and company had retired to a nearby town to seek lodgings (the ranch was big, but not that big) and… well…

“Okay sis, one more time?” asked Elizabeth Smith, her father standing next to her. Raul and the two kids were seeing to the cows. Some of them were still panicked after last night, being near a vampire does terrible things to some animals.

Tara sighed, “I know it sounds freakin’ nuts, but Stephy ‘n his kin saved us from this mad monster girl a bit ago ‘n have been watchin’ out fer us ever since. After his daddy got killed, ‘n good riddance man was a real bastard…” she explained, Stephy nodding in agreement there as Tex gave his hand a squeeze. Sammi sat looking away from them, his legs crossed and an annoyed look on his face. “… anyway… a bit later some other crazy stuff happened… ‘n Stephy’s daddy bit the big one, so we took ‘im in…” she said, glancing at Sammi, “’n then ya’ll invited us down ‘ere… as for the thing last night… well… dunno where the heck they came from.” she shrugged.

“I don’t think they were after us Tara.” said Stephy, “… Clan Fullmoon wouldn’t work with vampires or any supernaturals. Not willingly.”

Elizabeth looked at him, “Hang on, ya’ll think those… things… were after us?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sammi spoke up at this point, “Yes! By oak and ash YES! We’ve said that several times now!” he huffed, “That Maroon person probably called them.” he frowned at them, waving his hand dramatically.

At this Joshua spoke up, “Hmph… sounds like somethin’ that little shit McCall would pull.” he grunted, then looked at Elizabeth. “Oh I know ya’ll think I’m just bein’ a crazy ol’ coot again gel, but that Henry McCall is one of th’ most powerful landowners around. Ya’ll don’t get THAT powerful without pullin’ some really dirty tricks, ‘n now we know he can call in a whole packa Draculas?” he snorted, “It’d explain what happened back five years ago.”

Stephy cocked his head, looking at Tara questioningly, who nodded, “Yeah, bunch of conservationists were protesting McCall building another casino near th’ coastline. Said it was a wildlife preserve… but their car crashed on th’ way back from the protest, killed ‘em all. Corner ruled it ‘freak accident of nature.’” she said.

Stephy nodded, “Vampire attack.” he said, then looked around. “Any corner or mortician or autopsy surgeon learns pretty fast not all corpses stay corpses, and they learn that if they draw attention to that then the ones making them will come after them. ‘Freak Accident of Nature’ is code for ‘Killed by Something Unnatural.’” he explained.

Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head, “What the hell have we gotten ourselves into dad? Maybe we shoulda taken Maroon’s offer…” she frowned.

“THE HELL WE SHOULDA!” he snapped, “This land is no good for McCall, which means if he wants it then he’s up ta No GOOD! I ain’t gonna allow him to do no wickedness on Smith land!” he snapped waving his cane around.

Sammi smirked, “I like your father Tara, lets keep him.” he giggled, “So rare to see someone so passionate these days without a bible shoved up their arse.”

Elizabeth tutted at Sammi, but Stephy suppressed a giggle. "(Dammit,)" he thought, "(I do NOT like him… okay, so he did risk himself to save us last night from Coyote and his men, but they would have attacked him too!)"

Joshua nodded, “Damn right Sam! This is my family’s legacy! Its our’s! I ain’t gonna give it away for a big ol’ wad o’ cityman wonga! We’ve been ranchers since the civil war ‘n I’ll see to it this ranch stays in the family ‘till the day I die!” he snapped.

Elizabeth shook her head, “Dammit dad, that day was almost last night! Maybe we should just take the money! I’d like to send Tim and Jessie to a proper school in Houston yanno.” she frowned.

Tara sighed as the two began bickering, glancing at Stephy, “You three should ‘prolly skedaddle, they’ll be at this fer a while.” she nodded. Seemed this was an old argument.

The three of them nodded, though Sammi took a deep breath as they went and whispered ‘Spicy…’ before they made their way to the kitchen. Tim and Jessie smith were already there with Raul, taking a break from wrangling the cows.

“Hey ya’ll! C’mon over, nice tall glass o’ lemonade fer the vampire slayers.” grinned Tim, getting out three extra glasses and filling them up, then spreading them out. They each took a glass and Stephy remarked on how refreshing it was, even Sammi finding nothing to complain about.

“So, whatdya think that mess was all about last night?” asked Tim over his own glass, the boy nodding as he listened to Sammi and Stephy’s theory. “Hm… ya’ll think Henry McCall sent those things… but how’d he get somethin’ like that on his payroll?” he asked.

At this Raul snorted, “Pretty damn easily hijo.” he replied with a frown and a slight accent to his voice. He spoke English well, but there was a hint in his voice that he likely grew up speaking Spanish originally, “Joshua is right, I don’t care how much Liz says otherwise.” he shook his head, “McCall is el diablo, the devil in the flesh. People go into his main casino in Downtown Houston… they don’t always come back out eh?” he nodded firmly.

Stephy frowned, “He’s killing people in there?” he asked, looking at Raul.

“Si pequeña nina.” he replied, “My cousin, Raphael. He was really scared, said he had a huge debt there and that McCall had offered him a way out before sending the debt collectors, private high stakes poker game.” he shook his head, “… they found Raphael in an alleyway ten blocks away from the casino two days later.” he sighed.

Stephy frowned, “What state was he in? Do you remember? Did it look like someone had drained his blood or attacked him somehow?” he asked. Both Tim and Jessie shifted uncomfortably at how casually Stephy had said that.

Raul however nodded, “No… is the weirdest part. He had no marks on him, no injuries, the coroner said he was not poisoned or drugged or nothing… he just…” he shrugged, his eyes wide, “… dead!”

They all looked away, then Jessie spoke up. She was a small thing, about eight years old, and said, “… he wound up taking a trip on the Dark Ride…” she whispered.

All heads turned to her and Tim shook his head, “Jessie, c’mon, that’s just an old ghost story gramps tells…” he sighed, then turned to the others. "Its supposed to be some sort of ghost train or something. Appears only at night." he nodded.

Raul shook his head, “Is no story Timothy. The Dark Ride is real. My papa saw it with his own eyes when I was just a boy. Said it went in a tunnel that wasn’t there before…”

Stephy looked at him, “… does he know where it goes?” he asked.

Raul nodded, “Si… it goes to Xibalba… the land of the dead.”

Later that night, at a nearby bed and breakfast.

Nelen scratched at his chin, “So you think that this train might have something to do with McCall’s reasons for wanting to get Tex’s ranch?” he asked.

Stephy shrugged, “Its all we have so far. Apparently McCall’s customers are turning up dead somehow, yet the casino keeps going.” he nodded.

Nelen frowned, “Yeah… lemme see…” he took out his smartphone, bringing up the Wulfshead BBS, which had its own wiki. “Texas… trains… huh, well how about that. Its in here. Yeah, a phantom locomotive that appears at midnight, riding an eternal trip to nowhere. Doesn’t say if it does go to Xibalba though…” he nodded.

“Should we look into it Nelen?” asked Simoni, sitting on a nearby bed with Arja, both of them keeping their eyes on Sammi.

“I say its worth investigating.” commented the fae princeling. “As my newly christened sibling stated, it is truly our only lead.” he shrugged dramatically, shaking his head, “Personally I’m not exactly thrilled with the prospect of waiting to see what else gets thrown at us.”

Arja stared, then grumbled under her breath, “Dammit… he’s not wrong…” she muttered.

Nelen nodded, “Yeah, but… we can’t go in blind… kids, I’m going to try to get back to the Wulfshead and ask around. There’s a few of us in Texas I can get in touch with. The Sunshine Kid, Captain Fabulous, The Walker of the Wilds, we can figure out something…” he said, standing up.

“Nelen wait, I think… I think we should at least look into it!” nodded Stephy firmly.

Tex frowned, “Darlin'… I get it, but yer cousin is right. Headin’ inta a cave before ya know if it’s a rattler nest is a good way ta get bit.” he said, putting a hand on Stephy’s shoulder.

Simoni looked around, “Maybe… we could just check it out tonight? Make sure that its actually real?” she suggested. “Stephy and I can fly two people with us out to where it appears on our backs.” she nodded, “We look around, and if we see the train we come back, easy right?” she asked.

Tex opened his mouth, but Sammi’s hand darted infront of it, “Pledge. Remember? If Stephy goes so too must I.” he smirked, “Besides, this sounds devilishly entertaining…” he chuckled, striking a dramatic pose, “Fear not good friends! Prince Samuel shall be your sword and shield on your little adventure!”

Tex frowned and opened his mouth again, but Sammi cut him off once more. “One, I am a fae princeling old enough to be your grandfather at least with powerful ties to Arcadia. You are a young man with a length of sharped iron and a deck of cards you barely know how to use.” he said, “TWO, the pledge, again. If Stephy goes I am FORCED to go with him.”

Tex glared, but leaned in, “If ya’ll get any funny ideas…” he warned.

Sammi sighed and rolled his eyes, looking at the ceiling, “I know, I know… cut off my ears with your iron dagger… your mother made that abundantly clear before we came out to this oven of a state.”

Nelen glared around, but it was clear even if he told them not to that they’d do it anyways. “Fine… go ahead but reconnaissance ONLY.” he warned, “Not one step on that train.”

Arja nodded, “It’ll be fine Nelen, just the four of us…” she began.

“FIVE!” grinned Dawn, and with an inrushing of air she was suddenly an ordinary looking cat again, “I can just sit on someone’s lap.” she nodded.

… then from next to the bed came a voice, “Six.”

Natasha stood up, stretching, “I am vampyr, I can fly as well and it is very difficult for most to harm me… and if this Dark Ride truly does go to one of the realms of the underworld then someone like myself may prove most useful.” she smiled, showing her canines. “I will join them.”

Lupe sat up and wagged her tail at that, the werewolf still in her wolf form, but Natasha shook her head, “Lupe, you shall stay and guard Nelen. If they know that he aided the Smith family he may be attacked as well.”

Lupe whimpered at her, the vampire stroking her head, “I am sorry darling, but I cannot fly and carry you…” she nodded.

“Hey, that reminds me. Where’s Drusilla?” asked Stephy, looking around.

Nelen nodded, “Back in Jaipur, we decided one of us should stay behind incase Clan Fullmoon sent another attack team and she’s the strongest fighter we have right now.”

Simoni nodded, “Yeah, though she’s probably just drinking Rajesh’s bar dry, as well as every bar in the city.” she giggled.

Arja grinned, “Alright! Lets go see what this thing is, c’mon everyone!” she nodded, rushing downstairs as Simoni got up and followed, Stephy and Sammi following along with Dawn and Natasha bringing up the rear.

A few minutes later three shapes rose above the small town into the nights sky, heading north.

The town once had a name, it was long forgotten however.

It was built when a lucky prospector came across gold, creating a sort of miniature gold rush in the area, even getting a train station built. However, the gold dried up quickly and the town dried up soon after, people moving onto greener pastures.

The old train station still stood there, empty and silent, the glass from the windows having long since crumbled in the Texas heat… as five shapes walked towards it.

Natasha scanned the area, narrowing her eyes. “I don’t… sense anything odd.” she murmured.

Dawn gazed around as well, her eyes shining in the darkness. “Yeah… but… something is making my tail twitch. That’s… usually a sign of something, when my tail does the thing.” she warned.

Sammi strode into the station and tutted, “Hmph, this had better not have been a wild goose cha-EEK!” he jumped as a loud shrill whistle suddenly sounded.

There was something coming up the tracks, to a train station that had clearly not seen any patrons in quite some time.

“Its real…” whispered Stephy, taking a step back as the train drew nearer. It was a massive jet black engine, its cars the same black as well, lit with oil lamps that seemed to burn with a blue flame… and then Sammi shivered.

“Oh… oh wow, suddenly it feels like there’s people all around us. I can feel emotions everywhere! Regret, sorrow, loss, suffering… mnn…” he bit his lip, “… I could eat I suppose but now is really not the time…”

The train hissed to a stop, the doors sliding open. The inside was dark, as if it seemed to swallow the light.

Sammi looked at it, then glanced back, “… look, I know we said we wouldn’t, but this really is our only lead…” he nodded.

Simoni hesitated, “Something about it…” she muttered.

Arja blinked slowly, “Yeah… its like a sort of gravity… like its trying to pull…” she trailed off, and slowly, one by one, they found their feet carrying them in… and then the doors snapped shut, and they were plunged into darkness.

A moment later the train’s whistle blew and it began moving again.

At once the six knew they had made a serious error.

“OH SHIT!” gasped Stephy, “Guys we got on!” he stammered, looking around.

Arja blinked, “I… I dunno… I just, my legs just moved on their own! I couldn’t stop myself!” she exclamed.

Simoni looked around whimpering, a train was a bad place for her to fight whatever she called herself. Garuda or Fullmoon witch, she was at her best with open skies.

Dawn’s tail was a mass of puffed out fur, the Cheshire’s head darting back and forth, “Guuuuuuys? We’re not alooooooone…” she warned, and then the lights came on, and five of the six cried out in alarm.

Only Natasha remained calm, but she was a vampire. It was easy to keep her composure here. Being surrounded by the dead was normal for her.

Ghosts, that what they were. The spirits of the dead, seated calm as anything. Many were elderly men and women, still in their hospital gowns or bedclothes. A few were younger and seemed to have died under suspicious circumstances. A young woman had a bullet wound in her chest, while one had rope burns around their throat. A few hid their wrists, which seemed to be dripping something dark onto the floor of the train car, but whatever was dripping faded before it landed.

“They’re all dead. Raul was right…” whispered Stephy, “This really is a train to the world of the dead! Guys we gotta get off here fast!” he shouted.

Simoni nodded, “Yeah, the Underworld is dangerous for anyone who’s still alive. We don’t belong there…” she whined.

Arja ran to the train door, shifting into her monkey form, and kicking it hard, then gripping the handle and pulling with all her Vanara might! “SHIT! Its… its locked or something!” she growled, “Everyone get back! Especially the fae and Natasha!” she shouted, standing back as they all ran further down the compartment.

Arja took a deep breath, and then her jaw disdended like a snake’s and a massive gout of flame erupted from between her teeth! She sustained it for a full half minute, lighting up the compartment like the sun itself!

The door wasn’t even singed.

“… seriously?!” she stared at the door, “This is bad… I’ve used that to fry tigers before!”

Natasha looked around, “… we are slowing…” she warned, and then suddenly the group all stumbled save for her.

Simoni coughed, “What… does the air feel heavier to you guys?” she asked.

Dawn shook her head a bit, “I dunno… I feel kinda weird…” she mrowled, teleporting up onto Simoni’s shoulders.

Sammi shook his head, rubbing his temples, “I… feel a chill? That shouldn’t be possible, I am a chill! I am Winter incarnate!” he frowned.

Then finally, the train slowed to a stop, and with a hiss the doors opened…

Natasha strode to the exit. “Are you coming?” she asked.

The other five hesitated, then nodded, filing out after her. Slowly, the ghosts began to rise and exit the train as well.

A massive cavern greeted them. A subterranean train station with a huge clock hanging from the ceiling, with literal skeleton arms for arms. All around them ghostly flames flickered in skull like lanterns, and all around them their fellow passengers filed away into the caverns ahead.

“It really is Xibalba…” whispered Stephy, “Well… maybe not specifically Xibalba… but the Underworld…”

Arja looked around, “… why are they here, shouldn’t they be rejoining the cycle?” she asked, looking confused.

Natasha looked around, then saw a sign hanging nearby like a train schedule. The vampire pursed her lips, then went over to inspect it curiously.

Simoni shrugged, “Nelen has been looking into the nature of death for years now and even he’s totally at a loss Arja. But yeah… this… wait…” she stared into the crowd. One of the ghosts wasn’t going away from them.

Dawn hissed, her back arching. “Someone’s coming!” she warned.

The group readied themselves, but the newcomer let out a soft rattling chuckle.

"Calm yerself wee ‘uns… ah mean ye no harm…" came the voice of an elderly woman. They didn’t really hear it with their ears, it seemed to resonate in their bones.

Simoni glanced around at the others, then said, “Uh… sorry, who are you?” she asked, the woman drawing nearer.

She was dead, they could all see she was just as much a specter as the others. She wore a long green dress with a cloak of black feathers pulled over her, a circlet with a Celtic knot design resting on her head. She held a gnarled rowan staff in her hand, using it to walk.

"Tsk… ye dunnae know? That boy really tore me page outta th’ family history eh?" she sighed. "Me own great grandchildren dunnae recognize me…"

Stephy paused at her words, “… great grand… wait…” he stared, “You’re…”

She smiled and nodded, "Aye, that I am." her voice echoed as she lifted her arm, and stood straighter, showing a gaping sword wound in her middle. "Eliza Fullmoon, former Matriarch o’ Clan Fullmoon… ‘n Franklin’s mum… much to me shame."

Arja stared, “That wound… the men of your Clan use swords…” she looked at the ghost’s face.

Eliza nodded, "Aye ye we monkey… Franklin did this. Ran me through afore he usurped control o’ th’ Clan, but I got him back…" she smirked widely at her. "‘n you two are how…" she nodded, pointing to Arja and Simoni.

Simoni blinked, pointing to herself and looking at Arja, “Sorry… us?” she asked.

Eliza nodded, then frowned, "Would that I not have ta do it this way… but in th’ world o’ th’ living I be nae more than a voice on th’ wind…" she shook her head, "It has ta fall ta ye gels ‘n yer friends."

Arja frowned, “Sorry, WHAT does?” she asked, “Speak plainly!”

Eliza nodded, "Aye aye… when I was bleedin’ out on th’ floor infront of ol’ Franklin th’ Maven spoke through me. Told the little shit ‘is future. ‘When a daughter o’ Clan Fullmoon rejoins her cousins in th’ East, there will come a reckonin’. Its gluttony will be his undoin’, the legacy of Franklin Fullmoon will be nae more, burnt ta ash ‘n scattered on th’ wind.’ she nodded, "‘n you two lasses are th’ key."

Arja and Simoni stared, feeling the other’s eyes on them. Finally, Simoni spoke, “… that’s why…” she whispered, then she looked angry! “THAT’S WHY HE’S TRYING TO KILL ME?!” she shouted, “Because you told him that Arja and I would come after him and overthrow the leader of Clan Fullmoon?!”

Arja stared at the spectral woman, her face showing nothing but shock. This woman was the reason Franklin was so mad to kill Simoni, why he sent kill teams to Jaipur, why he bribed the Rahu’s Fangs gangsters… all because of this?!

Eliza glanced between them, "Ye doubt it. I cannae blame ye, but tis as true as ye breathe ‘n I don’t." she nodded firmly, then pointed to Simoni, "A daughter o’ Clan Fullmoon has rejoined her cousins in th’ east… tis no co-incidence yer feathers turned green gel." she nodded, then chuckled, "The Maven used ta get around…"

Simoni blushed as Arja grinned, “HAH! I knew it! I knew there had to be a reason!” she smirked, then paused, “That’s still freaking insane lady. Your son is trying to kill us and has banned your whole family from using magic…” she frowned at Eliza.

Eliza nodded, "Aye, and that’s th’ big part… y’see…" she began, "I saw you two facin’ down Franklin on th’ battlements o’ Castle Fullmoon, ‘n it was definitely both o’ ye. Somehow you two are gonna overthrow th’ usurper. The thing is…" she explained, then paused suddenly and looked behind her.

A voice was coming up one of the tunnels, singling a janky arrhythmic tune.

“Dollies dollies dollies… I get my jollies from breakin’ dollies…” it giggled.

Dawn’s eyes went huge, her tail floofing, “No way…” she whispered.

A man walked into view, with long gray hair and a thin almost skeletal form, twirling a large sharp needle in his fingers. “Dollies dollies…” he sang to himself, then paused as he saw the group, “… dollies…” he giggled, grinning wider. “Well well well… seems today is my lucky day!” he laughed. He was no ghost either, this man was still alive!

Dawn hissed, shrinking back behind Simoni. “No freaking way! I saw you die! A freaking DROOD got you! You don’t come back if one of them gets you!”

Simoni and Stephy looked at Dawn, “WHAT?!” the shouted, then looked back at the newcomer.

“You saw a Drood get… oh no no… that’s not…” whispered Simoni, taking a step back. Nelen had told them of his encounter with one of the infamous Droods.

Dawn hissed, “Yeah, Patrick Sampson… Pale, the Sin-Eater… DON’T HOLD BACK GUYS! THIS ONE IS A REAL MONSTER!”  she yowled.

They didn’t need more than that, Arja shapeshifted as Sammi held his hand up, conjuring a large ice spear. Stephy and Simoni whistled sharply, the wind swirling around them…

Then suddenly Stephy and Simoni coughed and stumbled, their heads pounding.

Sammi frowned, sweat beading on his head as his icicle began to slowly melt.

Even Arja seemed to be having trouble, the monkey girl’s legs shaking, “W-what… why can’t we…” she gasped.

Eliza looked back, "Ye cannae fight here! Th’ Underworld air is poison fer th’ living!" she shouted, "Get back on th’ bloody train ‘n flee! I’ll hold ‘im back!"

The group stumbled backwards towards the train as Eliza flexed her arms, "I may be dead… but I’m still a Matriarch o' Clan Fullmoon!" she snarled as Pale’s form swelled, the sin eater taking on the same monstrous aspect that he had when he fought Nelen in London!

“Out of my way old bitch! I. WANNA. PLAY!” he snarled, rushing forward as Eliza’s arms shot forward! A second later the air was full of spectral ravens, half skeletal most of them, diving towards Pale!

Inside the train the five living members of the group collapsed into the chairs, Simoni gasping for breath. “I… I can’t…” she managed, coughing. Even Dawn was looking ill, the feline laying across her lap as her chest rose and fell.

Sammi took a deep breath, then let out a long hacking cough. “Dammit, get this bloody train moving…” he grumbled… then smirked as he felt it lurch into motion, “Well… ask and… ye shall receive…” he chuckled as it began to roll out of the station.

A few moments later Pale ripped the roof off the car.

As the train began to pull out into the caverns Pale grinned down at them, his face looking like a demented jack-o-lantern as he clung to the roof of the car with spider-like limbs, the sin-eater's body having stretched like some insane caricature of a human and stick bug. “Dooooooolliiiiiieeees…” he giggled. He sported wounds from Eliza’s attack, but clearly he had managed to evade her.

Arja stumbled to her feet, then tried to conjure a flame, but only managed a small spark that soon burnt out… “Dammit… this is bad…” she snarled, sweat rolling down her face as Pale reached in. Suddenly one of the shadows on the wall detached and slashed at his wrist! The sin-eater hissed angrily and pulled back as Natasha stood in the center of the train car.

“Begone, monster.” she warned, “The living cannot fight in the depths of the Underworld… but I am not alive!” she hissed, her eyes glowing red as she bared her fangs.

Pale snarled, “UGLY DOLLY! I DON’T WANNA PLAY WITH YOU!” he shouted, some sort of white milky substance leaking from his fangs and shaping itself into a storm of needle-like objects, the sin eater pointing them down at the group, then letting fly!

Natasha flexed her hand, and the shadows under the tables flowed together and shot upwards, blocking the rain of metal as easily as an umbrella blocked rain. “Mortals…” she tsked, “You gain a tiny bit of power and suddenly think yourselves invincible. I have been vampyr since before the Americas were colonized little necromancer…” she snarled. “What did you do to Eliza?”

Pale giggled, “The old rotten dolly?” he giggled, “NEEDLES! ALL OVER!” he cackled as Simoni and Stephy gasped weakly.

Natasha smirked, “Oh? That is bad... for you. I know of the Underworld and its guardians little necromancer, and I saw the rules posted when we arrived…” she grinned, and it was not a nice grin, “… the living shall not harm the ghosts of the Station of Lost Souls…” she quoted.

The others just looked confused but Pale’s eyes widened, “… no…” he whispered, then suddenly a chain lashed out and wrapped firmly around his throat, his body shrinking back down into his human form as he struggled against it. “NO NO NO!” he screamed.

Standing at the end of the car was a man in a conductor’s uniform, carrying a lantern with a pale blue flickering flame, his other hand holding the chain, which had a watch on the end. His face was a skull devoid of any skin or musculature at all, he loomed over the others, looking bigger than he should be, and something about him seemed horribly wrong. This thing was no ghost, it had never been alive in the first place!

“Passenger Patrick Sampson.” it spoke, the words ringing in their ears. “You have violated the rules of the train. Come with me.” it nodded, the door opening behind it as he gave the chain a hard tug. Pale flew screaming through the air, landing roughly on the floor past Natasha as he glared and clawed at the carpet as the chain was reeled in, the conductor grabbing him and shoving him through the door.

“NOOOO! NOT THAT! LET ME GO! LET ME GOOOOO!” he screamed, trying to hold onto the doorframe.

“Passengers who do not heed the rules of the train will be punished.” it said impassively as several ghostly hands reached out of the darkness from the next compartment, grabbing his wrists and head. Pale let out one last cry, then was suddenly pulled backwards into the depths of the train as the door slammed shut!

The monstrous conductor turned to the others and tapped his hat brim, “We will be arriving in the Living Realm shortly. Please observe the rules of the train or you will meet a similar fate.” he warned, opening the carriage door once more, walking through, and closing it again.

They all stared, even Sammi seemed shocked by that. “… what…” asked Arja weakly.

“Kerberos. The guardians of the Underworld. Violate the rules, and they come for you.” she tutted, shaking her head. “I did some work with a necromancer under Prince Micahel during the eighteenth century. We discovered many interesting things about the realms of the dead.” she smirked, “You would think one such as him would know better…” she smirked.

Later, back in the Realm of the Living

Slowly, the train pulled into the station and the group disembarked, five of the six collapsing in a heap.

Simoni gulped down the fresh air of the living realm, “Oh gods I thought we were really going to die down there…” she gasped.

Arja nodded, “Yeah… we didn’t even find anything out about that McCall guy though…” she grumbled, wiping her forehead. She ached all over.

Stephy held up a finger from where he lay, “… but… we did find THAT out… at least now we know why grandpa is so hell-bent on killing Simoni…” he muttered.

Simoni frowned, “Yeah… if that really was a prophecy from Morrigan to her though… then… it had to be accurate… but, it sounded like there was more… should we try to go back and hear the rest?” she asked.

The six of them thought… for about ten seconds.

“No.” said Arja.

“No way.” commented Simoni.

“I feel like I’m gonna puke a hairball…” whined Dawn.

“Lovely mental image there, thank you for that…” grumbled Sammi.

Stephy lay there face up, his chest heaving as he swallowed down clean air, “… we should head back.” he managed.

“I would love to Stephy… but I can’t move.” muttered Simoni.

“I admit I am rather spent myself… very unpleasant place that…” wheezed Sammi.

Arja grumbled, fishing out her phone, then dialing Nelen’s number and putting it on Speaker. “… Nelen… hey… um… can you come pick us up? We… kinda ran into someone you know.” she managed, “Sorry, tired… gonna hang up and snooze now.” she muttered, then ended the call. Within a few minutes everyone living was unconscious.

Natasha looked them over, licking her lips, then squatted down and gently examined Simoni’s throat, then looked at Arja and thought better of it. “I shall wait until we return to town.” she nodded, carefully brushing Simoni’s hair back into place, then standing in the shadows as she watched for the headlights from Nelen’s car.

After a while, a mournful wail came across the deserted train station on the wind, the cry of someone who broke rules many many times over, and finally received his just desserts…

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