austin-cartwright

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @aspencartwright WHERE: Their Parents' Place, Summit Lake

It was a well known fact that Rosie Cartwright lived for their yearly family Christmas card where she got the entire Cartwright clan to dress up in matching outfits. Austin had learned not to argue in elementary school, choosing instead to save her energy for a battle she could actually win. However, there were times when their mother went... overboard. And in her own humble opinion, the entire family was lucky Austin was there to stop her this time.

"So, you know how we already took the Christmas card picture in like, August?" She asked through the door of her childhood bedroom's bathroom as she changed into what she could only describe as an offense to the disco ball. "Well mom found these outfits while she was out shopping on Black Friday and bought them for everyone..." Coming out of the bathroom and into her room, she put her hands on her hips as she tried to keep a straight face.

"There were matching vests and slacks with sparkly stripes down the sides and skirts and dresses and she wanted us to retake the photo... I literally spent three hours talking her out of it. We would have looked like some family road magic show. What was she thinking?"

[austin-cartwright]

TEXT📲Chey O'Hara

AUSTIN: i think the fire department has me on some kind of repeat offenders list AUSTIN: and that's not that bad bc i am, but i think they think it's because i'm trying to flirt with one of the firefighters AUSTIN: when in reality i'm really just that bad in the kitchen that i've had to call them twice this week 😬 / @cheyohara

[austin-cartwright]

TEXT📲Sy Weston

AUSTIN: you'll never believe who texted me today AUSTIN: rhett barlow! he acted like he wanted to catch up but he was fishing for some interesting information... AUSTIN: said he saw you with a "hottie" at your last rodeo and wanted the details AUSTIN: and, y'know... now i'm curious, too 👀 / @syweston

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @hudscart WHERE: Austin & Kat's Place

Standing in the middle of the living room with a glass of wine and her phone in hand, Austin turned towards her brother with a wide grin. "You ready to put all those years of construction to use, Huddy? Because as many skills as I have, I gotta say... putting things together isn't one of them. And neither is height and I need someone with some height for this project." Pulling up a photo on her phone for reference, she held it out to Hudson so he could see as she took a sip of wine. "You know how I used to always lay under the tree to look at the lights and mom would yell at me because I always used a present as a pillow and would smoosh the bow on the box? Well isn't this the perfect way to look at the lights and not squish any presents?? I bought the base, it's in the box there." She pointed to a large rectangular cardboard box next to the unlit fireplace. "And I got all the garland, lights, pillows, bows, and ornaments. It just needs to all... be put together. Think you're up for it?" She asked, looking back towards him, grin still wide. "I've got beer and the best burgers DoorDash can deliver for ya if you say yes. Plus, you know, my unconditional love."

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @cjwelford WHERE: The Midnight Club

"I'm telling you," Austin began as she sat down with her too-big-for-this-time-of-night coffee and chocolate croissant. "I never used to believe in the whole 'the full moon brings out the crazy in the universe' but the one we had on Monday has me changing my mind. Not only did I walk through a spider web- which shouldn't be a thing because we've had several frosts at this point, but a deer literally hit my Jeep! Ran right the fuck into it. Plus, I'm pretty sure some neighborhood kids decided it would be funny to put those little pop things that make that loud sound when you throw them on the ground under the wheels of the trash can so when I went to take it out to the curb I nearly had a heart attack and dropped my towel. Imagine being stark naked on the street because a 13 year old thought nearly making you pee yourself in nearly freezing temperatures would be funny." Finally sucking in a breath and bringing her coffee up to her lips to take a sip, Austin flashed an exasperated smile in CJ's direction. "I know I sound like I'm making all of that up but it was a weird Monday and I have no other explanation other than the full moon."

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @carlavillanueva WHERE: Austin & Kat's Living Room

There was no question that Colorado in November was cold, especially at night. It was one of Austin's favorite things about being home. The crisp mountain air coupled with the smell of wood burning fireplaces and the twinkling stars was nearly euphoric for the photographer. It was the true sense of home she always missed while she was away. But that didn't mean she wanted to go out into the freezing temperatures every night. Not a chance. Which was how their plans to go out for dinner turned in to the girls in their comfiest and coziest sweats sitting by the roaring fire with glasses of wine and Italian food takeout containers sprawled around them as a Hallmark Christmas movie played in the background.

"You know what I've never understood?" Austin asked, mouth half full of the bite of penne alla vodka she'd just taken. "Why, when you order any kind of pasta with chicken, they never cut up the chicken into bite sized pieces." Washing her bite down with a sip of wine, Austin gathered more pasta on her fork. "Like, why, do I have to cut it up first or try and bite off a bite sized hunk with a mouth full of pasta? I get aesthetics in a restaurant but when it comes in a metal container with a clear plastic lid- we're clearly going for convenience." Shrugging her shoulders, she took the bite of pasta. "But that's just my opinion... And I'm gonna eat it anyways. If I'm an idiot and choke on a too big piece of chicken while stuffing my face well," Shrugging her shoulders with a grin, Austin chuckled. "At least I went out doing something I love."

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @hcnayun WHERE: Holiday Speed Dating at Some Bar

There was pro/con list a mile long in Austin's phone detailing both the good and bad things about being back home. She found herself constantly adding and moving things around on it, but one thing that had stayed firmly in the con column was the stale dating pool. The photographer had grown up in the city and while the population ebbed and flowed, she found she was a creature of habit when it came to the people she'd surrounded herself with and the places she went. So, in an attempt to expand her horizons (and dating pool), Austin found herself at a local bar's speed dating event and it was going... fine.

She'd already seen three people from high school and one former one night stand who'd insisted she take their new number and she was only halfway through the rotation. So when she sat down at the next table once the bell rang, she let out a breath of relief as she checked the time on her phone. "Please tell me we didn't go to high school togeth-" Finally looking up from her phone screen, Austin's sentence cut off as her jaw hung slack for a moment and a wide grin overtook her features. "Holy shit, no way! Dally said you were in town but not that you looked this good. He never has been great at the important details."

[austin-cartwright]

WHO: @kennydavis WHERE: Davis/Williams Household, Bighorn Hills

Sitting on the couch with a bowl of popcorn with gummy bears and caramel M&Ms mixed in in her lap, a beer in one hand, and the remote in the other, Austin navigated through the on screen menu as she looked for the show she'd recently become enamored with. "I'm telling you, Ken. This show is insane. But like, in such a good and entertaining way." Once she found the show she was speaking of, Austin set down the remote on the couch next to her to grab a handful of popcorn as she waited for Kennedy to take a seat next to her on the couch and get comfortable. "But I do have to warn you, it's a lot of full frontal nudity. I mean, obviously, since the name is Naked Attraction, but I wasn't ready for the sheer amount of dicks I saw in the first episode alone." ( @kennydavis )

[austin-cartwright]

Walking next to Sage with her hands on the handles of Maggie's stroller, pushing her along while steering through the crowded mall, the warm smile on Austin's features was full of affection and pure happiness. She loved crowds, whether it be the bustle of people shopping for the holidays or the throng of strangers moving as one during a music festival, she loved being in the mix of it all. It made her feel like she was part of something bigger than herself. But her present company made the excursion to Skyline Shopping Center that much better. In truth, she'd probably do anything with Sage and Maggie if they asked. "Of course! I'm happy to help as much as I can. Gives me more time with my favorite girls. My only requirement is a stop by the food court because it's essentially sacrilegious to come to the mall and not get Auntie Anne's and Jamba Juice." She grinned, hip gently bumping against Sage's as they navigated around a slow moving group of teens who's gazes were focused on the screens of their phones. "I mean, that's a pretty good knowledge base if you ask me." She laughed. "Maggie could always get him a do not disturb sign as a nod to how she was conceived." ( @sagefranklin )

— austin cartwright skyline shopping center, downtown.

"Thanks for helping us out with this," The older blonde gratefully told the other woman as they walked through the bustling halls of the shopping center that were decked out as usual for the holidays. She always loved the rush of holiday shopping and with Maggie safely tucked into her stroller, it was easy to focus on what she needed to look for and the conversation at hand with their companion for the evening. Of course, one person that always took a little more thought to shop for was the exact reason why she'd invited Austin along shopping with them (outside, of course, of inviting her along for company, which she always enjoyed). "Maggie's a little older now, so I think she'll do well doing most of the picking out, but I was hoping you could maybe guide her toward things that Atlas would actually use, you know? My knowledge is fairly limited to wolves, Stevie Nicks, bar pool, and talented in a supply closet... none of which really helps when it comes to finding a gift from Maggie for him."

@austin-cartwright

[austin-cartwright]

As she sat curled up on their parents couch, a blanket wrapped around her body and a pair of borrowed socks from her mother's drawer on her feet, Austin couldn't help the feeling of contentment that washed over her. Being home was hard at times, not knowing when she'd be able to book a flight for a new adventure was even more difficult, especially because she was afraid that if she took off again she'd postpone coming back. But in moments like this? When the sounds of her mother and niece laughing in the kitchen and her sister by her side, it was easy. "I think she's trying to make up for the fact that I am a complete and total failure in the kitchen. She's teaching the grands young to make sure it never happens again." She grinned, laughter escaping her lips as she wrapped Cat up in the blanket with her once she sat down. "What are they making? Think it'll end up edible?" ( @catcartwright )

Who: @austin-cartwright Where: The Cartwright House

Cat liked visting her parents, even moreso when her siblings were also there. Cat had grown up the first six years of her life as an only child, so suddenly being part of a big family hadn't been too easy to get used to, but overtime she'd accepted them into her world, and now they were the most important thing in her life. Isla was in the kitchen baking with their mom and Cat walked into the living room, placing a drink down for Austin. "Mom is attempting to show Isla how to bake, I think she's grossly over-estimating that girl's ability to follow directions," she laughed.

[austin-cartwright]

Rolling her eyes as she leaned forward, nearly dropping the container of food in her lap, to grab an egg roll from the coffee table. Taking a bite of the fried appetizer, Austin leaned back and made herself more comfortable on the couch, short legs stretching out and poking at her twin brother's side just to annoy him as she bit back a grin. "I'm not helping you do shit if you're not going to give me forks and stuff when I'm over here just because I said I don't care if the match." Her tone was teasing, as was the grin on her features as she chewed another bite of egg roll obnoxiously. They both knew she was all talk, of course. She'd be there next week with bags and bags from Home Goods to help him decorate his new home. She may talk a lot of shit but she'd do anything for Dallas. "You can have a bite." Holding out the container with an iron grip, she held the now nearly finished egg roll in her mouth as she positioned the chopsticks in her now free hand in as threatening of a manner as she could. It was a silent communication, one she knew Dallas would understand. If he tried to take more than the one bite allowed she'd jab him with the chopsticks.

Normally, admitting how she felt was difficult for the photographer. She was open with most things in her life, with strangers hearing far too many inappropriate stories while she was traveling, just looking for people to talk to. Their mother called her a natural oversharer. And it was truth- but only with everything and anything that didn't matter. When it came to her emotions and feelings? Austin kept those close to the chest. But not with Dallas. It was cliche but because he was quite literally part of her, half of her soul it felt like at times, that she could tell him anything. And she did... most of the time. There were still some things she kept to herself, afraid to speak them into existence. Like her feelings for a man she hadn't even admitted to herself she felt. "I get that, but for what it's worth I'm glad you didn't. I don't know if I'd be able to stay without you here." Her sincere tone was accompanied by a soft smile shot in her brother's direction, both fleeting as she rolled her eyes in his direction once more. "Feelings for Max? C'mon, just because you're obsessed with Hana doesn't mean I like Max like that. But I am happy to be back with him and Atlas. And Kat. And everyone else, you brat." Finishing off the last bite of egg roll and nestling her container of chow mein protectively in her lap, Austin reached for a beer and took a long drink from it. "Okay but having mom do the decorating would be perfect. Say what you want about Rosie but she knows how to throw together a color pallet like nobody I know. She'll have this place looking like a bachelor pad in a magazine in less than 24 hours." She grinned. "Plus that means I don't have to drag my ass out here again. Sounds like a win/win for me." ( @dallasxcartwright )

"Noted...no cutlery for you next time. I still need you to come over next week and help me finish decorating this place, though." Despite being back a few months already, his place lacked the hominess that likely would've made moving home and settling in easier. "Change is only good when it comes to greasy takeout." As quick as the takeout container was snatched away from him, Austin was on the receiving end of an eye roll of his own. "At least leave me a few bites...I know how you get with chow mein and it's not pretty." His gaze scanned along the array of takeout dishes before he settled on one and leaned back into the couch.

Dallas wasn't surprised in the least to hear that Austin was struggling too, and yet it still provided a sense of relief for him. Maybe he wasn't as bad of a son and sibling as he thought for not settling back in as easily as the rest of their siblings seemed to. "I feel like I should've continued my road trip for another year or something. I like teaching and actually finally putting teacher's college to use, but the schedule kinda sucks. Bet you're over the moon being back with Atlas and Max. Speaking of Max, ever plan on telling him you've got the hots for him?" Her next words about their mom elicited a chuckle. "Rookie mistake...shouldn't have told her where you're staying. Just make sure you don't give her my address yet. She's not seeing my place until it's finished. I love her and all, but I'm not about to have her come try and become an interior designer."

[austin-cartwright]

Austin's eyes rolled at Kat's words as she pulled on the safety gear. She was confident in her skills, but not nearly as confident or competent as Kat. She needed the helmet and she wasn't afraid to admit that. "Please, like your tiny self could boot me anywhere." She mused with a playful grin, nudging the older woman with her elbow. Despite her words, Austin knew not to underestimate her oldest friend. If Kat wanted to, she could have Austin on the ground in seconds and she knew it, but that wasn't going to stop the photographer from running her mouth. Especially in the face of the short adventure the pair was about to embark on.

Once all of her safety gear was in place and her backpack was strapped to her back, Austin quickly followed Kat's footsteps and began to ascend up the face of the cliff. "That's absolutely not fair." She protested with a wide grin, head tilted back to look up at the brunette. "You got a head start!" Hoisting herself up with a quickness, Austin evened their playing field by climbing parallel to her best friend and pausing when they were at the same height on the rocks. "But if I'm anything, it's crafty." Her grin morphed into a smirk as she grabbed another rock and began to climb once more, passing Kat. "And I'm not letting that chocolate chip muffin go without a fight!" ( @katerinadelarosa )

"Oh, thank god," Kat hummed out when Austin chose going up and over. As much as she loved hiking, there was something inherently more satisfying about a tough free climb. The danger of it was something Kat couldn't say no to. "I would have had to boot your ass down the mountain if you'd said otherwise." It was why Kat loved Austin being home, she was one of the few people in her life that had just as much crazy in her as Kat did. A casual day hike turning into an arduous climb was just par for the course.

Kat started to take the gear out of her bag as they walked the last bit of trail to the mountainside, eager to get there and get started. "I packed a killer breakfast, so get moving, let's get it," Kat grinned, tossing some of the safety gear Austin's way before she grabbed her first rock to start hefting herself upwards, forgoing any equipment herself. It was a climb she'd done before, so she wasn't worried about it, confident she could scurry up without any equipment on her. With a loose grip, Kat let herself lean back a bit to glance down at Austin. "First one up gets dibs on their muffin of choice?"

@austin-cartwright

[austin-cartwright]

Proper refueling attire 🌹🔥

[austin-cartwright]

[austin-cartwright]

A grin spread wide on Austin's features as they spoke of her twin brother. It was cliche, of course, but Dallas was part of her. "You know he'd love that way too much. It'd go to his head and he'd be more insufferable than he already is. Please don't boost his ego like that." She mused, soft laughter escaping her lips. "Though I can't disagree with him because twins are the best. But don't tell him I said he was right. I'd never hear the end of it." She knew Dylan was only teasing, especially since she couldn't see either of the parents to be choosing the name Dallas, but it was funny to think about. "Some people have silly skills like steady hands during surgery and differential calculus. But not me. I have practical skills. Like scaring babies out of my friends." She mused, going along with Dylan's joke. "Oh, I've been told. Multiple times by my sisters, but I still haven't learned my lesson." More teasing as a grin lit up her face. "Exactly! It's not even worth watching a movie if you don't have plenty of snacks. Popcorn, candy, nachos. The works." Standing in the short concessions line, Austin slung an arm around Dylan's shoulders as they waited. "How are you feeling, though?" ( @dylan-westwick )

Dylan laughed at Austin talking about her twin brother and gave a small nod of agreement at this theory. "Y'know I actually did tease him that I was gonna name one our babies after him, since he was tellin' me all about how twins are obviously the best." She had no intention of actually naming either of hers and Theo's kids that, she could just see the way that Theo's would be mortified by the idea. It made her want to possibly suggest just to see how he'd react. "Yes, yes, you're still amazin' at scarin' me into almost birth." She joked though it would be a hilarious story if that was indeed the way things had happened, though not so funny at this very moment. Dylan let out a small gasp as Austin took a piece of popcorn. "Has someone never told you not to take food from a pregnant woman?" But then her friend made up for it for the suggestion of more of a spread. "Okay you're not wrong, we've got to have plenty to choose from!" She defended their reasoning, though no one was around asking them to answer for themselves.

@austin-cartwright

[austin-cartwright]

As he moved closer and her heart did the familiar stutter step it had in his presence she was a teenager, Austin's own eyebrows raised while she held her ground, even as her cheeks heated and soft pink blush painted her features. "Not a challenge, darlin'." She mused, using his own term of endearment against him as she bit down on her lower lip in an attempt to hold back a grin. "Just the truth."

For a moment, the photographer allowed herself to get caught up in the warmth of his charm and attention, her own hand raising to rest gently on the side of his face as her thumb brushed along the stubbled skin there. Her gaze settled on his for a moment, grin softening into an affectionate smile before she finally spoke. "Soft, soulful eyes... like a cow." She teased, finally allowing her full grin to overtake her features and soft laughter to escape her lips. "I told ya, Slick. Doesn't work on me anymore. I'm immune. Prolonged exposure and all of that."

Austin could talk as much as she wanted about not being effected by Silas's charms, but the truth of the matter was she probably always would be. Not because she was still in love with him, but when someone had seen your soul- much like Silas had seen hers- they became a part of you. And Silas, despite their distance in recent years, was a part of her.

Despite his reaction to her very sharp memory, the confident grin on Austin's features didn't falter. Had she never lost to him? Absolutely not. In fact, he'd probably bested her more often than not, especially if she was playing fair. But now wasn't the time to admit to any of that. "In the blood, you say? Mm, I'm not so sure about that." Her grin widened as she continued to tease him. "I'd be happy to. I'm sure getting tossed around by all those bulls and groupies has your poor little brain all scrambled. Have you had a concussion test recently?" She mused, reaching up to take the hat off of his head and place it atop her own, only so she could playfully ruffle the hair beneath it with a smirk.

"Hm, the lady doesn't want to have to do all the work for once." Smirk gracing he features, Austin began to walk towards the tables housing pumpkin carving materials. "And as much as I love a good steak, and my dad might crucify me for turning them down, I think you can do better." ( @syweston )

"Is that so?" A brow ticked skyward as a simper settled on his lips. Booted feet carried him a couple of steps closer, "sounds somethin' like a challenge to me if I've ever heard one." While his palm cupped his chin, fingers rubbed at the rough stubble that coated his jaw.

"It's not jus' this smile, Aus," the cowboy mentioned as his fingers reached for her auburn tresses. As much as Silas liked the coppery color on his ex he still couldn't really see her as anything other than that feisty blonde that had loved him hard and conquered dreams. "Apparently I've also got these soft, soulful eyes, too," the bull rider tacked on as he bat his lashes a couple of times.

The charm everyone claimed he possessed was something natural, never put upon and never really used as a manipulation tactic. In fact, most often when the slick and sweet words poured from his mouth it happened without thought.

It was simply who the heir was.

The commotion had pulled his attention as well. It was reminiscent of what he and his brother had gotten up to, he and his friends as well. Only difference was that they would've been laughing like hell rather than scampering off.

Austin's declaration had the cowboy leaning back momentarily as her words tickled him. They were each competitive. Always had been and Silas was sure that hadn't changed but her memory seemed to be little more fuzzy than his own. "Bravery is in the blood, darlin'. You'll have to remind me of all those wins, my brain seems to have missed a thing or two."

When his ex asked him to name some terms is when the rancher was stumped. "Hmm, well, what's the lady want? Steaks for one of those Cartwright family dinners?" Which was quite a reward given the quality and going rate. / @austin-cartwright

[austin-cartwright]

Austin had never been ashamed of her taste, which was probably why she'd voiced it so easily (and at times loudly). She'd always been of the opinion that you couldn't simply let fate decide the direction of your life, sometimes you had to take it into your own hands and go for what you wanted. And while her admiration for the town's head protector wasn't anything she planned to take to the altar, she couldn't help the slight jolt of excitement she got at Sage's words. "Oh I will." She teased back with a playful grin. "It's a shame he's been deprived of my sparkling personality and talents this long." More teasing accompanied a smirk on her features. She was confident in herself but she wouldn't be heartbroken if she never actually met the man they'd been joking about. "Eh, I could live with one less bar in my life. As long as it's not The Jagged Yard." She winked, soft laugh escaping her lips.

As their conversation shifted to Maggie, Austin's features softened and pure admiration shone through her bright blue eyes. "At least you put up a good front." She offered with a grin, though her expression quickly changed to one of shock and surprise at Sage's admission. "Oh my- Sage Franklin!" A hand came up to cover her mouth as her jaw went slack and laughter started to spill out. "I mean, you're an excellent mother." She began once she got her initial reaction under control. "And if I had a daughter as perfect as Mags then I'd want another one, too. But Atlas. You definitely lost your mind for a second there." She mused. Atlas was her best friend and his and Sages' dalliances brought one of her favorite people into the world, but she couldn't imagine that conversation. "But don't worry, your secret is safe with me babe." Grinning, she nudged the older woman gently. "You think you're gonna want another down the line? Maybe adopt? Maggie has some amazing sisters but she could use a brother don'tcha think?" ( @sagefranklin )

Sage's expression wrinkled in the most amused way possible, having been there done that. Thankfully what resulted was nothing more than friendship between the city's protector and the bar owner. "Remind me to introduce you two," She quipped, a teasing grin and a nudge against the other's shoulders with the back of her hand before both fell back to her sides. "You never know, right?" Who Jordan Walker was attracted to was never something that came up in conversation between them whenever they were able to chat and catch up, but Sage couldn't help but joke with the other nonetheless. Odds could be in anyone's favor. "Don't let Thea Harris hear you calling her mom stuffy, you'll be banned from Holy Spirits for life," The older blonde pointed out with a raised eyebrow in Austin's direction, clearly amused and sure that the comment wouldn't actually cause Thea to ban anyone from her bar. "Oh trust me, not well." Her head shook and her gaze fell to Maggie, who had somehow grown from a tiny peanut to a full grown kid in such a short amount of time. "Between you and me, I may have gotten a little baby fever a few months ago and asked Atlas to maybe to it again..." She trailed off, snorting in amusement. "I know, I feel like I definitely lost my mind for a moment. I'll have to disown you if you ever mention to anyone that I told you about it."

@austin-cartwright