riverwlker

[riverwlker]

[riverwlker]

river's disappointment etched itself onto her face in a deep frown. she fought it back, the muscles in her jaw clenching so tightly they ached. a small, barely perceptible nod was her acceptance of colt's desire to postpone the explanation, though the gesture felt more like a surrender than understanding. unable to hold his gaze, she focused on the mundane – picking at a loose cuticle around her fingernail, a nervous habit she thought she'd broken. when that didn't quell the rising tide of anxiety, she dug her nails into the soft flesh of her palms, a sharp, grounding sensation that pulled her back from the precipice of … something.

she felt fragile, like a glass filled to the brim, ready to shatter or overflow at the slightest tremor. spill over – the phrase echoed in her mind, undefined but heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions, fears, suspicions, hurt.

her eyes, which had been darting around the room, seeking distraction in the patterns of the carpet, returned to colt's face. perhaps she looked more vulnerable than she felt, or perhaps her anxiety was radiating off her in waves. whatever he saw – a plea, a threat of imminent emotional collapse, or simply her genuine confusion – it was enough.

he visibly shifted, the resolution in his eyes softening, and she knew, with a surge of relief that was almost dizzying, that he changed his mind and decided to share.

colt's explanation tumbled out in a rushed, almost panicked tone, each word blurring into the next. it was difficult for river to keep up, her head already swimming in a confusing cocktail of disbelief and pain and uncertainty. still, she clung to each word, needing to know, needing to understand the story behind the image seared into her mind. ' it's not what you think ... we're not together ... she's not my girlfriend ... we came up with it. '

silence followed, thick and heavy, punctuated only by the frantic beat of river's own heart. she needed to process his jumbled confession, to sift through the chaos and find the truth buried beneath. her brow furrowed as she pieced together the fragmented information, her gaze fixed on colt. she felt his hands shaking against her skin and without thinking about, takes them in hers and sets them in her lap. she didn't know what else to do. she didn't feel angry or as snippy this time, now she was in a truly exhausted state.

finally, the words formed in her mouth, a hesitant question laced with a fragile hope. " you ... you and your friend, just-a-friend olivia, came up with a plan? a plan to pretend to be together in order to help you with your parents? ... help you with your parents, how? why? " brows furrowed with confusion, she couldn't exactly understand what having a fake girlfriend had anything to do with his parents.

It wasn't very often that Colt found himself in a situation that he couldn't talk himself out of or see a way through that would call for an easy escape, but something about the way that he could barely think straight had him second guessing everything. His training dictated that they should go to the ER and get checked out by a professional but every time that his thoughts flickered back to seeing her on the ground, there was an anger that coursed through him that someone else had been the cause for her pain.

And he couldn't stomach putting her through that again. However in the span of finding his kit and heading back to where River sat, Colt had already forgotten any protocol that he had been trained to do in the state of even the smallest emergency. All he could think was seeing her there again, and their last conversation, and everything else that'd gone wrong for him since he'd messed up everything between them.

It was a mistake, one that he couldn't take back or even explain what was going on before it was too late and as quickly as she'd made an impression on his life for the better, then she was gone again. Until tonight as he moved towards where she sat, releasing the breath that he'd been holding onto when she would rather be there too instead of going to the ER or anywhere else. He set the kit down by her her chair, kneeling down to unzip it as he started to go through some of items inside even as his entire being wanted to say everything on his mind first.

His gaze shifted slightly when she spoke again, causing his heart to leap into the base of his throat as he could barely keep his priorities straight when they all swirled around her. "We should make sure you're alright first," he spoke, though his tone was quiet and somber as he tried to keep it still as he started to inspect the hit to her head that he was sure that she took first when he'd seen on the ground. But one glance was all it took for him to lose his train of thought, and want to make it all up to her and then some. "It's not what you think, I promise. Olivia, she's a friend. One that was.. is helping me out with my folks."

How was he supposed to put years of turmoil and judgement into a few short sentences before the fear of her walking out again became too much for him to bear once again. "We're not together. She's not my girlfriend, even if that's what they think, 'cause that's what we wanted them to think," he spoke as a rush of words all fought to be heard first as his hands shook from their place in wanting to check her out and make sure that she as okay. Or because he didn't want her to go. "We came up with it." Before he knew her. Before he knew what she meant to him, he wanted to say.

[riverwlker]

her ears started to burn, a creeping heat that flushed her cheeks and tightened her throat. then, the ringing began, a high-pitched whine that threatened to drown out the sounds of the room. she waited, suspended in the agonizing silence before val's answer, each heartbeat a deafening drum in her chest. she hated this, the raw, exposed feeling that clawed at her insides. hated that this was woven into the tapestry of her life, a dark thread she couldn't snip away.

as many times as she tried to outrun it, to escape the shadows that clung to her, her past always caught up with her. it was relentless, a vengeful hunter. and it was always vicious, snapping at her ankles, threatening to trip her and drag her back into the darkness she so desperately wanted to escape. the fear tasted like bile in her mouth, sharp and bitter.

before she could fully grasp val's change of heart, the woman's hand closed firmly around hers. the contact was surprisingly warm, a stark contrast to the cool dread that was already settling in her stomach. with a swift, urgent pull, val tugged her down a narrow side street, the abrupt movement catching her off balance for a moment.

they were trying to disappear, to melt into the shadows, but the haste of their escape, the obviousness of their sudden detour, felt more like a spotlight shining on their backs.

her skin began to prickle with a nervous energy, a creeping sense of exposure that raised goosebumps on her arms and the back of her neck. she could practically feel the eyes of their pursuers boring into them, even though they were supposedly hidden from view. the feeling of vulnerability was overwhelming, a cold wave washing over her and threatening to pull her under.

river stopped so abruptly she nearly stumbled, her runners skidding slightly on the pavement. a dead end. but not a wall. river wished for a wall, maybe then she would have had a chance to climb over it. but no. there was a blockage of paparazzi waiting for them. her chest grew heavy, a lead weight settling in her lungs, making it hard to draw a breath. dread, cold and clammy, tightened its grip.

“ ...val? ” the blonde whispered, her voice barely audible above the rising tide of panic. she shook her head slowly, back and forth, a frantic, silent denial of the reality before them. the relentless flashing of cameras felt like physical blows. river flinches, ducking her head to hide her face, which did nothing. then a terrible thought popped into her head, a seed of paranoia taking root and blossoming into full-blown suspicion, dragging her down into a spiral — if she wasn't already plummeting. maybe val did this. maybe this wasn't an accident. this couldn't have been an accident.

the blonde whipped her head towards valentina, her eyes wide and searching, something raw and vulnerable flickering behind the accusation that has not yet been spoken.

gaze on val was replaced by a stark distrust, a heartbreaking contrast to the warmth and easy camaraderie they had shared earlier that day. “ did you do this? did you plan this? ” the word 'this' hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. this. as in, the paparazzi swarm that now surrounded them, their lenses like hungry eyes devouring her. this. as in, the claustrophobic dead end that trapped them both. this. and, perhaps most painfully, this — a betrayal she suddenly felt so acutely.

Val can see the sheer panic in River’s gaze, the way her breath comes in shallow bursts, eyes darting wildly. She doesn’t know River well—not really—but she knows enough to recognize real fear when she sees it. Something is seriously wrong.

Her instincts tell her to stay put, to demand an explanation before she moves. But River’s grip is tight, nearly frantic, and it sends a prickle of unease up Val’s spine. She hesitates, just for a second. This whole situation feels off.

“Okay,” she finally says, voice measured. She squeezes River’s hands, trying to be reassuring, but even as she does, doubt coils in her gut. She flicks a quick glance past River’s shoulder, scanning the street.

She spots movement—figures lingering just beyond the flow of foot traffic. Cameras, half-lowered but ready. Paparazzi.

Her breath catches. How had they found River? And more importantly—why were they already in position?

Val swallows the uneasy feeling rising in her chest and tightens her grip. “This way,” she says, tugging River toward the side street. It’s more open, more visible, but it’s the first direction that comes to mind. Maybe it’s the wrong choice, maybe it isn’t—but either way, they have to move.

She holds on tighter, her voice dropping low. “Trust me.”

[riverwlker]

" good, " river says, giving a firm nod, her eyes gleaming with a spark of enthusiasm. when lucas hesitantly mentions that he has yet to truly experience the ocean, a confession laced with a hopeful suggestion that she might offer some guidance, the blonde exclaims, " if course i can! " her voice rings with genuine excitement. if there was something, anything in this world that truly captured her attention and held it captive, it was the unparalleled joy of teaching. it was inextricably linked to the thrill of unloading any and all information she possessed onto a willing student, transforming them into a vessel overflowing with knowledge. a sudden business like demeanour fills her voice as she grabs her pen and asks, " give me a time, a date, and i'll jot it down in my schedule. we'll make sure you're properly acquainted with the sea. "

" being humbled by nature is certainly a privilege, " river said, a genuine warmth in her voice. she then chuckled, a light, airy sound. " and if you do it right, a lot of fun. " she snickers while swirled the remaining liquid in her glass, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken adventure.

" i think that's a great idea, lucas, " river grinned widely, the expression lighting up her face. she’d been harbouring the same thought, the desire to spend more time with him, but had hesitated to voice it, not wanting to come across as too eager. " next tuesday morning. i'll have to ask if i can have a ' bring a friend ' session, but i'll send you the deets when i can." she told him, finishing off her beer. the last swallow was followed by a satisfied sigh, leaving a faint foam moustache on her upper lip that she quickly wiped away with the back of her hand. " so, prepare to be humbled, — and maybe keep up while you're at it! " she gestures playfully to lucas' beverage, then to hers, pointing out the significant gap in their beer consumption.

Lucas smiled warmly at the deliberate gesture that River gave by gesturing with her beer bottle. He gave a downward jut of his chin in a gentle manner to acknowledge the words as a sort of thank you. Her words bubbled laughter to his lips as a warming feeling spread through his body at her words. "A badge of honor, huh?" His lips curled into a grin, "I'll take that and do my best not to let my talent gather any dust," he jested right back, unable to help himself as he continued to laugh with her catchy tune.

"You'll be the first to know," Lucas lifted his own beer bottle to his lips for a thoughtful sip, "you have my word on that." And Lucas was a man of his word. If broken, something were severely wrong.

As River spoke of horseback riding and surfing being alike, he listened intently, curious to what she were going to say. "That makes sense," he nodded his head along to her words. Getting your ass kicked by nature, now that was something he could agree with though he had only ever been horseback riding himself. "I've yet to come face to face with the beast that is the ocean." Lucas joked with her, "but maybe you'll be able to give me some pointers," his lips curled into a smile at her. "I've not even been horseback riding in some time," he paused, giving her another smile, "so it seems I've got to get back out there, have myself humbled by nature a bit." Lucas teased, taking another sip of his drink.

"When's your next humbling lesson out on a horse, I may have to join you." @riverwlker

[riverwlker]

" eleven? wow, " river said, letting the word hang in the air. she wasn't honestly too sure if that was old for a horse. she assumed that it was, picturing dogs and cats and their relatively short lifespans. even still, the horse she was looking at was beautiful. its coat shone with a creamy, almost pearlescent colour, and its mane and tail were the colour of smoke, a captivating grey that seemed to ripple even when the horse stood still. river was stunned by the beauty of the creature. " she's gorgeous, and seems very gentle. " she muses, smiling fondly at the animal before her. " what if i am, huh? you don't? " river asked back, tilting her head and looking over her shoulder at wes. a faint smile played on her lips. she did, in fact, talk to animals like they were old friends. how could she not? animals were honest, uncomplicated in their needs, and fiercely loyal once you earned their affection.

" yes to being a surfer, yes to the australian accent, " she replied, a hint of amusement lacing her voice, mixed with gladness that wes was able to pinpoint her accent. many still ask, most who don't know any better, if she's from the u.k or new zealand which of course can be very irking. " have you ever been? to australia, i mean. and i hope i don't have to either, but just in case it does, i won't hold it against you or daisy. " there was a playful challenge in her tone, a suggestion that she was capable and self-reliant, but also willing to share the blame if things went south.

following wes' instructions — though not before giving him a playful glare when he pokes at her level of excitement. river then takes a slow breath, the scent of hay and horse strong in the air, calming her. she reached out a tentative hand, palm open, and the mare, seemingly sensing her intentions, lowered her head slightly, nuzzling river's outstretched fingers. river talks to daisy, cooing at the mare and runs her fingers over the strong neck of the animal. " i have a good feeling this is gonna be a match made in heaven, wes, " she begins with an elated smile directed at the mare, before it turns into something a little more cheeky and she looks over her shoulder at wes, " when can we start to riding? "

Wes let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as River practically radiated with excitement beside him. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen someone this eager to meet a horse — not that he minded. If anything, her energy was kinda contagious, drawing out an amused smirk as he watched her take in every little detail about Daisy. "She's eleven," he answered, reaching out to run a hand down Daisy's neck, fingers moving with natural familiarity. "Been with us for a while now. Used to belong to a family with a couple of kids, but they moved, couldn't keep her. She's about as steady as they come, though— patient, forgiving. Good horse for getting your bearings," he said, giving River a knowing smile. His brow lifted slightly at her enthusiasm, her near-breathless excitement making him huff another quiet chuckle. “You’re one of those people who talks to animals like they’re old friends, huh?” His tone wasn’t teasing, not exactly—more observational, laced with something bordering on fondness.

At her comment about surfing, Wes tilted his head, considering her for a moment. "Surfer, huh?" He exhaled through his nose, the corners of his mouth quirking up. "Let's just hope you don't have to put that skill to use today. —That an Australian accent?" After a beat, he motioned toward the stall door, stepping aside to give River room. “Go on, introduce yourself. Let her get a feel for you.” His voice was a little quieter now, more instructive. “Let her smell your hand first, move slow. No sudden, excited movements—no matter how much you wanna bounce outta your skin right now.” His smirk deepened slightly, eyes flicking toward her with clear amusement.

[riverwlker]

Michelle Randolph

[riverwlker]

river never understood the urge to drink alone. it only turned a bad mood into a full-blown crisis. more specifically, it made her ruminate on past mistakes, dwell on future worries. drinking with another person, on the other hand, was a completely different experience. shared laughter, engaging conversations, and the simple comfort of company always chased away the shadows that threatened to engulf her when she was alone with a bottle.

this pop by, though, was more for jackson than for river. since they've met, she's only ever seen him in this very office, sitting in that very chair, hunched over papers and ruining his posture. she wanted to see him loosen up a little, to confirm he was a real person, not some meticulously crafted android dedicated to spreadsheets, or whatever the hell he was always looking at. either way, river knows what it feels like to be under the suffocating pressure of responsibilities, and sometimes you just need someone to help you live a little.

river's grin widened as she bounced further into the office, " thanks, i've been working on my magic just for this moment. " she circles her wrist and takes a curtsy before gesturing between the bottle and a potential lack of glassware. " are we being classy and using cups or are we being pirates and doing this straight from the bottle? what kinda night are you having, boss? " she asked, tilting her head, her eyes sparkling with mischievousness.

Finally, a lull seemingly presented itself during regular hours at the restaurant, Jackson finding a window of time for mundane catch-up tasks. Necessary, yet ones he would find himself purposely putting off. Managing the Huang family establishment within the small town meant likely distractions with regular customers and familiar faces around while fulfilling their orders.

Even though his hands haphazardly held supply reports under one arm, a recognizable voice instantly halted his tracks, the building's upstairs occupant undeniably making herself known. “River, hey.” Jackson’s features brightened, the blonde’s company quickly became a high point in any given day. He hadn’t thought twice assisting Vanna with providing her a comfortable living space at Vim’s for as long as she needed or wanted. River didn't even have to go above and beyond what she did helping out around the business either, yet it was definitely appreciated. A brow quirked upon the veiled offer, noticing the disclosed whiskey bottle. "Is the last option even a question?" A knowing smirk played on his lips. "Impressive magic trick you just did there by the way." ( @riverwlker )

[riverwlker]

" oh, i'm sorry to hear that, " river said to esra, her nose scrunching with a genuine disappointment that one might reserve for close friends relaying bad news, as if the two women had known each other already for ages. in river's mind a work trip was a temporary separation that only intensified the desire to reconnect. river would have assumed a couple would want to spend time together after spending time apart.

river also struggled to understand esra's vague description of her husband being "a lot." the phrase hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. "a lot" could mean anything from being overly demanding and clingy to behaving obnoxiously or inconsiderately.

whatever it encompassed, river instinctively knew it wasn't positive. the very fact that esra needed space, a refuge from her own partner, sat uncomfortably with river. the situation made her want to offer more than just a platitude, but she hesitated, uncertain of how to proceed without overstepping. " you wanna talk more about that? " river offers, tilting her head slightly.

now, it was her turn to explain herself. " uh, well, " river begins, a small sigh escaping her lips. her gaze drifted away from the pretty brunette across from her, as if the act of looking at her made it harder to articulate the mess swirling within. " i got my heartbroken a little bit, i think. " she hastened to clarify, her hands moving slightly in her lap. " not a full split in half, broken to pieces heartbreak. it's like a crack, y'know? a hairline fracture, maybe. not a total collapse. "

she paused, chewing on her lip for a moment, as if trying to find the right words to explain the specific brand of ache she was experiencing. " but now i'm out here just ... thinking about him, the person who caused the crack, because i miss him so fucking much. " her voice dropped a little on the last part, a raw honesty slipping through. " but he caused the crack, so now i need space, but the space hurts. " river huffs loudly after rambling on, the sound a frustrated expulsion of all the tangled emotions. she took a deep inhale, holding it for a beat before slowly releasing it. " i'm choking on the irony, i think, " she added quietly.

then, a nervous, embarrassed chuckle bubbled up. " i'm sorry. that was ... way too much. " she finally met the brunette's eyes again, a vulnerability clear and visible in blue depths. " i didn't mean to unload like that. "

Esra's brown eyes softened at River's obvious openness, and her warm demeanor betrayed any preconceived notions she had about her newfound companion. She relaxed, surprised to find herself feeling comfortable in the presence of another person. Initially, Esra had just intended to go outside for some fresh air, but perhaps she needed a connection more than she realized.  

With a soft chuckle, she turned back to watch the motion of the waves, the sound demanding her full attention. It was an unsettling noise, yet it helped her stay composed in an unusual way. "I needed to get some fresh air," she said, shrugging with an embarrassed grin. It felt silly and dramatic to go this far just for a breath of fresh air, but Esra was a romantic at heart. The crashing waves called to her to ruminate.  

"My husband has been... a lot lately," she added, letting out a tired chuckle. "He just returned from a work trip, and now I suddenly feel like I need some space," she said, shrugging again with a fidgety shake. "What about you?" she smiled softly, crossing one leg over the other.

[riverwlker]

BLUE PLANET II 2017・1x01 One Ocean

[riverwlker]

river immediately regretted her sharp words to colt, the moment they left her mouth. a wave of shame washed over her. internally, she berated herself: why did i say that? she knew better. colt, bless his heart, was genuinely trying to offer support, and she'd bitten his head off. she replayed the conversation in her mind, cringing at the venom in her tone. it was wrong.

the truth was, river was a tangled mess of emotions. she felt like she was trapped at the center of a chaotic vortex, each problem and feeling a swirling wind threatening to pull her under. this wasn't a momentary frustration; it was a deep, pervasive sense of dysregulation. her thoughts raced, her emotions surged, and she felt utterly untethered from her own control with the weight of everything was crushing her.

the unrelenting exhaustion gnawed at her, making even taking a few simply steps into colt's home felt herculean. a dull, persistent ache throbbed behind her eyes, amplifying her irritability. and looming over everything was the uncertainty of what was going to come next. she was adrift, lost in a sea of possibilities and anxieties, with no clear direction or even a rudimentary map to guide her. all she knew was she was tired, overwhelmed, and completely unsure of what to do next.

river settles into a chair at the kitchen table, she closes her eyes, a small sigh escaping her lips as she savours the moment of quiet. the hum of the refrigerator is a steady, predictable drone that allows her to unwind, just a little. her eyelids flutter open when she hears colt's footsteps approaching.

the mention of the er, the chaotic environment, sends a sharp pang through her chest. the images, sounds, and smells. she didn't want to go there but the feeling is fleeting, suspended in the tense silence that follows his words. after a beat, colt breaks the quiet again, his voice a low rumble, and tells her that he'd rather her be here. the simple declaration washes over her, a balm to her anxieties, grounding her in the present moment. she looks at him and the knot in her chest loosens, replaced by a warmth that spreads through her. " i'd rather be here too. "

she shifts in the seat, waiting for colt to do whatever he needed to do. " ... since we're here, " she began, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible, " you might as well begin explaining whatever it is you want to explain. " despite her best efforts to sound neutral, a subtle tension clung to the words, betraying a wariness that she couldn't quite mask. her eyes, though fixed on colt, held a slightly guarded expression, as if assessing the potential hurt contained within his forthcoming words.

It was almost second nature at this point in his life, always with an excuse or a put down towards himself as if needing to do it before anyone else could. Something self taught and hard to unlearn after all this time even as his grip shifted so slightly on the wheel when River's voice cut through the way that he was getting caught up in his own thoughts. "I wasn't," he whispered before he shook his head because he didn't know how to even begin to explain what he was thinking. Or how they wasn't even close to the right time.

All he could do was jump from the front seat of the truck and move around to her side, ready to give her a hand or space, whichever she preferred rather than think about himself. Or the way they hadn't so much as spoken to each other since New Years Eve. He'd tried calling a few times, but only made it through to her old roommate before even that wasn't someone that could tell him where River had gone. He'd taken it all with a grain of salt, that Colt wasn't supposed to know what was going on, mostly because of what he'd done.

At least in the span of the few moments of being outside the truck, Colt felt that he could right himself again and not fall directly into the same headspace that he'd been fighting since that night. He could continue to pick apart how he'd done everything wrong in the span of just a few moments or the way that he hadn't been able to think straight for more than a few minutes. All he could think about was River, and how much he wanted to fix everything, or at least be able to explain his side of things.

Still, his hand shook only slightly as he pulled open the door and avoided meeting her gaze for too long, unsure if she'd want to continue the momentary conversation that dipped before focusing back on what happened at the grocery store. "I want to help, that's all." His voice gentle, though he could feel the weight of disappointment weigh him down like stones in his stomach when she held onto the truck rather than his hand. Colt nodded as he followed a few steps behind as they headed back up towards the front door.

A heavy quiet fell over them, words lost, and thoughts clouding anything else he might be able to say or do as he stepped around at the last moment to unlock the door and hold it open again for her. "If you'll sit, I'll grab my kit and be right back," he spoke quickly, leaving back towards where he'd last seen his bag after he'd dropped it after a long shift. Inside would be anything that he would need to check her out, but he still didn't know if she wanted him to even be near her anymore than they already were. Colt came back quietly, setting it on the table as he glanced back at her. "Unless you'd rather I call you an Uber, but I'd recommend taking it to the ER if you do want to go first."

Normally he didn't feel so indecisive and would push to check someone out himself, but they were treading in a weird space where he didn't know the boundaries anymore. It would take some talking, but neither one of them were carrying on a conversation at the moment as he stood there next to the bag as he glanced over at her once more. Almost impossible to not look at her, something that Colt had figured out far too late to set things right before they spiraled out to the state of awkwardness that he felt then. "I would rather you be here," he spoke after a moment.

[riverwlker]

river simply nods at colt's words before she leaned into the door, wiping away the tears with the back of her sweater, finally allowing her posture to relax slightly as they continued down the road. the tension hadn't dissipated, and she can feel it radiating off of colt. her eyes remained glued to the passing scenery, her gaze constantly darting to the sideview mirror. she was desperately hoping, almost praying, that there was no one following them. colt's words, though, take river out of the worried trance she was in. she looks over at him so quickly that it almost makes her dizzy again.

there's a look of disappointment in her features before the words, sharp and laced with an edge of raw emotion, escaped river's lips before she could fully process them. " don't do that. i hate it when you do that, " she blurted, the sentiment raw and honest despite the lack of premeditation. even as the words hung in the air, a flicker of regret crossed her face – she hadn’t meant to sound so harsh. but the feeling lingered, a prickly discomfort she couldn't ignore.

she gestured vaguely, her hand trembling slightly. " minimize yourself. what you do. what you did back there. " the frustration bubbled to the surface, brought on by a chaotic mix of emotions she hadn't yet untangled. and to top it off, she could feel the telltale throb of an impending migraine hammering behind her eyes. the pressure built, amplifying her already heightened sensitivity and turning her into a very moody person. she paused, taking a deep breath in an attempt to regain some composure. despite the turmoil, she couldn't deny the underlying truth. " i'm still trying to process, – everything, " she admitted, her voice softening slightly. whether she meant what was between them or what had happened at chapman's was neither here nor there. " but you got me out of there. so ... thank you. and take it. "

she leans against the door once more was so intently focused on ensuring they weren't being followed that she almost missed colt muttering under his breath, calling himself an idiot as they pulled into his parking spot. " colton, " she warned, her tone soft but edged with a hint of impatience. but he was already telling her to wait, and to let him give her a hand. she sighs and he's already out the door. it's probably for the best, anyway. she'll put this away, for now.

the urge to grasp colt's hand was almost a physical ache, but the sharp, unwelcome reminder of " he has a girlfriend! " echoed in her mind, a jarring counterpoint to the vulnerable impulse. it wasn't just about the ethics of it, though that certainly played a role. if she couldn't navigate this simple act of disembarking from a truck without relying on colt, without needing his support, how could she possibly face the bigger, more daunting challenges that lay ahead? how could she prove to herself that she was strong enough, capable enough, to handle whatever life threw her way?

she forced herself to step out of the truck, denying the pull of his presence. her hand, aching to intertwine with his, instead groped for the cold, hard metal of the truck's side for balance. she deliberately avoided meeting his gaze, knowing that her eyes, usually bright and expressive, would betray the wave of sadness threatening to engulf her. wordlessly, she turned and moved forward as quickly as her legs would allow her, putting distance between them before she could see the disappointment clouding his features.

this was already becoming hopelessly entangled. lines were blurring, emotions were simmering, and she felt like she was losing control. she needed to establish some boundaries, some sort of clear separation. a line in the sand, however arbitrary, right?

He hadn't thought anything through, only acted on instinct on seeing River on the ground, collapsed and surrounded by people that weren't too concerned with her well being. They only seemed to want to record the entire moment. It boiled his blood, exiting any thought of their previous conversation from moments earlier when he knew that the only thing in his head was to protect her. Keep her safe. Colt hadn't considered that she'd asked for space in the moment and knew that his nerves were fried when he began to think about it in the space of his truck.

But he couldn't leave her there, hell, he hadn't even wanted to leave her at the resort when she'd run off from him and asked for space. Or time. Something until he could give her an explanation to who Olivia was and why his old man had confused her with the other. Or how he was completely wrapped up in how he felt about the girl sitting in the front seat of his old truck with him. And not anyone else.

Part of him knew that he should take her to the ER and get checked out, but he had his kit back home where he could do practically the same thing at first. If he found something wrong, then they'd head over there right after. Colt nodded, unsure of what even to say in the moment as she was the one that broke the silence once he'd turned off the main road to head towards his part of the neighborhood. "Okay, my kit is there and I can check you out. Make sure that you're alright," he spoke softly, his words trailing off as he glanced away to stare at the road ahead.

It was in part his training that pushed the words to the forefront of his mind, but there were so many other racing thoughts and things that he wanted to say to her. Explain how he felt in seeing her on the ground there, collapsed and unsure of what had happened. All he had done was act without thinking, knowing that he needed to help get her out of there and then take the step backwards again if she asked for it. "I didn't do much," he added with a shake of his head as he cast a sideways look in her direction.

He could have done more, gauging the way his knuckles were white on the steering wheel and doing everything in his power to keep calm under the weight of everything unsaid. "Or something," he almost chuckled at the sheer remarkable nature where River was able to joke after what he'd seen happen back at the grocery store. "Not a firefighter all the time. That's usually reserved for me being an idiot instead," he added almost like a mutter under his breath as he turned down the drive to his place and slowed the truck to a stop. Colt killed the engine and paused. "Wait there, let me give you a hand, okay?"

All he could imagine was seeing her step out and keel over completely after the weight of everything, instead not wanting to give her a chance to let that happen as he jumped out of the driver's seat and went around to her door as quick as he could. The least he could do was grab the door, even if he didn't know where either one of them stood at that moment. Colt offered her a hand to help her down if she wanted to take it. "We'll take it at your pace and get you inside."

[riverwlker]

" my holly-senses were tingling, " river grins, wiggling her brows suggestively. she hopped onto a bar stool with a fluid motion, settling her forearms comfortably on the polished wood. the playful expression on her face, coupled with the slight forward lean of her torso, broadcasted her anticipation for the time she was about to spend with holly.

" good christ, " she exclaimed, her eyes widening slightly as she scanned the familiar surroundings that she's been in numerous times since moving to briar ridge almost twelve months ago now. " i almost always forget that wes owns this place. " she paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. " and how many of there are you, again? like, five? all impossibly good-looking, running around this town? " river laughs, unable to help herself become a more candid version of herself. she'd only recently learned about the parker clan, now that she was getting riding lessons at their ranch. trying to keep them all straight felt like a mental rodeo. " vodka, please, and thanks! " she added before putting down the money owed, the tip included, obviously.

𝙲𝙻𝙾𝚂𝙴𝙳 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙴𝚁   :    river ﹠    holly parker @ THE RUSTY SPUR.

river's move from alara's beachfront apartment to vim's couch marked a transition in her living situation that involved adjusting to a new space with its own set of dynamics. in an effort to be considerate of vim's, vanna, and the rest of her families hospitality, as well as the limited space available, she developed a routine of visiting the rusty spur after her shifts at the aquarium. this routine was her way of subtly minimizing her presence at Vim's place, aiming to strike a balance between being appreciative of his kindness and maintaining a sense of independence.

by making the rusty spur a part of her post-aquarium routine, river sought to find solace in the company of familiar faces and the comforting ambiance of the bar, which provided her with a temporary escape from the shared living arrangements that she was adjusting to.

❛ hi babes! ❜ river greeted holly enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a closed-mouth but noticeably cheerful smile as she caught sight of the familiar redhead working behind the bar. ❛ are you just starting a shift, or about to finish? ❜ she inquired with genuine curiosity, her eyes reflecting a mix of familiarity and warmth towards her friend. despite the bustling ambiance of the bar, river's voice rang out clear and full of anticipation, eager to catch up with holly and share in the latest happenings of each other's lives. ❛ either way, you wanna do a few shots before we get down'n'dirty with the latest life updates? ❜ river bites her bottom lip playfully, giving her shoulders a little shimmy as if the movement alone was going entice holly into drinking with her.

[riverwlker]

" ooh, okay, gotcha! " river replied, finally understanding. " in that case, no. no anchor or rose for me. i actually don't really know what i want, " she confessed, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. " i mean, i have scattered ideas floating around, and i definitely want my tattoo to resemble and be dedicated to someone, but i just ... i don't know what imagery would truly capture that. " it was almost too much to think about. the pressure of permanently marking her skin with something so meaningful was daunting. if this appointment didn't have anything to do with honouring her father, she would have politely thanked the artist and fled out the door. the weight of the decision felt immense.

shifting her weight from foot to foot, a nervous habit kicking in, river offered a tight, somewhat strained grin. " ummm ... can my appointment be with you? " she asked, her voice laced with limited hope, but hope nonetheless. despite knowing sammie for just a short time, river felt strangely comfortable with her. there was something in sammie's demeanour, a quiet understanding perhaps, that put river at ease, making her believe that sammie might actually be able to help her navigate this overwhelming process.

river's lips curved into a genuine smile at sammie's confession about the notes app. a small, almost imperceptible nod acknowledged the shared experience, the up-and-down movement betraying a flicker of amusement. a whisper of doubt, however, lingered beneath the surface. was sammie truly as scattered as she claimed, or was this a carefully crafted tactic to soothe river's frayed nerves? regardless of the motive, the effect was undeniable; river felt a sliver of tension ease.

the nod became more emphatic, a decisive affirmation. " i'm good, i'm ready, " she declared, the words carrying a newfound conviction. she fell into step behind sammie, the anxiety that had been clawing at her throat momentarily subdued. " as much as i'd love a coffee — or, let's be honest, a shot of tequila — right now, they might just push me over the edge into full-blown jitters. water is perfect, please. " she added, her voice laced with sincere gratitude for the thoughtful consideration sammie was showing.

The blonde was petite and cuter than cute. Likely married to some rich southern industry man. That assessment was doubted quickly though when she noticed a bare ring finger. Even if Sammie wasn't sure where she was on the spectrum of dating; into it or not, she liked to know there were possibilities. It was fun though, doing a quick observational read on someone. Mostly her wandering eyes were due to imagining where her artwork would go.

"It's just a tease. You know, the whole anchor or rose ordeal, with them being overdone and overused?" Sammie waved it off. Coming from her, the artist and owner of the studio, it could sound like a putdown and she wasn't of the opinion that either of those options were a bad thing. "Who do you have an appointment with?"

When she pulled her raised feet up off the desk and leaned forward she smiled at the rambling and over-explanation of things. Was she nervous? "River, River, River..." Sammie mumbled quietly as she guided an unclicked pen down the appointment blocks for the day, nodding absently as the blonde carried on. "Sometimes," she said when she looked up, amusement and interest in her eyes as they met River's, and leaned leaned an elbow onto the desk, "who am I kidding? Most nights, somewhere in the small hours, I live in my notes app. It's a catchall for my brain."

A diary/journal, random thoughts, important notes, even some doodles made it into there, quotes she wanted to save and remember, to-do lists, details of her dreams/nightmares jotted down as fresh as possible, etc.

"It looks like you're with me, though, and a half hour early. But that's fine. We can get started with the consult if you're ready?" Brow raised, questioning because maybe River needed a minute. "My private room is back this way," Sammie informed as she stood and gestured further into the studio, "bathrooms are off to your right there. Need anything to eat or drink, hun? Coffee, a shot of tequila...?" / @riverwlker

[riverwlker]

MICHELLE RANDOLPH L'OFFICIEL USA 2025

[riverwlker]

" mmm, " river gives a thoughtful hum, a small smile playing on her lips. " you're a collaborator. yeah, i can see that. it's ... refreshing, to be honest. makes sense. we definitely need more of you in the world. sometimes it feels like everyone's so busy trying to outdo each other or bring another person down, they forget the power of working together. " river scrunches her nose, processing her own words. " sorry. didn't mean to sound like an after school special. "

" what? no way! that's really neat, " she exclaimed, genuine surprise and interest lighting up her face. " i've never met anyone who works in sports. — well, " she corrected herself, a slight self-conscious laugh escaping her, " that's not technically true. i surf, and like you, it's taken me all over the globe chasing the perfect wave. so, in a way, we both understand that nomadic lifestyle. " she elaborated quickly, her curiosity piqued. " what kind of sports do you cover? is it any and all, or is there a niche interest? do you specialize in a particular sport? " her mind raced, a playful thought bubbling to the surface. she wondered if their paths had ever unknowingly converged at some point, maybe in a crowded beach or a bustling airport terminal, both drawn to the energy of athletic competition but never realizing the other's presence. the possibility of such a near-miss fascinated her.

when the attention of the conversation turned to river, a subtle stillness washed over her. she paused, a moment of internal deliberation as she mapped out her opening statement. where should she begin? what aspects of herself would resonate? " i work at marineland, " she finally began, her voice tinged with a quiet enthusiasm, " as a conservation marine biologist. " a slight pause, then, " erm, like i said, i surf, and… " she caught herself, a self - conscious bobbing of her head from side to side as she desperately tried to conjure up something — anything — else that might pique the woman's interest. she felt suddenly, acutely, aware of the pressure to present herself in a captivating light. " oh! i have a non-profit back in australia, " she added, a touch more animated now, " and i'm thinking about bringing it here, to briar ridge. " it was a long-term dream, still nebulous and far from realization, but a seed that had been steadily germinating in her mind for a considerable time.

At a younger age, Nat thought that she had her entire life mapped out before her and knew exactly what would happen and when. Nothing happened that way. And she was okay with it for the most part though there were definitely parts of it that she regretted, but plenty more were stories that she'd carry around with her for the rest of her life as she laughed. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

Natalie leaned back, taking in River's words. The way she spoke with such authenticity made the conversation feel easy, natural. She grinned at the compliment, feeling a little flattered. "Thanks, I try," she said with a modest shrug. "I guess I’ve always been a bit of a talker. You know, trying to figure things out by bouncing ideas around. But I have also been called a yapper practically all my life and that I could talk to a brick wall and get it to respond before I give up."

At River's question about her work, Natalie hesitated for just a second, trying to gauge how much to share. She'd gone through her fair share of people that could care less about her work in general even if it was her passion. “Well, for the most part, I work in sports," she began, her voice steady, but there was a spark in her eyes when she spoke about it. "I do a lot of reporting for the local news but occasionally I freelance to some of the worldwide events for interviews. It’s fast-paced, always changing, but I love the challenge. The pressure can get intense, but it’s also... kind of a thrill." She gave a small laugh. "I guess that’s where the motivation comes from—there’s always something new to chase after, some new obstacle to overcome."

Her expression softened as she glanced over at River, a hint of curiosity now in her gaze. "How about you, though? What’s your story?" she asked, genuinely interested, her voice warm and inviting. "What do you do when you’re not here enjoying the chaos of karaoke nights?"

[riverwlker]

" don't sell yourself so short, lucas. you got it figured out more than most. " she tips her beer bottle toward him, the gesture deliberate, a silent acknowledgement of his intelligence and ability. river grins, explaining, " strategic procrastination, " but she still nods in understanding, recognizing the truth in his statement – the tendency to delay action not out of laziness, but to allow for optimal timing and a more informed approach. " y'know, " she began, tilting her head slightly and fixing lucas with a knowing look, " that some of the best minds — the einsteins, the da vincis, the ... well, you get the picture — know a thing or two about procrastination, right? it's practically a badge of honour amongst the brilliant. " her brows arched, " but here you are, " she continued, her voice laced with a playful disapproval, " you've got this incredible talent, lucas, don't let it gather dust. literally. " she delivered in an almost catchy tune, half scolding, half singing it, a lighthearted jab.

she then punctuated the observation with a long swig from the green bottle she held, the liquid gurgling as it went down. " perfect! " she declared, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. " i'll be waiting for the call, mate. and i mean it, too. don't think i'm saying this just to be nice. i genuinely believe you can do this, and i'm going to hold you to it. so, call me, lucas. if you ever need any help, alright? " the lively tone vanished, replaced with genuine expectation.

" ' that's one way to put it '? " she repeats with a snort of laughter, accent become thicker and muscles loosening with each sip from the better bottle. " i'm not even gonna ask what the means. " she grins with a playful scowl. " ha! please. it'll take a few launches before you get rid of me that quickly. " she chuckled, her eyes glinting with a playful defiance. " y'know, i'm finding that surfing and horse back riding, despite being worlds apart, are kinda alike? " a thoughtful furrow appeared on her brow, a world away from the casual bravado she'd just displayed. she picked at the label of her beer bottle, the condensation already making it peel. her nails dug into the paper, leaving pale crescent moons in the damp paper.

" both sports kinda teach you how to get up after getting your ass kicked by nature, " she finally elaborated, her voice softening, her mind drifting elsewhere. " whether it's a rogue wave that slams you into the reef or a stubborn mare that throws you headfirst into the dirt, the fundamental lesson is the same: you dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and get back on. maybe you're a little bruised, a little humbled, but you're also a little stronger. you have to be, or you'll never master either. " she paused, taking a thoughtful sip of her beer. " ... it's all about a healthy respect for the power of the world around you, i guess. "

It was impossible for Lucas to not watch River as she effortless twists off the bottle caps, amusement dancing in his eyes. Taking a slow slip of his beer, he let her words settle in the space between them. "You make it sound like I have it all figured out," he exhaled a short laugh, gesturing with the bottle, "truth is, I steal moments like this when I can. Strategic procrastination if you will." He jested, another laugh bubbling over his lips in the same moment. At her comment about sanding, his smile grew, "Noted. I'll make sure to give you a call if I find myself in a bind after strategically procrastinating too much." Lucas lifted his bottle to his lips once more for a slow sip.

As her blonde locks were tossed over her shoulder, delivering her grand proclamation, he shook his head, though he wore a grin. "You contain multitudes, huh? That's one way to put it," he said, tilting his head to study her for a beat. "One session in and you're already making headway? Sounds like you might be on the fast track to the rodeo." He continued to jest, leaning back slightly with amusement. "Just try not to get yourself launched into orbit, it would be a damn shame to lose my future expert sander to a horse-related incident." @riverwclker

[riverwlker]

river can't help but watch wes as he traces the worn leather of the lead rope with his calloused fingers. the simple, repetitive motion seems to hold his focus, but for river, it sparks a restless energy. she finds herself feeling antsy, a tangible yearning to get her own hands on the rope, to feel the texture and weight, to connect with the horse through it. as someone with a heightened responsiveness and an intense focus that allows her to absorb information like a sponge, river was all but ready to get on the back of a horse. the anticipation vibrated beneath her skin, a mixture of excitement and perhaps a touch of nervous energy.

the blonde can't help but give a small laugh, a quiet, almost conspiratorial sound. the analogy of holding a cup of coffee while walking — the delicate balance, the constant adjustments to avoid a spill — resonated perfectly with her. it wasn't a laugh directed at him, certainly not mockery. instead, it was a laugh born from shared understanding, a flash of recognition. as someone who relied heavily on visual aids and relatable examples for comprehension, the coffee cup illustration clicked instantly. it painted a vivid picture in her mind, making the abstract suddenly concrete.

river nods in understanding, her expression softening with comprehension.

" oh, oh no. was that the wrong word to describe her? " river tilted her head to one side, grinning nervously. " adorable, " she repeated, the word feeling suddenly heavy on her tongue. in all fairness, river thought that most mothers — compared to her biological one, who was more of a chaotic and destructive force of nature than a nurturer — were adorable. especially the woman she'd spoken to on the phone, wes's mother. her voice had been sweet, filled with what sounded like genuine warmth. but now, second-guessing herself, river wondered if the "adorable" vibe was just a performance. perhaps wes's mother was simply putting on a show for a stranger, a carefully crafted facade of maternal sweetness.

she practically vibrated with anticipation, a high-pitched squeal escaping her lips as wes led her toward one of the stalls. behind that weathered wood, she would finally meet the horse she'd be training with. her heart hammered a happy rhythm against her ribs. coming up beside wes, her smile stretched impossibly wider, threatening to split her face in two. " daisy, " she breathed, the name rolling off her tongue like a sweet caress. her eyes drank in the horse's form, noting the gentle sway of its tail and the soft glint in its dark eyes. " she's gorgeous. how old is she? what's her story? " river asks with clear interest.

wes said something about making sure she wouldn't fall of the horse — at least not on her first day. this causes river to turn her beaming smile on him. " i appreciate that, wes. " she chuckled, a light, airy sound. " but, no worries about falling on my ass, to be honest. i'm a surfer by trade, " she announced, gesturing towards herself with a playful grin. " i know a thing or two about falling. trust me, i've eaten more sand than any horse in this barn has eaten hay. " the thought sent another wave of amusement through her, and she bounced lightly on her toes, eager to get closer to daisy.

Wes let out a quiet chuckle as River tried to piece together what she remembered. At least she had something to work with — that was better than nothing. It was more that he was nervous, as he'd never been too good at training anyone else.. or so he believed. His fingers absentmindedly traced the worn leather of the lead rope hanging beside him, a small habit when he wasn't sure what to say right away. "Yeah, the hands," he finally murmured, glancing at her with a nod. "You wanna keep 'em steady—gentle, but firm. Not stiff, not limp. Like, uh.." he hesitated, then exhaled through his nose. "Like holding a cup of coffee while walking. You don't wanna spill it, but you're not strangling the damn thing either." He shifted his weight slightly, glancing toward the stalls as if gathering his thoughts.

River's comment about his mom pulled his gaze back to her, surprise flickering across his face before a small, almost shy smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Adorable, huh?" He shook his head slightly, rubbing the back of his neck before adjusting his cowboy hat. "She's gonna love that one." His tone was quieter, a touch dry, but there was an undeniable fondness beneath it. Turning, he reached for the lead rope, his movements unhurried, deliverate, as he glanced back over at the blonde. "Alright.. since you're not completely starting from scratch, we'll start slow. Get you reacquainted first." He motioned for her to follow as he made his way to one of the stalls. The scent of hay, leather, and the earthy musk of horses filled the air, the quiet sounds of shifting hooves and the occasional snort breaking the stillness.

Wes rested a hand against a stall door, fingers absently brushing the worn wood. "This is good ol' Daisy," he said, voice a little softer now, as if speaking too loudly might unsettle the moment. "She's steady, patient.. won't give you much trouble at all. The perfect starter horse. Figured she'd be a good place to start." After a beat, he shifted slightly, the barest hint of something amused flickering in his expression. “And don’t worry,” he added, quiet but wry, “I’ll make sure you don’t end up flat on your ass in the dirt.” A pause. “First day, at least.”