#masterlist: rhett & perry abbott (outer range)

[genevievethayer]

Rhett & Perry Abbott Masterlist

—The Right Person Will Stay verse tag Reeling from the fallout of Rebecca running out on her family after having been caught in the middle of an affair is her husband, daughter, and the one person who thought she knew her better than most, due to having been her best friend for numerous years—Genevieve. Genevieve, who's managing as best she can to hold everyone together after such an unthinkable betrayal by acting as a surrogate mother to Amy, helping hand to Cecilia and Perry, and lover to Rhett—the man who holds her heart. Until a past flame returns to town...and Genevieve's heart is the next to be shattered. Perry refuses, however, to let what he's gradually come to realize is the best thing for him—as well as his family—go. He intends to fight like hell to fix what his brother has broken so that he can keep what remains for himself and Amy. Little Amy, who's desperately wanting for a new mother. A role Genevieve fits into perfectly.

[fishfooddude]

Drunk Baby

Rhett Abbott x Reader

You’re spending time with Amy and Cecelia one night while Rhett and Perry are out. Rhett comes home a little too drunk and a little horny. Cecelia gets Amy out of the room, and Perry asks if you can handle his brother. You’re annoyed by his behavior but get him upstairs in one piece.

Outer Range Masterlist

My Directory

“What’s that one’s name?” you asked, gesturing to a brightly colored cartoon character dancing across the screen. Amy laughed and told you for the third or fourth time. You nodded and grabbed your phone from the floor to check Rhett’s location. He and Perry had gone to the bar that night after finishing their ranch work. It wasn’t too late, but it was getting closer to Amy’s bedtime, and Perry had promised to read her a chapter of Charlotte’s Web.

“Are you okay, honey?” Cecilia asked as she walked into the living room, her bathrobe tied tightly around her waist. You nodded and set your phone down again. She nodded, “Amy, get to bed.” 

“But Dad isn’t home yet,” Amy whined as she sank onto the couch. You frowned and offered her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. Amy groaned and reluctantly got up from the sofa.

“How about I read to you, Ams?” you offered as you followed her lead to the stairs. Amy nodded eagerly. As you were about to go upstairs, the front door swung open, revealing a glassy-eyed Perry and a stumbling Rhett. “Oh lord…” you mumbled, “Ams, how about you go upstairs.” Amy looked between the three of you. 

“I can read to ya, baby, com’on.” Perry hung his jacket on the coat rack as Rhett looked at you like he was about to pounce. Perry clapped his hands, “Com’on Ams. Get upstairs.” Amy nodded and walked upstairs. Perry shot you an apathetic look before following her. The two of them were half way up the stairs when Rhett pounced, making you yip.

“You’re so pretty…” Rhett mumbled as he buried his face in the crook of your neck. You shook your head and tried to push him off of you only for Rhett to wrap his arms around you even tighter. “Why you tryin’ to get away baby?”

“Rhett you’re drunk, let’s just get you upstairs.” you scolded as you tried to wiggle out of his grip.

“With you?” he cooed as he squeezed you tighter. You nodded and Rhett exhaled against your hair, “I love you baby.”

“I love you too my big drunk baby. Let’s get you to bed.”

[cherrycola27]

Idle Hands

Author's Note: I want to preface this by saying I know that this isn't my usual content. This mini-series is a result of my insomnia fueled rewatch of Outer Range, adhd, the high amount of Lew content we have been getting lately, and my dive back into country music. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it nonetheless

Series Warnings: Language, alcohol consumption, violence/ fighting, rodeo inaccuracies, smut. 18+ Minors DNI. Banner Credit: @thedroneranger

Masterlist Next Part

...........................................

Part 1: The Devil's Handiwork

Rhett hadn't planned to end up at the Handsome Gambler tonight, honestly.

But with Perry in jail, his parents on the outs, and Maria having left town, the Abbott house was just too—quiet.

So, he hopped in his beat-up old truck and headed into town. He had only planned to stay for one beer, really. But after he finished it, he realized that another one couldn't hurt. And boy, was he glad he talked himself into a second one.

Truthfully, Rhett was on his fourth beer now. But that was all because of you. Your band had been setting up when he first walked in and took a seat at the bar. Rhett had scoffed and rolled his eyes when he saw you.

You had on some well-worn cowboy boots, a flannel draped over you, and a pair of blue jeans that had to have been painted on because the fit you just right.

He figured you were one of those pop-country wannabes that seems to grace the bar more and more frequently.

But the minute you stepped on stage, Rhett knew he was wrong about you. You were different in the best way.

You didn't sing the songs that were all over the radio, that were upbeat, and full of life.

No. You sang songs about love and loss and betrayal. Songs that reminded him of the old country his father had raised him on.

And you were so convincing when sang them. Your words haunted him. The shake of your silver tambourine enchanted him. Drawing him in with every note. They bar must have had almost fifty people in it from here or there, but Rhett swore that you were singing right to him.

He was so bewitched watching you that he didn't realize how much time had passed. Soon, you were announcing your last song. It wasn't one he was familiar with, but he found himself tapping along to the beat as you sang

"Oh, lord, I need a little help."

You crooned into the microphone as you met his eyes.

"Oh, lord, come and save me from myself"

You sighed as you trailed your hand across you the tidbits of lace that peaked out from under your shirt and up your neck.

"And that devil's in the market for a pair of idle hands"

You finished with a wink and a crimson smirk across your face.

Rhett wiped his palms across his faded jeans as his very own hands, that had been setting idle just moments before, wrapped around the neck of his beer and brought it to his lips. He downed it in one gulp as you made your way off the stage and down to the crowd of on lookers, straight towards him.

Rhett fumbled with his wallet, trying to quickly pay his tab and leave, because in his head, he knew that you would be trouble.

He grabbed his hat from the bar and secured it on his head. He turned on his heels and collided with whoever had the misfortune to be behind him.

Rhett quickly caught himself and looked to apologize to whoever he crashed into, only to be met with you standing in front of him.

"Leaving so soon, Cowboy?" You spoke to him sweetly, voice flowing over him like honey.

"Y—yes ma'am." He stammered out.

You cocked your head to the side and clicked your tongue, not moving from your spot. You reached up and adjusted the hat that now sat askew on his head.

"Shame, I was hoping to have a drink with a thirsty cowboy, but if your whistle has already been wet, I guess I can find someone else." You sighed as you trailed your fingers down his bicep and looked up at him through your lashes.

"I—I suppose one drink couldn't hurt." Rhett stuttered. Your warm fingers on him was making it hard to think.

"Perfect." You smiled at him with a devilish grin.

Rhett swallowed thickly. He knew that this was either going to be the best or worst decision of his life. He just wasn't sure which one yet.

"So, Cowboy, you from around here or just passing through?" You ask him as the two of you settle into a booth tucked away from everyone else at your request.

"Born and raised here." Rhett answers you as he fiddles with the label on his beer before taking a sip of it. The hops of it dance across his tongue. Smoothe and familiar. It's a local brew, not something you can find at every bar and store. It surprises most people that Rhett drinks with when they see him order something niche.

"I've never seen this kind before. Is it any good?" You ask him as you gesture to his drink.

"S'one of my favorites," Rhett mumbles as you slide closer to him. Now your thigh is pressed against his. He can feel the warmth radiating off of your body.

"Wanna try it?" He offers as he tips the neck of the bottle towards you. "Sure." You grin at him.

Rhett expects you to take the bottle from his hand, but instead, you surge forward and connect your lips with his.

He lets out a surprise gasp, which allows you to slide your tongue into his mouth. Rhett relaxes into you. One of his large hands curling at the nape of your neck. But just ask quickly as you kissed him, you pulled away, leaving him breathless.

"You're right. It does taste pretty good." You breathe out as if nothing had happened. A laugh bubbles out of Rhett as he shakes his head and takes another drink.

"You're something else, darling." He chuckles. "Y'know, I just realized I never caught your name."

Now it's your turn to laugh. You smile at him sweetly before telling him your name. He repeats it back to you in his gravelly draw, and you think that it's never sounded better.

"You've got a mighty fine name, darling, but I think I'll call you Honeybee." He says.

"Oh, and why's that, Cowboy?" You challenge him.

"Because you're sweet with a little sting. And you can keep calling my Cowboy if you want, but Rhett works just fine, too." He smiles.

"Rhett." You draw out his name like the melody of one of the songs you just sang. Even though he's only heard you utter it once, Rhett can already tell he's addicted to the way his name falls from your lips.

"So where are you from? Because I know it's not from around here. I'd remember a pretty face like yours." Rhett asks you.

"You think I'm pretty?" You fire back. He cracks another smile and nods.

"I'm from Oklahoma. But I've been on the road for a while, following a dream." You tell him. "How the hell did you end up here?" He asks you. "My aunt and uncle have a ranch here. I'm spending the summer with them. Trying to reconnect with my roots." You explain.

Rhett shakes his head and realizes that your aunt and uncle's ranch is a few miles away from his family's. He hopes that means he'll get to see you more this summer.

"So what do you do for a living, Cowboy? Or do you just hang out in smokey bars all day?" You ask him. "I work on my family's ranch, and I ride bulls." He tells you with a shy grin.

"A bull rider. Guess that means you like to walk on the wild side?" You raise an eye brow as your hand comes to rest on his thigh. You trace lazy shapes over the faded denim.

"I've been known to take a few risks." Rhett says as he shifts closer to you.

"Is that so?" You ask him as you slide your hand along his thigh until it's resting atop of his obnoxiously large gold belt buckle that he won in his last rodeo.

"Yes, Ma'am." He replies calmly. You lean in closer to him. So close that he can smell the floral perfume you're wearing. Your lips are millimeters from his ear. "I may not be a thousand pound bull, but I sure could give you one hell of a ride tonight, if you're up for it, Cowboy." Your hot breath fans over him.

Rhett shutters at your words. And you smirk, proud of the effect you have on him. You go to pull your arm away, but he catches you by the wrist and places your hand over his bulging jeans. You cup his length through the fabric and press your thighs together.

"I think I might be the one giving you the ride of a lifetime." Rhett practically growls out.

"We'll see about that, Cowboy. I've been known to hold my own. I'm staying at the motel across the street for a few nights until my aunt fixes up the guest room at her house. I'm in room six. See you there." You wink at him before dropping a key onto the table and sliding out of the booth.

Rhett shamelessly watches you walk towards the exit. And when you turn back to blow him a kiss, he notices that the stetson hat that was once on his head now rests atop yours.

Taging some who might be interested: @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @wkndwlff @daggerspare-standingby @dakotakazansky @startrekfangirl2233 @hecate-steps-on-me @na-ta-sh-aa @katieshook02 @je-suis-prest-rachel @soulmates8 @diorrfairy @eli2447 @xoxabs88xox @djs8891 @roosters-girl @sebsxphia @rosiahills22 @dempy @callsign-magnolia @alchemxx @withahappyrefrain @lt-spork @bradshawsbaby @seitmai @kmc1989 @bcarolinablr @itsdesiree86 @waywardhunter95 @hisredheadedgoddess28 @whatislovevavy @inkandarsenic @tomanybandstolove @jiminie-08 @dingochef @skipchat @laracrofted @bobfloydsbabe @lewmagoo @sunlightmurdock

[callsign-hexen]

Callsign-Hexen Masterlist!

❤️= Fluff | ❤️‍🔥= Smut | 💔= Angst

Am I taking requests? yes/no

Rhett Abbott (Outer Range) 🐎

Barn Lights and Haylofts 💔(?)

Summary: After being away on a trip out of state, you find yourself going to the Abbott ranch to visit on your way home. Little did you know that you were about to walk into something would make you wish you just drove off...

Western Skies ❤️❤️‍🔥

Summary: after having dinner with the rest of the Abbott family, you and Rhett enjoy some time together in the field

Beer and Sand ❤️💔❤️‍🔥

Rhett will always put his blood, sweat, and tears into something he's passionate about. This time, it was literal...

Through the Blood and the Glass ❤️💔

Rhett tries his best to keep his anger in check, for your sake. But the Abbott men tend to hold it in until they explode. It all comes to a front when Perry comes to the family with news...

Ben Mears (Salem's Lot)✍🏻

To be written...

Robert "Bob" Floyd (Top Gun: Maverick) ✈️

To be written...

Miles Miller (Bad Times at the El Royal) 🏨

To be written...

Harrison Knott (Press Play) 🏄🏻‍♂️

To be written...

What I will NOT write: rape (CNC is acceptable as there will be consent given prior to the act taking place), abuse, any crime against children, anal. If you have any specific things in mind that could be potential warnings, please message me and I will let you know if I am comfortable writing it or not!

last updated: October 7, 2023

[delopsia-archive]

Rhett Abbott Masterlist (Part Two)

Part One (Fics) Ask Archive

Warmups

₊ ˚ ✧ All the things Rhett had to deal with while growing up

₊ ˚ ✧ Autumn in Wabang

₊ ˚ ✧ Autumn lounging with Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ Beige Flags

₊ ˚ ✧ Cuddle Bug

₊ ˚ ✧ Celebrating the 4th of July with his family

₊ ˚ ✧ Easter Shenanigans

₊ ˚ ✧ Encountering your Roomba

₊ ˚ ✧ First hug

₊ ˚ ✧ Getting pinned up against his truck after a rodeo

₊ ˚ ✧ Getting so overwhelmed with affection that he winds up biting you

₊ ˚ ✧ Gray hair

₊ ˚ ✧ Peaches

₊ ˚ ✧ He Can Sing

₊ ˚ ✧ He vanishes for a few days

₊ ˚ ✧ He's a Disney Princess

₊ ˚ ✧ His dedication to you

₊ ˚ ✧ His truck

₊ ˚ ✧ Hip Piercing

₊ ˚ ✧ How They Like To Cuddle

₊ ˚ ✧ How They Like To Kiss You

₊ ˚ ✧ It's officially calving season

₊ ˚ ✧ Kissing the cut on Rhett's nose

₊ ˚ ✧ Looking after you during storms

₊ ˚ ✧ Old man Rhett who doesn’t know what to do when your time finally comes.

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett has so much odd shit on him at all times

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett, who isn’t as big of a sex addict as the town of Wabang has chalked him up to be

₊ ˚ ✧ Sick! Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ Sending you raunchy photos

₊ ˚ ✧ Soft Rhett headcanons

₊ ˚ ✧ Soulmate AU

₊ ˚ ✧ Summer afternoon drives

₊ ˚ ✧ Times he thinks you're cute

₊ ˚ ✧ The first time Rhett has a bubble bath

₊ ˚ ✧ The Little Things They Do When Dating You

₊ ˚ ✧ The one thing that always goes right

₊ ˚ ✧ The best rodeos are the ones on cold autumn nights

₊ ˚ ✧ Tying you up

₊ ˚ ✧ Valentine's

₊ ˚ ✧ Wash

₊ ˚ ✧We were Robbed of Rhett and Perry being brothers

₊ ˚ ✧ What it feels like to date Rhett Abbott, but it's described using specific experiences.

₊ ˚ ✧ When his beloved belt buckle finally breaks

₊ ˚ ✧ You and Rhett with the flu

₊ ˚ ✧ You love this fly-over state

Edits

₊ ˚ ✧ A cowboy’s made of leather

₊ ˚ ✧ Ah, c'mon, it’s a little funny

₊ ˚ ✧ Ain’t sleepin’ anytime soon

₊ ˚ ✧ Crooked little grin

₊ ˚ ✧ Fool me twice

₊ ˚ ✧ Hell, I had some help

₊ ˚ ✧ I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my savior

₊ ˚ ✧I don't want him anyway

₊ ˚ ✧ I’ve never tasted sin so sweet

₊ ˚ ✧ Muddy Water Rockstar

₊ ˚ ✧ Outer Range Thriller Trailer

₊ ˚ ✧ P*rnstar

₊ ˚ ✧ Sell me some of your soul

₊ ˚ ✧ Sounds like ain’t no hope for me

₊ ˚ ✧ That’s my boy, my boy with blue eyes

₊ ˚ ✧ The Mockingbird & The Crow

₊ ˚ ✧ There’s more to me than meets the eye

₊ ˚ ✧ They say pressure makes diamonds

₊ ˚ ✧ Turn You Down

₊ ˚ ✧ So Can I

₊ ˚ ✧ Way down we go

₊ ˚ ✧ Whiskey and tears

₊ ˚ ✧ You could say I'm a

Moodboards

₊ ˚ ✧ Cozy Saturday mornings

₊ ˚ ✧ Every storm runs out of rain

₊ ˚ ✧ Lewis Pullman as Colors of the Rainbow Bonus: Black

₊ ˚ ✧ Lewis Pullman as Colors of the Rainbow Bonus: Brown

₊ ˚ ✧ Lewis Pullman as Colors of the Rainbow Bonus: Gold

₊ ˚ ✧ Lewis Pullman as Colors of the Rainbow Bonus: Ice blue

₊ ˚ ✧ Lewis Pullman as Colors of the Rainbow: Red

₊ ˚ ✧ Monster truck driver! Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ PBR! Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ Sick! Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ Stars on the barn floor

₊ ˚ ✧ The Abbott's are in the hole

₊ ˚ ✧The bull rider to storm chaser pipeline

₊ ˚ ✧ There are flowers in November

₊ ˚ ✧ This man is constantly lost

₊ ˚ ✧ Wild West with Rhett

₊ ˚ ✧ Zeus! Rhett

Misc

₊ ˚ ✧ Del's Rhett Abbott Scene Pack [S1]

₊ ˚ ✧ Del's Rhett Abbott Scene Pack [S2]

₊ ˚ ✧ Do not think about Rhett Abbott...

₊ ˚ ✧ Every time Rhett Appears in Outer Range

₊ ˚ ✧ Little Rhett noises to get you through your day (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ Mhm (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ POV: Rhett telling you it's going to be okay (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett Abbott flavored Tik Toks (Part One)

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett humming (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett saying "Yes, Ma'am" (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ Rhett sweet-talking his truck (Audio)

₊ ˚ ✧ Sleepy Rhett (Audio)

[filmtv2022]

By Your Side: Chapter 1

Image Credit - IMDB The Void

Next Chapter

Masterlist

Pairing: Rhett Abbott x Reader

Summary: Returning to Wabang was never something that Y/N had planned on, but with the loss of her father leaving her the sole owner of her family’s farm she must go back. Time spent at home forces Y/N to face the people she left behind. Will Y/N be able to navigate the murky waters of her past and present as the lines between them blur? 

Warnings: Mourning/grief + swearing

A/N: I hope you all enjoy this first chapter. I have had the general idea for this story swimming around in my head since July when I watched Outer Range for the first time, and I have finally decided to put it down for others to read. I do have to be honest though, this story is going to get dark. There will possibly be themes such as abuse, alcohol and drug use, and stalking throughout. So please read with caution. There is nothing in this particular chapter that dictates the need for an 18+ rating, but many of the future chapters will be in that territory. As always forgive me for any errors

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The smell of dozens of casseroles mixed with the stale air of the church's banquet hall, and the din of conversation filled the room with an echoey buzz. Your ears tuned out the words, the voices turning into white noise as you pushed the food on your plate around with a cheap plastic fork. You had the entire long white table to yourself as the rest of the guests milled about the rooming talking with one another. The look on your face was far off and haunted, a red rim around your eyes defined your emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. The tears had yet to fall as your mind and body grew numb. The reality of your father’s death was just not something you were fully ready to process. You were now the sole survivor of your family. Your mother and father are dead and buried, both leaving this world much sooner than was fair. But the grief of losing your family wasn’t the only demon you carried with you, but for now, it was the one you’d try your hardest to deal with. 

It felt as if all of Wabang had shown up for your father’s funeral, and logically, you knew that there should be a sense of comfort in knowing that your father was well-loved by the community, that his final days were spent surrounded by people who cared for him, looked out for him, were there for him. But instead, you felt the hot crawl of guilt as it worked its way through your body. You needed to get out of here, but this was your responsibility, and there was nowhere to go but back to the soul-crushing empty of your childhood home.  

The gentle touch of a hand on your shoulder caused you to startle, your head whipped to the right as a person took a seat in the empty chair next to you. The abrupt lurch back into the present sent your body into a momentary bout of fight or flight. It wasn’t until you had a chance to process the person next to you that your body began to unclench. It was Cecilia Abbott, dressed in black dress pants and a black button-up detailed with an intricate pattern of white embroidery along the shoulders. Her hand dropped back into her lap once your eyes met hers. Your tongue felt heavy in your mouth as you thought about what to say to her. Thankfully, she bit the bullet for you, and spoke first, giving you time to figure out how to talk again. 

“Hey, Y/N, so sorry for your loss.” Her eyes were so kind as she wait for you to form your thoughts.

“Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.” 

“Please, call me Ceci.”

“Thanks for coming Mrs. Abbott… Cecilia. I know it’d mean a lot to him to know that you and Royal were here today. He thought the world of you and your family.” Even this little bit of reminiscing tore a hole through your heart as it brought back images of you running around the Abbott ranch as a little girl, raising hell with Perry and Rhett while your father and Royal sat on the front porch drinking whiskey and talking shop. 

Nodding her head somberly Ceci struggled to find the right response as those same memories flooded her mind. You watched the emotions roll across her face as she decided how best to continue such a terrible conversation because there is no good way to go about comforting a person in times like these. She had lifted herself from the chair as if to give you a hug when the sound of approaching boot steps brought both your attention to the space behind Cecilia’s shoulder. Royal Abbott was on his way to you, his hand tightly gripped at the hat that normally covered his head. Perry, Amy, and Pastor Paul trailed alongside Mr. Abbott as he weaved his way through the crowd toward your table. This was the man who welcomed you into his home when you’d needed a place to escape the horrors of watching your mother wither away further with each poisonous treatment. Both you and Cecilia stood when the group stopped in front of you. A few more seconds of awkward silence passed before Mr. Abbott finally broke the silence.

“Y/N, I...” You could tell he wanted to say more, but his voice was strained with the emotion he tried not to let slip. Royal Abbott was many things, but comfortable with emotion he was not.

“Thanks for coming, Mr. Abbott. I really appreciate you being here.” A curt nod was thrown in your direction before Royal decided to change the subject slightly to something he was more comfortable with.

“Uhh, Pastor Paul and I were talkin’, an’ it sounds like there might be some work to be done around your family’s land. An’ I just wanted to let you know that I’m happy to help, an’ if I can’t I’ll be sure to send Perry or Rhett out to take care of whatever needs doing.” 

“Thank you, really, that’s too kind. I truly don’t even know where to start.” You forced a small smile onto your face to show how thankful you were for the help. The farm had always been a huge undertaking, but clearly, during your time away things had grown too much for your father to cover, and now you were left with the aftermath of his pride and inability to ask for help. 

“I should’ve checked in on him more.”

“It’s okay Mr. Abbott, he would’ve told you that he didn’t need your help anyway. He always hated askin’ for help, but especially after mama passed.” 

“What about this Y/N? Why don’t you come on over to our place for dinner? It’ll be a two-for-one, you’ll finally get a good meal in your body, and you can tell the boys what needs to be done so they can start as soon as possible. How’s that sound?” Cecilia’s voice was so kind and encouraging as he spoke. 

“I wouldn’t want to impose Mrs. Abbott.” Cecilia gave you an eyebrow raise at the continued use of her formal moniker. But you didn’t have time to contemplate that as you could feel anxiety creeping into your system at the idea of who could be waiting for you out at the Abbott Ranch. The idea of seeing him in person again after all these years sent your stomach rolling.

“You wouldn’t be imposing at all Y/N.  Lord knows it’d make my heart happy to have you back with us for the night.”

“Besides, Uncle Rhett’s gonna be back tonight.” Amy’s bright voice cut into the conversation with the most deceivingly innocent tone. Perry’s grip on his daughter’s shoulder tightened as she spoke. Amy was too young to understand the complexities of you and Rhett, but Perry knew it better than most. He’d seen everything unfurl right in front of him, and been unable to stop the storm. You took a quick look at Perry before opening your mouth to speak, and the tired look in his eyes paired with the sallowness of his skin told you all you needed to know. Life had not been kind to Perry Abbott in the months since Rebecca’s disappearance. Seeing him like this made you regret staying away so long, but you knew that coming home sooner was just not a possibility. The only reason you’d known about what happened was due to a news story that played on TV in the bar you were working in a couple months back. It had been an outcry for help in finding anyone who might know what happened in the case of a missing Wabang woman, you’d nearly passed out when you saw Rebecca’s picture up on the screen. 

“I…”

“You know you can’t say no to this one girl. Once she gets an idea in her head it’s as good as done. You might as well just accept it.” Royal gave you and his wife a knowing look as he spoke.

“You’re right. Umm, thank you, a home-cooked meal that hasn’t been congealing in a crockpot for hours sounds lovely.” Your joke sent a small laugh through the group, easing the sadnesses momentarily. 

“Then it’s settled. We’ll see you tonight at 6:00 for dinner.” Cecilia gave you a hug before turning to address her family, “Alright, we better head back home an’ get things settled for later.”

Royal gave you a pat on the shoulder as he followed after his wife. Now it was just you and Pastor Paul.

“Y/N, why don’t you go ahead and go. We’ve got everything here taken care of.”

“Thank you, Pastor.”

On your way out you grabbed your jacket and purse from the coat closet in the entryway. The bright blue sky bit at your eyes as you blinked quickly with the change of lighting. Once your eyes were settled you slowly made your way over to the rusted red pickup truck you had borrowed from your father. It had been his for as long as you could remember. Even though it was a hunk of junk it was still better than having to rely on others for rides, which would have been the only other option for you as you’d taken a series of buses, taxis, and questionable hitches to get back to Wabang.  The rattling roar of the diesel engine soothed your nerves and you made the trip back to your parent’s home where the silence would only be cut by the creak of the wooden floor under your feet. 

----------------------------

You weren’t really sure how much time had passed, but the sound of a distant phone ringing drew your attention away from the photo album in your hand. Looking around you remembered where you were. After the funeral gathering, you’d made your way into your parent’s bedroom, sliding one of the dust-covered photo albums from the bookshelf along the far wall before sinking down on the floor next to the bed. And there you’d stayed for hours, flipping through the pictures that documented the happiest moments of your childhood. Summers on the farm riding horses, and playing like fools in the hayloft, winters spent ice skating on the pond by the far western fence of your property, and the most gut-wrenching, all the pictures of you and the Abbott boys. Always together like peas in a pod. The three of you had been inseparable when you were younger, and as Perry grew up and fell into the “too cool to be seen with my younger sibling phase”, you and Rhett had grown even closer. He was your everything. The person you confided in whenever life brought you obstacles that seemed too difficult to face alone. The person who celebrated with you for every victory large and small. And you did the same for him. You talked him through every bad decision, every step, and stumble off the beaten path, you helped him pick up the pieces when it felt as if all he’d ever be was the second son, incapable of pleasing his family. 

The incessant ringing continued to vibrate through the quiet house as you snapped the album shut and hoisted yourself up from the hard ground. Your backside was tingly from prolonged sitting causing you to move more slowly at first. Your bare feet padded lightly on the wooden floor as you made your way into the kitchen where the phone was hung on the wall. 

“Hello, Y/L/N residence. Y/N speaking.” 

“Hi, dear. It’s Cecilia, I was just callin’ to see if you still planned on coming for dinner tonight. I totally understand if you’re not up for it. If that’s the case, just let me know and I stop by with a plate of food for ya.”

Quickly you glanced over at the clock on the wall, it read 6:35 p.m.

“Oh, I am so sorry Mrs. Abbott. I totally lost track of time. I’m gonna throw on some fresh clothes, and I’ll be headed your way as soon as I can. You can start eatin’ without me, again, I’m so sorry.” 

“No worries dear, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. And nonsense, the food will be just fine for a few more minutes. Drive safe, okay.” 

“Will do. See you all in a few.” 

Without thinking you grabbed a pair of well-worn jeans, yanking them on your body without regard for the fragile nature of the material. Next, you grabbed a hoodie from the depths of your bag, adjusting the neck and hood before pulling it down your frame. It was really too big for you and was a bit worse for wear from years of use, but it was your favorite, and in times like these being comfortable was a priority.  Hurriedly you moved towards the front door where your keys were thrown into a bowl on the table nearby. Scooping your keys up you threw them into your purse which had been discarded on the floor earlier when you came in from the church. Bending down you reached for your boots, slipping your feet inside and adjusting the wrinkles at the knees of your jeans before standing up again. 

You could feel the bumpy texture of the worn handle in your palm as you opened the door. With a bit too much force you closed the door, and locked it, your keys jingled as you turned them in the lock. Walking to the truck you sent up a silent prayer that it would start when you got in. The torn leather of the seats could be felt even through your jeans as you waited for the engine to turn over. Finally, the car rumbled to life. Your hand settled on the gear shift, your foot on the brake while anxiety filled your heart and mind. Taking one final deep breath you put the car into drive and made your way to the Abbot Ranch for the first time in years. 

--------------------------

Flipping on your turn signal you make your way up the driveway passing under the arch of the ranch. As if no time had passed you found yourself pulling into what had always been your honorary parking spot in between Perry and Rhett’s trucks. Rhett’s vehicle was noticeably absent. Conflicting emotions flashed through your brain as you contemplated what it meant that Rhett was not here after Amy’s comment this morning. Was he just not back yet? Had he left to avoid seeing you? Motion on the front porch caught your attention, it was Amy waving at you to come in. You flashed the young girl a big smile as you hopped out of your seat. 

“Come on Y/N! I’m starving!” Her dramatic sigh comment made you laugh.

“I can tell, you're just wasting away.” Your voice dripped with sarcasm which brought Amy to the point of laughter too. You had always loved that little girl. She was a little bit of a thing when you’d last seen her, but she was just a bundle of joy. You’d spent countless days babysitting to give Perry and Rebecca a chance to spend time together. You and Rhett had often played doting “aunt” and uncle to Amy. Playing rodeo, reading books, braiding hair, going to get ice cream. It truly broke your heart to think about the fact that she was going to grow up without her mom. You knew how it felt to lose your mother, and you couldn’t even fathom the idea of not having her around for the most formative years of your life.

When you were close enough Amy pulled you into a hug, her thin arms wrapping around your middle as your arms settled around her shoulders. Leaning down you pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head. 

“I missed you girl.”

“Missed you too Y/N.”

“Let’s go get some food, it smells delicious!”

“Grandma made your favorite, chicken pot pie.”

“Well then, we really better get going or your daddy’s gonna eat our helpings too!” You both burst into laughter again at the thought of Perry filling his plate full of three generous servings because you both knew he would if given the chance. 

Amy led the way into the kitchen where her dad and her grandparents were all seated at the table quietly talking. Seeing you Cecilia stood up and greeted you with another hug. Amy brushed by you and took her normal seat at the table next to her dad. 

“I’m so glad you’re here Y/N. Saved your old seat for ya.” 

And there it was, the place you’d eaten at countless times over the year.  To your right would be Amy and to your left Rhett. Amy was already piling food onto her plate as you noticed the fact that Rhett’s spot was set with all of the proper utensils as if they were still expecting him to be coming. 

“Thanks, Mrs. Abbott.”

“Come on now girl, it's Cecilia please.”

“Sorry, old habits die hard.” 

“It’s okay. Go ahead and sit down and fill up a plate. Rhett should be here soon, but ya never know. So we are gonna start without him.” 

You had no more than sat down at the table when the sound of another large diesel engine came floating in through the window. The loud noise abruptly stopped and was followed by the slamming of a metal door and heavy boot steps crunching on the ground and pounding up the front porch. Rhett’s voice curled into the kitchen from the front door where he’d stopped to remove his muddy boots. 

“What’s Mr. Y/L/N’s truck doin’ here?” His voice caught as he saw you sitting at the table. His beautiful blue eyes locked on yours as he stared at you, it was as if he was trying to decide whether the scene before him was real. You were home, after all these years. His heart beat faster in his chest at the sight of you. 

“Y/n” 

“Hi, Rhett.” It was obvious from his attire that he’d just gotten home from his latest rodeo. Your breath caught in your throat as you watched him take in the sight of you. You felt bare, exposed as his eye raked over you, pausing slightly as he looked at your hoodie. 

And that’s when you realized, it was his hoodie. It was the hoodie he’d let you borrow the night after your junior prom when you’d snuck out to meet each other and spent the dark hours together in the bed of his truck getting drunk and sharing your hopes for the future. It was the hoodie you’d been wearing when you’d called Rhett to pick you up from the hospital after your mom died. And it was also the hoodie you’d been wearing when you told Rhett of your plans to move away from Wabang for college, when you broke his heart along with yours. 

“I’m sorry ‘bout your father. I shoulda been there today.”

“Me too, and it's okay Rhett, I understand. Did ya win?” 

“Yeah, I did.”

“Good.” 

“Go get yourself cleaned up boy. Foods gettin’ cold.” Royal barked the order at his youngest son, his spoon full of pot pie nearly to his mouth when his wife slapped at his hand. 

“Not before we pray Royal.” 

“Fine.”

Rhett tried to make his way upstairs to get out of his filthy clothes, but his mother stopped him in his tracks.

“Oh no, Rhett Abbott. You can join us for the prayer before you go.”

Cecilia extended her hands and waited for her family to follow suit. Moving to the empty spot next to you Rhett hesitantly slid his rough right hand into yours as his left was gripped tightly by his mother. The feeling of his hand in yours sent your head buzzing, taking a deep breath you refocused on the prayer being spoken by Cecilia. The second the prayer concluded Rhett was on the move. You watched him as he walked away, admiring the way that time and labor-intensive work had shaped him into the man he’d become. Sitting down you tried to let yourself relax and enjoy the meal and the conversation. Amy had scarcely let anyone else get a word in edge-wise as she monopolized the conversation and you. But you didn’t mind, it warmed your heart to hear her talk about all the trails she’d hiked, her classmates in school, and everything else in between. Occasionally Perry would catch your eyes as you talked with his daughter. His eyes looked happier than before at the church, clearly seeing Amy so excited eased a bit of his worry. 

By the time Rhett returned you and the others had finished eating. Pausing, he took a moment to enjoy the scene unfolding in the kitchen. Amy was animatedly telling you a story about the time she brought a fake snake to school to prank one of the mean girls in her class. Cecilia looked horrified at her granddaughter’s antics, you on the other hand threw your head back with laughter. You looked so beautiful like this, sitting there with his family, and for just a minute it was easy to forget the fact that you’d left him behind.

“Amy Abbott, I cannot believe you did that! And where’d you get the snake anyway?” Cecilia half-heartedly scolded her granddaughter.

“What!? An’ don’t be mad at me, Uncle Rhett is the one who gave me the snake.” 

“My God, why does not surprise me one little bit!” Cecilia sounded fully exasperated at this point, but the smile on her face let everyone know that she wasn’t actually mad.  

Slowly, Rhett made his way over to the table, pausing again for a second before moving to sit in the empty chair next to you. Silently he filled his plate with food and dug in, letting the conversation happen without him. Eventually, the conversation began to wane as Amy let out a huge yawn. 

“Alright Amy girl, I think it’s time we get you into bed.” Perry stood from his seat at the table and moved to clear their plates. 

“But I-”

“No buts young lady. It's late, and you’ve been going at it all day.”

“But -”

“I know, but it’s time for you to go to bed.”

“How ‘bout this, you go get ready for bed, and then come back down and see me, and I’ll braid your hair. How’s that sound?” You gave her a huge smile of encouragement. 

“Really?!”

“Yes, really!” 

“Okay!” Amy took off like a shot, bolting for the stairs. 

“Man Y/N, I don’t know what the hell we did without you. Gettin’ that girl to go to bed has been like pulling teeth. But you come back here and make that offer, and she’s sprinting around like we’re going for ice cream.”

“I mean it’s the least I can do.” You chuckled as you stood to take your own plate to the sink when Rhett’s arm reached out to stop you.

“Let me.” Not waiting for your answer Rhett picked up your dishes and crossed the small space to the sink as you plopped back down into your chair.

“Thank you.”

“How ‘bout some coffee?” Cecilia stood and began to remove items from the cupboards to make a nice fresh pot of coffee.

“Sounds wonderful, Cecilia.” Your mouth watered at the thought of a hot, steaming cup of coffee to wake you back up after a long day. 

Having deposited the dishes, Rhett returned to his seat, a small groan of pain escaped him as he sat. The sound of it sent a wave of worry through you. He pushed himself back against the hard wooden chair in the hope that it would crack his back, but his stiff muscles kept his back from cracking. 

“You okay?” Your question was so quiet that you weren’t really sure you’d even asked it out loud.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just got tossed around a bit more than usual today.” 

Before long Cecilia was setting down steaming cups of coffee for everyone, the smell filling the space. The five of you sat in silence as you worked your way through your first cups of coffee. Reaching for the coffee pot in the center of the table, Royal spoke as he filled up his mug, “So, Y/N, I was drivin’ by your family’s place the other day & I noticed there was a section of the fence along the front gate that’s fallen. Is it okay if we start with that?” 

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. The house and barn both need new shingles. It looks like a storm must've ripped off some.”

“It was probably that storm a couple weeks ago, the wind was whipping somethin’ fierce. We lost some shingles in that one too.” Perry commented to give you some context. 

“That makes sense.” 

“What else do ya want to put on this list Y/N? What do ya need?” 

You paused because the thing you really needed help with felt too intimate to share even with these people who’d watched you grow up. There were just some things that you believed were better kept secret. 

Feeling their eyes on you, you decided it was time to say something…anything. 

“Honestly, I don’t even know. I’ve been so wrapped up in trying to get the funeral together, I haven’t even had a chance to think about everything that needs to be done.” 

“It’s okay Y/N. You just tell us as you figure it out and we’ll be sure to get it done.” 

“Thanks, Mr. Abbott.” 

The sound of Amy bounding down the stairs cut the conversation short. Skidding to a halt in front of you she held out a brush and some hair ties. 

“I’m ready!” 

“Okay. Let’s go to the living room.” The two of you made your way to the couch, where Amy took a seat in front of you on the floor as you brushed through her hair, parting it in half to make two french braids. 

From the kitchen, the others watched you both, a mixture of sadness and comfort flooded each of them. The two of you had both experienced such great loss in your lives, but seeing the two of you together laughing brought them a sense that everything might just be okay. 

----------------------------

“Alright baby bug, we’re all finished. Time for bed.” Standing you grabbed the girl’s hands and pulled her up from the floor. As soon as she was upright, she yet again wrapped her arms around you.

“Are you sure you have to go Y/N?” Her voice was muffled as she spoke into your stomach. 

“Yeah, baby bug. It’s been a long day, and I need some sleep.”

Amy pulled her head back from your stomach as she spoke again, “I really am sorry ‘bout your daddy Y/N.” 

“I know you are Amy, and I am too. But you know what? I’m thankful for you, and your grandma, and your grandpa, and your daddy, -” 

“And Uncle Rhett too, right?” 

“Of course. And your Uncle Rhett too.”  

“Come on Amy, it really is time for bed now. We’ve gotta let Y/N here get some sleep.” Perry gently tugged his daughter in the direction of the stairs before giving her a little push to keep going.

“Night Y/N” 

“Night Amy.” 

Perry watched his daughter round the top of the staircase before turning back to you. 

“Seriously thank you. She hasn’t been that happy since everything happened with her momma.” 

“It’s no problem, Perry. She’s a great little girl, I missed her. An’ I am so sorry about Rebecca.” 

You watched Perry’s throat bob with emotion as he tried to keep it together. You knew he wasn’t going to be able to speak further so you pulled him into a quick hug instead. Stepping back you let him follow after his daughter. Walking back to the kitchen you found Cecilia putting together a bowl of leftovers for you to take as Rhett and Royal continued to drink coffee. 

“Thanks so much for everything. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem dear,” Ceci placed a dish heavy with food into your hands as she continued, “Just promise me you’ll let us know when you need something, and make sure your eatin’.” 

“I will, I promise.” You gave her a one-armed hug to emphasize your thankfulness. 

“We’ve got a few things to take care of here tomorrow, but we’ll be over on Monday to start on the fence.”

“Thanks, Mr. Abbott. Alrighty, I should probably go, it’s gettin’ real late.”

“Sounds good, sweetheart.” Ceci gave you another tight hug before letting you make your exit. 

You waved a small goodbye as you turned around and made your way to the front door where you balanced the leftovers in one hand while you slipped your boots back on and fished your keys out of your purse. Closing the door you focused on the crunch of your feet on the ground. Wrenching it open, you sat the dish on the passenger seat and shoved the keys into the ignition. Twisting your wrist you waited for the engine to catch, and you waited, and you waited. Finally, after five tries you resigned yourself to the fact that your father’s trunk may have finally reached its own demise. 

“Fuck!” You hissed in frustration as you slammed your hands on the stirring wheel.

Sinking back into the seat you let your eyes close as you reflected on just how terrible this day had been. You weren’t sure how long you’d sat like that, but a sudden knock on the window caused you to panic. Your head turned sharply in the direction of the driver’s side window, where you found Rhett standing there staring at you.

The rusted metal of the door groaned as you opened it and stepped out. 

“Jesus Christ, Rhett. What the fuck was that? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry. I just heard your engine, and thought I might be able to help.” He rubbed at the back of his neck as he spoke.

“Oh, yeah, thank you.” Neither of you was quite sure how to navigate the awkwardness of the situation. So instead Rhett moved to the front of the trunk and popped the hood while you moved to stand nearby. The darkness made it difficult to see, but the light pouring from the front porch was just enough for Rhett to assess the situation, and it wasn’t good. The engine was shot to hell. Just in the few minutes, he looked there were at least six things that would need to be fixed in order to make this care usable again. 

Standing upright, Rhett unlatched the bar holding the hood up, and slammed the metal down to lock it back in place. 

“So, what’s the issue? Why won’t it start?” Your voice was tired as you probed for the answer.

“Well, I can’t really be sure until I can take a look at it in the light, but there are a few major issues goin’ on. For one, it looks like the engine is leakin’ coolant. This baby isn’t gonna run until we can get in there and fixer up, and even then… she’s so old it might not be possible to patch her up completely.” Rhett’s large palm rubbed against the rusty paint of the hood as she spoke. Your stomach sank to your feet as you took in his words.

There they were, the tears that you had held inside all day. They poured in hot streams down your cheeks and your chest heaved with heavy sobs, your breath coming in gasps as you worked to take in air. Your body bent at the waist, your hands on your knees as you tried to stay upright. It was all too much to handle. The sight of you like this sent panic through Rhett’s body, and without thinking, he closed the space between, wrapping his strong arms around your body as he pulled you to him. One of his hands wrapped around your back as the other held your head to his chest. Your hands pressed flat against his chest as your forehead rested on the soft material of his t-shirt. The tears continued to flow as Rhett whispered comforting phrases into your ear in the hopes that it might quell your sadness. 

“It’s okay Y/N… I’ve got ya.” You could feel his hot breath blow over your ear as he spoke. The tears fell harder as you realized just how deeply you missed this, being in Rhett’s arms. You’d told yourself for years that leaving was the right choice, and that staying away was the logical way to protect your loved ones. But here, enveloped in the warmth of Rhett’s presence you finally understood just how far you’d fallen, and that terrified you.

[basiccortez]

Keep The Wolves Away- R. Abbott

Chapter 1 pairing: eventually, Rhett Abbott x female!reader. Female!Reader x Luke Tillerson. Reader's last name is Lawton word count: 2.0k warnings: pregnancy, vomiting, mentions of cheating, mentions of dementia, slight spoilers to outer range. eventual: death, murder, fighting, excessive drinking, cheating, birth. masterlist

Rhett couldn’t help who he loved. It was just who he was. Behind that tough exterior and the tough cowboy act he tried so hard to push, he was a sweet, old soul. You would just never know it behind the constant revolving door of girls that seemed to follow him wherever he went. There was always a trail of broken hearts following behind Rhett. Rhett didn’t care when he broke a girl's heart, he knew that their arrangements were nothing more than a quickie in the bathroom of the Pit Bar or Handsome Gambler. He hardly knew their names, probably couldn’t pick their faces out in a crowd. They were girls who were there for the whole crew, buckle bunnies, if you will. Except for her. 

When Rhett’s blue eyes first landed on her, he knew that he had to have her. But her face was bright red as she stood toe to toe with Luke Tillerson. Their fight could be heard on the other side of the rodeo ground, and this was one of their more tame fights. Cecilia had said one time she was pretty sure she could hear the two of them yelling from their ranch. Both of them were stubborn, and it was beyond Rhett to figure out whatever she saw in Luke Tillerson. 

Y/N Lawton was perfect. Her perfect hair, her perfect smile, her perfect body. She was kind and gentle to everyone, even when they took that for granted. She grew up in the church, her family usually sitting next to Cecilia and Royal on Sunday mornings. Her older brother, Brooks, had been in Rhett’s class. Rhett never really paid attention to Y/N, she was always the annoying little sister that tagged along when Brooks and Rhett would go on hikes on the Lawton Ranch. She had always been quiet, growing up in the shadow of Brooks bull riding success. Her parents seemed more focused on him than they ever had been on her. She disappeared for some time, then came back a beautiful, and smart woman. 

“Can’t you just shut the fuck up, for once!” 

“It’s not that hard to ask that my fiance doesn’t stare at other women!” 

‘Fiance’? Rhett asked him, ‘When did that happen?’ 

“It’s also not that hard to ask my fiance to stop staring at these stupid rodeo boys like she’s starving!” 

“Screw you Luke. Don’t even bother coming home.” Rhett watched her turn on her heel and walk away from Tillerson, leaving him heaving. 

Luke and Y/N had been on and off for years. Luke was a known cheater, but hell so were most of the rodeo guys. What happened on the road, stayed on the road. The wives of the riders all knew what they got up to on those long weekends in the middle of nowhere. Most chose to ignore it, those were the strong ones, others let it get to them. Clearly, Y/N was one of the ones who let it get to her. Even Rhett could see that she deserved better than Luke Tillerson, but it wasn’t like he was much better. As much as Rhett hated to admit it, Luke was probably the better option as a husband for her. 

“Hey, you good?” Perry asked, walking up to his younger brother. 

“Yeah,” Rhett said, shaking his head, “When did Luke and Y/N get engaged?” 

“Two, three weeks ago,” Cecilia said, “If you went to church with us, you would’ve known. They announced it to the whole congregation.” 

“I thought they were broken up.” 

“Rumor going around that she caught him with another woman and threatened to tell everyone, and that’s why he asked. I can only imagine what her folks think,” Cecilia tisked, “Pay for that fancy nursing education just for her to come back, and get engaged to a Tillerson.” 

“Won’t have to use that education. Be set for life,” Perry grumbled and Rhett glared at him, “What? It’s true. Can be just like their mother.” 

“Crazy and fly off to Aspen?” Royal chided. 

“She’s better than that.” Rhett said under his breath, “I gotta go.” 

“Good luck son,” Royal said, and each of the family members wished him luck before the ride. Usually, Rhett’s mind was focused on the 2000 pound animal he was about to ride, but for some reason his mind was focused on Y/N. It was the first time he had seen her in almost a year, and here she was engaged. Rhett kept his head down as he walked, which inevitably made him run into someone. 

“Oh shit-” “I’m sor-” 

“Rhett?” 

“Y/N,” Rhett said and looked her up and down, “It’s been-” 

“Abbott! Let’s go!” One of the rodeo hands called out for him. She smiled at him and moved past him. Rhett watched as she walked over to the stands, taking a seat right next to Luke. He clenched his jaw as he watched Luke put his arm around her shoulders and pull her into him. She looked up at him and he mumbled something against her lips, and she shook her head and kissed him, “You ready?” 

“Yeah,” Rhett grumbled and took the rope in his hand. 

— — — 

The ride went about as good as all the rest of them went. Rhett had scored enough to keep himself safe and advance on to the next round. Everyone congratulated him as he walked into the Pit Bar that night. Rhett gave him a simple nod of his head as he made his way up to the bar. 

“The man of the hour! Rhett fucking Abbott!” The loud voice that called out to him could only belong to one Brooks Lawton. 

“Brooks,” Rhett smiled and greeted him with a hand shake, “How ya been? Didn’t see you in the circuit.” 

“Nah, I had to bail out of this one. Dad wasn’t doing too hot, disease is making him fucking crazy,” Brooks said and Rhett sighed. The word that Y/N and Brooks’ old man had gotten dementia spread like wildfire in the town, “I got lucky and was placed next weekend. Gonna give you a fucking run for your money.” 

“No doubt about that,” Rhett said and thanked the bartender for placing a beer in front of him, “Where’s your sister?” 

“Over there with that fucking Tillerson boy.” 

“Why did she come back?” 

“He knocked her up,” Brooks clenched his jaw, “Get this, she called me in tears four months ago saying that he went and cheated on her at some rodeo up in Cheyenne and that she’s done with him and all this shit. Never coming back to Wabang. . . just to find herself back here, with a ring on her finger and a baby in her belly. And that’s not even the craziest thing, she hasn’t even told him.” 

That made Rhett choke on his beer, “What?” 

“Scared of what might happen if she does. You know how they are. Who knows what hippy shit Wayne might try and do. She’s already terrified as it is.” Brooks looked down at his boots. Rhett’s eyes were set on the table across the bar. All three Tillerson boys sat there, each with a girl under their arm. Y/N looked like she would rather be anywhere but right next to Luke, while Luke looked like he would rather have the girl next to Billy. 

Y/N could feel eyes on here as she looked down at the diamond ring on her finger that felt unusually heavy. The smell of alcohol and smoke made her feel nauseated as she tried taking small sips of air to and stop the feeling of rising bile in her throat. She shifted in her seat and Luke looked down at her. He had noticed her odd behavior all night but brushed it off. She was probably still pissed about their fight at the rodeo. 

“You okay, Y/N? You look a little green,” Trevor asked her. She bit her lip and nodded, but Luke narrowed his blue eyes at her. 

“You sure babe?” Luke asked, and that was the last straw for her. 

“No, c-can you move?” Y/N rushed out, her voice breaking. Luke moved quickly, feeling the urgency radiating off her body. As soon as Luke was out of the booth, she quickly stood to her feet and ran for the door. 

“The hell was that about?” Billy asked, looking from his brother to the door of the bar. Luke just shrugged and shook his head sitting back down. 

On the other side of the bar, Rhett noticed her leaving quickly. He excused himself from Brooks and Perry, and made his way towards the same path she did. She must’ve moved fast cause when Rhett got outside there was no sign of her. He looked around the dark parking lot and sighed. 

‘What am I even doing? She’s fucking engaged,’ He thought to himself, ‘She’s engaged and. . . throwing up on the side of the building’ 

“Holy shit,” Rhett said to himself and shuffled over to her, as she was bent over and throwing up. She had one hand on the side of the wall to brace herself as her other hand held back her hair from her face. “You okay?” He called out to her as he approached. What a dumb fucking question. . . 

“Y-yeah I’m fine!” Y/N answered. She stood up straight and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, “Just the smell in there is. . .” 

“Gross?” Rhett asked, finishing her sentence. She nodded and turned to look at him. Her eyes were even more beautiful than he remembered, even if they were bloodshot and red from her getting sick. He took a step closer to her but stopped when he heard Luke calling her name. 

“Babe?!” Luke said, brushing past Rhett and grabbing her face gently, “What happened? Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine,” Y/N said. 

“Did you get sick?” 

“No-” “Yeah.” Rhett and her said at the same time. Luke looked over his shoulder, noticing him still standing there. 

“I came out for a smoke and saw her getting sick.” 

“Well thanks for checking on her,” Luke said, “Let’s get you home, sweetheart.” Y/N nodded her head as Luke placed his hand on the small of her back, gently leading her to walk forward. 

“Oh Rhett, tell Brooks I’m staying with Luke. I’ll be by in the morning to meet with the health aides,” Y/N said softly and Rhett gave her a nod. 

“Yeah. . . thanks again. . .” Luke gave Rhett a fake smile as he rammed his shoulder into his as he walked past him. Rhett stumbled a bit and clenched his jaw. He turned around and watched as Luke’s hand traveled down lower to grab your ass, which he did mainly to piss off Rhett and show him that she belonged to him. Rhett kicked around a couple of rocks before going back inside the bar. 

Luke opened the door to his truck and helped her get in. When the door shut she leaned her head against the window, still feeling gross from getting sick on the side of the building. Luke climbed in his truck and sighed, tapping his fingers on the wheel, not yet turning it on. They sat in silence for a moment before Luke turned to look at his fiance. 

“I’m gonna ask you again. . . are you sure you’re not pregnant?” 

Y/N looked down at her hands in her lap, staring once again at the large diamond ring, “No, I’m not pregnant.”

--- --- ---

taglist: @starlightsiren

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[fishfooddude]

Jail Bird

Rhett Abbott x Reader

Picking up Rhett from the Sheriff's Station isn't a highlight of your evening.

Outer Range MasterList

Directory

“One phone call, Abbott. Make it count.” a deputy explained as he opened the door to the holding cell he’d been sobering up in. Rhett nodded and wordlessly followed the deputy to the pay phone that had been in the department since the 70s. 

Rhett should’ve called Royal or Perry. He knew they wouldn’t give him hell over this misunderstanding. But your number was the only one he could remember off the top of his head. He sighed, a tinge of regret in his decision, and quickly dialed your number, taking note of the early morning hour as the line rang. 

“Hello?” you answered, still half asleep. “Hi baby- I woke you up, didn’t I?” Rhett asked, emphasizing his twang, knowing you’d fall victim to it and at least slightly lesser your anger toward him. You yawned softly and mumbled a ‘yes.’ Rhett smiled thinking about you snuggled up in bed, a long-forgotten episode of The Bachelorette playing in the background. “Baby, could you come pick me up from the sheriff’s department?” Rhett queried hoping you’d agree and he wouldn’t be completely out of luck for the night. 

“Ok.” you responded before abruptly hanging up on him. You huffed and stared up at the ceiling for a moment before sitting up and swinging your legs over the side of your bed. You knew Rhett had mentioned going out tonight. He claimed it would just be a couple of drinks with his riding buddies but you saw through it immediately. You knew he’d be out all night and figured he’d end up sleeping it off in his truck; he must’ve been drunk driving again.

As annoyed as you were by Rhett at the moment, you couldn’t say no to him. As you walked into the sheriff's department, you saw Joy at the front desk filling out paperwork. She looked up and greeted you with a flat affect.

Rhett was nervous as the clock ticked loudly through the holding area. He knew you were going to be mad. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to sweet talk his way back into your good graces. “Hey, Joy. How ya doin’ tonight?” Rhett grinned when he heard your voice carry through the eerily quiet sheriff's department. 

Rhett offered you a crooked smile when he walked into the lobby. You were pissed off, “Hey.” you greeted coldly as you turned on your heel to exit the department. Rhett swore he heard Joy laugh under her breath as he followed you out like a lost puppy.

“Where’d you leave your truck parked? I got work in the morning.” you huffed as you led the way to your truck. “Hey. Com’er.” Rhett said as you two stood at the hitch, you stood there and stared at him- kissing him was the last thing you wanted to do right now. “Baby.” Rhett sighed and closed the small space between the two of you. His hands gripped your hips, and as much as you wanted to push him away, you couldn’t find the strength to do it. Rhett pulled you closer and pressed his chapped lips to yours. After a moment of resistance, you melted into his touch and allowed yourself to wrap your arms around his neck as his tongue invaded your mouth. 

Rhett ended the kiss and moved to kiss your nose, making you giggle. Rhett smiled and kissed your left cheek multiple times before squeezing you one last time before leaning back with his hands still on your hips. “You’re not too mad at me, right baby?” 

You rolled your eyes at his question, “Oh, I’m so pissed off at you, Rhett. Let’s get you back to your truck so I can at least attempt to sleep before my shift.”

[genevievethayer]

Outer Range Masterlist

Rhett & Perry Abbott

Royal Abbott

[filmtv2022]

By Your Side: Chapter Twenty-One (18+ Minors DNI)

Previous Chapter

Epilogue Part 1

Masterlist

Pairing: Rhett Abbott x Reader

Summary: Rhett faces the ugliness of the life-and-death situation that sits in front of him. Royal hints at the complexity of Amy's disppearence, but only adds more heartbreak and confusion to his family. 

Warnings: gun violence + language + tramatic events

A/N: I think this might be the last official chapter of this story. I don’t want to close off the end too much because I want to leave room for more story if/when we get a second season of Outer Range (I’m attached to this story okay!) With that being said, I have some thoughts for an epilogue (looking like it will be two parts), so get stoked for that! I’ll be working on it ASAP! 

________________________________________________

Standing in the glow of light just outside the building, Rhett watched you walk away for as long as he could. Eventually, you turned a corner and disappeared out of his view. Forcing out a sigh, he turned around and headed back to his mother who was now sitting at a table with a styrofoam cup of coffee. The steam wafted around her face as she took a small sip of the bitter liquid inside. Sliding out the chair next to her, he listened to the groan of the plastic as he let his full weight settle onto the flimsy seat. 

Sitting next to Ceci, Rhett pulled out his phone and checked the time. It was growing late in the evening, the hour only added to the stress of it all. Amy hadn’t been missing for long, but considering the chill in the air and the sheer number of people who’d been in attendance it seemed that with every minute that passed the likelihood of finding her alive and well grew smaller. Turning his head, Rhett surveyed the people who remained in the space. 

“They’re not here.”

“Hmm?” Lost in thought, Rhett had heard his mother speak, but the specifics of what she’d said were lost in the jumbled mess of his thoughts.

“Royal and Perry, they’re not here. I called ‘em both while you talked with Y/N… they didn’t pick up.” 

He didn’t have any words in response to what she’d just told him. He should have been angry or frustrated, but instead, he found himself numb to the fact that his father and brother were absent when they were needed the most. Shoving down the feelings of disgust that bubbled up when he thought about Perry, he stood to grab himself a cup of coffee. It was unlikely that the swill would be anything like the delicious brew he was used to during his mornings with you, but he prayed that it would breathe even a small amount of life back into his weary body. 

Holding onto the flimsy plastic handle of the coffee pot, Rhett stared blindly at the stream of brown liquid as it filled up the cup. Replacing the pot, he turned to make his way to the table when the sound of gunfire reverberated over the dull murmur of the crowd. Two shots came in quick succession, one right after the other, and only the briefest of pauses separated the second from the third. A heavy blanket of dread descended upon the room as everyone stood frozen in place for a moment, not trusting their ears. The sudden movement of two deputies rushing past him returned Rhett to reality. Muttering your name, he practically dropped the cup of coffee on the table as he took off outside of the building. down on the table to his right and took off. Rushing ahead of the officers, he tracked down the path he was sure you'd taken to the truck.

Moving as fast as he could he pounded over the ground, Rhett couldn’t shake the anxiety and worry that twisted in his gut. After what felt like ages, the gate to the riders-only parking area came into view. Crashing through the partially open gate, he felt his legs start to give way at the sight before him. Your limp frame was crumpled next to the truck, and even in the dark, he could see the large pool of blood that had settled beneath your body. Just beyond you, his eyes flashed to the other body that was partially prone in front of you. Rushing to your side, he lost all sense of self. Dropping to his knees, he gently rolled you onto your back, his chest clenching at the sight of your ghostly pale skin.

“Y/N, Y/N..hey, hey, hey… can you hear me, baby? Talk to me…” Holding your head in his hand, Rhett’s voice broke in hoarse rasps as he pleaded with you, his other hand skimmed over your body as he spiraled out of control.

Brushing away that dirt that clung to your cheek, he was startled by the cool temperature under his fingers. Sliding to the side of your neck he felt for a pulse. The shakiness of his hands made feeling for the gentle bounce under your skin difficult, but it was there, low and irregular, but there nonetheless. Bending low, he sought out the rise and fall of your chest. Seeing the shallow movement he redirected his attention to stopping the bleeding.

Pushing back the edges of the coat you were wearing, he scanned your body in search of your injuries. His stomach turned over at the amount of blood that soaked through your clothes. Your sweatshirt was drenched with it, as was your coat. The viscous liquid coated his hands as he worked to stop its flow. Moving his hand along your torso, he found the tear in your shirt near your left shoulder and pressed down hard with the heel of his hand. He felt blood bubble up around the pressure. Fumbling for his cell phone, he swiped open the phone to dial for help when the sound of footsteps and loud voices tore his vision toward the gate. A sense of momentary relief washed over him as he saw two deputies rushing in his direction. 

His hearing was fuzzy as the two men yelled orders into their radio. Unable to think clearly, he sat frozen in place, his hand still pressing down on the wound. Feeling a touch on his shoulder, Rhett looked around to find Mark kneeling on the ground next to him, while Matt stood next to the other body speaking to dispatch through the radio attached to his shoulder. Rhett could hear Matt trying to talk to him, but he wasn’t processing any of it. Giving every bit of his concentration to you, he struggle to speak, but he knew that he needed to.

“There’s a… another one on her stomach.” His voice was ragged as he informed Matt of the second sight of injury. Returning his attention to the wound he was attending to, Rhett saw more blood ooze between his fingers, “Shit, Y/N… fuck.” 

Wasting no time, the other man located the spot and pressed in with his full weight. Time spun around Rhett in an endless void as he waited for an ambulance to arrive. With each minute that passed the pallor of your skin grew starker, and he knew without a doubt that they were running out of time. Baring down, he tried to block out the pandemonium that was happening around him as more officers converged on the scene. 

“Come on, sweetheart, please...” Sucking in a rattling gasp he forced the air from his lungs as he continued to speak his words tumbling out in a nearly incoherent ramble, “don’t do this baby… stay with me, don’t do this, Y/N, please.” 

Lost to the world around him, Rhett’s eyes never left your face, soft pleas spilled like a prayer from his lips as he begged you to stay with him. He could feel the burn in his shoulder and wrist as he continue to try and quell the bleeding, but it didn’t matter, he’d relive every ounce of pain he’d ever experienced if it meant that he could save you. In this hyper-focused state, the swirl of red and blue lights of an approaching ambulance went unnoticed by him. Needing to tend to your wounds, the EMTs tried to get Rhett to move away and let them take up the space he’d been occupying, but in his panic, he was unwilling to move. 

Seeing the anger and desperation flare in her son’s face as the paramedics tried again to move him, Ceci who had been standing at the edge of the scene, rushed forward. Gently she took Rhett by the shoulders, soothing him with her words as she helped him stand. Guiding him away, the two stood next to the emergency vehicle, watching helplessly as the crew worked. Staring up at Rhett, Ceci wasn’t sure what to expect, but the look on his face was unreal. Utter devastation had drained every ounce of humanity from his features. The man standing beside her was a shell of the person he had been just a short time early. A feral look had taken over his eyes as he shut out every twinge of emotion. Eventually, the walls would fall, but for now, this was the only thing keeping him standing. 

With your wounds packed, the crew eased you onto a stretcher and wheeled you toward the ambulance. Seeing the paramedics approaching the vehicle, Rhett moved toward you out of instinct. The thought of letting them take you away from him was enough to spur him into action. Stepping toward one of the EMTs, he watched in a daze as your lifeless body passed by him. Collapsing the legs of the gurney, the crew piled into the cab with practiced efficiency. His mind was yelling for him to call out, to insist on them allowing him to go with you, but a vice had taken his voice in a chokehold, locking his words within. It was only a matter of seconds between the doors closing and the heavy sound of sirens filling the air. The crunch of dirt under the tires was lost in the blare of the horn as the driver honked signaling their approach to the people who were blocking the path having left the pavilion to see what was causing the chaos. 

With the ambulance quickly out of view, Rhett found himself turning back to the scene, the sight before him sent his stomach rolling. A large dark stain on the ground next to his truck was the only evidence that you’d been there, clinging to life, just moments before. And laying on the ground just a few feet beyond, his eyes locked onto the still uncovered body of the man who he’d promised to protect you from. Bile rose hot in his throat as shock overtook his body. Swaying on his feet, Rhett turned around and reached for the fence nearby and heaved, retching deeply before trying to stand. The sickly gleam of drying blood on his hands as he held the bar sent fresh waves of nausea to the surface, but there was nothing left to bring up as he dry-heaved. Shakily holding himself up with the support of the fence he glanced over his shoulder toward Matt who was standing close to him. Matt’s typically aloof demeanor had been replaced with somber sincerity. Ceci weakly placed a hand in the center of her son’s back both to try and steady him and to ground herself. Looking over at Matt, Rhett’s ears struggled to focus on the words coming out of his mouth, they seemed to be hitting him through a thick wall of fog.

“Here,” Matt extended his arm to hand Rhett a damp towel, “Sheriff’s on her way here. She’ll wanna talk to you, but for now let’s worry about getting you to the hospital, all right?” 

Nodding his head, Rhett accepted the towel and attempted to clean his hands as they made their way toward the front lot. The persistent trembling of his hands made removing the wash of red nearly impossible. Giving up, he turned his focus to forcing his wobbly legs forward more steadily alongside Ceci and Matt. Ducking under the tape, the trio moved silently through the crowd that had formed on the other side. He could hear the whispers and see the pointing fingers, but none of it mattered. He needed to see you, he needed to be with you. Moving as quickly as his body would allow to the squad car that was parked just outside the front gate, Rhett slid into the back seat next to his mother. Flipping on the lights and sirens, Matt pressed on the gas, speeding like a bolt of lightning toward the hospital. 

The blurry scene of the countryside at night blew by the windows as Ceci reached for Rhett’s hand. Holding tight to her son she observed the gore that still caked his clothing. The stains on his Carhartt looked black in the darkness. Ceci could feel the tackiness of the drying blood against her skin as she clung to Rhett, but she didn’t care. For now, there was nothing to do, but hold him and pray. The past few weeks had shaken her belief in God, and yet in the aftermath of this horrific night, she implored Him to hear her. Sitting like a statue next to her, Rhett beseeched the universe for a miracle. This wasn’t how it was supposed to end, you were supposed to get out, to live a life together. 

…………………..

A tired-looking receptionist led the group to a more private waiting area near the surgery ward. Once they were seated, she made her way back toward the desk to find a doctor. Matt followed her out to get in contact with Joy who’d asked to be updated once they arrived at the hospital. Holding his head in his hands, he could feel the dried blood he’d missed on his skin as he listened to the quiet shuffle of people moving in the hallway nearby while Ceci tried to get ahold of Royal and Perry yet again. Unsuccessful in her attempts, she stuffed her phone back into her pocket and sank back into the stiff plastic chair. The creak of the door opening was accompanied by a kind, but firm voice. 

“Rhett Abbott?” 

Standing, he winced as his muscles adjusted to the new position, “How is she?” 

“She’s in surgery as we speak. There was quite a bit of internal damage from the abdominal wound, and she lost a significant amount of blood.” Taking a deep breath, the young doctor’s face grew even more serious, “I have to be honest with you… she coded in the ambulance on the way in, and it's been fairly touch-and-go for a while. With that being said, right now she’s stable and we’re doing everything we can to take care of her. Also, we had to take this off of her before she went into the operating room.” 

In his outstretched hand, he held the ring that Rhett had put on your finger earlier that day. The brilliant shine of diamond flashed before him as his chest tightened and finally the walls he’d constructed to keep his heart together shattered into pieces. Feeling the last vestiges of strength drain from his legs, Rhett stumbled backward into Ceci who was there to catch him as he let go. Grasping onto his mother, his fists twisted in the sleeves of her shirt as he buried his face in her shoulder. Struggling under his weight, Ceci did her best to keep him upright as his body shook from the intense sobs that coursed through him. Excusing himself, the doctor slowly exited the room to give Rhett and Ceci some privacy.

“I can’t lose her, mom… she can’t leave me…”

“I know, honey, I know.”

Rocking back and forth on her feet, Ceci swayed with Rhett in her arms until he was able to catch his breath, much like she would do when he was a child and he'd come running to her in pain after some convoluted plan the two of you’d cooked up had gone wrong. Feeling his body start to go limp, she guided him back to the chair. Holding the ring in his fist, tears continued to stream in hot lines down his face, his focus trained on the floor in front of him. A quiet knock on the door sounded through the quiet space and forced Rhett to look up. Coming into the room, Sheriff Joy proceeded carefully toward Rhett who didn’t even try to stand this time. 

“How’s she doin’?” Joy asked the question to the room in general.

“She’s with the surgeons right now.” Ceci paused for a moment before continuing on, “Any update on Amy?”

“I’m afraid not. We’ve got an alert out to the adjacent counties, and we have a patrol on the streets. Some of the folks at the rodeo are putin’ together a grid search as we speak. We’re doing everything we can to find her, I promise. I’m so sorry Cecilia.” reciprocating the other woman’s tight-lipped nod, she turned to Rhett and pressed on, “Rhett, I really wish I didn’t have to do this, but we need to talk about what you saw tonight.”

“Come on, Joy, are you fuckin’ serious? Do you really have to do this right now? His fiance is in there fighting for her life right now, and you want him to sit here and give you play-by-play?” 

“Cecilia, I-” 

“It’s okay, Ma. She’s right… we’ve gotta talk about it eventually and it might as well be now.” 

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You mind giving us a few minutes?”

“Okay… I’ll go hunt down some clean clothes and food.” Hesitantly, Ceci stood from her seat and made her way out of the room. Throwing Rhett a quick look over her shoulder before shutting the door she saw Joy take up the chair she’d just left. 

“It was him, wasn’t it?” 

“Yes, it was James. We confirmed it with his ID and the reports filed by the team of investigators after Y/N’s previous incident.” 

“How did he find her?” 

“We’re not sure of the specifics yet, but from the looks of the inside of his car, he’s been following her for a while. We found pictures in his possession dating back to the days just after her father’s funeral along with what appears to be the spare key to her parent's house. The place was torn to hell when I sent an officer out to look around. And that’s just what we’ve recovered so far, there’s no telling what’s on his phone or laptop.” 

“I promised I would protect her from him… I promised and I failed. And now she might… she might die because I wasn’t there to-” Choking on a sob Rhett teetered on the edge of sanity as he came to grips with the fact that your worst nightmare came true, and that he wasn’t there to stop it. 

“Hold on, Rhett… this isn’t your fault. You didn’t fail her, I know right you can’t see that, but it’s true.”

“But if I’d just gone with her I could’ve-”

“You couldn’t have stopped him. The only thing that would’ve happened had you been with her is that both of you’d be laying in an operating room right now.” Shifting to face Rhett she continued on, “I need you to really listen to me when I say this, okay? I truly believe in my heart that Y/N is gonna come out of that surgery and that she’s gonna wake up, and when she does, she’s gonna need you more than ever. She’s got a long road ahead of her, and she’s won’t be able to do it on her own. An’ when we find Amy… she’s gonna need you too, don’t forget that.”

This was a side to Joy that Rhett had never seen before, but he appreciated it in a way he couldn’t really explain. New tears formed as he tried to accept the truth behind her words. 

……………………

Keeping an eye on the clock, Rhett was acutely aware of the hours that had passed. Now dressed in clean clothes, and free of the dried blood, he waited impatiently in the tiny room. Ceci has long since been escorted back to the Abbott home by Sheriff Joy, but he refused to leave. The doctors had tried several times to get him to go in the hope that he would rest, but their attempts were wildly unsuccessful. One of the kind nurses had managed to convince him to see a doctor for his own injuries after witnessing him throw back a handful of pain pills with what appeared to be his sixth cup of coffee. 

With his arm now in a sling, and a healthy dose of medicine to take the edge off the pain running through his system, Rhett paced back and forth over the hard tile floors. His movement was interrupted when the same doctor he’d spoken to throughout the night came in to give yet another update. 

“What’s her status, doc?” 

“She’s out of surgery and settled in the ICU.” 

“When can I see her?” 

“Soon, but there are a few things we need to discuss before that happens.” 

“Okay.” 

The serious look on the man’s face sent Rhett’s heart pounding in his chest as he followed him over to the chairs. The plastic squeaked under their weight as both men took their respective seats. Inhaling deeply, the doctor did his best to look Rhett in the eye as he spoke.

“Rhett, the extent of Y/N’s injuries was quite severe. That, coupled with their location and the extreme loss of blood… we’re looking at several more trips into the OR before we can be sure that everything is squared away and even then that’s not accounting for any complications that may arise.” 

“How many surgeries we’re talking about?”

“We can’t be sure of that right now, but we’ll know more in the coming days. But that’s not really what I’m here to talk about. Rhett, I need you to understand that when you see Y/N, she’s not going to look the like herself. Is it all right if I tell you a little bit about what you can expect?” 

“Go ahead.”

“The first thing you need to know is that she is currently sedated and on a breathing machine. She will remain this way until we are sure that her body is strong enough to support itself without the additional help.”

“Okay.” 

“On top of that, because there will be several more surgeries in the coming days the surgeons decided to leave her midline incision open. The wound is packed with gauze and wrapped, and the drainage tubes have been placed in between her ribs to ensure there is no fluid buildup in her chest that may lead to further complications.” 

“All right. I can handle that, I just need to see her.” His words were brave, but internally Rhett was narrowly holding on to his composure. 

“Okay. If you’re ready.” 

“I’m ready.” 

……………

There was nothing that could have prepared Rhett for seeing you laying vulnerable on that hospital bed. The sterile lights, the bandages wrapped carefully around your frame, the tube protruding from your side… the movement of your chest from the machine that was helping to keep you alive, it was all too much. Unfreezing himself from the doorway, he made his way over to the chair that had been placed at the side of your bed. Sinking into the seat, his eyes remained glued to your face as he tried to focus on what little positives he could see. Even in this state, tiny signs of life had come back somewhat. The deathly gray of your lips that had existed the last time he saw you no longer existed. The slight blush of oxygen-rich blood flowing beneath gave life back to your face. The gore that had caked your body had been wiped away, leaving behind soft patches of your skin where a flush of color had returned.

Tenderly, he reached out and collected your left hand in his... Placing a barely there kiss on your palm and fingers, he listened to the steady beeps of the machines all around. The noises filling the room acted as both a grim reminder of what had led you here and a tiny seed of hope for your recovery. Release your hand from yours, he reached into his pocket, feeling around for the ring… your ring. Finding it quickly, he pulled it from the depths into the harsh light of the room. Sliding the band around your finger, he stood up just enough to see your face again and brushed a featherlight kiss to your temple. 

“Come back to me, Y/N. I can’t do this without you. I'm not goin' anywhere, I promise.” 

Slumping forward Rhett rested the side of your hand on his forehead, sinking into the warmth of your skin. Rocking back and forth, his horrifying and broken sobs reverberated off the sterile walls.

Really and truly spent, Rhett's body began to shut down despite his attempts to hold on to consciousness. Eventually, exhaustion took hold and forced him into a rough dream state, his body was propped against the edge of the bed. Throughout the night, a constant flow of nurses and doctors came in and checked on you, and with each one Rhett woke, his soul needed to hear any minuscule update they could offer after their assessment. 

…………

As the dark of night gave way to the dreary light of a new day, he found himself shutting down in every way possible. The dull ache from his injuries came back in full force, shifting into excruciating agony as the pain medicine wore off. But the physical ache was nothing compared to the grief that swept over him as he watched. Drowning in the weariness, Rhett continued to fall into short bouts of fitful sleep, his dreams filled with the vivid images of finding you replaying like a broken record. Trying and failing to drag himself out of the nightmares, he could feel the tears pouring down his face in his sleep. A soft touch on his shoulder pulled him back from the horrors, Disoriented and unguarded, Rhett’s eyes glanced around the room before settling on his mother who was now standing by his side. Dressed in fresh clothing, Ceci looked down at her son, her own eyes sunken in and filled with sorrow as she waited for him to wake up fully. 

“Rhett, you gotta get some actual rest. And when’s the last time you ate anything?” 

“I’m fine, Ma.”

“You’re not fine, sweetie. You can’t do this to yourself. It’s -”

“I can’t leave her here alone…” Rhett’s voice broke at the thought of something happening to you while he was away. 

“She’s not gonna be alone. Okay? I’ll stay here, but you need to get some rest.” Ceci made no attempt to mask the desperation in her voice. 

Staring up at his mom, Rhett felt like a little kid again as he fought with how to describe the fears that possessed his mind. Swallowing, he tried to clear the thick feeling from his throat before he spoke.

“Any news about Amy?” 

“No, and… and there’s something else you need to know…” Trying to continue on the words caught like barbed wire in her throat, leaving her voice raspy and broken, “Perry’s gone.” 

“What the fuck are you talkin’ about?” 

“He’s gone, Rhett. He took off before Amy left for school the other day and hasn’t shown back up since.” 

“When did you plan on telling me this?” 

“After your ride last night, honestly, but then everything… and your father…” her voice cracked with raw sadness and isolation, Ceci whispered, “Our family’s falling apart and I don’t know how to save it.” 

“I know.” Breathing out as he stood, he tried to fight through the pain. Reaching out for his mother with his good arm, Rhett pulled her into a hug. The two stayed in the embrace until the sound of another nurse coming in to do another round of checks broke them apart.

………….

With the reassurance that you were stable and the promise from his mother that she’d stayed until he got back, Rhett made his way back home for a much need shower, food, and some rest. Forcing himself up the steps of the Abbott home, he pushed his way inside. The deafening silence that met his ears did little to lift his spirits. It was impossible to ignore the fact that no matter what happened after this point life would never be the same. If Perry returned there was a prison sentence awaiting him that would only grow larger the longer he stayed away from Wabang. Beyond that, who knew what trauma would have clawed its way into Amy’s soul should she find her way back to her family. And his father, something had so obviously broken in him, a vital piece of who he was deep inside, the damage was done and no amount of time would be able to restore him to the man he once was. This left Rhett and Ceci, the remaining bastions of the Abbotts to fight for a family that hadn't really existed for who knows how long. 

And then there was you, the person who above all else Rhett knew he couldn’t live without. Every time his focus slipped images of you flashed before his eyes. He could still feel the warmth of your blood flowing over his skin as he pressed into your gaping wounds. The washed-out color of your face as he knelt down next to you, his voice lost to the void of your unconsciousness. The cool flushed of your cheek as he brushed his fingertips along the plush skin. He knew then that for the rest of his life, he would be haunted by the memory of you hanging onto life in front of him. 

Walking past the kitchen, Rhett’s attention was pulled into the room as his eyes caught on the disheveled scene within. The table that normally sat perfectly within the space was turned over on its side, and there was food scattered all around the floor. Broken bits of glass accompanied the rest of the mess. If he’d had more sleep or better control of his own thoughts, Rhett would have stopped to contemplate and take care of it, but now was not the time. Instead, he turned his focus forward and proceeded gingerly toward the stairs. 

..................

With his sling placed on the side of the sink, Rhett stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Letting it heat he watched as the steam filled the room. Sliding back the shower curtain, he stepped under the near scalding stream. The burn of it on his skin was a welcome diversion from the injuries that slowed his movements and the horrendous thoughts he was trying and failing to block. Struggling to maneuver with only one usable arm, the shower took much longer than he’d originally anticipated. Using a course washcloth, he scrubbed every inch of skin vigorously, the flesh turning pink from the friction and the heat of the water. With each pass over his body, he tried desperately to wash away the feeling of your blood on him. But with his body raw from his actions, the sensation never faded. Throwing down the rag, he pressed his palm flat against the wall of the shower away from the stream, his head falling forward as he let a new wave of emotions release.

The water eventually ran ice cold, forcing himself from the confine of the bathroom, Rhett got himself dressed and sought out some food before returning to his room. Falling into bed, he found himself gravitating toward your side of the bed. Tucking his face into your pillow he inhaled deeply, taking in the faint scent of you that still clung to the fabric. Worn and weary, Rhett’s body pulled him under however unwillingly. 

………

Upon waking, Rhett found the bright gold of the setting sun filtering through the windows. Dragging himself from the bed, he put on his sling and headed out the door. The miles passed by in a fog, and before he knew it Rhett was opening the door to your hospital room. The scene inside hadn’t changed much since he’d left. Ceci’s small frame sat in the chair, her hands holding yours as she stared blankly out the window at the evening sky. 

“Hey, Ma. I’m back.”

Startling, Ceci’s head whipped to look in the direction of the voice.

“The doc came by about twenty minutes ago. She’s doin’ good, Rhett.” swapping places with her son, she stood by his side with her hand on his back, “I talked to the nurses and they’re willing to let you say here overnight, at least for a while. They normally can’t do that, but with everything going on… they were willing to make an exception.”

“Are you gonna be okay at home?” 

“Don’t worry about me.” 

Giving him a gentle squeeze, she only left the room after promising to be back to relieve him in the morning. Walking away, Ceci’s mind followed much the same path Rhett’s had before. The end of the last conversation she’d had with Royal repeated on a dangerous loop for her as she drove back toward her home.

Sitting at the table, Cecilia looked out at her husband who stood shrouded in the shadows of the dimly lit kitchen. 

“You are my family. And you pushed out that pain for me. But I held on to it no matter. And for my entire life, I was afraid of how it might bleed onto all of you. And it has. I tried to keep it secret. I tried to protect you from me. All of you. And I’m sorry. “ sniffling, Royal cleared his throat and shook his head as if to redirect his thoughts, “I want to do it different. I don’t want grace. I just want my family back. All I want is our family back.”

Staring dead ahead, Ceci saw the remorseful and determined man before her, but the image of it never reached her heart. Instead, cold hard anger flared like an explosion in her. This man, the man she’d committed her life to, the man she’d loved for all these years… the man whom she’d stood by as he lost all connection with reality stood in the heart of the place they’d called home, and laid out the completeness of his sin and indiscretion to her, and enough was enough. He’d killed this family the same way he’d killed his father, with a sudden and swift blow, leaving behind only the remnants of what was once a good and healthy thing.

Shifting her eyes down to the table, Ceci raised her foot to the side and paused. Looking up once more she made eye contact with Royal as she used her strength to force the table over, the food and drink spilled in a loud crash. 

“Our family is gone. It’s all gone. Our children are gone. And don’t try for a second to tell me any different. Perry is nowhere to be found, and Rhett… the minute Y/N can leave they will be out of this town faster than you can say rodeo. And they’re never lookin’ back.” Taking a second, she breathed in shakily, speaking on her exhale, “Amy’s gone.”

“No, she’s not.” 

-------------------

@lostinthefandoms11

@hope-love-equality2

@eugene-emt-roe

[filmtv2022]

By Your Side: Chapter Three (18+)

Image Credit: IMDB - The Void

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Masterlist

Pairing: Rhett Abbott x Reader & platonic!Perry x Reader 

Chapter Summary: Y/N and Amy get to share a fun night together, but the choices of Y/N’s past come flooding back to mind as she reflects on the night she broke Rhett Abbott’s heart for the first time. With her emotions on high, Y/N finds herself unable to hide her anxiety from Rhett, as the pair of them are forced to ride through an ‘attack’ together. The Tillerson boys show up and add more problems to the plate for the Abbotts, and by proxy, Y/N. 

Summary: Returning to Wabang was never something that Y/N had planned on, but with the loss of her father leaving her the sole owner of her family’s farm she must go back. Time spent at home forces Y/N to face the people she left behind. Will Y/N be able to navigate the murky waters of her past and present as the lines between them blur? 

Warnings:  Younger Y/N and Rhett get a bit hot and heavy (they are 18 at that point – it’s towards the end of their senior year) + panic/anxiety attack

A/N: Okay, so I am actually really feeling this chapter, and I hope you guys do too! Some dialogue is pulled from the show as the plot of this story will now be following alongside season 1 of Outer Range.

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Taking off your shoes, you leaned against the door frame as you called out to Amy in the living room, “So what are we watching bug?” 

Poking her head around the corner, Amy’s face was filled with joy as she spoke, “We’re gonna watch Grease.” 

“Oh really? That’s one of my favorites. And your dad’s good with that choice?” Perry was standing next to you as he took off his own shoes & put his keys away. Your eyes were on him as you waited for Amy’s response.

“Yup.” She popped back out of view quickly to tend to something in the living room. From the sounds of it, she was scooching the coffee table closer to the couch.

“Okay then, Grease it is then.” 

Turning the corner to the living room you found that a pile of crochet blankets had been set out on the couch. On the coffee table sat a bowl with three bags of unmade microwave popcorn in it. Amy was moving about adjusting the pillows so that you would each have one, along with a blanket. 

“So, how ‘bout I go start makin’ the popcorn and grab us some drinks?”

“Sounds good.” You could practically feel the excitement radiating off of her. 

Grabbing the bowl, you made your way into the empty kitchen and began the process of popping the bags. The electrical buzz of the machine accompanying the burst of the kernels was almost hypnotizing as you stood shifting from foot to foot in the kitchen. With the last bag poured into the bowl and the trash taken care of, you mosied to the fridge and grabbed a Sprite for Amy, a Rootbeer for yourself and Perry, and a Coca-Cola for Rhett. From the other room, you heard Amy shout for you to grab her bag of M&M’s from the pantry. Plucking the bag of candy from its spot, you tucked the pop cans under your arms. With only the fingers on your right hand empty, you attempted to hold the popcorn without spilling. As you struggled to tighten your grip on the bowl, you felt a presence behind you. 

“Let me help with that.” Rhett’s arm brushed yours as he reached around you to take the popcorn, the distance between you narrowing as he moved into your space. The feeling of his skin on yours sent shockwaves through your body. The moment was over before you could really process it as Rhett stepped back from you. Turning around you found yourself face to face with him.

“Thank you.”

Nodding his head he moved back to the living room with the popcorn in hand. Side-by-side you and Rhett went to join Amy and Perry. 

“Sit by me Y/N.” Amy patted the spot next to her on the couch. Perry had taken the spot on the right next to the armrest with Amy directly to the left of him. 

“Okay, baby bug, but come grab your pop first. I’m about ready to drop them all.” Standing up, Amy came to your rescue, taking the cans and distributing them to her family before sitting down again. Without thinking Amy sat Rhett’s can of coke on the far side of the couch near the other armrest. Not wanting to ruin her excitement, you decided to take the seat between her and Rhett without question. 

Settling into the cushion, you pulled a blanket over your lap and tried to relax. Amy pressed play before tucking herself into your side, your left arm wrapping around her shoulder to keep her close. With the opening credits song rolling you found yourself swaying in your seat, moving Amy with you. 

“Grease is the word. Grease is the word, is the word that you heard. It's got groove it's got meaning. Grease is the time, is the place is the motion. Grease is the way we are feeling.” 

Amy’s laughter was rolling through the room at your antics, and though you couldn’t see it, a small smile came to Rhett’s face as he watched you and his niece. As the song crawled to a close, you could feel Amy shift in your arm to look at you.

“Y/N, I mean this in the nicest way possible. Don’t ever become a singer.” 

You burst out in laughter at her comment.

“What do ya’ mean bug? You tellin’ me that I don’t sound like an angel from Heaven?” You feigned hurt as you laughed out your response.

“No… in fact I think the only person who sounds worse than you is grandpa.” 

You nearly lost it at her confession. 

“Good to know, an’ thanks for the career advice.” You squeezed her for a second to let her know how much you loved her. You could feel Rhett’s eyes on you as the movie played along without a hitch, Amy’s voice was what kept you focused as she kept asking questions about the plot. But eventually swept up in the story, she settled down. Letting your thoughts wander, the music pulling your mind away from the here and now. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The sky was dark outside the kitchen window as you stood waiting for the popcorn to finish. The smell of the buttery kernels swept through the space making your mouth water. It was Friday night, and you and Rhett were just settling down to watch a movie. In the distance, you could hear him rummaging around trying to find the remote that had disappeared into the couch cushions. As the seconds ticked by you could feel the tension rising in your shoulders, you needed to talk to him. The envelope had been burning a hole in your bag for the past week, but every time you’d tried to bring it up someone interrupted. But tonight was the night. Perry and Rebecca were on a family vacation with Amy in tow. Cecilia and Royal were out of town for a cattle auction. Tonight it was just you and Rhett. 

Seeing you standing in the kitchen, Rhett couldn’t help but admire the sight of you. Even in a pair of his sweatpants and his hoodie, you were the most beautiful person he’d ever seen. Your head pulled from side to side as you attempted to stretch the tension away. He could see the stress painted across your body. Your shoulders hovered just below your ears, as your fingers rubbed deep circles into the muscles in a feeble attempt at finding relief. Needing to do something, Rhett found his way over to you, bringing his large hands to your waist. Letting his fingers massage your body, encouraging you to relax into him. Dipping his head down Rhett brought his lips to the side of your neck, nipping and sucking as he went, his hands wandering over your thighs and ass. Your body instantly reacted to the feeling of him. Letting your head fall to the side Rhett continued to press needy kisses on your body, leaving behind sensitive spots in his wake. A moan fell from your lips as he pressed himself flush with you. A deep sigh left Rhett as your right hand reached behind and found its way into his hair and pulled lightly. 

“Rhett…” Your voice was desperate as you searched for your high and your willpower. 

Needing more, you turned yourself around in his arms, crashing your lips into his. His tongue slid along your lips searching for entrance, which you readily granted. No longer able to control himself, Rhett’s hands gripped the back of your thighs as he lifted you onto the countertop. Slotting himself between your thighs, he pulled you closer to the edge of the counter so that you could feel him pressed against your core. Breathy gasps fell from you both as his hands found their way under your hoodie, exploring the sensitive skin underneath. Your hands found purchase on his body, one hand around his middle the other still threaded into his hair. Needing a chance to breathe, Rhett refocused his attention on your neck, kissing down your throat as his hands pushed up the bottom of your hoodie, asking for permission to take it off. Your deep desire to be with Rhett was at odds with the voice in the back of your head… you needed to tell him. Pulling back slightly, you let your forehead rest on his, your breath blowing hot on his face as you spoke.

“Rhett, Rhett…we need talk.” His lips fell back to yours as his brain had yet to catch up to what you’d said. 

“Rhett, please… stop.” Your hands stiffened on his body, holding him in place. Opening his eyes, a feeling of anxiety rushed through Rhett as he worried that he’d overstepped a boundary. This wouldn’t have been the first time you two had tipped beyond heavy petting, but the look on your face was enough to stop his heart.

“Hey, baby, I’m sorry. We can slow down… let’s slow down.” His thumbs rubbed small circles on your waist as he looked you in the eyes, “What’s going on sweetheart? What did I do wrong?” 

Your face softened at his worry, you didn’t deserve him. 

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Rhett, we just… we need to talk.” Pushing his shoulders lightly to move him back, you slipped down from the counter, finding your way to the entryway where your bag sat on the ground. Rhett hadn’t moved from his spot in the kitchen, but his eyes followed you until you disappeared around the corner. Only a few seconds had passed, but a hundred thoughts flew through his mind as he tried to guess what could possibly have you this worried. And that’s when he spotted it, the envelope in your hands. Gingerly, you sat in a chair at the table that had been left ajar earlier. Your hand reached out to place it in the center of the table as you sat. Rhett silently joined you, the pair of you staring at the bundle of papers for some time before you broke. 

“It’s from Central Wyoming…” You couldn’t look him in the eyes as you spoke, choosing rather to stare at the table as your brain searched for the right thing to say. 

“What’s it say?” Rhett knew the answer before he even asked the question, but he still needed to hear you say it.

“I got in… and they’re giving me a spot on their rodeo team. They’re covering it all Rhett.” 

He hummed a response as his hands came up to wipe over his mouth. Leaning over in his seat, Rhett pressed his elbows into the tops of his thighs as his hands gripped his knees. His knuckles were white from the force of his grip, his jaw working sharply as he processed the information.

“When do you leave?” 

“Rhett I haven’t -.” 

“When do you leave?” He voice was devoid of emotion as he spoke. 

“July.” 

Rhett sat unmoving. Your gaze never left him as you gave him time to process the information he’d just been given. Minutes crawled by as the pair of you sat silent as the grave at the table, the only sound was the ticking of the clock. Words bubbled in your throat as you tried to keep them from spilling over, but the dam was weakened by emotion, and finally, it had to give. 

“I can’t stay here Rhett. I can’t watch him kill himself a little more each day. And my heart… it breaks every time I drive through town because it all reminds me of her. I have to get out of here because if I don’t… this place is gonna kill me too.”

His voice cracking with hurt, Rhett let his frustration and fear get the best of him as he spat his question in your direction, “But what about me?” 

Frustration flared as you reacted to his question.

“This isn’t about you Rhett!” 

“Maybe not, but it is about us. What happens to us when you leave Y/N?” 

Your exasperation boiled over as you stood from your chair,  your legs pushed it back with too much force ripping a screech from the wood as it traveled, “Why does anything have to happen? Why can’t we still be us?” 

“Because Y/N… you’re gonna leave this town and never look back. An’ I’ll…just be here.” His words stopped you in your tracks. Having laid himself bare, Rhett’s shoulders curled in as he grabbed his head with his hands, running his fingers through his hair to avoid looking at you. Your heart sank as his word settled. Taking a deep breath you sat back down in the chair, scooching it closer to him as you reached for his hand. Threading your fingers through his, you brought his hand into your lap, and let the side of your head rest on his shoulder. Your thumb rubbed tenderly on the back of his hands, your left leg pressed to his right. 

“I know you have to go… but I don’t know how to do this without you.” 

“Then come with me, Rhett. We can get out together.” You lifted his hand to your lips, delicately kissing his knuckles. 

“Y/N, you know I can’t do that…my family–” 

“I love your family, but you can’t live your whole life just for them.”

“It’s not as easy as that, an’ you know it.” 

“I know.” You closed your eyes, letting the feeling of his shirt on your cheek and the warmth of his hand in your be your focus. 

“Y/N”

“Hmm” You could feel Rhett turn his face towards you, his lips brushed against yours as he spoke.

“I love you.” Unable to reply, you brought your lips to his, pouring every ounce of your love for him into the embrace. 

Every fiber of your being wanted to say it back because you did love him with your entire soul. You knew deep in your heart that your love for Rhett Abbott ran as deep as the ocean and high as the Wyoming sky. But the uncertainty of your future kept the words from flowing freely.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Amy shifted in her seat, tugging at your sleeve as she tried to get your attention. 

“Y/N…Y/N, are you okay?” Her face was full of concern as she waited for your reply. Both Rhett and Perry turned their eyes to you waiting for a response to what they saw unfolding in front of them. You hadn’t realized it, but tears had begun to run down your face as the memory of that night faded into the distance. 

Wiping your eyes with the wrists of your shirt, you tried to put on a smile and reassure Amy that you were okay, “I’m okay baby bug. Just thinking about things…”

“Were you thinkin’ about your dad?”

“I was thinkin’ about a lot stuff…”

“It okay, Y/N. You can cry if you need to.” 

Leaning over you wrapped your arm tighter around Amy, kissing the side of her head as your throat constricted with sorrow. 

………………….

The movie continued to play its predictable plot in the background as you snuggled with Amy. The pair of you clinging to each other out of an unspoken need for support. Fatigue began to creep into your body as you let yourself relax. Before long sleep overtook your body, the cozy temperature of the house lulled all of you to sleep by the time the credits were rolling. Returning from a day full of errands, Royal and Cecilia found the four of you fast asleep on the couch, the movie was long done playing by the time they arrived. Soda cans and popcorn kernels were the telltale signs of the fun that was had during the night. Amy was laying with her side along yours, her feet tucked under her dad’s leg. While you were tucked up against Rhett your body molding into his as you slept with his arm flung along the back of the couch behind you. Rhett’s head was tipped back, creating an indent into the pillow he’d shoved behind his head during the movie. 

Cecilia cautiously stepped up to Perry, rubbing his shoulder to wake him up. It was a school night, and she knew he’d want to get Amy in her bed for some good rest. 

“Hey, Per. It’s gettin’ pretty late, might wanna get Amy upstairs for the night.”

Groggily Perry, blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the dim light in the room, “Thanks Ma.”

Groaning with the effort of waking up stiff muscles, Perry stood from the couch and scooped Amy into his arms. Kissing her forehead, he paused to admire you and Rhett. It did his heart good to see the two of you together again, even if there was still so much to unpack. Amy started to stir in his arms as the change of position registered in her body spurring Perry into action. 

Ceci could hear Royal in the kitchen finding a late-night snack and drink as she watched you and Rhett. With a sad smile, she draped a blanket over her son’s lap and adjusted the blanket that had fallen from you. Joining Royal in the other room, the two of them ate a quick snack together. Ready to head to bed, Ceci flipped off the lights in the living room, shuffling in near darkness to the stairs, turning back to take one more look at you both as a silent prayer was sent into the void. 

…………………………………………

The horrific images of that night played like a film in your dreams, each scene filling your body with real fear. Cold sweat dripped down your back as your heart beat erratically in your chest, a near scream rushed past your lips as the scene unfolding in your dream sent you into a state of utter panic. Bolting up from your reclined position, your lungs raged for air in uneven gasps. The flood of panic increased as you tried to figure out where you were, the dark shapes of the living room were unfamiliar to your anxiety-stricken eyes. Your hands clamped over your ears as you tried to ground yourself, your body rocking faintly. The feeling of your elbows digging sharply into the tops of your knees brought you a sense of control. 

Your sudden movement startled Rhett awake, his focus finding you immediately. Not wanting to scare you Rhett tried to speak to you before laying his hand on the middle of your back, but you didn’t respond, you were still reliving the terror from your dreams. He could hear your breathing become so haphazard he was afraid you were going to lose consciousness. 

With featherlight pressure, Rhett rested his hand on your damp back, his voice falling into a comforting cadence as he felt the muscles in your back clench at the sensation of his hand. 

“Y/N… it’s me, its Rhett. It’s okay… your okay.”

Your sobs grew more serrated and wet as your tears fell harder. 

“Why did this have to happen here? Why now?” The thought crashed into your mind as you tried to ride out the attack, but you weren’t left with any time to concentrate on it. Another flash of that night cleaved its way into your being causing your whole body to shake from the intensity of your anxiety and fear. At the lack of your response, Rhett wrapped his left arm around your frame and gently pulled you close, his right hand threaded into your hair as he tucked your head under his chin. Your arms dropped into your lap as you let yourself go. Abandoning all pretenses, Rhett leaned back into the couch, taking you with him, your hands fisting into his shirt as she moved you.  His heart pounding in his chest, Rhett adjusted his arms around you, shielding you in a tight grip. Minutes fell away as the two of you held onto one another, both of you in desperate need of each other. 

………………………………..

The smell of cooking bacon wafting into the living room acted as a wake-up call. Blinking quickly, your eyes adjusted to the light and the familiar setting around you. The scratchy yarn of the blanket caught on the cotton of your shirt as you sat up on the couch, your hands running over your face to clear away the sleep.  The feeling of the salt trails along your cheek was accented by the swollen feeling behind your eyes. Exhaling the stale air from your lungs, you pressed your palms into the cushion to help propel you up. Your body was exhausted from the night’s terrors, every muscle felt like lead. Shuffling to the kitchen drained your energy more quickly than expected. Your throat was stuck together from the effort of crying the night before making a glass of water necessary before figuring out how you were getting home.  

“Good mornin’ Y/N” Cecilia didn’t look up from the bacon she was cooking as she continued, “Can I getcha anything?”

“Mornin’ and water’s fine, thank you.” The rough edges of your voice caused Ceci to turn her head in your direction. Her eyes flicked over you, trying to decipher the look on your face. 

“You sure? I made extra.” 

“I’m sure, thank you though.” 

“Come on now girl, you need to eat somethin’. Here have some bacon.” Ceci threw several slices of bacon onto a plate before spinning around and setting it on the table. She gave you that motherly glare as if warning you not to refuse again. Heeding her silent warning, you made your way over to the table where she’d placed the food. 

“Thanks Ceci, I really appreciate it.” 

“It’s not a problem dear. Here, have some coffee too.” A steaming mug of coffee and a short glass of water joined the plate of bacon on the table in front of you. 

The clomp of boots on the floor could be heard as Royal found his way into the kitchen.

“We’re missing two.” 

“What? Did you check the…” 

“The south fence is fine.” 

“Where’s Rhett?” 

Royal squeezed Ceci’s shoulders lovingly as he placed a kiss on the side of her head. Taking a small bite of the bacon, you chewed it slowly as you watched their interaction. Royal was a difficult man to read, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out that something was frustrating him, and knowing him the way you did, you’d bet that it went beyond a couple of lost animals. 

As if talking about him had made him appear, Rhett came ambling into the kitchen. His jeans hung low on his hips as he pulled on a navy blue t-shirt, the muscles in his chest and core flexed as he tugged it over his head, ruffling his hair in the process. 

“What’s goin’ on?” 

Not in the mood to repeat himself, Royal snapped at Rhett without so much as a second thought for the present company, “If you think I’m gonna bail you out of your responsibilities, you got another thing comin’. Get ready, we’re checking the fences.” 

The look on Rhett’s face never changed as he listened to  his father’s outburst, “Alright.”  A burnt orange riding shirt was draped over the back of the dining room chair next to Rhett, reaching out he grabbed the shirt and pulled it on as he turned towards the door. You weren’t sure what came over you, but the words had tumbled from your mouth before you could think better of them.

“I can help.” Both Royal and Rhett gave you a long hard look as you waited for their response. 

“I appreciate the offer, but you don’t have to do that Y/N." Royal assured you as he adjusted the hat on his head.  

“No really, I’d love to help. Honestly, it’d give me something to keep my mind off of everything. If I don’t do something I’m gonna go a bit crazy.”  A weak chuckle punctuated your offer.

“That’s fine I guess. Could always use another pair of eyes.” Royal didn’t wait for any further response, leaving you, Rhett, and Ceci standing in the kitchen awkwardly. 

“You can’t go out in those clothes. Let’s go get you something better to wear.” Talking the pan off of the stove, Ceci spun the dial to off before moving upstairs, calling over her shoulder as she went, “She’ll be outside in a few, tell your father to wait.”

Not ready to be alone with Rhett again, you followed Ceci without hesitation. You could feel his stare on your back as you walked away. Rhett’s mind was consumed with thoughts of you. Something was deeply wrong and he knew it. He’d seen you fall into periods of anxiety and depression, but he’d never witnessed anything like last night.

…………………………………………………..

Twenty minutes later you found yourself dressed in an old pair of Ceci’s clothes, trailing along behind Rhett and Perry as the four of you rode along the fence line checking for any gaps or breaks. The leather of the reins felt smooth in your hand, as you let your muscle memory take over. It had been too damn long since you’d gone riding, but your body remember the actions as if it was yesterday. 

The breeze blew lightly as the sun beat down on your shoulders, Ceci’s hat kept it from burning your face. Panning from left to right you kept your eyes peeled for any sign of damage, finding none. The whirring of far-off engines floated through the wind to your ears, your eyes popped to the horizon looking for the signs of the approaching vehicles. In the distance you could see clouds of dust flying up, the sound getting closer as the dirt billowed higher. 

A few more minutes passed before the approaching vehicles were close enough to tell more. It was a trio of ATVs speeding toward the fence line from the other side. It didn’t take much to figure out who was coming… the Tillersons. In sync, you all pulled back on the reins, stopping your horses in their tracks as the ATVs came to a halt on the other side of the fence. Dismounting, you and the Abbott boys sauntered towards the Tillersons. Trevor and Luke came forward, while Billy continued to drive around erratically, all the while singing at the top of his lungs.

Not wanting to give them the advantage of leading the conversation, Royal greeted them first.

“Boys. How’d your dad’s surgery go?”

“Fine thanks. Just wanted to come by and…” Luke’s comment was cut off by his brother Trevor. 

“Came knocking on your door. Cecilia said you lost a few?” 

“Yeah, we’ll find ‘em. Appreciate your concern. What can we do for ya?” 

Rhett, Perry, and Royal stood face to face with the Tillerson boys across the fence. Not wanting to intrude on the conversation, you stood back a few feet, windowed behind Perry and Rhett. 

“Well, we felt it best to break this to you in person, but…” Luke pulled an envelope from his jacket pocket as he explained himself, but yet again he couldn’t finish his thought. Trevor interrupted his brother yet again, clearly impatient with the pace of the encounter.

“State says you’re nearly a mile over our property line and you have thirty days to move your fences off our land. If not, you’ll be fined $80,000 and we’ll take you to court.”

“Alright…” Royal couldn’t keep his chuckle, a smile crossed his face as he removed his gloves, “What’s this really about? Water rights? Drilling?”

Luke cut into the conversation again, his tone almost apologetic, “Ah, it’s just business, that’s all.” 

Even from the back, you could see the tension growing in Rhett’s body, his shoulder blades scrunching together as he forced the gloves from his own hands, “What it is, is horseshit, and you know it.” 

“I’ll be honest, I don’t get it either, but something set a fire in my dad, and here we are…. You want to talk to him…”

“No, no. There’s nothing to negotiate here, Luke. That letter is straight from the county assessor himself. The fact of the matter is, y'all are gonna lose some land.” 

Taking the letter from his brother, Trevor handed the envelope to Royal over the fence before calling to his other brother. His cold stare found you, holding you in place for a moment before he turned around to fetch Billy. 

“Billy!”

The look of exasperation on Luke’s face gave away how he really felt about the situation, but the family ties were deep, and he was bound by blood to bend to his father’s wishes. The Tillerson family had always been an enigma, their bond as deep as could be, yet they never appeared to like each other much. 

“It’s not stealing. It’s all above board. I’ll talk to my dad, and see what he says. I know your whole family’s been through a lot… like I said, it’s just business.” No amount of explanation on Luke’s part was going to make this situation better. 

“Billy! Luke, let’s go!” 

You all watched the Tillersons drive away before getting back on your horses and continuing on. Not another word was spoken about what had just happened, but you knew this wouldn’t be the end of this problem. Tillerson’s were like blood, easy enough to spill, but nearly impossible to get rid of.