#throws a pie at creek

[doofazoid]

SOME FRIENDS!

[tongue-like-a-razor]

Hotter Than Texas | Part III

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x F!Reader

A/N: Thank you for all the lovely messages about this series! I'm so happy y'all are loving it and are excited to see it continued <3

Summary: Bradley Bradshaw is tasked with transporting a not-so-delicate package in the form of Jake Seresin's baby sister, who turns out to be Bradley's dream girl worst nightmare.

Aka it's a road trip, strap in.

CW: swearing, age gap (10 years)

WC: 2200+

Part I | Masterlist

“You got a girlfriend, Brad Bradshaw?”

Bradley looks over at you, sitting in his passenger seat in a green sundress, fiddling with a charm on your bracelet. “No,” he replies rather hoarsely, unsure how to interpret your question.

“Why not?” you continue, your tone light and carefree, as though you’re just asking about the weather.

“I dunno,” Bradley mutters uncomfortably, returning his attention to the road.

You look up at him abruptly and he throws you a brief glance; just long enough to see the concern on your face. “Think about it,” you suggest.

Bradley sighs, making a concentrated effort to check his blind spot before switching lanes – like driving could distract him from this conversation. Why doesn’t he have a girlfriend? He’s never really thought about it so, clearly, it hasn’t been at the top of his priority list. “The last girlfriend I had was in college. Didn’t last long, either,” he says, hoping this might appease your curiosity enough for you to change the subject.

“Hmm.”

He looks over at you again, wondering what you’re thinking. Wondering if you might consider this little detail a red flag. “I haven’t really met anyone I wanted to spend all my time with,” he says. Until now.

“Interesting,” you muse, leaning back into your seat as though you’re satisfied with this response.

“Is it?” Bradley asks, his gaze inadvertently coasting over your bare thighs every time he glances at you.

You shrug mildly, your fingers once again toying with your bracelet.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Bradley asks, feeling temporarily bold.

“Mmm,” you deliberate, dropping your hands into your lap and slanting your head back against the headrest. “We’ll see.”

Bradley furrows his eyebrows, now watching you more than he’s watching the road. “What does that mean?”

“It means, we’ll see, sugar,” you respond absently. Then, suddenly, you spring up in your seat. “Apple orchard ahead!” you exclaim, pointing at the sign on the side of the interstate.

Bradley, more confused than ever, blinks between your outstretched arm, the billboard, and the road. “You want to pick apples?”

You give Bradley a look and say, “They’ll have pie!”

“Oh!” Bradley chuckles. “Say no more.” He makes a few lane changes so as not to miss the fast-approaching exit.

“We can have the pie for lunch,” you say, glancing at the clock on his dash.

“We can stop for lunch and then get pie,” Bradley proposes, hoping to once again enjoy the pleasure of your company at a restaurant.

You consider his offer and then counter with, “We can have some pie, then have lunch, and then have some more pie.”

Bradley laughs. “Sold.”

…

About an hour later, Bradley is sitting with you on a small dock overlooking a creek, the open pie box positioned in between the two of you.

“That’s a fresh pie,” you comment, sticking your fork into the flaky crust.

Bradley grins at the top of your head as you lean over the box to take a bite. For some reason, your obsession with pie supremely amuses him. “You’re fucking adorable,” he says before he can stop himself.

You freeze with the fork in your mouth and then slowly blink up at him, your eyes searching his for a moment before you sensually draw the fork out of your mouth and then lick it for good measure. Bradley nearly has a heart attack. You smirk at him playfully and then get to your feet. “You think?” you ask, as though you want to hear him say it again. You bend over slightly and lift your leg to remove a sandal.

Bradley watches you gracefully step out of your shoes while beads of sweat collect under the collar of his t-shirt. How could he have let that kind of thing slip?

“Fancy a dip, Rooster?” You eye him mischievously.

Bradley gulps as you bunch up your sundress, exposing more of your legs than he should ever get to see, and dip a toe into the water. The current bubbles around your foot.

“It’s cold!” you squeal, lifting your foot out of the water with a laugh.

Bradley chuckles, getting up as you hop in your excitement on the edge of the dock. “Careful,” he cautions, holding his arm out in case you fall. “Don’t slip.”

You plunge your whole foot into the water before promptly removing it with a splash and a yelp.

“Come on,” he says. “How cold can it be?”

You giggle, taking a hold of his arm as you once again lower your foot into the creek.

Bradley lets his hand close gently around your elbow, steadying you while your toe makes circles in the water.

“How deep do you think it is?”

And before Bradley has a chance to respond, you make your way to the bank and take several steps into the creek, squealing as you go. Bradley shakes his head with a laugh as you wade further in.

“What’re you waitin’ for, handsome?” you call to him when you’re about knee deep in the water.

Bradley, who’s pretty sure he’s going to be replaying that line in his head for the next week, strolls up the dock toward the bank. He slips off his shoes and stands on the slope for a moment, letting the water lap at his bare feet.

“It’s freezing, right?” you exclaim giddily.

Bradley shrugs as he finally enters the – admittedly frigid – water. “It’s nice,” he says. “Refreshing.”

You snort as he strides toward you and, when he’s close enough, you dip your hand into the water and splash him.

“Hey now,” he cautions. “Don’t start something you wouldn't want me to finish.” He’s deep enough now that the bottoms of his shorts are skimming the surface of the water.

You giggle and splash him again – harder this time.

Bradley shakes his head, lowering his hand into the water. “Just remember,” he says, “you asked for this.” And then he glides his hand along the surface, sending a cluster of water droplets in your direction.

You screech, covering your face and, not a moment later, start a boisterous aquatic attack, showering him with icy water and completely impairing his visual field. The skirt of your dress floats in the water like a lily pad as you retreat deeper into the creek.

Bradley, who’s now soaked from head to toe, peels off his t-shirt and tosses it onto the dock. Then, he follows you deeper. “You’ve been warned, princess,” he says, gathering a wave of water and sending it in your direction.

You scream as the giant splash drenches you entirely. You stand still for a moment, accepting your fate, and then you wrap your arms around your shoulders, shivering as you glance up at Bradley whilst water drips from the tip of your nose. “I’m all wet!” you shriek.

Bradley laughs, finally approaching you. “What did you expect?”

“That you’d let me win!”

Bradley eyes you with a smirk. “Let you win? Honey, you don’t know me at all.” Bradley can’t remember the last time in his life he’d used so many pet names, but, looking at you, they just keep rolling off his tongue.

You pout at him, your lashes dripping water every time you blink. “I’ll get you back when you least expect it,” you say.

Bradley chuckles. “Your lips are turning blue,” he says, noticing that your teeth are starting to chatter.

You let Bradley lead you out of the water and, once you’re back on the bank, you start to wring out the bottom of your sundress. The wet material sticks to your curves invitingly and Bradley begrudgingly looks away.

…

“Want me to drive for a while?” you ask, approaching the car.

Bradley looks over at you with an amused smirk as he pulls open the passenger door. “Nope,” he responds.

“You don’t trust me with your precious Bronco?” you ask playfully.

Bradley chuckles, shaking his head. “I just don’t mind driving.”

“Neither do I.” You shrug.

Bradley ponders for a moment before replying, “Next time.”

You raise your eyebrows at him. “Planning another road trip with me already?”

Bradley feels the unwelcome – but vexingly predictable – stutter of his heart as you continue to hold his gaze. He tightens his grip on the frame of the door he’s still holding open because he can’t very well sink his hands into you. Not only are you much younger than anyone Bradley’s ever dated, you’re also Hangman’s little sister, a reality so unfortunate that it almost feels contrived. Of all the girls in the world, why does he have to be so utterly infatuated with you? After a few seconds of – we’ll call it deliberate – silence, he grins. “If you’ll have me,” he says.

You smile. “Fun,” you say, drawing a little closer to the passenger door – a little closer to Bradley. “Where are we going?”

Bradley gulps uneasily. “Anywhere,” he says, his voice raspy and uneven.

You graze your teeth over your bottom lip and Bradley could swear that the heat of the afternoon sun is about to melt his very bones. “I’ve always wanted to take the scenic route to Alaska,” you muse, pursing your lips.

Bradley watches you unblinkingly. “Let’s go,” he says.

You let out a peal of laughter and slap him lightly on the chest. “Can you imagine?” you exclaim.

He can. “It’s a bit in the opposite direction,” he says somewhat ironically. “But anything’s better than the desert,” he concludes, slowly shifting his weight after standing very still for a very long time.

You smile at him sympathetically, as though you can tell he’s suffering greatly. “Rain check?” you ask softly.

Bradley, who is absolutely sure that there isn’t a single organ in his body left uncooked, comments facetiously, “Does it ever rain here?”

…

“Let’s stop for some coffee,” you say about half an hour after getting back on the road.

If Bradley didn’t know any better, he’d think you might be finding excuses to extend the trip. “With a pinch of salt?” Bradley teases you, but obediently merges onto the offramp.

“I’m thinking of switching majors,” you say quietly, as though you’re unsure whether you really want to share this information.

Bradley glances over at you as he pulls up to a red light. “Sounds like you might need something a little stronger than coffee.”

You snort loudly and then let out a dramatic sigh. “I’m thinking you might be right, darlin’.”

Bradley’s heart races as he pulls into the lot of the first bar he sees. Frequenting watering holes is absolutely on the list of things Bradley should not be doing with his colleague’s baby sister. But you seem like you need to get something off your chest. And Bradley can’t imagine a more ideal way to spend an evening.

The tavern is low-lit and crowded, and you shift slightly closer to his side upon entering. Bradley instinctively places a hand on your back, like it’s meant to be there or something. He guides you through the packed bar toward an empty table near the back and waves down a server before taking a seat across from you.

He slides you a cocktail menu and watches you peruse it without saying a word. When the server arrives, you order a paloma.

Bradley orders a whiskey neat and fixes you with a weighty look once the server departs. “You want to talk about it?” he asks.

You shrug. “We can.”

Bradley continues searching your face. “Do you want to?”

You sigh and look down into your lap. “Nobody knows yet,” you admit. “I’m halfway through my junior year so switching would really set me back.”

Bradley nods sympathetically. He knows all about being set back. “What are you thinking of switching to?”

“Psych,” you respond hesitantly.

Then the drinks arrive and you fall uncharacteristically silent. Bradley takes a sip of his whiskey while you down a quarter of your cocktail in one gulp. “You want my advice?” he asks. “Or are you just sharing?”

You meet his gaze distantly. “My parents are gonna flip shit,” you says monotonously, as if you haven’t even heard his question.

Bradley smirks at you. “It’s their job to overreact,” he says. “They just want to protect you.”

You absently run your finger around the rim of your glass. “My brother’s gonna question my judgement. Say I’m making a mistake.”

“Your brother has questionable judgement, himself,” Bradley points out.

You let out a small chuckle. “I wish I knew both outcomes before making a decision.”

Bradley could sure relate to that feeling. “Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut. It may not apply here, to be honest, but this guy I know – one of my superiors – he uh, he has this motto: ‘Don’t think, just do.’ I’m not saying yours has to be a split second decision. But, if it were, and you had to decide this minute, without weighing the consequences or talking it over with your family, what would you choose?”

You blink up at him soberly and state, “Naval Academy.”

Bradley’s eyes widen stupidly as he processes your words. “That” – he croaks, then clears his throat – “that’s not psychology.”

You suck in your cheeks and solemnly shake your head.

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[cevansbrat0007]

Sweet Tooth

Summary: Ari gets inventive when he finds himself in the doghouse with you. Be sure to check out the follow-up drabble, Sweet Tooth Deluxe!

Warnings: Smut, Mature Themes, Ari Being A Menace, Arch Nemesis', Dominant Ari, Aprons, Arguments, Oral Sex (fem rec mentioned), Spanking (mentioned), Pussy spanking (mentioned), Pet Names, Cursing, Violent Thoughts, Minors DNI

A/N: Written for @honeygngergemini. Part of my Sweet Renegades Series. Semi-proofread, not beta'd. All mistakes are my own. Likes, comments, and reblogs are always appreciated. Thanks for reading!

Ari leans back in his chair, one long leg coming to rest atop his knee as he levels a hard look at Officer Milton Foster. He scrubs a tired hand over his face, his mind working overtime to process what the young man had just said.

“But that makes zero fucking sense.” He grumbles, groaning when he sees Milton just shake his head.

“Aye, man.” The dark-haired deputy  throws up his hands. “You asked me where I thought you went wrong and I told you.” He turns in his office chair to spare a quick glance at his computer. “Do not shoot the messenger.”

“No one’s being shot, alright? I just don’t get the logic behind any of the shit you just said.”

Couple that with the fact that you’d been icing him out for the past several days for reasons unbeknownst to him – which had left him in a god awful mood. He missed you. Your laugh, your warmth, your smile. 

All of it.

Not to mention that deliciously curvy body that had been keeping him warm at night. He really missed that. More than than anything he needed a fucking kiss.

But you were ignoring him. And Ari had discovered pretty quickly that he didn’t like any of it. Not one bit.

So, he’d turned to what he felt like was his only ally in this god-forsaken town: the newly minted sheriff’s deputy, Milton Foster.

“So you’re really trying to tell me that the reason my woman is pissed at me is because I ate Charline Marshall’s pecan pie at the town potluck, liked it, and asked for seconds.” Ari smooths an annoyed hand over his bearded face. Trying to understand Bell’s Creek’s local politics could really do a number on a person. 

“And don’t forget that she purposely dropped your lady’s bramble berry pie on the ground.” Milton does a quick spin in his chair. “She tried to pretend it was an accident, but most of us know better. Charline Marshall has eyes for you and I think she might be ready to make it known.”

“I’m pretty sure that I couldn’t even pick that woman out of a lineup.”  

Milton simply shrugs before taking another spin in his desk chair. “You’ve got a lot of admirers, Mr. Bounty Hunter. A man like you blows into town…well, you’re downright exotic. Every single red-blooded woman under 75 wants a taste.”

Ari visibly shudders before crossing his legs at the ankle. He didn’t want anyone else. This particularly surly Bounty Hunter wanted you. He only wanted to eat your food. Enjoy your sweets. Fall to his knees and devour the fuck out of your pretty little pussy.

“Hard pass, buddy.” Your lawman sighs. “I didn’t know shit about the pie incident. I mean, how could I when she was barely talking to me or anyone at that party?”

“Not saying it’s your fault, big guy. Logically, what would you have been able to do if she had told you?”

Ari looks up at him, his piercing blue gaze never once leaving the young deputy’s. “I would’ve taken her back to my place and spent the rest of the night making her feel better. I would’ve done everything in my power to take my girl’s mind off that petty shit.”

“Mmm.” Milton murmurs as understanding suddenly dawns. “I really don’t wanna get too deep in your business, but your lady is like a sister to me.” He leans back in his chair so that he can kick his feet up on his desk. “We used to play on the playground together as kids. And full disclosure, she used to beat my ass.” The deputy chuckles as he begins to recount all the way you used to be a tiny force of nature. 

“I…can see that.”

“Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, I think your original plan was a good one.” 

“Meaning?” Ari leans over to take a sip of his now cold coffee. It tasted like shit anyway, even when it was hot. In fact he longed for you, his BIrd, to make him one of your little caffeine-infused concoctions – preferably while wearing nothing but his shirt. 

So he could also take a bite out of that luscious ass while you refreshed his mug. After all, he was a man who prided himself on his ability to multitask. 

“Meaning, you need to find a way to distract her while making your point.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, you’re a smart fuckin’ guy who set his sights on someone who could easily be the most stubborn woman in the whole damned state.” A smirking Milton offers up a salute with his can of Dr. Pepper. “That’s for you to figure out. All I can do at this point is wish you luck.” 

“Thanks.” Ari grunts, wishing that he had a better idea of what to do with you.

Oh, rest assured that he’d figure it out. You were too important to him not to. He just hoped you’d find it in your heart to take it easy on him for his mistake. 

The Next Day

You wake up to the smell of cooking sausage wafting into your room. It makes you smile as you stretch your arms over your head. Your stomach growls in agreement, subtly reminding you that you’d neglected to make dinner last night. 

Oops. You hadn’t meant to forget, it had just happened. Normally you would end your night with speaking to your Beast of a Bounty Hunter, who always made sure you ate. But lately, you have been both mad at him and embarrassed.   

Because at a recent town potluck, Ari had eaten your rival’s pecan pie. Now, you weren’t children, but this had also been after she’d purposely sabotaged your own dessert by accidentally dropping it on the ground. 

Charline pretended that it had been a mistake. But the way you’d witnessed her laugh after the fact. And then she’d fed your man, reveling in every minute. You’d known her pecan pie was dry, but Ari had seemed to enjoy it. So much so that he’d asked for a second piece. 

Which was fine, except it had hurt your feelings. And you hadn’t been sure how to relay exactly relay that fact either. So you’d clamped down. You’d bottled up. 

And as a result, your poor, sweet man was suffering. Which meant you needed to apologize. But you weren’t quite sure how to go about it. As you sit up, you vow to yourself to give him a call today. As soon as you sat down and enjoyed your breakfast.

And then it occurs to you. You weren’t the one cooking. Which meant someone was in your house. 

You spring out of bed and grab your Louisville Slugger that you always kept nearby. Taking a deep breath, you quietly make your way down the stairs, your trusty bat poised to take a swing at whatever moron who’d chosen to take up residence in your kitchen.

Baring your teeth, you crest around the corner on bare feet, ready to make your presence known. 

“You gonna hit me, Bird?” Ari muses as he adds a dash of salt, followed by pepper to whatever it is he’s got cooking in the skillet. Your flippin' skillet. “Is that really how this ends? You take me out while I’m being kind enough to whip us up some breakfast?”

Momentarily flummoxed you find yourself lowering your weapon in favor of taking in the scene before you. This man – your Bounty Hunter – was currently standing in your kitchen clad in nothing but an apron. 

Your apron. And yet somehow it fit him better

“Wh–what are you doing?” You ask him, letting your baseball bat clatter to the floor at your feet. You wouldn’t need it. You were safe with this man, but only to a point. “And how’d you get in?” You hadn’t given him a key yet. 

That was supposed to be a present for later. 

“Eh.” Ari shrugs, flipping a pancake with surprising skill. “Maybe I saw my gift and swiped it after the potluck. Maybe you weren’t listening to me and I couldn’t get a read on you, so I had to be an asshole and make an executive decision.” He turns away from you to drop a finished pancake on a plate, giving you a fantastic view of his perfectly muscled ass.

“You mad?” 

“N-no.” You respond as you feel your thighs clench. God, how you wished that you’d come down here wearing pants. “I was actually planning to reach out to you today. Can I ask what you’re doing?” You shiver as you feel your thighs grow damp, your traitorous pussy working against you. 

You should be mad that your Beast had broken into your house. Instead you were happy to see him with a much deserved apology ready to fall from your lips. 

“Making you breakfast. Chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and sausage.” He adds another delicious pancake to the stack. “I’m gonna feed you, and then I’m gonna fuck you, and make you rethink ever ignoring me again.” He purrs, the intoxicating rumble coming from somewhere deep in his chest. 

Fuck you were so wet it was almost embarrasing. 

“I’ve earned the rights to that tight little pussy, baby. And when I make a mistake like I did with that goddamned Charline, I want you to tell me.” Ari turns off the range, pulling the food off the heat and onto a plate.

“I’m sorry.” You murmur, both hating and loving the way your nipples pebble beneath the thin fabric of your oversized t-shirts. Actually, it was one of his. A detail he also seemed to notice. “How can I make it up to you?”

Ari studies you for a moment, his handsome face tilting to the side. And then your eyes stray to the sight of his impressive erection. You watch as one of his big hands reaches down to fist his hard cock, pumping it once. Twice. 

“You can start by going back upstairs. I want you naked, on all fours. I want to come up there and feast my eyes on your soaking wet cunt.” His heated gaze bores into your own, making your already drenched core spasm one more. “And you’d better be wet for me, otherwise I’m gonna spank it. And you.” 

“O-okay.” You find yourself taking a step back, your hand clutching at the wall. 

“I’m gonna eat it baby.” Ari growls, his voice filled with a mix of unbridled lust and determination. “I’m gonna make that pussy fucking cry. And you’re gonna fucking take it. You hear me?”

“Yes.” You whisper, resisting the urge to reach down as you stroke your eager fingers over your throbbing clit. “Yes, Sir.”

He takes a menacing step towards you, his body delighting in the way that you shiver. You’d been bad. Which means it was time to pay the price. And what better man to exact that payment than your own handsome, 6”4 Beast? 

“And then I’m gonna fuck you in front of that brand new mirror I bought you. I’m gonna show you who owns that beautiful body and remind you why it’s important to talk to me when you need me.” Another menacing step. “And then I’m gonna feed those delectable curves after I’ve had my fill.”

“And then…” He tilts his head from side to side, cracking his neck. “You’re gonna let me kiss it all better while I make love to you.”

“Y-yes, please.” Right now you were willing to give this man whatever he wanted. Whatever helped you atone for your supposed sins.

“There’s a good girl.” He intones as he unties the apron, leaving him naked and aroused in your simple kitchen. “Now run.”

END

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[marvelwitchergilmore]

Off Limits

Summary: Colter Shaw x Fe!Reader -> Four times Colter told people (mainly his brother) you were off limits, and the one time he proved why.

Disclaimer: Mostly fluff, a little hint of angst towards the end but happy ending. Not Proof Read.

It was safe to say yourself and Colter Shaw had known each other for a long time. 

You had both met on a fishing trip. Well, he had been on a fishing trip. You had been looking for your idiot brother who had decided to just disappear. 

Colter helped you across the rocks to the creek and watched as you tried to find…something. That day he helped you and the rest was history. 

You kept in contact over the years, which meant it wouldn’t be totally uncommon if you ended up speaking to some of his other friends. Even maybe meeting some of them. 

However, it was a few years before you met his family. 

And it started with his brother, Russell. 

You were helping Colter on a case in South Dakota. 

A friend of a friend that you went to college with had gone missing. And, you knew just the man for the job. That man also happened to be lugging around another one of him who was just a little more…rough around the edges. 

“Do you just happen to be friends with all of the beautiful women, Colt?”

Colter got a little awkward. “Meet my brother, Russell.”

“Nice to finally meet you. Colter’s mentioned you a couple of times. Nice to put a face to the name.”

“I’d say the same but…Colter didn’t mention anything about you.”

As the day went on, you could feel Russell’s gaze drop to you often before he’d throw out a flirty line and a dashing smile. 

And Colter caught the whole lot of it. 

“Okay, so what about you and her?” Russell finally got to ask his brother when they were sat down eating and you had headed off to the bathroom. 

“What about me and her?” 

“Are you…is there something? Or do I have a shot?”

Colter sighed with a small smile. “No, we’re just friends.”

“Great.”

Russell went to stand but Colter grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back down. “But she’s off limits.”

“Okay, okay. Mind letting go?”

“Sorry.”

Colter let go quickly and moved back into his seat. “We’ve been friends for years. I’m doing her a service.”

“Colt, I’m your brother. Shouldn’t you be doing me the service?”

Colter just dead-eyed him. “I’m doing her a service.” And then he took a bite of his pie. 

Russell accepted it, but that didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy rustling his brother’s feathers every now and then by turning the flirting scale up a tad every now and again. 

The second time Colter said you were off limits was at a charity auction. 

You had been invited per a family friend’s invitation and needed a date. And when you lightly threatened to call his brother instead, Colter agreed. He was already in the area, but at least it stopped him from leaving town so quickly. 

Whilst there, Colter was questioned three times by three different men; all asking if you were with Colter, or with Colter. To which, he answered truthfully, but also made sure that they knew you were off limits when it came to him and that night. 

“Tomorrow, you can ask her what you want, and she will give you an answer, but for tonight gentlemen, I am her date. Excuse me.”

Colter couldn’t help but hold you just a little tighter when on the dance floor, after the constant questions. 

The third time Colter told someone you were off limits was to his brother, again. 

It had been a birthday party for you, thrown together by one of your work colleagues and Reenie. Russell just so happened to be also looking for his brother. And he knew exactly where to find him. 

Like normal, Russell flirted with you. A little more so when Colter was within direct eye-line of you both. 

And you couldn’t help but smile. 

However, once the cake had been cut, Russell came back to his brother. They talked for a moment but when you came back into view, Russell put his cake down. 

“I think I’m gonna go and wish the birthday girl a happy birthday.”

However, Colter forced a small laugh and grabbed his brother by the back of his collar. 

“Okay, just because you’re as tall as me now, doesn’t mean I’m not stronger.”

“She’s off limits.”

“Still?”

“Russell.”

“Colter.”

“Boys.”

From behind them both, Reenie appeared. 

It was the first time in a long time they’d both had the feeling of being caught doing something they shouldn’t. 

The fourth time Colter told someone you were off limits was, once again, to his brother. 

Teddi and Velma were throwing a small dinner party, and had invited you, Colter, Reenie and Bobby to join them. And, since Russell was close by, he was invited to. 

“My god, as I live and breathe.” 

You turned around, balancing the cake you brought on the flat of your palm. 

“Russell,” you smiled, softly. 

“You know, I’m starting to think it’s fate. The birthday party, now this?”

You hummed. “Oh, I’m sure. I’m also sure one of the fates is inside the house plotting your death.”

“Still off limits?”

You nodded. “Colter’s a man of his word.”

“So…you…made yourself off limits?”

“Relax, I like you, Russell. You’re a good man. You’re just not…my man.”

“Ah,” Russell nodded. 

He had an idea about what you meant when you said ‘my man’, but until he saw proof, he couldn’t be certain. 

So he still flirted. Maybe a little less, but he was a big brother after all. Wasn’t it his job to annoy his little brother?

However, the final time Colter told someone (Russell) you were off limits…he didn’t have to say it. Because the fearsome look in his eyes said it for him.

It wasn’t often he managed to get back to the States to see his brother, but when he did, he always made sure to stay close until Colter had left the state he saw him in. 

Only, he didn’t seem to leave as quickly as he had come. 

So, when he went to visit him one morning, he was also there to witness a call that changed everything. 

Reenie had also come to visit and was going to grab lunch with you, except you got called away for a meeting and suddenly everything shut down. Including the backup generators. And then the fire alarm went off. 

There was a fire and Reenie couldn’t get a hold of you. 

So, in a fit of panic after asking thirty different staff members if they had seen you, she called Colter. 

Russell watched as his brother’s heart seemed to stop. Tears of panic and fear grew behind the front he tried to put on. 

“What’s going on?”

“Y/n’s missing and there’s a fire at the school. Reenie’s still trying to find out what’s going on. I need to find her.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Colter might have broken four different road laws, but he couldn’t care. You were worth it. You were worth everything to him. 

By the time he pulled up outside of the school, he was pushing through waves of students and teachers to find Reenie. 

“Colter!”

“Reenie, have you seen her?”

“No, not yet. But she’s still not answering her phone.”

“Why wasn’t she with you?”

“She got called away to a meeting. I was waiting for an hour or so in her office when everything shut down. They’re still trying to get the power back on, but…Colter, I don’t know where she is.”

“We’ll find her. She can’t have gone far, right? She knows these buildings like the back of her hand.”

Reenie nodded. “Only thing is, we don’t.”

“Call Bobby, maybe he can send us something. Anything.”

Russell nodded, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call him.”

“She’ll be okay, right? She’s okay.”

Reenie nodded. “She’s smart. And tough. Hopefully she’s just stuck on the other side of campus and can’t get reception.”

The longer time passed, the more worried Colter became. 

Bobby sent through the blueprints but without knowing where the meeting was, they had no idea where to start. 

“Did she mention what the meeting was about?”

Reenie shook her head. “No. Nothing.”

“What about her desk?” Russell asked. “A post-it, a diary, anything.”

“Reenie?”

“I-Maybe, I don’t know. Something about Kindred or Kinder or…something like that. I can’t really read her handwriting.”

“Kindrich.” Colter said out loud. 

“Maybe? Again, I don’t know.”

“If anyone pulled her in for an emergency meeting it would have been Kindrich. He runs the Life Sciences building. This way.”

Reenie and Russell hurried after Colter, almost losing him in the sea of students along the way. 

However, the closer they got to the life sciences building, the closer the smoke from the fire seemed to get. 

And when it came into clear sight, Colter started running. 

He was calling out your name.

“Reenie! Call her again!”

She was doing so just as Colter thought he heard someone call his name. 

He called out for you again. 

And then there you were. 

“Colter.”

“Y/n.” 

You ran towards him before crashing into him as you lifted your arms to hug him, and he did the same. 

“Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you? You’re warm. What- were you in the fire?”

“I’m okay. Everyone’s okay.”

Then he kissed you. 

Deeply. Passionately. Desperately. 

And then he hugged you again. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

You closed your eyes for a moment, breathing him in before you remembered;

“Reenie.”

“She’s okay. She’s with Russell.”

Looking around, you finally spotted her and ran towards her, too. 

“Are you okay?” you both asked as you hugged. 

“I was trying to call you but-”

“There’s no reception on this side of campus. And if there is, it’s spotty at best.”

“Next time I’m coming with you. What even happened? The power went down and then there were just fire alarms everywhere.”

“There was a fault with one of the machines in the building. Funnily enough, that was what the meeting was about. Finding something to replace the machines. And when the power went down, something in the labs went up in smoke.”

“But-but you’re okay? You’re not hurt?”

You shook your head. “The medics checked me over. I’m fine.”

“Medics?” Russell asked. 

You looked around nervously. “I might have ran back inside a couple of times to help get students out.”

“You’re not supposed to-”

“I know, I know, I know but they’re just kids. The important thing is no-one got hurt.”

“But you could have.”

“But I didn’t. Colter, look at me.” You took his face in your hands. “I’m okay. I promise.”

“Okay,” Colter finally accepted what you were saying, kissed you quickly before he hugged you again. 

Then Russell cleared his throat. “So, um, how long has this been going on?”

“Russ,”

“No, no. I’m your big brother. I’ve got to look out for you. Did mom ever give you the talk?”

“Okay,” Reenie said, trying to move on. “How about we get some lunch, and maybe some wine?”

You nodded, walking towards her, allowing her to link her arm with yours as you left Colter to fend for himself with his brother. 

“Russell, please don’t.”

“You see, when two people love each other very much…”

[azraelcreates]

Short Lore Back Story for Cupcake 🧁: (2024 Updated Version)

Human Neighbors got Curious of the New Welcome Home Neighborhood.

Not knowing that the Residents were Living and Moving Puppets!

…Humans tend to get Scared of Things that they don’t understand, Things that are New..

They Saw the Bright Red House first. Home.

The Humans got Close to it out of curiosity, till they Noticed that the Windows had eyes that moved and looked Straight at Them

Home let out Gentle Creeks and Bangs, just saying “Hello”!

Just Exited to make New Friends that the Others might Love.

The Group of Human Neighbors panicked. Houses weren’t supposed to make sounds like that when Adjusting, let alone having eyes that could Move.

One by one, they each quicky reach down to Grab a colorful Rock that lays on the yellow path they stood on, before throwing the rocks Right into Homes windows, not wanting to be Looked at.

All that could be heard was Glass Shattering with a horrid loud Squeak from Home, as Wally got back with Barnaby from a cooking lesson from Poppy.

They both paused and quickly Ran over when hearing Home, Seeing the Horrifying Sight.

‘How Could They do this? What has Home ever done to them?’ Was all Wally could think.

The Human Neighbors looked over and saw Barnaby and Wally, making Barnaby not hesitate to immediately shield Wally behind him, thanks to his tall structure.

This made Wally worry for his Dear Friend. Seeing the Human Neighbors grab more colored Rocks and even pieces of Homes broken windows.

Wally didn’t know better. Not understanding Right from Wrong.

He needed to take matters into his own hands, before Anyone else Important to him got hurt.

He had a Big tray with a Cake he Made for Home, with a knife to the Side to slice it.

Wally couldn’t think Straight. Only that he needed to Keep his Best friend safe, even Possibly the Others.

He grabbed the knife as self defense and quickly ran from behind Barnaby, not knowing the Fear and Future Consequences that’ll bring to him….

It took Barnaby a few minutes to snap out of his Paniced State and had to Rip Wally off of the Human Neighbors….

But it was already too late. It was quite, not a Peep or Creak came from anyone as Wally shook Uncontrollably in Barnaby’s Arms.

———

After the Incident, Wally has Grown Paranoid.

Home doesn’t answer no more and Barnaby has been keeping a close eye on him.

Wally couldn’t stand the thought of possibly loosing his Friends. They always were there for him, TREATing him so SWEETly. Kind as Sugar. Always there to Teach him Many Things.

Wally would sit in Home in Silence when left Alone to long. Leaving him in his thoughts to wonder and Think.

He needed to do something.

Something, Anything to keep his Friends close and Safe from any other.

Close as Sprinkles in Frosting, or Apples in a Pie.

Maybe a Visit to Poppy first would help Clear is Mind. 🧁

[beantothemax]

I promised Elena I would come home.

I wasn't there for half of her life. She didn't even recognize me last I saw her. The only thing she wants is to see me. Her mother is dead, meaning I'm her only remaining relative. I have to return and raise her, she needs me.

I never saw myself trusting anyone after my escape. Even when I was on death's door in the snow, I declined. But those idiots still carried me to an inn and nursed me back to health.

Well, perhaps it wasn't all bad. If I died there, I never would've saved Elena. And maybe their company is okay too. It's nice being included in such a kind group, I've even risked my own skin to save them.

I trust these people with my life. And now we stand where our lives may all be lost, risking them for a better world.

Vide is nearly dead. He keeps boasting about his abilities and saying he'll bring about eternal darkness, but his body is crumbling. With his final bit of energy, he waves his arm.

He's dead, and I see the stars return. But I can't seem to hear everyone's cheers, are they alright?

Looking around, they seem more concerned about me.

"What's wrong?" I try to ask, but the words won't come out.

As I fall to the ground, I hear a faint shriek.

"Osvald!" Agnea cries.

She runs to my side, tending to a faint stinging in my torso.

Perhaps Vide dulled my senses, for when I look at it, there's a large gash just below my ribcage. Blood is pouring out like a flash flood.

Everyone is sitting around me. I can't make out a word their saying, but their mouths are moving quickly.

Oh dear, Ochette is crying.

It feels stiff and heavy, but I lift my hand to her shoulder to comfort her.

"I-I'll b-be fine, d-don't worry," I manage to say, but my voice is much weaker than I expected.

My vision blurs, but an odd sight appears before me. Rita stands behind the others, but she's perfectly sharp in my vision.

"Rita..." I say.

"Osvald, it's time for you to join me," she says.

But she's crying as well. I don't understand why she's so sad, doesn't she want to see me?

"R-R-Rita, w-what's wrong?" I ask.

For a moment, my muffled hearing is penetrated by a chorus of wails. I look around, seeing that they others have given up trying to heal me.

Temenos is holding my hand and he's sobbing.

"Osvald, I'm so sorry," he cries.

"I wish you had even just another week. Elena deserves to see you again," Rita cried.

Right. Elena.

I-

Am I... dying?

But I didn't get to hug my girl. I was supposed to return to Conning Creek and hug her. I promised her that I would tell her all about my adventures.

I promised her that I would come home.

Rita takes my hand, and I stand effortlessly. She pulls me into a tight hug.

"Gods, please protect Elena," she murmurs.

I can't be dead.

Can I?

I look down at my corpse. My friends are all sitting beside it. I can hear again.

Their wails are amongst the worst sounds I've ever heard. I want to tell them I'm okay, but I can't help but cry with them. I won't get to spend more time with them, nor will I get to see them fulfill their dreams. Agnea had a performance we had been invited to, and I still haven't tried riding a train with them.

And what of Elena?

My friends are all adults, they don't need to rely on their parents. But Elena is still so young. All she has are Clarissa and the hope that I'll return.

I wish I could've said goodbye.

‘I wish I could’ve said goodbye’ pie I am approaching your location rapidly and I am going to throw you into a river/j

the. fhdgsgg. fuckng. ggshsh. JUST. HGGBHGHB. OSVALD JUST. TRUING TO REASSURE OCHETTE TAHT HE’LL BE OKAY. RITA BEING SO MUCH CLEARER IN OSVALD’S VISION THAN ANYONE ELSE.

HE DIDNT EVEN GET TO SEE AGNEA’S PERFORMANCE???????????? FDBBDBDHD WAAAAGHHHHHT. SHSTSGSVDYDHDHD

tgis. ow. this hurt

[the-ultimate-pie-family]

Left 4 Dead season 2 reborn chapter 1, not again

"Little did the pie family know their realm is being infected once again the tree started dieing innocent ponies beginning killed and turning to much powerful infected till pinkie and the others woke up smelling death"

Blood: Kids downstairs now!!!

"They all teleported to the living room"

Day: dad wats going on? The smell of death is everywhere.....

B: Yeah, this isn't normal for our realm.....

Blood: Judging by the screams outside sounds like another zombie apocalypse

Midnight: then?!...... uncle ellis?!

Boomer: "she heard midnight yell as she wobbled to the castle"

"The boomer knocked on the door groaning"

Rave: oh fuck not the fat fuck....... "she flied to the highess window shooting a arrow at the boomer making explode" there we move out let go family

"Blood and the others started packing but blood knew their had to be a reason it's happening again but meanwhile DJ was fighting off infected at a random hotel for 4 days with his family M16 and in his last clip until two old friends showed up to lend him a helping hoof"

DJ: e-ellis?....... b-bill.....

Ellis: "he helped DJ up." Can u fight, brother?

Bill: we'll have to cut this reunion short lady's there's too many

DJ: clip me

"Bill thru DJ, an M16 clip as a charger was charging into ellis Bill and DJ smashing DJ into the ground, but the hunter was pursuing to pounce on ellis, then Bill and ellis started firing at the charger once it died bill got DJ up off the ground ellis was covering them"

Ellis: shit im out run!!!!!!

"Ellis grabbed some bricks and chucked them at the infected, but in the distance, they heard a tank or two, so they agreed to start running and regroup they reached the castle"

DJ: Blood open up the infected is back

Bill: "he pops some of the infected in the head with his revolver." Just bust down the door damnit we don't have time

Ellis: "he tackled DJ into the castle falling on the floor" blood?

Bill: "he ran in the castle, closing the door." Blood midnight miss pie

Pinkie: shhhh, down here hurry it's upstairs

"Bill ellis and DJ quietly walk to the basement door, but the tank heard a creek in the floor and started running, throwing a giant rock, ellis slid in the basement, then DJ jumped in the basement head first then bill hide behind the couch as it was too late"

Bill: shit "he saw rocks, so he threw some upstairs he heard the tank run back up so he quickly rolled in the basement*

Blood: brother u made it "he helped ellis up"

"Right after ellis got up midnight, tackled ellis ellis was winded"

Midnight: Uncle, ur alive b-but how? We saw u die?

Ellis: blood wats happening how r we alive?

Bill: i remember me dying by a hunter

DJ: i remember a white light, then i was back home?

Tank: "he crashed threw the basement roaring"

"Other special infected and normal infected started swarming the castle"

Pinkie: Quick the back way

Day: anywhere without that thing

"It was then the tank retreated but the pies were confused till a familiar screeching came from a distance"

Midnight: dad?.......

Blood: DJ day and ellis u three with me the rest run and don't look back we'll hold river off

"DJ ellis and day was shocked was they reloaded there guns and day was powering up to her exploding power"

Blood: ok, brothers, we need to give day time to power up, stay alive, and remember, risk everything

Ellis: it been an honor seeing everypony again

DJ: may we survive through thick and thin killing the ugliest, most badest infected ever

"Infected river jumped down in her normal form she then started running, screaming blood dj, and ellis stood there ground till river turned into a chargerbashing through them but missing day her primary target"

Day: Come on, guys, i about got hit

"Blood yelled attack, and blood disappeared while ellis and DJ fired their shot while not trying to hit blood river and blood were in a speed battle dodging attack and taking hits till river got shot in the head she dropped deader then a door nail"

DJ: boom

Blood: sick. "He stomped on a rivers skull, crushing it." Easy?

Ellis: It's too easy.......

Smoker: "coughs as he grabbed ellis with his tongue dragging him away"

Ellis: dah shit!!

"Infected river got up, throwing blood to a wall, turning into a jockey jumping on DJ head"

DJ: dah, get this bitch off my head

"Blood tackled infected river off DJ tell him to save ellis and day was almost fully powered up" DJ chopped off the smoker tongue as the smoker ran to hunt again"

Day: "Flame spark we're surrounding day as she was close to full power." Dad ellis DJ get close, and we got one shot

"Blood DJ and ellis ran to day while the infected were taking over their position then infected river turned into tank roaring charging for the four if them"

Blood: Day better hurry we can't hold them off for long

"Day exploded with all her power, but at that time, blood teleported all four of them out of the exit tunnel with the other, but then day collapsed from power lost"

Blood: day wake up red?!

Red: Over here, hurry

"Ellis and DJ carried day to red setting her down"

"They all heard a roar, but it was very faded, but red suggested they move now, but also explained to blood day was just tired and needs rest so they left their town once again looking for survivors and resources"

Tags @askdj-timelord2

Also i need a new title for chapter 2 I'll give some samples for chapter 2

[simmer-rhi]

Willow Creek Rotation - Spring, Year 3

The Pancakes Family - Uppercrusts Meeting

The Uppercrusts are meeting once again at Bella's home. Bella is throwing her weight about as usual, Whitney is not a fan. Eliza's just grateful to be there, up close with her idol.

Eliza is not a great cook, she is very messy, something that Bella hates to see in her own kitchen, but she will tolerate it for the sake of keeping up the Uppercrusts membership numbers (3).

Bella: Oh, Eliza, I remember you said you were hoping to move to Pendula View? Our neighbours are selling up. Messy divorce, yikes. But, the house is an absolute bargain, they are just desperate to sell.

Eliza: Oh, okay, I'll take a look. It's not really at the top of our priorities at the moment, I've just enrolled in University...

Eliza's pie left a lot to be desired.

[justatinybunwriting]

Slice

Prompt 21 from this list!

Synopsis: Jac is set on getting a piece of the pie, quite literally. Little did she know, a certain Wile giant would catch her in the act.

Mild cw for some snackish teasing

Jac's eyes glistened as she beheld a marvelous sight. Her mind was in a wistful, dream-like state and her mouth watered after breathing in its freshly baked scent. A pumpkin pie fit for several giants sat atop the window sill. Steam swirled over its hot, flaky crust, which hinted that it had been brought straight out from the oven. If it were a dream, Jac would have been floating in midair as if she were pulled by its soft, hypnotic spell. Jac's mind was made up- she was cooking up a nefarious strategy, one that would involve extra cunning to pull off successfully.

After several attempts, Jac had managed to throw a bed sheet over a chair that was conveniently placed near the window. After she lowered the other end of the sheet rope by tying it around a weighted anchor, the little daredevil then proceeded to climb up the wobbly path, making sure to maintain a firm grip during her ascent. After she had gotten onto the seat, she climbed the rest of the way up via the handle and hopped squarely on the sill with a shaky landing. Her prize was within her sights, and the only thing left for her to do was feast. And with that, she made quick work of it.

It wasn't long however, before she heard a sudden creek from the door. With her mouth still filled with pumpkin pie, Jac slowly turned her head around. She was expecting Bo to check in on her and possibly give her a lecture about eating the sweet pastry when he asked her specifically not to until it cooled. Instead, someone else had walked in, and upon realizing who it was, this caused the tiny human to swallow hastily in panic.

"Well well well, what do we have here..?" Richard spoke in a sing song manner, no doubt amused by this scene. He scanned the hand prints that had been scattered all over the pastry, as well as the small crater that Jac had already chewed off of.

"A mouse!" He teased, "What a surprise."

"Richard!" Jac yelped slightly, "I wasn't expecting you to come over today!" Tried as she might, she wasn't able to hide her nervous laughter. "Where's Bo?"

"I dunno! He wasn't in here when I came in, so he must have gone out for some reason."

"Oh..." Jac replied disappointingly.

She had felt it in her bones and in the soft, slow tone of Richard's voice- the Wile giant was getting hungry, but it wasn't the pie he was after.

"Jac, you seem to be stuck! Let me help you out.." He spoke darkly with a gentle, yet just as grim smile.

Jac gulped. "I, think I'm good."

"No you're not!"

"...Why's that?"

"I feel like you're missing something..."

Without further warning, Richard made a quick-draw of a can of whipped cream that he had pulled from the counter just a moment before. Jac was given no time to react as she was sprayed head to shoe along with a quarter of the pumpkin treat that she was standing on top of.

With the tiny human secured in place for the time being, Richard gathered a safety knife and began to carve a slice for himself, the one of course with his sweet cherry on board. As the Wile giant carried his plate over to the dining table, Jac tried all she could to persuade him to change his mind, no matter how small of a percentage that would be.

"Bo's going to come in any moment, you know that right?" Jac protested as she attempted in vain to wipe away the thick coating of white sugar.

"Don't you worry about a thing, my Cherry," Richard crooned, "I'll be sure to make it quick before he even comes back!"

With that statement, the giant had begun to scoop up the pie with his spoon bit by bit, deliberately aiming it close to Jac so that it seemed to barely miss her by mere inches. Jac wasn't amused by this act of false intimidation at first, but her grumps had soon desolved into laughter as Richard began to lick the heavy cream off of her. Whether she giggled as an involuntary reaction simply because she was ticklish, or this was due to her secretly enjoying this weird form of affection is anyone's guess. To Richard it appeared to be a bit of both, which was more than enough of an excuse to keep up with his gentle slurps.

Within the excitement, they failed to hear the heavy footsteps as they made their approach to the dining room.

"A-hem"

The two friends were startled to a halt. They immediately looked behind them with their mouths hanging agape, where they find Bo who stood near the entrance with his arms crossed. He had the look of disappointment with just a hint of seething rage within his stare. Richard stammered to put his utensils down as he simultaneously bolted from his chair. Jac had a more nuanced response, but she still couldn't hide the blush of embarrassment from her cheeks.

"Well...?" Bo said coldly.

This time Richard was the one who chuckled nervously. "Oh hi! Didn't, hear you come in!"

"Care to explain...?" Bo was looming over the smaller Wile at this point.

"Well, um, you see..." Richard gulped. "I came to check up on Jac to see if she was okay, and I found her on top of this pie. And... well, I see that she's perfectly fine! So... now that I've confirmed this I'll best be on my way! I'll see you later okay Jac? Bye!"

Richard would then ease his way past Jac's big brother before he brisk walked the rest of the way out the front door. With that out of the way, Bo faced Jac and sighed.

"Why do you let him get away with this?"

"Well, for one it's in a Wile giant's nature, and two... well..." Jac was hesitant to admit anything else but Bo had gotten the message, much to his visible displeasure.

"I'll never be able to understand.." he sighed yet again. "You're not helping this case yourself little lady, if you haven't been munching on that pumpkin pie..."

"I'm sure he would have had a different excuse," Jac said. "Well, on days when I don't feel like dealing with him, I should visit you more often, haha."

"Sounds like a plan." Bo replied with a slight smile.

[weasleywinchester]

I Can't Help Myself - Ch. 6

And I Kissed it a Thousand Times

Series Summary:

This world isn’t kind to anyone; and heaven forbid anyone wants a slice of happiness. You wanted the stereotypical, as most people would tell you, dream of falling in love, getting married and having kids. After coming to Jackson, you kept that dream to yourself. Until your stupid best friend’s stupidly handsome older brother waltzes in, and you tell him. Joel thinks it’s nice that you can hold onto a dream like that… and he let’s his guard down just long enough to think maybe…he might want that too.

Chapter Summary: You should have killed her. Should have shot her right in the heart and put her the ground. You couldn't move, you life frozen at the exact second your husband took his last breath. And yet, time sill moved forward; a few days had passed, filled with uncertainty if those bastards that did this would be caught, if your family would ever fill whole again, if you would ever fill whole again. As much as you tried to keep everyone together, this path would take you to the limit.

warnings: Violence (beating, gun shots, blood, death), cursing

“(Y/N)?” Maria pokes her head into the house. The only answer she gets is the gentle creek of the foundation settling. She readjusts Billy in her arms, making sure not to wake him as she steps into the house. She peers into the living room, seeing you’ve moved from the couch. She sets Billy down, taking a look in each room before heading upstairs. Your office door is wide open, the quilt you were making still pressed under the sewing foot. She makes her way over to your bedroom, gently knocking.

After a second of silence she slowly opens the door. Her eyes find you laying on the bed, your body convulsing with every breath. She doesn’t know what to say. What could she say? Nothing. Nothing that a dozen people haven’t said already. She comes around the bed, sitting in front of you. You’re awake, eyes red, face tear stained even though no more fall down your face.

“Billy’s been askin for you. And Ellie.” She says softly, moving your hair out of your face.

“Is he her—here?” You hiccup.

“Ya.” She nods. “Charlotte has quite a few kids at the daycare today, told here I would take him.” You sit up, moving into the bathroom and splashing your face with cold water. You try to keep your eyes forward, only focusing on what you need for the task at hand.

“Just sit with him for a little bit. I can take him for a few nights.” She’s seen a few towns folk go through a loss like this, but it’s different when it’s so personal.

“Ellie?” You ask, keeping your hands firmly on the bathroom counter.

“Pie!” Billy’s giggle floats up the stairs. His laugh feels like a warm blanket wrapping around you. You can hear Ellie talking to him, telling him how much she loves him.

You quickly throw on the nearest flannel and make your way down stairs. You slowly walk into the living room, keeping your eyes on the floor until you see Billy hugging your legs. You scoop him up, his smile turning into a frown as he looks at you.

“Seen that frown somewhere else.” Ellie whispers, wrapping her arms around you and setting her head on your shoulder.

“Me too.” You manage to whisper back.

“Howdy family.” Tommy’s deep voice reverberates through the house. You feel his hand at your back as he gives the side of your head a kiss. You close your eyes, waiting for a second kiss from the second Miller brother, but it never comes.

“Let’s all watch a movie.” Tommy suggests, putting in the first tape he finds. You and Ellie move as one unit to the couch, sitting on one side of it. Billy wiggles out of your lap, and runs to the chair Maria has settled in. He yanks at the blanket, running back to you, climbing Ellie’s leg like a monkey. He proceeds to tuck you in, giving you a big sloppy kiss and snuggling against your chest.

You blankly watch the TV, trying to keep yourself laser focused on anything; the static edges of the old TV, memorizing where each scratch in the wood is, the way Billy’s hair has a slight wave to it like … You take a deep breath in, hugging Billy closer.

“You want us to take him?” Maria asks. You shake your head, trying to pull yourself back together. 

You manage to make it through the majority of the movie. Once Billy was asleep you took him up to your bed, laying him, and yourself, down. It was odd, the feeling of being so empty. You knew death was inevitable, you just never imagined watching as … It wasn’t so much his death, just the tragedy of it. Being helpless to save him, to get help in time.

“Momma?” Ellie croaks, coming to lay opposite of you. You stare at each other, not saying a word but knowing exactly what the silence means. A single tears rolls down her cheek, quickly followed by a steady stream of them. You pull her close, sandwiching Billy in between your bodies as the pillows catch your tears.

_______

The Following Night

Couldn't sleep. Not that it was unusual, but you knew you could fucking use it. Your brain leaping from memory to memory, good, bad and everything in between. The twitch started in your fingers, stretching them, opening and closing your fists in attempt to get it to go away. Then it moved to your toes; the wiggling and accidental pop of a knuckle. You feel the twitch continuously move through your body, irratating everything until your brain stops at one thought: You have to find that bitch.

You sit up, lighting the lantern and grabbing your backpack. You change out the gear, stuffing in new clothes and ammo. Quietly making your way down stairs, avoiding the creaky boards, you tug your boots on and slip out of the house. You jog over to the neighbor's yard and knock quietly on the door. A sigh of relief escapes your body when the lights flick on.

"(Y/N)?" Charlotte blinks.

"Can I leave Billy with you?" You whisper. You didn't want to leave him; he was so confused about everything, always searching for Joel when you came to pick him up from daycare.

"What's wrong?" She puts her hands on your biceps, a flash of concern in her eyes.

"Something I gotta do. Maria will come and get him around lunch."

She nods slowly, and you could kiss her right now. You bolt back to the house, coming to a screeching halt when a light flashes through the door window. As the deep clomp of boots comes close enough to the door you pop it open and hit whoever is behind it.

"Jesus- It's ME!" Tommy loudly whispers.

"What the fuck are you doin' in my house?" You whisper yell back.

"Looking for you." His one hand gestures to you while the other rubs his forehead.

"Why?" You push past him, walking into the kitchen to grab a bag full of snow from the cooler.

"I'm gunna find her." He states, waiting for you to turn around. "Why are you dressed?" He questions.

"Because I'm going with you." You state, handing him the bag. He sighs, setting it on the counter and gently cupping your face.

"You can't bear." He shakes his head.

"No one puts momma bear in a cage." You meekly smile as silent tears stream down your face.

"You gotta stay here. For Ellie and Billy." He puts his forehead to yours, a tear rolling down his cheek. "They already lost their dad. Can't lose their momma too." he whispers. You wrap your arms around him, squeezing him tight. You can't lose any more of your family, but you know Tommy won't rest until these fuckers are dead.

"Can I at least ride out with you?" You plead. You can feel him pull away, ready to argue. "Like a half day ride, just to see you off." You feel him sigh, relaxing into your embrace.

"Fine. But what about Billy?"

"Charlotte will take him for the day." You reassure him. He slowly lets go, cupping your face one last time before nodding for you to grab your son.

You quickly get him settled at Charlotte's, reassuring her you'll be back by early evening. You and Tommy walk in silence to the barn, gearing up your horses and riding out.

"You sure you want to go out? Maria might kill you." Tommy playfully pokes.

"She will kill me." You scoff. "But... I need to make sure you get a good start." You smile. Tommy nods and mounts his horse. You take a deep breath in, keeping the tears at bay and hop up into the saddle.

The two of you ride hard, past the patrol routes, past where you found Joel and Ellie on their way back to Jackson a couple of years ago. Tommy slows down just as you hit the edge of the valley, hopping off once he's decided it's safe.

"Be safe little brother." You give him a small smile.

"Pretty sure you're the younger one." He chuckles, his arms swallowing you in a hug.

"Come back."

"Always do bear."

_______

"Hey honey bee." You smile, scooping Billy into your arms. "Thanks for watching him." You nod to Charlotte.

"Anytime." She nods. You can tell she wants to ask if you're ok, and you're thankful when she doesn't.

"(Y/N)."

You turn to see Maria standin at your gate.

"Maria." You let out a deep sigh, quickly walking to your own house and letting her in. You set Billy down, who happily runs into the living room and starts pulling out his toys.

"Nothing we could do or say would have stopped him." You turn to her. Joel's jacket is gone...

"He left behind my back. After I said we couldn't spare anyone." She whispers. You can hear the tremble in her voice, the worry. And then her words register.

"You weren't going to send anyone?" Your mouth hangs open, brain trying to rationalize why.

"We're vulnerable. We need everyone here. We need Tommy here." Her voice is sharp, slicing you with each word.

"It would eat him alive," You boom. "He would never forgive himself for not going after her."

"I can't lose him." She whispers. You look at her, and it's like looking in a mirror. The pain, the stress, the abyss that waits for you to fall.

"You can't stop him." You can feel the lump in your throat form, the tears in your eyes threating to spill and never stop.

"I sent the one person who could." She confesses. You frown, the only person who's ever been able to kinda sorta stop him is Joel. And he's gone.

A high pitched noise travels through the house, the sound of your heart hammering in your chest trying to compete with it. You back out of the room, running to the coat rack. You reach for where Joel's jacket should be, but it's gone. The word around you spinning until you feel her hands on your shoulders.

"She was going anyways." Maria sobs.

"No..." You cry out, slumping to the floor.

_______

A Year Later

“Pie!” Billy claps as he looks at the picture of Ellie you have on the side table.

“That’s right honey bee.” You chuckle, handing him the frame. He gives it a big kiss, turning to give you the biggest grin.

“Yel’ow?” Tommy calls into the house.

“Sewin’ room!” You yell down to him. The clomp of his boots echoes up the stairs only stopping once Billy screams in delight.

“Hey booger.” He excitedly yells back, scooping him off the floor.

“Don’t you have some sort of job to do?” You yell over your shoulder.

“Just came to ask how your visit went?” He tickles Billy’s belly, the loudest giggle erupting from his little mouth.

“Really nice. They’ve done a good job with the house, it’s beautiful.” You smile. “Have a good round of crop growing’ too. There’s a head of lettuce in the kitchen if you want to take some.” You turn to see he’s got his patrol gear on. “Where are you goin?” You arch a brow at him.

“Figured I’d go see Ellie. Been a while.” He nods.

“You should have came with us.” You shake your head. He is in no condition to go anywhere alone.

“That’s alright. Been a while since I rode alone.” He gives Billy a smile as his tiny hands slap him in the face.

“You and Maria…” you prod, leaning against your desk next to him.

“Takin some time.”

Oh.

“Well, take the batch of cookies downstairs. Maybe they’ll make it to Ellie.” You poke him in the side as you smile at your son.

“Maybe.” He gives you a smile but there’s no warmth behind it. You knew he and Maria were on rocky footing after him and the kids made it back… but you figured him being alive would trump everything else.

"Be safe. The ride is simple but that don't mean there aren't critters out there." You add. He's hiding something. Only get's that look when he's about to do something stupid.

"I love you, you know that right?" His eyes search yours, although you're not sure what they're searching for.

"I love you too Tommy." You frown. After a moment he nods, putting Billy down.

"Best be off before it gets to dark for these old eyes to see." He pecks you on the cheek, taking one last look at you before making his way out.

_______

A Month Later

“Auntie Dina!” Billy exclaims, lurching in your arms. You whip around to see Dina and little JJ. 

“Dina!” You yell, quickly walking over to her and swallowing her in a hug. “Oh my is that little JJ? You’re so big!” You say in your best baby voice, giving his belly a tickle. “I didn't think you'd be back in town so soon, with the weather being so nice.” You smile until you see the terror in her eyes. “What’s-“

“(Y/N).”

You turn to the voice to see Maria jogging over to you. She shares a look with Dina, before turning to you. Her expression is neutral but there's a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“We need to talk.” You glance once more at Dina, who's suddenly found the floor very interesting.

“Be good for Auntie Dina.” You whisper to Billy, giving him a kiss and setting him down. Maria quickly leads you back to her house, locking the door behind you.

“Maria you’re scaring-“

“Tommy asked Ellie to go after the girl who killed Joel.” She blurts, eyes trained on the floor. You blink a few times, your brain refusing to grasp what she just said. “That’s why Dina came back to Jackson-“

“Where is he?” You interrupt.

"She's already been gone a month." Maria ignores your question.

"A MONTH!" Your jaw hits the floor. How could Tommy keep this to himself for a month. How could Dina...

"Dina hoped she'd come back." Maria sighs.

"Y'all better pray I don't kick each one of your asses." You growl in her ear as you stomp out of the house.

______

“WHAT THE FUCK TOMMY?” You slam the door to his office open.

“(Y/N), just listen-“ He begins to stand, hands held up in surrender.

“LISTEN? You sent Ellie after Abby? What the hell were you thinkin’?” You swat on old glass off the desk, shattering it on the wall. You put your hands on your head, taking a deep breath in. Tommy's your brother, you love him, even if he's a giant fuckin asshole...

“I was thinkin my brother deserved better! His family deserved peace!” He bellows back, sweeping his arm in front of him as if that peace was sat on the desk.

“Peace? We finally started to get past this! I can finally say his damn name without burstin' into tears!” You slam your hands down on the desk.

“He needs to be avenged-“ Tommy carefully states, leaning on the desk opposite of you.

“Avenged? You sent Ellie out for REVENGE YOU ASSHOLE!”

“She made a choice.” He cautiously walks around the desk.

“You should have asked me.” You grit through your teeth, fingers pressing so hard into the desk they're white.

“She’s an adult, she doesn’t need permission.” He gently reminds you, lightly placing his hands on your shoulders.

“She is my daughter. You had no right to ask this of her. She’s been through too much.” You can feel the lump in your throat get bigger, pressuring the tears in your eyes to free fall. “you should have sent me.”

“We both know Ellie’s one of the best trackers and she’s been fine on her patrols-“

“But she doesn’t have Joel! She’s alone out there.” Your voice wobbles, the dark thoughts already prodding and poking at your mind. “I can’t lose her too.” You sob, falling against Tommy's chest.

"She'll come back Bear... she'll come back." He soothes, gently rubbing your back.

_______

A Few Months Later.

Were meetings always this borin? Surely not, Joel would've hated them... You've been sat in the bar for what feels like eons, but has probably only been an hour. It's been too long since Ellie left. Too long since Billy or JJ have laughed from her silly jokes that they don't even understand.

"(Y/N)?"

You turn to see the group starin' at you.

"I'm sure y'all love havin me, but I gotta go." You stand up, grabbing you things and walking out. As you step into the street you take a deep breath in, letting the fresh air fill your lungs, the sun warming your skin.

"Memaw!" JJ happily shouts. You slowly open your eyes to see JJ wiggling away from a very nervous lookin Dina.

"Hey sugar cube." You close the gap between you and scoop JJ into your arms. "You helpin mom get more stuff from the house?" You tickle his belly and he gives you a happy giggle.

"We're actually done movin' our stuff." Dina mumbles.

"Oh, I didn't see you come by. Did you just put Ellie's stuff in her old room?" You cock your head to the side, gently bouncing JJ on your hip.

"Um, no. Her stuff is still at the house." Dina grabs JJ from your arms, ignoring his whine. "It'll be the only thing waiting for her." She turns on her heel and walks quickly away from you.

Shit.

You walk back into the bar, kneeling beside Maria.

"Can you watch Billy for a couple of days?" You whisper. Her eyes shift to you, a small frown appearing.

"Dina left all of Ellie's stuff..." And it might be all I have left of her.

She studies you for a moment, nodding. You clap your hands together and give her a silent thank you.

_______

Dina told Ellie she wouldn't wait for her if she left, but part of her hoped she would have. The house slowly comes into view as Ellie rides closer, dread sitting on her shoulders like a vulture. By the time she can see the tops of the windows she can see a wagon sitting out front, your wagon. The wagon you bring when you and Billy come to visit; the wagon that's always full of everything they didn't know they needed.

The soft nicker of a horse carries over the breeze and Ellie's heart leaps in her chest. She picks up the pace, leaping off her own horse and busting through the front door.

"Dina?" She shouts, eyes feverishly searching the house. A loud thump comes from upstairs. Ellie bolts toward it, wrapping her arms around whoever is crashing into her.

"Ellie." Your voice sounds relived, your embrace around her warming her to the core.

"Momma." The tears are soaking into your shirt as her body sags against yours.

"Oh sugarpie." Your own tears fall into her hair as you gently rock her. "I thought I lost you." You kiss the top of her head.

"Dina? JJ?" She leans back to see the answers in your eyes before you can say them.

"Back in Jackson. She waited for month." You reassure her, nodding furiously in hopes that Ellie knows Dina loves her. She nods and pulls you back to her.

_______

A Few Months Later

"Why you going to far down south?" Tommy shouts from his spot in the couch.

"Coffee." You shout back.

"Seriously?"

"No." You yell in his ear, making him jump. He throws glare, mumbling something about abusing the handicap person. You roll your eyes and plop next to him. "Ok, I'm kinda of goin' for coffee, but Jeremy also has some family that's movin', and I said I would help."

"And what about your children?" He gestures to the space in front of him.

"I think you'll be just fine." You pat his shoulder.

"Ha, very funny." He playfully sneers.

"Dina and Ellie said they'll take Billy." You let out a deep sigh, relaxing into your couch. "And Maria said she'd take you." you feel Tommy bolt upright next to you. "Well, more like you'll take her to dinner." You roll your head to look at him, his eyes flickering between excitement and fear.

"You mean it?" He whispers.

"Ya. Told her you've pulled your head out of your ass and are ready to apologize." You give a pointed look. He furiously nods, jumping off the couch and runnin' home.

_______

"Think that's the last of it." You huff, sitting down on the porch steps.

"I hope so." Jeremy takes a seat next to you. "I need a fuckin' drink." he chuckles. It's not deep like Joel's, it's much more breathy.

"And a good fuck." You add.

"I'll take you town if you take me to bed." he playfully bumps against your shoulder. You've been banting like this for a few months. It wasn't that you hadn't thought about Jeremy that way, the ceiling of your bedroom knew that; but he wasn't Joel. He wasn't the one you really wanted.

"Come on." He gestures for you to follow. You walk into town, Jeremy happily filling the silence with stories about his family.

"Think that's what you're lookin for." He points to a booth that has a few bags of coffee on the table.

"Oooo lord." You mumble, quickly walking over. You talk with the seller about what types they had and how much. After much bargining you settle on a good price. Another customer comes to stand next to you, her eyes scanning each product for sale.

"How long will we be here?" The boy on her other side asks.

"Not too long Lev." She softly tells him. Lev... that's an odd name.

"What brings you by?" The seller asks her as she finishes bagging up your coffee.

"Traveling through." She states. Your heart is racing. Can’t be. You quickly walk back to Jeremy, his face concerned.

"I need you to find out who that girl at the table is." You ask him. He stares at you moment, not sure what the girl is to you, but gives you a curt nod and leads you to the local bar.

_______

"Her name is Abby." He whispers as he sits across from you. You sat in the bar all day, watching as Lev and his friend resupplied for their trip.

"She's a firefly." He states, waving to the bartender. You sit in silce, letting every single memory with every single emotion attached to them flow through you.

"You know her." Jeremy observes from your silence. You're practically buzzing in your seat.

"She killed Joel. Jesse. Nearly killed Ellie, Tommy and Dina." You grit through your teeth. It's taking every ounce of will power not to run up to her and beat the shit out her.

"And the kid?"

"Seraphite."

Jeremy nods, downing his drink as he stands up.

"Stay here." He whispers, kissing your forehead. You do as he says, sitting for what feels like hours until he sits back in front of you. Your eyes shift to his face, which is covered in dirt. He waves to the bartender not looking at you until he throws back a drink.

"She'll never hurt your family again." He states. Your mind picks apart his words, taking in all the information that's packed behind it. You can feel the heat rise in the room, your breath quickening. You slump back into you chair, hand coming to your mouth as tears silently fall down your face.

It's over.

[xtruss]

Why This 100-Year-Old Ranch In Colorado Is One of America’s Most Coveted Stays

For the Past 105 Years, The C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, Has Been Teaching Travelers—and Their Families—How to Live Their Best Western Life.

By Aislyn Greene • August 09, 2024 | AFAR Media

Every day at 4 p.m., the more than 200 horses at the C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, are herded out to graze in what’s known as a “jingle.” Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

The Afar Take

It’s hard to overstate how transporting it is to spend a week at C Lazy U, a guest ranch in the mountain town of Granby, Colorado. The ranch, which has been offering a taste of Colorado’s western culture since 1919, has access to more than 8,500 pristine acres with rolling hills, hundreds of trees, and a creek burbling peacefully through the landscape. On a recent June day, as I drove through the handsome wood-framed entry, the sights and sounds of city life felt very far away indeed.

“Our original slogan dating back 105 years was trout fishing, bear hunting, and all-you-can-eat apple pie,” said general manager Jeremy Belnap on my recent visit. “And we still do some element of all of those three things to this day.”

While bear hunting is off the table, throughout the weeklong program you can learn to fly fish (and throw an ax and shoot a BB gun), eat delicious food (including pie), and most importantly, learn how to ride or deepen your riding skills. The ranch’s 200-plus working herd of horses are the stars of the show here, all well cared for by Ami Cullen, the director of equestrian operations.

The week revolves around these horses, and when guests check in on Sunday, Ami—who has an uncanny knack for pairing the right horse with the right human—plays matchmaker. (My horse was a caramel-colored gelding named Duncan.) As the week unfolds, there are rides and clinics and private lessons targeted at different levels. And riders range from people who have never been on a horse before to expert riders seeking to improve their skills, so never fear if you’re a little nervous around horses. In fact, that’s one of the things that gets Ami out of bed in the morning.

“I really just love getting all different types and sizes and age levels of people on horses,” she said. “Some people don’t want to ride. They’ve never been on a horse before. And then they leave here and they’re like, ‘I can’t wait to ride. I want to go home and take lessons.’”

Horseback riding is one of the main reasons people come to C Lazy U Ranch—and all experience levels are welcome. Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

As confidence grows over the week, so do friendships. There’s time and space to connect with other guests, especially over morning cowboy coffee, where staff warm mugs over an open fire before filling them with rich, hot coffee, or over evening cocktails, as everyone unwinds from a day of riding and other fun. People connect so deeply with the ranch and with other families that Belnap said some families have been returning on the same weeks and staying in the same cabins for more than 50 years.

At the top of the can’t-miss list at the ranch is what’s known as a “jingle.” The ranch has access to about 8,500 acres, and every night, wranglers herd the horses out to graze. So at 4 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, you can catch the mesmerizing spectacle of 200-plus horses thundering past you.

Who’s It For?

C Lazy U is especially good for—and geared toward—families, though a couple or solo traveler would never feel out of place. The programming for kids is spectacular and offers a lot of independence: For most of the day, kids are off in the capable hands of wranglers who teach them how to ride, introduce them to the property’s donkeys, and generally keep them entertained, giving adults the opportunity to have their own vacation.

Families eat breakfast and lunch together, but kids can eat separately to allow parents time to relax over a glass of wine before the evening activities bring everyone back together again. The kids I saw running around seemed to thrive in this safe, independent environment. Belnap said that, based on what he’s witnessed with both his own kids and other guests’ children, the programming is “confidence boosting and absolutely freeing for them too.”

I stayed at the ranch on my own for several days and felt completely comfortable—my fellow guests were more than happy to fold me into their conversations and groups, and I never felt lonely or out of place.

You don’t need to have any previous riding or ranching experience, although you’ll want to heed C Lazy U’s advice to bring comfortable jeans to ride in and a good hat to keep your face safe from the Colorado mountain sun. The ranch also encourages guests to dress up in western attire, but if you don’t have that kind of clothing (I didn’t!) you won’t feel out of place. I just did my best to approximate the suggested dress code.

The ranch also has a small, sweet guest shop that sells boots, western-style shirts, hats, and other similar items.

The main lodge at C Lazy U Ranch was built in 1947 with logs sourced from the surrounding land. Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

The Location

Granby, Colorado (elevation: 7,935) is a small mountain town that’s known as a base for outdoor adventures, given its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park (a 20-minute drive away) and activities from fishing and rafting to hiking and horseback riding.

The ranch—which has been owned by just a handful of families since it was founded—has 8,500 acres, and while the ranch only occupies a small patch of that, it still feels sprawling. Cabins are tucked back into the trees; although there’s a spa and updated lodging now, the ranch has maintained its roots. Several of the buildings date back to the early days of the ranch, including the main lodge, which was built in 1947 from logs sourced from the surrounding land.

In 2021, the ranch lost its historic 99-year-old barn to a fire that also destroyed several workers’ cabins and damaged other property (no horses or people were harmed) but the ranch reopened later that year after repairs and some remodeling.

There is a small pond for fly-fishing (the ranch also offers guided river excursions), an ax-throwing station, a BB gun “range,” skeet-shooting, archery lessons, and a skills course for the kiddos. And while summer is the most popular time of year, the ranch remains open in the colder months for a unique winter getaway.

Hiking and horseback riding trails radiate out from the main ranch, and everywhere you look there’s another gorgeous view. And the goal is for those views to never change. Of the ranch’s 8,500 acres, 2,600 are in conservation easements, and the current owners have maintained a commitment to the land. “Our owners refer to themselves as stewards . . . because they’re here to protect and preserve,” Belnap said.

“At 4 P.M. and 6 A.M. Daily, You Can Catch The Mesmerizing Spectacle of 200-Plus Horses Thundering Past You.”

All the guest rooms at the ranch are spacious and offer tasteful, western comforts. Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

The Rooms

There are 38 guest accommodations, ranging from individual rooms to three-bedroom cabins. All are well appointed with cozy-yet-elegant ranch vibes: lots of wood walls, floors, and furniture, accented with buttery brown leather club chairs, bright western-style blankets, and stone fireplaces. The spacious cabins all feel more like homes than anything else—immediately comfortable and stocked with comfy robes, freshly baked cookies, toffee chocolates, and excellent coffee and tea. My welcome basket had a reusable water bottle, bug spray, an energy bar, and an oxygen can for altitude sickness.

The Food and Drink

Be prepared to eat: The ranch offers three robust, delicious meals each day and several snacks and desserts throughout the afternoon and evening. Breakfast and lunch are typically served buffet-style, but dinner can range from family style to buffet to multi-course plated (each night has a different option). The food, overseen by chef Ulises Salas, is fresh and accessible but elevated. On my visit, the lavish Sunday buffet dinner offered a chilled seafood display (including oysters!), salads with shaved vegetables and melon, roasted snapper, bison rib eye, and a mouth-watering table of breads. Sommelier Tony Collier oversees an impressive wine list packed with international bottles, while evenings often bring ice cream socials or s’mores and cocktails at the bar near the pool.

Staff and Service

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more inviting, caring group of people. While C Lazy U is a laid-back place, with most staff and wranglers dressed in jeans and cowboy hats, the service feels luxurious. Staffers show you to your room, bring luggage, and are otherwise available for any and all questions. Stays include daily housekeeping and nightly turn-down service.

Belnap has instituted a new texting option for reaching staff, which makes it easier to chat with the front desk, get extra towels, or ask questions about anything around the ranch.

Accessibility

Accessible features on property include two cabins with entrance ramps and roll-in showers with support bars. A wheelchair lift in the main lodge allows easier access to the dining room, and golf carts help visitors get around the property. There is a 250-pound weight limit for horseback riding, for the safety of both guest and horse.

At the Lazy U Spa, relief for saddle soreness and other aches and pains is only a massage (or a soak) away. Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

Wellness

The aptly named Lazy U Spa is a short walk from the main cabins, behind the tennis courts, and overlooks the ranch’s creek. In fact, several of the massage tents (imagine the most elegant glamping tent you’ve even seen) have glass windows in the floor so you can watch the creek running by as you get a massage. Facials, scrubs, and soaks in big copper tubs are also on offer.

There’s a pool on site, as well as a couple of hot tubs. In July 2024, the ranch opened the Lazy U Hideaway, an adults-only spa lounge with a custom hot tub, lounge area with a firepit, cold plunges, and a glass-walled sauna with panoramic views of the Continental Divide.

— Aislyn Greene is the associate director of podacsts at Afar, where she produces the Unpacked by Afar podcast and hosts Afar’s Travel Tales podcast. She lives on a houseboat in Sausalito.

[art-of-manliness]

Grandaddy’s Sunday Dinner Bacon Pepper Burgers

Note: The following is an excerpt adapted from Love Language of the South: A Celebration of the Food, the Hospitality, and the Stories of My Southern Home by Stacy Lyn Harris.  I don’t remember when it started. I don’t remember when it ended. I just remember that for years during most of my childhood, we’d eat Sunday dinner at Grandaddy’s house. Everyone was there: my immediate family, my uncle, and the cousins. I’d get an adrenaline rush as soon as we turned the corner in my stepdad’s red Toyota 4Runner. As soon as the car pulled up on the curb (we parked on the curb, so the driveway was clear for the others), I’d race over to one of my favorite spots on earth—the landing strip of lush green grass between my grandad’s house and the neighbors. To me it was the most empowering green gymnastics mat.  As my parents walked in the door, I began my tumbling pass with the imagined onlookers as my audience. Over and over again I’d tumble with the utmost precision: roundoff, back handspring, back handspring, back layout, back handspring. I felt invincible! “Stacy, it’s time to eat,” my mom would call out the door, bringing me back to reality. I’d run inside through the kitchen, head straight for the blue swivel chair at the end of the den, jump in the chair, and spin until I couldn’t see straight. About the time the world stopped spinning, I’d see my grandfather pulling the most amazing burgers off the grill.  The second he’d enter the door, I’d make a beeline to him and throw my arms around him, almost knocking his town-famous peppered burgers to the floor. Grandaddy wasn’t super affectionate and was kind of quiet, like my dad. He was half-blooded Creek Indian and half Greek. His olive skin had been darkened and wrinkled by the sun, and he never tired of telling me, “Stay out of the sun, Stacy. You don’t want to end up looking like this.” Maybe it was because I loved him so much, I thought he was good-looking. I don’t remember him telling me that he loved me, but I do remember him telling me that I look exactly like his mother. I felt that meant something special to him, and that in turn made me feel special.  We’d all overfill our plates with simple but delicious food: hamburgers, French fries, fried pickles, and fried green tomatoes. The adults and kids would squeeze around the kitchen table to discuss my grandad’s favorite topic: politics; Yes, politics was the topic of our discussions almost every week, which made for exciting conversation—mainly because no one agreed! The only thing that could get Grandaddy off the topic of politics was dessert.  Historically significant Southern desserts were always served at his house: banana pudding, coconut cream pie, ambrosia, lane cake, coconut cake, key lime pie, pineapple upside-down cake, caramel cake—and let me tell you, the caramel cake was the real deal! The desserts were never ending, nor did I want them to be.  After dinner I would often play hide-and-go-seek with my cousins. My favorite hiding spot was way up in the top of an oak tree. I could sit up there and dream for days, until I’d hear “Stacy, get out of that tree, there’s heat lightning.” Just about every Sunday there was heat lightning, and then a summer shower would move in, drawing me back indoors. Summer Sunday showers were our cue that the weekend was over and it was time to go, but I knew I’d be back next Sunday. Those weekends have never really been over for me. When I smell a burger cooking, or I run my fingers along a rough wool fabric, I’m back on that swivel chair at Grandaddy’s house waiting for him to finish my burger and feeling lucky to be by his side. Ultimate Bacon Pepper Burgers With Cheddar and Remoulade Serves 9 Ingredients For the Burgers * 11⁄2 pounds ground chuck steak * 11⁄2 pounds ground venison loin * 1⁄2 cup freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning * 2 tablespoons kosher salt * 4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter, melted * 9 brioche hamburger buns, split * 9 slices sharp cheddar cheese  For the Remoulade… http://dlvr.it/T44Pbc

[madscarypod]

Episode 3 Recap: Talk to the Hand

We are back! For episode 3. Or 4? Who's counting? We are, I guess.

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about self-harm, suicide and other tough subjects. Skip it if you think it'll upset you.

In this episode, Millie waxes poetic about her love of Rick Rubin's book The Creative Act. His book straight-up offers practical tips for creatives to tap into thee "source" and overcome emotional blockers in order to create. We discuss our plans to participate in a spooky event - at the Church Street School for Music and Art - in October. We'll interview peeps about their favorite scary movies, what frightens them, and maybe craft a scary story on the spot! Stay tuned for that fun little bonus ep.

Hey, what's up with the SAG-AFTRA strike? It's still going on so we'll continue to adhere to the mandate - don't watch non-compliant movies! We'll do our best.

We also dig in further on our wild speculation about local crimes possibly involving a serial killer aka the Newton Creek Killer. We theorize it could be the work of a serial killer, possibly a female who targets intoxicated men. Rina goes in on The Pope's Exorcist, a Jules Avery joint, with fan fave Russel Crowe. Russel Crowe's character is an exorcist and gets assigned the case of a possessed young boy in Spain. The Pope sends RC, aka Father Lankford, to perform the exorcism. This movie is too silly, with gratuitous nudity and unnecessary sexiness. Also, not scary enough. But as per Rina's recommendation, "Watch it. Don't watch it. Who cares!?" Next we dig into our movie of the ep, Talk to Me by the cutie pie Philippou Bros. An A24 production, this Australian horror movie is about a group of teenagers who use a cursed ceramic hand to commune with spirits. And film it. With their phones.

The main character Mia immediately gets in too deep after contacting her deceased mother. Things go awry (you gotta follow the rules!) and her young friend Riley gets possessed. Riley's possession leads to a traumatic event (very, ew) and hospitalization.

Mia becomes obsessed with the hand and uses, but it starts warping her grip on reality. SPOILER ALERT: In the end, the hand's influence leads Mia to sacrifice herself for Riley. She throws herself into oncoming traffic.

Hot commentary in this film; phone use is a driving force in the film, with people filming everything and sharing everything on social, even the private moments of others. The pacing of this movie was a bit off but all in all a spooky, thoughtful romp. 4 1/2 Corns. That's good.

We rap the episode by digging further into the common tropes we've seen across the 4 films we've watched. Check out our list below. Lots of commonalities across them.

Anywho, thanks for listening and reading!

[roonyxx]

The One Where It Hurts

Summary: Dean hurt you by leaving, can he make it up to you?

Warnings: ANGST, heart break, alcohol use, drunk, language, Dean being a little dickish, hurt.

Pairing: Dean x Reader, Sam (mentioned)

Wordcount: 3249

A/N: this is written for @smol-and-grumpy​‘s super friends title challenge! I got the title “The One Where It Hurts”, congratulations I hope you enjoy! 

My Masterlist

You watched from your car to the suburban family house. The green garden surrounded by the white picket fence. Nice flowers next to the little path that lead to the front door.

The perfect apple pie life.

The curtains were open, more tears clouded your vision as you saw him kiss her.

The knife in your dead and cold heart twisted a little more at the sight of affection.

Things turned bad six months ago…

You fought hard for the people you loved, one you lost and the other, he left you…

For Lisa…

So here you were, all alone. Watching the man you love, loving someone else.

You never told Dean about your feelings, to afraid he’d reject you and lose your precious friendship with him.

But that changed when you both lost Sam…

While you were working on a way to get Sam back, Dean was packing his bag.

“W-where are you going ?” you asked Dean when you saw the bag in his hand.

“I-I can’t Y/n…” his voice wavered with unshed tears “I – I can’t stay…”

“B-but where are you going ? I will come with you, Dean. I won’t leave you alone.” You turned to grab your bag but Dean stopped you.

“No.” he said “You can’t come.”

“Why not ? I-I won’t bother you.” You begged him, without Dean you would be all alone.

“I’m going to Lisa Y/n. I can’t bring you with me, it’s worse enough I ask her to take me in, I can’t ask for more.”

You looked up at him, but he was avoiding your eyes.

“Y-You’re leaving me ? But… I have no one Dean… I-I need you.” You sat back on the bed, afraid your legs wouldn’t be able to hold you.

“You can go to Bobby, I just… I need to get away. If one day I wanna be happy again, I know Lisa is my best shot.”

With those words he had loaded his gun and shot right through your heart.

You weren’t enough to make him happy… you weren’t enough to make him stay.

So when Dean left, you went to Bobby and stayed there for a while, you stopped eating, stopped sleeping, throwing yourself into hunting because that was the only thing you’re good at.

And every Friday evening you would drive to Battle Creek, Michigan to watch the man you love getting cozy with his girlfriend. Drinking your cheap bottle of whiskey until the sun rose again and you had to drive back to your depressing, cold and lonely bed.

He hurt you by leaving, you hated him, and still… you loved him.

You hated that you loved him.

It was 11:23 PM now, she would go up to their room and Dean would start closing the curtains and making sure everything is locked up. You chuckled to yourself, his hunting skills were already disappearing. You have been sitting in the same car, in the same spot for over 6 months and he still hasn’t noticed you. Not like he ever noticed you when you were friends…

You just hoped they would sleep… you have seen his shadow move over hers plenty of times in the last six months. It hurts, and after the rough hunt you just came from, there is only so much that you can take…

You loved Dean for years and she showed him one good weekend years ago and she gets to end up with him ? What is fair in that ?

You had picked him up half dead or half drunk, saved his life multiple times, sew him up and been his shoulder to lean on since forever. You gave him your everything.

But still, you weren’t enough to make him happy… to make him stay.

You watched his shadow move through the house to his bedroom. And as he turned off the light, your sobs grew.

Just the thought of him holding another woman was cutting off your air supply. You clutched the bottle close to your chest, trying to fill the hole Dean made. But it didn’t work…

You spend the rest of the night drinking your tears away, only to leave when the sun rose again.

To return to your bed and wait for the next Friday to come around to torture yourself some more.

The next Friday you felt worse than ever. You had brought two bottles of Jack with you when you parked in front of the house.

Opening the first as you turned your head towards the kitchen window. Taking your first big gulp as you watched his arms curl around her waist and kiss her cheek.

You went on three hunts this week, barely making it out of every one, and losing more people then saving them.

You were letting yourself go, you could feel it in the way you held your machete earlier that day, your grip on it lose, as if you wanted the vamps to kill you…

It would end your suffering.

But you killed them first, not before they slammed you into a wall making your head bleed.

You smelled horrible, your hair bloody, mixed with dirt from digging graves and pieces of ghoul, your knuckles split open and infected from hitting your motel wall in drunken rage, skin ashen grey from living on whiskey and not much else.

You had no time to take a shower this week, not that you cared to take one, you were alone, no one was bothered by how disgusting you were, so you felt no need to. You were used to your own disgust and frankly too exhausted to acknowledge it.

Another long slug of the bottle, rendering it near empty. You had no intention to drive back the next morning, so you kept going, finishing the first bottle in twenty minutes.

It was unfair… Looking at Dean being happy and you feeling miserable, barely alive.

His words never left your head, they played in a permanent loop.

“If I one day I wanna be happy again, I know Lisa is my best shot”

“When I do picture myself happy, it’s with Lisa.”

She wasn’t there when he came back from Hell, she didn’t put him back together piece for piece, hoping that when he was whole again, he would notice you, what you did for him, that you loved him.

But no, as soon as you had put him back together, he was banging the first chick that flashed him a smile.

You couldn’t even get a thanks from him, his flirty smile was never towards you. Not like you would deserve his attention, you were already happy to be his friend.

You opened the second bottle, watching Dean and Lisa make out on the couch, coughing with sobs as the whiskey burned down your throat.

With the big weigh lost and the empty stomach you could start to feel the alcohol flowing through you. Making you feel weightless, the exhaust fading, the broken heart almost forgotten.

Almost…

When you were near the end of your second bottle something brave inside you sparked, something stupidly brave…

You opened the door of your car and stumbled across the street, bumping into the mailbox, making it fall to the ground as you moved towards the front door.

“W-woops.” You slurred.

You stumbled upon the steps, half falling against the front door as you started banging on it and ringing the bell.

Dean opened the door, gun pointed at your face.

“Who are you!” he demanded.

You laughed loud and put your hands up.

“It’s me! You know, the girl you left when you hurried off to live your apple pie life.” Your laugh completely gone by the end of your sentence, tears rolling down your face as you looked at the man you loved, treating you like a stranger.

“Y-Y/n ? W-what are you doing here ? You look horrible.” He said as he put his gun away and looked behind him to close the door to his warm house that he obviously didn’t want to share with you.

“I’ve been here every Friday, watching you get all cozy with your girlfriend, is she that good ? Do you even think of me at all ?” The second bottle was catching up on you, you pushed down the bile as good as you could, focused on the man in front of you.

His eyes searched the street and caught sight of the familiar car across the street, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose

“I had noticed the car before, thought the neighbor was having an affair… Why are you here, Y/n ?”

That he even had to ask that completely broke you, your knees buckled and fell to the ground as Dean caught you just in time so you wouldn’t hit your head.

Everything was turning, you couldn’t stop it. Your body went limp as you felt the bile rise up and come out of you with an impeccable force, bending over to vomit all over the porch.

A big hand rubbed over your back, waiting for you to empty your stomach.

“Fuck Y/n, you’re skin over bone… when was the last time you ate ? Or even showered ?”

You were to weak to answer, reaching into your pocket you handed him the key of your motel room and car before everything turned black.

The soft sloshing of warm water around you is what woke you. Slowly you opened your eyes.

You were in a bathtub. Someone was running a washcloth along your neck. You turned your head to see Dean.

“W-what happe-“

“You knocked on my door in the middle of the night, drunk out of your mind, puked on my porch, and passed out.” He stated bitterly, you noticed his eyes were looking ahead of him and not at you.

Well that explained the enormous headache and feeling of guilt, but why did you feel so …

Naked! You were naked. You wrapped your hand over your chest and clenched your thighs shut.

“Sorry… you were covered in vomit and… blood, you were cooling down. I had to get you warmed up and clean.” He said as he stood up. “I’ll be in the room next doors.” And with that he left the bathroom.

A big sigh left your mouth… stupid! Why did you go to his door and pulled him from his perfect life and into your shit.

You looked at the brown bathwater you were sitting in. You felt so ashamed he saw you like this…

You stood up and pulled the plug, rinsing off the remaining dirty water from your body with the shower head.

You got out, dried yourself off and put on the bathrobe before leaving the bathroom.

Dean sat on the bed as he looked around the room, papers from cases on the walls and table, clothes everywhere, many empty bottles, knives and guns everywhere, even a condom wrapper here and there.

“So this is where you have been living ?” he asked as his eyes kept going over the mess.

“Yeah” you walked to the fridge to take another beer. “You want a beer ?”

“No thanks” he said.

You shrugged and took one for yourself, but before you opened the can, it was ripped from your grip.

“Hey! That’s mine!” you yelled at him.

“I’m not letting you drink this, you puked and passed out hours ago!” he groaned.

“Well I’m sorry to ruin your perfect life, why don’t you just leave again so I can suffer in peace.”

“I’m not leaving before I see you eat something. You’re skin over bone, when is the last time you ate something?”

“Since when do you care? You don’t have to pretend, go back to your pretty girlfriend, Dean.” You swallowed hard, this was the first time you said his name after he left you, it hurt you to much to hear it out loud.

“I care! Don’t you dare saying that I don’t !” he yelled at you.

You turned to him and pushed his chest hard.

“YOU DON’T! YOU FUCKING LEFT ME! I HAD NO ONE! FUCKING NO ONE!”

He grasped your wrists to stop you from pushing him.

“You had Bobby !” he held your arms in his hands, looking at you.

“Yes, and  I’m forever grateful that he took me in, but I couldn’t put my shit on him.” You snapped as you pulled free from him.

“So you have been living in this dump for six months ?” he mentioned to the mess around him. “Not eating and not showering ?”

You shrugged looking around, not really seeing the problem.

“Please tell me you at least showered after you fucked some random guy.” he sighed as he pointed toward a condom wrapper.

“That’s none of your fucking business” you seethed at him.

You tried to move on in the beginning, tried to fight the loneliness by inviting strangers to warm your bed, but by the morning it was twice as cold, and your heart only broke more. No one was what you wanted, what you needed.

No one was him.

He started picking up bottles and putting them in a box by the door.

“Please stop.” You told him.

“Just let me help clean this place.” Said as he continued picking them up

“I said STOP” you pushed him again, your anger over flowing.

He dropped the bottles and held up his hands.

“Fine if you want to live in this garbage, then that’s your choice.” He spat at you.

“Just leave, go back to her. I won’t ever bother you again. I’m sorry.” You breathed out. Maybe if you didn’t see him anymore it would be easier ?

Deep inside you knew it wouldn’t be …

“What happened Y/n ? Why did you let yourself go like this, this isn’t you.” He looked you in the eyes.

“What happened ? Seriously, Dean. You shouldn’t have to ask that.”

“What do you mean ?” he seemed to genially not know.

“I lost Sam too Dean, and on top of that you left me, because you could impossibly be happy around me. You might have found a warm home with Lisa but I didn’t, the last six months have been the worst of my life. I am alone Dean, I have no one… So YES I had sex with some random dudes who were desperate or drunk enough to even want me because I got tired and sick of feeling so lonely all the time! “ Tears were rolling down your face as Dean looked dumbfounded at you.

“I lost both my best friends on the same day. One because he sacrificed himself and the other because I wasn’t good enough. Because after everything we went through… I wasn’t the one making you happy.” You took a deep breath before you continued.

“And I’m not blaming you for going to Lisa… Really I’m not. All I want in life is for you to be happy, I just wished it didn’t hurt me so much… I wish it meant that I could be part of your happiness, of your life, but obviously I’m not.”

“Y/n-“ Dean started but you cut him off.

“I’m not finished yet. I know she is the one making you happy, and that I’m clearly not enough for you, I know that. It just… it hurts Dean. It hurts because I love you and I can’t even make you happy…” Your voice broke with emotion as you continued.

“So yes, I watched you be happy and love another woman, because truth is ? I can’t life one week without seeing you. I lost my best friend and the man I love, and I hate you for leaving me, but I hate myself more for not being able to give you what you needed, and I tried, I really did… but I just wasn’t enough.” You sat down on the other bed, quietly sobbing to yourself. You did feel relieved to finally get it all out.

“Y-you love me ?” you heard him ask, you turned your head and saw a tear roll down his cheek.

You nodded slowly “I always did and always will.”

He got up from the other bed and sat next to you.

“I lied.” He said.

“Lied ? About what?” you asked him.

“About you not making me happy…”

“Wh- what ?”

He looked at you, really looked at you for the first time since you fell against his front door.

“You’re the only that really makes me happy, where I can be myself. But I… I don’t deserve you, I don’t deserve to be happy, it’s my fault Sam jumped in the pit, I should have done more to stop him.” His tears didn’t stop.

“It’s not your fault, you know as well as I that Sam is too stubborn to listen to anyone. He wanted to do this, it was his choice, Dean. It’s not your fault.” You said, wiping you own tears.

He took your hand in his, squeezing it tight.

“I…I am so sorry for leaving you, it was the hardest thing I ever did… I just… I was too broken, you deserve someone good, someone who is not 99% crap. I thought if I leave now that you could heal on your own and find something better, but I just made it worse…” he sobbed, his head leaning onto your shoulder.

“There wasn’t one day where I didn’t think of you, where I didn’t miss you, Y/n. I’m so sorry…”

“Do you love her ?” You asked him.

“Who ? Lisa ?” He lifted his head to look at you.

You nodded.

“No, never. I just… I needed to try something else, I needed a fresh start. I… I was wrong, I hate this life, pretending to be something I’m not.” His jaw clenched.

“I’m not happy, you… you make me happy. You always did and I was to stupid to realize…” he cupped your face, looking into your eyes.

“I need you Y/n. Can I please have a second chance ? I know I don’t deserve it… But I wanna do good by you. Make you happy.” He pressed his forehead against yours. “I… I love you too.”

“What ?” you pulled out of his grasp “What did you just say ?” Were you dreaming ? He could have impossibly said that he lo-

“I love you, I have for a long time, I didn’t know it until I left you… I don’t feel complete when you’re not around.” His eyes were searching your face.

“I… don’t say that if you don’t mean it Dean, my heart can’t take it anymore.” You sobbed.

“I mean it Y/n. I really mean it.”

“How  can I know ?” you gasped for air between sobs.

He cupped both your cheeks and pressed his lips on yours, his plumb pillows moved against yours, tongue brushing your bottom lip to ask for access, which you granted him, your hand coming up to run your fingers through his hair like you dreamed of doing so many times.

His tongue danced with yours as he moaned into your mouth, one of his hands slipping to the back of your neck to pull you closer, he angled his face to the right, his nose pressing against your cheek as he deepened the kiss.

You could feel his love flow through his movements, you always knew Dean was a man of action and not much of words. You could feel the love he was giving to you, feel in in the way he kept his eyes closed, feel it in the way his hand was grasping your waist to pull you closer to him, in the way his tongue was mapping out every inch of your mouth.

He really does love you.

When the need for air became too much you broke the most intense kiss of your life and looked him in the eyes.

“I believe you” you said, smiling with tears in your eyes.

You slapped his chest softly “Don’t think this makes us good, you really hurt me, Dean. I can’t just forget the last six months.”

“I know Y/n, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. That is if you give me a second chance ?”

“Yes Dean, I could never say no to you. I love you, Dean.” You said.

“I love you too, Y/n.”

Feedback is my fuel or buy me a coffee :D

[allmonstersxarehuman]

Figure it out

Requested?: Yes

Prompt: “Is that my shirt?” “Do I look like I moved on?”

Pairing: Arvin Russel x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Smut, Angst, swear words and mentions of physical and emotional abuse from readers father.

A/N: Still trying to get comfortable with writing smut.

You had grown up in Coal Creek with your mother and abusive father, your mother thought by going to church that she could somehow prey away the evil that possessed him. Ms. Emma Russel took pity on you and your mother, Ms. Russel always tried to talk your mama into leaving your father but never worked. One day you had ran to her house after hearing your father beating her and couldn’t stand it, so soon it became a thing of habit; when your Pa would start throwing things you would sneak out of your room and head to her house. When you became friends with Lenora and Arvin, you finally had others you could turn to that were your age. Arvin was your first love and your only love, you wanted him to come with you when you decided to leave but you knew it would be useless. He wouldn't leave his family behind and he begged you to stay, but you couldn’t stay after your mothers death; not while your father was still alive. So with one last kiss you said goodbye to him then proceeded to say your farewells to the rest of his family who you had become close with.

Three months had passed when you had gotten a call that your father had died, that meant you needed to go back to Coal Creek to get affairs in order; you didn’t care about burying him and definitely didn’t want him buried by your mama. So here you stood in your childhood home trying to get it cleaned up, when there was a knock on the door. “Ms. Russel, it’s nice to see you. Oh Lenora.” You said stepping aside to let Ms. Russel in and gave Lenora a big hug. “Oh Y/n, its so nice to see you I’m sorry its under these circumstances. Erskel wasn’t feeling well and Arvin said he would stop by later after he get back from work.” Ms. Russel said softly and set down a pie on the table. “Thank you Ms. Russel, it is really nice to see you guys.” You smiled looking between her and Lenora. “We miss you here in Coal Creek, any chance you will be staying?” Lenora said taking your hand, her question making her let out a breathy laugh. “I’ll have to til I get this place cleared and hopefully sell it, so I guess I will be staying here til then.” You said softly.

You had sat and chatted with the women for about an hour before they said their farewells and left, after they had left you plopped down on the couch and sighed your leg shaking up and down; when there was a knock on the door you got up with haste to see who it was. When opening the door you saw Arvin standing there his hands in his pockets as he rocked back and forth on his heels, you bit your lip and gave him a small smile. “Hey Arvin.” You said softly stepping aside so he could come in, he was hesitant at first but walked in anyway. “Hey Y/n, I’m not gonna say sorry for your loss because it seems more of a gain more than anything.” He said rubbing at the back of his neck, you let out a sigh and shrugged. “People die, I just it was him first instead of my mama.” You said softly closing the door behind him, when you turned to him you opened your mouth to speak again but was cut-off by Arvin. “Is that my shirt?” He said gesturing to the red flannel you were wearing. You blushed forgetting that you had put it on, you looked at him and nodded. “You always did like that shirt didn’t ya. Looks much better on ya anyway.” He smirked taking off his hat to run his fingers through his hair. You bit your lip and laughed lightly. “I needed to bring a piece of you with me, didn’t want to wash it somedays because it smelled like you.” You said now looking down at your feet. “How does your boyfriend feel about that?” He asked, his question caught you off guard making you furrow your eyebrows. “I don’t have one, why would you think I would?” You asked crossing your arms over your chest. Arvin shrugged. “I just figured once ya got out of this shit hole that you would find a man that would give you a family.” “Do I look like I moved on?” You shook your head and rolled your eyes. “I never moved on because I couldn’t, you are the only one I ever wanted and the only one I will ever want.”

Things escalated quickly after your confession which led both of you to be on your old bed naked while he licked and bit at your neck, as your fingers ran through his hair. “Fuck Arvin, no more teasing please I need you.” You begged making him smirk wrapping your legs around his waist while he positioned his hard length at your wet entrance. “Still so demanding, if I wasn’t so hard I’d punish you.” You moaned at his words, but let out an even louder one as he drove his hard length into you until he bottomed out. “Fuck your cunt is still so tight.” He growled as he tried to hold still and let you adjust, knowing that it will take a second for you to get accustomed to his thick length again. “Arvin move baby.” You moaned out as you bucked your hips to get some relief. Arvin smirked as he pulled out so only the tip remained and then slammed right back into you he did this a few times before setting a slow and deep pace, the movements caused your old bed to squeak and hit the wall but you didn’t care. “I’m not going to last Arvin.” You moaned out as he continued to his the sensitive spot inside of you, he reached between your bodies to rub at your sensitive bundle of nerves knowing that would drive you over the edge. “Right behind you baby-girl, look at me when you cum.” He groaned and licked his lips when your eyes connected the sight of you brought on his on climax, when he pulled out it caused you to whimper at the loss. He collapsed next to you as you both tried to catch your breath, you looked over at him seeing that he was already looking at you. “You aren’t staying are you.” It wasn’t a question because he knew the answer, he stood up starting to get dressed again. You sat up putting on underwear, shorts and the red flannel you were wearing earlier and followed him to the living room. “I don’t know yet Arvin. I need to figure some things out first. I want to be with you and lay roots with you somewhere, but at times I feel like this town is holding us back.” You said running your fingers through your hair, Arvin clenched his jaw shaking his head. “You mean I’m holding us back.” Bringing you back to the moment before you left when he said he didn’t want to be a father, or how he didn’t see the point in marrying; nor did he see a reason to leave Coal Creek when he needed to be there to protect Lenora. You opened your mouth then closed it again, the action causing Arvin to nod. “Figure out what you want, I’ll see you around Y/n.” He said softly before walking out the front door listening to his truck start up and pull away, you frozen in place as tears ran down your cheeks.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Crisis Redo Pt 8

"So, why does the Autumn Festival need a medical tent?" Kara asks Elizabeth as she helps carry three pie totes to the bakery truck. "Is there that big a risk of someone gorging themselves on caramel apples?"

"Goodness, no!" Elizabeth chuckles. This morning the older woman has her graying hair pulled back into a braid, looking more like Lena than ever. "I mean, there was that one time little Tommy McCrae gave himself a concussion bobbing for apples and nearly drowned, but those were just normal apples."

Kara stops in her tracks. "Wait-- are you serious?"

"Oh, yes! Folks get real competitive around here, especially with the kind of prizes the winners get."

"What on earth kind of prizes could be worth a concussion?"

Elizabeth smirks as she unlocks the truck. "You're holding them, dear."

Kara stares at the pies in her arms. "Do they have cocaine in them??"

"Oh, no. Just a little bit of something special. I only make these particular pies for the autumn festival winners. Secret seasonal recipe," Elizabeth winks.

Blinking, Kara carefully delivers the pies to Elizabeth's hands, watching as she tucks them into a spare cupboard inside the truck. Maybe she hadn't given the fair folk of Willow Creek their due.

"Don't worry," Elizabeth whispers conspiratorially, "I always hold one back for Lena and I, so as our guest you're on the inside track."

Kara beams. "I look forward to tasting it. ...do you need any help setting up?"

"No, no," Elizabeth waves off, "the only thing I need to do is set things out and get the percolator going. You should go on and find Lena."

Kara nods. "Right... and where would the medical tent be?"

"Next to the chainsaw carving station, I would think."

"Chainsaw carving?"

"And if she's not there, you should check the axe throwing lanes."

"The need for a medical tent now makes sense."

"You're in Willow Creek, now," Elizabeth reminds her with a cheeky grin. "We do autumn right."

Elizabeth is right about Lena being called out to the axe throwing lanes. But instead of tending to an impromptu amputation like Kara would have guessed, she finds Lena carefully pulling a splinter out of a young boy's finger. She watches as Lena gives him an offer of two band aids-- trucks or spaceships-- and deftly wraps his choice-- trucks-- around the offended digit.

"All right!" Lena says brightly, giving the boy's hair a ruffle. "Go have fun, okay? Just be careful on the wooden rails."

The boy runs off, his dad trailing behind with a wave towards Lena. Kara leans back against one of the wooden rails, and grins.

"Personally, I would have gone with the spaceships."

If Lena is surprised to see her, she doesn't look it. Still, her features are somewhat less than enthusiastic when she stands and zips up her hip pack.

"Well, cartoon spaceships don't get a lot of traction when you know that your best friend came to earth in an nth-class trawler with about 500 other refugees."

Kara's smile fades a little. "What?"

Lena lifts an arch brow. "You haven't really taken a look at Willow Creek, have you?"

Called out, Kara quickly scans the crowds around them, and is shocked to find that several of the faces she sees are alien. All are humanoid, but their alien-ness is clearly visible, and yet they seem to be totally integrated.

"I... didn't realize," Kara says quietly. She falls into step with Lena as she makes her way back towards the medical tent. "So... they... they're safe here?"

"I won't claim there aren't some outspoken small minds in Willow Creek," Lena allows, "but the people here have big hearts. Anyone who wants to make a peaceful home here are welcome."

Kara gazes out at the festivities, and something in her chest twinges at the sight of humans and aliens mingling so easily. It's what she's always wanted for National City, but has yet to fully achieve.

"It's one of the reasons we came here," Lena continues. "The aliens here never had a human doctor who could help them."

Kara looks at her. "But you do."

Lena shrugs. "My second undergraduate is in xenobiology. And I have a network of contacts from my research days I can reach out to when I need to. I'm still learning, but I do as much as I can."

"Then Willow Creek is lucky to have you." Kara hesitates, then clears her throat. "You know, you can always reach out to my mom for help if you have questions."

Lena's brow furrows. "Alura?"

"I mean, my adoptive mom. Eliza. She's worked in the field for years-- it's one of the reasons why my cousin left me with the Danvers in the first place."

Lena hums. "I see. Well, I might just take you up on that."

Before either of them can say anything further,  the radio on Lena's hip squawks, requesting medical assistance at the sack races. Lena grins, and confirms receipt of the message before turning to Kara.

"You should investigate the rest of the festival," she offers. "At least that way there's one person walking around I know I won't have to treat by the end of the day."

Kara nods. "Maybe I'll have a go at winning one of your mom's pies."

Lena rolls her eyes. "You know there's still one at home, right?"

"Yeah, but it's the culture of it all! I want a real taste of Willow Creek autumn."

"In that case... the pumpkin pie eating contest is at two."

With that, Lena heads off, leaving Kara to stare after her. It's the easiest conversation they've had so far, and in the process Kara's learned just a little bit more about this new Lena. A Lena who studied alien medicine and tried to give those in her community a better life regardless of their planet of origin. It was such a little thing, yet said so much.

As Kara peruses the festival, she finds herself talking with many of the locals, introducing herself and discussing what brought her into town. At first she simply says that she's there for the festival, but she inevitably spills that she's staying with Lena and her mother, and before she knows it, people she hasn't met yet are asking her questions about her stay.

"Dr. Lena hasn't ever had a visitor," Linda says at the fall wreath craft table. "Especially not from the city. Tell me, what do you do again?"

"Where are you going to take her as a thank you?" Danielle asks at the cider stall. Kara stares, flummoxed-- she hadn't considered a thank you would be needed. Not like that anyway. "Oh! You should take her to Alfredo's, it's perfect for a date--"

"Oh, hush, Dani, the girl never said they were dating," snaps Gloria, swatting her friend with a fly swatter. She turns to a grateful Kara with a roll of her eyes. "Do forgive her, Danielle's a terrible gossip."

"Right, um. Thanks. Yeah, no. We're not, uhm--"

"Not what?" Lena says, coming up from behind Kara to join them. Kara nearly chokes on her tongue, even as Lena hands over a dollar bill in exchange for a plastic cup of cider. She eyes Kara expectantly over the rim as she takes a long drink.

Kara swallows thickly. "Uhm... dating. We're not dating. Like, at all."

If Kara didn't know any better, she'd swear that Lena's lips quirk upwards. Ever so slightly, just at the corners.

"That's exactly right, darling."

She downs the rest of her cup and tosses it into the trash.

"Excellent cider, ladies, as ever. Save me a jug, will you?"

"Of course, Dr. Walsh!" comes the swift response. Kara stares as Danielle's eyes grow round as saucers, the woman barely waiting for Lena to leave before nudging the woman in the next booth over.

Kara quickly took her leave, weaving through the crowd to catch up with Lena. "Ummm.... you know those ladies now think we're exes right?"

Lena barely glances at her. "Better that than active lovers, wouldn't you say?"

Kara trips on air, only barely catching herself before faceplanting into the woodchip mulch. "Buh--"

"Besides, it's just a little gossip," Lena continues. "In a few days you won't be around for it to bother you."

The reminder smacks Kara between the eyes. It hurts, to think that Lena is simply counting the days until she leaves. But Kara swallows against the burning in her eyes and shrugs.

"Yeah, I guess."

Lena's radio squawks again, calling her to yet another scene. Kara waves her on. "Go ahead. I've still got plenty of festival to-- see." Lena is already gone.

Kara loses herself in the festival. She watches the log-chopping competition from the sidelines, incorrectly guessing which contestant would win-- it's her own fault, opting for the burly guy with a beard instead of the long haired woman who eventually wins.

She watches the egg race and a round of log running, watching until three consecutive losers end up splashing into the lake. The only competition she enters is the pumpkin carving contest-- in which she proudly wins a third place ribbon for her cheery pumpkin face.

Elizabeth joins her as the afternoon bleeds into evening, enlisting her help handing out sticks and materials for smores over the fire pits the local volunteer fire station set up. By this point, the only activities going on are the sunset (then haunted, once the sun dips below the horizon) hayrides and the music pavilion and the fire pits, which means that Lena inevitably finds their way over to them.

"What's the tally?" Elizabeth asks.

"Thirteen band-aids, two stitches, and a sprain." Lena's teeth gleam in the dark as she smiles. "No broken bones this year."

"Oh, Dr. Walsh!" a voice calls. Kara can just make out an unfamiliar shape in the shadows, but Lena recognizes them immediately.

"Hi Rosemary. What's the matter?"

"Herb's cankers are acting up again. I was hoping you'd be able to whip up some more of that special tea..."

"Not a problem," Lena replies warmly. "Swing by the house tomorrow, and we'll get you set up."

"Oh, thank you, Dr. Walsh. Bless you."

"Have a good night, Rosemary. Stay safe getting home!"

The woman ambles off, and Lena looks back at Kara. "What?" she demands.

"Tea?"

"Not everything in life requires a pill. I help when and how I can," Lena informs her. "Especially when Medicaid doesn't cover more long term treatments."

Kara backs off a step. "Not judging. Just curious."

Lena gives a quiet hmph, which her mother ignores by shoving a marshmallow stick into each of their hands. "You want a taste of Willow Creek, Kara? Well, Lena roasts the best marshmallows. She can teach you a thing or two."

With a not so subtle shove towards the campfire, Elizabeth banishes them from the booth. As they near the fire, Kara can see the gleam in Lena's eyes, dour and defensive.

"I really didn't mean anything by it," Kara says quietly. "I was just... surprised. I guess I'm still getting used to... everything."

Everything being magic. Everything being Lena's open mind towards non-pharmaceutical treatments. Everything being this gaping chasm between them.

"I'm sorry," she finishes softly.

Lena sighs. "I'm sorry too. For earlier."

Kara offers a tentative smile. "It's okay." We're okay. "But you will have to show me your magic marshmallow tricks, because otherwise I'm just going to scorch it..."

Somewhere between Lena's scoff and the touch of her fingers on Kara's as they gently rotate the stick for a perfect, golden roast, Kara can almost believe that they really will be okay.