Fandom The Farmhouse Dream { The Last of Us 1x1 with icedthemoon }

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Hayden rested his cheek on the top of Kaiden’s head. “I would have it no other way. I want you to be a part of this decision, because it affects all of us. If it works and if it doesn’t.” He had spent far too many years doing things on his own. That was how he wound up like he was. His leg would not have ever gotten like this if he had not wallowed in his misery instead of working to better his relationship with Josh. If he had not been so determined to do this on his own, they might have been able to do more for it. “I won’t do anything unless you know everything. Every answer to every question you might have. Every risk we are taking. But it does sound more than a little tempting.” He looked over at Jacob. “When was the last time I ran? So long ago. You know, when your papa was in high school and was on the track team, I was always there. I ran around with them like I was one of them. I was of course never as good as him. No doubt. But I would run around as an errand boy. A gopher.” Those were the days.

Nate continued to look at all those books while Josh talked. He imagined a younger Hayden and a younger Josh, like the ones in the pictures. He tried to see them somewhere else. Somewhere where the world wasn’t like this. He turned back to Josh as he finished. “You’ve got a whole big river out there. It’s not that far. And another one not super far either. We crossed them getting here. You ever take him out there to do his thing?” He stood up, looking through the medical journals and texts again. Which of these might be useful?

Soren looked at the shelves. “Oh boy, okay.” They were daunting shelves with how little knowledge of this he really had. He turned to Cameron. “Thanks, Can. Em! You got any help for us?” “Nope!” Soren shook his head. “You know, that’s okay.” He looked at Alex. “You and I can do this. Both of our partners are medical geniuses. We are bound to have picked up something in all this time. I’m ancient. If I’ve been married to this man for this long, I can find some books about surgeries. Or something.” He started looking through the shelves in the hopes that one was going to be called something like ‘How to Perform a Surgery to Make a Broken Leg Unbroken After Years of it Being Broken.’
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai felt Hayden’s cheek on the top of his head. He was happy that his dad was going to keep him as part of the decision. He was still concerned and worried, but he didn’t want to bother his dad with it. Until it happened or didn’t, he’d still worry. Hayden had been there his entire life after all and he was more of a dad than his had ever been. “Thank you for that.” He said, smiling. “You did? Wow.” Kai said, it was fascinating to hear stories about the old world. Kai shifted in place, he hadn’t been expecting this when he came in. “Hey.. dad? I love you and I really want this to be a good thing and I hope it will be. I’d love to see you running again.”

Josh shifted as he listened to Nate and shook his head. “Hayden doesn’t walk far often, it’s.. not easy. So no. We don’t. And even with his cane, we can’t traverse the land well.” Josh said, looking at him. “Oh I think he has a human anatomy book on the top shelf.” Josh added, pointing up.

Alex looked at the books, and then at Soren. “I’ve only known Nate about a month and half or so. But I’m sure we can find something.” Alex agreed as he scanned the titles. He grabbed one and flipped through it. “This one is about physical therapy, maybe this one would help for afterwards?” Alex suggested, showing it to Soren.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Hayden pulled his head away so that they could look at each other better as they spoke. As Kaiden shifted, so he did he. He raised a brow with a slight hum of question. He would answer anything Kai asked. He smiled as he spoke. That was less of a question that Hayden was prepared for. He took both of Kai’s hands in his. “I love you too. I would love for this to work out for us. To run again. Or to walk for longer periods of time? To… I don’t know. What could we do? Go places? Getting here was difficult.” He sighed at the memory of him being their most difficult factor in their move. “We could travel without that issue. I always wished I could take you hiking. I don’t know how safe that would be, but you are all far more capable than I have ever given you credit for.” But what he missed the most was the ocean. There was no ocean here. There was never any ocean close enough for him. Not even really in Seattle.

This story was so unbearably sad that if Nate had not been absolutely engrossed in trying to find the books he needed, he might have been moved enough to cry. “But you could. If I can get this to work.” He grabbed a couple of books that he tossed onto a pile on the ground. He looked up and nodded. “Good eye.” He grabbed that and three more that probably wouldn’t help for this but looked so fascinating that he could never let them go.

Soren was shocked by this sudden revelation. He almost didn’t notice the book he found. “Um, yes. Actually that will probably work, but take a step back now. You’ve only known him a month and a half?” He shook his head and laughed. “I would not have guessed that. Alright, well, I guess that’s longer than me and Jacob.” He laughed again, overtaken by the moment, before grabbing another book that was specifically about muscles.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai felt Hayden shift his cheek off him and he looked at his dad. A smile was on his face as he felt his hands being taken. Sure it had been difficult traveling from Washington to here, and even Kai had to admit that he wasn’t much help. He was a little too.. happy to finally be able to be with Ezekiel to be helpful. He remembered Josh yelling at him to help set up camp more than once. What? Three years and he finally had that relationship that he wanted. So he was a little distracted. “We could hike, we could go see that museum on the edge of the city. We could have a big family picnic somewhere. And with all of us, no infected would dare come near.” Kaiden said with a laugh. “Oh shoot. I need to get heading. I told Ezekiel I’d come see him after I got my back done. You know how he worries. He probably thinks I hurt myself.. again.” Kaiden said as he shook his head. And he needed to spill his worries about this to him.

Josh thought about that. Yeah, he could if this works. “Should we just bring all of them?” He asked with a chuckle, seeing the stack of books on the ground.

Alex looked at Soren and nodded. “Yeah. I found him wandering in North Dakota after I’d left Seattle. And I led us back that way. Then we ran into hunters, infected, found Carlos and Kaleb, who helped us realize we loved each other. Then we went back to Seattle..” Alex paused as he talked, grabbing a book on basic surgery techniques.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Everything that Kai suggested sounded like something that Hayden would love to do. He used to dream about it. He stopped dreaming for a long time. He was bitter instead. Then, eventually, when he and Josh finally started to really put everything behind them, he started to dream again. Just a little. He laughed at the change of subject. “Kai, my sweet boy, you have surrounded yourself with worriers.” He let the hands go and gently bopped his nose with one finger like he had since Kai was a little boy. “Go be with him. I promise I won’t do anything without you.” He nodded to Jacob. “You know he won’t let me.”

Nate was unaware that he had a very large pile by the time that Josh asked. His face flushed red as he looked at the older man. “I mean… yes? I know it’s a lot! Unless this is unwieldy, and it is… I guess we could always leave them here and then I could come back and read them? I could probably just live here.” He narrowed his eyes a moment and then they widened as large as his face and he jumped up, turned to face Josh. “I am so sorry! I did not mean to just invite myself to your house. That is so rude of me, oh man.” His face reddened even more. “I am so so sorry.”

Soren was utterly amused by this. “Well, I think that is a beautiful story.” He grabbed another book about chemical reactions with the human body. He thought that might be useful potentially. “Jacob and I met one evening and I think possibly were in love by that next morning though we didn’t say it until the next morning. You want to talk about a whirlwind romance. I am the first person to tell you that there is no such thing as moving too fast if you know that it’s real.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden sighed as he looked at Hayden, chuckling softly. "Yes.. yes I have." He replied, smiling at the bop to his nose. Something that his dad had done since he was a little kid. Kai looked over at Jacob who nodded. "I promise, no life-altering decisions without the entire clan present." Jacob said as Kaiden nodded. "Good. Bye Dad. Love you." Kai said, hugging Hayden. He looked over at Jacob. "Bye uncle Jay!" He called, and after he hugged Hayden, turned to head out the door.

Josh saw Nate's face flush red and he chuckled lightly. "It's not a lot. Though maybe the ones that aren't as important could be left here or you can bring them to your house. I'm sure Hayden would be okay if you borrowed them." He said, seeing Nate jump up. Josh stood up and placed a hand on Nate's shoulder. "Relax. It's okay. As long as it's not nighttime, I bet Hayden would love someone other than Jacob to nerd about these books with."

Alex looked at Soren for a moment, and then he smiled. "That's just as beautiful of a story." He admitted as he found another book that talked about broken bones and resetting the bone. "So you were in the WLF too, I think I remember you in some of the fights.. you and Josh. But.. were you in FEDRA too?" Alex asked curiously. He was a very curious person.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Hayden waved as Kai left, sighing at the lack of his presence. Hayden would choose to always have him around if he could. He did not know all those years ago that being a dad was going to save his life, but it did. It really really did, and he didn’t want to be anything more than that. He laughed, shook his head, and moved his chair back to the desk.

Nate groaned at his awkward self as he ran a hand through his hair and shoved his glasses back up his nose. “Okay, um, so…” he stared at his pile and then dropped to the floor to make two piles. Or three. Actually five. That was not what he meant to do. He started over and eventually only had three books to take with him but left the others in a pile. “As long as you don’t mind, I’ll come back for these.” He turned to look at the shelf, and after a while, continued, “and some of these.”

Soren didn’t love that Alex remembered him as the enemy. “You know, I never did agree with the fighting between our two peoples. When Kaiden wanted to leave with Ezekiel, I thought it was the best thing we could do.” He scanned the shelves, but a bunch of these books just didn’t seem like what Nate might need. “But yes. We were FEDRA first. I was FEDRA before the outbreak. It was much different then. We were FEDRA until Jacob and Hayden told me we were leaving for the WLF. But really, I was never the good FEDRA man. I couldn’t be. That was Josh. He was the ultimate FEDRA officer. General and all. I stopped climbing that ladder long before that.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai walked down the street, it wasn’t a super long walk to Ezekiel’s workshop and he knocked on the doorframe when he opened it. “Baby? Are you still here?” He called, searching for his partner. He didn’t think he’d gone back home yet. They usually meet at his workshop after his patrol. He loved watching Ezekiel work and he wasn’t afraid to admit it.

Jacob looked at Hayden, hearing his sigh. “You two are adorable, you know that right? Ever since we first met Kai, I could see you two had quite the connection.” Jacob said as he chuckled.

Josh watched as Nate worked through the books to make five piles before settling on three. And a few more. “Yes you can come back for those later.” Josh confirmed as he looked at Nate. “Would you like some help carrying those back?” Josh asked as he got up from the chair.

Alex looked at Soren and nodded. “Neither did we. I left before Ezekiel did but I didn’t like fighting you. Unfortunately though, I did gain a nervous energy around cities after some of those fights.” Alex admitted. “But I don’t blame you by the way.” He added quickly. He listened and nodded. “I could sense that, but it’s rather interesting to hear. I’m glad you guys came here. Not only do I get to actually meet Kai’s family but I got to see Theo and Eli and Ezekiel again too.” ​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

“In the back!” The workshop was not huge. This little town did not have a workshop previously, but it did have this brewery that had not been used up to that point that another few people had gutted and converted into the workshop. A place like this needed people who could create some things. With the influx of people, they were needing more furniture all the time. When they got here, Ezekiel learned that he could use his talents for other things like woodworking and also metalsmithing. They had both here. It wasn’t just him, but he was the best. Besides, he was far younger than the rest, so he was sort of taking over the bulk of the work. He paused what he was doing, placing the tower on his shoulder on the table after wiping down his hands, and lifted the goggles up to sit on the top of his head.

Hayden smiled as he looked over to Jacob. “I do. You’ve told me a few times. That connection you saw has never gone away, huh? Not even when I severed it. Not even when he was chasing a dream he didn’t know he wanted. Not even when he decided that Ezekiel was more important to him than the WLF ever could be.” He sighed again. “I love that boy. I have never been prouder of anyone.”

Now Nate was second guessing himself, and he wasn’t sure exactly what would be best. With Josh’s offer to help, he handed the three books in his hands to him and then grabbed four additional ones. “I had a thought, and these could work. I will come back for more.” He scanned the bookshelf. “Because if I take more, they’ll never see me again.” He grinned brightly at Josh. “Thank you so much! I’ve always wanted to do more than sewing people back together and massaging some aching muscles. I want to help. And I promise promise promise that I won’t do this unless I’m sure that I can do it.”

Soren shook his head. “No, not Kai’s family. Yours. We are not our own. We have grown. We started as scattered lives in a world that was too dark to be alone, so we pulled ourselves together so that we could be one. Ever since then, we have always pulled anyone we could in with us. We raised Theo. He is one of us which makes Elijah one too. Ezekiel should have been one of us a long time before he was, and don’t let Hayden lie to you. He loves him. He’s wary for Kai, but he absolutely adores how Ezekiel makes Kai happy. And you? I wish we could have brought you too. Theo talks about you so much that I sometimes forget we never met you.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden heard the voice and headed through to the back of the old brewery turned workshop. He scanned the back and then caught sight of his partner. He leaned against the table, smiling at Ezekiel. “Hey baby. How’s your day been so far?” Kai asked. He was glad that eventually they had gotten together and Kai was so much happier. Like something had settled inside.

Jacob nodded, listening to Hayden and smiled. “Yeah. That connection almost seems stronger after all that. But I’ve noticed since we came here and he’s been with Ezekiel, he’s not as.. floating? Like he’s settled and found something grounding. And here, I’m sure he’s just as proud of you. You’re his dad after all.”

Josh nodded as he took the three books easily. “You’re welcome. And I’m trusting you on this. Now let’s head back to the medical. Perhaps your partner is back already.” Josh said, moving towards the office door. “And by the way, if this does work. I’ll owe you a lot.” Josh told him as he led the way down the stairs.

Alex had three books in his arms and he almost dropped them when he heard Soren. The surprise was evident on his face but he smiled a moment after. “Well. I’m grateful to be part of this family. And we brought along two others with us, our own family to make this big clan. And as much as I would’ve loved to go with you, I’m glad I left when I did otherwise I’d never have met Nate, Carlos or Kaleb.” ​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel was a bit of a mess at the moment. He wore his stereotypical shirt with no sleeves with the heavy duty apron over it. It probably would have been smarter and safer to wear something on his arms, but he got so hot that he hated doing that. Instead, he occasionally wound up with some minor knicks and scratches, but otherwise he was fine. He was very good at what he did. He was so glad for it too. It felt so much more satisfying and meaningful than his duties back on the island. “Pretty good. I almost have the dining table for the Woodrows done.” He leaned against the table as well, sidling up next to him. “What about your day? How’s your back? You were gone longer than usual.” Ezekiel placed a hand on Kai’s back like he could if something was wrong.

Hayden agreed with that. Everything seemed stronger and better for really all of them. Kai had Ezekiel to ground him and the freedom to roam without the highly regimented routines of the WLF. Hayden and Kai were doing so much better since Hayden realized just how deep he had fallen. Hayden and Josh were living like they always wanted, just twenty some odd years late. Jacob and Soren had never had any reason to be better. “I think you’re right. I think he’s doing so much better. I am glad they convinced me that this was a good idea. You know how hard that was.” Hayden was, again, the problem as he so often was.

Nate smiled as he followed Josh out of the office and down the stairs. “No, you won’t owe me anything. Except maybe if I can go through all his books. How did he even collect some of these? We used to talk about some of them, but I didn’t know anyone had it!” He was practically giddy as they walked through the first floor of the house towards the front door.

Soren had a handful of books as he stepped away from the shelves and towards the front of the building. “Thanks Cam! Em!” He turned back to Alex. “I’m glad you brought them too. They are a crowd favorite. We have heard some stories. You know, Asher pretends like he’s this straight laced guy who doesn’t need anyone other than himself and sometimes Jordan, but that man is entirely smitten. I was telling Jacob and Josh that I swear now that the four of them are together, we’re never going to know who they are going to show up with.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai looked at Ezekiel when he sidled over to him. His brown eyes were focused on the floor now rather than his partner. “I’m glad to hear it, I’m sure they’ll love it. Everyone loves your work.” Kai said, shifting a little closer. He felt the hand on his back and pushed out a sigh. “My back is fine, but I was talking to dad. Apparently.. Alex’s partner wants to break my dad’s leg again. And.. fix it properly. But, if it goes wrong at all, he might lose that leg completely.” Kaiden’s voice was once more filled with concern and worry as he leaned into Ezekiel’s side.

Jacob nodded as he looked at Hayden. He remembered how hard it was to convince him to leave. Not just because he put so much effort into the WLF, but the journey to get here was just as rough. “It was tough to convince you, but you have to admit, it’s so much nicer here. No one is fighting or planning battles. We can retire and relax with our large family.” Jacob said with a smile.

“Letting you read these books are the least we can do.” He replied, as they walked through the first floor and out onto the street. He was still unsure of this but he knew that if it worked, then things would be even better.

Cameron waved at the two as Alex followed Soren to the front of the building. “I can only imagine the stories about those two. And Kaleb is just as smitten with Asher, though he loves Carlos. Just like Carlos is taken with Jordan. And I know what you mean. Asher and Kaleb were in here earlier, looking at books.” Alex said as he headed out onto the street.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel knew almost immediately that something was wrong. He shifted from checking Kai’s back to sliding that hand around to Kai’s side and then eventually to his waist as Kaiden finally spoke about what was actually bothering him. As Kai leaned into him, Ezekiel pulled him close. “Break it again?” He was not a medic. He was not a healer. He left that to the people who were called for that purpose in this life. He had no idea how breaking it again could possibly lead to fixing it properly, but he was not there to question it. “Hmm.” Of course Kai was worried for his dad. He got that worry from Hayden after all. “Is the full loss of his leg a guaranteed if it doesn’t go exactly right?”

Hayden absolutely agreed with that. “Oh, I know it’s nicer here. I thought the WLF was better than FEDRA, and it was by leaps and bounds, but this is so much better. That stadium cannot compare.” He loved being away from the constant state of war. With infected. With FEDRA. With the Seraphites. Being away from that meant that Hayden could almost be Hayden again instead of the almost warlord he became. This was so much more peaceful. He looked down at his leg. His leg that could move like it used to. He tested this one. He could move it, but it was so stiff. So slow. He never tried another adrenaline serum after that bad experience three years before that. He never got to feel that kind of movement again. What would it really be like to move like that? To walk out these doors and onto that street without the constant effort to do it? He could meet Josh out there on his way back. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than that. Whatever it took.

Nate opened the top book as they moved down the street and was already reading the introduction. This one was definitely going to be fascinating. He nearly tripped on something and bounced back up before dropping his books. This was fine. He was fine. He waved anxiously as the people who stared at him as he walked. “Sorry!”

Soren opened the door for Alex as he looked out into the street. “And I love that for them. Love is different for everyone. I heard Carlos and Kaleb were going to get married. I love being married. I know it’s not really something that means the same thing as it used to, but it still means something important and big for me. I am trying to figured out a way to convince Kai and Ezekiel. I haven’t started really doing it yet. Trying to send out feelers on how well that will go over.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai felt the hand slide from his back, to his waist. He felt himself pulled closer and he bit his lip, resting his head on Ezekiel’s shoulder. “That’s what he told me. If anything goes wrong, they cut the leg off. But if it goes right, he’ll have full range of motion in that leg again. But I remember when he broke it. It was the same fight I lost my mother in. And I knew nothing until he came back with the rest. And to see him have that leg broken again? I’m just worried things won’t go well.” Kai said softly, turning into Ezekiel’s side more, head buried into his shirt and apron. The smell of wood from the table still clinging to the fabric.

Jacob nodded as he looked around. “And even though it’s harder right now for you to get out into nature, we have it all around us. I can hear birds and other animals. It’s so much nicer than the stuffy stadium.” He said with a laugh. Jacob watched Hayden look at his leg and sighed. “I know it’s scary and unknown, but I’ve got your back and I agree that this is a good thing to do.” Jacob said, smiling at Hayden.

Josh noticed he was already reading and chuckled. He kept the pace up with Nate until he nearly tripped and Josh went to help him up when he bounced back up. “Maybe you shouldn’t read and walk.” Josh suggested with a teasing chuckle.

Alex looked at Soren as he listened to him. “Yes. And I’m happy for them. While it’s true that being married isn’t quite the same but I’ve thought about asking Nate if I’m being honest.” Alex admitted as they walked. “I’m not sure if they would, but they might. Marriage was one of the best things on our island one could do.” ​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel frowned. This was not a good situation for Kai. “Here.” He wrapped an arm completely around Kai but pushed him a little bit away so that he could take the apron off with his other arm and toss it on the table. With a little less of a mess between them, he readjusted so that he could really hold him. “This is your trauma. You were young when you lost so much. You lost your mom, and in a way, you lost your dad too. That broke more than his leg. It broke other things inside him too. Things that he has only recently been able to start healing.” He ran a hand through Kai’s hair. “Tell me what’s bothering you the most? Is it the pain that he could be in?”

Hayden looked at the leg and smiled. He smiled at Jacob’s words. “I am glad I have you on my side. I don’t know if I have Josh. And I don’t have Kaiden yet. I want to try. What is the worst that can happen? With that little genius and your unmatched skills, I know that if something were to go wrong, neither of you would let it be too bad for me. So I lose a leg. It feels like I have anyway most of the time.” He looked at the ground. “Not that Kai knows that. I could never tell him how bad it has been. Which is my own fault, not yours. You did a wonderful job putting me back together.”

Nate wobbled a little with the embarrassment of the moment and tried to laugh it off like he did. “Yeah, you’re right. But we are so close! Which is why I should pay attention to where I’m walking probably.”

“Have you really thought about it?” Soren asked as they almost reached their destination. “Mm, alright, so now I know that I will have Ezekiel on my side. That’s good. I will confer with Jacob. I am sure he will agree with me as well. But also, if you wanted to ask Nate, I think that is the best idea. It may have taken me and Jacob two years, but that was only because of FEDRA. I can only imagine how it might have been in the old world.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai felt the arm wrap around him but also push him a little away. Then the apron was gone and he was once more held close. He heard Ezekiel’s words and thought for a moment, all while having his head tucked into his chest. The hand running through his hair was comforting. “I think, what bothers me the most is the fact that if this goes wrong, how hard is it going to be for him to adjust to one leg? And if it goes right? How much pain will he be in until they get it working right again? I don’t.. I don’t want him to hurt. You didn’t see how he was back when FEDRA was around or when we were fighting them. I didn’t know a lot of it, but over the years I’ve learned enough to know that he doesn’t deserve more hurt or pain.” Kai admitted. He remembered the years growing up. From the first time he saw Hayden have a.. reaction to someone during their knock knock game. And seeing him and Josh not getting along. Kaiden had helped his dad as much as his dad helped him. “I’m sorry. I just.. can’t help it. My circle of worriers along with my dad has rubbed off on me.” He said with a small yet worried chuckle.

Jacob smiled and nodded. “I think once we get everyone together and talk this through. Lay out everything we have and what we need. The plan moving forward for either outcome, then perhaps we can assuage their fear and worry.” Jacob said, looking at Hayden. “And I’ve always got your back. Though I never agreed with you not telling him. Maybe if you did, he’d be more open to the idea.” He said then sighed. “I tried my best with what we had.”

Josh chuckled listening to Nate. He was about to say something when he caught sight of Soren and Alex coming up. “Hey you two. Find anything useful?” Josh called. Alex looked at Soren for a moment. “Yes. I have. And I haven’t known Jacob long but I think he’ll agree too.” He said before his words stopped when he looked ahead hearing Josh. A smile on his face grew as he saw Nate with a stack of books. “We’ve found a few things.” Alex replied as they joined them, immediately going to Nate’s side.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

“You’re right. I wasn’t there.” Ezekiel knew the stories from whoever would tell him something. He had witnessed so little, especially since he had only been part of the family a short amount of time. He did not talk to Hayden very much. Frankly, the man was intimidating, and he was too afraid to approach him without Kai with him. It was not like how the wolves or infected could be frightening. This was a whole different kind of terror. Hayden was so important to Kai and the other way around. He had never met two people who cared for each other in the way that they did. Ezekiel was always afraid that he was not good enough for Kaiden, especially given their… tumultuous history. “But I do know that as much pain as he might have been in then and possibly still is in now is a lot. Physical and mental pain are equally horrible, and he has them both. Of course you are afraid for him. Do not apologize to me for being afraid for someone else. It is one of the many reasons that I love you. I can only imagine what has been like for all of you all these years.”

“You are the best nurse I have ever met, and I have met many. What you can do without anything is amazing.” Hayden clapped his hand down on the leg in question. “Do you know what someone told me once? That’s a miracle. That fact that I still have the leg and it works like it does is a miracle.” He laughed. “You know why he asked if you screwed it back in? Because he couldn’t tell that you didn’t. That’s how good you are.” He walked over and pulled Jacob into a hug, because he needed it. One of them did. Or both of them. “I trust you more than anyone. For everything.”

Nate was nearly vibrating with the excitement of the find. “Alex! Alex, they have this whole shelf full of them! It was like finding a cave full of treasure. There are so, so many.” He patted the book on the top that was open. “If you found things even halfway near as good as this, I have no doubt about this. This is gonna work!” Soren laughed as he joined Josh’s side. “I thought Kai was a handful. How’s having that one around?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai listened to Ezekiel and he realized just how much of his life he never talked about. But he never had anyone to share his life with before now. He listened to his partner and sighed, knowing that he was right. The physical and mental pain that his father was in, was a lot. He hadn't thought of the existing pain. "I hate it when you're right, and I hate that this makes sense to do because so much is unknown about if it will or will not work." Kai muttered softly, pulling away from Ezekiel's chest to look at him. "Thank you, for listening to me. That's one of the many reasons I love you." Kai said, moving his head to kiss Ezekiel gently before pulling away. "I'm still worried but I always will be. I'm just glad I have someone to spill all my worries too."

Jacob looked at Hayden and felt a blush cross his face. He hadn't thought about it that way. "I appreciate that, though I simply do what I can." He replied as he looked at his brother. Miracle? He just did what needed to be done. He smiled into the hug, holding Hayden for a moment. "Thank you. For placing your trust in me." Jacob said softly.

Alex hadn't seen Nate this excited in weeks and it made him smile. "I've found a few books that are probably good." Alex said as he looked at Nate, that smile on his face growing wider. Josh looked at Soren and chuckled. "It's certainly an experience. What about you. Talk about anything fun with him?"​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

If Kai needed him to hold him there for the rest of time, that was what Ezekiel would do. He grinned. “I would be very upset with you if you didn’t.” He probably would not be the kind of angry and upset that he used to get with Kaiden, but he would genuinely be upset if Kai did not trust him with this kind of thing. This was what he wanted to be there for. To help him through the hard things. “When it this happening? Or possibly happening? Are you so stressed, because they are wanting to do this right now?”

“You were always my big brother who made me feel safe, even in the darkest and hardest times.” Hayden pulled away and returned to his chair. So much for getting things done before all of the boys returned.

Nate gestured poorly towards Josh and Soren. “Look how many they have too! I was thinking that if we were lucky there may be a couple, but I had no idea we would find so many. If we are this lucky now, imagine what we can have if we look at this hospital?” Soren shook his head as he opened the door for the rest of them. “Talked about the old world some.” He whispered, “And potential weddings in the future?” He smiled. “As in possibly plural.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden chuckled softly, hearing his words and smiled. "I'm sure you would be. Good thing I trust you. I have since we met." He admitted, though when they first met, that trust wasn't so easily visible. "I don't know when it's happening, and he said he wanted everyone to be okay with it before it happened. And he'd keep me informed." Kai admitted. The uncertainty was what was getting to him.

Jacob smiled at that, looking at Hayden as he pulled away. "That's what big brothers are for." He said as he heard the door open. That smile on his face warmed as he saw Soren holding the door open while the others came in. Alex flicked his gaze over to the older men before looking back to Nate. "Looks like this is destined to happen." Alex said as they entered the medical building. He set the books down on one of the tables. Josh looked at Soren, and smiled wide. "Ah the old world, and weddings? Plural.. Interesting." Josh said as he too set his books down by Alex's then walked over to Hayden and gave him a hug. "Miss me beautiful?" Josh asked with a laugh.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel considered saying something about this trust admission, but instead he listened to the answer to the question he asked. “Well, that’s not so bad. If you’re still uncertain, than you know it’s not happening. You know what I think you should do? Annoy everyone with every question you might have. If something concerns you, you should keep nagging until you get what you want.” He slid both arms around Kai’s waist. “That is what you do best. You nag and you poke and you prod, being the most annoying bother. Keeping people up at night thinking about you and everything you say. Everything you do. Argue about it until suddenly oh! We aren’t nagging and bothering and arguing anymore, because you’ve managed to get what you want.” He demonstrated this as it was pertinent to the story by kissing him. “And you always get what you want,” he breathed once he pulled away.

Did Hayden miss Josh? “Every moment you were gone.” Soren brushed past Josh and Hayden with a low whisper, “Weddings. Exactly what this town needs. A moral boost.” He slipped on by and placed his books down on a table. “Well, I think we found a few things that might work,” he announced as Nate put his down too. “And there’s more!” Nate continued almost with a laugh. “But this is a good start. I’m starting now. I just thought everyone should know. Where can I start? There. That seems like an appropriate place to sprawl. Oh! I need paper! Um um um okay okay okay. Wait, I’m breathing. Mama told me to breathe.” He closed his eyes and did that. “Right, so I’ve got this. What about the rest of you?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai looked at Ezekiel, hearing his words and laughed softly, remembering how that was basically how he managed to get what he wanted. Which was Ezekiel, eventually. He smiled into the kiss that stole his breath like every other time. "Mm. I got you that way didn't I? It just took longer than I thought it would.." Kai said as he rested his hands on Ezekiel's chest and smiled at him. "I'll ask questions often but I guess I've taken enough of your time my love. I should let you finish their table."

Josh smiled at that and then flicked his gaze to Soren as he brushed past. "Weddings. We have a few young couples to convince hmm." Josh admitted as he looked at Hayden. Jacob watched the younger medic spread out over a table and his partner was sitting near him. Alex was more than content to just watch Nate work, similar to how Nate would watch Alex climb. Jacob stood up and took Soren's hand, kissing his cheek. "I think we're going to go.. relax a little before dinner." Jacob said, looking at the others. He wanted to discuss this with his partner, he was still a little doubtful if this would work. "Do you need any help or are you all set Nate?" Jacob asked him.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel was shaking his head before Kai finished those words. “Nope. Not nearly enough of my time has been taken.” He slid one hand onto the table. “The Woodrows can wait until tomorrow. Unless you had other plans elsewhere?” He kissed Kai’s cheek. Longer than he thought. Which meant that Kai knew they were meant to be together before Ezkiel knew, and that intrigued him.

Hayden narrowed his eyes as he looked at Josh, wondering what exactly that meant. He would be asking Josh about that later. Or possibly Soren. Was Soren playing matchmaker? Soren, who suddenly cared very little about all these books, raised both brows. “Oh, is that so?” He looked at Nate. “You’re all set and need nothing from him,” he insisted with a laugh and many vigorous nods. Nate too laughed and nodded. “I’m good. You go… relax.” He took Alex’s hand as he started looking through the books. Almost immediately, he had a thought. Everyone knew this because of the “Oh oh!” and the jumping out of his seat and the throwing their intertwined hands up in the air. Soren, still laughing, stepped away from the rest, gently pulling on Jacob to follow. “See, he’s fine. I am interested in this aforementioned relaxing.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai saw Ezekiel shaking his head as he talked and smiled as he heard that. "Mm. I don't have plans elsewhere until dinner so I'm all yours." Kai said, a soft blush on his face at the kiss to his cheek. "So my handsome partner, whatever shall we do with our time?" He asked, looking at him with a warm smile.

Josh saw that Hayden's eyes narrowed, knowing his husband was thinking about what he said. Jacob heard Soren ask Nate if he was all set, and he heard that and Jacob flushed softly. Alex smiled as Nate took his hand, and the subsequent jumping out of his seat and throwing of their intertwined hands up in the air. Jacob watched the young couple before he felt the gentle pull and he followed after Soren. "Let's head back home love." Jacob said, heading towards the door. Josh meanwhile sat beside Hayden. "So baby, what are you working on?" He asked curiously.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

They were in the throes of the makings of this relationship. It had not been that long that they decided that they were together. It had not even been that long since they got to this town. Kaiden and Ezekiel the couple were honestly still very new, and Ezekiel found himself swept up by it frequently. That meant that there were occasions when he would much rather be with his charming partner than do anything else. “Hm. Well, we could talk about you thinking you could win me over faster than you did, or…” he pressed a fervent kiss to his lips, eventually pulling away with a smile. “Whatever.”

Soren waved to the rest of them and moved out onto the street with Jacob. “Now we hope that Josh and Alex are enough supervision to keep them from doing something silly before dinner.” He swung their hands as they headed to their home. “Alright, my love, tell me what is on that mind of yours. I can see it turning.”

Hayden leaned against Josh, a similar sprawl across his own desk. “Not much of anything it seems. It’s been an… eventful day. I was going to continue my research on the last of the medications we brought with us from the WLF to see if I can more easily replicate it here with the sources that we have. I know that we have plenty of people who find ways to trade with outside sources, but I would like to be able to create more.” He sighed. “But now I am not so sure that my mind is in it.”

Nate laughed as he scattered everything with his sudden movements. “Oh my god, I am going to ruin my own project before I’ve started it.” He giggled at Alex as he put it all back together with his one free hand. He pulled open one books, scanning through the table of contents and flipped it open before doing the same with the next three books on the table. He paused and turned to Alex. “You don’t have to sit here with me. I mean, I would love to have you here with me, and I will probably info dump on you the entire time, but you don’t have to.”
​