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

[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 Ezekiel behind him but he swallowed hard and left the cafeteria, the door shutting behind him. He didn't know who he was upset with, his dad, his papa and maybe yes, a little bit with Ezekiel. He was walking down the road when he heard the cafeteria door open and close again. "I don't want to talk love." He said without looking, thinking it was Ezekiel running after him. Alex watched Kaiden leave, and Theo leave a few moments after. He put a hand on Ezekiel's shoulder. "He'll be okay." Alex said softly. This had certainly been a very.. eventful dinner. Josh watched his son leave, his brother running after him and he sighed, placing a gentle hand on Hayden's leg. This had to happen, well, something like this. Because Ezekiel was completely right. It was a double standard to expect them to be on time, each time and they didn't have to be.​

 

[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

“Awww that’s so sweet that you love me.” Theo jogged forward to catch up with Kai. “I love you too, man, which is why I’m out here. To make sure you’re okay.” He felt like he should have been better at heading that off, but who could stop all that anger at once? Not him. They may have been dealing with Kai and Ezekiel in their worst for years, but Josh was a whole different story. Josh was a lot older. And also a general once. “Really though, are you okay?”

Ezekiel looked at Alex and sighed. He didn’t know what to do now. He looked at Josh and Hayden. Hayden was not looking at anyone else. He didn’t even react to Josh touching him. They sat there in silence for a while. Awkward silence. Finally he spoke. “I know you love him. I wasn’t saying that you didn’t. I wasn’t saying that you were trying to hurt him.”
​

 

[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 up at Theo, hearing him and chuckled softly. "First of all, of course I love you, you're my brother. And thanks." He said, wiping away tears from his eyes. He sighed heavily, hearing that question and shook his head. "I'm not. I'm embarrassed, I'm upset and I'm angry. Mostly with my parents but a little with Ezekiel too." He said, his voice hoarse and dripping in sadness as he walked, swiping at the tears still falling down his face.

Alex looked at Ezekiel before he sighed softly, and dropped his hand. Josh noticed that Hayden didn't react when he placed a hand on his leg, and he looked up at Ezekiel's words. "I know you weren't. But you aren't wrong either. And I can't imagine a better partner for him than you, I want you to know that. And I have to say, I respect your guts to stand up to me, not many have ever done that." Josh said as he felt a small smile play on his face.​

 

[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

“Think it’s okay to be all of those things.” Theo was certainly never going to judge something like that. He spun around and looked back at the cafeteria door just to make sure no one else decided to run after him too. He’d fight them back. That was what brothers were for. He spun back around. “That was some crazy stuff that I think was building for a while. But if you want, I can go beat them up for you.” He laughed, because Theo wasn’t about to beat anyone up and they knew that. “Probably shouldn’t have done it there but you know, at least it wasn’t as bad as it could have been?”

Ezekiel hadn’t been expecting Josh to respond like that, especially after the argument they just had. He saw that smile, and he couldn’t help but smile a little too. “He was worried. Really worried.” He nodded to Hayden. “A lot like you.” Hayden merely frowned instead of answering. He looked back at Josh. “But I appreciate you saying that. Not a lot of superiors will admit something like 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

Kaiden nodded, knowing that everything was true that his partner had said. His dad micromanaged a lot of his life sometimes I felt. Especially when he was late to anything. “I want to see you beat my papa up.” He said with a laugh. He knew just as well that Theo would never do that. “And true, while it should’ve been done somewhere better, it had to happen. Though I can’t believe my dad purposely made himself late. That’s what really hurts.” Kai admitted.

Josh saw Hayden frown as he looked at Ezekiel a moment later. “We did not mean for that to happen. I knew he would worry, but I didn’t expect that degree. And you’re welcome. But as you said, I’m not your superior. I’m merely your partners father. And I… have learned when to admit I was wrong and when to respect someone.” Josh said, dipping his head slightly as one does to those of higher rank. He did it in FEDRA when he was first learning and in the WLF as he earned his way up there 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

Theo balled up his fists and punched the air as they walked. “Oh yeah, I can take him. He’s like super fancy general guy and I’m… some punk kid, but I can totally do it for you!” He chuckled and went wide eyed. “And then I’ll beat up Ezekiel too for being so insistent on causing a problem. He’s not even a big wig. He’s just a carpenter. I can take a carpenter.” He frowned a moment. “It’s your dad who’s the problem. I’ll probably have to figure out how to fight him with words. I can do that. I can be like ‘whats up with being a rude?’” He sighed. “I know that hurt. I don’t think he meant that though. Still sucks.”

This version of Josh was a lot closer to the version that Ezekiel had gotten to know over the past months. The last version was close to the way he heard stories. Stories from before. He wasn’t sure what to say to this one. “Your devotion and support of your own partner is admirable. I hope that I can be so bold and caring as we age as finely as you.” He too bowed his head to show the same level of respect. He viewed them as equals now that they had the argument that was threatening to bubble 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

Kaiden shook his head with a chuckle as he heard that, looking at Theo. "Okay. You can walk back into that cafeteria and beat them both up." He said with a small smile on his face. His brother always knew how to help him sort through his thoughts. But he did need to talk to Ezekiel, just.. not at this moment. He needed a little bit of time to think everything through. "And I'm sure he didn't mean it like that, and it was probably supposed to be a 'now you know how I feel' but it's not fair either."

Josh looked at Ezekiel as he heard him and he nodded. "I think you are already rather bold and caring with my son, otherwise this argument might not have happened as.. explosively." Josh said as he saw that bowed head back in respect. "You two are a fine match. And we're both happy that Kaiden found someone who makes him happy. Right love?" Josh said, looking at Hayden with that same small smile on his face.​

 

[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

Theo did not go back to beat anyone up, because other than fighting some infected, he wasn’t so good at the fighting thing. It did not come naturally to him. Once they started to learn about the Seraphites, he was pretty much useless against them too. They were just confused people like they were, and there was no reason to go around killing them. “Maybe you can tell him that? Or honestly, he might know how. He seemed sorry. And I think your papa is also sorry. He didn’t seem like he was proud of the way that went.”

Hayden, though still upset with the entire encounter, took in the man who wanted to be with his son. This man was loud, abrasive, and had far too much confidence in matters about which he had only heard and not seen. He seemed like it could lose control at a drop of a hat, though Hayden wondered if this was a controlled argument. He was passionate. That much was clear. But the most obvious part of all was that he loved Kaiden, and that was the most important part. “If that explosivity can keep my son safe and happy, then I think you are a perfect match.” Ezekiel could not help but smile at the praise. Explosive was one way to put it He certainly had the makings of an explosive, and he never even meant to be that way. He had no idea where it came from other than the passion he had for Kai. Maybe that was still there when he was defending him. It would make sense. “Thank you. That means a lot.” It really did. He did not want to fight with Kai’s parents. He knew how close Kai was to them.
​

 

[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 knew Theo wouldn't do it, but the idea was enough for him. He sighed, and looked down. "I'm not sure I could talk to him tonight about it. I.. I'm still kind of thinking through it myself. But it's a serious conversation we need to have and sooner rather than later." Kai said with a soft sigh. "Just like I'll be having a discussion with my partner as well." He added as they walked down the road. "I might just head home and wait for him there, thanks man. I appreciate this." He told Theo, patting his shoulder. He needed to be alone for a few moments.

Josh waited for Hayden's words and then he heard his comment. He smiled a little bigger, especially seeing the smile on Ezekiel's face. "And as far as I'm concerned, you also have my blessing should you wish to.. tie the knot." He said with a wink towards his son's partner. He knew what Soren had been doing, and he had been in on it too. So he figured this conversation was perfect to slip that little thing in.​

 

[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

Theo reached up and grabbed Kai’s arm, squeezing lightly. “You betcha! I always got you bro. Want me to make sure they don’t come following you too soon? I can stall. Plus, I have a whole table full of people with powers I haven’t seen. I bet we could do something for you.”

Tie the knot. At first, he wracked his brain trying to figure out what exactly Josh was saying. That was one of those terms that they did not use on the island. Sure, there was the literally knot tying, but he knew that was not what they were talking about. He searched the faces of Kaiden’s parents, seeing smiles on both of them. Hayden glanced quickly at Josh with this knowing smile before looking back at his own food. What did they- Ezekiel’s face went pale at the words. He knew why that sounded familiar. He knew that term, and he didn’t know what to do about it. “I, uh… I…” He looked at the door like Kai might walk back in and save him at any moment. He didn’t. Marriage? From down the table, a flutter of excited murmurs and whispers erupted, and that made Ezekiel really forget how to speak.
​

 

[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 smiled at the squeeze to his arm and laughed softly, before he shook his head. "I appreciate it, but the only ones I don't want to see tonight are my parents. You don't have to stop Ezekiel from coming home." Kaiden said before he turned away from Theo. "I'll see you at breakfast." Kaiden said before he took off in a jog. He dodged people easily, and moved through alleys and side streets.

Josh saw Ezekiel trying to figure out what he said, and then he saw the face paled as he figured it out. The stammered words and the look at the door. Alex looked at his brother and he could hear the excited murmurs and whispers from the other side of the table, knowing the culprits. Alex placed a hand on his shoulder, hoping the touch would break him from that state of what? Was it shock? He wasn't sure but something was wrong.​

 

[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

Theo walked backwards to make sure that Kai was okay, and then as soon as he was pretty sure that he was no longer necessary, he too turned around and jogged back to the cafeteria. Where he found the table in some strange buzz of quiet excitement. He slowly approached. Everyone was definitely facing the end of the table where all the excitement was before. Did he miss something? “So, what’s going on?” Carlos, who was practically vibrating with the possibility, answered, “Josh just gave Ezekiel’s blessing to ask for Kai’s hand.” Theo, who was still feeling the tension of the argument that he felt literally just happened, stopped dead in his tracks and asked, “I’m sorry, could you come again?” Nate grinned and jerked his head towards them. “Ezekiel sort of apologized, and I think they made up because now Josh is playing matchmaker.” Hayden was grinning ear to ear. Marriage still meant the world to him. “You’ve been talking to Soren, haven’t you?” he accused his husband, though he too loved the idea. Ezekiel finally turned to Alex, because only he would understand how Ezekiel felt about marriage. That was a pretty big deal on the island, even if it was also a big deal off of it. He and Alex had defied the pairings, because they knew they could never be happy in that kind of marriage. But now? With Kai? “Alex. Would he-?” But he couldn’t get out all the words.
​

 

[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

Kaleb and Jordan both were looking at the other end of the table, and Kaleb had a big smile on his face too. Elijah was surprised at the turn of events, but he had to admit, it was something he'd considered. He, like Alex and Ezekiel, knew that marriage was such a big deal and having that with Theo was something that was on his mind as well as Alex's too. Josh looked at Hayden and smirked, shaking his head. "No.. not me. I wasn't talking to Soren about trying to get our son married." He said, grinning. Alex looked at Ezekiel and he heard the start of words and he was already nodding. "Yes. He would. He's loved you for a while, and honestly, I think he figured out he loved you before we lost Theo, before you figured it out." Alex said.​

 

[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

Theo literally jumped up and ran to Ezekiel’s other side and sat down where Kai was. Hayden tried to contain his laughter. He did poorly. “Oh my god!” he squealed. “Zekie, are you going to ask him to marry you?!” Ezekiel, who had long since accepted the fact that Theo was going to call him all number of nicknames, looked at him, still pale and stricken. Why was he so nervous about this? It was such a big deal, and he always thought that when the time would come, he would be so confident and ready. Yet, here he was, shutting down because of it. “I don’t-“ He knew that Kai knew about his feelings before Ezekiel did but that far back? That was so long ago. Asher leaned over to Jordan and Kaleb with a grin. “So, we’re doing your wedding,” to Kaleb, “and then we’re doing their wedding? Who’s next?” Carlos leaned back with his big goofy grin. “I’m rooting for Alex and Nate, but that’s because I know them best.” Hayden decided this was a moment that required a father if any ever did. “Ezekiel, we aren’t saying that you don’t have to if you don’t want-“ “No, I do.” The words came out rushed and unplanned. He snapped his jaw shut. So there was that. “But is it too early? What if he doesn’t want 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

Alex rolled his eyes at Theo's nickname of his brother, although it was rather adorable. He watched his brother, hearing his words and sighed softly. Then he caught Carlos' words and looked around at him, wide eyed. He had thought of marriage and knew that it was something he'd wanted to do, but it was still early in their relationship. Kaleb looked at Asher and then looked at Jordan who was watching his partner with a soft smile. He had a big feeling that Jordan would be adding a wedding to this list of weddings. Kaleb looked at Carlos and grinned. "You know what comes with weddings right baby?" He asked Carlos. Josh meanwhile heard Hayden trying to be reassuring when he heard Ezekiel speak rushed and clearly unplanned words. "It isn't too early. I'm positive he'd want it." Josh said with a smile.​

 

[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

Theo let out a long and loud sound of exasperation and excitement all merged together into one. “You should do it!” Theo had been team Kai and Ezekiel for a very long time. He was wary at first but then he got over that. “Bro, Alex and I have known this for actual ages. Ages!” Ezekiel wasn’t sure. This was far more terrifying than he thought it would be. He looked from Josh to Alex. Kaiden really wanted that? “I don’t know how to ask.” Carlos raised both brows at Kaleb. “Dancing? And cake? And even more dancing?” He also noticed the look on Jordan’s face as he looked at Asher. He had to suppress this so as not to tip off Asher who was watching the other group again. Asher winked at Nate who was beyond blushing at Carlos’ last comment. “I think this particular table is rooting for every couple.”
​

 

[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

Alex heard Theo's long and quite loud sound of exasperation and excitement. Though he nodded in agreement to that. "Yes, you definitely should!" Alex said as he nodded, hearing Theo's words. "We knew way before you two even did." Alex confirmed as he saw Ezekiel look between them and Josh chuckled softly. "Did Kaiden ever tell you how I proposed to Hayden?" Josh asked him. Kaleb looked at Carlos and smiled, nodding. "We can finally have that dance you promised me years ago." He told his love as Kaleb caught Asher winking at Nate. The former officer noticed that Nate's face was blushing still from Carlos' comment. "I have to agree with that." Kaleb said with a smile.​

 

[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 looked from Alex to Theo to Josh with the sickliest look he had ever possessed on his face. Should he do this? Was this a smart idea? He didn’t know. What if Kai said no? What if this wasn’t what he wanted? He didn’t know why this was so utterly terrifying, but it was. He looked at Josh and shook his head. “No, I- I don’t think so.” If Kai had told him, Ezekiel had either forgotten or was not capable of remembering anything at this moment. Hayden smiled and leaned his head against his husband. “It’s a good story. You should tell it.” Carlos grinned like he won something as Kaleb reminded him of that. “I have been wanting to dance with you since before we even officially met. Are you saying I finally get to when we are married and one?” He chuckled at Asher as he said that. Nate was now looking anywhere but them.
​

 

[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

Josh looked at Ezekiel, seeing him shake his head and he chuckled softly. He heard Hayden tell him he should, and felt the head lean against him. “Well. It was back before the world changed. We were on a date to the aquarium and there was a Ferris Wheel there that I’d refused to go on because I was not a fan of heights. At all. I was scared of them actually. But. I took Hayden on it, and I was terrified not only of the height but that he’d say no.” Josh started, a smile on his face as he recalled that day. Kaleb looked at Carlos and smiled wide. “Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying.” He told his fiancée with a big smile on his face. ​

 

[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

As Ezekiel listened, Hayden reached a hand to the other side of Josh’s face and pulled him in for a kiss on his other cheek. “This man asked the Ferris Wheel operator to stop as at the top. The very top that scared him more than anything else I knew to scare him. Then he stands up, and he shows me the most beautiful thing in the entire world.” Hayden placed his hand in the middle of the table as he spun the ring. Ezekiel looked at it, mesmerized by the craftsmanship. They did not have anything like that on the island. He looked back at Josh. “Why were you afraid that he would tell you no?” He needed to know if it was the same as his own feelings. Carlos slid and arm around Kaleb’s shoulders and let it drop to around his back. “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more than 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

Josh felt the hand on the other side of his face and the kiss to his cheek. He smiled warmly, as he heard Hayden continue the story. “That ring took six months to have made, it was special ordered and I actually paid the guy to stop at the top.” He said as he looked at Ezekiel. “Because I didn’t think I was good enough for him. That he wouldn’t want to be my husband and he’d tell me no. But I realized after I asked, and he said yes, that was an unfounded fear I had.” Josh admitted as he kissed Hayden’s cheek back. Kaleb smiled as he felt the arm slide around his shoulders and then drop around his back. “Neither have I.”​

 

[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’s eyes widened. “Six months?” he repeated. Since he had been working in his new field of wood crafting, he knew that items took a long time to make. Furniture was large and had a lot of pieces. But why did something so small like that take so long? “May I?” Hayden nodded and took off the engagement ring and handed it to Ezekiel. He stared at it. Examined it. Looked at the intricate details. Then he smiled. “Engraved. With sharks?” Hayden smiled. “My favorite thing in the world other than Josh. Until Kai. But he’s my little shark.” Ezekiel looked at the ring some more. He could tell that even if Josh did not craft it himself, it was still made with an abundance of love. He finally looked up again as he handed the ring back to Hayden. “You were afraid you were not good enough. I… I am too. I have worried for a long time that I was not meant to be at his side. We did… fight for a long time before this.” Carlos kissed Kaleb, because he wanted to and forgot that they were at a table full of other people. He broke away when Asher smacked him. “Hey, we’re working on a different relationship here. Not everything is about the two of you.” He grinned and winked at Kaleb.
​

 

[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

Josh nodded at that with a small smile. “Six months to get it made and five months planning and getting ready to go up in the Ferris wheel.” He said, watching as Ezekiel examined the ring. And Josh thought for a moment and realized this was the first time he’d ever seen the ring off Hayden since he’d proposed to him. He gently wrapped an arm around Hayden’s shoulders and looked at Ezekiel. Josh sighed softly, and looked at Hayden for a moment. “I know I might not have been so accepting of this relationship in the beginning but, I would be honored to have you as a son-in-law. You make Kaiden happier than I’ve ever seen him and you know, sometimes love is meant to be. Did Kai ever really talk about our relationship early on? Long story short, we were almost separated before we came back together.” Josh said. Kaleb smiled into the kiss, and he hummed when the kiss was broken, looking at Asher. “Everything is always about the two of us.” He said with a grin and a wink.​

 

[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 had always been accepted by his people. He was a good warrior. A good leader. He was kind to all regardless of age or gender. He helped wherever it was necessary. His family was proud of him for taking care of all of them. It was not until he started to find himself in less than ideal situations after meeting Kaiden that anyone ever questioned him. Even then, he knew acceptance. Yet, somehow, having Kai’s parents say these things to him meant far more than anyone on his island giving him praise. As Hayden put the ring back on, Ezekiel pondered their relationship. “Separated?” That seemed surprising. Since he had gotten to know them, all of Kai’s family seemed to have these perfect relationships. Hayden nodded. “Our marriage, despite being everything we ever wanted, was rough for a very long time. We did not argue like you did, but we never communicated as well as we should have.” Ezekiel almost laughed. “Well, we certainly do communicate.” Asher rolled his eyes and put a hand on Kaleb’s shoulder. “Why do I actually agree with that?” Carlos shrugged. “Because we are the life of this whole party.”
​

 

[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

Josh sighed softly, poor communication was definitely one of the biggest problems that had threatened their marriage. “Well, what happened was so simple when I think back. I spent too much time trying to run from my love, spent too much time being the fancy General. And not near enough time with Hayden. And even after I joined the WLF, it wasn’t better, and I was close to leaving when Kai had run away. But I’m glad I didn’t.” Josh replied. “Long story short, we were not the perfect couple you see today. But I never once questioned our love for each other at the core of our marriage and even in our darkest time, I would still marry him again, and again. So no matter what your past is like, if you love him and he loves you? That’s all that matters.” Josh said, apparently turning into a bigger sap in his old age. Kaleb saw Asher roll his eyes and he grinned, feeling the hand on his shoulder and he chuckled, looking at Carlos. “Yeah. That’s exactly what we are. The life of the party.”​