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

Jordan rolled his eyes and chuckled, hearing him and feeling the kiss on his cheek. "Hey! Wait for me beautiful!" Jordan called, running out after him. He did make sure to shut the door though. He followed after Carlos towards the gate, picking up speed and beating him to it. Jordan slid to a stop, opened the gate and winked. "After you." He said with a smirk on his face and he followed after Carlos, shutting the gate behind them.

Kaleb walked over with Asher as Cameron shook his head. "Nope. Just got done the last bucket. And sure. I've got an empty cart, you want Thunder or Arizona?" Cameron asked as he turned off the hose and wrapped it up. "Thunder." Kaleb replied, as Cam nodded and waved them to follow him. "I'll help you get Thunder harnessed up." He added, taking them through the barn to the other side where Thunder was out in his paddock. "Wanna go get him?" Cam asked as Kaleb looked at him. He nodded, and headed to the gate, grabbing the halter and Thunder trotted over, shaking his head. He haltered the stallion and Cam held the gate for him as Kaleb led him inside and they got him tied up. "I'll get the cart, Asher, can you help Kaleb get the harness done?"

Alex looked at Ezekiel as he looked at the hand saw, then the clamp. "I better use the clamp for my first time." Alex said as he looked at him. "I'd rather not play with the possibility of cutting myself." He added with a small chuckle. "Um is the wood all set to cut?" He asked curiously, having seen Ezekiel stop measuring.​

 

[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

Some distractions might have been nice, though they already had a nice morning. Nice could mean a lot of things. Contrary to how many could see Carlos, he did not always need a… physical distraction. Sometimes, he was perfectly happy with cuddles. Even if they did end up with some pushing onto the floor. Worth it. “You gotta keep… up…” Or run right past him. That was cool too. He slowed at the gate and dipped his head low. “Why thank you, kind sir.” He slid out through the gate and decided a meander was how he was going to travel next. No more of this running. He had to save all that energy.

While Cam and Kaleb were getting Thunder ready, Asher moved over to check the patrols for the day. He wanted to make sure no one needed Jordan to sub in for someone. They seemed all clear for now. He picked up his own name from the bucket and shoved it into the back. No more for him for a while. He moved back to the other two as Cameron spoke to him. “Sure can.” He talked Kaleb through how to harness Thunder, his mind wandering a little as he did so.

Ezekiel had gone back to measuring other planks and pieces. “Hmm?” He looked up and finally nodded. “Yes. Sorry. I’m not used to having to say everything. I apologize if I am a little… rusty as a mentor. Yes, that one is ready. I can move the ones that are ready to one place so that you know.”​

 

[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

Jordan chuckled as he shut the gate and caught up to walk beside Carlos. "So, beautiful. What made you ask Kaleb to marry him?" Jordan asked curiously. He wondered what had caused that, and he was thinking about his own idea to propose to Asher. "It's not a common thing to do, and in all honesty, I hadn't heard of marriages until I came here and met Jacob, Josh, Hayden and Soren." He added as they walked.

Kaleb looked at Asher with a smile, nodding and he did up the leather harness. He could see that Asher wasn't completely there and looked across Thunder's back to him. "You okay?" He asked curiously as they finished harnessing up Thunder and waited for Cameron to get the cart set up out front for them to hook Thunder up to.

Alex chuckled a little, shaking his head. "It's okay, it's certainly been a while since you were my own mentor. So I'll let it slide this time." Alex said with a smile as he nodded and took the piece of wood and set it on the clamp. "That's probably a good idea to get the ones ready to go in one spot." Alex added as he tightened the clamp and grabbed the handsaw to start cutting the wood.​

 

[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

Carlos was a smiley kind of guy. He smiled just about always, so the fact that this question made him smile probably wouldn’t shock anyone. “Because he’s perfect.” It was such a sappy answer, and yet, Carlos was a sappy guy. Nothing would ever change that. “And he almost died.” Carlos touched Jordan right where Kaleb was pierced. “Shot with an arrow that pierced far too many things. I thought…” The jovial Carlos falter for a moment. Just a moment. Then he smiled again as he saw Kaleb’s beautiful face smile at him later. As they spun in circles when Kaleb could move again. “Medicine Man and Handsome saved him. But before that, he was just laying on this bed, curled up like he would shrivel away, and I knew that no matter what else is out there,” he lifted his hand and gently rested it on Jordan’s face, “no matter who, Kaleb was meant to be mine. And I am his. And what better way to do that than marriage?” He grinned as he looked towards the approaching town of Jackson. “Plus we had Handsome telling us all about the weddings that they had on their little island. I’ve heard there’s a party with dancing, and I want that.”

Asher was doing a whole lot of staring at a horse as Kaleb spoke to him. “Yeah, I’m okay. A little tired. Maybe even a little overwhelmed?” He was always better at admitting his own faults when it came to Kaleb. With Jordan, he wanted to be good enough. He wanted to be that good person that Jordan saw despite everything. With Kaleb, it felt like they could see the same things. Kaleb held onto a similar background. “Making it though. So that’s good.”

Ezekiel watched for as he set up the clamp and began the process. “You don’t even need me to mentor. Look at your natural talents right there. Make sure to hold it firmly even though you have the clamp. Train your hands and muscles now so that they will be ready when you take that away.” He went back to preparing more of the wood for the rest of the pieces that they would need.​

 

[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

Jordan listened to Carlos and chuckled softly, this was true. Kaleb certainly was perfect, and Jordan had a soft spot in his heart for the former officer. Asher was his world but he was fascinated by Kaleb. His head turned as he looked at Carlos, hearing those words and his heart skipped a beat. His eyes drew to the spot where Carlos touched and he saw that jovial side of Carlos falter for a moment before it came back. Jordan remembered when Asher was stabbed back in Pittsburgh and he understood where Carlos was coming from. "So much happened while we were separated beautiful. But that seems like a great reason to get married. To be together as one. And dancing? Oh yes there is dancing at weddings." He said before he paused, looking at the main gate coming into view. "Though I am sorry you had to go through that. I know first hand how terrifying seeing your heart get so hurt is like and I wish you'd never had to experience that. Did I ever tell you the story of when Asher got stabbed?"

Kaleb looked at Asher as he walked around Thunder and stood beside him. He placed his arm around Asher's shoulder and smiled at him. "I get that. A lot has happened in what, two days? It's understandable to feel a little overwhelmed and tired." Kaleb said, kissing Asher's cheek before he slipped away and took hold of Thunder's reins as Cameron called to them. "Let's get him hooked up and see if we beat our boys there?"

Alex looked at Ezekiel and nodded, hearing him. "Got it." He agreed, holding the wood firmly as he started cutting, a smile of pride on his face as he worked away. He managed to finish one piece and took it off the clamp and grabbed the next one once it was ready and worked on that one.​

 

[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

Carlos wished that he could have come up with a better reason for asking Kaleb. He wished that they could have been walking down a beach after climbing to the top of a beautiful mountain. He wished that they could have been in some nice, abandoned town and surrounded by their brothers. Instead, Kaleb almost died, and it wasn’t until after he was better than he asked. He had so rarely been that kind of afraid. The only times something truly frightened him, it was about Kaleb. “I think you may have mentioned that. Some kid got angry or something?” He shook his head. He was sure he was misremembering something.

Asher was more than grateful to have Kaleb there again. Without him and Carlos, he was afraid of what his relationship with Jordan would look like. Would they have ever been able to look at each other again? Really look at each other? He wasn’t sure. He sighed and then followed after the two of them. “Beat those two? It would be hard not to.” He was still slower than the others. He remember a time when he was faster, and he lamented that a little.

As Alex finished the first, Ezekiel examined it. He nodded. “Looks good. That is a clean line. See here though?” He ran his finger on the edge. “We are going to sand that down later. Until then, keep going.” He moved back to his own preparation part of their assembly line.​

 

[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

Jordan looked at Carlos and shook his head slightly. "Well, kind of. So we were close to getting out of Pittsburgh, racing each other to the end through abandoned buildings. We came out of the last one, and were ready to race to the bridge when this short woman appeared again, Darling was her name. She stabbed Asher in his stomach, and it was probably the worst thing I'd ever seen happen. I had about five seconds to pack his wound with my shirt and carry him. Her and her group proceeded to chase us with guns, explosive traps were going off but I finally.. I shot her in the head and we got free. But it was so hard to see him so hurt. I thought I was going to lose him before we even got a chance to love each other. And.. the woman who stabbed him, was his apprentice back when he was still a hunter." Jordan explained as he headed through the gate that opened for them. "After that, we actually met Cameron and Emmett while we traveled when Asher was healing."

Kaleb smiled as he looked back at Asher, walking Thunder to the cart and stopped him while Cameron got it all hooked up. "True. They are probably distracted again." Kaleb said with a chuckle, as Cameron looked at them. "All set guys. Just bring that back in once piece when you're done?" He said with a grin on his face.

Alex looked at Ezekiel, hearing him and he nodded, listening to that. "Got it." He replied as he started cutting again. The silence dragged on until Alex sighed. "So. Last night at dinner was kind of crazy." He said, knowing the conversations they'd had on the island about pairings, and remembering the woman his brother had been paired with. Alex was always very.. bright and even though they had ten years difference, he had loved watching the warriors even when he was young. He didn't really know their names until he was older, but he knew faces and people.​

 

[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

Ah so not a kid. A small woman. Well, that made a whole lot more sense than the vicious twelve-year-old that Carlos was seeing in his mind as he recalled the memory of the story. “Someone named this lady Darling? No wonder she clearly had a complex.” He almost laughed even if they were talking about Asher’s almost death. “Wait. I have several thoughts. One, you got Asher to race with you? As in play and let loose and everything? Wow. And two, you already knew Cameron and Emmett too? What a small world this is.”

Asher was back enough to at least be paying attention the conversation better. “Cam, I promise you that the cart will be in one piece. And also the horse. But I can’t promise that it won’t… look like we borrowed it.” He smiled mischievously as he walked away from Cam as they led Thunder towards the rest of the town. “If we mess it up too much, I can fix it, okay?” He shrugged. “Or convince someone to fix it.”

When he was working on a project, Ezekiel zoned out. He liked for his mind to find somewhere peaceful to go. Today, he thought that the peace would be ruined by what was now haunting him, but he had Alex. Alex was a grounding force he had forgotten was so effective. There were no hauntings. At least. Oh. Not until Alex brought them back up. He stalled. His fingers paused as he prepared some of the last pieces. “Yes.” That was not much of an answer. “We do not usually… do that.” This was true. Ezekiel tried as hard as he could not to be that hotheaded person that he used to be. “Or…” discuss marriage like it was something easy to talk about? No, they did not usually do that either. “It is not usually so tense. I apologize. That was not appropriate.”​

 

[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

Jordan laughed hearing that, as he nodded. "Yeah, she was quite.. darling to deal with." He said, shaking his head as they headed through town. "And yes, I did. It wasn't just a race, there was teasing and a competitive edge to it as well. He does know how to let go and play, but it's hard. And I fear after all the mess you've helped us get out of, it won't be easy to get that out of him for a while." Jordan said before he grinned. "Oh yeah. Those two were wonderful back then as they are now." He added as they drew closer to the house.

Kaleb chuckled, listening to Asher, seeing that mischievous smile. Cameron shook his head as he looked at them and sighed dramatically. "Oh okay. Just as long as it's fixed if you mess it up." He replied, grinning at Asher as he turned to head off. He was done for the day and like always, was headed to the bookstore to see Emmett. Kaleb climbed into the cart and looked at Asher, he didn't know how to drive a horse, yet. He wanted to learn though.

Alex looked at Ezekiel as he moved to the next piece to cut. He tilted his head a little as he listened while he worked. "Something about that dinner last night is still haunting you isn't it? And i don't think it's the fact that Kaiden's parents were late on purpose." Alex replied, he knew his brother. "You can talk to me you know." He said softly, finishing the next piece, and moved to grab another.​

 

[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

Carlos was not in a big hurry. He assumed that the others would be waiting on them, so he was not in a rush to prove them any different. “I’m sorry some little lady with a horrible name stabbed the most playful version of Asher possibly ever. How dare she set us back like that.” He shook his head with a fake frown. “This setback you think is your fault is actually her fault. She gets all the blame. We are perfect and she sucks.” He rubbed a hand on Jordan’s back. “And I don’t even know Cameron and Emmett yet but I can tell they are great too. I am a little jealous that you have made all of these connections!”

Asher looked over at Kaleb as he climbed in and laughed. “Oh, so I have to do all the work? Fine.” He jumped up as well and grabbed the reigns. “I’m not as patient or as good at teaching as someone like Jordan. Or Eli since he’s an actual teacher. So. Wanna learn? Watch.” It was so much easier for Asher just to show Kaleb what he was doing than attempt to explain it. He might be able to answer questions about it though. They moved along the streets and towards the house.

His lips flattened into a line as Ezekiel tried to continue working. He did a poor job of it. He thought about pushing it aside. This was not as big of a deal as his mind made it sound. He was overreacting as he so often did, especially when it came to Kaiden. He never could find a good medium. He sighed. “You would remember her.” He did not need to say her name. Not for Alex. Ezekiel and Atarah were the pairing meant to be. How could anyone forget the tragedy of her loss? “You remember how-“ it was, perhaps. It could have been but was not because of him. Or maybe Alex never knew. Maybe Alex was fortunate enough never to have seen that part of his brother. Ezekiel could only hope. He gripped his pencil too tight. “I was not ready for such a topic it all.”​

 

[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

Jordan chuckled, hearing Carlos and sighing a little bit. "Yes, it's all her fault. And honestly. I think one day he could get that back, and I think Kaleb is going to be helpful. He's already slowly coming back, slowly but surely." Jordan said as he nodded, looking ahead of them. He felt the hand on his back and hummed softly, hearing him. "Don't worry beautiful, you'll meet them I'm sure. You'd love Emmett I think, he and Cameron are probably the most playful pair we have here."

Kaleb chuckled as he looked at Asher. "I don't know what I'm doing yet, so yes. You have to do all the work." Kaleb teased before he nodded, hearing Asher's words. "I can watch and learn." He said, his blue eyes watching Asher as they started moving through the streets and towards the house. He was a quick learner so he figured he'd be able to learn pretty quickly.

Alex stopped what he was doing, hearing Ezekiel's words and he undid the wood he had. Alex remembered the pairing, how happy everyone was that day. The joy and energy was palpable in the air, and the elders were all happy too. Their pairing had been one of the best ones that the island had in a while. He didn't know what went wrong, but he remembered how sad the island was when she was lost. He got all the wood gathered and set to the side in a corner where he could pick it up later. He walked over Ezekiel and placed his hand on his shoulder. "But it's something that you need to talk about, if not with Kai then with me. You cannot hold such pain inside by yourself, you have already held it for ten years." Alex said softly. "Let's set the arch aside for now, this wedding isn't for a while anyway."​

 

[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

Carlos laughed, because if they weren’t laughing, what they were talking about was just a little bit too heavy. He thought about Kaleb and how he was certain that Jordan was right. Even back then when they traveled together the first time, Carlos could tell that Kaleb was doing wonders for serious man Asher. He never would have expected that helping someone like Asher was what might help Kaleb too. “I do love some playful people. Maybe when we are done with this, we can meet them more than we have already.” He narrowed his eyes, unsure how close they were. “Wait. If they were playful, how did unplayful because he was just stabbed Asher deal with that?”

“Pay attention closely. You’re taking us back.” Asher meant that a little. He meant it in that if Kaleb could pick it up that fast, he was more than willing to sit back and let him take it. However, if Kaleb wasn’t quite ready, he was not too worried. He nodded to a couple of people that they past as they moved along. Some of them asked what they were doing. Asher of course answered with, “All the work unlike some people.” They were just about to the house now.

Ten years. Had it been ten years? Yes. Atarah was ten years ago. He looked at Alex with the same incredulous expression he always did when Alex once again proved himself the wisest of them all despite his young age. He opened his mouth then shut it again. He never wanted to bother Kaiden with something like this. He did not want to frighten him away. What if Ezekiel’s past was informing their future? “Do you remember when I told you about the pairing three years ago? You are the only person I have ever talked about her to.” Many have asked. Many wanted to talk about how lucky he was to have the best pairing. How heartbroken they were to have it torn apart. He was never very good in any of those conversations. It was Alex he felt comfortable enough to talk even how little he did.​

 

[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

Jordan looked at Carlos as they walked and nodded, chuckling. "I'm sure you'd love them. This time of day, Cameron is probably in the bookstore with Emmett." Jordan said as they walked. He caught those narrowed eyes and then laughed softly. "He was very quiet, although when we first met, I got caught in a trap that they'd set. Ended up hanging from my ankle from the ceiling. That made Asher on guard to start, and it took a few for him to lower the pistols he'd aimed at the two. And once that was settled and I was released, he got quiet. But those two kind of did for us what we did for you. It helped Asher realize that I was a flirt and loved people but he was my person."

Kaleb looked at Asher and nodded, he was sure he could do it on his own. It didn't seem that difficult. "Okay. But you'll be beside me just in case right?" Kaleb asked as they headed through town and he saw them coming up to the house. "Well, surprise surprise, we beat them here." Kaleb said with a laugh as they stopped in front of the house. "Should we get packing while we wait for them?"

Alex looked at Ezekiel, standing beside him. He knew that things should be talked about, especially if he really loved Kai like that and wanted to marry him. "I remember that you couldn't love her like she should've been loved, and that it wasn't a good pairing. I also remember telling you that you hadn't found the right person, and I believe now you have. So what reservations do you have?" Alex asked, looking at him with a kind 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

Carlos swung his arm around Jordan’s shoulders as he ambled forward. He was also taking this time to attempt to remember everything that they were passing. If this was their new home, he wanted to know where everything was. “That is the best thing I have ever heard.” He grinned. “You hanging upside down? And I missed it? That is so sad.” He laughed and laughed. It was as loud and big as always. “So many pieces falling together like this is amazing as well.”

As they slowed Asher hopped out to open up the house’s front door. “Of course. I must be there to witness your quick mastery.” He looked out at the road as the loud echoed through the streets. “Ah, so they are near. We might as well get started. Then we can have a plan to tell them when they finally show up.” He may have said the words a little louder just in case they were close enough to hear.

Somehow, Alex could always say things that made so much sense. Those were the words that passed between them. When Alex said them, he could see that view that Alex had. That there should be no reservations here. But marriage was still so important. It was being paired with someone who was meant to be your match. It was being right for that other person. And he was not right for her. He was not right for pairing. He knew that after the marriage. He was what wrong with their pairing. He was the one who could not love. He was the one who could not do what he should have been able to do in a marriage. How was he supposed to do that now? “Kaiden deserves someone who does not ruin dinner for everyone by attacking his parents.”​

 

[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

Jordan chuckled, hearing him as he felt the arm around his shoulders. "We could probably convince Emmett to make another trap just so you can see it." Jordan told him with a chuckle as he heard Carlos laughing. That loud laughter announced that they were so close to the house, and he managed to hear Asher's words up ahead of them. "I think our loves are picking on us beautiful." Jordan said as he walked up to the house. Kaleb could hear Carlos' laughter as he chuckled, hearing him. "Alright, let's go room by room, start with the bedroom and go from there?" Kaleb suggested.

Alex looked at Ezekiel, hearing his words. Sure, that wasn't the best thing that could've happened. "True, that did happen. But how often does something like that happen? You should've been a fly on the wall for beginning of our relationship. It was not all rainbows and butterflies. But the love is there. Just like between you and Kai. That love was there ever since we met them, you two just didn't see it as quickly as we did. I know your pairing before was based upon how you two fought and worked together in your group, but this.. this isn't a pairing. This is a partnership, a relationship on love, so while last night wasn't the greatest, he still loves you. And that won't change. He deserves you brother."​

 

[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

“Don’t be rude, my sweet ones!” Carlos called back when they were not far from the house. He knew that it was all in good fun. When they entered, Asher stood in the entryway with his arms crossed. “Why do we let the two of you do anything alone?” he asked. Before he could walk away, Carlos caught his arm. “Because you love to be right.” One side of his lips pulled up a fraction, and that was enough for Carlos. He slid to Kaleb. “And you love to be in charge, which is great for me. Which room first my loves?”

A partnership. Since meeting Kaiden and Theo, since learning more about the WLF and people outside of their island, Ezekiel learned a lot about different types of relationships. Their numerous fathers and uncles all married without women was eye opening for many reasons. He learned more and more about plenty of relationships outside. They married for love. Love. What was love? Kai. Always Kai. Nate for Alex. Elijah for Theo. They found love not forced into it. Actual love. Ezekiel’s parents had a love that they found after marriage. Or maybe it was an appreciation of a shared belief. And inkling of doubt touched his mind. “I was a bad husband then.” Even if it was a pairing, it was still a marriage. “I still believed then and I was bad. How can I be better now?” He could think of everything he did wrong in this relationship with both Kai and his family.​

 

[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

Jordan chuckled as he heard Carlos' call as they got to the house. He looked at his partner, standing there with his arms crossed and chuckled. Jordan watched as Carlos caught Asher's arm and saw that lip pull up a little at his words. Kaleb shook his head as he looked at Carlos when he slid over to him. "I was thinking bedroom. Since its upstairs, we can get the walking up and down stairs taken care of first." Kaleb suggested as Jordan nodded, running a hand along Asher's cheek and then kissing him. "Bedroom.. and are we going to have supervision so we don't get.. distracted?" Jordan asked, winking at Asher, then Carlos and then Kaleb.

Alex looked at Ezekiel and sighed, hearing him. "You always look at the negative aspects, but you weren't a bad husband. You were in the wrong marriage, the wrong pairing. It's hard to be good when everything is against you." Alex replied. "And, your beliefs have been expanded, there is so much here that our island doesn't take into account. Love for love, men marrying men and such. So this.. this is a fresh start if you want to think about it that way."​

 

[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

Asher rolled his eyes. “Who do you plan to get distracted with? Me or him?” He gestured to Carlos as he began moving up the stairs. They had various boxes and bags around the house that they could use to pack things, though with the cart, they could simply load it all up, unload it at the farmhouse, and then do it all again it they needed to. Carlos chose to answer this one. “Both. All. If this bed is bigger, I am petitioning for us to take it.” Asher audibly groaned as he moved up the stairs to the bedroom.

A fresh start. What did he do to deserve Alex? Everything he said was true. Every last one of those words. “What if-“ the fears came rushing out before he could stop them. His voice was lower now as he almost met Alex’s eyes with his own. Almost. Not quite. He looked down. “What if I’m not right for Kaiden either?” He could love him all he wanted, but that did not mean that it was going to be better than las time. “What if I can’t give him what he needs?” It was an irrational fear that he developed after that first marriage. That pairing. It was a fear that he was the only one at fault.​

 

[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

Jordan laughed as he looked at Asher. He was about to reply when Carlos did for him and grinned, looking at him. "Now, that I agree on. All four of us." Jordan agreed as he followed them upstairs to the bedroom. Kaleb simply sighed dramatically and followed the other three upstairs. The wrap on his leg was really helpful in allowing him to move like he wanted to. As Jordan entered the bedroom, he looked around then headed into the closet to grab the few boxes they had in there. He pushed his other winter jacket out of the way and froze, his body stilled as his eyes caught on the object he'd tucked in back and tried to forget about. Kaleb entered after Jordan and looked around on where to start when he heard Jordan's breath catch and he saw him frozen. "Jordan?" He asked, but Jordan wasn't listening. His eyes were trained on the brown guitar in the back, white lines spiderwebbed up from the bottom of the guitar in intricate designs. He hadn't touched it or seen it since Joel's death.

Alex heard those words, and heard that voice lower. He saw him look down. "You are right for Kaiden. Everyone knows it, everyone it seems, except for you." He said, wrapping his arm around his back. "All he needs is you. You are what he wants and what he needs. That I can promise you. I've seen him, I've seen you and I remember how you were then and how you are now. He loves you, and I know you love him." Alex said, rubbing his back. "But I do recommend you talk to him about your prior pairing. He cannot help you if you hide it." Alex added softly.​

 

[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

Asher was the first one up the stairs and in the room. He was standing to the side, trying to calculate the best way to move things. He was thinking if they wanted to take these dressers, they would have to pulled everything out first. He was going to ask, ignoring additional comments from Carlos who was telling Kaleb that really, they didn’t even need a second room if they were going to be like this, when his ears picked up on Kaleb’s word. That was enough to take it all away. He turned in the room, trying to find him. Closet. He took the steps between them faster than he had walked in a while. His mouth parted to say his name, but his gaze fell on Jordan’s face. That heartbreak. His eyes followed the line of Jordan’s. The chasm between them that he thought they crossed came spiraling back. Every instinct in him told him to leave. Pack another room. Check on Thunder. Go anywhere else. This was where everything hurt. This was the pain that he was so afraid would come back. He turned his head away, determined to run, when his eyes fell on Kaleb. He couldn’t run. That was what got them there. He looked back at Jordan and didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know how to make this better. He had to try. His hand found Jordan’s and fingers forced their way between. He could silently be there for him. Asher had to hope that Jordan wouldn’t push him away.

“How do you know?” Ezekiel did not mean to interrupt, though he did. “How do you know that I am what he needs?” He knew that he loved Kaiden. He knew that Kaiden loved him. He knew that Kaiden wanted to be with him. He knew that he wanted to be with Kaiden. But how did they know that this was right? How could everyone know this except for him? He tried not to think about the idea of telling Kai any of this. He did not need to know about how utterly Ezekiel failed someone else who needed 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

Jordan was caught in a whirlwind of memories as he looked at that guitar. He and Joel had worked on it together, and he'd taught him how to play. Lessons during patrols, lessons with him and Ellie at night after dinner. His body was so frozen it was like stone, and his heart clenched as those demons trickled from their hole. should've gone with her, gotten revenge, should've been there on that route, checked the ski lodge.. The moment he felt fingers push between his own, those demons vanished. Scattered like shadows when light points at them. Jordan thought about pulling his hand away, thought about keeping this from Asher. His body thawed as he turned his head to look at Asher, and in one swift movement he twisted his body and forced himself to hug his partner, face buried in his shirt. Ragged breaths came from his throat as that heartbreak bit into his core. Kaleb watched the two and moved so he was beside Carlos, letting them have their moment.

Alex heard that interruption and sighed heavily. "Because.. I've seen the way he looks at you, like you're his entire world. It's the same way I look at Nate, Kaleb looks at Carlos and Jordan looks at Asher. It's the same way Eli looks at Theo and Josh and Jacob look at their husbands. He needs and loves you, just as we need our partners. I know it is hard, especially after.. the island. But this isn't Seattle. This is Jackson, and the past needs to lay in the past." Alex said, looking at 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

Asher was afraid. He hated being afraid. He was too often afraid. It made him so angry any time that he was. That was why Jordan had to face so much of his anger and stubbornness. And then Kaleb and Carlos came back, and it was like they could rewind to a day when things were better. But he was afraid then too. He was terrified. As he held Jordan’s hand, he realized how terrified he was that this was not going to work. That they were playing at doing better and not actually succeeding. Was it a lie? Were they lying to themselves? He gasped as Jordan was suddenly against him. With him. His Jordan. Jordan promised before not to hide anything from him. He promised to let Asher in. And he was. Asher wrapped his arms around Jordan, his hands clutching him far too tightly. He pressed his cheek to the top of Jordan’s head. Months ago, Asher could have been the strong one for them. He could have swept Jordan away. He could have said something right maybe. He would have tried so hard. But now. Now Asher was broken too. He lowered his face until his lips were close to Jordan’s ear. “Let me fight your demons with you.” It was a plea. Carlos reached for Kaleb’s hand as well. He understood parts of this well.

Too smart. Too wise. Too kind. Alex always had been, and Ezekiel wished that he could fight that. He could not. Even he was not immune to Alex’s brilliant mind. “I love him.” It was not a question. It was not a revelation. Everyone knew this. “More than I thought I could. I did not think…” He almost smiled. “Well you know what I used to think.” That Ezekiel was simply incapable of it. “Far more than that.” And if he could love Kaiden, did that mean this could work? “I also thought I loved her. A long time ago. Before they paired us.” That was another part that scared him. “But never like that. More like… 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

Jordan heard that gasp when he'd pushed himself against Asher, felt those arms wrapped around him, hands clutching him tightly. He buried his head into Asher's chest as he cried, feeling that cheek press to the top of his head. He heard the words close to his ear and pressed himself tighter to him. "Okay." Was all Jordan could get out, strained voice from the sobs. He hadn't expected this to happen, but he was trying to let Asher in to help him. His conversation with Carlos echoing in his mind. He didn't want to hurt his love anymore than he had already. Kaleb took Carlos' hand and shifted closer so he could rest his head on his partner's shoulder.

Alex listened to Ezekiel, heard his words and waited for him to finish. "You love Kaiden like he is your world, and you loved her as a sister. As someone who would be family or a close friend but not a partner. That is the biggest difference." Alex said, smiling warmly as he looked at Ezekiel. "When you love someone like they are your entire world, that can make all the difference."​

 

[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

It hurt to stay but it hurt to go. In this, there was no winning. Not immediately. If there was anything that he could do, Asher could fight to survive. That was all that they were doing. They were surviving before this, and they weren’t doing it particularly well. So he was going to fight. He could do that. He fought every day. Jordan pressed into him harder, and he knew that he couldn’t walk away. In this little closet, given permission to do what he wanted to do for so long, Asher pushed at Jordan’s shoulders, pressed at the knees to try and get him on the floor. He couldn’t do what he needed to do with them standing. “You don’t have to be alone.” Stay with me.

Kaiden was his world. There was no question. From the moment they met, all he could think about with Kai. Ezekiel could not sleep without being tormented by memories of them. Every word Kai spoke mattered so much. Ezekiel gave up everything he knew for Kaiden. Had they never met, he would still be on the island. He knew it. Now, as he built furniture and fixed various items for other people, he did all of it so that he could live a life with someone he loved more than anything in the world. “I can see why Nathaniel loves you so much. You truly are the best of us.” He let out a deep breath. “Thank you. For being so positive. So sure.” ​

 

[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

Jordan didn't know what Asher wanted, feeling the push at his shoulders and press on his knees. He moved down from the push, and his knees bent as he ended up sitting on the floor. His head moved from Asher's chest as he looked up at him. "Don't leave me gorgeous. I don't want to be alone." His words were quiet, a soft plea for Asher to stay. Jordan spent too long surviving, barely, and he didn't want to survive without Asher ever again. His body quivered slightly as he reached for his love, reached for his world, sitting in that closet.

Alex smiled as he listened to Ezekiel, hearing his words. "You're welcome." He replied before he sighed softly. "I.. just do what needs to be done." He muttered softly, his bottom lip between his teeth as he stood there. "It took us almost a month to admit that we loved each other. So.. even I'm not immune to being oblivious to love." Alex admitted as he leaned back on the table.​