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

Carlos wondered what that would be like. Smothering. They needed a balance. Being there for their kids but not overbearing. How did he know how to balance that? Kaleb. Josh said to listen to his partner, and though Josh and Hayden may have struggled to work together for a long time, Carlos and Kaleb never had that. Not really. Not until recently when Carlos was trying not to worry him with things that he felt he should be able to handle on his own. He looked at Kaleb, holding his hands close to him. “There isn’t a certain way we have to do this?” That was the hardest part for him to understand. Because he never had any experiences, he didn’t know that everyone was different. Hayden smiled at Josh’s question. “You know exactly how I feel about that.” His smile grew wide as he thought about it. The breadth of their children continued to grow, and it really was all that Hayden. Had ever wanted. He and Josh were the parents of this town it felt sometimes, and he loved every moment of that.

Nate was close to finishing as Alex came in. “Oh. Um, okay.” He peered around to see if Cam was close by as well, though he only saw Alex. “Thanks. I guess I am a bit slower than 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

Josh looked back at Carlos when he heard his question and shook his head. "There is no certain way to parent. Everyone does it differently." Josh replied as he flicked his gaze to Hayden, hearing his response. "You're right." He said before turning to them. "Well. You might not have had fathers before or good ones, if you'd like, we'd be happy to be your parents. We can help however you need. A listening ear, babysitting to give you two some time alone. Anything. This one would love to babysit those two boys." Josh said, smiling and kissing Hayden's cheek with a chuckle. He knew his husband would love that. Kaleb's eyes widened as he looked at Carlos and then at Josh. He'd taken this all quietly, listening mostly as he did. "R- Really?" He asked, his eyes looking at Josh. The FEDRA general but he didn't act like it. The father he wished he'd had.

Alex smiled as he headed into the stall to help. Cameron was leaning against the door. He'd dump the wheelbarrow when it was full. "No worries about it. You've never really done this before so it's all good." Cameron said, assuring Nate.​

 

[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 crossed his arm across Josh’s chest and ran his hand up into his husband’s hair as he pulled them close. “Absolutely. The best thing in this world is being a father, though being a grandfather has always been a dream of mine as well. I was waiting for the day that Theo came home with a kid, but I think you two beat him to it.” It was Carlos’ turn to be quiet. His eyes were watering from the swell of adoration he had for these men that he had not known long. Not only did they wish to help but they were willing to take them in like no one else ever had. Without another thought, he was up, pulling Kaleb along with him, and crossing over to the other two to start a massive group hug. Was it really a Carlos conversation without some sort of physical affection? In the middle of this hug, Hayden said, “And remember. Even though you are parents now, you are still a partnership. You are still each other’s. Don’t let that slip away.”

Nate and Alex finished up that stall and he walked over to Cameron. “You have a strangely labor intensive job, you know that? I thought being a medic was a lot, and I am learning that I was both correct and incorrect.”​

 

[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 Hayden's arm across his chest and felt the hand in his hair and moved so they were close. He hummed softly, nodding his head. "Theo certainly seems like he'd be one to bring a kid home." He replied before looking at them. Kaleb blinked as he was pulled up with his partner and then he was hugging Josh tightly, well, both Josh and Hayden but his head was pushed into Josh's shoulder. Josh wrapped his arms around Kaleb, Hayden and as much of Carlos as he could reach. "I don't plan on letting us slip away." Kaleb whispered as he tightened his grip.

Cameron smiled as he watched the two finish up the stall and he smiled at Nate. "It might be labor intensive, but it's good for the soul." Cameron admitted as he stood there. "Thank you for all your help. I'm going to go see Emmett. You two are more than welcome to come along if you'd like." Cam offered 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

In this group hug, Carlos was able to hold onto all three, though Hayden really could only get two. Perhaps this was not the kind of day he thought that they were having, but neither could say that they would want anything more. When Hayden was young and new to parenting, he wished that he could have talked to either sets of parents so close to him. Sadly, he did not have that option. If he could do that for these two, he would be more than happy. Carlos was happy to have people who wanted him. He spent so much of his life finding connections with people, but none of them were ever people who really chose him to keep. Even with Kaleb, he made that happen. He pushed it. Now, these two men were choosing them. He never had a dad before, and now he had two. Did that mean they had more brothers now? They already had a handful. He pulled away first so that he could give a great big kiss on the cheek to first Hayden and then Josh. “Thank you. Thank you so much. At least now I know that it is okay not to know as long as we try.”

Nate looked over to Alex. “I wouldn’t mind that. More time with my favorite people isn’t a bad thing. That and I haven’t really gotten to know this man who stole away my friend’s heart.” He straightened himself and stood like he had any kind of authority. “Have to make sure I approve.”​

 

[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 smiled as he felt a tear drop down his face and when Carlos pulled back, Kaleb did to. He'd never thought he'd have a family like this. At first he was grateful to have Carlos, then his family grew when he met Jordan and Asher. He was thankful to have Alex and Nate, and now he had dads. He had parents that wanted him. Kaleb followed Carlos' actions and kissed Josh's cheek and then Hayden's. Josh smiled at the two of them and leaned forward, kissing their foreheads like he does to Kai. "You're welcome kiddos. And if you ever need help, advice or even just to drop the kids off for a night or two, we're here for you. Just know that as long as you try, you're doing good at parenting."

Alex smiled as he took Nate's hand, seeing him straighten up. Cameron laughed as he nodded his head, turning. "I'm sure you'll approve. Emmett's a great guy." Cameron said as he led the way out of the stables. Alex smiled as he followed Cameron, squeezing Nate's hand a little.​

 

[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

No one had ever called him kiddo. Kid yes. Plenty of times actually. But not kiddo. That felt different. That felt a lot more personal. ‘Get out of here kid!’ And ‘What are you doing, kid?’ didn’t have the same ring. This was so nice. It was more than he thought he would ever have. He looked at Kaleb, and he was crying. Not full crying, but that was a tear. He removed himself from the rest, put both hands on the sides of Kaleb’s face, and first kissed away the tear before he kissed his lips. He was just so happy and excited. He was so worried and upset before but that was all gone. It was sure that it would be back. There was no way that it wouldn’t. For now, though, he felt better. Hayden could tell that this was good. It was working. “So. Who is who. I’m dad and Josh is papa. Who are the two of you?”

Nate smiled too. It was good to be back with his people. He really had missed being with a lot of people. He missed having a real purpose. Horses were not going to be his purpose, though he didn’t mind helping out sometimes. “I’m sure I will. When are you going to tell me everything about him? How you met. When you met. How you learned he was perfect. I need to know these things.”​

 

[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 simply kissed Hayden's cheeks as he watched the two of them. It was beautiful and that part of him that was a romantic was happy. Kaleb looked at Carlos, feeling him kiss away the tear of happiness and then smiled happily into the kiss. His arms had slipped around his neck before he looked over at Hayden, breaking the kiss as he heard him. "Uh, we've never discussed that. I'm not sure." He said as he tried to recall if the twins had called them anything. "Well, Killian called for Carlos as dad once. I could be papa. I'm more than okay with that." Kaleb said as he looked at Carlos then at the other two.

Cameron looked at Nate and smiled when he remembered first meeting Emmett. "I think I was eighteen when he was transferred from another base to San Francisco. We were put in the same group and we just grew closer. I spent a lot of our free time playing games, of different kinds with or without others, and he held me when Gaige came back. It was a little after that, that we left because we realized that we weren’t really Fireflies anymore after Gaige found out about his parents in Salt Lake. We were together for a few days before Gaige went north." Cam said as they headed through town.​

 

[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 felt like he could have kissed Kaleb for the rest of the day, but that clearly was not an option right now. He turned to look at Hayden as well. This was something he thought about only in that he wasn’t sure who Killian was talking about until later when he did it again. It was probably smart to come up with hard and fast names for them so that they could tell the difference. “I’m okay with that too,” he told mostly Kaleb but also the others. “I also don’t mind being called Carlos. Everyone always has.” He did not have the need to call people by other titles. It did not bother him at all.

“So, not long after we stopped coming.” It was not really an interruption. Nate was simply intrigued with the timeline of things. If he had been able to go a little bit longer, then maybe he would have gotten to meet them. Maybe he would have been able to do… something more. That was always his thinking. He should always have been able to do more. “I am glad you had him when you needed him most. And that he could play games with you. I know how much you loved those. I never really got to play any when I wasn’t with you.” They walked through the town, Nate keeping close to Alex like he always 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

Kaleb felt some kind of happiness and joy at being a dad. And having two dad snow. He could be papa, that made him just as happy. “That works for me, though you know the boys will probably call you dad forever now.” He said with a soft chuckle. Josh watched the two and smiled. “Our family just keeps growing and I love it. Though we’re still missing members.” Josh said softly. He had wished his nephew had come with them from Seattle but he understood that Luke wasn’t ready at the time. Maybe one day.

Cameron shook his head as he heard that. “No. Not really that long.” He agreed as he bit his lip and looked down. “I’m glad they sent him to San Francisco. I don’t know what I’d have done without him.” Cam admitted as they made it to the bookstore. “Well, we can play all the games we want now.” Cameron added, a small smile playing on his lips. Alex smiled as he listened, keeping close to Nate and holding his hand as they entered the bookstore, Cam opening the door and holding it for them.​

 

[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 ecstatic. He had no idea that he could feel this way so soon after feeling so bad not that long before. He shrugged. “I’ll go by anything. Believe me, I have been called many, many things.” He looked over at Josh. “Which you probably understand on the other side of that.” Despite Josh having been a FEDRA general and Carlos having been FEDRA’s biggest troublemaker, he felt a strange kind of kinship there. They were probably equally hated at times. He sighed. “Missing?” He wasn’t sure what that meant. Were there people still out there? Or were they gone now?

Nate was immensely glad that Cam had someone to get him through the hardest parts of his life like that. He had a lot of respect for anyone could do that when Nate could not. They were so close at one time, him and Cam even though they only got to see each other a few times and for such short amounts of time. As they moved through the door, a voice from the side called out, “Welcome in!” Then a gasp and something between a chuckle and a giggle. “Why Nathaniel, have you come with a gift for me?” Nate looked over to see Emmett already leaping from somewhere and all but running to the door. He skidded to a halt now that he could see more. “You have.” He smiled so wide Nate thought he must have been missing something. “And Alexander. You are both too kind.” He slipped by them and threw his arms around Cameron. “Mm, you smell like stables. My favorite smell.”​

 

[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 heard Carlos' words and chuckled softly, nodding his head. "Oh I understand. I've been on both sides of being called numerous things in my time as a FEDRA officer, commander and then general. Good and bad for both." He said, remembering his time in FEDRA. It wasn't his favorite part of his past but it was his and he owned it. He sighed softly as he heard the question. "When we left Seattle, we left behind our nephews and sister-in-law." He replied as he looked down at his lap.

Cameron heard the voice and then the all too familiar gasp of his partner and moments later his partner had his arms around him. "Hello my love." He laughed as he heard Emmett's words. "You're so weird." He added as he pulled his head back from the hug and kissed him. "I've brought my brothers to come spend time with you. So why don't we step inside?" Cam suggested, grinning at Emmett. Alex looked at Emmett as he heard him and looked at Nate, a little confused.​

 

[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 frowned at the thought of having to leave people behind, though he understood. He left family behind too. Though he did not feel as close to the three he had before Kaleb, they were his constant companions his entire life before that. “I left behind family too. A best friend before this. I miss him a lot sometimes.” He looked at Kaleb and smiled sadly. Just a little. Hayden put his hands in Josh’s lap, so as he looked down, he had someone to see. “In life, we often lose people. Important people who made life better. But we keep going.” He rested his head against Josh’s. “And who knows. We may even find some we lost once again.”

Nate watched and then shrugged at Alex’s questioning look. He didn’t get it either. Who was he to judge? Emmett laughed along with Cameron. “It smells like you, silly.” Then he spun them both around with as big a flourish as ever as he moved them inside enough to close the door. He kept his arms around Cam’s waist as he stood behind him. “Hello, brothers. As a warning, I have no additional medical texts. In fact, I don’t have anything different from the last time you came in. My people who promise bringing me back goodies never seem to do that anymore.” He gave Cam one last snuggle before releasing him and walking into his quaint little bookshop.​

 

[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 the hands in his lap as he looked down, looking up when he heard Carlos' words. His gaze flicked from his new son to his husband as he felt the head rest against his. "I'm sorry you had to do that. It's not easy. Though you're right my love. Perhaps one day we may see them back here." He said as Kaleb saw that sad smile on Carlos' face. He leaned in and kissed him gently. "I'm sorry you had to leave them behind." He whispered, knowing that it wasn't easy for his partner to leave his family behind.

Alex looked at the two of them, watching them together and Emmett reminded him of Carlos and Jordan, though younger and more playful. "That's okay. I think we found more than enough. But thank you." Alex replied, looking at Emmett. Cameron laughed as he was spun around with Emmett, a big smile on his face. He felt the arms remain around his waist and he leaned back into him. "We'll have to talk to those patrols about searching more. Though, I think I overheard Jacob saying something about raiding the hospital again, so perhaps they'll find more journals." He added as he felt Em release him after one last snuggle and he followed him further in, gesturing for Alex and Nate to follow.​

 

[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 shook his head. “Don’t be. I chose it. I knew long before that I might not get to keep them. When you said you were leaving, I didn’t even look back.” Really it spoke more about him than anything else. Occasionally, he was saddened of the loss of people who grew with him. They were around in the most pivotal time of his life. He wished he could have acquired a radio and tried to contact Salim. Maybe he could now that they were here. He already let that part of his life go. He did not need to mourn what was gone a long time. He looked to Josh and Hayden. “Thank you again for being so kind and willing to help us, especially when we are so new to your life.”

Emmett spun around as the rest followed him further in. “Oh? Field trip to the hospital. Are we all invited? I’ve been itching for some action.” He waved his hand to the shelves and stacks of books. “I think I’ve read them all. I mean, probably not, though it feels that way. I want something new and exciting.” He pointed to both Alex and Nate. “You two are new and excited. Or, I guess old and exciting?” He emphasized the hand pointing to Alex, “New,” and then Nate, “old,” then both, “and exciting. Tell me, what do you guys like to do for fun?”​

 

[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 would always feel bad but he knew that Carlos had chosen this. "I know, but I've also heard your stories with them." He added before he thought about it. "Do you guys have a radio here?" Kaleb asked as Josh thought about that for a moment. "Didn't Tommy say he was working on one to talk to some of the bigger zones?" Josh had talked to Tommy a fair bit since he'd come to town, especially since they came about the time that Abby and the others did. Josh turned to look at Carlos. "You're very welcome. We love having new members join our family and helping them."

Cameron looked at Emmett and chuckled as he shook his head. "I'm sure Jacob would be more than happy to have more trained ex-Fireflies to protect them." He said with a smile as Alex followed them in. "Well. I like to climb trees and use my bow, oh and I'm hoping to start riding again." Alex said as he looked at Emmett with a smile as he looked at how exciting he was. It was a nice energy, and not super crazy energy now.​

 

[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 had an abundance of stories of his time in the Quarantine Zone with his troublemaking crew. He got up to so much that it was shocking that he was even still there to talk about it. He loved them in their own way, yet despite having them for over twenty years, Kaleb came in and changed the makeup of his being. That happened sometimes. He looked at Kaleb confused. A radio? Before he could ask anything, he was looking back at Josh. Was Kaleb suggesting what he thought he was? He smiled at Josh, though his eyebrows betrayed his true consternation. “Kaleb… It’s been three years. I don’t know if he would still…” he didn’t know how to continue that. Hayden, not entirely certain the context of this last bit, knew he could help anyway. He leaned forward and put a hand on Kaleb’s and Caros’ legs. “No reason not to try. You already got some people back here, right?” Then he leaned back and settled against Josh again. “I think this went very well. What about you?”

Emmett was always down with going somewhere new every now and then. He was happy with their lives here, and he would not change it for the world. The bookshop could run itself for a while. Who was going to ruin it? The citizens of Jackson? Maybe. And then he would find them, and they would talk about the etiquette of leaving someone’s job alone in his absence. It was settled. He would talk to Jacob about his inevitable presence later. “And you?” Nate wasn’t sure how to answer that. “Does researching how to do a surgery we shouldn’t be able to do here and thus being the reason for a hospital fieldtrip count as what I like to do for fun?” Emmett laughed. “Yes! In which case, I am going to thank you for getting to do more things in the near future. You’re going to love riding again. I know, because I do too. Hmm… Since we can’t really climb trees and shoot arrows in here either… Want to play a game? I have a whole shelf full in the back where the tables are. Books aren’t the only borrowable material.”​

 

[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 looked at Carlos, seeing that confused look and he heard Josh's words. "I know it's been three years, but imagine. If he's still there, maybe.. maybe you can talk to them. Maybe even convince them to come here where they'll have safety and food, and not have to worry about FEDRA." Kaleb said, looking at his partner. He held hope in his voice, his heart. Who knows what could happen. He felt Hayden's hand on his leg and Kaleb smiled at him. Josh nodded as he heard Hayden. "I agree. And if you wanted to use that radio, tell Tommy that I sent you." Josh added as he looked at them. Kaleb nodded, taking Carlos' hand. "Come on love. Let's just see?"

Alex looked at Nate, hearing him and his smile never left his face as he heard him. He looked back at Emmett and heard him, tilting his head a little. "What kind of games?" He asked walking over towards him. Cameron laughed as he smiled at Alex and Nate. "All kind of games. Card games, board games. Come on!" Cam said as he led the way to the back with a pep in his step. He was so excited to play games with his best friend again.​

 

[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 stared without saying another word. He was shocked. Flabbergasted. Totally in awe of the situation. There were plenty of times that he wanted things to turn out differently or for him to be able to do something that at least talked to Salim again. He never thought it could ever happen. That was one of those nice dreams when he woke up and thought about the good times he shared. He looked from Josh to Kaleb. “R-right now?” This was so sudden. “Would that work?” And if he did, “What would I say? What if they aren’t there?” What if they didn’t make it? Wouldn’t he want to know? Hayden shook his head. “You’ll never know until you try. We would love more friends. And if they are there, we could always orchestrate a rescue mission.” He laughed at the thought.

Em smiled wide as Cam led them to the back. He loved stories, which was why he took this place over and made it nice again. However, what he loved more than that was games. He always had loved games. Books and games seemed like the perfect things to go together. “And we have games from all eras.” The entire back wall was full of games of all kinds. He was making a collection. People came in to play and borrow games all the time. He collected them from all over. When people were out on patrol, they brought him more much like the books. “I have really old games and games that were probably new before the outbreak. I have complex games and easy games. I have games with hats.” He shrugged. “People made games out of everything.” Nate stared at the wall in amazement. He had never seen anything like that. Without meaning to, he whispered, “Ben and Max would have loved this. And Gaige.” He smiled so wide it almost hurt as he grabbed Cameron’s hand. “You always did like games. How did you find someone who likes them as much as 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

Kaleb saw the shocked stare of his partner and heard those words. Josh nodded as did Kaleb. "We just have to try. And Dad's right..." Kaleb paused for a moment at those words, a wide smile on his face. "We can orchestrate a rescue mission. Jordan will come, as will Alex and probably Nate and Asher. We can convince our entire family to go." Kaleb said with a smile as he stood up and took Carlos' hand to lead him out to Tommy's.

Cameron loved the collection of games that Emmett had managed to collect from patrols. Alex was surprised, he'd never seen games like these before, his eyes wide as he took in that collection on the wall. "Wow.." He said softly. "Carlos would love all these games." Alex added as he looked around. Cam felt Nate grab his hand as he heard the whispered words. "I'm sure they would love it. So would Gaige. As for how I found someone who liked games? I just got really lucky he was transferred to San Francisco."​

 

[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 moved with Kaleb still not believing that this was what they were doing. Going to see someone about a radio? That was more than he thought he would ever do. “You do know I don’t know how to use the radio, right? That was all Salim. He was the one who did all of that for us. Every smuggling operation was all him. Everything we ever coordinated for the girls? That was him.” He really missed him. He loved the girls too, but Salim was his best friend for a long time. Salim was the one who told him to go after Kaleb. He never judged who Kaleb was. He knew that Carlos loved him already, and that was enough for him.

Emmett nodded. “When I got transferred there, I thought it was going to be like any other place. I was wrong. I found the other half of my soul.” He grinned and bounced up to sit on the table. “Carlos would? Oh, that’s fun. I’ve seen him around. I think he’d love some of my games if he’s as similar to Jordan as I think he is.” Nate shook his head. “I can’t believe you still love games after all this time. I stopped playing when we stopped going. After my mama…” He looked down. All he could see was that day in the forest with Max and Ben smiling at him. Ben holding out the gun for him to take. When Nate looked at Cameron, he wanted to tell him. He really did. The fear was more. “So, what are we playing?”​

 

[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 looked at Carlos as he heard him and nodded. "I know. That's what I'm here for." He said. He'd worked radios before, not often but he had. As they walked, he looked at the houses. "It's this one up here, the brown house. Are you ready for this?" Kaleb asked as he looked at Carlos. "And no matter what happens, I'm here for you. If this goes wonderfully or awfully. I'm here and if we don't try, then you'll be haunted by the fact that you didn't try." Kaleb said as they walked up the stairs and he knocked on the door.

Cameron smiled as he watched him bounce up to sit on the table. He bit his lip, grinning as he watched his partner. Alex nodded as he looked at Emmett. "Oh he's just like Jordan. You'd all get along great I think." He said with a smile and a chuckle. Cameron looked at Nate and tilted his head, listening to him. "I think I'll always love games and now we can play them together again." Cam said as he walked over to the wall. "How about.. Parcheesi? It's a pretty simple concept for a good first board game." Cam said as he grabbed it off the wall and walked over. ​

 

[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

“I have you for so many reasons,” Carlos amended as he walked with him. They were really doing this. Really. Right now. Was this going to work? Carlos might have been panicking again only in an entirely different way. He squeezed Kaleb’s hand. He was right. If they did not do this, he would forever wonder what would have happened if he did try. Okay. Yes. He was ready. Kaleb knocked on the door and he held his breath. They waited for ages and ages, though it was really only about half a minute. A man opened the door with a gentle smile. Tommy. “Hello. Can I help you?”

Emmett loved hearing that. “I need to remember that for later. I have a whole slew of things that I think the three of us would like to play.” He popped off the table to give Cam room to pull out his game. “Excellent choice. Have either of you played before?” Nate shook his head. He played few actual board games. When he played with his other brothers, they had to make them up. “I only played what Cam had. Except for cards. We had those in Boston. When we were in Boston.” He moved to the table and sat down.
​

 

[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 smiled warmly as he heard that. "I know." He replied as they made it to the door. He looked at Carlos one last time before he heard the door open and he smiled at the man. "Hello there. My name is Kaleb and this is Carlos. Joshua Smith sent us here to see if we could use your radio to contact some close friends, more like family, in the Denver QZ. They have their own radio." Kaleb explained everything as he looked at the man.

Cameron heard that and laughed, shaking his head. He looked over at Alex who was looking at the game and shook his head. "I've never played any game before." Alex said as he looked up at Emmett, Cameron and Nate. "We weren't allow anything old world where I came from." He tried to explain as he looked at the three men. Cameron smiled, though he was a little confused and curious about Alex's past, "That's okay. We can teach you!"​

 

[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

Tommy raised both brows as he listened to this. “Denver QZ?” He let out a slight chuckle. “’Course he did. Well, come on in then.” Who was he to deny someone trying to find family. Was that not exactly what he and Joel did when he was still in Boston. “Who are you tryin’ to find who has their own radio?” He moved them through the house and towards the room with the radio. That was what this was normally about. Finding someone who was lost. Having their own radio was the strangest part. That sounded like someone was part of the smuggling business. Carlos was mostly quiet until then. “Salim Benali. Just your average trouble maker.”

Nate shook his head. “Not true, Alex. We played tag and that weird closet game that Carlos taught us. And charades.” It occurred to him that Alex was talking about board games too late. He flushed red as Emmett sat down as well and laughed. “Cam is right. Parcheesi is a pretty easy game to learn even for unfortunate friends who never got to play anything before.” He opened it up and pulled out the board. “First. Take a look at that. Weird, right? Those old worlders were geniuses.”​