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

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

No. Not after everything they went through to get here. Not after Ben and Max. Not after every maimed limb and scary night. That wasn’t possible. That wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Nate stopped walking, and when he stopped, so did Carlos. Carlos who was shocked by this because he could only assume what everyone else just did from those words. Nate stared at Alex for a moment, trying to face the facts, but he couldn’t. His hand covered Alex’s on his face. He brought up his other hand too so that he could run his fingers along the cheek where it could match his scars. Beautiful scars that Nate loved. “Alex. Baby please, am I taking you right back to the people who hunt down your people? I can’t be-” Because that’s the truth here. If this was the group Alex feared, what was Nate supposed to do now? After all this time, they were going straight back to where Alex ran from.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex stopped when Nate did, his head moving to look at him. He felt the hand over his and the other on his other cheek. “It’ll be fine. We’ve come so far. Besides, I’ll have you three. I’m sure you’ll be able to convince them I’m sure.” Alex said quietly. A small smile tugged at his lips. “Let’s save the world yeah?” He added.

Kaleb squirmed a little in Carlos’ arms, wanting to get free. He knew how scary it was to go back to the place you ran from. He’d had that fear that he’d be found by FEDRA, dragged back. It was why he avoided all the other quarantine zones and surrounding areas. He didn’t know about the scars, they never really brought it up, but he knew that Alex had left his people and now was heading right for the group that killed his own. He wanted to let Alex know he wasn’t alone, and that he did have them.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Carlos put Kaleb down but stayed a little away. He wasn’t sure what Alex needed in that moment, and he would wait until the other two tried first. Nate wrapped his arms around Alex in a tight hug for one of them. Or both of them. “Maybe it’s some sort of big misunderstanding. Because there’s a feud. Maybe it’s not so bad.” He pulled away enough to bring his forehead to Alex’s. This had to work. He had to find them. “Maybe they forgot how to save the world, but we can remind them that’s what’s important.” He kissed Alex’s cheeks. The scars. He moved slightly to the side so that he wasn’t taking up all of Alex’s attention.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaleb smiled at Carlos and waited as he saw Nate hug him. Alex felt the hug from Nate, the kisses to his cheeks, his scars. “Maybe. If anyone can convince them that would be us.” Alex said softly, then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over at Kaleb who smiled softly. “We’ve got your back. I know it’s hard to think about going back to the place that killed your own. I was always terrified that some FEDRA person or even my father would find me. So I understand. That’s why we’re here. Together. Strength in numbers remember?” Kaleb said, before he wrapped his arms around Alex from the back, looked at Nate and then back at Carlos. A quick group hug to remind the youngest that they were all there for him wasn’t a bad idea.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Nate realized what Kaleb was doing and resumed his hug, because this was clearly the answer. He only barely had time to look over at Carlos before those big arms were around all of them. Carlos was certainly not one to argue with a group hug. He wished that he knew more about what Alex was going through, but he knew enough. He knew that he loved Alex, and that these people didn’t get to bring him down. Nate, feeling mildly crushed, decided that he was okay with this, because it was for Alex. “This is gonna be good. We are gonna save the world together.” He kept his forehead against Alex’s. “Are you okay?”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex was in the middle of a group hug rather quickly. He felt Kaleb hug him first, then Nate hugged him again, before large arms wrapped around all of them. Carlos' arms. He smiled into the group hug, and felt the forehead against his and looked at Nate. "I'm okay. I've got my family behind me and we're going to do just that. Save the world. The four of us together, and then we'll find a farmhouse to retire in." Alex said, as he enjoyed the hug, it was nice and calming. His worries vanished as he enjoyed the moment, before he sighed. "We should probably get moving again, hard to save the world if we're standing here hugging." Alex said with a laugh.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Carlos, arms firmly around them all and not feeling like letting go yet, laughed. “How is it fair that you get to retire when you’re so young? It’s not, is it?” Nate wriggled and tried to push him away. This was enough group hugging for him. Carlos still didn’t budge. “And why don’t you think this could save the world? I think a good hug could save a lot of people.” Nate pushed on him again and finally he moved away. “I’m just saying, maybe there are less bad people than we think. Maybe they just never got enough love in their childhoods.” Nate shook his head, and took Alex’s hand so that they could begin their journey once more.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaleb rolled his eyes as he listened to Carlos. Alex could feel Nate wriggle and chuckled. He shook his head as he heard them both. “You know what love? You can try to give them a group hug when we get there. See if that works for you.” Kaleb told Carlos as the hug broke apart. Alex felt Nate take his hand and he smiled, leading the way again. Kaleb took Carlos’ hand as well as they started walking once more. “I think we may make it to the overlook tonight. We’re making good time.” Alex commented as they walked.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

“We would make better time if some people could end the group hugs at a more appropriate time,” Nate teased as they, but mostly Alex, led the way. He hid away the anxious feeling he had about all of this. He had too many conflicting feelings and ideas to be able to put them all together. Carlos sighed. “It’s not my fault that none of you know the power of love and friendship. And Kaleb, I might. You never know. Or I might just not, because some people do not need hugs. Or maybe they do but not from me. Some people are rude. Like when they try to kill us. I prefer explosions over that.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaleb heard Nate and chuckled softly. “I can’t control how long someone does the group hugs.” He replied with a smile as he glanced at Carlos. “Well, I guess we’ll find out just what kind of people these are won’t we? And if they get hugs or explosions.” Kaleb commented as Alex looked at Nate. “I know how we can get time back.” Alex said, a grin on his face as he looked back at the other two. ​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

“No one can control me,” Carlos proclaimed. “I’m uncontrollable. At least that way. Though, I have a feeling that I can probably be swayed in plenty of other ways I do not know but could be exploited by others.” Nate rolled his eyes, but he loved it. He loved having the two of them with them. It was so much better when they were all together. He squeezed Alex’s hand. “And what exactly do you have in mind? Because that look you’re giving me is scary, and I am definitely afraid.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaleb laughed and shook his head as he walked beside Carlos. "Yes my love, no could possibly control you. Though I'm sure there are ways to sway you." Kaleb said as he nudged Carlos' shoulder with his own. Alex felt the squeeze on his hand and smiled just a little bigger. "We all know I'm the fastest, so I was thinking we could play catch Alex. And I have to avoid all of you. It's like tag but you're all after me." Alex suggested as he squeezed Nate's hand.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Nate grinned and Carlos cocked his head to the side. “You want us, slower than you people, to chase you, faster than anyone else in the world?” Nate asked at the same time that Carlos all but yelled, “I’m in! Does anyone get a prize for winning? Because I feel like winners deserve rewards.” “That’s if anyone can catch him,” Nate chuckled. “That was hard enough playing tag.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex chuckled as he heard Nate and nodded. “It would be even more unfair if I try and chase one of you. But if you really don’t think you can catch me.. then I guess I win by default.” Alex teased as he turned to look at Carlos. “If you catch me then the next time we camp for the night, we can all cuddle together.” Alex said as he looked at the other two. “I’m in.” Kaleb said with a big smile on his face.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

This went from goofy idea to absolutely happening to the only path to the future in a very small amount of time, and Nate realized this before he noticed the looks on the faces of their traveling companions. Yep, group cuddles meant it was happening. They were lucky that he liked them. “Okay. So we’re catching Alex. How exactly does this game work?” Carlos threw a loose arm around Alex from the back. He leaned his head over Alex’s shoulder. “Our handsome target runs and we catch him.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex chuckled as he felt Carlos’ arm around him from the back. And his head on Alex’s shoulder. “Yep. And if I make it to the overlook without being caught, then I win.” Alex said with a smile on his face. He turned his head and kissed Nate before pulling himself away from both of them. “Ready? Get set.. catch me!” Alex called as he took off ahead of them, keeping a quick jog to start. Kaleb laughed and started running after Alex.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

And they were off! Everyone running after Alex like they could possibly catch him. He was faster and had significantly more stamina. Though, they had caught him before in the game of tag. But, of course, none of them were racing for everyone cuddles. Nate decided that his only bet was to jog now and hope that this overlook was further out so that when Alex got tired, he could push himself and grab him. Carlos on the other hand, could push himself pretty far for shorter periods of time. As long as he didn’t push it too far and get caught in the coughing. And if he did, that was what medicine men were for. Carlos gained on him pretty quickly, but this would not last and they both knew it.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex glanced behind him and saw Carlos gaining on him. He laughed and pushed a little more though he saw Kaleb hanging back near Nate. Alex had stamina and speed but he couldn’t keep it up long enough to make it to the overlook. Kaleb was fast but not as fast as Alex and he was slower at the moment because of his healing injury. “You can’t catch me.” Alex teased as he kept going.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

If Carlos was fast enough, he might be able to catch Alex before this got too crazy. He thought he might have a chance, and then Alex sped up, and he knew that this was not going to happen. He had to figure out another way. “You keep dreaming, Handsome. You’re gonna trip up eventually, and when you do, I’m gonna be there to get you!” He ran another direction to disappear from Alex’s view. Hopefully. Nate, still hanging towards the back with Kaleb, mostly laughed at the two before talking to his running companion. “I say we conserve energy for a while, only fast enough to keep an eye on him, and then when he slows, we go at him from two different directions.”
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex heard Carlos’ words and laughed as he looked behind him. Only to find no one there. His head whipped around as he looked for where Carlos had gone. What he hadn’t realized was that when he looked around, he slowed down. Kaleb noticed it though. “Carlos may have helped us get him sooner. Look. He’s slowing down a little because he’s looking for Carlos. Two different directions now?” Kaleb asked as he used his head to point towards Alex.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Thank you, Carlos. Nate nodded. “Now is the perfect time.” If he could get his eyes on Carlos, he may even be able to get him in a third direction. He pointed in one direction with a “I’ll go this way and you go that way. Then we can converge and hopefully throw him off his game enough to grab him.” With that, Nate took off the other direction, still not quite going his top speed but preparing for when he was going to have to sprint. Carlos, running off in the trees where he could see Alex but was pretty sure he was mostly out of sight, slowed now as he was tired from all that sprinting. He was going to have to get a second wind before he kept going.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Kaleb nodded, listening to Nate. “Okay. Got it.” He said, taking off the other way. Alex on the other hand had been looking for Carlos. And it was about that time he noticed that the other two were gone now. Oh boy. Alex started running faster but his stamina was slowly declining. He slowed down a little, eyes watching around him. Kaleb was running as he watched Alex slowing down more. Good. If they could wear him out, this will be a lot easier to win.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Carlos pushed a little faster, trying to find the others. He couldn’t see the others which meant they were probably doing something smart. He met a lot of people in his life, and these were some of the smartest people he’d ever known. As he ran, he caught sight of Nate who was way further out than he expected. What was the plan here? Because he wasn’t moving as fast as Carlos had seen Nate move before. Finally, he caught Nate’s eye and he moved his arms out to the side and the converged together. Oh, got it. So what could Carlos do? Hmm. He looked around trying to find Kaleb. Opposite direction to Nate? Ah. There he was. So if they were going from those two directions, then Carlos could be a distraction? Oh. Herding. If he was more obvious then maybe Alex would run from him. Got it. So he changed course and made himself more visible so that Nate and Kaleb could do their thing.
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[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan and Kaleb Price
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer | 19, 27 | Current location ;; Washington

Alex had slowed down again and was looking around. He caught movement and saw Carlos coming out from the side, but he couldn’t see the other two. He picked up speed again but he was slowing down. He knew it and he was sure the others did too. Kaleb saw it for sure. He looked around and saw Carlos had become more visible. Kaleb nodded and pushed harder, coming up out of the woods almost beside Alex, sending him moving away and towards Nate. They were going to get Alex.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews and Carlos Price
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist | 21, 25 | Current location ;; Washington

Carlos was getting very tired. He saw Kaleb moving closer which he could only hope that this meant that Alex would move closer to Nate. He couldn’t quite tell, because he slowed significantly. Breathing was going to become hard soon. He slowed to a light jog. Nate stayed in the trees, trying to stay out of sight as Kaleb moved in closer. As soon as Alex was closer, he pushed himself as much as he could possibly could to get to him. He pushed and pushed and pushed. He was closing in fast. Good. But if Alex noticed, that would be a problem. He looked back at the rest and made eye contact with Carlos as he rapidly disappeared. “Hey, Handsome!” Carlos called. “You still think you could win?” That may work. Nate ran, legs hurting, hoping that this would work enough to catch him.
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