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

Josh heard that word made of steel and looked at Soren as he pulled from Jacob and stood beside him. He felt his cheeks flare red as he heard that and they stayed that way when he heard Carlos' agreement. "Love, it might make more sense to bring us along. Just in case. We can help get our boys out of any possible trouble." Josh said, Kaleb looked at Soren and then at Carlos. "A group of three trouble makers. Jade, Basira and Salim." Kaleb replied as he looked at Soren again.

Cameron heard Emmett's gasp of clearly fake shock and shook his head at his words. Alex smiled big and chuckled as he listened to them. Cameron saw the malicious grin and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at Emmett. His eyes were narrowed. "You must love spending time on the couch love. Because that's where you'll be for the next month." Cameron said as Alex took the dice and rolled, though he was still stuck and handed them to 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’s light smile that he had the entire time they were working with Kaleb and Carlos was now gone. “Joshua.” Carlos decided to ignore the argument that may or may not be able to happen and look over at Soren. “My troublemakers. Grew up with them when I had no one else in the QZ.” Hayden’s breath was ragged. “This wasn’t supposed to be part of the discussion.” Soren spoke over him towards Kaleb and Carlos. “Ah, so we’re doing this for family. In which case, I think that means we should use everyone that we can to make this a successful mission.” Hayden looked down at the layout of the Denver quarantine zone. He frowned. “Josh…”

Emmett was shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so. You see, I have other places to go.” He spun his attention dramatically around to the other two players. “You have room for a third, right? Now that we’re in such good standings?” Nate rolled his dice and quietly moved his little pieces around. He too had them all out on the board now. He shrugged. Emmett turned expectantly towards Alex. “If you don’t agree, I know Jordan will.”​

 

[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 Hayden, a small pout on his face. “I know it wasn’t supposed to be. But Soren’s got a good point. The more that go, the easier it will be and the sooner we’ll get home.” He stepped towards his husband and cupped his cheek. “Look, I know that we left this life behind. But he’s our family which means they too are family. It’ll be okay. I promise.” Josh said softly. Jacob looked at Soren and smiled, he knew that he’d do anything for family. “I’m not okay with you leaving but I’m okay with it because I know you have to do this.” Jacob said as Kaleb nodded. The more the easier it would be. Just like told Alex and Nate. Strength in numbers.

Cameron sighed dramatically as he looked at Emmett. He took his turn and decided to have a little mercy and moved his blockade. “Okay. I’m sure that Jordan would welcome you into his room. And Carlos too it seems.” He said as he shook his head and handed the dice to his partner.​

 

[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 hated it. He was all for this rescue mission, even was the one to suggest it, before the mission included Josh going as well. He knew that was selfish, but who wouldn’t be selfish after what they went through. It almost felt as though Josh was choosing FEDRA again, though he knew that was not what this was about. It was about family. It had always been about family. He placed a hand on the one of Josh’s that was on his cheek. “If you don’t come back, I will personally burn down all of FEDRA to find you.” Soren placed a hand on Hayden’s shoulder. “And that’s why I’m sad that we can’t take you with us too.” He turned to Jacob and pulled him into a hug. “I know. This time it won’t be as long. I promise. We have so many people on our side.” He turned to Carlos, Kaleb, and the map. “With a large crew like we’re going to have, this is going to work.”

“Oh, how sweet of you to finally move out of my way.” Emmett took the dice, and with one hand, he rolled them. With the other, he placed it on Cameron’s leg and squeezed. He moved a piece into home and released air like a deflating balloon. “Thank the makers, the dice, and whatever else possessed my beautiful love to be kind and merciful.” He slid the dice to Alex. “Take this opportunity and run before Cam decides to bring us all to a stop again.”​

 

[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

Joshua felt the hand on his and smiled warmly at Hayden. “I know you will. But you and Jacob need to be here to hold the fort down. Help Theo, Kai, Ezekiel and Eli with the little ones.” Josh said as he leaned in and kissed Hayden gently. Jacob smiled at Soren as he was pulled into a hug. “You better come back or I’m going with him to burn all of Denver down.” Jacob replied. “Now, let’s see this wonderful plan of yours.” He said as he pulled from Soren to sit down on the couch, looking at the map.

Cameron rolled his eyes at his partner and sighed. “Better be careful, I don’t have to be sweet and stay out of your way.” Cam said as he watched Emmett go and then Alex took his turn. He made it through the block without sending anyone back to start and almost got one in home. “Your turn my love.” He said, handing the dice to 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

“Why stop at Denver?” Hayden asked? The whole organization could burn for everything they had been through. Everything they personally and all of their families suffered. He moved to stand close but not too close. The rest needed to see it more. Soren plopped himself on the ground next to Carlos who was now describing what was going on with the map. “This is where we used to stay. I can only assume that they’re still there. I feel that Salim would have said if something drastic changed. Over here is how we got out the first time. We’re assuming they haven’t fixed that.”

Emmett pointed to Cam. “You’re just begging for me to come over there. Don’t think that I won’t just because we have friends with us.” Nate took the dice and rolled them. He was slowly chugging along though none were home yet. He chose not to capture one of Alex’s pawns and send it home. Instead, he moved a different one. He quietly put the dice in front of Cam.​

 

[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 shook his head as he heard that and looked at Hayden. “No. We’re done with that. This is a one time mission to get family.” Josh said with a soft sigh. “Should I wear my old General uniform? I’ve still got it.” Josh added as he turned to settle down beside Kaleb who was on Carlos’ other side. “The barracks are over here. Where we had our first kiss. And the guards were patrolling kind of infrequently.” Kaleb said, trying to remember the scheduling and the routes.

Cameron smirked at Emmett and winked at him. “No one’s stopping you.” He replied as he took the dice from Nate. He rolled his and got one pawn into home and the other close. “Look winning now.” Cam said with a grin on his face. He handed the dice to Emmett with a smirk on his face. He loved this, playing games with his partner and friends.​

 

[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 stood with arms over his chest. Done. He already thought they were done and yet here they were working on yet another mission. Carlos looked at Josh though Soren answered. “I’ve got mine too. Well, not General. I was never quite that invested.” Carlos looked over at Soren and decided he wouldn’t ask how invested he was just yet. He followed Kaleb’s description and hummed as he remembered their first kiss. That was a good kiss. Soren was surprised. “You had your first kiss in the barracks? That’s impressive. Tell me that story later. Infrequent guard patrol. That could be great or bad for us. Kaleb, you left not too long ago. They’re going to recognize you. And him. They’re definitely going to recognize him.” Carlos laughed. “Oh yes.”

Emmett snorted. “I believe I’m stopping me. If I come over there, who knows what could happen.” He rolled his dice and got his second one into home and a third close to it. “What was that? Are those the sounds of your imminent loss? Yes, it does appear to be that way.” He chuckled and handed Alex the dice. Nate scooched a little so that he could lean his head against Alex’s shoulder as they played.​

 

[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 Soren and nodded, smiling. “Yes. And on the way to Denver, we can talk about it.” He said with a grin. “Because it certainly was a kiss.” He added with a grin. Josh looked over at Hayden and sighed softly. “I know you’re mad.” He said as he leaned back on his heels. That hurt a little more than he wanted to admit. Kaleb looked at Soren and nodded. “That’s where the real problem will be. Even if we sneak in during the night, if we get caught, they’ll know us both.” He said as he hummed, looking over the plans.

Cameron groaned as he saw Emmett’s move. “That’s it. You’re out of the bedroom tonight.” Cam threatened as he watched Alex take his turn. Alex felt Nate’s head on his shoulder as he smiled happily. He rolled and moved getting two pieces into home and a third close. He handed the dice to Nate 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

Hayden didn’t respond. They had to be good for their sons. It was not fair to talk the way he was thinking. It wasn’t fair to them. Carlos groaned. “But we’ll have the two of you, Jordan and Asher, and Nate and Alex. That’s a lot of people. None of you guys will be recognized as Denver fugitives. And it’s been so long since you’ve been in that they wouldn’t recognize you two as the people who left right? Denver’s not by Seattle.” He felt like there was a plan somewhere. “What if you two are key? Distractions. Back up plans if things go badly. I don’t know. Kaleb?” Carlos was better at running in and blowing things up or taking fire. “Or maybe I’m the distraction? I’m pretty good at that. And everyone would follow me. Oh! You could take me down. How fun would that be?” Hayden finally sighed, looking at Josh. “I’m not mad. Later,” he promised.

Again, Nate moved his pieces after rolling. He was silent as the other two playfully argued. He was pretty sure he had it lined up well now. Ish. Emmett was not paying attention to what Nate was doing. He didn’t notice the nearing pawn of the one close to home. He didn’t notice the other pawn close to Cameron’s that was close to home. Not too close. Instead he was only paying attention to Cam. “That’s fine. Remember, I have other bedrooms just waiting on me with people who actually appreciate what I do for them.”​

 

[EquineGurl23]

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

Josh heard Hayden’s words and nodded. “Later.” Then he turned back to the map. “Carlos has a good idea. If we chase after him and maybe Jordan or even Nate. We could use that distraction to allow Kaleb to get the three out and then we slip away after we’ve ‘captured’ those two.” Josh suggested as he looked at the others. It wasn’t a solid 100% bombproof plan but it seemed pretty good for what they had to do. Kaleb nodded his head in agreement of that idea, and the possible plan.

Cameron wasn’t watching the other two. He was invested in watching Emmett. “Oh is that so? Well maybe I’ll find somewhere else to spend the night as well.” Cam replied as he took the dice from Nate after his roll and went. Alex, quietly, watched the board, seeing how the game was changing with each turn. ​

 

[icedthemoon]

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

If Denver was going to remember anything, it was going to be Carlos. He and his crew were behind so much when he was there that even the new people would know him. “They can’t resist this face. If I roll up trying to cause more chaos, I think we’ve got this made. No one will be paying any attention if we can do one of our spectacles.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m gonna need some paint.” He had so many ideas, and all of them required spray paint. How could they end this without it? “Josh and his general ways can take over. The only problem is if Kaleb’s dad shows up. He might notice something is off. Or Kaleb. And I don’t want that.” He took Kaleb’s hand. “But I will keep you safe. I promise.”

Emmett rolled the dice, though his eyes were still on Cameron. “Uh huh, and who are you going to go to?” He jabbed a thumb towards Nate. “Your bestest buddy and his adorable boy? They’re mine.” He looked away long enough to read the numbers. Since he was so distracted, he grabbed the pawn furthest from home and moved it. That was what Nate was hoping. Emmett went straight back to the conversation. He leaned in close to Cam, feeling the undeniable heat between them. “I bet they’ve got a nice comfy couch for 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 chuckled as he shook his head. “We’ve got plenty of that in the farmhouse. Are you going to paint me a new picture Strong Arms?” Kaleb asked as he kissed Carlos’ cheek. He felt his fiancé take his hand and his smile merely grew. “He won’t know what hit him if he does show up.” Kaleb said softly as he squeezed his hand. “So, we have a kind of plan in place. We can work on it more with Jordan and Asher. And when they come back, we leave.” He said, smiling. Josh nodded as he looked over at Soren. “Ready to be a FEDRA man again?” He asked with a teasing grin.

Cameron looked at Nate and Alex, and then back at Emmett. "I'll go find someone, maybe Carlos will let me in with him and Kaleb." Cam replied as he watched Em lean in close to him, his lip went between his bottom teeth as he heard that. "Yeah, they might. But I've got an even comfier bed all to myself with you gone to their place." He replied as Alex took his turn and then his attention returned his attention curiously to the other two.​

 

[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 brought Kaleb’s hand to his lips, gently running them across his skin. “Might just be the best one I’ve done yet. It’s going to take some planning though if I want it to be perfect.” And he did. He always wanted his work to be perfect, especially when it was for Kaleb. Everything was and had been for years now. He looked at the layout they had on this coffee table as Kaleb spoke. “Why don’t we leave this with them? I can draw another one with you at home for our grand finale. They might want this to plan whatever scary soldier thing they want to do.” Soren tossed his arm around Josh’s shoulders. “Guess it only makes sense I go back. I was FEDRA a whole lot longer than I’ve ever been anything else. I bet it falls right back into place and everything.” Hayden had already slipped out of the room. He should have been there to be supportive, but he thought it was probably better to not be there at all instead of being who he knew he was going to be.

If the dice rolled well, there were a couple of things that he could do. Nate had several plans, though they all depended on the numbers. No matter what it was, as long as he kept quiet while they kept busy, he could get it to work. He rolled. Emmett placed his head in his hands as he leaned in as close as he could without touching Cameron. “And what do you think you’re gonna do with that nice, big, empty bed all by your lonesome?” Nate as quietly as he could moved one pawn and swapped it with the one closes to Cam’s home and replaced that back into his start. He also did the same with the one closest to Emmett’s home. He put a finger to his lips as he looked at Alex. He picked up his dice and placed them near Cameron. “‘Kay, Cam, it’s your turn.” He was sincerely hoping that he wouldn’t notice. His Emmett shaped distraction might mean that either Nate or Alex could get away with a win.​

 

[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 the lips on his hand, feeling them running across his skin. "Is that so? I can't wait to see it." He said with a small smile. He looked back at the map and nodded. "We definitely can leave this with them, and we should head out my love. The boys will be done with school soon." Kaleb said, kissing Carlos' cheek. Josh looked at Soren, grinning as he felt the arm tossed around his shoulders. "We'll see if you can fall back into that." He said before he frowned, seeing Hayden was gone. "I'll be back guys." Josh said as he stood up, heading after his husband. "Hayden? Where did you go?"

Cameron looked at Emmett, seeing him lean in as close as he could without touching him. "Well, I can sprawl out completely, no bed hog taking up half the bed." Cam said with a smirk as he basically ignored Nate's roll. Alex looked at Nate and saw the finger to his lips and nodded. Cam took his turn and without realizing it, pulling his piece from the start with the five he got before he grinned and slid the dice towards Emmett. "Your turn handsome."​

 

[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

“Like riding a bike,” Soren thought out loud. He nodded to Josh as he disappeared. “We’ll let you know what we come up with a little later. Go get your boys and enjoy a nice evening with the family.” Soren turned and wrapped both of his arms around Jacob. “I certainly plan to.” He wasted no time in kissing his husband. “We did not get to finish that chapter.” Carlos stood with a hand out for Kaleb. “I think that’s our cue to go then. Thank you, everyone - or I guess only you two right now, for doing this for us. It means the world.” It really did. He came from nothing except these people that they were going to save, and now that he had something, they deserved it too.

Hayden did not want to retreat up the stairs. That would have been a little much. He did not feel as though the kitchen was far enough away since at any moment he could hear some sort of plan that he was absolutely not going to like. Instead, he stepped out the back, trying to close to the door quietly. He paced the yard for a few minutes before finally sitting on the gentle porch swing. He let the fresh air wash across him. Let it take away all of his struggles. He was not hiding this from Josh. He was not even choosing not to say something. This time, unlike so many other times, he was going to talk about it, but in front of everyone else was not the right time.

Nate merely smiled as his plan worked. He looked over at Alex and grinned. Emmett actually did not even look to see what Cam did in the game. He was too busy still staring at him to notice. “Sounds like an attempt to make your loss sound bearable. And awfully lonely. Maybe it’s because you hog the entire bed that no one wants to sleep with you.” Which was entirely untrue. Emmett always like to better when they were very much not on their own sides of the bed. He didn’t like to be lonely either. He picked up his dice, dropped them, rolled. He quickly scanned the board for one of his pieces, and one of them hopped over Nate’s piece that took out his other one and made it almost to home. He went right back to paying attention to only Cameron. Nate took the dice and handed them to Alex. “Here, Alex. It’s your turn.” He wondered if Alex could take out any more of them.​

 

[EquineGurl23]

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

Jacob smiled as he felt Soren's arms wrap around him as he looked over at the other two. He was quickly distracted by his husband kissing him. Kaleb nodded as he stood up, taking Carlos' hand. "I agree. And yes, thank you." He said as he headed towards the front door. "I wonder how their first day at school went." Kaleb said as he headed out of their house. Jacob looked at Soren. "Should we wait to see if they're okay or head home?"

Josh knew he didn't go upstairs, and so he checked the kitchen before glancing out into the back. There he was. Josh stepped outside and sat down on the porch swing beside him. He was quiet for a moment before a small sigh slipped out. "Okay my love. Talk to me. Everyone's gone and it's just us." Josh said, placing his hand Hayden's gently.

Cameron sighed heavily as he looked at Emmett. "Nope. It's not at all an attempt to make myself seem less lonely." He replied as he barely paid attention to even Emmett's roll. Alex took the dice from Nate when he handed them to him and he took his turn, managing to knock out one of each Emmett and Cam's pieces and putting his third piece right in front of his home. "Go ahead love." He said, handing the dice to 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

Carlos walked out of the house with Kaleb and down the street towards the school. “I am sure that it was wonderful. Well, I assume. I don’t actually know how that would go. But I like Eli and Theo a whole lot more than a bunch of those FEDRA guys so I can only assume this is better.”

Soren heard the back door open and close. He waited a moment as he listened for the potential bad that this could be. If it was like it used to be, then they would be able to hear it. He did not hear anything. “Maybe we can come back and check on them later?” He kissed Jacob again. “Or we can hope they are adults and know how to handle themselves.” He kissed him once more. “Come to bed with me. We have a date with Chapter 19.”

Hayden was thankful for the silence. It gave him time to settle into the new moment of them both being out there. “I don’t like it. It isn’t fair, it isn’t right, but it is. I don’t like you leaving. I don’t like you going back there. I don’t like you being one of them again.” His words were full of the emotion he hated that he had. There was no hiding it. He was an open book for Josh to read.

At this rate, they could take out Cameron and Emmett entirely and win before they would even look at them again. That was an interesting strategy to have now. Emmett shook his head. “I think you’re making excuses because if I wasn’t with you, you would be horribly sad.” Nate rolled and managed to get another one of his pieces into home and the last close. He chose to leave Emmett’s piece close to his home alone so that Emmett may think he had something to move. He whispered to Alex, “I think I like board games now.” He placed the dice next to Cameron. “Here you go, buddy.”​

 

[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 nodded as he heard Carlos, agreeing. “I think this school will be much better than the FEDRA schools. And I agree. I like Theo and Eli much better than the FEDRA teachers.” Kaleb said as they drew closer to the school. He was glad that they had something like that here in Jackson.

Jacob nodded as he looked at Soren. “I think that’s a good idea. I also think they’ve gotten much, much better at communicating about their feelings.” He said, smiling into the first kiss and then into the second. “Let’s go back home to bed. Chapter 18 left off on a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for chapter 19.” Jacob said, taking Soren’s hand and leading him out the door and back to their home.

Josh took Hayden’s hand in his own and squeezed it gently. “My love. I’m not one of them anymore. I’m not going to be gone long, maybe a couple weeks at most. You have Jacob, Kaiden, Theo and the boys. Ans When I come back, I’ll have three new members of our family.” He said, shifting so he was sitting sideways and he could coax Hayden to look at him. “I promise I’ll be back.”

Cameron should’ve been paying attention. But he was too intrigued by the man in front of him. “I would never make excuses. And I would not be horribly sad if you weren’t with me.” Cam said stubbornly. He took the dice when Nate placed them next to him, rolled and moved his farther piece the amount. He slid the dice to Emmett. “Here you go. Your turn.” He said. Alex chuckled as he heard Nate’s whisper. “Me too.” He whispered back.​

 

[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 knew what any school was like. He did not think that he needed it so much anymore. He wanted to know what it was like for the boys. He wanted to know how to be better. Thankfully, he was feeling better about that now that he realized that no matter how prepared or in the know someone is, they still might not be prepared. Even prepared people weren’t prepared. It was comforting. “I think this is going to be great. And if these boys learn more than me, I might join them.” He laughed as they reached it. “Can we just go in?”

Hayden stared out into the yard, watching the leaves of a tree gently sway in the breeze. “I know.” He didn’t. He knew it was different now. He knew that this would not be the same. However, he was a little afraid that maybe Josh would step back into that role, even for pretend, and some of that would come back. Everything they worked to move passed for both of them would come back to stay. Hayden was afraid of losing them again. He reluctantly turned his head. “I know,” he repeated. “But I also don’t. I don’t know that you’ll come back. What if something goes wrong, and you don’t come back to me? Or what if you don’t but you don’t come back to me like this? What if you’re different?” He pulled his attention away again. “What if I am? What if I can’t do this-“ He took in a sharp breath. “What if I can’t do this without you?”

Emmett was only aware that it was his turn because Cam said so. “Oh yeah?” he asked as he raised on hand though not to get the dice. “You think you’d be perfectly swell without me?” He ran a finger down Cam’s nose and booped him at the tip. “Because I don’t think you would even know how to exist without me.” His finger fell down Cam’s lips as he rolled his dice. He turned to look at the number and looked out for something to move. Only he couldn’t. He blinked. “Wh-what? Where?” He looked from Nate to Alex. “You sneaky little boys. Me and Cam? Huh. Well played. I can’t move.”​

 

[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 listened to him. "I can picture you with Theo in school, you'd never get anything done. You'd both get distracted." Kaleb replied with a laugh as they got to the school. He looked at the building and then at Carlos and shrugged. It was about that time when kids of various ages from five to sixteen came running out of the building. Once they were gone, Eli was walking out with Killian and Rowan. "See? There they are." Eli said as Killian giggled and pulled free, running to Carlos with a big smile.

Josh listened to Hayden, squeezing the hand he held gently the whole time. He looked at him, seeing him pull his attention away. "Hey, come on. Look at me. I won't come back different. I'll still be me, the me that will talk to you and won't get distant like I did. I've shed that completely. And you'll still be the same wonderful man I know and love. You've got Jacob and Kaiden with you. I know this is scary, that these fears exist and it is perfectly valid to feel them. But know this, I will come back to you as I am now. And you, the strong, handsome and intelligent man I know, will be waiting for me."

Cameron nodded as he heard his words. "Yeah, I do think that." He said, grinning as he felt the finger run down his nose, and the boop at the tip of it. "Is that a challenge?" Cam asked as he felt the finger fall down his lips. It was then that he too looked at the board and chuckled. "They played us with each other." He said with a grin as Alex took the dice. "Yep." Alex said as he rolled, and got his final piece just about home. "Here you go love." Alex handed the dice to Nate with a grin.​

 

[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 honestly, he could also picture himself with Theo running around a school not getting anything done, and he did not even know how school worked. He stood still as the children ran out of the building. He had not expected to see such varying ages. He watched in amazement as all different children came out. He was about to ask if the boys would still be inside when there they were. Carlos immediately bent down with wide open arms so that he could capture little Killian and lift him up into the air. “If it isn’t my brave boy!” Rowan waved towards them fervently though kept Eli’s hand.

Talking and communication was their biggest flaw for a long time. Choosing not to voice their concerns was exactly what got them to their worst. Pretending like none of it mattered was how they made everything matter more. He needed to say more, even though saying the words was so hard. “It’s more than a fear.” He still looked away as he tried to gather those words that he was determined to share. “It’s this deep down knowing. Knowing that you’re going to go back to the place that took you away from me. What happens if they catch you? What happens if something horrible goes wrong, and you can’t get back to me? I spent years and years thinking about how you might not ever come home. And now I have to wait weeks for you to hopefully come back?”

Emmett abandoned his chair as he looked at this board. Somehow, the other two were able to slip right under their noses and pull out almost wins for them both. Alex had three pieces in home and one close. Nate had wo in home and two close. Emmett and Cameron had only two pieces in each and he did not even have any out. How was he supposed to get around that? He stepped over to stand behind Cameron’s chair, draping his arms around his partner from behind. “My sweetest, has anyone ever been able to use us against us like this before? I am wildly impressed.” He rested his head on Cam’s. Nate shrugged. “You guys seemed like you needed a moment with all that ugly that was happening over there.” He rolled and moved one of his pieces into home. He placed the dice by Cam. “But I’m sure you can figure out how to beat us now, because you are the game experts.”​

 

[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 chuckled as they walked and his eyes widened at the different children running out of the building. Then he saw his boys and the smile on his face was so wide. He waved to Rowan before kneeling down and opening his arms for the little one. "Hey buddy! How was school?" Kaleb asked with a smile on his face. Killian giggled and laughed as he was lifted up into the air. His arm was doing much better today though it was a little sore. "Dad!" He cried happily.

Josh looked at Hayden, hearing his words, seeing him still looking away. "I know I'm going back there, to them. I'm sorry that this is something you feel is going to happen. But there are a few huge differences here versus back in Seattle. I've got you to come back to, I've got our family coming with us, and you know that Soren won't leave me behind and he's going to come back to Jacob. It's not a hope that I'll come back, it's a promise." He said softly. "Please look at me? Look in my eyes, and you'll see that I'm telling the truth."

Cameron laughed as he felt the arms draped around him from before and flicked his gaze up. "No. No one has been able to play us against each other before." He replied as he felt the head rest on his. Cameron looked at Nate, smiling. "You're good. Both of you." Cam said, a sigh slipping out a moment later. Cam took his dice and bit his lip. He rolled and moved a piece out of home. "Okay love, I think we might have lost.."​

 

[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

Rowan looked up at Eli, face shining with the joy of the day, and then let him go so that he could run until Kaleb’s arms. “It was so fun! We did a lot of stuff and played a lot and had weird snacks.” Carlos was careful around his sore arm. He listened to Rowan. “Did you two have the best day in your whole life?” When he asked it like he was equally and maybe more excited than them, how could they say no? Rowan giggled. “Yeah!”

Hayden knew that Josh was right, or at least that Josh meant what he was saying. Josh believed that all of this was enough to bring him home again. “You have your family here. You have Soren with you all the time. Kaiden and Theo are always ready to jump to your aid.” Finally he turned his head so that his watery eyes on the brink of tears could look at Josh. “The threat of the world is so much less here, and I still, every day, am afraid that you aren’t going to come home. Any of you. I know you wouldn’t leave me on purpose. Not anymore. I know Soren will always fight for you, and if anyone can get you out, it’s him. These are hopes. This is incredible luck. Here, you come back every day. We are talking weeks, Josh. Weeks of not knowing.” Every fear from the very beginning of the outbreak came flooding back in. A much younger Hayden curled in a chair that he shoved by the front door of the Smith family house. He had never been as afraid in those moments.

From where he still stood behind Cameron, Emmett watched the move and sighed. “There’s still hope.” He took the dice from in front of Cam and rolled them right where they already were. He knew that there was little point in sitting down now. No fives. “Mm, on second thing, I think you are right.” He rewrapped his arms around Cameron. “Okay, which one of you is going to make it home first?” Nate smiled at Alex. “I guess we will find out.”​

 

[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

Eli smiled as he watched Rowan let go and run towards the two men. Kaleb smiled as he wrapped his arms around Rowan and lifted him up. He set the little one on his hip as he listened to him. "Oh really? What kind of weird snacks did you have?" Kaleb asked, kissing the top of Rowan's head gently. Killian giggled as he looked at his dad then at Rowan and Kaleb. "Yes!" Killian agreed, nodding his head happily.

Josh heard his words and then saw the watery eyes of his husband. He cupped his cheek with his free hand and brushed his thumb over his skin gently. "Baby. I don't know how you feel, I do know that you've struggled with these kinds of fears and demons ever since the beginning. And I wish I'd been able to help you back then. I know it will be weeks, and how about this. We'll use the radio that they called Carlos' family on when we get there and before we head out?" He asked as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to the corners of his eyes, one side then the other. He pressed his forehead to Hayden's. "I'll be back. I promise. Nothing and no one can keep me from you."

Cam watched as Emmett went and shook his head. "I think it'll certainly be interesting to see who wins." Cameron said as Alex grinned and took the dice. "I guess we will." He said as he rolled and brought his piece close to home. He was only four steps away but he'd need to get a four or a combination of to win. "Your turn my love."​