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the-everlasting-dream · 6 years

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The Easiest Thing In The World - Dallas x MC

Summary: Dallas has been through some hard stuff and what shouldn’t be, suddenly becomes the easiest thing in the world.

A/N: Idk what compelled me to write this but I felt i had to after the latest chapter of BSC. I dont even like cowboy stuff so I have no idea where all of this came from. No one asked but idc this had to be done.

Word Count: 2200 (this was supposed to be 500 words!)

Warnings: None.

Tags: @choicessa , @meeraaverywalker , @drakewalkerwhipped , @quartzandarrow , @mfackenthal , @srawesleyghuewrites , @topsyturvy-dream , @enmchoices , @gardeningourmet @debramcg1106 , @alesana45 , @meladoridarcy, @blackcatkita , @tmarie82 , @annekebbphotography , @lizk77 , @jayjay879 , @tornbetween2loves , @akrenich , @theroyalweisme , @likethetailofacomet , @sleepwalkingelite , @littleblossom-18 , @ooo-barff-ooo

Running takes a lot of guts, a ton of fear and a dash of luck to be exact.

Dallas James knew that well.

Leaving hadn’t been easy. Leaving his mama, his friends, his whole life back in Tulsa and everything he knew because some jackass with attachment issues didn’t know when to quit. He’d been happy with Alex. They had that good old fashioned romance that played on Grandpa Wilbur’s worn out records that'd play on the brass gramophone when he'd coax to life every Saturday afternoon as he’d sit on the front porch watching the kids play jump rope. Alex was a good girl, pretty too, with that kind of smile that just warmed you up from the inside every time she looked at you. Dallas thought he was gonna marry her, he did. Heck he would have married her and by now they’d have given his mama at least two grand babies to chase round the house for bath time.

Dallas was a God-fearing man, like his mama had drilled into him since he’d been in diapers. But he couldn’t understand for the life of him, why God put men like Leeroy Davis on this earth. With a permanent sneer on his face and a shiny Glock glued from his belt, the star quarterback strutted around like he owned the place, doing whatever he wanted to whoever he wanted with a bunch of cronies worshipping the ground he walked on. That’s what you get when your daddy was the head council man and owned half the businesses in town.

Dallas couldn’t imagine how someone as sweet as Alex could have ever been with a jerk like that. He’d asked her once and she admitted she thought she saw something different that no one else did and she was determined he could change, determined to prove everyone wrong and show them that there was a good side to Leeroy Davis. Alex’s heart was always too big for her own good and thats blinded her to Leeroy's emotional manipulation. They’d been over for almost a year before Dallas had worked up the courage to ask her out and she’d agreed to see a movie with him at their local community theatre. He remembered neither hide nor hair of that film, he’d spent the whole time watching Alex instead, fascinated by how keenly she felt everything and how openly it showed on her face. By the time the credits were over, he knew he was smitten and by some miracle, she agreed to a second date and a third and a fourth.

He remembered the last time he’d seen her, dark hair tangled by the wind, tears pouring down those rose cheeks of hers, big eyes urging him to go, to take the best shot at escaping Leeroy and the jail sentence he’d placed over his head, while simultaneously she also pleaded with him to stay. She held his sobbing mama close, silently promising she’d take care of her and that last image, a final look thrown over his shoulder haunted him every day he was away.

Leaving sure as hell wasn’t easy but life on the run hadn’t been easier. He learned keep his mouth shut, not to ask questions and take work where he could find it. Doing odd jobs for almost no pay, picking up slack where they needed him to, he was never in one place long enough to get attached. Each place he’d been, he’d been treated with caution, kept at arms length, never trusted with anything other than manual labour. He was a black man in Midwestern America, it was nothing he wasn’t used to but that didn’t make it any easier. It wasn’t easy but he managed.

By the time he’d worked his way up to Montana, he’d been in more places that he could have counted and it was only by some miracle that the Oakleys had taken him on as a desperately needed farm hand. They were more than happy to take on someone who would work for the meagre rate they were offering. Dallas didn’t mind, work was work and as long as he had a roof over his head and something in his belly at night, it was enough. Cliff and his boys didn’t ask about his past and Dallas didn’t share. It worked that way and for a few months he was content. Not happy, just content. Sawyer was nice enough, Duke was tolerable, Cliff was, well, Cliff but together they had a lot of heart, something he’d missed since Tulsa. In the back of his mind, he knew he’d have to leave soon and it was the most sorry he’d been to leave. He’d been on the run from a past that would eventually catch up to him. He also knew that the further he ran, the sooner he’d run out of places to run to.

In fact, he'd been gearing himself up to break the news to Cliff that he was leaving when Jo went over to the Mendozas and he found himself needed more than anything. Sure Sawyer knew the farm like the back of his hand, Curly could handle the mechanics even Duke could hold his own with the herd with Cliff there to oversee everything but Dallas knew that losing him would be a huge blow to the Oakleys. He couldn’t in good conscience leave like that. Even with that city slicker, Dominique, whom Sawyer had picked off the side of the road, helping out, it still wouldn’t be enough.

Dominique was something else however. When he’d first rescued her from trampling Bessie, Dallas had given her two days before she was out of there, screaming for sparkling water, ducted air conditioning and a toilet that flushed without you thumping on it a few times. With a name as pretentious as that, he’d dismissed her immediately, being quite rude, almost hoping to put her off but she’d pushed back. She’d proved him wrong over and over through stubborn persistence or sheer volume of luck, he couldn’t quite comprehend how but there was no denying that the perfumed manicured city girl had cleaned out cow pads next to him, despite the risk of getting hay in her perfectly dyed brown blonde ombre locks. She hiked the Lonely Pine Trail — a hike not known for its easiness — with them all as per Cliff’s request without a single complaint. Wherever she was from, they were certainly made of harder stuff than he’d first assumed. Dallas had glanced over at her, taking in the lush scenery and the look of wonder on her face almost brought a smile to his own.

Smiling never came as easily as it did since Alex anymore. More important things like looking over his shoulder, avoiding the cops, landing a stable enough job had taken priority but he’d found his lips curving up more times in these last few days since he’d left Tulsa. There was something about her, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but she radiated a hopefulness that he hadn’t felt since Alex. For so long he’d abandoned any thought of a future other than one on the run that he’d failed to see the possibility that existed in the spaces in between. Dominique brought a fresh perspective to everything, a different mindset and viewpoint than the rest of them and perhaps it was part of her charm but Dallas caught himself looking forward to seeing her around.

It was when they had made camp for the night and everyone was laughing at Juliette’s latest antics that Dallas realised how easy this suddenly felt. He watched as Broolynne frantically waved the flaming marshmallow she’d been roasting while Asha’s brother Miles scurried to prepare another one for her as Duke and Sawyer watched on in interest, half listening to Juliette’s ramblings. Dominique was listening with rapt attention, her every emotion playing out on her face and he almost smiled at the sight. For a moment, there was no weight of a potential jail sentence hanging over his head, no risk of being discovered just a few friends hanging out around the campfire at night.

That’s when it hit him. This wasn’t a permanent reality. Leeroy Davis was still hackling for his head out there, his poor mama probably worried sick that he hadn’t written in ages and Alex… he didn’t know what to think about Alex…

Not wanting to ruin the mood with the scowl on his face, he’d slipped off for a walk to try clear his head before realising he’d been followed.

Dominique.

Dallas wasn’t surprised that she’d come after him, she seemed to be great at reading people, far better than he ever would be. He was surprised however at how easily they fell into step together, walking quietly, the only sound being the leaves and twigs crackling gently underfoot. He tried to keep his thoughts on track, his current rumination being how soon he could move on from Oakley ranch after surpassing his usual five month timeframe. Cliff’s condition and the financial situation hung in the balance leaving a great many factors unaccounted fo-

Dominique’s hand had slipped into his at that point, derailing his train of thought, bringing him back to the present.

‘You okay?’

After she’d hesitantly affirmed it, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze to reassure her. Not long later, they reached a small cliff over looking a huge lake lined with trees silhouetted against the brilliance of the night sky. The last light of day could be seen peaking over the horizon and above them, a crescent moon hung amid the glittering stars, spilling soft light onto the water below.

‘Its so beautiful,’ Dominique breathed as they took a seat, legs dangling over the precipice as they looked out at the scene.

‘Yeah…,’ he agreed, his eyes on her and the way the moonlight reflected off her dark hair. ‘Beautiful.’

She glanced over, blushing when she realised he was already looking at her before doing what she always did, guiding them into an light conversation that immediately set him at ease. Dallas was just beginning to enjoy himself when he caught himself too late replying with a vague comment that definitely piqued her curiosity. He should have realised she wouldn’t have let him get away with it and as she waited for his response, he raked a doubtful glance over her. He knew that spilling all his secrets to some newcomer was a bad decision, it formed an attachment, the last thing he needed right now, with thoughts of moving on and all. But her green eyes compelled him and he eventually gave in.

Sighing, Dallas related the real reason for leaving Tulsa and bringing up Alex was as painful as he’d predicted. He’d been holding on to it for so long, hiding it away in the deepest part of his heart and now bringing everything to the light was just such a relief. He found himself revealing all the details about his biggest secrets to a girl he’d barely known for two weeks. There was no logic in it but once he started talking, it felt kind of cathartic to finally share the burden with someone else. He kept his eyes on one patch of grass inching its way between the boulders they were sitting on as he talked, not wanting to meet Dominique’s gaze until he finished his story with edge to his voice.

Her eyes were filled with empathy and concern when he finally looked at her. ‘I’m sorry Dallas. I wish there was something I could do to help.’

He should have recognised her willingness and generosity to want to help out even if she’d barely known him but he was feeling too jaded to notice, leaning back to stare out at the lake for a long moment.

‘Thanks for telling me…’ She put in after a long moment. He simply nodded, not trusting his voice but recognised her empathetic tone.

Sharing so much wasn’t in his nature and after basically baring his soul to her, Dallas knew needed something to smoothen the mood so he produced his harmonica, the one his mama’d given to him when he was young. He hadn’t played in years — he’d had no reason to — yet he kept it with him all the time. Soon enough he was telling her about his dream to be a singer. His mama had had the music in her and she passed that down to him.

Dominique’s rapt interest was more entertaining than anything he’d ever witnessed, the way her face lit up when he announced he’d sing her the song he’d written and how her expressions changed with the lyrics. He never took his eyes off her, wondering how in the world a random girl from the side of the road had gotten him to open up like he’d never had with anyone else before. He didn’t know how and he could’t begin to guess how she made everything in his crazy, mess of a life seem so easy…

‘You’re something else, Dominique,’ he told her, unable to find words to properly express himself.

A grin grew on her features and as if by some magnetic force, Dallas found himself leaning in closer, the strange desire to kiss her on his mind. And when she leaned into him, a part of him hesitated a little, reminding him of his past again, who he was and all he risked by getting attached, but when her soft lips met his, kissing her back suddenly was the easiest thing in the world...

#dallas x mc #dallas james #big sky country #choices bsc #sawyer oakley #duke oakley #brooklynne oakley #juliette mendoza #bsc miles #choices #playchoices #choices fandom #choices fanfiction

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determinationandcaffeine · 7 years

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Some of these will not apply to many people so pls take them with a grain of salt. Also I’ve been collecting these pretty much for the two years I’ve been in college so it’s not a guide, they’re just… random I guess.

Making friends

Warning - specially tailored for super shy people aka me

There’s a thing called the ‘first week window of endless oportunities’. It’s when groups are still forming and everyone’s desperate to make friends. This is the time to put your best self forward (I’m not saying be fake, just a little extra friendly).

Leave. Your. Door. Open. Do it. Even if you have a roommate. Best way to make friends the first week.

Actually get out of your room. You’re not going to meet many people if you hole up in your room. If you have a tv room or people are watching a movie, I don’t care if you’re not interested in what they’re watching, go.

If you have the balls to go to the room nextdoor and introduce yourself then you probably can skip this section by all means do it!

But if you don’t, going from door to door asking for help with your laundry takes a lot less courage + you will learn how to do laundry. Asking to borrow something (pencil, hair tie, hair dryer) also works.

If you’re staying at a residence hall, ask to sit with people at lunch! Nobody is going to say no, i promise.

Similarly if you see someone alone, ask them to have lunch with you!

Also if you meet someone you get along with, as soon as you can, ask for their number ‘so you can go to the dinning hall together’.

Remember people’s names - it makes people feel like you actually care about them. I know it’s hard but make an effort. Also it just gets annoying when someone asks about your name for the fourth time. Use mnemonics if you have to.

Asking what someone’s major is and where they’re from is standard procedure when you meet them but it doesn’t make for an interesting conversation. Think of other questions!

Make sure to arrive about 10 min early to your classes. There’ll be very few people and so it’ll be easier to strike up a conversation (actually people will probably talk to you without you having to say anything which is g r e a t)

Say yes - as a rule of thumb, your social life should prevail over your academic life the first two weeks. This is the time where you’re not really pressed for time. Say yes to watching movies, say yes to going to lunch, say yes to going to campus events (and even to parties). Obviously don’t do anything that makes you really unconfortable but do try to step out of your comfort zone

Make friends with an upper-classman from your same major. Or at least be on speaking terms. Talk to them on Facebook, ask them about your major, just use any random idc excuse to introduce yourself, it doesn’t really matter how you do it.

Don’t go home every weekend, even if you live close by. You’ll miss out on the best of campus life and some of the most fun memories with your new friends.

Keeping your old friends

If you know you’re going home for the weekend, try to finish most of your assignments/studying and make time to hang out with your friends. Spending time with them is the best way to keep those friendships alive.

But! Don’t worry too much if you can’t come home or make time for your friends too often, you just have to make an effort to text them regularly. It will come naturally if it’s your best friend, but don’t forget to set a reminder to text other close friends at least once every two weeks.

You may think you don’t care now but you will once you come home for the summer.

If any of your friends are staying in your hometown for college, be ready for them to get another friend group. That doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about you, but don’t be mad if they seem to have a lot more plans that don’t involve you. You can always ask to tag along some time and maybe even become friends with these people!

Some people you’ll just lose contact with. Don’t fret it.

Organization

Please print out or buy a calendar that has a whole page for each month. With boxes preferably *shameless plug*. You may think you have it all under control but there’s nothing like being able to see all your due dates, hang out plans and laundry days at a glance. (Also js but the pilot frixion are perfect to use on calendars because they’re erasable).

Hampers are love. Hampers are life. Also they’re the only way your clothes won’t end up all over your floor and bed (..and chairs) so get one.

Health

Adding fruit and veggies to all your meals is very easy to do. And very easy to forget.

If you know someone who goes for runs regularly, ask to tag along! You’ll be more likely to keep active if you have someone who’ll drag you outside!

Get a mini fridge (if your dorm doesn’t come with one). It’ll be the best investment you’ll make in your entire college life. Also make sure to check in with your roommate beforehand so tbat you don’t end up having two fridges. And ask if they want to split the cost.

Academics

You will have some crappy professors. When that happens, the solution is not to cry over your (almost inexistent) notes and complain to whatever poor soul will listen.Find your recommended books, take a trip to the library, sneakily get them online.

On that note, you can find PDFs of almost any textbooks online if you just look for ‘textbook name pdf’. Yeah it’s not legal. Neither should be charging 100€ for a textbook. Yeah it’s probably not the latest edition. But email your professor about it, they usually don’t mind.

If your copy shops refuse to print out textbooks, go early in the morning or late at almost-closing time or just at a time where there isn’t anyone else there bc they’re a lot more likely to do it (not saying they will okay but there’s no harm in asking).

If you’re not a morning person, you’re not going to go to that 8am 8/10 times so if you can avoid taking it, do. Yes, you did it in hs but believe me, it’s different

Chances are you will have at least one Ridiculous Professor (a.k.a. one whose tests ask about literally every single detail). This is why it’s a good idea to look for past tests from this professor (or just ask an upper-classman. Seriously just make friends with an upper-classman) ASAP. And then make flashcards like a mad person.

If you’re too sick to get yourself to the ER and attendance is mandatory for that class, email your professor bc most times they won’t even ask for a doctor’s note. If attendance is not mandatory, don’t even bother.

Check how much your assignments are worth. Always. Stop spending time you don’t have on shit that’s worth 5%, just turn in something.

Semesters go by a lot faster because what you learnt in hs in a year, you now have to learn in half the time. My point? Start studying early.

It doesn’t matter how amazing of a student you were in hs, get ready for your grades to drop. How much they drop depends on you.

Partying

Partying may not be your thing and nobody will force you to go out. But I’d say try it at least once (preferably during the first week). Not just because of ‘the experience’ but because you might make some friends that way (I know if I’d stayed home I never would’ve met some of my best friends in college).

You’ll probably end up having to dress up at some point. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Also ask around, group costumes are awesome and you’ll come up with something faster than if you have to think of one on your own.

On a similar note, get a box to put your costumes in! At the end of the year (or when you finish your degree?) you can go through it and remember all the awesome times you had. Also some parts of old costumes will come in handy for new costumes.

This may vary from place to place but generally heels are only for very special ocassions, not a saturday night party.

I know that for some of you it’ll be your first time drinking so some random tips:

Don’t do more than 3 shots of absinthe in one night. DO NOT DO IT CHILD

You’re probably going to have a favorite drink freshman year and you’re most likely never going to want to touch it again by the end of the year. Choose wisely (meaning don’t do vodka because you’ll grow to hate it).

Avoid wearing really dark liquid lipsticks because after just one shot they look absolutely disgusting (butthole effect).

Drinks are expensive so when possible just pre-game (also smol tip - if you want to get the most out of your alcohol, add gummy bears to your pregaming cup. Don’t fucking do this if it’s your first time drinking)

I don’t recommend puking but it’s better than a trip to the emergency room and a convenient solution if you feel like shit.

Put a bottle of water beside your bed before you go out and chug it as soon as you get home. Thank me in the morning.

Hungover lectures are torture. Don’t skip class though, go and record it (ask your professor first obviously)

Depends on how safe your city is, but as a rule of thumb, let someone know if you’re going home and preferably wait until someone else wants to leave so that you don’t have to walk home alone.

Extra

If you need to write an email to a professor do it ASAP. Don’t put it off until let’s say 3AM. Not only won’t they respond in time but they can see what time it was sent.

Turn on nofications for your school email (and if you don’t have one ffs make one).

if your laptop is kinda crappy and slow, get a new one. That thing will become a part of your body, especially in higher years. Freshmen always think they won’t bring it to class to take notes. Ha.

Do Not DO NOT give up your hobbies - I know how overwhelming uni can be but hobbies are a part of who you are. If you erase that, only your major is left. You are not just your major so make time for your hobbies.

If you have a roommate don’t like… use the Attack on Titan opening as your alarm. It will get you a pillow to the head. Applies to any other ‘wake up time to die’ ringtones too.

Also please don’t let you alarm go off for too long because literally everyone on your floor can hear it and that shit is annoying

Just a suggestion but stop drinking coffee every day. That way it’ll be a lot more effective during finals week. (Drink tea instead).

Remember to not be defined by your high school self. Nobody knows that person where you’re going anyway. Is there a certain way you’ve always wanted to dress? Want to dye your hair? Want to try being that person who compliments and smiles at people? Anything you always wanted to try? Now’s the time to do it!

Anyway, that’s all! I hope this was helpful and can ease some of your nerves about college!