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warnersister · 12 days

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Personal Space (two Bradshaws like it now)

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Reader

Summary: A sequel in which you love your personal space. Unfortunately, Bradley also loves your personal space. Even more so now you’ve had a baby, apparently.

Can be read as a part 2, but doesn’t have to be. Read Personal Space here

You really didn’t know when it all happened, when you and Bradley became a thing. At first he was just an annoying crew member you couldn’t shake off your tail. Then he was your wingman. Then you got accidentally placed into marriage accommodation and the two of you played it off so you could get better housing. Then you actually bought a house. And then somewhere along the way you got married.

“Where shall we have the wedding?” Bradley asked and you raised a brow “register office” you shrug “what you don’t want a wedding?” He asks, hand on his chest as he feigns offence. “You do?” You ask and he nods vigorously. You huff. “Fine” “so shall we do it on the beach?” He asks “okay” you just go along with it, hardly even entertaining the idea at all.

“So? What do you think?” Nat asks as she makes you pivot in a white gown “I think I look like a roll of toilet paper” you said, crossing your arms “maybe it’s just not the dress for you?” She reasons and you shake your head “just not really into the whole idea of this wedding. I kinda thought we’d just sign papers and get on with it” you said “well you picked Bradshaw, he’s a drama queen at the best of times” she says and you him in agreement; your consultant leading you back to the fitting rooms “let’s try another”.

You’d left with a sleeved dress; hating the idea of having a low cut dress, and begging Nat to just let you leave. Sure, you loved the dress - but you loved the idea of getting out of that suffocating shop more.

“Hey honey” Bradley had said, hearing you walk into the house and set your keys on the kitchen counter. “Hi” you reply shortly, moving to fill your cup with water from the sink. “How was your day?” He asked, moving to rest his head on your shoulder and holding you from behind. “Good. Bought a wedding dress” you say simply “you did what?!”

Then on your wedding day, you’d stared at yourself in the mirror far too long. “You look gorgeous” Penny whispers, squeezing your shoulders comfortingly “I look like a fucking pin up doll” you huff, not necessarily believing yourself - just not used to being such a central perspective of attention. “Wow” your dad says, walking into the room “you look gorgeous” he whispers “is there an echo in here?” You mumble, but smile at him “thank you” you say, wiping the tears from under his eyes. “C’mon, Bradley’s nearly about to come get you himself”

You showed up to the beach-front wedding right on time, completely dead against the idea of being in any way, shape, or form late. Your father gave you away, Bradley in floods of tears at the end of the isle by the time you’d gotten there. “You look incredible” he whispers, lips quivering as he stares at you “shut up you’re going to make me cry.” You grumble, but smile. “It’s okay to cry.” He says, as the ceremony begins. “You may now kiss your bride” and Bradley dipped you and kissed you sweetly, drowning out the cheers of those around you. “I love you, Bradshaw.” You say, smally, “I love you more, sweetheart” he says and kisses your forehead “you’re crying” he points out “shut up”

And then you looked at the two lines on the pregnancy test two years later. You hummed “okay” and looked at yourself in the mirror, knowing nothing else other than the fact that you had to tell Bradley right that second. You marched downstairs, where he was sat playing with some keys on the piano you’d bought him last Christmas, stopping next to him. “Hey baby, y’alright?” He asked, and you just held out the stick to him. “What’s this?” He asks, taking it from you and looking over it once. “You serious?” He asked, looking at you; smile growing from ear to ear “you’re pregnant?” He almost whispers “unless the other four lied.” you say and he jumps up and pulls you into his arms, kissing all over your face until you shouted at him to stop.

He knelt down and looked at your stomach, kissing it gently then moving to put his ear against it “uh huh” he hummed “Bradley what are you-” “shush I’m talking to em” he says and you stand, unimpressed, but let him nonetheless. “Oh yeah baby, I’m excited to meet you too” he coos “yeah, yeah, I’m your dad” and you audibly giggle. He looks up at you, eyes wide “you done?” You ask and he nods “yeah little one was done talking” he smiles, and hugs you close again. “I need to get the baby clothes out of the attic” he mumbles, kissing your temple “the what?” You ask “I bought them when we started renting the house!” He says, dragging you excitedly up the stairs “but we own the house, Brad” you him “no, no, the one we had during the mission!” He says and you gasp internally, realising how long the two of you had been together without even noticing it.

“Hey dad” you say, as you and Bradley head into the hangar he and you owned “hey honey, hey Brad” your dad greets, wiping the oil from his hands to come over and talk to the two of you. He kissed your forehead and hugged you, then your husband before walking back over to the aircraft he was working on. “Thought you needed a new picture for your pinboard” you hum “oh? I just added the wedding photo!” He says, excitedly, showing you the filled gap. “Okay, guess you don’t want the sonogram of your grandchild.” You say, turning to head out before Bradley hurriedly grabbed you and turned you back into the situation, pulling the strip of photos from his breast pocket. Your dad stood with his jaw wide open “you’re-” he breathes “you’re really pregnant?” He asks as his eyes well with tears “well I wouldn’t lie-” you say but he just pulls you into a big bear hug, pinning Baby Bradshaw’s picture onto his board.

You head to go look at the part of the engine your dad couldn’t quite fix while Bradley held back with Maverick. He turns to him and shakes his hand “your dad would’ve been so proud.” He says, smiling at Bradley “I know you are.” Rooster smiles, wordlessly being pulled into a hug with his father-in-law.

Then one evening you were sat up in bed, Bradley sound asleep beside you as you look down at the barely visible bump. Bradley had sort of a sixth sense, somehow knowing you weren’t asleep beside him. “Hey, baby what’s up?” He croaks, immediately moving to sit up with you when he sees his senses were correct. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, Bradley.” You say, staring ahead at the wall “what do you mean?” He asks, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. “I mean I’m a fighter pilot, I was raised by a single father, I never had that maternal instinct, what am I doing?” You whisper, and when Bradley managed to finally pull your face towards him you were crying “oh sweetheart” he hums, pulling you into him gently “you’re gonna be the best momma ever, and the fact that you worry proves that. I love you, okay?” He comforts “I know. I love you too.”

You were stubborn the whole pregnancy. You thought it was ridiculous that people just stopped when they were pregnant, and Bradley was trailing you trying anything to get you to just relax. “Hen, please!” He begs as you head out for your morning run “I’m three months pregnant, Bradley. I’m not incompetent.” You snap, as he begrudgingly pulls on his running shoes and follows you out the door. He pulled you back anytime you went quicker than a 10 minute mile “Bradley, if you slow me down one more time I’m going to pull your arm out of your socket” you snap and he holds his hands up “message received.”

Then one day, at around the sixth month mark you walked into the house and slammed the door so hard it rattled. “What’s up?” Bradley asked, as you practically threw your stuff on the floor. “They’re putting me on the desk.” You grumble, anger evident in your eyes while his soften “oh baby we knew that was gonna happen” he soothes, rubbing your arm reassuringly “no! No we didn’t! I was perfectly fine hiding the bump, but no!” You huff “I’m Bradley Bradshaw and all of California has to know my wife’s pregnant!” You imitate him but he just smirks “oh I’m so sorry that everyone needs to know you’re taken and carrying my baby” he says, smugly. “Don’t you smile at me Bradley-” you wag an accusatory finger at him, but he heaves you over his shoulder, and towards the stairs “c’mon, let’s help you blow off some steam” he reasons “y’know it’s possible to get pregnant while pregnant, right?” You ask and he cheers “woohoo! Two for one deal, sounds great!” He says and you can’t help but smile.

Then came your maternity leave, Bradley picked you up in his bronco. You were quick to head outside, and he kinda hated how well you hid the bump. “I’m done.” You huff, settling into the seat beside him “if that bitch from accounting asks me one more time if I want her herbal teas I’m going to knock her teeth out” you complain and Bradley chuckles “well, just me, you and Baby Bradshaw now” he says and you hum in agreement.

But when you approached your street, you rolled straight past your house and straight to the Hard Deck ‘congratulations on your baby’ banners plastered all over “welcome to our baby shower!” Bradley grins as you pull up “is this really necessary? They aren’t even here yet.” You tell him and he shrugs “thought it might take your mind off maternity leave” you smile at him “thanks, Brad”

And at one point in the evening, you sat Natasha and Bob down separately. “Hey Phoenix, can we borrow you?” Brad asked, pulling her away from her conversation “yeah of course guys!” You took a seat at a table and Bradley forced you to elevate your feet against your will. “What’s up?” She asks “how’d you like to be godmother to little Bradshaw?” Her eyes lit up when Bradley asked and she leant over the table to hug the two of you “oh I’d love too!” She announces, excitedly.

Then you head over to Bob, but Phoenix holds Rooster back “they have a special connection, let her do this”. You sit on the stool next to Bob and he offers you some peanuts which you refuse, and you stay sat in silence for a minute. “Bob can I ask you something?” You ask, as he pulls your calves up to rest in his lap “of course, hen” he says, brushing some crumbs off his top “what’s up?” “Well, the job we’re in isn’t an old job” you say and he laughs and agrees “it’s also dangerous” you say, and again - he nods. “So if anything happens to me and Brad, can you be there for little Bradshaw?” His eyes widen and start to swell with tears “will you be our godfather?” You ask and he nods, moving to miss your cheek “of course I will, hen. I’d be honoured.”

Bradley and you had started putting together your hospital bag at the 8 month mark. You were both premature so had a bit of superstition, especially with only being a few weeks off of the 40 mark. You’d placed the bag by the front door, along with a baby carrier in the middle seat of his Bronco.

It was week 38 when you were both putting together the crib beside your bed, two spare bedrooms and still you only wanted your baby beside you. “Okay all done, baby” your husband said “okay. My water broke three minutes ago” you say as calmly as he had, he nods, then whips his head back round “your water broke?” He asks and looks down, and indeed, your water had broken “oh my god your water broke?!” He announced, picking you up bridal style and carrying you out to the bronco, picking the hospital bag up on the way. “Ready to have a baby?” He asks, giddily. “Am I supposed to be?” You ask and he shakes his head with a smile “no”

You were dead silent during birth and it scared the shit out of Bradley. “Do you want an epidural, honey? They’ve offered-” “no.” “Can I get you more ice?” “No.” And he tried everything, even when it was time to push. You held his hand and your mouth was zipped shut. “Is she supposed to be this quiet?” He asked the doctor who just looked at him nonchalantly “it’s normal, all mothers react differently to birth” he said. “I’m a fighter pilot Bradley. I’ve had worse.” You grit. “Breathe baby” he tells you “I think you need to.” You say “stop being dramatic” you say as you push again “honey-” “either shut up or get out.” You tell him and he glues his mouth shut, at least until the baby comes.

Bradley cuts the chord and they hand you your baby, and your eyes widen as you stare at the baby on your chest “welcome to the world Nick Bradshaw” you coo at the baby and Bradley raised his brows “Nick?” He asks, voice cracking “what? Got a problem with that? You and your stupid dick” you grumble and Bradley laughs and shakes his head, kissing your forehead.

“Hey mom, shall we take baby so you can get some rest?” The nurse asked, leaning to take Nick from your arms “excuse me?” You asked, pulling your baby closer. “So you can sleep?” She suggests “I’ve carried him for nine months and now he’s here you’re taking him away?” You ask “well, some mothers like to sleep” “I can sleep when I’m dead.” You deadpan, and she realised that Nick wouldn’t have been pried from your hands even if you were dead, so she left you all alone.

“Taking you away from mommy? Who does she think she is?” You whisper to baby Nick. “Welcome back to the world, Bradshaw.” You say and Bradley can only smile and hold the two of you close.

You’re going to be just fine in this mommy role.

——————————

Part 2-ish? I know it was really well liked and I enjoyed writing it so hope you enjoy this one too!

-> @rosiahills22 here’s another one!

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warnersister · 13 days

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Personal Space

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x reader

Summary: you love your personal space. Unfortunately, Bradley also loves your personal space.

You never understood why Bradley stuck around. Since the academy you’d preferred to stick to yourself; get your head down and get the job done. Especially with a surname like Mitchell. You didn’t want your father and grandfather’s reputation to negatively proceed you, and by the time people had put two and two together as to whom loins you came from: you’d made your own reputation so Maverick never made much of a difference to it.

But still, having dinner in the mess you’d sat down, when someone came and thudded down next to you and began eating themselves. “I’m Bradley” he said when you finally looked up at him. You raised a brow “Bradshaw?” You ask and he nods: you recognise him from the photos your dad pinned up in your two’s hanger. You hum “and you are?” He asks “not important.” You reply, deciding you’d lost your appetite and stood to clear your plate “good talk!” Bradley said, but you were already walking away.

He’d next encountered you when you were running around the academy, early morning; before any naval training would take place. He hummed and decided it was perfectly acceptable to interrupt your jaunt with his presence. “Hey! Up so early?” He asks as he tries to match your pace from a standstill “could ask you the same.” You reply bluntly “well I wanted to get a run in before-” “well there’s your answer.” You reply, cutting him off. “You run really quick.” He says as you try to keep your pace increasing to shake him off “goodbye, Bradshaw.” You say, pulling your sunglasses over your eyes and taking off at a pace he couldn’t sustain. He just stops and shakes his head smiling, you were funny.

Eventually, you’d both gotten up in the air and were quick to earn your callsigns “Rooster” and “Hen”. Bradley earned his because he was up before the chickens, you’d earned yours because the chicken kept fucking following you around like you were his mother. You were sat on the aircraft carrier, your trainee group learning how to land on a ship deck and you’d finally gotten a moment of peace that evening. You sat on the edge of the deck, feet dangling over the edge as you watched the sunset, not moving when you hear someone slip into the space between the barriers beside you.

“Oh look my chick is back.” You mumble sarcastically and Bradley laughs loudly at you. “You love me really” he says, looking at you as if he wanted to you agree with him “you seem to keep telling yourself that, don’t you?” You hum, turning to watch the sea lap against the grey metal. You can feel him fidgeting beside you, as if antsy to say something. “What?” You ask, finally turning to look at him. “What?” He repeats, looking at you with raised brows “you want to ask me something. You’re fidgeting.” You point out “so ask me or fuck off” you say, turning away again. “Your last name is Mitchell” he says and you roll your eyes “you can read and hear. Two things I’ve learnt today.” You huff, again, with sarcasm. “Are you related to Pete Mitchell?” He asks, looking at you and nearly holding his breath “you finally put two and two together?” You ask and he lets out the breath.

“Yeah, he’s my dad.” You say after a while “I was a whoopsie baby my mother didn’t want anything to do with” you tell him. “He used to fly with my dad.” Bradley almost whispers, voice just a few octaves above. “I know” you nod “he’s practically wallpapered all over our hanger.” You say “so are you” you eye him. “He pulled my papers” he says, again after a few moments of silence “I know” you say “do you know why?” He asks “yes.” You reply, and he could tell you weren’t going to elaborate. “Y’know I’m not a fan of your dad, but I really like you.” He says and you just look at him with a blank face. “Yup” you hum to yourself and he raises a brow “just as Mother Goose was described” you say, and Bradley’s face immediately lights up with a huge grin, stretching and arm around you and pulling you into his side.

“Get off me.” “Yup, yep, sorry.”

For your first deployment, the academy set it up that you’d at least be with one person from your training squadron, and today the list of names were coming out; they were scribbled on the back of a napkin and pinned to a notice board.

“1. Haywood & Solomons, 2. Hughes & Shelley & Omaha, 3. Cooper & Parker & Cromwell & Smith, 4. Bradshaw,” you crossed your fingers as someone read out the names, then yours was read alongside Bradley’s “oh for god’s sake” you grumble, turning to see Bradley practically jumping for joy. “This is great! Me and you, Hen!” Rooster cheers and you just stare at him “should’ve called you leech cause you’re acting like one. Calm down.” You instruct and he tries to chill out, but the cheeky smile on his face was indiminishagble.

He only became more unbearable then, with you every working hour, your wingman on the missions you’d fly, inseparable despite your complaints. “Where’s your boyfriend?” Hawk asked you, as he came to sit with you for lunch. You shush him loudly. “Woah woah I only asked where he was.” “Speak his name and he shows up. I’m trying to hide.” you say in a hushed voice “plus he isn’t my boyfriend” “sure” he scoffs but the daggers being shot into his head silenced him easily.

“Hey Hen! Hawk” Bradley greets as he sits down. You grunt and point an accusatory finger at Hawk “this is your fault, jackass” you say and he laughs at you, him and Bradley engage in conversation as you just eat, having learnt the skill of drowning him out. “What about you, Hen?” Hawk asked, drawing your attention away from your plate and up to the two men alongside you, you raise an eyebrow - letting them know you were insinuating that you weren’t listening to their conversation.

“Do you want a family?” He ask and you just nod “really?” Hawk asks “that’s cute, didn’t take you for a family gal” he jokes and you harshly kick his leg under the table “kids and everything?” He asks after the pain subsides. “Yup.” You say and Bradley hums “I didn’t know that” he says and you just look at him “you never asked.” You reply simply, and that was true: he hadn’t. He was quite prepared to spend the rest of existence chasing after you, whether that meant giving you your first kiss on your deathbeds.

The two of you even went to Top Gun together, training to be the finest naval aviators of them all. And boy, you two fought to be the best; tongue and teeth, blood sweat and tears, everything. The decision came down to one final dogfight. “May the best aviator win” Rooster jokes, sticking out a hand to you. You eye it and internally question if you were insane, before leaning up to peck his cheek. “Prepare to loose, chicken.” You say, leaving him frozen in his place while you head to your plane. That day, Bradley was seriously off his A-game, and you came out on top.

A Mitchell finally Top Gun.

“Congratulations!” Bradley says excitedly on graduation day when you victoriously lifted the trophy above your head. You turned to him and he leant down slightly - you weren’t stupid, you knew what he was intending to do. “Thank you, Brad.” You say, turning to walk over to where your father was stood - knowing that was probably the only time Bradley wouldn’t follow you. That was the first time you’d ever called him anything short of Bradley Bradshaw.

“I’m so proud of you honey” your dad says, hugging you tightly and you embrace him back, smiling widely “thank you, dad” you respond and he looks behind you where Bradley was stood a while back, watching the ordeal. “Is that-” “yes” you tell him and your dad just looks at you “I wouldn’t get all teary he follows me like a lost puppy” you grumble but he just grins “he’s a good kid, hon.” He says and you shake your head “he’s definitely something”

“So how does their relationship work?” Bob asks Hangman, watching Bradley talk your ear off and you just staring ahead into space, blankly. “You see Bobby my boy,” Jake begins “Hen loves her personal space” Bob nods “Rooster also loves Hen’s personal space.” Bob nods again, now understanding. “Haven’t they done everything together though?” He asks “I think it’s more the fact that Hen does something and Rooster just kinda goes with it” Phoenix said and Bob hums, as Bradley continues to converse one-sidedly with you.

“He means well” you hear from beside you as you stare out from the hanger, turning to see your honorary uncle Tom walking towards you, you run towards him as he embraces you tightly “hey Ice” you smile, sweetly. “Hey sweetheart” he croaks. “I mean what I said.” He states and you raise a brow “he means well” he nods towards the man doing his required push ups on the ground with Hondo. “I know, Ice.” You tell him. “No, I don’t think you do” he hums and you raise your eyebrows at him. “The kids in love with you. You’ve either got to let him in or tell him to get out.” He says, “you’re living together for goodness sake”. “It was cheaper” you argue “we both know the accommodation is subsidised.” He states, matter-of-factly, patting your shoulder as he turns to go talk to your dad when he walks into the room.

It was true, you and Bradley were sharing accommodation. “Hey Hen, they’ve offered us shared accommodation back in Miramar” Bradley says, coming over with a pamphlet. “Why?” You ask, taking it out of his hands. ‘Married couple accommodation’ it states and you raise your brows “you getting ahead of yourself, Bradshaw?” You ask and he shakes his head “the guy assumed our callsigns were cause we’re a couple” he tells you and you just hum. “Well I’d rather stay there than in an apartment.” You say simply, giving him back the leaflet and refocusing on the plane you were working on repairing. “Seriously?” He asks, voice overly hopeful. You look at him and shrug “just go get the damn house, Bradshaw. Before I change my mind!” You say and he grins, turning and breaking out into almost a jog to head to confirm your living situation.

You take a moment of hesitation, before loudly groaning and heading out onto the tarmac, getting down and doing push ups alongside Rooster. He turns his head and looks at you and you just raise your brows at him. “Hey honey” he grins “hello Bradley” he nudges your hip with his own. “I’ll drive us home.” You tell him, and he raises his eyebrows “Home?” He asks and you huff “okay, Bradley I will drive the two of us back to our shared accommodation that we accidentally got given.” You say and he laughs loudly “home sounded better.”

Then after the mission, the whole Dagger squad got permanently stationed in San Diego, other than deployment, so they urged the new additions to the base to buy their own properties closer to base rather than on it. You and Bradley were sat in the Hard Deck, a long time before it was open, the rest of the Daggers spending time on the beach while the two of you were scouring Bradley’s laptop for a property. Well, Bradley was.

How about this one? He turns his screen to you. You shake your head “I want grass in the garden. I want to plant flowers” you say as you point at the paved back of the house, explaining that it’s a waste of money to have it ripped out. Bradley nods “Mkay, garden” he says, moving back to look again.

“How about this one? Beach front, close to the running track for you. Only a walk from the Hard Deck. White picket fence, really” he hums, turning the laptop again “garden?” You ask and he nods “garden.” He nods with a grin. “Shall we go look?” You ask and he raises a brow at you. “You said it’s a walk from the hard deck. Let’s go.” You say, putting the address into your phone and immediately recognising the street name, Bradley quickly falling into step with you as you walk towards the property.

You look at it and place your hands on your hips. Bradley was right. Pretty damn perfect. “Can I help you?” A lady asks, walking outside of the house, clipboard in hand. “Oh no, we’d just seen this property online and wanted to take a look.” Bradley tells her. “Well I’ve had a no-show on a viewing. How’d you like to take a look?” She suggests, motioning to the open door. “Okay” you nod, following her into the house.

“Obviously the kitchen, living room, even a deck out back with a huge garden and high fences” she says nodding out the window and you hum. “Out the side there’s an entrance straight to the beach” she motions, then starts heading up the stairs “three bedrooms, attic space, bathroom” she says “I’m guessing it’s just you two at the moment?” She asks “oh we’re not-” Bradley begins “yes, just us.” You confirm, shutting him up. “Okay, so there’s a large room for your bed and then if any new additions are to join, you have the space for them” she smiles and leads you back out front.

“It’s not cheap, it’s California. So I understand if you’re not prepared to pay that much money, do you mind me asking what you do?” She asks “we’re naval aviators.” Bradley says “stationed here?” She asks and you both nod “ah! I get why you’re looking for a property here!” She says and Bradley looks at you. “I really like it, Roo.” You say, and Bradley has to stop his jaw hitting the floor at your nickname. “It’s your call, honey” he says and you look at the lady and smile as she offers her hand “we’ll take it.”

“How shall we split the payment?” You ask Bradley as you walk back to the Hard Deck after organising a meeting with the realtor to actually finalise all the kinks and bumps. “I don’t mind doing the down payment then we’ll take it in turn paying the loan” he suggests “we can get a joint bank account and do it that way” you say and he agrees as you settle back into your seats at the Hard Deck. “Where’ve you two been?” Hangman asks “we bought a house.”

One evening, after you were all moved in and were hanging out at the Hard Deck after a long day or routine flying, you were sat outside with Rooster; watching the sunset. “When are we getting married then?” You ask and he spits out his beer “what?” He asks, eyes wide and getting progressively more giddy. “Well we live together, we have a joint bank account, and Jake keeps telling me we’re practically married. So when are we getting married?” You ask as he hugs you tightly “whenever you want, baby” he says, kissing the top of your head and pulling a ring out of his pocket to get on his knee. “Will you marry me?” He asks and you raise a brow “didn’t I just say that?” You ask bluntly “just say yes, please” he begs and you nod “yes. Yes I will marry you, Bradley Bradshaw.” You confirm as he kisses your lips gently.

“Okay get off of me now.”

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warnersister · 15 days

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‘First Date’ -> Javy Machado

All fluffy as per your request @fxngsfxgxrty !! 💗

(P.s. I hope you’re a blink 182 fan!!)

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warnersister · 15 days

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First Date - Blink 182

Javy ‘Coyote’ Machado x Reader

Inspired by the song ‘First Date’ by Blink 182

Find the request here (@fxngsfxgxrty)

Javy sat in the car, driving to your house to collect you for your very first date. You’d first caught his eye when he was at the beach with the rest of the Dagger Squad; while they were enjoying their day, you were working as a lifeguard. You’d agreed to move over for a little while with your aunt, Penny; having just finished law school and wanting a fresh start away from Missouri, she offered to take you in for the summer.

And then when he’d noticed you’d picked up a shift or two at the Hard Deck, he was convinced it was fate telling him to just ask you out; he could imagine his guardian angels face planting as they watched him helplessly pine over you from across the bar. Needless to say, Jake was sick of it. You were hot and if he hadn’t been Coyote’s best friend, he’d probably have wined and dined you himself by now.

Jake shook his head, taking the two now-empty bottles of beer back to the bar and requesting another round. You handed him the drinks and he passed you a slip of paper. “What’s this?” You ask with a small, questioning smile and he shrugs, almost unnoticeably nodding his head to his companion watching the ordeal. “His number” he says, leaning closer to you, then taking a napkin and scribbling something else. “And if things don’t work out with you and Coyote, gimme a call sugar” he winks and you roll your eyes “his names Coyote?” You ask and he smirks. “Called Javy, it’s his callsign” he tells you and you try to hide your smile, tucking the small letter in your pocket.

Later that evening, when Javy was getting ready for bed he heard his phone buzzing from the countertop as he brushed his teeth. “Hello?” He answers and there’s silence for a moment “Hi.. is this Javy, or Coyote? That’s what your friend told me to call you” the voice said in response and Javy froze, that was your voice. Quickly realising he hadn’t responded, he was fast to reply “hi! Yes, yes this is he” he says then cringes wondering why he said it like that. “Oh thank god” he hears mumbled and you quickly give him your name “im-” “Penny’s niece?” He asks and you nod, forgetting he couldn’t see you “yeah, that’s me” you say and before you could say anything else he quickly blurts “would you like to go out for dinner? Tomorrow maybe?” You were silent for a little while and he heard a small, almost relieved sigh come from the other end of the line “I’d love too” you answer and he smiles “great! Pick you up at six?” He asks “it’s a date” you confirm “I’ll text you my address” you tell him, before you both hang up and you shoot him your address.

Now here he was, speaking to Jake through the car phone “I’m in the car, I just can’t wait” he begins “to pick her up for our very first date” Javy tells him and Jake laughs “finally. Where’re you taking her?” He asks “that restaurant on the front, one with the beach deck” Javy confirms and Jake hums. Javy pads his fingers against the steering wheel, mulling over things in his mind “is it cool if I hold her hand?” He asks “what are you, twelve?” Jake asks and Javy rolls his eyes.

“Is it wrong if I think it’s lame to dance?” You ask Penny as he finishes the final touches on your hair and she shakes her head “just go with the flow” she answers, smiling at you. “Will he like my stupid hair?” You ask, as you’d asked your aunt to do a lovely up-do which you now realise makes you look slightly silly. “Of course he will. The boy made heart eyes at you when that guy puked on you” Penny said, jokingly and grimace; remembering the evening when a sailor got a bit too ‘sea-sick’ and couldn’t get to the bin.

“Will she guess that I didn’t know what to wear?” Javy asks and Jake hums “probably not, she’ll be as nervous as you.” Jake replies and Javy relaxes “yeah, probably” “but if you do look stupid I’ll make sure she sends me pics” typical Jake. “Yeah, thanks man.” Javy grunts, jokingly but it did ease his tensed shoulders slightly.

“I’m just scared of what she thinks”

“I’m just scared of what he thinks” you tell Penny and she smiles at you, hugging you close. “He looks at you like you hung the scars, baby” she comforts, giving you a big hug “yeah and if he hurts you I’ll kill him” maverick says, walking in the room and you jokingly laugh “thanks, Pete” you say and he nods “anytime, kiddo.” “Where’s he taking you?” Penny asks “that restaurant on the pier. Supposed to be nice but he makes me nervous so I really can’t eat.” And there’s a knock at the door, maverick opens it. Javy’s eyes widen but he nods at his instructor. “Mav” “Coyote” he replies and points at the boy “home by eleven, no later” he tells him with a stern look as Javy gulps “shut up Mav” you say, laughing and pushing your uncle, coming into Javy’s view.

“Wow.” He says, looking you over and you smile nervously “you look incredible” he says and you giggle “not too bad yourself, Javy” you reply. “Shall we?” He holds his arm out and you take it. “Let’s go” you reply, turning to your aunt and uncle “don’t wait up” you say, not wanting them to stay up longer than necessary “we will” Penny says, knowing she won’t be able to sleep until she knows your home safe. “You kids have fun!” Maverick says as Javy opens the car door for you and you smile at him, a light blush on your cheeks and he walks to the other side. The two watch you pull out and drive away.

You pull into the restaurant parking lot and grimace “can I be honest?” You ask as he takes the keys out of his car “of course” he says “I’m really nervous and feel sick I don’t know if I can eat a full meal” you say and he smiles “can I be honest too?” He asks and you nod “same.” You laugh “did you want to get drinks or something?” You suggest “how about we share an entree and then go? Don’t want you drinking on an empty stomach you’ll make yourself sick” he says and you try to hide your smile as you look the other way “sounds good” you reply as he watches your blush grow in the wing mirror. You head into the restaurant and end up getting a seat outside on the seafront, sharing a basket of garlic bread as the conversation flows.

Eventually the conversation lulls into a comfortable silence and you look out onto the horizon, watching the sun set “wow, this nights almost over” you say, seeing the watch on your wrist ticking faster than expected, eight at night. “Wish it didn’t have to end so soon” you continue and he replies “it doesn’t” “honest?” “Honest, let’s make this night last forever.” He says ordering a few more drinks for the two of you.

“Golden hours making you glow” he says, the drink making him almost too honest. You laugh “if I was pregnant I’d take the compliment” you say, jokingly and his eyes darken a little, stomach twisting. “Still, you look beautiful.” He says and you blush darkly, grinning as you thank him and watch the sun go down “when you smile I met inside” he says, eager to make you blush more; to which he’s successful. You ask about his work and he responds with the information he’s allowed to tell you of his current mission: detailing when he’d chosen to join the navy and the path it took to get him into the pilots seat.

You wow at his tale, hung on every one of his words “god and I’m just a law school graduate working in a bar and volunteering on a beach” you say, taking another sip of your drink to empty the glass “I’m not worthy of a minute of your time” you shrug and smile, as he shakes his head in denial “I’m not worthy of yours. God knows how I even managed to get you to humour this evening.” He tells you. “A lawyer? That’s a great job” he continues and you shrug “I don’t know” you sign “honestly,” you whisper, clearly slightly tipsy as you motion for him to move closer so you can tell him a secret “I don’t even know if I want to be a lawyer” you say, then visibly relax as if that statement is a weight off your shoulders. “That’s why I moved out here for the summer with Pen and Mav” you go to continue “my parents are pushing me to try get placement and start my own firm, but that their dream, not mine” you say and sigh “what do you want?” He asks and you look at him, slightly puzzled “me?” You ask and he nods “no one’s ever asked me that” you say and he takes your hand in his, stroking the back of it gently with his thumb “well I am. What do you want to do?” He asks and you speak without missing a beat “I want to be an elementary teacher.” You say with a small smile. “But there’s no money in it” you admit and purse your lips and he almost has to force himself not to say that he makes enough money to comfortably support the two of you if you wanted to take that path.

He looks around the two of you, the occupant number in the restaurant and outside slowly growing larger “I really wish it was only me and you” he says, annoyed that people had the audacity to crash your date by enjoying their own evening. “Really?” You grin and he nods “I’m jealous of everybody in the room” he says and you cock your head to the side in confusion, a smile still present on your face “and why’s that?” “Cause they all get to see how gorgeous you are, too” he admits. You blush again, eyes wide as they darken slightly, lids heavy as you look back at him “please don’t look at me with those eyes” he groans, running his hands over his face “what eyes?” You laugh “the eyes that’d get you very far in my bedroom” he replies and you smirk “they’re the only eyes I’ve got” he chuckled “m’kay, baby Maverick.” He jokes.

“If this is what our first date is like, imagine the second!” You state and he shakes his head “please don’t hint that you’re capable of lies” he begs and you shake your head no “no, I want to see you again, Javy” you say, leaning forward slightly to tell him and he victoriously celebrates in the comfort of his own mind. He looks from your eyes to your lips and back again “I dread the thought of our very first kiss” he admits and you crease your brows “and why’s that?” You ask as he leans ever closer “cause I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.” He mutters “tonight, a target I’m probably gonna miss” he grumbles and you smile widely. “Well you miss all of the shots you don’t take” you inform and he smirks, following your eyes as you watch the sea lap onto the beach.

“Let’s go” he says and you raise a brow, “what? Don’t like a little sand between your toes, Missouri girl?” He teases and you narrow your eyes “and you do, flyboy?” He laughs and you stand up, the two of you determined to race to the beach. “Can I pay our tab please?” You ask the lady at the bar who smiles and nods, heading to grab the card reader. Javy follows her without you noticing, only returning with the receipt “where’d the lady go?” You ask, confused with your card in hand. Javy just hands you the receipt and smiles victoriously. You look at him with wide eyes and slap his chest lightly “ugh Javy!” You scold “you didn’t have to do that!” “What, is chivalry dead?” He asks “no but I didn’t mind paying” you say and he holds his hands up “I suggested the date” he says “I suggested the drinks” you challenge but sigh as he wins the conversation “fine, but next time I’m paying” you say. (You don’t)

You head outside and he looks at the beach from the decking “I’ll race you” he says and you offer him a challenging look at he prepares to run “wait wait!” You say frantically and he creases his brows as you lean to remove the heels from your feet. “Oh we’re getting serious now?” He asks with a smirk and you give a determined glare “c’mon ‘Coyote’,” you tease his callsign “let’s see how fast you can really go” you threaten and he swallows the lump in his throat “oh I can go forever.” He says and you connect eyes with a knowing look.

“3.. 2..” he begins counting but you break of running and he sprints after you “hey! No fair you chested!” He shouts and you laugh loudly “you snooze, you loose; petrol pigeon!” You reply but feel hands wrap around your waist as you’re pulled to the grounds, but your fall is cushioned by a hard chest and a pair of soft, but strong hands. You laugh but it quickly quietens as you lay on top of him, hands on his chest, faces close and eyes connected. “Honest, let’s make this night last forever” you beg him and he shakes his head “Let’s make this last forever” he corrects and you giggle “forever?” He nods “and ever” he confirms, pulling you up and offering you a hand to hold as you walk along the beach, toes getting wet from the salty sea water every now and then.

“I really enjoyed this evening, Javy. Thank you.” You say and grin, approaching his truck and he nods in response, turning to you and placing his hands respectfully on your hips. “The pleasure is all mine, pretty girl” he replies, your hands moving to his chest as he pulls you ever closer. The sun is set now, the only light; the moon illuminating your face as your wide, expectant eyes look up at him. “You’re glowing.” He whispers and you smile “and you still haven’t kissed me” you whisper back, as he finally leans down and captures your lips with his own, a gentle yet deep embrace lasting for a little less time than either of you would liked.

“Forever and ever” you say quietly and pull away “let’s make this last forever” he says, opening the passenger side door to allow you to sit inside, walking around and getting in the drivers side to return you safe and sound to your aunt and uncle’s home, you look at the clock. ‘10:58pm’ it reads as you pull into the driveway. The lights are still on.

Your heels never got back on your feet and you pad back to your house bare-footed, waving at him as you knock and Maverick comes to unlock the door and lets you in. His instructor looks at Coyote and nods with a thumb up and Coyote mirrors his action; waiting for the door to fully shut until he drives back home.

“So.. how was that?” Penny asks “where are your shoes?” Maverick asks at the same time as they both look at you expectantly. You only look star stuck as you stand there in disbelief. “I think I’m gonna marry him”

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THE HIGHWAYMAN

Cowboy!Jake (Hangman) Seresin x Reader

• Series •

Summary: Jake Seresin: Highwayman. Riding along coach roads with his gang of the fellow Dagger Squad. But when his companion is in immediate need of a horse, they stop in a town Jake had avoided for the past 5 years. The place he’d left his beloved as a threat from her father, Sheriff Beau Simpson. But when he returns for good, Simpson isn’t having some highwayman get his way with his daughter. Not if he had anything to do with it.

Connotations to smut marked with *

Prologue

Chapter 1 - The Return to Miramar

Chapter 2 - Damned if you do; Damned if you don’t

Chapter 3 - The Dead Man Walking

Chapter 4 - A glass of Bourbon from Denison

Chapter 5* - A night worth dying for*

Chapter 6 - A bargain with the executioner

Chapter 7 - Listen to her gut

Chapter 8 - Unfinished business with a pistol

Chapter 9 - Please, not another 5 years

Chapter 10 - Gifts from Sacramento

Chapter 11 - May God have Mercy

Chapter 12 - A hanging in the Spring of ‘63

Chapter 13 - The girl with no father

Chapter 14 - You’re needed East

Chapter 15 - An apology is a blessing

Chapter 16* - A final goodbye and a first hello*

Epilogue

Fin.

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Epilogue

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 16 | Prologue (if you aren't quite ready to say goodbye)

“Tha’s how you met?” Your son gawked and you laughed and nodded, kissing the top of his head “shut y’mouth you’ll catch flies” you warn and his mouth quickly closes shut. “But there’s one thing I don’t understand” your daughter says “wha’s that, baby?” You ask “but we don’t live in Sacramento. We live in Maverick, Texas” she says, matter of factly. You look at Jake and eye him once over before offering your daughter your left hand and your son your right “c’mon. There’s something I need to show ya.” You say, leading the family outside, as Jake carries your baby son in his arms.

You walk to the end of town, to the new and shining entrance sign. “Why’re we here, momma?” Your daughter asks and you remove the top slab of wood on the town sign, ‘Welcome to Maverick’ becoming ‘Welcome to Mirimar’ she gasps at you and you replace the sign “they renamed it after my daddy died, thought his mistake brought some kind of looming curse on its name, so they named it after your granddaddy” you say, stroking her hair softly.

“Speaking of” Jake says as the two elder folk stroll out of the Hard Deck, to wave at your young family “how’d you like to stay over tonight?” You suggest and they giddily agree, sprinting over to their honorary grandparents while Penny takes sleeping baby Bradley and coos at him. “Oh I don’t wanna leave ‘em” you say, painfully looking at the way your children ran inside “hush up. I want my grand babies” Penny says warningly, but smiles at you warmly and leans to kiss your cheek as Maverick offers you a hug.

“Goodnight dad” you tell him, looking over to the grave in the field behind him “goodnight daddy” you whisper, you and Jake turning to head back towards your home across the way. Passing Floyd’s Physician, Coyote’s Sheriff’s office and Rooster’s restaurant - also happening to pass by Natasha’s house who waves through the window.

“Now how ‘bout baby number four?” He asks, grinning. You gasp and place a hand on your chest, feigning offence “Mr Seresin, your new baby son is only seven months old” you scold and he shrugs, throwing you over his shoulder “well, I recon y’ could manage another” he states, smacking your ass gently as he hits that squeaky step.

“We could call the next one Beau.”

Fin.

Chapter 16 | Prologue (if you don't want to say goodbye just yet)

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warnersister · 16 days

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Chapter 16 - A final goodbye and a first hello

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 15 | Epilogue

Penny and Natasha had set up a lovely ceremony in the fields you’d once ploughed. Aged chairs lined in rows, all plucked from the infamous bar of The Hard Deck. There was an arch at the end of the aisle, wrapped in gorgeous local flowers; myriads of colour popping through the petals. Jake ran ahead down the aisle while Natasha dragged you away and into the hard deck.

Penny had grabbed your mother’s wedding dress from the room you refused to enter - helping you pull it over your head while Phoenix dealt with your knotted hair, threading small flowers through the waves as she wrapped it into an intricate weave. “I need-” Penny cut you off. “Your dress is something old, the flowers are something new” she says, “this” she took her necklace from around her neck “is something borrowed” “and this” Phoenix began, showing you a small blue ribbon before tying it into your hair “is something blue.” She said, before smiling at you and stepping away so they both could admire their handy work.

“Hey, hey!” Hondo announced as he entered the saloon, hands behind his back before he unveils a gorgeous bouquet “just put it together this morning” he says, smiling at you and you grin, taking it from him and giving him a big hug “thank you, Hondo” you coo before turning to Phoenix, giving her the similar treatment. “Ya gon’ make me cry, babe” she says, laughing and wiping the area beneath her eyes. “Y’look so beautiful” she says “just like our scrapbook” she comments, recalling the scraps the two of you had made of your dream weddings, you’d cut out pictures from magazines travellers were selling, often trading an apple or a button for a paper - and the travellers would usually entertain the trade, happy to interact with such giddy youngsters. “Well, he ain’t no Billy the kid” you say, jokingly “I doubt Billy the kid had a six pack like that” she replies, raising her brows “and it certainly ain’t Italy” she says “naw,” you reply with a shrug “it’s better. It’s perfect.”

Then finally you turn to Penny, who’s already crying, she just grabs you and kisses your face over and over again, holding you tight as if not wanting to let go. She steps back and holds you out to have a good look at you, shutting her mouth tight to try prevent her sob. “Oh my darlin’ girl. All grown up and married” she says, unable to comprehend the image of you all dolled up in a wedding dress. It was your turn to hold her in your arms, rubbing her back as she gasped through choked breaths “thank you, mom” you whisper gently and she gasps loudly, looking at you with wide eyes.

“Y’all ready?” A voice asked as maverick emerged through the door, blown away himself at the sheer sight of you, “y’look gorgeous, baby” he says, taking your hand in his “your daddy’s right up front, all ready f’ya.” He says and you look at your party, Penny and Phoenix heading out before you to take their place as your bridesmaids and you soon followed suit, hand in Mavericks as he held you tight.

When Jake saw you his breath caught in his throat. He couldn’t breathe. You were beautiful on your worst days, but hell he thought he’d died and God had given him a chance up above. He couldn’t hold it together, bursting into floors of tears as you walked across the grass that held such fond and intricate memories. Rooster pat his back in consolation, but turning to look at his ensemble; the other three were just as much a mess as he were. He knew he’d picked the right gal.

Maverick reached the end of the isle, shook Jake’s hand and handed you over with a kiss on the cheek “when he goes, I’m her new father. Hurt her and I’ll finish the job.” Pete warns him, but the mischievous glint in his eyes tells Jake not to worry so much “I promise I’ll never hurt her sir,” he looks at you “never” before looking to your father who had a tired smile on his face as they shared a nod. “God you look incredible.” Jake said as you giggle appreciatively. “Cant believe y’finally all mine.” He sobs, allowing the reverend to begin “dearly beloved..”

The ceremony went smoothly and crickets sang when any objections were to be had and your father barked for him to continue. “You may now kiss y’bride” the officiant said, and Jake spun you and dipped you into the biggest kiss he could muster, before collecting you and the obnoxious train in his hands, bridely taking off in a sprint down the isle.

The evening was flowing, drinks were drank and songs were sung; especially when rooster was let loose on the piano, and Jake took great pleasure blessing your sheets that evening and was obsessed calling you his wife as he rutted into you at a lovingly leisurely pace.

And the next morning, when you woke up in his arms and offered him a sweet kiss, peeled out of his grip and across the hall to check on your father, your daddy had gone.

You didn’t panic, nor scream. He had gone during the night. Sepsis mixing with underlying causes, Doctor Bates had said. Went painlessly and wouldn’t have felt a thing. It was comforting almost, knowing you’d seen him go in a happy and relaxed way. Knowing you’d settled this almost decade-long conflict and were now happily married. It was peaceful. It was nice.

As was his burial, Coyote and Rooster offered to cover his grave. The whole town had shown up and shed a tear for their beloved Sheriff. His grave was neat and respectable, and they say that even now in the twenty-first century, now that Miramar was torn down and turned into a naval base, you can still see the outline of his headstone in the field.

‘Beau Simpson

Beloved Sheriff, husband and daddy

Did his duty proud and will be welcomed by God to join his wife’

It had read and you were quite happy with it, it said what had needed to be said. You all stayed in Miramar for a few days while to adrenaline wore off, and you hadn’t seen much of a reason to stay much longer, collecting your things and getting back on the road.

“Goodbye mom, goodbye dad” you say, as maverick and Penny give you a big family hug “send us a postcard from Sacramento?” Penny requests and you agree, smiling satisfied as you watch your husband saddle up his horse. “I don’t like that look, darlin’.” Mav states. “It’s the only one I got.” You reply.

“What’re ya gonna do now then, kid?” He asks and you shrug “well we’re building a house back in California. Might travel around for a bit.” You him “you’ll visit won’t ya?” You ask, hopefully and they smile and agree “you? Always” Penny agrees as you hop onto lighting and head back along the trail.

Ghost riders with no true final destination in mind.

Chapter 15 | Epilogue

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Chapter 15 - An apology is a blessing

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 14 | Chapter 16

you stepped for into the house you once deemed your own. it was cold, bare - untouched. you felt estranged in it, as if you'd never really been in it in the first place. maverick led you up the stairs, that damned step creaking again as you stepped on it, eyes impaled on the closed door that held the man you may as well have deemed as dead. jake placed a warm gentle hand on the small of your back and gave you a small, reassuring smile as you took a deep breath and nodded to give Maverick the dreaded go ahead.

he opened the door, and all you could describe it as was walking into a mortuary. your father was deathly ill, a greyish and sickly pallor decorating a hollow face, a shell with no crab, a mosquito with no host, he was a vector with no offerings. "hello, daddy" you say quietly, and the corpse's eyes moved in the direction of your voice. you knew he wasnt dead, but in your mind he'd died a long time ago, Beau Simpson died when you were twelve and buried himself in that grave alongside your mother. no, that was Sheriff Simpson dying on the bed. not your daddy. "baby" he whispers, reaching a weak hand out and you held it instinctively, kneeling by his side and stroking his forehead which was perspiring with a damp and cold sweat.

"yeah daddy, 'm here" you say, comfortingly "is Jake here?" he asked "'m here, sir" jake replies and your father breaks out into a gentle and choked sob "oh darlin, 'm so sorry" he wails, throwing his head to the side as he sobs "i was so, so damned selfish" he takes your face with his other hand and his thumb ghosts over the tracings of your cheek bones "y'look just like her, y'know?" he asks and you nod, starting to well up yourself. "oh i just couldnt see that; that little girl died with 'er that day, y'aint no girl, no more, y'a woman" he says "and i cant die a happy man knowing i was dead t'ya already" he murmurs, looking behind you at jake who watched on silently "hangman" he nods and jake mirrors his actions respectively "let me apologise t'you and y'boys." he says "i was foolish, foolish t'blame my own misunderstandin' on ya. just didn't want to admit that my lil girl was findin' her own way" he says and jake swallows a lump in his throat "son, marry 'er before i die. need to know she's safe" jake removes his replacement stetson of his head and shakes your fathers hand, a singular tear drop falling down his cheek as he nods "it'd be my honour, sir."

the other three quietly enter the room, watching the scene before them "'m so sorry boys, so sorry. all charges 'ave been cleared from y'names." he says and they quietly thank him for his apology. "lemme die with some piece o' mind" he requests and you stroke his hand gently "yeah daddy, o' course" you agree. maverick clears his throat "Penny's set up a small ceremony out in the field, if y'wanna get married now" he suggests and you and jake eye each other "Mav" your father calls and Pete looks over at him with an eyebrow raised "will y'walk 'er down the isle?" he asks and your uncle nods, "o'course, Beau"

you look at Jake and he looks back at you "lets go get married"

Chapter 14 | Chapter 16

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Chapter 14 - You're needed East

The Hangman Series | Chapter 13 | Chapter 15

you all had arrived in Sacramento some several weeks ago, and you'd gotten settled, Jake had organised you a plot of farmland for you to tend to the animals just like back in Miramar, Bob had re-established himself in his own practitioner's office and you finally felt as though things were starting to turn around and calm down, especially being able to sleep and wake up besides Jake every morning, his folks not blind to two people in love, and not strangers to your name either; and they were happy to set you up until your's and jake's new home as been build a little bit aways from their house.

it was a monday when you were nursing Falcon from his long ride up here, the poor boy nearly on his way our - any day now he was preparing to be with the rest of his family in that mighty field up North; that was what you'd liked to call it anyway. when the news spread around town. a visitor was in, some traveller from Eastern ways, had been traveling for some weeks now with Sacramento as his final destination. youd stood from where you were rested on your knees, heading to the road to see what all the fuss being kicked up was about. then you saw him, the gorgeous mare of Tomcat; and that only meant one thing with his rider atop of him:

Maverick.

you ran over to the man who'd stepped down from his seat, embracing him tightly as he'd offered you a large hug - having missed him for the months you'd been gone. "baby, its your dad" he begins and you eye him almost knowingly "he's dying, girl. for good this time, 'nd he wants to see y' before he goes" he says and you sigh, conflicted "i can't just up 'nd leave-" he says but he cuts you off "no, he dont just want you, he wants y'all back. you, jake, rooster, the lot of ya." he says "look if this is some elaborate plot-" you begin again and he shakes his head deniably "no girl, eight weeks Bates has given 'im, reckon he's only hanging on to see ya." he says, honestly "he asked me five times over to come 'nd get ya, i said no so many times. but he started to beg, honey. on his knees to go fetch ya. Nat told me where t'find ya, didn't want to bother ya but the look on his face was haunting" he recalls and you go to speak before a voice does before you.

"we'll leave at sunrise" Jake agrees, wrapping an arm around your waist and shaking Maverick's hand with his free. "good t'see ya, son" Maverick smiles, "you too, Mav". that evening, you went around the group, Bob and Coyote not really putting up much of a fight and willing to traverse back; Rooster, not so much. he refused a few times, arguing with Maverick, but when you approached and he realised that you were just as apprehensive as he was, he agreed "fine, but only f'her." he says after a while, shooing them off again so he could get his horse ready for another long travel.

the ride felt shorter on the way back then it did on the way to California, maybe it was because you were secretly excited for a fresh start, for unknowing. but really you knew it was because you were dreading heading back to Miramar, truthfully you had no intent of ever going back if you had the choice, but there you could see it, that dirtied up and faded all sign that read out the infamous name you'd loved for so long. "y'ready?" maverick asked and you shook your head honestly, looking at him "no, pete. im not" he sighs, continuing forward knowing you'd never truly be prepared to return to Miramar, but he also knew that Beau Simpson's time was cut very short. he wanted you to have piece of mind if anything, he'd rather be the one to bring you back than the one to bear the news of his passing. you shared a look and you nodded at him, riding into the town for the final time.

Chapter 13 | Chapter 15

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Chapter 13 - The girl with no father

The Hangman Series | Chapter 12 | Chapter 14

the four of you had ridden until you could not longer see the town of Miramar, halting to take heed for the night along the trail. Jake had stopped you and made you all get off your horses, all yet to speak. rooster was the first, heading over to you and engulfing you in the biggest bear hug you'd ever received "thank you, pretty" he said, face buried in neck as he offers you his gratitude, Bob and Coyote coming over next to offer their appreciative gift of hugs and iterative thank you's.

then came jake, walking over and dropping you into the biggest, most sweetest kiss you'd ever received from the man, smiling at you as you caught your breath. "why'd y' do it, pretty? why'd ya save us?" jake asked, stroking your face lightly "y'all saved my daddy's life, and after all tha' 'nd he still wants y'all dead, i dont think he's any father of mine" you reply with a small, sad smile and a steady shrug. no one mentioned him again after that, wordlessly understanding that it'd be a difficultly touchy subject and they avoided it at all costs, also appreciating how hard it'd be to adjust to life without him across the hall from you.

"where are we gonna go?" you ask after a while, hugging your jacket around you to prevent the shivers attacking you in the cold. "thought we'd take y'up to Sacramento, meet my folks. where we're all from" Jake suggests and you just nod, not really seeing an option either way. "where did y'learn to shoot like tha'?" Coyote asked you after a while "my momma, she always said that if the cows in pain, y'put 'im our of his misery" you say "seems to work on grown ass men, too" you laugh slightly "y'ever gonna go back?" rooster asks and you just look at him simply "i dunno, roo. i really dont know"

the next day you all set off, continuing west on the route rooster and Hangman had originally picked before deterring to Miramar for Bob's horse, eventually reaching the next town over - getting the stares that were to be expected travelling alongside a gang of highwaymen, especially as news seemed to travel quicker than your horse's hooves, and the whispers had started. you jumped off the horses to give them a well-deserved break and you paid the stable's girl to allow your animals to eat and drink while the rest of you stocked up on supplies. you were just about to set off again, when you noticed a familiar mare in the field; causing you to rush off into the centre of town in search for his owner. "nat?" you ask, seeing her plait falling over her shoulder and her undeniably recognisable Stetson atop of her head. she spun and immediately embraced you into her arms "oh girl, im so happy t'see ya." she says, grinning "dont worry, i already know" she says and you just nod, inhaling steadily "can y'tell Maverick when y'get home?" you ask and she cocks her head to the side "tell 'im im in Sacramento. Tell 'im ive headed West." She nods, stroking your arm out of care "i will girl, get there safe." she says and you reassure her you would, making her promise that she'd do the same, and similarly making her swear on her grave that your daddy wasn't to find out where you were heading.

you felt a hand on your shoulder and you turn to see Bob smiling at you gently "y'ready to go?" he asks and you nod in agreement, offering a final goodbye to Phoenix as you both head off the trail in opposite directions; ready to begin a brand new chapter.

Chapter 12 | Chapter 14

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Chapter 12 - A hanging in the Spring of '63

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 11 | Chapter 13

You run down the stairs, ignoring every creasing and creaking step on the way, hurrying into the kitchen to open the cabinet and grab a single shot round from the casing. You load the gun and tug it along with you as you drag yourself back out the front door. Penny had already got the horses from the field and was feeding them with fresh hay out front, while Maverick was too-ing and fro-ing up and down the stairs with the men’s luggage. they carried little for men who travelled a lot, but they were honorary cowboys, so were more conscientious about their horse's wellbeing rather than their own.

you collected a small bag of belongings, you were thankful for your stubbornness to own little and stretch it to be a lot; as the majority of your personal items fit into the small luggage carrier that comfily sat on lightning's side without him kicking up a fuss about the excess weight. Penny attached that to your horse too, but you hadn't the time to thank her - instead setting off in a sprint in the opposite direction where the large crowd was anxiously stood in silence, prepared for the first hanging in decades.

"Today we see the righteous deaths of four highwaymen who stepped foot into the wrong goddamn town!" Sheriff Simpson announced, gaining a cheer from a few members of the crowd who were simply grateful to see their ages Sheriff still as determined as ever to fulfil his role and duty in this town. He stopped to cough into his precious rag, trying to absentmindedly ignore the blood collecting on it.

"These bandits have no reason to terrorise this town!" He said "That boy saved you Sheriff" Doctor Bates pointed out, scowling as the man as he held his sobbing wife close to his chest. "That he did, and i am grateful for my life - however i have ingested a foreign drug into my system: an illegal one!" He barks back "They shall be hung for their crimes against this country. They shall be hung for their crimes against California. They shall be hung for their crimes against Texas. They shall be hung for their crimes against Miramar. And he will be hung for his crimes against myself and my daughter." He spits "with no jury, Beau?" Mayor Kazansky asks from the crowd, but the sheriff can only go pale and avert his gaze from the all-knowing wise man. "The reverend has blessed you, may God forgive y'all in hell-"

"Let 'em down, daddy" A voice said calmly from amongst the crowd. the large group split in two, as if Moses repeating his parting of the Red Sea and there you stood; shot gun in hand, aiming it right at your father who stood next to the four men whom the rest of humanity deemed innocent. Beau swallowed harshly "put the gun down girl, and go home" he instructs "no." he raises his brows "no?" "no." you repeat, voice void of emotion. "Y' dont even know how to use tha' thing" he laughs, and you switch your aim; firing one of the two rounds loaded at a bucket behind him, hitting it dead centre and being more or less unaffected by the recoil. "there are a lot of things i can do that y' dont know daddy. tha' ya wont know." you say, re-zeroing your weapon on his wrinkled forehead. "you still think im the twelve year old who cried with her momma, who milked the cows, who cried into your shoulder. i am a twenty three year old engaged woman with a hell of a lot of life experience. momma's gone, daddy. its time to let me go too." you say and Beau doesnt know how to reply, he doesnt want too; because he knows that you're right.

there is a moment of stillness, where no one moves and no one does anything. "dont think i will not shoot ya" you threaten, tightening your grip "dont y'love me, girl? this if for y'own good." he splutters out and you laugh "no, this is for your own good. why'd it have to be Maverick who told me why Jake left five years ago, huh?" you ask and the others in the crowd look at the two of you in question "that the only reason he did not stay to be hung was 'cause you'dve made me kick the bucket!" people gasp "so untie the goddamn nooses and let these men down.” you instruct "loose your daughter and your life, see if i care" you grunt and Beau clears his throat, mumbling something.

"what was that sir?" the executioner asked "i said let the fuckers down. now" he repeat quietly but with a bit more intent. the four men are released from their death sentences and they all walk away from the showing ground and over to you, all standing behind you as the rest of the town seemed to follow. "c'mon gorgeous" Jake whispered and pulled gently on your shoulder when your stance didnt seem to waver. you hesitated, but lowered the gun, dropping it at your feet, turning to see Mav and Penny giving you the nod.

you take a deep breath and step back, turning from the man you thought you'd love until death "goodbye, daddy" you say, and a path between the people is made to allow you to all head towards your horses, saddling on and beginning to take the road westwards: not looking back.

Chapter 11 | Chapter 13

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Chapter 11 - May God have Mercy

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 10 | Chapter 12

“Goodbye, daddy” you kissed your father on the forehead and turned to head to the church, leaving him on strict bed rest while you’d attend Sunday service. “Goodbye, darlin” he replied, not looking at you. You look at him strangely, his behaviour with you odd recently. Then your eyes avert to the window, following his unwavering gaze. All you could see were four equal plots to the left of the saloon, and two tired grave diggers wiping the sweat from their brows as they hopped out from the penultimate plot. “Who’s dead?” You ask, knowing that this town never dug a grave unless having reason too “no one baby, you run on to the church now.” He says and your lips purse, stretching into a straight line.

You head out front, Stetson perched on your head with Jake leant against the fence panels out front, smoking a dying cigarette “since when d’ya go to church?” You ask him, threading your arm through his when he offered it. Jake swallowed despite a dire lack of saliva in his mouth. He just shrugged, eying the plots wearily before walking to you towards the church “feel like I need a final hurrah from the big guy” he tells you, opening the door for you as you try to find an empty seat. “What are y’ talkin’ ‘bout?” You ask but he shakes you off, nodding at the Reverend who was about to begin his sermon.

As usual, the sermon dragged on as you strained to listen, standing to sing, sitting to read, listening to a few of the town’s younger generation read passages from the Bible with a smile on your face, Jake passing an arm over your shoulder as they stuttered over their words. “Thank y’a child” the reverend smiles as the small boy blushes and rushes away from the lectern, and the Reverend just about takes his place when the doors fly open.

There the sheriff stood, four of his inferiors behind him as he smirked smugly, strutting into the church as though he owned the place; the other four falling in tow. “There’s to be a hangin’ today!” He announced and people started muttering to one another, you turn to Jake who looks awfully calm, but still his grip on you tightens. “Cuff ‘em” he says, and the four head towards the pew you and the Daggers were sat on, Bob and Coyote being cuffed first, Rooster put up more of a fight but his resistance was still futile. Your father ripped Jake from his seat himself, ragging him up with such force it nearly knocked the wind out of him.

“Daddy what’re y’doing?” You ask, in panic and he looks at you with a look you can only describe as pure deep-rooted evil. “Doin’ what I should’ve done five years ago.” He tells you, pulling Jake away “‘m gonna hang ‘em.” He says “These here!” He announces, drawing full attention form all as the town crowd quietens. “Are fugitives of the United States government!” He shouts, pulling the pills from his pocket and holding them high in the air “these boys are Sacramento drug runners!” He says and many gasp “Bob’s a doctor!” Maverick announces and your father just shakes his head “a doctor practising in California state. Not Texas.” “Why’re you taking the others?” Penny asked “these two” he motioned to Rooster and Bob “harbouring a fugitive” then he looks at Jake with a smug look mixed with delicious spite “and this ‘un; blasphemy!” He says and you gasp “daddy he ain’t gone against God!” You tell him “sleepin' with my daughter unmarried? By God he is.” He spits, starting to drag the men away. “Daddy y’ can’t do this!” You shout and he scoff “sit down, girl.” You look around and eyes just stare back at you, you look to the Reverend for answers and he just shakes his head, saying a quick prayer “May God have mercy on your souls.”

You tried to run out, but Maverick caught you at your waist and you look at him in horror “what am I gonna do, Mav?” You cry, gasping for breath and his chest rises and falls at an instead rhythm “y’don’t wanna watch ‘em be hung, baby” he says in a small voice and you nearly scream “no! They aint gonna be hung! They ain’t” you tell him, hitting against his chest as you prematurely mourn your fiancée.

As you begin to calm slightly, an idea formulates in your head, Maverick and Penny caressing your back as you try to deepen your shallow breaths. “Can you guys get their horses ready?” You ask, quietly and Penny creases her brows “why, darlin?” She asks “cause they ain’t being hung today. Either five die or none.” You say and as Mav begins to question who the identity of the fifth belongs to, you rush out the church, past the growing crowd formulating outside the Sheriff’s office, and straight up into your house and into your daddy’s room; eyes scowering it as you doubt your own sanity. Questioning if there was any reason behind your actions you do the only thing you can think to do, you lurch for it.

The shotgun.

Chapter 10 | Chapter 12

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Chapter 10 - Gifts from Sacramento

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 9 | Chapter 11

They’d managed to dig the bullet from your father’s stomach, cleaned it with the finest top-of-shelf whiskey. It was a horrible of thing, 'five-mil' gage and starting to rust, damn thing starting the oxidise while swimming around his guts. Doctor Bates sent him home with twenty-four stitches against his stomach, four bottles of the strongest liquor, courtesy of Penny; and strict instructions to stay on bed rest.

He’d been home four days now, Tuesday it was. And you hadn’t let him do much as lifted a finger. Coyote took over in the Sheriff’s office, and did as the job entailed. Your dad had never and would never admit it, but in a small and unassuming town such as Miramar, there wasn’t much crime; only a little thieving. So honestly there wasn’t much for Coyote to do so he picked up on his tasks very quickly.

But something was mulling over in your father’s mind and he just couldn’t get it out, couldn’t get rid of it. It was itching at him, biting, scratching, taunting. Jake Seresin should be six feet under the ground right about yesterday. Should’ve been hung, mocked and buried two days ago; but he still heard that damned voice outside his window, could still hear his laughs and his conversation flowing as he spoke with you. But Beau couldn’t kill him, not now. Not now him and his little highwayboys had saved his life, he was indebted to Bob and had to admit that fact.

His eyes searched the room, mind trying damn hard to deaden the sounds of your's and his conversations through the open shutters. He looked at the pills Bob had given him, of course they’d been helping. The bullet removal wasn’t half as painful as the one he’d had taken out of his left knee, and the stitches he could barely feel. He squinted and reached for the bottle, looking over the pills and reading the label twice over.

‘To be taken in small doses as instructed by a physician. Better taken with a shot of whiskey. No more than 6 pills to be taken in one 24 hour period. Not to leave the Sacramento area.’

He read it again ‘No more than 6 pills to be taken in one 24 hour period. Not to leave the Sacramento area.’ And again. ‘Not to leave the Sacramento area.’ His eyes widened as a realisation dawned on him. Either these pills were prescribed to Bob on his travels, or they’d been stolen from California state. Which meant these men, either way; were federal criminals. Bob was the suspect, and the other three were harbouring a wanted fugitive carrying illegal narcotics across the country.

He could hang all four of them, get the problem out of his way for good. Away from Texas. Away from Miramar. Away from him. And damn far away from his daughter: six feet below ought to be plenty. He lurched himself out of bed, looking at his stitched stomach; overly weary not to pop the string keeping him together as he headed to the window. “Boys!” He shouted to the grave diggers across the way, the two of them looked at the direction of the voice “Sheriff” the taller acknowledged. “Dig me another three. We gotta hangin’ on Sunday.” The two boys looked at each other and just nodded in response, knowing better than to doubt him, especially now being an injured sheriff.

Now, bob was indeed a physician in Sacramento. A good one at that. He'd helped plenty of folk when they were hurt or injured, but being acquainted with the other Daggers, they'd formulated the idea that Bob's marvellous medicine should be distributed across the US, perhaps even across different continents if they could find someone willing to hitch a ride on a ship over to Europe, hell Payback was in Mexico right now smuggling them across the boarder.

Before they'd made it to Miramar, Coyote and Bob had been North to try sell some of the pills to more secluded towns they'd only heard of in the Rockies. and boy, they were prepared to fork out a fortune for this promise of health but no matter how much they fed him, Bob's mare couldn't make it all the way - which is why they'd made their way south to Texas to try pick up a new horse from the sweet farmgirl they'd bought some carrots off on the way with no intention of returning.

That was all fun until they'd stayed in town too long, and Sheriff Simpson was a very ill man, but he sure as hell wasn't stupid and the fact that he'd caught on brought him some form of satisfaction, pushing aside the pain by clever use of adrenaline and instead, had full intention to have the whole dagger squad hung.

Chapter 9 | Chapter 11

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Chapter 9 - Please, not another 5 years

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 8 | Chapter 10

BANG

The fire has shot and you whimpered, grasping at Rooster’s shirt as you struggled to gather your breath. Slowly, you unpeeled yourself from his neck and turned. Cain was lying dead on the ground with a clean bullet wound between his eyes. Bradley finally loosens his grip on you, and you sprint to your father, dropping to your knees besides him “hey baby, don’ don’ look at me.” He says, embarrassed for his little girl to see him in such a state. You shake your head and your eyes well up with tears, smiling at him “don’t be silly, daddy. ‘m right here” you comfort, stroking the side of his face then looking to Bob. “We’re gonna have to try find the bullet somehow, gonna have to get him to stick it out” you turn and search for the doctor’s wife, one of the many shallow on lookers who just watched on in horror. “He’s alive! Get ‘im! Get the doctor!” you instructed, and she snapped out of her hypnotic trance and ran back inside to collect her sleeping husband.

A few moments later, a pyjama-clad doctor hurries out to the scene before him: ignoring the dead traveller and going straight to the Sheriff “plugged the wound, aint hit nothin’ serious, just need to dig it out ‘nd stitch ‘im up” Bob explained and the doctor raised his brows in surprise “physician back in Sacramento” Bob says quickly. “Grab a big sheet, a..a bed sheet, or somethin’!” the physician demands and penny rushes outside with her finest table cloth “will this do?” she asked and the doctor nodded “perfect. Go steady with ‘im now, don’t know where that damned bullet is” he said, as the men managed to slide the sheriff’s limp figure onto the cloth and heave him off the ground and into his practise, lying him on the table as all hands busied themselves trying to both help and comfort their beloved town’s protector. “m’kay daddy, just let ‘em do their thing” you tell him, kissing his forehead “I love y’, sweetheart” he smiles and you shake your head “I love ya too, daddy. But don’t say that, don’t say nothin’. You're gonna be damn fine. I know you love my momma but you aint leaving me yet, not like this” you tell him “you're just like her, have her eyes” he says dreamily. “he’s goin’ into shock” Bob says “nothin’ y’can give ‘im?” you ask and the doctor shakes his head “no, ma’am. Nothin’ strong enough within a week’s travels. Bob searched into one of his deep pockets, pulling out a rattling jar of pills. “two o’ these should do the trick” he says and the other two eye him wearily, but with little option, they pop two into the man’s mouth “swallow ‘em” you tell him and he does so “there, tha’ comfier?” you ask and your father nods.

“M’sorry miss, but could ya wait outside? Gonna have to do things to your daddy you don’ wanna see.” He says and you sigh but understand, nodding “thank you, Doctor Bates” you say “he’ll be alright, darlin girl. Go on now” he says with a small smile for additional reassurance, but it sure as hell didn’t make you feel any less queasy. You step outside, and jake is stood at the other side of the door, face white and covered in blood. “tell me tha’s his blood” he smirks “sure as hell aint mine, pretty girl” he says and you run into his arms, relieved, allowing him to embrace you as your body goes limp against his. “c’mon, lemme clean y’up” you tell him, slowly making your way into the saloon and over to the sinks kept in the bathrooms, wetting a rag to drag across his face. “your daddy alright?” he asks and you exhale shakily “he says so, but he looks ready to see my momma again” you say and he strokes the hand tending to his face with his calloused thumb that produced a shockingly caring touch. “he’ll be alright, baby” he comforts and you offer a small smile.

“I love you” he says and you smile genuinely, tears welled harshly in your eyes as you wrap your hands around his neck, face now clean “oh, I love you too, Jake” you tell him and he wraps both arms around your waist and pulls you in to a tight hug, not letting go as long as you’d let him hold you. You pull back and allow him to wipe the tears from beneath your eyes “there’s my pretty girl�� he says and you laugh “scared, don’t know about pretty” “y’ll always be pretty t’me, darlin” he admits, kissing you gently before reaching into his breast pocket and thumbing the object inside.

“god this aint how I wanted t’do this” he sighs “but I love ya, so damned much ‘nd I think it might kill me if I don’t do it now” he says, descending from your touch onto one knee “but please, don’t make me go another five years without ya, honey. I need ya. We can settle down, twelve kids, get married, build a home, cattle ranch ‘nd all” he lists as you smile down at him “but please, d’me the honour of bein’ my wife, will y’ marry me?” he asks and you throw yourself into him “’s tha’ a yes?” he chuckles and you nod vigorously into his neck “of course it’s a yes, jakey” you whisper, allowing him to slip the small band onto your finger. “god my daddy’s gon kill ya” you say, jokingly “don’t worry baby, he already promised.”

Chapter 8 | Chapter 10

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Chapter 8 - Unfinished business with a pistol

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 7 | Chapter 9

You and Jake had headed down the stairs with him swearing his life on your protection, ready to beat the man dead if needs be. A substantial number of the town was out now, stood in their doorways, mothers holding their children back to prevent them heading blindly into the standoff happening in the road. “Cain?” your father asks as the man lifts his hat from his head. His face is mashed and mangled, pieced back together by the untrained hands of local hospice, but it was undeniably him. “Sheriff. Long time no see” he notes, words slightly slurred from his lack of vocal chords nor lips. “Well, we had to scrape y’off the road, Cain. Aint pretty” Cain chuckled “yeah your daughter’s lil boyfriend didn’t like me getting’ acquainted” he said and your father recoiled, “you weren’t bein’ too friendly” your father commented “well she shouldn’t ‘ve been dressed like a slut” he retorted and your father growled, marching up to the man with his fist drawn back.

BANG.

Cain had drawn his pistol from his holster and shot your father square in the stomach, sending him flying back; soiling the dirt with crimson. “DADDY!” You screamed, trying to run out to him but you were picked up by the waist by Jake. “let me go! Let me go, Jake!” you begged “’s too dangerous, sweetheart, let me handle him.” He called Rooster over who took you from Hangman’s grip, holding you back as jake ran head first into the action “Jake! No!” you wailed, kicking and hitting Bradley in an attempt to get him to let you loose. “Bradley please, don’t let ‘im” he kisses your temple “’m sorry pretty, cant hold the both of ya back” he said, trying to soothe you as you watched what was entailing.

“Ah if it aint my killer ‘imself. Got a bastard child yet?” He asked, aiming the pistol at jake and cocking the barrel. You screw your eyes shut and buried your face into Rooster’s neck, who only held you tighter. Maverick ran out of the saloon and straight over to your father, kneeling next to him as he began to apply pressure to the wound. “hey, hey Beau. Y’ stay wi’ me alright?” Your dad looked down at him and nodded, face grey as he struggled to catch his breath. “wheres-“ “she’s safe, she’s with one of Jake’s boys” he reassured and Beau nodded again “good” he looked down at Maverick again “is there ‘n exit wound?” he asked and Maverick shook his head “no, no its in there bud. But you’re gon’ be okay? Y’understand me?” Beau nodded and allowed Maverick to keep pressure.

A man joined Maverick’s side, and Beau’s eyes flickered over to him “Sheriff Simpson, my name is Bob. I work with Hangman” Bob said, pushing his glasses up his face “get, get ‘way from me, kid” he managed to mumble out “im a trained physician, sir. I don’t know why y’don’t get on with hangman, but y’gotta let me help ya, for her sake” he says and Beau quietens down, as Bob takes his silence as his consent to help, ripping open the previously crisp khaki uniform in order to see it better. “talk t’me kid” Beau ordered and Bob looked at him “the good news is, you're bleedin’” Bob says and Maverick looks at him “mean it aint hit and blocked any major arteries” “and the bad?” “well, cant get to it without any tools. Need to plug it till I can get y’somewhere better.” Bob said, a pained look on his face “do it” Bob ripped a piece of the sheriff’s shirt, Beau caught his hand “make sure she doesn’t see me like this, ‘nd make sure she knows I wasn’t in pain”

“don’t talk like that, Beau. You aint dyin’ today” Maverick told him, and gave Bob the go ahead to plug the wound.

Cain placed his finger on the trigger and pulled.

BANG

Chapter 7 | Chapter 9

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Chapter 7 - Listen to her gut

The Highwayman Series | Chapter 6 | Chapter 8

You’d woken Friday morning sore and still a little blissed out, allowing yourself a moment to adjust before you slipped out of the covers and headed to the vanity adjacent to your door, it was worn but the mirror still worked. Belonged to your mother. So in your eyes, it was a timepiece rather than a junk piece, you’d kept it the same since you were a girl. You lived honestly with little to nothing anyway, especially since she’d died. If she was to come back to life and walk back into your room nothing would’ve changed, except of course, the Stetson on your bedpost.

Your lips were a little swollen, and bruises riddled your neck - you couldn’t help but wonder what Jake looked like this morning. If he mirrored last night also, but you didn’t really have to wonder. He was stood on his own balcony; smoking a cigarette while he watched the world wake up.

You peel back the curtains, dusting off any sand that had collected overnight and by the time you’d looked over at him, he was already staring back at you. “Morning darlin” he smiled, genuinely “good morning Jakey” you replied, leaning against the barrier “and how are ya on this mighty fine day?” He asked, cocking his head “I’m sore but feelin’ real good” you replied and he hummed “an’ why might tha’ be?” He asked and you rolled your eyes “ya know damn well why, cowboy” he smirked, flicking his cigarette into the dirt road below.

The distant clatter of a horse’s hooves draws your attention away from the man across from you, seeing the dark; mangled main of a trotting mare heading along the path westwards, towards Miramar, a lone rider sat atop of it: head bowed and pace, unwavering. He came to a stop at the edge of Hondo’s store, hopping off his horse and dragging her reigns along with him. He attracted stares as he strolled through town, as though he owned the place. You eyed him wearily, pivoting on your heel to head to wake your father prematurely. “daddy?” you knock on his door, “mm?” a croaked out grown emits from inside, suggesting that he was only just lulled from his sleep by your voice. “there’s a visitor. Don’t recognise him or his horse.” You say “may just be passin’ though, darl” he says “I don’t have a good feelin’ ‘bout him dad” you say warningly, and his door opens. Your mother had been the same. She had a feeling about people, a hunch. Often times, her gut was right and in his many but shortly-lived years he’d spent loving her, he'd learnt to trust your gut too, so he was smart enough to listen. He puts a hand on your shoulder “listen, I want you to get dressed, wait by the door and when I go to speak to him, ya head over to Mav’s, ya hear me?” He asked and you nodded in agreement, heading to go put some clothes on before you hopped down the stairs. Your father followed in tow soon after, opening the door and ushering you across the road to the saloon, Penny downstairs cleaning some glasses. “Y’good hun?” she asked and you shook your head.

“theres a visiter, pen. Aint got a good feelin’ bout him” you told her, and she may have not been in Miramar as long as the rest of the inhabitants, but she was well aware of the 'witchly' powers of the Simpson women, and no one was in their right mind to doubt you. “You head upstairs, hangman’s in the room straight to the left. I want you out of these streets while your daddy sees to him.” You weren’t one to disobey, neither; especially Penny. So you ascend the stairs and go straight to jake’s room. He turns to see who’d entered and smiles widely when he sees you, but your expression was enough to deter his grin. “woah, wassup princess?” he asks as he pulls you into his arms.

“I think Cain’s back.”

Chapter 6 | Chapter 8

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