i just can’t take myself away

Rolling his eyes at the playful words out of Everett’s mouth, Ben slid his hands out of the pockets of his jeans. “You’re the one who told me to visit, and I said I would. You callin’ me a liar, Heartland?” he teased in response, raising an eyebrow. He was still in the white t-shirt he wore under his work button-down, but he’d abandoned his uniform top for his denim coat, well-worn after who knows how many years. 

“I’m not the kind to go back on my word. When I say I’m doing something, it’s ‘cause I’m doing it. What would you have done if I was leading you on, anyways?” That was a joke, all lighthearted. “But the hayrides are going well this year, it seems. So congrats for that.” Everett was one of the few people in town who wasn’t shorter than Ben, so he could keep his eyes on Ev’s face as he spoke, not having to crane his neck. “I’m glad things are going well around here.”

“I’m not calling you a liar. Just thought you where standing me up” watching as he stepped closer, before stopping right in front of him.  Their matched height, made it easy for him to meet his gaze. “Wouldn’t be surprised if you had changed your mind last minute, and just had me standing out here like a damn fool” shrugging easily. He offers him a faked pout, “Just sit out here all by myself. How would you feel about that?”  He looks past the other for a moment, looking towards the crowds of people who where all lined up for the hayrides for the evening, “Did you want to go for a ride? Or you know, better yet, steal one with me?” smirk reappearing on his lips.  He had been there done that before, still didn’t know what happened to that tractor. If his cousins knew he was out here suggesting this again. He’d get his his ass handed to him. Didn’t stop him though, “Do you want to?” looking back at him, as he gently squeezed his shoulder before turning to face the crowds of people with the other. 

“Did you come visit me, or are you trying to get yourself first on one of the rides?” he stood at the front of the Heartland farm, watching Ben as he walked up.  He knew the two to them had talked about Benjamin coming up to visit.  It was later in the day, he wasn’t sure if the other male was going to show or not. 

 He smirked anyways, as he stepped off the steps.  He was dressed from working, just getting done a couple hours ago.  Cleaned up a bit, but still in his work attire. “Didn’t think you where coming” giving him a small look as stopped in front of him. 

He had searched the movie she had suggested, sitting on the edge of the couch. Browsing slowly as he waited for her to get there.  They normally did this on the regular.  Movie nights together.  It was getting closer to Halloween, it was fitting.  Watch a scary movie together.  He found the move she was talking about and got it set up on the tv.  He had collected some snacks for the two of them and settled back onto the couch till he had heard ring at the door. 

Pulling the door open, he leaned into the door frame offering her a smirk, “About time” his hand gently tugging her forward inside before shutting the door behind the two of them. He lived close to the Heartland farm, a walking distance, a bit of ways from town.  It was a smooth ride over.  Sometimes he would send a car from her, tonight she seemed to have found her way here herself, but he’d make sure she got home safe later. His arm slid around her as he hugged her to him, “I’ve missed you” tone quiet, as he pressed a kissed into her forehead, before walking them to the living room, “You ready for a scary time?” 

“You’re really not going to let me drive of the tractors?” he followed after his cousin, as if he was ten years old. Not a thirty something asking his cousin if he could drive one of the hayrides around. “You act like I’m going to lose one of them with actual people in it” she had just been complaining that none of the other family members where helping out with the hayrides this year. Here he was, ready to help. 

jack & everett || @evheartland​

This was his first real outing that would be described as a date. It felt weird, he had to admit, as though he might not have been ready for it. Then the thought occurred to him, was he ever going to be ready for it? He did manage to get himself ready then hopped into the car then drove up to the bar. The Outlaw was an interesting place, not one he ever saw himself visiting before, but lately he’s been visiting it more often. He’d walk inside heading past the bull towards the bar where he’d settle himself up onto the bar stool. He’d order himself something to drink before checking his watch as he watched the second hand tick easily. He was a bit nervous, but he would swallow that down as he did his drink as he waited for the other to show up.

It didn't’ take lone for Ev to show up. He moved into the Outlaw right where he had told the other male he’d meet him. He squeezed the back of his shoulder, before sliding into the vacant seat next to him, “Waiting long?” offering him a smirk, as he called the bar tender down and ordered whatever he was having, times two.  His treat. The two had barely met before Everett was asking him out for drinks. That was how you met people right? Just asked them out, and then see where the night took you, right? He leaned into his seat, taking a drink of his as he leaned back, “So how long have you and that  pretty face of yours been in town for?” It couldn’t have been long. Everett knew everyone in this god forsake small town.