#abpchallenge

Title: Made For The Bush

Rating: PG, because of the little bit of gore mentioned

Word Count: 3,069

Warnings: It might get a little gory, and an animal dies, but there shouldn’t be any other triggers.

Description: You and Gabe just went hunting for the first time together, and you take down your first animal.

You were gathering up your belongings for an overnight trip. This would be your first hunting trip, and it would be an overnight thing. Unsure of what to pack, you call in Bird. “Grab your box of ammo, just in case,” she points to the almost full box of cartridges for your shotgun. Sometimes you and your fiancé, Gabe, got your guns confused, because they matched, almost perfectly, except your gun has your initials engraved into the recoil pad. He got it for your birthday three months prior, and you fell more in love with him.

With the help of Birdy, you finished packing your bag, swinging it over your shoulder as you left the cabin, calling out. “Gabe, I’m ready to go.” Gabe head poked out from behind trees, he grinning ear to ear. “Alright,” stepping from behind the cabin, he took your bag, even with the many protest leaving your mouth. “Mom, Da, we’ll be fine!” The tall curly haired man called to his watching parents, grabbing your hand gently. You couldn’t get enough of the feeling of his rough skin on your much softer skin. He loved that you didn’t find his callouses repulsive. Waving your goodbyes, you stepped into the treeline surrounding Brown Town. Adrenaline coursed through you as you started on your first hunt.

Unsure of where he was taking you, it almost crossed your mind to ask. “Where?” The word slipped off your lips before you could stop it. I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’m following some trails Bear scouted a couple days ago,” the leather jacket clad muscular form in front of you stooped down, touching some mud, making you involuntarily shudder. His words came out as something slightly above a whisper, the silence of the world around you breaking at the sound slipping past his pink lips. “Deer tracks, not even a day old,” Standing up, he wiped what little bit of mud clung to his index and middle fingers. “That means?” Matching his volume, you looked around very excited and nervous.

“Deer were here, passed through, might return.” He lowered his gun from his shoulder, removing the covers on his scope. He checked all around, motioning you to do the same. You noticed a shade of brown, different from the trees, and small in your scope. Barely letting any sound out, you whispered, “I think I see something over there.” Gabe looked through his scope in the direction you were gazing, and nodded, the words he spoke made you giddy. “It is a deer, but it’s a doe.” The first deer you’ve ever seen isn’t going to be food, but it lifted your mood even more than you imagined it could.

You also felt a little disappointed. Even if it meant the difference between starving and living, you and Gabe swore to never take a doe or a fawn. “That’s a good sign though, right?” Your eyes sparkled with anticipation of living out the way your new family got food. “Yes, and no. It’s mating season, so there might be a buck around somewhere, but there also might not be.” He explained, his words didn’t make you feel like he was talking down, but he also made sure you understood what he was saying.

After several more hours of slowly hiking through the woods, following some trails that gave no rewards you were worried about the fading light.  “It’s going to be an overnight thing, isn’t it?” You wanted time with your Gabe, but you also wanted to get a deer and bring it back home. The smile that broke out on his face told you it would be. An entire night of just you and him. You almost couldn’t wrap your head around it. The fear you had of bears coming around didn’t cross your mind, because you knew you were safe with Gabe.

“I’ll keep you safe babe,” his arms went around your waist resting perfectly on your hips. “I know,” the smile that broke out on his face gave you butterflies. The time alone would not be spent how many would spend it, but you and Gabe were ok with it. “Would you mind gathering some wood for me please?” He asked you sweetly, removing his arms from your body. Nodding, you walked around, gathering up small sticks and pieces of broken tree branches you could find.

His jaw dropped a little when he saw you with almost an armload of different sized pieces of wood, dropping it in front of you. “I didn’t think you’d pick up that much Y/N,” his laugh made you smile widely. Picking a spot, he cleared as many of the leaves away as possible, proceeding to use a large, sturdy stick to make a ditch about two inches wide and an inch deep around where he informed you would be a fire. “Teach me how to make a fire please,” your voice sounded small, and you blushed realizing how strange it may have sounded.

“Place the sticks in a pyramid shape, it lets the fire breathe while it’s burning,” he instructed, helping your less than capable hands form the shape he described. Giving you more instructions, Gabe stood back as you brushed your hair away from your face as you gently blew on the fire you started. “I did it?” You stared at the red and orange flames slowly growing larger. “Yes, you did it. We can stay warm, keep any bears away, and dinner will be hot when we eat.”

After about fifteen minutes of sitting around the flames, you smiled at the man sitting next to you, “what’s for dinner?” Chuckling at the sound your stomach made, he pulled out large thermos-like object from his bag that was on the ground behind him, placing it very close to the fire. “Deer stew from lunch today, just let it get warm.” He pulled two bowls from his pack,setting them down before reaching back in for another item. “Do you want a spoon or a fork?” He asked in a funny french accent, and pulled both out, making you giggle. You took the fork, letting him place the spoon back where it was. For himself, he grabbed the remaining fork.

Moments later, you were full from stew, and trying to help make your tent, and pouted when you kept getting told to sit down. He knew you were more than capable of helping pitch the tent, but he didn’t want you to because he wanted to treat you to an easy night on your first hunting trip. “I’m going to make our bed, alright,” he kissed your cheek as you nodded your ok. His lips were a little chapped, and rough against your cheek, but you didn’t mind at all. It came with the gentle way they brushed against your face, the roughness the only way you knew for sure he had even had them on your skin.

“Come here please,” he called for you, in the sweetest way he could. Standing up, you wandered the few feet to the tent he had set up. It was set up so beautifully, the bed being two sleeping bags, the tied fleece blanket you made him on top of another blanket. You carried a sleeping bag and a blanket with you, and he had taken them from your bag to make your sleeping arrangement for the night.

There were almost tears in your eyes as you stared at the pink cheeked man next to the bed. “The bed is beautiful, but why?” It was your turn to blush, from the words passing his lips. “Because you’re worth more than a sleeping bag and blanket, and I want you to have a perfect first hunting trip. Is it too much?” He was worried about you not liking the bed he made, and you were in awe that he made a beautiful bed from two sleeping bags and two blankets.

“It’s perfect. What do you want?” You asked skeptically. He looked up innocently, “I really just want this trip to be perfect for you.” It already was perfect, because it was just the two of you. “It is already. Should we go to bed now?” You motioned to the setting sun, Gabe nodded. “I’ll turn away if you want to get into more comfortable clothing. If you packed any that is,” he laughed a little, the sound making you smile. “I brought pajamas and clothes for tomorrow.” You made sure you had extra clothes in case it was a two day adventure.

Turning around, he added more sticks to the fire and turned back to you when you had finished changing. “Do you have spare clothes you want to change into?” You questioned, making him nod. Just as he did, you turned so you weren’t looking, even though you had both seen each other changing before. “Gabe, can I ask you something?” He sat down next to you, and lifted your small frame onto his lap. “Of course,” he ran his fingers through your hair. “Was it hard to take down your first deer?” Glancing up, you saw small wrinkles forming on his forehead. “It was, but it also wasn’t because I knew it wouldn’t go to waste. We needed the meat, and I wanted to be able to provide for my family.”

Before either of you knew it, it had gotten very dark. You both hadn’t spoken much after you got the answer to your question. He patted your thigh gently, “lets go to bed, the fire will keep and we will be safe.” After a few more moments of quietly sitting together, you both made your way to your bed, crawling under the blankets, and cuddled as close as possible. “I love you,” you mumbled, burying your face into his muscular, but comfortable chest. “I love you too,” Gabe whispered back, placing a gentle kiss on your head. “I know,” you giggled, looking up into his sparkling blue eyes.

“Are you looking forward to getting food for the family tomorrow?” The small sparkle seemed to grow in his eyes as he smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing you get your first deer,” upon hearing that, your heart fluttered nervously. To say you were scared was an understatement. Your fiancé definitely had high hopes that you would get a deer. “What if I can’t take the shot?” His hand went to the side of your face that wasn’t on his chest, cupping it gently. His calloused thumb ran along your cheekbone. “Then I’ll be there to get the deer. But I have faith that you’ll do it,” his lips, chapped yet soft, brushed against your forehead. “I know you’ll get the deer, baby, you were made for the bush,” Gabe spoke between soft, loving kisses placed in your hair.

Smiling sleepily, you thanked him for being confident in you. “You need all the sleep you can get, you should sleep.” His voice was soft, and you nodded in agreement. “Goodnight Gabey,” you mumbled before closing your eyes. “Goodnight baby, more,” he squeezed you gently once before closing his eyes. You mumbled “more” before finally letting sleep take you.

When you woke up, you were alone, and the smell of bacon registered in your mind. “Gabe?” you called out, smiling when he replied. “Good morning, how did you sleep?” You sat up, stretching, ignoring the soreness in your body from sleeping on the ground. “Great, what about you?” He made a face, somewhere between disgust and tiredness. “It wasn’t the best sleep I’ve had, but not the worst.” Curious, you asked what he meant. “I was too excited, I kept thinking of you shooting a deer, and learning how to field dress it,” his sleepy smile took over his face. “How many deer do you want to try and bring back?” You didn’t want to take the shot on a deer, in fact you wanted to just watch him shoot. “We really only need one, but if we get two that would be better. In reality, we only need to get one, then we can head back home, but if we find another one, it would be smart to get it.”

After requesting time to get out of your pajamas, you changed quickly, and watched him from behind as he cooked some bacon over the fire. He had it hanging over some sticks, and how it never burned amazed you. That was when you noticed he had on jeans, not the plaid pants that he went to bed in. “When will breakfast be ready?” Sitting next to him, you leaned your head onto his shoulder, as a way of giving him affection without pressing your mouth on him before brushing your teeth. “In a couple more minutes. Did you want to brush your teeth before eating?”

Nodding, you reached for your bag, reaching into the pocket you placed your toothbrush and toothpaste. “Use this,” he handed you an already open bottle of water, and you walked away from the campsite just a little bit. You quickly and thoroughly brushed your teeth, and rinsed with the water from the bottle you had. “Thanks for the water,” you walked back to Gabe. He handed you a napkin with some bacon on it. “We also have some trail mix if you’d like it,” you shook your head, taking a piece of bacon between your teeth.

It took you almost three minutes to finish your bacon, your stomach comfortably filled. “Let me pack everything up, put out the fire, and we will continue tracking deer.” He said, his large hand gripped your thigh firmly but not roughly. It felt normal for his hand to be there.

You sat back, staying out of the way as he took apart the place where you spent the night. The way his body moved while working as you watched him made you smile. “I liked the view,” you joked after he finished packing everything up. “Just grab your gun, Y/N, and let's go,” he smiled softly. Taking your gun from the ground, you swung it onto your shoulder, the small strap attached to it draped down.

You took the time to swing the strap over your shoulder, and dropped your gun a little ways, holding the strap tightly so it wouldn’t slip from your body. The two of you walked for what felt like hours, but was only actually around twenty minutes. Pointing at a tree that had some of the bark rubbed off, you quietly asked if it seemed fresh. “Yes. Really fresh,” he whispered, his voice almost not even coming out.

At the same time he did, you took the covers off your scope, and lifted your gun to search for a buck. Gabe pointed at an area that looked like it had something moving. “There’s a buck, take the shot, Gabe,” you mumbled, lowering your gun a little to speak better. The tall man next to you shook his head when you looked at him, point at your gun, then the deer, “you saw the deer first, you can do it.”

You lifted your gun back to your shoulder, resting your cheek on the stock. Breathing in, you aimed, releasing your breath as you smoothly squeezed the trigger. The kick knocked you back a little, but the sight of the deer getting struck and falling made you giddy. “You did it?!” Gabe couldn’t contain the happiness running through his body. You both walked over to the deer, and you almost squealed.

“I didn’t think I could do it!” You giggled, watching for any unwelcome visitors as Gabe set to field dressing the animal. “Liver for Matt, deer for everyone, and it was taken down by my future bush wife,” he removed the stomach, kidneys, and heart. The intestine coming out almost turned your mood sour, but nothing could in that moment. “Where did I get him?” you couldn’t really see where you got the deer after shooting, and now you couldn't exactly stare. But you did glance down every once in awhile.

“Clean kill, through the heart,” he finished what he had to do, turning the deer into almost a backpack of sorts. “If we go through those trees, and continue straight, we will find the beach,” Gabe spoke, slightly straining under the weight of the deer. “Once we are there, we can find the way back home, right?” You asked. He nodded. “Lead the way,” you motioned for him walk ahead of you.

The both of you made it out of the woods, and to shore on Browntown by the time the sun was beginning to set. “We’re home!” Gabe called to his family as you walked to the main cabin. Bear was the first one out, followed by Ami and Billy. Then Bam, Matt, Rain, and Bird left in a row from the cabin after their parents.

Matt and Gabe stepped off to the side to skin the deer, leaving you to bring in the guns and bags of gear. “Was it fun?” Ami asked, wanting my opinion on my first hunt. “It was well, I didn’t get sick like I thought I would when Gabe was field dressing it.” You didn’t tell them you took the deer down. The boys finished skinning the animal, and walked back towards the benches around the fire, where everyone was waiting. “Who took the shot?” Billy asked, and immediately Gabe spoke up, “Y/N did,” while pointing his thumb at your small figure sitting at the edge of the bench.

“Really?” Bird was the only one who didn’t look shocked. “Yeah, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to pull the trigger.” Heat creeped up your cheeks. “Where did she get him?” Bear asked, wanting to know what kind of shot you were. “Straight through the heart,” Gabe nudged you, getting some of the deer blood on you. “Gabe, please go wash that blood off,” Ami requested, and you thanked her silently. “Alright, I’ll be back.” He stood up and headed towards the cabin, stepping inside.

Rating: T

Word Count:4,233

Warnings: None

Description: When photography student Finley is drug to a gallery by her roommate, she does not expect to fall head over heels for the photographer. FinleyxBam

  Heels. They were some women's dream. To me, they were a nightmare. Yes, I wanted to add a few inches to my five foot two stature. But was the pain of blister covered toes really worth it? I mean who knew how long I was going to be at this gallery opening anyway. My best friend Amber was forcing me to go with her. Yes, I was a fan of film photography, I was not, however, a fan of people.

 “Come on you're going to love it! Not to mention the artist will be there and he is a total babe” Amber informs me as we climb into the back of the cab. I feel so out of place in my borrowed black dress. I'm more of a jeans and flannel kind of gal. Growing up in North Carolina had somewhat helped me get my bearings when I moved up to Massachusetts for college. Photography had always been a passion of mine, even if my parents hadn't approved of it as a career.

 “How do you think you did on the final” Amber asks me as we pull up outside the venue.

 “I honestly think I would have had better luck if I would have randomly selected my answers. I'm telling you Professor Foust has had it out for me the entire semester.”

 “I'm sure you're just over thinking it. You do have a tendency to do that ya know?”

 She was right. I could make a mountain out of a molehill when it came to over thinking things. I couldn't tell you how many nights I stayed up editing photos for hours at a time because I didn't think they were good enough.

Getting out of our cab I quickly regretted not bringing a jacket. Massachusetts in the fall was no joke, especially wearing this scrap of clothing Amber considered a dress. We quickly paid for our cab and walked as fast as our heels would let us into the building.

 “Wild, Wonderful Alaska? Seriously, that's the theme of the gallery?” Amber fusses as we make our way into the gallery.

 “You didn't know what the gallery was about and you drug me all the way out here?” I questioned my best friend as I looked around the main room.

 “All I needed to hear was the photographer is hot, and has a lot of brothers in case him and I don't work out”

 “You know for someone who has a 4.2 GPA, you're really not the brightest crayon in the box”.

“No, but I am your favorite color so you can kiss my crack”.

 Before I can say another word, Amber is walking away on a mission to find the sexy photographer, and leaving me alone in a sea of people. Great, this is exactly what I wanted. To be surrounded by people I don't know forty-five minutes away from campus. Putting on my big girl panties I brave the throng of people with hopes that I won't have a panic attack.

 I slowly make my way around the enlarged photos. The majority of them are black and white landscape shots. Some of them even appear to have been taken from the bow of a boat. I'm marveling the clarity of a shot of a massive dog when I feel someone at my side.

 “His name is Mr. Cupcake, and he is not a fan of having his picture taken” a masculine voice comes from my left. I don't even turn toward him, I'm too engrossed in the shot.

 “It’s just amazing the clarity and contrast the artist was able to achieve with a film camera. I'm more of a digital girl myself, but I have to give him props, he knows what he's doing that's for sure.”

 “Well thank you, It’s nice to know at least one other photographer came to my gallery.”

 I look up at the man who is standing beside me then. He is a good eight inches taller than me with long brown and gray hair. He even has a feather braided into it. His eyes are dark and he's giving me a dangerous smile. He extends his hand toward me, and I take it, mesmerized by the calmness that is radiating off of his body.

 “The names Joshua, Joshua Bam Brown. What might you're name be?”

 “Finley. Finley Reagan McKenzie.”

 “McKenzie huh, and if I'm not mistaken a natural redhead too. Guessing you have either Scottish or Irish ancestry” he comments looking me over with those beautiful dark eyes.

 “I have both actually. My mother's family originated in Belfast, and my father's in Glasgow.”

 “Wow, that's amazing that you have traced that. I don't really know much about my family beyond my parents and siblings.” he confides as he turns back toward the photograph.

 “Cuppy was not happy with me that day. I caught him chasing one of my sister's cats. Once I brought that rolled up newspaper out though he knew I meant business.”

 I laughed at the image of Joshua chasing a dog around with a newspaper like a disgruntled neighbor.

 “Were all these images taken at your home?”

 “For the most part yes. Around our property, or out on our boat.”

 “That's your family's boat?”

 “Well Yeah, how else do you expect us to get back and forth to town?” Josh laughs as I turn toward him.

 “How about drive like a normal person” I shoot back at him.

 “Kinda hard to do when you live on an island babe”.

 I cringe at the use of that nickname. If you want to flatter me, call me love or darling, not babe. I am not a talking pig from the nineties.

 “Don't call me babe, secondly, do you seriously live on an island?”

 “Sure do, it's my parents, and six siblings, and one sister in law. My youngest brother Noah got married two years ago”.

 “Well, congratulations to Noah and his wife. What does you're family do for a living”?

 “A little bit of everything honestly. Dad and mom are both professional painters, my oldest brother Matt is a welder, Bear is a carpenter, Gabe makes furniture out of old pallets, Noah is a writer, Bird is training to be a vet tech in Hoonah, and Rhain is really big into fashion. Noah’s wife is in the process of publishing her third novel, and I'm the photographer.”

 “Wow, that's a lot to take in at once.”

 “Yeah I know we're a lot to take in at once. How did you hear about the gallery of you don't mind me asking.”

 My new host has started walking toward the next photo as he awaits my answer.

 “My best friend actually, she kind of drug me here, to be honest.”

 Joshua smiled as we stopped in front of an image of a massive bear.

 “This was taken about sixty yards away from my parents home” he informs me as he places his hands in the pocket of his jeans. I glance down at my black dress and back up toward his casual outfit of jeans, a black t shirt, and boots. I mentally curse Amber as I register what he has just said.

 “Wait, this thing was that close to your parent's house!” is one again smiling at me.

 “Yes, bears are common on our island. We see about six or seven a day.”

 I'm about to respond when I hear my name being called. I quickly turn to see Amber jogging toward me, her heels are already off and in her hand.

 “Come on Finely, I can't find the photographer anywhere and my feet are killing me.”

 “Well let me introduce you. Joshua this is Amber, Amber this is the photographer.”

 I watch as my best friend sizes Joshua up, and I instantly know she's not impressed.

 “Well it was nice meeting you Josh, the pictures are lovely, but Finely and I need to get back to campus.”

 I'm about to tell Amber off when Joshua beats me to the punchline.

 “I believe Finley still has to see the rest of the exhibit. I can keep you company if you'd like.”

 I can't help the grin that is plastered to my face for multiple reasons. One, no one has ever told Amber off like that. Secondly, yes I would like for him to keep me company.

 “Why yes, Mr. Brown that would be lovely. Amber, I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”

 Before I know what's happening Joshua has his hand on the small of my back and was directing me toward the net group of images. The were all taken from the families boat.

 “Is that a whale?” Finley asked as she got a closer look at the photograph in front of her. The main focus of the shot had been the mountains in the background.

 “I’m surprised you actually seen that, most people just see the mountain and move on” Bam laughed as he led her to the next image.

 “Photography major remember. I always look for the rule of three.”

 The evening seemed to be going by in a flash and before Finley knew it she and Joshua were back where they started with the portrait of Mr. Cupcake.

 “Your work is really amazing! I’m really glad I got a chance to view it” Finley commented as she played with the end of her uncomfortable black dress. She had an amazing time just talking with Joshua about his work, she didn't even realize there were only two or three other people still at the exhibit.

 “Thank you, Miss McKenzie, it was an honor to be your escorts this evening. Not to mention being able to have an actual intelligent conversation with someone who knows photography.”

 His comment made blood rush to Finley's cheeks. What was it about this guy that was making her feel so comfortable.

 “I hope I'm not being too forward, but I really enjoyed your company tonight. What would you say if I asked you to dinner tomorrow evening? Nothing so fancy that you would have to endure heels again, just something small so I can get to know more about you?”

 “I would say tell me the restaurant and I’ll be there.”

 Finley couldn't help the joy that filled her when Joshua smiled at her answer.

 “How about I pick you up at six, and we go from there?”

 Finley reached into her pocketbook and found a scrap piece of paper. Quickly jotting down her address, she handed the piece of paper over to Joshua, who brushed his hand against hers.

 “Until tomorrow night Miss McKenzie.”

----------------------------------------------------------

 “So you're really going out on a date with this guy? You just met him, not to mention he was a little rude last night” Amber's voice rang out through my dorm room as I buttoning my favorite pair of jeans.

 “Yes I am really going on a date with him, and you were the one being an ass last night” I commented doing up the last button on my flannel shirt.

 “What look are you going for exactly? Slutty lumberjack?” Amber snaps at me as I pull my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head.

 “I’m going for the I have blisters on my feet from wearing stupid heels so I’m dressing comfortable look. I think I have it pulled off nicely.”

 “Whatever, just don't come crying to me when Mr. Photographer guy breaks your heart or knocks you up.” with that comment Amber burys her face in the latest issue of Cosmo, and I hear a knock come from our door. Taking one last quick look in the mirror, I grab the door handle and give it a turn.

 He’s laughing the second I open the door. I quickly look down to make sure I haven't forgotten anything important like shoes, or pants. Finding them both there I give him a questioning look.

 “What's so funny Joshua”?

 “Please call me Bam, and nothing is funny Miss McKenzie, we are going to be twinning for the evening, however.”

 I look Bam up and down and for the first time, I realize that we are both wearing dark jeans, a black band shirt, with a red flannel shirt on top. I can't help but giggle at the sight of us.

 “We’re going to look like a married hipster couple!” I state through my laughter. At least I like the band whose logo he is sporting on his chest. Bam’s arm comes from behind his back and he hands me a single white rose.

 “Thought I would give you something to represent your Scottish ancestry” Bam comments as I take the rose from his hand, and carefully bring it up to my nose.

 “Believe it or not, you're the first guy who has ever given me a rose” I inform him as I step back into my dorm room welcoming Bam inside.

 “Just let me put this in some water and we can go.” Bam is checking out the various prints I have hanging on the wall, completely ignoring the fact that Amber is ignoring him. Placing my solo cup full of water on my desk, I quickly drop the rose into it and turn to find Bam examining one of the shots I took at a local concert.

 “You're really talented when it comes to low light photography. The shot isn't grainy at all.”

 “Thanks, it was a show at a local pub one night. You ready to go?”

 Bam nods and heads toward the door, he’s holding it open for me as I look back at my disgruntled best friend.

 “Don't wait up, I don't know when I’ll be home”.

 I'm answered with a thumbs up over her magazine. Rolling my eyes I walk out of my dorm and into the hallway, which is starting to fill up with the usual party goers.

 “Sorry about Amber, she s just been in a bad mood the past few days”.

 “I couldn't tell at all” Bam lies as we head out of my building and toward a cab.

  There's a line wrapped around the restaurant when we arrive.

 “Oh man, we are going to be waiting for hours” I comment, already feeling bad for my blistered feet.

 “Nonsense, I’ve not only made reservations, but I know the owner”

 Bam smiles as we get out of the cab and he takes my hand. Mine feels tiny and minuscule compared to his large callused covered one. My mind automatically goes to how that hand would feel in other places.

 Stop thinking like that or you're going to get yourself worked up my subconscious is screaming at me as we make our way to the front of the line. I try my best to ignore the sneers we are receiving from the other customers. Obviously, we didn't dress up enough to be here. The bouncer type guy who is standing in front of the door seems to be having the same thoughts as he looks us up and down before staring at Bam.

 “Can I help you sir? ” the guard asks with a look of boredom on his face.

“Ye, Joshua Brown, and Finley McKenzie” Bam’s voice is full dominance as he stares back at the guy, his hand now resting on the small of my back.

 The guard rolls his eyes and brings a clipboard in front of his face. Three seconds later his demeanor has changed. He is now standing up straight, and unclipping the belt that blocks the entrance.

 “Sorry about your wait Mr. Brown, right this way please.”  Bam lets me walk in first and I am completely flabbergasted that we got in just like that, no arguing, name calling, or fighting at all.

 The restaurant is beautiful, the majority of the art on the wall is black and white, which with the low light setting gives this place a very intimate feeling. We are quickly escorted to one of the tables that are set on a higher level, there may be three more couples up here, all of them seem to be lost in their own little worlds.

 Bam pulls out my seat and quickly sit down, a little embarrassed at the attention he is giving me. No man has ever treated me like this and I honestly don't know how to react to him. The moment we are seated the waiter is at our table, asking what we would like to drink.

 “I’ll just have a sweet tea please” I speak up while Bam informs him a water Coke would be perfect.

 “So how has your day been” he questions as we get comfortable.

 “It was fine, I had class from nine until four. The stress of graduation is starting to kick in and I am trying my best not to pull my hair out.”

 “Please don't do that, I love your hair, not to mention I wouldn't be able to pull…”

 The waiter returns with our drinks and asks if we are ready to order. I quickly glance at the menu and order the first thing I see. Chicken tenders and fries. Yes, I am an adult but I am a big kid at heart. Bam laughs and orders the same. We both ignore the weird look we are getting from the waiter.

 “Mr. Lundquist would like me to inform you he will be out sometime this evening to say hello” the waiter informs Bam as he takes our menu’s and leaves the table.

 “Mr. Lundquist?”

 “Yes, the friend of mine, and the owner. I did some work for him when he was opening up the place. Took photos for his socials, menus, all of that stuff. Now you were saying graduation stress?”

 “Yeah I have a little over a week before finals, and I am stressing so much. I need to make at least a B on my final project in order for me to graduate with honors, and I am worried it’s not going to happen.”

 “Is there anything I can help with?” Bam questions as he twirls his straw around in his drink, but not breaking eye contact with me,

 “Actually, if you wanted to look at the shots I will be presenting that would be awesome. The requirement is they all be black and white and let's face it you have a knack for that.”

 “I would love too, what's the project about?

 “It’s actually about poverty. We had to document what poverty looked like in our hometowns. So I had to go back to North Carolina for a weekend.”

 “You're not from Massachusetts? Bam questions as our waiter returns and places our plates in front of us.

 “Nope, I moved up here when I was sixteen, and never turned back to that hell hole.”

 I didn't miss the way Bam’s eyebrows furrowed at my last comment.

 “What did you have to do while you were back there?” he asks he begins to pour ketchup on his plate.

 “Well, I actually lived and volunteered at a homeless shelter for the weekend. I was able to see how the less fortunate lived, and get my project done all without seeing my horrible family.”

 I don't miss the fact that Bam drops a piece of chicken at the mention of me staying in a homeless shelter. To be honest it wasn't the first time I’ve done it. That’s how I survived when I moved up north until I could get a job, and into college.

 “Do you want to tell me about why you left at such a young age?”

 I shook my head and took a bite of my chicken.

 “I honestly don't like talking about it. Maybe one day okay?”

 Bam nods and quickly changes the subject. I guess he could see how uncomfortable I was. As Bam is about to speak a man with a beard and the most adorable smile comes to our table.

 “Bam it’s so nice to see you again! How have you been? I heard about the gallery, wish I could have made it but this place would go into a frenzy without me” the man comments as Bam stands up to pull him into a hug.

 “I’ve been doing good, the gallery has a few more days if you get a chance to swing by. This is my lovely date Finley McKenzie, Finley, this is Austin Lundquist”.

 Austin takes my hand in his and places a kiss on the back of it.

 “The pleasure is all mine ma’am. How is dinner? Is there anything I can get for you”?

 “Dinner is wonderful Mr. Lundquist, and I do believe we are all okay here” I smile at this guy who reminds me of a huggable teddy bear.

 “Excellent, if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask, Bam it was good seeing you again. I’ll let you know where we're redoing our menu so you can come down okay?”

 Bam quickly nods his head and hugs his friend goodbye.

 “He’s a hyper fellow isn't he?”

 Bam nodded as he once again took his seat and took a drink from his water glass.

 “Yeah but he’s a great guy and he’s really passionate about his work. This is his third restaurant I think. I know for sure he has one in Louisiana and Arizona.”

 I nod and go back to work on my dinner. I may not look like it but I can pack some food away, and as good as this stuff is I’ll be finished in five minutes.

 The rest of dinner goes by in a blur as I sit and get to know Bam more. He tells me about how he got into photography, what his family has been up to while he has been out with his gallery, and then we get on the subject of books. This debate lasts all the way back to my dorm. I honestly haven't laughed this much in so long and it feels so weird to be this happy. Our current debate, ebook vs paper.

  “All I’m saying is that with an ebook I can have an entire library in the palm of my hand. Not to mention all the fan fiction that's out there.”

 At the mention of fanfiction Bam wrinkles his nose.

 “I’m not really a fan of it, to be honest. I mean if the character is fictional I guess I could see it, but when the person is real. It makes it kinda creepy.”

 I can't hold back my laughter as the thoughts of all those fanfictions I wrote before college about me running off with various rock stars and actors I had crushes on all come flooding back to me. Yepp, that's going to be a secret I take to the grave. Bam walks me up to my dorm room, stating that he doesn't trust the delinquents who were filling the hallway earlier. I’m standing outside my door, digging for my keys when I feel a hand fall on my waist. I turn to see Bam is al close as he has been all evening. I can smell the Juicy Fruit he has been chewing since we left the restaurant. I can't seem to make my eyes look anywhere but at his lips.

"Finley” he purrs my name, and I am instantly put under his spell.

 “Tonight was one of the best nights I’ve had since I left Alaska. There’s just something about you I can't get off my mind.

 Breathe woman breathe! I think to myself as Bam steps closer. Our bodies are practically touching. I get the courage to look up and I’m not disappointed by the look in his eyes. Without thinking, I stand on my tip toes and bring my lips up to his. The instant they touch I feel a jolt of desire course through my body, and as cliche, as it sounds I want more of him. His hands quickly come up to cup my face, and the next thing I know I’m being pressed back against the wall, with this feral hunk of man on top of me. My heart feels like it’s racing a thousand miles a minute and I don't want the source of the speed to stop. My hands go to the hem of Bam’s shirt and he quickly pulls back from our kiss.

 “Finley, wait.”

 I instantly stop what I’m doing as we both catch our breath.

 “You don't know how bad I want too. But not like this. I want to cherish every inch of you, and not in a dorm hallway.” he grins as he runs his thumb over my lips.

 “I’m leaving for home in a week. Will you come with me?”

 I don't know what possessed me but as soon as the question is out of his mouth my arms are going around his neck and I am screaming yes over and over.

 “The second my last final is over I am all yours, Mr. Brown.”

 Bam grins and leans down for another kiss.

 “I love the way you make my name sound” he smiles before our lips meet again.

  I don't know what the future holds for me, or where I am going to end up. But I know one thing, Bam Brown is going to be at my side until the end.

 Overall Rules: 10K word limit. This isn’t to say you couldn’t continue the story later, but for the initial challenge period, we’d like to keep the words around 10k. You are allowed to choose more than one, but make sure you can finish what you claim. If you think you will be unable to finish, please let me know so I can re-open that slot.

Please use the hashtag #ABPChallenge so that those following the challenge will be easily able to find your fics. If we have a large response, we may open a side blog to reblog all the entries.

 Due Date: July 5th, 2017 - This is 3 weeks from the season premier and should be plenty of time!

 To Reserve a Slot: Please send me an ask, reblog or a message (preferrably, ask). I will update taken slots.

 Generic Fics:

These prompts can be any subject matter (fluff, angst, smut, platonic, etc.), any rating. Any narrative perspective. Can be OC, Reader.

 Matt x OC (3 prompts)

Bam x OC (3 prompts)

Bear x OC (3 prompts)

Gabe x OC (3 prompts)

Noah x OC (3 prompts)

  AU Fics:

These are prompts outside of the typical lives of each Brown. They are broken down by brother.These prompts can be any subject matter (fluff, angst, smut, platonic, etc.), any rating. Any narrative perspective. Can be OC, Reader or just about the specified brother. (1 slot for each)

 Matt:

  Pirate Matt

Cowboy/Old West Matt

Robin Hood Matt 

 Bam:

  Professor Bam

Officer Bam

Photography/Art Bam 

Bear:

  Stuntman Bear

Secret/Agent Spy Bear

Ninja Warrior/Karate Bear

Gabe:

  Fireman Gabe

Lumberjack Gabe

Mechanic Gabe 

Noah:

Musician Noah

Knight Noah

Chemistry Professor Noah

  Plot Prompts:

   Hide and Seek (Any) - 5 slots

Fishing (Matt) - 2 slots

Skinny Dipping (Any) - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Coffee Shop (Any) -  5 Slots (1 for each)

Hunting (Matt, Gabe, Bam, Bear) - 4 Slots (1 for each)

Target Practice (Any, Any Weapon)  - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Foraging (Any) - 2 slots

Beachcombing(Any) - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Naked and Afraid (any) - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Truth or Dare (any) - 5 slots (1 for each, or multiple brothers/OC’s in the same story)

  Formatting: Please use the following format when posting your fics.

 Title: Obviously, title of your story

 Rating: Use whatever rating system to get your point across (G, PG, T, R, M, NC-17, etc)

 Word Count: Total words in the fic.

 Warnings?: This is a place to include anything that might be upsetting or some sort of trigger for someone who’s had a negative past experience. If there is a kink for it, best to put it down here.

 Description: Short teaser line about the fic, include your pairing.

Great response so far, but plenty left! Even if you haven’t written before, it’s a great time to get started! This group is so fun and everyone is so supportive of creativity. 

Overall Rules: 10K word limit. This isn’t to say you couldn’t continue the story later, but for the initial challenge period, we’d like to keep the words around 10k. You are allowed to choose more than one, but make sure you can finish what you claim. If you think you will be unable to finish, please let me know so I can re-open that slot.

Please use the hashtag #ABPChallenge so that those following the challenge will be easily able to find your fics. If we have a large response, we may open a side blog to reblog all the entries.

Due Date: July 5th, 2017 - This is 3 weeks from the season premier and should be plenty of time!

Generic Fics:

These prompts can be any subject matter (fluff, angst, smut, platonic, etc.), any rating. Any narrative perspective. Can be OC, Reader.

Matt x OC (3 prompts)

Bam x OC (3 prompts)

Bear x OC (3 prompts)

Gabe x OC (3 prompts)

Noah x OC (3 prompts)

 AU Fics:

These are prompts outside of the typical lives of each Brown. They are broken down by brother.These prompts can be any subject matter (fluff, angst, smut, platonic, etc.), any rating. Any narrative perspective. Can be OC, Reader or just about the specified brother.

Matt:

Pirate Matt @jenjifr

Cowboy/Old West Matt

Robin Hood Matt - @darndimples

Bam:

Professor Bam

Officer Bam

Photography/Art Bam - @hauntedduckdefendor

Bear:

Stuntman Bear

Secret/Agent Spy Bear

Ninja Warrior/Karate Bear - @secretlymolly

Gabe: 

Fireman Gabe

Lumberjack Gabe

Mechanic Gabe - @jenjifr

Noah:

Musician Noah

Knight Noah

Chemistry Professor Noah

Plot Prompts:

Hide and Seek (Any) - 4 slots left

Bear - @jessicamoreno83

Fishing (Matt) - 1 slot left

@theforestforthesea

Skinny Dipping (Any) - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Coffee Shop (Any) -  5 Slots (1 for each)

Hunting (Matt, Gabe, Bam, Bear) - 4 Slots (1 for each)

Target Practice (Any, Any Weapon)  - 4 Slots left (1 for each)

Matt - @darndimples

Matt - @tabnb

Foraging (Any) - 2 slots

Beachcombing(Any) - 4 Slots left (1 for each)

Bam - @polaris1401

Naked and Afraid (any) - 5 Slots (1 for each)

Truth or Dare (any) - 5 slots (1 for each, or multiple brothers/OC’s in the same story)

 Formatting: Please use the following format when posting your fics.

 Title: Obviously, title of your story

 Rating: Use whatever rating system to get your point across (G, PG, T, R, M, NC-17, etc)

 Word Count: Total words in the fic.

 Warnings?: This is a place to include anything that might be upsetting or some sort of trigger for someone who’s had a negative past experience. If there is a kink for it, best to put it down here.

 Description: Short teaser line about the fic, include your pairing.