#elera

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This is my kinda town, this is my kinda place I wouldn't mind hangin' 'round For more than just a couple days I got a twelfth floor room with a killer view of the empty Astrodome A tab at the bar downstairs, but all I can think about is home

You should've seen 19th Street, you should've seen the midnight rodeo The way them saloon doors swing, when they line dance to "Copperhead Road" Something ‘bout the air down here, that'll make you feel the way all them cowboys do I wish I was an outlaw, But all I can think about is you I got new boots covered in red dirt A "Don't Mess With Texas" T-shirt And a Lonestar postcard postmarked with missin' you It's got the biggest sky you've ever seen, the coldest beer you'd ever drink But I still feel like I landed on the moon 'Cause it ain't got you Houston, we got a problem

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Undisclosed Location, Colorado

 You could see the truck before you could hear it; stirring up clouds of dust from the dirt roads leading down to the ranch. You were standing out on the front porch, not eager to get caught up in the hot mid-afternoon Colorado sunshine. You were watching Payne, Silas and Marimacho down in the corral with the horses; but that dust made your eyes raise to the horizon. You weren’t due any visitors, and everyone meant to be working here was already in situ. You knew that ad hoc visits sometimes happened; but usually they would call ahead. Cell reception wasn’t great out here, but the landlines worked just fine.

For now the guys were taking a well-earned cigarette break, keeping their sharp eyes on the horse they were training. When the truck was more visible; sun glancing off the paintwork and the hum of the engine filled the quiet air, Payne hopped up to straddle the fence for a closer look. There were no logos to indicate what it might be for, and he was sure that you would have told him if anyone was expected, or had called. He took a drag of his cigarette and squinted at it suspiciously as it continued to wind its way towards the house - you were already outside and could deal with it for now, but he had to admit he was curious. Silas and María joined him on the fencing; equally suspicious. “What’s up there?” Payne raised an eyebrow “Hope it’s good whatever it is...” He watched you point him out.  “Guess they’re looking for you, Payne.” “Ah shit, well, I’ll report back..! You two got this one, right?” Maria scoffed “Course we do-!” “If we don’t you’re not doing your job well.” Payne shoved Silas at that, who laughed, and jumpped down, putting out his cigarette he wandered over to you.

You stepped out to the front of the porch to greet them. Both men whose clothes and build said they were probably also in this profession. So they weren’t lost. Trainers or buyers? That was the question. “Good afternoon, m’am-!” They both sidled up to the porch, tipping their hats - ah-! The old-fashioned kind. “Afternoon gentleman. What can we help you with?” “We’re looking for a man by the name of Payne? Heard he’s the best in the business and that this is his ranch.” That irked you just a little, this was your ranch and your parents before you. And it had collectively become “yours” over time. True he had the reputation, and he’d built it into what it was... but it was not Payne’s. He used to work for your father; Payne had a gift for breaking and training horses, and had put this place on the map beyond your father’s wildest dreams. You weren’t about to argue that point now, instead you gave a small smile and pointed back to where they’d just driven from. “The man you’re looking for is out there working, gentleman...” Although he was watching you, the other two now at his side, and as soon as you indicated to him, Payne cleared the fence and began wandering over. “Oh-! Thank you m’am!” They both turned, not giving you the opportunity to ask what this was about. But you knew Payne; he wouldn’t have them speak without you in the know.

  By the time he reached the truck, the men had already started towards him; “Gentlemen-!” “Ah! You must be Payne!” “Correct,” He nodded to you, “I see you’ve already met my partner in crime, Ms.Y/N.” You mouthed him a ‘thank you’ - at least he always made sure you were recognised. Payne gave you a wink, before turning back to them; “What can we help you with?” “We hear you are the man to come to - for Horse Whispering, or for breaking horses.” Payne folded him arms across his chest and tipped his head, “That’s kind of you to say, suppose the proof can only be in the success - you need horses breaking, or otherwise?” “Yes. We have the horses, but we wanted someone with your expertise for this particular job.” Payne nodded; “Whereabouts are you from?” “Houston, Texas.” Both of you suddenly froze in place. That was Midnight Rodeo territory. There was a lot that could be done in Texas to do with horses. Payne wasn’t beyond being a full-on cowboy at times, if the need called for it. He swallowed hard, “Well, then maybe we should take this inside... that’s... quite a way to come for just me.” They looked to each other, then back to him with massive grins, “Well, Payne, you ain’t just anyone - you’re the best of the best. And hopefully we can have a good discussion. We haven’t looked at anyone else; you’re the man we wanna hire.” Your eyebrows shot up at that - this wasn’t an opportunity your man would want to miss, you knew that.  Payne turned back to his friends to whistle that he’d be a while, and then ushered the men inside - this was likely to be a long discussion; but an exciting prospect at that.

 ***

 By the time they left the sun was low in the sky, and Silas and Marimacho had already packed up ready for the morning – leaving the horses out to graze. You were both sitting on the front porch watching them and discussing the offer, his head in your lap. “It’s a good job, it’s a big job. But you’re gonna be here alone.” You smiled, he was right – it would be unprecedented for Payne to get something good going on in Texas, especially with such draws at the Midnight Rodeo, and to bolster his reputation and his name; yes, you’ve heard of him – now here’s the proof that what they say is true. You certainly weren’t about to let him pass that up, even if it would mean being here alone for a few weeks. You knew he wouldn’t want to go alone; he’d need the whole team – after all Payne always said it was a team effort. You ran your hand through his tangle of curls; “Baby, don’t worry about me, you should do this thing. It’s gonna be real good for you.” He sighed, folding his arms; “I dunno, Y/N… I just…” “You can leave me alone, I’ll be fine.” His eyes met yours and doubt was written all over his face. Payne had a point it wasn’t usual for you to be apart, and you’d suggest going with him but you’d be needed to hold the fort here – and he’d only trust you to do that. “Well, yeah, I’ll miss you. Of course I will, but…” You bent your body over his, “you need this, and you want it. And I won’t let you say no because of me.” and kissed him gently. “But there’s so many other factors-!” Payne looked back to the horses again – “I mean, you by yourself out here? What if you need help-!? I mean, do I leave someone with you here or-!?” “Shhhh…” You rubbed his shoulder affectionately, “Stop thinking so much and make a gut decision.” He scoffed, “If I even knew what that was.” You shook your head and kissed his cheek gently, shifting him off your lap; “Well – maybe it’d be better for you to have an inner dialogue…” He sat back on his hands as you stood, brushing yourself down, “I’m gonna make dinner-!” Payne replaced his hat and raised an eyebrow, reaching out to take your hand “What would you do, if they wanted you?” “I mean I doubt they ever would, I’m hardly the same calibre,” His fingertips danced over your skin, causing you to smile more, “but I would go. If it’s what I wanted.” “And you wouldn’t feel guilty?” You sighed, “I hope you don’t think I would guilt you about it anyway.” You bent to kiss him again, “No. I wouldn’t.” You swept back to the front door, “And don’t you dare try to guilt trip yourself out of it!” He laughed, “I still gotta decide if I wanna go-!” But you knew, deep down, his decision was already made. Dinner was eaten in relative silence, mostly because you felt every time you opened your mouth he might think a little too much on staying for you – you hated to think that a man who wasn’t really one to be tied to any one place, would skip out on Texas for you. Payne had never been homebody and he’d left you here before – you supposed it was the longevity of it. And perhaps how far away he would be. He helped you clear the table before leaving you with a kiss on the cheek and heading outside again. You sighed gently, watching him go. You were worried; how could you not be? But his fretting over this was for nothing; after all it wouldn’t be forever, Payne would still return to you. And if he needed you to make that decision for him, then you certainly would. You gave him another hour or so alone whilst you set out everything that needed to be done the following day, and chalked up everyone’s schedule. After which you got the house in order for the evening, and, thinking that he’d now had enough time to think, joined Payne back on the porch. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes; he was lying back again, one arm behind his head, smoking a cigar. The glass and bottle next to him filled with a suspicious looking green liquid that you knew he shouldn’t be trusted with. ‘If it’s bad enough for Absinthe, I guess it really IS bad.’ You strolled over, shaking your head slowly; “Boy. Don’t make me decide for you!” He was silent for a moment, blowing smoke into the late evening air; “Wish you could.” You leant against the porch frame, one hand on your hip; “I’ll help you get ready…” Your eyes flicked to him; “I’ve been alone before. I mean I love ya, but I think I can survive.” He shot you a look, “I just don’t think sitting out here with absinthe is really gonna help you think with any clarity!” You grinned, “I have a solution, though.” He sat up again, taking another drag, “Oh yeah?” You gave him a smirk, “Yeah… But you’re gonna have to promise me you’re going to go.” “I could just as easily go back on it.” His head tipped, daring you to do something about that proposal. “Well,” You sauntered around him, dragging your fingertips across his shoulders, “if you don’t want me…” He let out a soft groan, “You know I’ll do it.” “You shouldn’t do it because I think you should either…” You paused, picking up the glass and finishing it for him. Regretting it about 5 seconds later and shuddering; you’d nearly always hated the taste – especially neat. “You should do it because it’s all you’ve ever talked about. Because you dream about it. All I’m trying to encourage you to do is chase your dreams.” Payne tipped his head back, blue eyes searching yours; “You’re still gonna be here right?” “You think I’d leave you? I think you’re much more likely to find someone new in Texas.” He growled, “Are you fucking kidding me-!?” “Just checking!” Though the grin on your face was teasing. He stubbed out the cigar and rolled over onto his front, eyes narrowed; “Is that what you think of me?” You took a step back, with a smirk; “Why don’t you prove to me you won’t?” Payne jumped to his feet and pretty soon had you backed against the front door, hands in your hair and lips on yours; “How dare you suggest such a thing-!?” You simply smiled; “I just wanted to check there was someone to wait for, and tell me all about what happened when he lived his dream…” He shook his head, bringing your lips to his again, before moving his hands to the hem of your shirt; “Well – Let me just prove to you, that there’s something worth waiting for.” ***

Houston, Texas

Payne hated to admit how much this was hurting him. He was living it here in Houston, this was the ‘I made it!’ dream.

He’d been here almost a month now, and the entire crew has flown down with him. He was supposed to be having the time of his life, and he was having the time of his life. These were some of the most gorgeous horses he’d ever been given the opportunity to work with and break. And watching them go from fairly wild to seeing them get calmer, and some of them eventually in the rodeos themselves or out working, was breath-taking, and everyone was impressed. Especially the gentlemen who had hired him. He was getting a lot of exposure; his whole crew were. This felt a lot more like play than work, and Payne didn’t think he’d ever seen them all so happy.

But all he could think about was home; all he could think about was you. Even when he was run off his feet, you were still in the back of his head. He called you every day, and if you didn’t pick up then he’d leave a message - but no matter if he got through to you or not, Payne always ended with “I miss you.” Because he did - and he and you had travelled before, it wasn’t like you weren’t used to this but it felt bigger, it felt longer... it was longer. And there wasn’t a real end in sight. But Payne knew he wanted to go home; even realising his dream wouldn’t stop that feeling - he was a Colorado boy, and the ranch and you would always be home.

Payne knew what was coming, from the way everyone was so delighted at his team’s progress, he knew that they would offer him a job. It was always in the air but never said; it was going to be asked as soon as he was on the brink of leaving, Payne knew. It would be him, and he would say no ‘not without the crew’ then it would be all of them asked, and he would still say ‘no, not without her’, and then they would say it would be fine to move everyone’s families too. But you’d refuse; it was a ranch handed down through generations - back to when the West was first being settled. When outlaws and bounty hunters ruled the land. You weren’t leaving - you’d probably rather leave him than you would that house. And Payne had spent way too long crushing on you, then wooing you, and now being with you to let that happen.

This might be his dream but he was comfortable with you. And all Payne had ever wanted was to be comfortable.

 Tonight was another night at the midnight rodeo, but for the first time since he’d arrived here Payne was skipping out. His phone had vibrated a couple of times when he knew it was due to start but they’d left him alone since then. Instead he was sitting at the desk in his hotel room, looking out over the city. There was a glass of whiskey sitting next to him (absinthe wouldn’t have tasted the same away from home either and it wasn’t exactly a wide spread sold alcohol), yet Payne was a little too absorbed in what he was doing to pay real attention to that either. Calling you was all well and good, but Payne didn’t have a fantastically verbal love language. He didn’t think of things to say in the moment that could express his feelings to you adequately; but he could write it. He could ponder what words sounded right, he could change them all around and make sure that it all flowed. Everything that he somehow couldn’t say out loud, Payne was at least glad that you could read it. It might only have been a postcard, not a real love letter, but it would have to do for now. He could still say everything that he wanted to; and Payne would still end those letters in the same way as he did his calls:

‘I miss you.’

 **

You knew what it was as soon as you opened the mailbox, and dropped everything else inside before sitting up on the paddock fence, yours and his horse grazing in the field behind you, you sat and read. You inhaled - knowing that he would have sprayed it with his cologne, in the same way when on occasion you wrote to him you would cover your notes in perfume - and for a second it felt like he was here, with his arms around you.

At first you were smiling; he was such a sweetheart in the way that he wrote. You knew Payne wasn’t good with words, romantic words, but this was always where he told you he loved you. Letters happened even when he was home, you’d find them all over the house and they would always make you beam; you kept them in a little box and sometimes you’d sit and read them back. It always amazed you how what he wrote may have been different the longer you were together but, what he said stayed the same. He still loved you the same, and you loved him just as much. So soon enough, as you continued to read his postcard, you weren’t just smiling, your heart began to ache and tears threatened to spill. You sniffed and rubbed your eyes, not allowing any to fall, as you did so his horse nudged against your arm and you patted his muzzle with a half-laugh-half-upset exhale; “I know... I know... I miss him too.”

 Payne knew the question was coming. You were going to ask it eventually. You knew he had to work but sometimes too long was too long. And you knew what this meant to him, and that you’d persuaded him to chase it across the country, but you missed him. There was no end date: it wasn’t like he’d be back at the end of the month; the truth was he didn’t know when it would be over. “When are you coming home?” He didn’t want to tell you he didn’t know, but he didn’t. Payne could hear it in your voice though, that you couldn’t take much more uncertainty. And neither could he; it wasn’t about wanting to go home anymore, but needing to. “Baby, I... you know what they’re going to say, they’re gonna wanna keep me on.” “Well they can’t have you.” Your answer was curt. He chuckled “Feisty. I wasn’t gonna leave, I know where my place is.” Your voice was amused though, “Damn right-!” “As you know good work is never done when horses go in and out all the time. I guess the specific group I’ve been working with are nearly fully trained. So, I’ll be home soon. I promise you that, I’m comin’ home-!” “Don’t make me hold you to that-!” He grinned “Ha-! Oh, I won’t-!”  

**

It was a harder conversation than he’d expected. But Payne wasn’t one for giving up, nor negotiating when he wanted something. He very much had a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude, and he wasn’t about to be forced into staying when his work was over. The money he was offered was good – brilliant even – he couldn’t deny that. Yet, Payne knew where home was, and it wasn’t here – even with how much he was loving his time here. He kept firm, and made sure they knew he wasn’t about to be pushed around. The one thing Payne worried about was his reputation; after all he didn’t want this relationship to turn sour. Once he’d left they could use anything to turn the rumour mill: ‘aw, the boy couldn’t hack it.’ That just wasn’t true. But Payne didn’t really trust anyone outside his friends and you; and was always that little bit suspicious. You’d always called it out as an odd trait; especially as he seemed pretty open and friendly towards most people. ‘How else am I supposed to get business and get paid, Y/N!?’ ‘AHHH! So it is for your own ends!?’ Yeah, you probably had it right, but he wasn’t admitting that. Though there was always a reason he kept a decent revolver around. What he did promise was that he could come back periodically for a few days, maybe a few weeks, and continue to work for them. But Payne wouldn’t be contracted here, and he explained as such – he’d built up his, and the ranches, name in Colorado and there he would stay. He had a lot waiting back home – and this would never be home. Even if he could miraculously get you to agree to move. Not that he gave them much of a choice, but they saw the logic in his decision and accepted his offer. He’d really have to talk it out with you first; but Payne was sure you’d not mind too much. Weren’t you always calling him a drifter anyway? The ranch was just a home base. That suggestive way you’d look at him, voice sultry to match your blink and say; “If the sex wasn’t so good you probably wouldn’t even stay, huh, babe?” Payne shook away that thought with a deep exhale, you weren’t the only thing he was missing right now. By the time he got back to his crew from the final meeting and tidy up, they were all already packed away. Everyone had the same notion, they were ready to go, ready to get back to families of their own. Still, Payne knew how much they had loved it here; and far be it from him to hold any of them back. “Before we do all get on a flight tomorrow morning back home, I do wanna say to you how proud I am of how hard you’ve worked. We’ve always been like a little gang of outlaws, and hell if we haven’t shown these Texas rangers a thing or two!” There were plenty of laughs and cheers at that, and Payne grinned, “But, I’m going to give you the choice, and no hard feelings. You can stay if you wanna stay, if you think this is better for you…” He turned to take in his surroundings, “I’m not gonna stop ya.” There was silence amongst them for a minute, and as Payne’s eyes settled back on them he had a horrible feeling they were all about to walk away. Skelly was the first one to scoff; “Payne, ya gotta be kiddin’ man! We ain’t leavin’!” Silas joined in immediately; “Hell yeah, you’re a good man and a good boss and we’re sticking with you the whole way! Fuck these guys, it’s all or nothing with us-! Hell, you’re the one that damn near had us make a pact.” Payne chuckled at that; “Yeah, we were kids back then Silas.” “Well, it still means a lot to us!” Marimacho folded her arms with a smile; “You stick by us and our families. If we ever need anything you and Y/N are there, and if there’s ever something troubling us you’re lenient and understanding. Side note too, but your gal is awesome… We’d miss her too much! No-one gets left behind Payne, you’ve always been about that.” “Here, here!” Kid and Gull followed suit on the other three. He blinked a couple of times, humbled – glad that they wouldn’t turn their backs on something good. Still, he smirked, Payne could count on their loyalty – they were a motley crew for sure, but all great friends. He was glad they’d still take some stupid lines said as teenagers so seriously. He nodded, looking at each of them in turn; “You’re right. No-one gets left behind.” His smirk turned back to a small smile; “So, lets get back to the ones who are waiting for us.” *** He had called you the evening before to say he was leaving. You thought it seemed very sudden, but you supposed Payne would rather make sure, and head home than promise you something and find out he couldn’t keep it. He’d also let you know they were getting on the plane, and now you knew he was on his way back you couldn’t have been more excited. So, as soon as you heard his truck, you couldn’t help grinning. It was an all too familiar sound; and not just to you. Seemingly every horse in the stables knew too; his and yours racing to the top end of the paddock, and the dogs were also in chorus. You chuckled to yourself; “Daddy’s home.” Washing and wiping your hands quickly on a towel from where you’d been working, you ran to the door as you heard his truck pull up. By the time you’d opened it and run onto the porch, he’d already leapt from the vehicle and was walking over. Payne stood at the bottom step, presenting himself, grinning at he looked up at you; “Honey, I’m home!” You shook your head at him but, too overcome with joy to care about him being cheesy, you leapt off the porch and into his arms. “God, I missed you so much… I missed you so, so much!!” You cried blissfully as he held you tight to his chest. Payne understood that notion all too well; he’d spend the entire flight thinking about how he couldn’t wait to hold and kiss you again. And now here he was, and you were in his embrace; “I know…” He kissed your hair, before you shifted to capture his lips, arms tangling around his neck. It was a hard kiss, and long, very nearly taking both your breaths away. You smiled, stealing another, “You’ll have to tell me everything.” “Didn’t I already?” He smirked, not letting you leave his lips – oh, you knew exactly how the rest of this day was gonna go. “Uhm, I think I said when you came back, you had to tell me all about how you lived your dreams!” “Ahhh… You won’t even give me 2 seconds to say hello to my lady?” “I think you made your intentions for your lady perfectly clear…” You grazed your lips to his once again, “I may say she has done the same.” You tipped your head, with a raised eyebrow, “Mayhaps she has, but who are you gonna listen to first – the kids are whining.” You didn’t need to point that out, he could already hear that the animals were glad he was back. He pulled you in closer, voice lowering, “The kids can hush, mom and dad are talking…” smirking whilst kissing you again, “How well can they have been looked after, if they’re cryin’ for me?” “Of excitement, actually. They just missed you as much me!” “Uh huh, how about my coat, you look after that?” You laughed, “No-one is wearing a coat like that in this weather.” He made a face, “Okay, ‘cept you. Crazy man.” “Ha!” This time it was Payne laughing hard, and his hands ran down your body. You smirked running your hands from behind his neck across his broad shoulders to study his shirt, before chuckling. Emblazoned on the front were six photographs of form fitting jeans, with the caption ‘A Cowboys Best Assets’. The shirt itself hugged close to his chest and left your partner easy on the eye; not that he wasn’t already, of course. “Well, damn. That shirt’s not wrong… I like it.” Besides he was wearing a pair of those jeans himself right now. “Oh really? Thought you might.” “Mhm…” You tangled your fingers in it, and pulled him into yet another kiss. “But I’d like it and your best assets on the floor of our bedroom right now.” You removed his hat from his head and placed it on your own, with a wink. He didn’t need telling twice, hoisting you from the floor as you wound your legs around his waist; “Oh, yes m’am.” Payne took the porch steps quickly, and didn’t stop until he had you tangled in bedsheets.

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is this from a Tumblr post? I feel like it is... Might need to find it out there and credit back

______ You walk in six gun style Put another bullet in the chamber with your smile You move in and you don't stop Till your pretty little finger pulls the trigger and the hammer drops Cold steel, gun powder kiss Livin' for the taste of new blood on your lips Your high noon is a midnight moon Puttin' every Jesse James to shame with your killshot move Love for you is like a wild west movie You always end up on the run You draw quick and your aim is deadly And then you ride off in the sun Someday I hope you find a faster gun ---

You’d never particularly liked frequenting saloon bars when you travelled. Always too much trouble for a girl like you to get into. Even in the company of someone else, your eyes still darted from table to table before you even considered settling down at the bar. Payne didn’t really care much for that, all he wanted was a glass of something. You followed him slowly, checking that everyone else was keeping to themselves before you sat beside him, satisfied. “Don’t know why you think you’re so special, darlin’ – No one’s paying you any mind.” You folded your arms with a scoff as you regarded him – considering the kind of vulgar commentary he’d been running as he escorted you, you were sure at least one person in here thought you were worth the attention he was giving. Even when it was unwelcomed. He wouldn’t be your first choice of escort. You just happened to be a victim of circumstance. Payne had caught you off guard, repacking your things after your night at camp – and you knew he was trouble from the second you saw that smug little smirk; “Well, well, what do we have here?” You were a quick draw, but unfortunately his gun was already cocked and aimed at you. You narrowed your eyes at him, “Why don’t you just move on-!?” “And leave a girl like you all alone out here?” He gestured, not daring to take his eyes off you just in case you ended up being a decent shot, “Why don’t you let me escort you.” He didn’t expect the venom in your spat reply; “Fuck you, I’m fine alone. Probably better that way.” Your eyes traced him for a moment; he certainly looked like a whole lot of trouble. “Now, is that any way to talk to someone who is offering safe passage West?” “I don’t need your help!” You said, through gritted teeth. But it was obvious neither of you were going to budge on this. “We appear to have reached an impasse, darlin’.” “DON’T call me darling-!” That only riled you further, but apparently it only amused him. “Well you got two options, you come with me – to wherever you’re headed… or I could just kill you.” You raised an eyebrow; “Yeah, I’d like to see you try.” Although if you were honest you didn’t see the point of coming all this way just for some opportunistic asshole to shoot you. Still, neither of you were giving an inch, so you decided to be the bigger person and holster your pistol, taking it just a little on faith that he wouldn’t actually just kill you now. He didn’t, and placed his own away. You were still watching him warily as you mounted your horse. “So, where’s a pretty thing like you headed, anyhow?” You shrugged, ignoring the ‘compliment’; “Maybe the mountains… maybe I just want to know what’s beyond them.” Although your eyes flicked suspiciously to him; he better not think he was taking you all the way there. “Why would you want to escort me?” “I wouldn’t mind the company-” Your eyes narrowed and you cut in sharply before he got any further “If you think for one second that I-” “Ah! Now there’s an idea.” He smirked, and then laughed at your expression; “Now, I don’t think I caught your name, sweetheart? I’m Payne.” “Y/N.” He liked that, but not the glare you were giving him, “And I’m NOT your sweetheart.” “Can’t blame me for trying…” He urged his horse to fall inline with yours; “I think we’re gonna be good friends, Y/N.” You hated that he insisted on giving that slightly sexual edge to your name, and gave it about 2 hours before it pissed you off enough to want to kill him. Irked you even more that Payne suggested you’d be ‘friends’. Instead you kept your gaze ahead of you, and your voice steady; “We’ll see.” You constantly let him know that you weren’t overly impressed with your predicament, and for the first couple of days you were cold and distant. Payne liked running his mouth, and you were very nearly the opposite until you could trust someone to tell them anything. Obviously it was wise not to trust him as far as you could throw him. “Not very talkative are ya?” As if to prove his point, you responded only by shooting him a look. But as you were forced to spend your time with him, you found yourself warming to Payne’s ways. He still annoyed you, but you found yourself at least partial to liking him. And the more you found your attitude changing, the more talkative you got. Which pleased him no end. He was something of an awful flirt though, and you revelled in the opportunity to coldly shut him down when he took it a step too far. Payne never slipped into anything more than words, which was a good choice on his part (and he knew it) because you’d have killed him on the spot, even if you had to do it with your bare hands. Still, he noticed that in groups of people you were always uneasy, how you’d move a little closer to him. Payne never asked why that was, and he wasn’t sure you’d respond to him even if he did. Especially as on the times you’d both run into trouble you were a quicker shot than even he was. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t impressed – but it was yet another question Payne wouldn’t be voicing. Who’d taught you to be that good? Why would a girl like you ever feel the need to be that good? Your unease made him conscientious enough to make sure that your rest breaks in towns were minimal – but sometimes he just needed the respite of not having to set up camp. So now you found yourself at the bar, where he ordered you two glasses of absinthe – this also came of no great surprise to you, considering how much of it he drank. Having said that, he’d built up a tolerance to it, and you were more than just a little careful with your measures. “You tryna kill me?” “I’d say it was probably the opposite!” Payne clinked his glass to yours and took a sip “Mmmh. Yeah that’s good stuff.” You shook your head at him slowly and turned to your glass, studying everything from the measure to the shade of green. Before he nudged you, “Look, Y/N! Will you just drink the damn thing or I’ll do it for you!” “I’m getting to it!” You pushed him back with a smile, “Give a girl a sec-!” As you continued laughing to yourselves, you’d created quite the stir in the rest of the saloon. It was quiet between tables – and now your guard was down and you were drinking. See, the reason you were so wary of everyone else was you had a substantial bounty on your head. A lot of people you’d had the misfortune to meet knew this – and there wasn’t one that wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to take such a bounty for themselves. Considering you knew Payne was a bounty hunter (one of the many things he’d casually mentioned during your many conversations) you were surprised he didn’t know. Or that wasn’t the reason he’d picked you up in the first place; either that or he was playing the long game, and if he was you were impressed. The whispers began to stir, and although you were listening to your companion you were aware of the strange hostility suddenly building in the room. Ah, shit. The hand not tipping your drink back reached to click the safety off your pistol. Payne clapped his hand to your shoulder; “Thata girl!” causing you to almost spit the bright green alcohol all over the bar. You swallowed with a cough and were about to turn to him to offer your sarcastic thanks, when in the bottom of the glass you caught the reflection of movement behind you. “SHIT!” You exclaimed, slamming the glass on the bar you whipped around – your shot rang out, but he wasn’t alone. You realised maybe a little too late that the whole saloon was up on its feet. You have GOT to be kidding-!? But you didn’t have much time to think beyond your trigger finger and your bullets flew in rapid succession; before you ran out of them and immediately turned to Payne – who was both stunned and useless. Snatching his gun (thankful it was loaded) you dispatched a few more, movement across the bar allowing you to dodge flying bullets and take a little bit of cover whilst collecting further scores of loaded weapons. All the while you noticed that Payne would rather sit back and watch; and wasn’t taking any fire himself. That only lead to you jumping to obvious conclusions; Asshole! I KNEW IT! The last shot rang out and the final body collapsed onto the floor; you stood shakily and brushed yourself down, blowing out a breath. “What a mess…” “Fucking extraordinary, though.” Your eyes flicked to Payne, still sitting on the bar stool – eyes wide and slow blinking as he surveyed the damage. Your pistol arm shot up immediately to turn his own gun straight at him. Payne bolted from his seat hands up; “WOAH! Y/N! Don’t take this the wrong way-!” “You expect me to believe you didn’t have something to do with this-!?” “Why would you think that-!?” “They didn’t appear to be shooting at YOU!” The accusation in your voice was apparent. “They were all so interested in you-!” As you kept walking towards him he paced backwards; he had no line of defence. “How did so many know I was going to be here, huh?” “That’s bad luck! That’s not on me, when have I had time to tell anyone?!” “You have a group, that’s what you said…” Your eyes flashed and your finger didn’t falter on that trigger. Payne inclined his head, yeah he had a gang, but he hadn’t seen them for a while since he was busy with you. Then his eyes flicked back to the barrel of the pistol, realising there were more pressing issues at hand. “But you wouldn’t want to waste a bullet, right?” You raised an eyebrow; “Huh?” He grinned, “I’m bulletproof…but please, don’t shoot me.” Then cleared his throat; “I mean, that’s not something you have to test – you should know it’s the truth.” He waved his hands towards everyone else, “They all knew, that’s why they didn’t bother.” You very nearly laughed, but instead kept walking, hand steady; “Uh huh. Which is why you don’t want me to shoot you?” “Like I say, waste of precious resources… clearly you need ‘em.” You were a few steps from him now, hard look in your eyes that he couldn’t place. Angry and powerful; and had certainly just proved yourself a formidable force. “I’m impressed, though.” You didn’t think he needed to voice it, behind the slight fear in his eyes that you were quite capable of pulling that trigger, his expression said it all; fairly soon it faded to a cocky little smirk; “So, you have a bounty!” “Yeah.” By now the barrel of the gun was against Payne’s chest, and he had to be very careful with his choice of words if he didn’t want to end up like the rest of the patrons. “I do.” “Well, I don’t know about that, but I suggest that maybe you aught to tell the guy you hired as an escort that kind of information before he took you all the way across the West, huh?” You flashed a smirk of your own; “Wow, tell a bounty hunter I have a bounty. Sounds like a smart move for a girl trying to be careful.” By now the metal was digging into his skin, and Payne really had to hope against hope that you were being playful. You drew a breath, and that smirk become a sweet smile, blink bringing your eyes back to the gentle warmth he sometimes caught a glimpse of; “It’s good I like you.” “Oh? Why’s that?” Payne didn’t need to ask, because suddenly you’d yanked him to your lips by his coat. Your grip was strong, and even if he’d have wanted to Payne couldn’t have pulled away. Instead he went where you dragged him, arms winding around you and hands firm on your body – you knew he wouldn’t leave them respectful. You didn’t give a damn though; right now you wanted him wherever he’d place them and the kiss became hot, hungry and passionate as you backed him into the bar. He growled into the kiss, pulling back for just a second, eyebrow raised. That smug smirk of his hasn’t really dissipated; “So that’s how it is, huh?” His eyes flicked to the back of the room, and that look on his face became suggestive; “Y’know… this place has guest rooms.” You sighed with a gentle head shake; “Payne. Just shut the fuck up for once in your life and keep kissing me, damn it!”

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