𝑱𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏 ☽

“You’re sure…?”

“Yeah, I’m sure”. Cameron raised a brow in amusement, challenging, “what, you don’t think I can last?”

“I never said that!” You laughed, declaring, “I just don’t think you’ll be able to abstain for that long!” Your eyes scanned his features, a familiar tingle sparking in your stomach as your mind drifted. “You know how you get Cam…”

He mirrored your expression, cracking a smile when the words left your mouth. “We’ve been apart for a couple weeks before, I can hold out”.

“For one month though…?!” Laughter bubbled out of you. “Should I remind you of the calls that took place during those two weeks?” He hid his face, chuckling against your skin. Plenty of orgasms occurred between you two even at a distance so you found everything about this sudden urge to partake amusing. “Take one look at what you’re doing right now, and you’d understand why I find it hard to believe you’ll last!” Your gaze was fixed on his head resting on your stomach. He kept his arms circled around your thighs to massage them, occasionally pulling them close enough to skim his lips across your skin.

Cameron squeezed your thighs, planting the bait so he wouldn’t be doing it alone. “You’re saying all of this like you’d be able to last longer…”

“I see what you’re doing, you’re not slick Cam…”. You couldn’t suppress the smile coming on, already having it in mind that you could. “However, I’ll accept that bet. And be vindicated, so what’s at stake when you lose hm?”

“If I lose, I’ll take you a three-day shopping spree. When you lose, you must give me a full body massage three days in a row.

You laughed, responding, “I’ll start making my list of places right now then if that’s the case”.

--------- 

Week one had initially gone by smoothly until nightfall came on day four. As soon as the lights went off, you scooted back against Cameron, brushing him through his underwear in the process. He promptly opened his eyes, zoning in on your figure nestled next to him. Giving your hip a squeeze, he sucked in a harsh breath, trying to ignore the flare of pleasure that hit his stomach. “That’s how we’re playing it…?”

You hum in response, feigning innocence at his words. “Playing what…? I’m trying to get comfortable Cam”. Attempting to hide the amusement within your tone, you cracked a knowing smile. Even without seeing him, it was easy to guess what his face had looked like.

Cameron remained quiet in response, now fully engaged in reciprocating the energy. After a short moment of thought, he slipped his arm underneath your camisole to cup your breast, pressing you as close as possible. Breath hitching once you felt his hand graze your skin, you repositioned yours, laying it on top of his.

You heard the smugness in his voice as he uttered, “just getting comfortable”.

---------

Over the course of the second week, you had developed a strategy to quell the growing desire simmering in your stomach as the days passed. The only issue with said strategy was the fact that Cameron made sure it was impossible to adhere to. Trying to avoid getting too physically close and comfortable with him proved to be difficult since he decided to hover around you during any opportunity. You thought you could handle it but that was your first mistake. The effect his presence alone had on your body came with the glaring realization there was a high possibility of you caving first. Something shifted during one of his game days.

Immediately settling in and taking your shoes off, after returning home, you persisted, “let me see it”. At some point throughout the game, Cameron’s wrist took a harsh hit. He swiftly continued playing, disregarding the pain until it became noticeable that he was intentionally avoiding moving it too much when you were alone.

“I told you I’m fine”.

“And I told you to let me see it, so come here”.

He grinned hearing your tone, reluctantly walking over to the kitchen island. You parted your legs, leaving enough space for him to step in between as you grasped his forearm. Easing your touch along the skin, you peered up to study his expression. Gently pressing against the area now, he shifted his hand, grimacing when a twinge of pain spread through his wrist. Drawing your gaze down, the swelling was apparent. Brows furrowing at the sight, you soothingly rubbed above the tender area, mumbling, “I think you need to get that looked at”.

Shaking his head, Cameron prepared to protest but you gripped his other arm, running your nails up and down. “Cam…”

“I just need to sleep on it, baby, I’m fine”.

Curing your legs around his waist, you coaxed, “I’ll go with you”. Placing a hand on his abdomen, your eyes softened as you spotted a smile ghosting his lips. He knew what you were trying to do but he also knew your resolve was just as weak when it came to him. Leaning down to press a kiss on your cheek, Cameron smoothed his hands along the side of your thighs. A small wave of pleasure rolled through you when he trailed his lips past your jaw to reach your neck. Tipping your head to the side for better access, he took his time leaving pecks across your skin. You clutched his shirt, heart racing while he nipped and sucked the sensitive spot under your ear.

Pulling back to peer at you, his eyes dropped to your mouth. You placed a faint kiss on his lips, waiting to see how he responded. Cameron reconnected your lips with fervor, steadily inching his hands up your thighs. After a moment, you parted, sensually tugging on his bottom lip before resuming. He twitched underneath the fabric of his pants, deepening the kiss until you needed air. Despite feeling lightheaded with desire, you remained focus on the task at hand. Now cupping his jaw, you peppered slow deliberate pecks across his cheek, keeping him on edge. In the process of doing so, you murmured, “you’re going to go get that checked out tomorrow, right…?”

Every single nerve in his body was triggered from just being close to you. His mind was hazy too, wrapped around the sensation of your touch. Nodding absentmindedly, he quickly voiced, “I will for you”.

You smiled against his skin, parting to get a clear look at his face. Trailing your hand over to rest on his cheek, you pressed one more lingering kiss on his lips, uttering, “thank you”. Swiftly pushing at his chest, you unraveled your legs, hopping off the stool when there was enough space to do so. Having completely forgotten there was a bet established, Cameron’s reaction was delayed. He looked down then turned his attention towards your direction as you sauntered off. Shaking his head in disbelief, he chuckled, walking off to take a cold shower.

…………………….

It turned out that Cameron did have a sprain. Nothing severe but he would need to remain in a brace for the next couple weeks. Despite the ailment, he took full advantage of it. That same evening, just before showering, the idea to do so came to his mind while he was gauging the best way to get you to crack. Catching your attention, he lifted his shirt over his head. Extending his arm in your direction, he questioned, “Can you help me with this?”

Although the brace was on his dominant arm, both of you were aware he could easily still take it off himself. Amused by his tactic, you entertained him, stepping over to help. Now standing in front of him undoing the straps, you felt his stare. “You feel like helping me in the shower too…?” Upon hearing his words, you met his gaze.

Trying your best to hold in your laughter, you quip, “You’re serious?!”

Cameron nods, “I’m dead serious, I can’t use my wrist!”, following up his response with a playful grin.

You took a second, contemplating the risk before quickly finalizing your plan. Wordlessly grasping his hand, you began walking to the bathroom. The small smile spreading on your face was out of his line of sight. After stepping into the room, you dimmed the lights, tugging at his drawstrings to pull him closer. He was fixated on watching as you shuffled his sweatpants down. A wave of need hit your core like a brick when his length came into view. Once he moved them aside, you started removing your own clothes, feeling his eyes on you. Glancing down his body to see him twitch, you teased, “Shouldn’t you be starting the shower…?”

Snapped out of his head at the sound of your voice, Cameron proceeded to run the water, looking back at you with a smile. You joined him, feeling the warm droplets pelt onto your skin. Starting at his shoulders, you lathered a good amount of soap, watching it gradually descend down his chest. The rest of the shower consisted of you two quietly admiring each other’s body, enjoying the closeness. There was a rising tension woven into the air of steam. It projected through your gazes anytime you made eye contact. When he insisted on returning the gesture, he prompted you to turn around, circling his arm around your midsection.

Pressed flush against his body now, he utilized his other hand, bringing the wash material to your neck. He took his time rubbing it along your skin, entranced as the soap bubbles rolled over the crest of your breasts. Cautious of his wrist, you gently grasped his arm, resting your head on his chest. Eyes fluttering shut, you were hyper focused on every swipe. His dick followed the curve of your lower back, aching while his stare continued dropping over your features. You found yourself clenching your thighs for some relief.

As the minutes passed, Cameron was on the verge of breaking. He had asked you to turn around again so he could do the same to your backside. Through that single action, he was consumed by the prolonged eye contact. The water naturally webbed between your lashes, trickling down your cheeks before stopping past your lips. Feeling heat spread up your neck under his intense gaze, you averted your eyes, attempting to soothe the sensation swelling in your core. When he reached your ass, he took an extended amount of time just massaging your flesh. Once he was finished, you wasted no time stepping out of the shower to put distance between you two. You didn’t expect to be so affected by the lack of sex, but your body was not accustomed to the absence.

Cameron was still in the same headspace trailing right behind you. He wasn’t sure why you bothered wrapping a towel around you knowing it was about to be taken off. Though he had done the same, it wasn’t doing a good job at covering anything. You absentmindedly grabbed his brace, moving to place it back on. Your focus of vision drifted to his v line, lingering on the dip. Hearing him voice, “I appreciate your help baby”, warmth fluttered in your chest.

Lifting your head to peer at him, you smiled, “I know you do”. Out of reflex, Cameron’s eyes fell to your lips. You stepped close enough to give him a light kiss before turning your attention back to seal the last strap. As soon as you did, he wrapped his arm around your hips, pulling you against him and leaning in to lengthen the moment. Caught off guard, you moaned, planting both hands on his chest for balance. You then grasped his bicep, circling your other hand around his neck. He swiftly tugged your towel down, scooping you up off the carpet so you could wrap your legs at his waist. A breeze of air hit your thighs when he opened his towel, throwing it off to the side. Mumbling against his mouth, “w-wait, Cam—”, you attempted to remind him of the bet.

“No more”, he muttered in between kisses trailing down your neck. “I need you”. Cameron placed you on the bed, anchoring your calves on each of his shoulders. Slotting himself in position to keep your knees bent towards your breast, he rested his forearms beside you, framing your face. A knowing tremor ran through you as his dick slid along your folds, spreading your arousal. You gripped his biceps, growing impatient the longer he took his time teasing.

He connected your lips, shifting to align with your entrance before inching his way inside. Clinging onto his back, you parted, whimpering, “w-wait, fuck”. The pressure combined with the pang of pleasure made your head spin. Cameron was halfway in, pausing for you to adjust. On top of the desire that had been sitting in your stomach with nowhere to go, you felt everything from this position. Each vein, every movement, and the notable curve causing him to press on your g spot with ease.

“Too much?” Despite hearing the strain in his voice, his eyes were glazed with concern.

The ache in your core flaring from his gaze alone, you nod. Voicing, “I want it just like this”, your nails gently raked along his skin. “Keep going”.

That was all Cameron needed to bottom out. He found your lips again, savoring the feeling before he completely succumbed. Taking one last temperature check, he questioned, “how many taps?”

You released an airy laugh, responding, “three”. The system you two had developed early on also accounted for physical cues if words weren’t possible. Lips curling into a smile, Cameron placed another kiss on you before withdrawing to the tip. Plunging back inside in one slow motion, he groaned. Repeating the action, his hips started rocking back and forth as he set a steady pace. Seeing you look so hazed this early in only fueled the sensation developing or racking in his stomach. He tipped his head down to leave a peck on each of your knees, keeping his gaze focused on you while he did.

From this angle, his abdomen brushed against your navel every time he sunk back in. “Cam—”. Unable to suppress the extent of your arousal, your moans rippled out in sync with his hips. Breath hitching, “f-fuck” rolled past your lips in a whisper while you glanced down to watch his abs contract. By the time you met his hooded eyes again, another wave trickled through your body.

Rasping out, “you hear that baby?”, Cameron placed emphasis on the wet squelching resonating through the bedroom. “I missed that sound”. He remained thrusting at a steady pace, coaxing you closer to the edge as he began releasing low groans. Your legs were starting to ache and tense right along with your core, but you welcomed the stretch. Being suspended by his body was something you had been craving all month.

You wedged your hand in between your bodies, running it over his chest before grasping his jaw, mewling, “miss feeling you cum”. He twitched again, leaning down to connect your lips. As soon as he did, you moaned, eyes fluttering shut. The slight shift in angle causing him to curve against your g spot now, your legs trembled uncontrollably. Tapping his back once, you gasped, clenching down hard in response. Your grip on his jaw loosened, falling to his abdomen. Pleading out desperately, “Don’t stop baby, r-right there, please—”.

Caught off guard by your orgasm creeping up quickly, you tapped him again, clawing at his back to keep him in place. “This exactly what you need, hm? Been struggling without it? Attempting to nod, you bit your bottom lip, brows furrowing from the sound of his voice. “Answer me baby”, he said leaning close to your ear, “tell me the truth”.

Your body responded first, desperately pulsing around his dick with every sentence. “y-yes, so bad”. Following with a shaky moan, your eyes threatened to roll back. Each of his breathy pants that tumbled out drew you close, making your knees buckle beside him.

Vision blurring before your eyes snapped shut, your head tipped back into the mattress. A shrill moan spilled out as the knot in your stomach unfolded in one go, trekking through your body in waves. Thrusts faltering now, Cameron buried his face in your neck, grunting while your thighs tried to shut. Abdomen flexing involuntarily under your palm, his words caught in his throat. “F-fuck, I’m cu—”, on cue, his dick swelled, throbbing violently as spurts of cum shot out.

It took several moments for both of you to come down. Your spasms lasted longer, triggered with his own climax filling you up. Body feeling spent and sore now, your head felt spacey. Cameron pulled back to scan your face, gently lifting his body to caress your legs before placing them at rest on the bed. You whimpered at his movements, slowly blinking your eyes open to watch him withdraw. Immediately zoning in on the faint wetness on your cheeks, concern washed over his face. He swiped it away with his thumb, questioning, “did I hurt you?”

It hadn’t registered that a few tears must’ve welled from the intensity of your orgasm until his action. “No, I’m ok”, you said with a soft smile. Upon seeing his face remain the same, you reached out for him. “You didn’t baby, I promise, I feel good”. Using any amount of strength, you had to wrap your legs around his hips, you mumbled, “come here”.

He listened, gravitating toward your lips to press a lingering kiss on them. Giving your thigh a squeeze, he murmured, “I’ll be right back”. Your eyes followed as he left only to return shortly with some water and a damp rag to clean you. After doing so, he started massaging your legs.

Fondly watching him focus on the task at hand, you voiced, “so… when should I prepare to go on this shopping spree?” He chuckled, turning his gaze toward you.

“We can go whenever you want; just give me the days you have in mind”.

Smiling wide, you replied, “ok! And I’ll still give you those massages. Not three days in a row but you’ll get them”.

He nodded, “I’ll take it”, ending with a small laugh.

Masterlist

She appears to already be dressed for this lengthy trip, sweatsuit keeping her cozy, and hair still rolled.

“Don’t be annoying, it’s too early.” She shuffles into the garage in her slides, then leans against her vehicle, watching him move her things into…what wasn’t his classic rust orange pickup, “…what’s this? Are you…on a break with Shelby?”

Scotty’s beloved truck that Ledger’s taken ownership of as the years carried on.

He blinks over from behind his blueish-gray 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. “Now you know someone’s gotta be the responsible one here. We unfortunately won’t make it to Jackson with her. And before you try it, I said no to taking your mouse inspired car weeks ago.”

Ada gives a faux pout letting out a, “Awww,” and before she can give a solid debate on why driving her car would be more fun, a yawn rips through her.

Ledger steps away from the more updated car he splurged on a while ago but mostly kept inside his garage.

He stops in front of Ada, eyes tracing all over her face, “…How much sleep did you get last night?”

“You mean this morning?” Ada corrects, pushing her lips out, then blows a raspberry, “Tamara wanted to hangout at that club that’s too infested with college kids now. Didn’t get in until…some time after one? And we all know it takes forever for me to just nap so you do the math, Ledgy.”

She knocks the back of her fingers against his torso with a snort.

Ledger lets out a slow sigh, “Maybe you should stay here then.”

“And do what?” Ada presses, “Remain stuck in this cycle? I already dropped Mablean at Roman’s before Tam and I went out. I don’t back out of much and I said id take that ride with you, so be quiet, thanks. Let me just grab the last of my stuff and we can go. I’m fine, stop looking at me like that.”

Ledger dips his head, knowing that when Ada Paisley set her mind on something it was extremely difficult to pry her away.

He was headed out to Jackson for a business seminar that could help elevate Ward’s then planned on purchasing a flight to get to Florida for his mom’s side of the family’s reunion.

When Ledger spoke with his parents about his plans and mentioned Ada was possibly coming along, they were more than thrilled to see her.

Maybe more than their own kid!

Ledger won’t hold you, since he was backtracking through Wyoming for inspiration towards his career, he really didn’t mind the company from Ada.

However he could see how drained she was and somedays it was more than others.

The last thing he wanted to do was have her feeling guilty if she did have to step back from this trip.

Lost in his thoughts, he gets a glimpse of Ada as she circles around him, passenger side door pulled back, tossing her backpack and tote bag on the floor of the car. Her neck pillow sits on the seat when she moves to stand up alongside the ajar door to peer up over the roof of the car.

“Damn. I forgot how noice this is. Better than Shelby who you always pick to run the city with.”

Ledger scoffs, “Don’t disrespect my baby like that. It’s not her fault you don’t know to drive her right. Also get down and act like you have some sense please? We don’t have time for accidents before we’re on the road. You got everything? Cause I can’t say imma come back if you don’t. Matter of fact, let me do a walkthrough and set the alarm for you. Stay put.”

Ada immediately rolls her eyes, facing her old friend with pinkish eye jellies underneath her own now, “Whatever you say, dad.”

Ledger just chuckles to himself, heading over to the Miata and plucks the acoustic guitar up from the backseat. He sends Ada a knowing glance on his way by, ignoring the question in her eyes as he gently places the instrument on the Land Cruiser’s backseat.

When he gets back, plopping into the driver’s side with an exhale, he already sees Ada helped herself to the iced coffee in the holder.

A caramel macchiato with Oatmilk since she’s still in denial that she’s allergic to nuts.

It’s half gone.

He inquires with a smile playing by the corner of his lips, “Good?”

“My favorite,” her head lolls in the passenger seat with one leg pulled up in the seat, “I see you decided to be boring this morning and pick a hot green tea.”

Of course she sampled his beverage too.

Ledger puffs out a laugh as he begins to strap himself in with one hand and starting the engine with the other, “I’m going for the healthier option—for my body. I don’t need the commentary this morning, cupcake.”

A old nickname that both Ledger and Scotty sarcastically used when they battled Ada’s snark.

Ada nods her head along and actually doesn’t say much back, although the head nodding was a little on the obnoxious side…Ledger takes note of her lack of bickering in that moment.

Then they’re off.

Ada’s house left in the rearview.

And so, they welcome the 6 to 7 hour drive to Jackson.

The morning radio might as well have been a podcast with all the chatting the hosts tended to do but it’s ten minutes onto the interstate, air blasting and company felt.

“What happened to you yesterday morning?” Ledger decides to ask, “Pat and Grace were looking for you at church. Kenna said she saw you out the night before at BB’s.”

Ada started to attend church more—not every Sunday but every now and then. She was slowly finding a space for herself there but had her guard up still.

Her late father, Asa, grew up in an abusive religious household so the faith he instilled in his daughter was different.

Not necessarily traditional.

There but at an angle.

As for Barnwood Bistro’s on Saturday…Ada wasn’t with her other friends or anything like that.

It was more of solo date…while having a certain worker there entertain her whenever he had a shift and tended to the floor.

Not a big deal.

The twenty-eight year old can visibly see his friend’s shoulders hunch from his peripheral and that gets him glancing at her.

“What happened?”

“Oh I don’t know, Ledgy. Maybe I don’t like that your somewhat fling is stalking me to report back to you and for what?” She chews on her straw while slightly glaring at the man beside her.

His eyes this morning were on the green side.

Careful yet curious.

Ledger turns his attention back to the road but keeps his tone leveled, “Ken and I went on one date. We’re friends. Let it go. And you’re being pretty defensive, so you might as well come on out with it.”

Her shoulders lift before shuffling to the right, bringing her elbow up onto the door.

“Derek was there,” Ada reveals, “Came right up to the table to fuck up my mood but knowing him? He didn’t see it that way. Clueless to everything. Assumed Jhonny and I were still together.”

Ledger scoffs, knowing how that must have made Ada feel. However he also knows how Derek is too. Or at least how he used to be in highschool.

Often oblivious.

It was Ledger, Derek, and Tyon that used to be on Laramie High’s football team. They all ended up going seperate ways after high school but Ledger and Tyon still remained pretty close—whereas ledger’s friendship with Derek faded pretty quickly.

“He should stay his ass in New York instead of worrying about what you have going on. Ya’ll weren’t cool like that anyway.” Ledger mutters, sitting up straighter in the driver’s seat, one hand at the top of the wheel.

Last Ledger knew—unwarranted—thanks to Tyon—that Derek was pursuing sports law instead.

Ada hums, “We are friendly enough whenever we see each other. I didn’t take much offense to it—although Derek’s watched my stories since I been dumped Jhonny’s ass. I actually don’t have much smoke for your friends.”

Ledger whips his head over to Ada so fast that her brows raise, “That dude ain’t no friend of mine. I have all the friends I need and he didn’t make the cut. Which is fine by me.”

The woman sucks air through her teeth.

She can feel that steam radiating off Ledger, although he tried to center it.

Ada wasn’t exactly sure what went wrong between the two but she also didn’t push it. Some tended to peak during their high school eras while others strictly left it behind if the tossed caps came back to them.

Overall, Ada quickly understood that Ledger just did not vibe with Derek anymore.

“And I would tell him his shit stinks just like everyone else’s if we weren’t on this road too. He has no business asking you about some clown from your past that couldn’t treat you right.”

Ada moves again, letting her head lay against the headrest in thought.

“True. What makes it worse is that because Derek decided to bring Jhonny up, I started reminiscing.”

Ledger feels his eye twitch, “…care to elaborate?”

“I doom-scrolled.” Ada admits, “Took him off block on instagram. Browsed through his stupid gym thirst trap TikTok’s…and oh! jhonny allegedly got off his ass and is training to be a pilot.”

Ledger is silent at this but she knows he’s still listening.

“Okay…curiosity got the best of you. That’s normal. Just don’t say you hit him up.”

Ada takes a large sip of the leftover iced coffee.

“ADA! Got damn Paisley.” He knocks his hand against the steering wheel, “You didn’t.” Ledger deadpanned.

Her nail taps at the itch of anxiety along her edges, “I may have had too many Paloma’s that night alright? It’s Derek’s fault actually.”

“Uh uh,” Ledger shakes his head, “That asshole cheated on you, Ada. You legit left here to be with him in Texas and start your singing career. Then he goes and sleeps with one of the label’s assistants behind your back? And you slide in his DM’s two years later? You deadass hate a whole state because of Jhonny. The thirst traps couldn’t have been that damn good.”

Ada crinkled her nose and crosses her ankles over the other.

Curly damp dark hair. Hazel eyes. Strong jawline with facial hair growing in. Bronzed skin. Glistening abs held at the right angle…

“You have no idea,” she fidgets to mess with the air vents and even turns the air up more, “Brought up some…feelings.”

Ledger snorts, “Yeah, you mean lust. Ew.”

“You asked.”

“No I didn’t. I made a statement—there’s a difference.” Ledger argues, his hand tightening at the wheel.

Ada huffs.

“I’m a dumbass.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You’re thinking it though, it’s whatever! I know I’m too smart for this…it’s called taking accountability for my actions. I am a self-aware bad ass bitch who folded but I WILL NOT continue to play the fool.”

Ledger nods, hearing her, believing her, “…Did he read the DM?”

Ada chews on her lip and throws her hands up in the air, “I don’t know! I blocked him again yesterday morning when i realized what I did.”

Ledger laughs.

“It’s not funny.”

“You’re right, it’s not.” Ledger easily agrees, “You don’t need to spin the block with Jhonny. He isn’t worth it even if he might have cleaned up his act. Chapter’s closed. Forever. Cause I said so.”

Ada snickers, turning to rest on her side as she studied the physical profile of Ledger Ward.

“Am I…just supposed to do whatever you say?”

Ledger turns his head to meet Ada’s stare, both already knowing the answer to that, “Just try to humor me. Might help you stay out of trouble too.”

Ada finds her head tilting to the side like that Brittany Broski meme—considering his words, smacks her lips, then shuts her eyes.

Ledger turns from the radio to the AUX, ready to fill this white noise with something actually worthwhile.

[~RAWLINS, 7:36am]

There’s some traffic, which Ledger expected to hit.

He won’t lie and say he didn’t get huffy once it became stop and go on this scenic route, however it didn’t last long when his attention was steered elsewhere.

Ledger ends up on a morning call with Diem and Grace.

Diem wanted to talk, like she always did when Grace was dropping her off to her summer program for four hours of the day.

He had to remind her that he would be gone for some days and promised he would bring back something good for her.

“Will it have pretty colors?” Diem asked, making Ledger’s heart warm.

Diem Landry easily became one of Ledger’s favorite people to talk to.

Such a bright little thing with the whole world set in front of her.

He promised that whatever he found, it would include her favorite colors—the rainbow.

Ada opens her eyes as soon as the call ends, her arms up and locked over the back of the headrest while her neck pillow gave her the support she desperately needed in lengthy car rides like these.

“Ugh. She’s so stinking cute that my ovaries nearly exploded! Then I remembered children might not be for me.”

Ledger breathed out a laugh.

Ada was fond of Diem too and randomly assisted Ledger on the little league team he coached sometimes—her methods were much more chaotic than the old athlete but the kids took to Ada too.

Ledger says, “You could have tapped in and say hey. Grace asked about you.”

“Didn’t want to interrupt family time.”

Ledger gives her a look.

“And what exactly are you then?”

Ada knows what he means but she also knows Ledger’s time with The Landry’s was real important to him.

She slowly lowers her arms down from the headrest with a sigh, “I know Ledgy. You just don’t know what you would do without me ‘cause you love me so much!”

She’s gripping his clothed arm that’s not holding the steering wheel, pulling at his sleeve and immediately Ledger scrunches up his face.

“Yeah alright, you can go back to sleep now.”

Ada puckers her lips then taps them together, making an irritating sound like a gapping fish.

It’s Ledger’s turn to roll his eyes but a dimpled smile can’t help but to sit on his handsome face.

Ada only mirrors the same expression.

With tracks ranging from Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Kacey Musgraves, Shaboozey, Dolly Parton, Kane Brown, Tiera Kennedy, to Beyonce and 70’s soul music, it was safe to say that Ada didn’t have to intervene with being the DJ of this ride so far.

She’s browsing through her phone when she brings up, “Ledge. How do you feel about a long haired daschund?”

“You don’t need another dog, Ada.”

The woman beside him frowns, “I wasn’t talking about for me! Although I’d like to think that I’m an excellent dog mama—I meant for you. This one here is a spotted little diva right here in Rawlins.”

“We’re not stopping to pick up a dog.” Ledger states, “And I don’t know how you think I’d have time for one when I’ve got Ward’s, Diem coming around every other day and weekend, I also help you out with Mable when you go to class at night, not to mention coaching my little league and dealing with your hardheaded ass.”

Ada scoffs with a deep crinkle following in the center of her nose before shoving her phone in his direction—which was a hazard by the way—as she continued her argument, “Yeah so you’ve got a lot on your plate like the rest of us. That’s life. But part of life is perfecting how to sleep at night to begin again the next day. I mean, hello?! You’re living in your childhood home all by yourself!”

Ledger side glances at the photo of the dog then smacks Ada’s arm down by the wrist.

“I know I’m not getting lectured by someone who functions on maybe three hours of sleep on a daily.” Ledger comments, “And I actually sleep just fine, thank you. With my sanity somewhat still in tact. You on the other hand? Are debatable.”

Ada drops her phone back into her lap and folds her arms tightly, “I can’t believe I’m being insulted already by my so called bestie, when I was only suggesting a emotional support animal for you. Mable’s done wonders for me.”

Ledger blinks, “My therapist hasn’t suggested that for me yet—if you’re serious.”

Ada hums at this reveal.

It’s good to know that he started therapy back up again.

Been awhile but check in’s with himself led Ledger to picking up the phone and making that call. Thankfully with his hectic schedule, most sessions could be done via zoom but if the anxiety got to be too much, and he didn’t want to bother Ada with it, he knew where to find his doctor in person.

“Well…just say the word and I can find some places.”

A small smile appears on Ledger’s face as he peeks over at Ada who keeps her gaze outside the windowshield.

“What if I decide I’m a cat person? Or into reptiles like Tamara?”

Tamara was a tattoo artist back in Laramie and was one of Ada’s close friends. She also inked up Ledger once or twice, gave Ada a tiny tat of her late father’s birth year on her shoulder—that surely needed to be touched up but Ada wasn’t a fan of needles. The blasian girl owned a corn snake, a bearded dragon, and a few crested geckos.

Her apartment was very earthy to say the least.

“I’d say I don’t believe you.” Ada snickers, “You jumped up on Tam’s couch when one of her geckos ran across her floor when we went over to check on her place.”

It was when Tamara and Roman went on a weekend trip together…

Yeah sip on that tea!

“I was caught off guard and your watching skills could have been better.”

“Hey! Reptiles aren’t my thing. I’m only used to big mama, Mable. I did my best.”

“Damn near had a heart attack.”

“Which is why reptiles absolutely aren’t for you and you don’t give cat dad.”

“I could be.”

“You’re not foolin’ me, Ledger Ward.” Ada scoffs with a wag of her finger.

While the signs for the next towns approaching seemed to pass on, they were left to tune more into the music and split some large juicy grapes Ada packed.

Her head continued to nod to the fading out of The Sylver’s, “We Can Make it if we try,” a smile sat on her full lips as they vibed to the song together, since it still felt timeless even if they didn’t experience life yet at the time.

Ledger lowered the music from his steering wheel, his throat clearing enough to make Ada turn her attention to him.

“Write any new songs you wanna share?”

“I knew you brought my guitar for a reason.”

Ledger shrugs, “I’m not going to put you on the spot to sing. I was just wondering and consider your love back there as awaiting inspiration.”

His head nudged back to the instrument that lay on the empty backseat.

Ada sighs.

The music might not have panned out the way she wanted it to back in Texas. However the gift of songwriting and creating music never left Ada Paisley.

She hoped it never would.

Ada did tend to get shy showing new material—when she knew she didn’t have to be but she could get in her head now after things didn’t work out in Austin.

Jhonny sleeping with the assistant at the label, who so happened to be the owner’s niece, stamped Ada as a potential problem they didn’t want to be involved with.

As if record labels didn’t have their own drama all the time.

As if Ada was the one who done went and slept with the girl!

She fought to remain professional as she was blind sided by Jhonny’s sickening behavior…but that doesn’t mean she didn’t let him have it after the label made their final decision.

Her writing process had to be perfect and Ada wasn’t sure if her recent song was just that yet.

“I…appreciate it.” Ada manages to get out, lightly scratching at her fingers before flexing them, “I’ll eventually share just…not now.”

Ledger dips his head, not pushing.

His thumb halts over the button to control the volume of the music, “Can I at least get a hint of the title?”

Ada twists her lips in thought, “I’ll just say…it would actually fit for this ride. Sound wise.”

So she’s already recorded it?!

Probably with Kevin—a friend of Tyon’s from California who ventured out to visit with Tyon just last year.

Kevin also had pipes.

Worked at a car dealership but did producing on the side.

Most people Ledger knew had to hustle to make ends meet.

At first, Ledger thought this Kevin guy was a little too flirty with Ada but soon learned they had a shared interest in music.

That became more important.

Ada and Kevin kept in touch.

Kevin also didn’t fuck with Derek like that either.

Ledger deflates and puffs out a breath, “You’re killing me, you know that?! But—I’ll respect your boundary on not wanting to share right now. However…you don’t ever have to doubt that talent around me. I’m one if not your biggest cheerleader. I’m sure the song is better than I’m imagining too.”

Ada sends him a watery smile in silent thanks, tucking her chin against her folded arms that rested up on her kneecaps now.

She performed at Ward’s a few times, specifically during a bad thunderstorm that knocked the power out for at least a hour and thirty minutes. Ada surprised a few that only knew of her and wasn’t aware she’s a singer.

Ada was enrolled in college back in Rock Springs for business but rightfully so, after the sudden passing of her father she dropped out.

Funny enough she ended up in the project coordinator career for a construction company anyway.

It wasn’t a end goal for her but it was a job.

After being a college drop out, a friend of the family, Ana Paula continued helping Ada and sent her on her way to Laramie.

At nineteen with savings from a shitty retail side job and profits made off selling her dad’s food truck and the RV that was their home for as long as Ada could remember, she was off living in a world without the man that taught her how to keep going.

A will that was proven to be hard to do now that he was no longer in her corner.

He was her first best friend outside of being a father.

Then she met Ledger Ward (who was back from Colorado on winter break) and Scotty Landry one winter at a drive-in theater that no one had any business being outside in.

The rest was history.

Nonetheless it was always a story meant to be remembered.

[~MUDDY GAP, 8:24am]

Ada probably should have kept her mouth shut since the universe decided to show her and Ledger a thing or two.

The crossroads stretched on for so long that it started to feel like they were stuck in a repeated loop.

The area looked like a complete ghost town and felt like Ada was only seeing nothing but dirt no matter which direction she looked.

It shouldn’t have taken long to get through it but a sudden swarm of dust appeared in the road just as the pair were traveling through.

“Ledger…” She starts just as the dust completely covers them.

Her hands scramble to shut the vents as the exterior of the vehicle takes the brunt of the whipping sandstorm.

Ledger keeps his composure, knowing that he couldn’t completely slow down although he last checked in the rearview that there hasn’t been any other cars behind them, they just had to pull through.

Pressing the hazard lights on, he eases up some off the gas but sat up even straighter in the driver’s seat now.

More focused than ever.

“We’re gonna be alright. Shouldn’t last long.” He reassured Ada who didn’t realize she was holding her breath.

Sandstorms were always so unexpected, crazy, and left you with the question if you hallucinated what you just experienced.

A pocket of clearing could been seen, making Ledger apply the same amount of speed he was once traveling.

Small smiles started to appear on the friend’s faces, thinking they’re leaving the cloud of sand behind them until a popping sound from the back is heard.

“Naaah.” Ledger exhales, carefully steering the car off the road and into the shoulder.

Ada continued to wince as she can gradually feel the SUV lowering from her side of the car.

Ledger caressed at his facial hair, back of his head hitting the headrest as he came to terms that they just been handed a flat.

After all that!

“…am I the bad omen? Not the good luck charm.”

Ledger can tell she’s trying to lighten the mood and he’s not gonna take it out on her, even if this whole ordeal could be viewed as a coincidence.

However if his mother, Mrs. Robin was here?

The true believer of taking everything as a sign—sometimes too dramatically!

This whole moment would have gone differently.

“I’ve got a spare in the trunk.” Ledger tells, “It’s decent but I’m not sure if it’ll hold until jackson. Gotta check an auto shop in either Lander or Dubois.”

He then moves to shut the engine off, picks up his insulated water bottle to down some water, then rubs his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Okay man with the plan,” Ada clasps her hands together in front of her, “Let’s do it.”

Ledger blinks over at her, “You’re not doing anything.”

“Why? Cause I’m a lady?”

She pokes him.

Hard.

Ledger frowns at her, “No. Cause I saw Wylie out here before the storm hit us and the last thing I need is you trying to leer a wild animal into the car with us.”

Ada scoffs, “That’s more of a reason for me to be outside with you, having your back just in case a coyote might sneak you.”

Ledger pinches at the bridge of his nose.

“Fine. This won’t take long.”

Ada nods, “Duh. Especially with me as your right hand. I know how to change a tire too—it’s been awhile but I’m sure I can help.”

Ledger has a crooked smile on his face, that look saying it all as he tosses the driver’s side open first.

Twenty-five minutes.

That’s all it took for Ledger to swap the tires out.

Ada swings her hoodie up in the air by the arm in celebration when Ledger gets everything back into place in the trunk.

He breathes out a laugh, stepping forward to smack in his hand down into her held out one, going forth with their signature handshake before they both retreat to opposite sides, climbing back into the car.

Maybe five minutes back into the drive, Ada’s singing along to the shuffled playlist until she picks up on the way Ledger leans into the turn he makes along the curve of the road.

“Hey.” She calls out.

Ledger sighs, glancing over but still leans towards the door on his left.

“What’s up?”

“Don’t lie.” Ada points at him.

Ledger brows begins to furrow.

“That shoulder’s bothering you ain’t it?”

Ledger just pulls his bottom lip into his mouth and gives a curt nod.

He won’t deny it.

That old injury still got the best of him—doing “simple” things.

That’s the one thing they never tell you about injuries…it’s still a form of trauma. And that kind of damage is something that never goes back to normal, you just continue to move around it.

It’s on the tip of Ada’s tongue to tell Ledger that he should have let her help him lift the tire into the back—that he didn’t need to be macho man but her glare says enough for her.

“…are you gonna let me take over and drive?”

Ledger sucks air through his teeth.

Ada finds her phone.

“Bet. Then we’re gonna find a place to stay in until it feels better or until you trust me to get through the next few towns.”

Ledger begins to shake his head, “We don’t have time for that.”

“Well we’re making time,” she concludes, spending some time browsing, then messes with the dashboard, adding another stop to the route, “Take the next right at the stop sign. Don’t test me, Ward.”

Ledger coughs, “…Yes ma’am.”

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

Ledger lets out a moan with his head tucked forward.

His head is pulled back against a chest that belongs to no other than Ada.

Her fingers move from the front of his shoulder blade, releasing pressure and feeling him relax against her.

He’s seated on the edge of the bed, in a tank and mesh shorts he switched into as soon as he realized the AC was in fact trash, like the young worker warned them.

The teen looked out for Ledger and Ada, since Ledger claimed they shouldn’t need the room for more than an hour.

The brace faced teen was all smirks at that, only charging them the starting the fee.

Ada had to get that kid’s mind out of the gutter but the way Ledger was failing to keep quiet wasn’t helping the dirty minded kid’s thoughts if he so happened to be listening—surely.

“One more?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Breathe, Ledge.” She reminds him, her arm coming around his front to press right at the crease where his shoulder met his armpit again.

His arm is stretched out and held by the wrist with her other hand, holding taunt.

He grunts through it.

“All done.” She places his wrist at his side, moving off the bed to retrieve the wrapped ice pack she shoved in the surprisingly cool mini fridge.

Ada holds it out in front of him to do the honors.

He does.

She sips at her water, plopping down in a desk chair tucked into the room, lightly swaying from side to side.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were this undercover masseuse?” Ledger lays back against the bed, still holding the ice pack to his shoulder.

Ada laughs, “Hardly. Ana Paula showed me a few things whenever my dad threw his back out. She should be the one you thank.”

She winks at the mention of the Lakota woman.

Ledger exhales, “Shout out to Ana Paula. Remind me to give her a big hug the next time I see her.”

“Will do. Now rest up.”

“Only if you join me.”

[~LANDER, 10:50am]

They’re back on the road again but Ada’s in the driver’s seat.

Which was a funny sight at first, watching her adjust the seat to her liking…a huge contrast to how Ledger previously had it.

Understandable since the guy was a clean 6’5, leaving Ada down at 5’5. She wasn’t sure how he expected her to drive, her now unrolled voluminous hair floating over her shoulder when she sends him a glare from her right.

He filled up the tank at the service station since the cruiser already brought them down to a half tank so far while Ada browsed the inside of the small convience store.

She got a real kick out of the written notes all over the place from: if you clog it, ask for a plunger! to the nacho machine, “outta cheese, keep it movin’ please. Then she found some pretty impressive and questionable doodles on the scarce stand that carried flavored sunflower seeds.

Ada couldn’t leave without taking a quick picture of a bumper sticker that read: TF IS A MUDDY GAP?!

You betcha she added that picture to her stories, smiling to herself as she stood outside in a cropped Jean jacket and biker shorts that enjoyed riding up every time she moved.

Her and Ledger had the same idea, trading their sweats for clothes that’ll keep them cool now that the weather was more humid out this way.

“Real. Western. Spirit.” Ada constantly chanted with pep in her voice since Ledger read her the motto for the town.

All he can do is shake his head at the twenty-seven year old, telling her, “You aint learn yet talking shit, huh? This is exactly why we’re looking for an auto shop now.”

Ada wiggles her head around mockingly, “You’re so right. Let me relax then, partner.”

“Would you please? Partner,” Ledger blinks at her in warning then lifts his chin, “Two more miles up the road.”

She follows his instruction although she could see it on GPS down to her right. Lander was definitely more lively than that old ghost town they traveled out of but still didn’t feel like Laramie.

Soon they pulled up to Ramsay’s body shop.

It was close by the road with a few pickups in assorted colors on the lot. Across the street sat a dull green and cream colored house that might have been a daycare center, down from there sat a large range of sewer pipes.

The mountains in the back stood proudly against this secluded part of Lander.

Ada was outside beside the car, hands resting on her hips as she looked around. Ledger went through the garage door to find this said Ramsay guy while she briefly closed her eyes taking in the light sun rays that warmed up her face.

Nothing like fresh Wyoming air.

Out this way Ada could pick up the sharp scent of wild sage, warm pine, and crisp air—maybe a river was somewhere near as a small breeze blew by.

Her senses get her to turn, meeting a stocky man that stood shorter than her.

He sported dark wash denim overalls that were coated in nothing by motor oil and dirt, a cap turned backwards, lazy left eye, and had a cigarette tucked behind his ear.

“Hi.” Ada speaks.

The man dips his head, “Keys?”

“Still in the ignition.”

“Good.” The man’s got a gruff voice that sounds as if it needs to be cleared multiple times, “Told your boyfriend here I’ll get you two on your way within a hour or hour thirty. Just gotta finish up another car I’m working on.”

Ada slowly nods her head, eyes searching for Ledger who stood at the garage door looking down at his phone.

She doesn’t bother correcting the man and decides to ask, “Do you know anywhere we can hang out while we wait?”

“Course!” The man takes the key out of the car, turning to put his back to it, he points to his right, “Take that street right there and head on down to Stetson’s Spur—hope y’all like diner food. It’s ‘bout a ten, fifteen minute walk but i know y’all aren’t strangers to the outdoors. Kid said you’re comin’ round from southeast.”

Ada nods, “Yup that’s right.”

“Real windy out there I hear.”

“Oh yeah,” Ada shoves her hands into her jacket’s pockets, “Still nice to see the rest of the state.”

Ramsay shrugs, “Been here all my life. Plan to die here too but you young folks gotta keep searching the earth. It’s what you’re made for.”

He winks at Ada.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

Stetson’s Spur is a true diner.

Had 50’s themed tunes playing with half wooden floors that creak as soon as the toe of your shoes touch it.

There’s not an empty space on the floral wallpaper covered walls that it almost makes Ada question if they stepped into an antique store instead.

A American flag was up proudly outside by the front door, swaying in the air while a chalkboard of today’s specials also sat on the sidewalk.

A older Saint Barnard drooled by the front window that showed the view of the mini downtown area.

Ledger tried his best to ignore the stares as soon as he and Ada entered the establishment. The pair stood by the: wait to be seated sign for a minute or two until a brunette with a splatter of freckles rushes over with a breathy smile.

She leads them over to a booth and on their way by, they pass by a group of men in their pointed cowboy hats, sneering at the sight of them.

Ada sends Ledger a look over her shoulder that he doesn’t ignore.

His head dips, then reaches out to rest on her shoulders, steering her further along.

He sits across from her, with a good view of the door while Ada immediately shoves her nose into the menu.

“They’ve got some BBQ meatloaf for you, Ledge.” Ada informs, her lips curling up to her nose in disgust.

For as long as Ada’s known Ledger Ward, his favorite meal was always meatloaf. He preferred it with gravy but the only option was some tangy—Stetson’s special sauce—BBQ concoction they had.

Ledger hums, bringing his eyes to meet Ada’s, “Can’t eat heavy on the road and you shouldn’t either.”

Ada scoffs, “Now you know, I’m not much of a salad eatin’ woman.”

He laughs, pressing his arms against the edge of the table, bringing his gaze down to browse the menu himself, “That’s true. I’m just sayin’ don’t cry to me in the passenger seat that your belly feels like fireworks.”

“Shut your face, Ledger.”

Keeping his hues on the menu, he grins.

Cause she knows he’s right.

However iced coffee, grapes, crackers, water, and beef jerky can only hold someone for so long.

Lily-Jo, the two friends learn her name to be, the same girl who brought them into the diner comes back around with a roll of bread with options of: butter, honey, or chokecherry jelly.

“Now that that is settled,” Lily-Jo pulls out her floral printed notepad that definitely didn’t fit the aesthetic, which let Ada know the girl around their age beat to her own drum, “Can I get you two started with something to drink? Water on tap—it hurts my heart to say you’re better off drinking sparkling water—which my step-dad won’t get inventory on because that would be too cafe like, flavored lemonades, milkshakes, floats, soda pop…yadda yadda.”

Ada smiles, “I’ve had my eye on one of your floats—it damn sure won’t be the root beer one though.”

Ledger coughs out, “Hater.”

If you guessed root beer as one of his favorites as well then you’d be correct.

“Not my fault it tastes like an abomination.”

“You gotta expand your palettes.” 

Ada sticks her tongue out at him.

Lily-Jo laughs, “You two are so cute. Let me guess honey, you want to try out thee toasted marshmallow float?”

“You got it, girl.”

“It’s actually something I pushed for on the menu. To liven it up a bit. You won’t regret it.” Lily-Jo continues to smile as she writes it down, turning back to Ledger, “And for you, stud-muffin?”

Ada wiggled her brows at Ledger because of the pet name, silently teasing but she had the sense that Lily-Jo called everyone endearing names.

Ledger keeps his eyes on the freckled woman, “I think I’ll do a regular lemonade.”

“Cool!” Lily Jo nods, “Still need a few more minutes with the menu? Or can I help you make a decision?”

Ledger looks back at Ada who lifts her shoulders smiling.

“Uh…I think I’ll do the Mush-N-Swiss Chicken sandwich. And I’ll take the slaw over the fries.”

“Did you just pick whatever your pretty eyes fell on to avoid wasting time?” Lily-Jo asks with a hand on her hip.

Ada nods her head, “That’s exactly what my buddy did, Lily-Jo. So like him!”

“Darlin’, Do you even like mushrooms?”

Ledger frowns, not knowing what’s going on right now, “I…don’t hate them?”

“I think you should take your time.” Lily-Jo tells with her nose up in the air, starting to turn back to Ada who humphed in agreement.

“Is this your way of telling me that the sandwich sucks?”

“GOD no! I’m telling you not to rush and get something you may not really enjoy just to get me outta here.”

“Oh no, it’s not like that. I own a bar back home and I know how it is when someone takes forever to decide.”

Lily-Jo whips her stare back to Ledger that his eyes widen, “Then you know customer satisfaction is highly important, sir. Now please look over it again.”

“I’m telling you the sandwich is fine—

Ada molds her lips together to keep from laughing as the freckled woman sends him a warning look, leaving him to just sigh.

“You’re my kinda girl, Lily-Jo.”

“I wish my sorry son’s father felt the same.”

Oop!

Lily-Jo shrugs it off, “Now for you, Ms. Gorgeous. Tell me what you’re in the mood for. I can tell you’re not a chicken strip kinda girl.”

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆

Lunch at Stetson’s Spur was a great recommendation.

Food wise.

Ledger kept his thoughts to himself when Ada decided on cowboy chop and the noise the man made from the back of his throat sent her stare right on over to him.

He didn’t think it was the best choice but who was he to tell her what to eat?

Unlike Lily-Jo but he didn’t want to get dragged by the large-eyed woman with spotted freckles, that were shaped like the chocolate chips he saw on a stack of pancakes which were delivered to be table behind him.

Ledger knew how pork never agreed with Ada but here she was tearing up the applesauce covered meat.

He still ordered a sandwich, which was different from what he originally requested but he still found himself pleased especially when he took his last bite.

His hips lifted up, feeling his phone buzz from his side pocket of his jeans.

A FaceTime call from no other than Tyon.

“Brooo!” Tyon greeted, “You out right now?”

Ledger dabs his mouth with a napkin nodding, “Yeah man, I’m on my way out to Jackson with you know who.”

He flips the lens to Ada who’s sucking at the bone, staring off at the decor until she picks up on Tyon’s voice.

“Damn little lady,” Tyon jokes, “You sure can put it away.”

With her full cheeks she gives him the finger, muttering out a dry, “Hi, Tyon.”

He mocks her in the same manner, “Hey, Ada.”

Everyone at the table laughs.

Ledger chats with Tyon for a few more minutes before they say their goodbyes and that they’ll catch up later.

When the bill comes, it’s a debate as usual.

“You paid for the gas.” Ada expresses, bookbag already opened in her lap, “I can pay for lunch.”

“I’m not asking you to.” Ledger doesn’t look up from his wallet, counting out the bills, and pushing her fingers that hold her card out the way, “Put that back.”

“We can split it.”

“No, Ada. I got it.”

“I’ll pay the tip.”

Ledger knows she’s not gonna let it go.

“Fine.”

“Imma give our girl a real generous one.”

Ledger snickers, “You done found yourself a new bestie in a whole other city to tag team me with.”

“That’s riiight.”

When they bid their farewells to Lily-Jo who wishes them well on their road trip, Ledger and Ada decide to walk through the small downtown area for a bit.

Ramsay hadn’t called yet but Ledger figured they could walk the food off for a little before heading back in the auto body shop’s direction.

Ledger and Ada just walked out of a book shop that kinda reminded Ada of The Paper Spine back home. Very witchy and darker toned compared to The Paper Spine’s, which was surprising due to learning that Lander had strong catholic views.

The book shop also has a small vinyl collection that only consisted of punk-rock music, that Ada was open to looking through and even saved some band names for later in her notes app.

The gothic worker shared with the friends that because the strictly religious people in town viewed things that didn’t align with them as “demonic,” it was exactly why he decided to open up this place, sharing that all darkness wasn’t exactly evil. It just held a different shade.

“Are the mutt and blackie following us boys?!”

That has both friends heads lifting in the direction of the same people from Stetson’s.

It was three of them.

The one that spoke in the middle had his hand on his belt buckle that had to be from winning some rodeos and was on the bigger side in weight. His beard was thick and hung down to his chest.

“Fuck are you talking to?” Ada doesn’t hold hold her tongue.

Which earns a laugh from the homely men.

They all wore fancy cowboy hats, one she’s seen her ex—Jhonny proudly parade around in when they lived in Austin for a short while.

Jhonny was no rodeo boy.

The younger one of the three stood to the left of the man who eats too many pies, had to be no more than fifteen, was lanky and is the definition of the product of his failed environment.

He had to clear his cracked voice box to jeer, “Look at that, the n****r knows words, pop!”

They laugh again.

Ledger’s tosses an arm over Ada’s shoulder, keeping her tight against his torso but his own blood is boiling hot.

“I know a lot more than just words you racist sons of bitches.”

The other, who’s much taller than the two, muscular, and carries a toothpick in between his thin lips sends her a gap toothed grin, “You got a whole lotta mouth for a sapphire. Gotta keep your bitch on a leash better, mutt.” He spits at Ledger then flicks his eyes back to a fuming Ada, “Outta hog-tie you up and put your black ass to work on the ranch, like the good ‘ol days.”

“Oh yeah? This ain’t the 1800’s no more paste walker but since you’re lookin’ for a problem, C’mon then, let me see you try—

She waves her fingers at them and Ledger only tightens his hold more on her, beginning to turn her elsewhere.

It takes great strength to get her to move.

“That’s right, get! Your kind ain’t never welcome here!” The older of the three yells.

Ada turns right around to be met with Ledger’s chest, he stares down at her hard, jaw clenched as he squeezes at her shoulders, “Go Ada. Now.”

Her brows start to dig together but she sees the same emotion swimming in Ledger’s own lighter eyes.

His chest rising and falling in anger.

“Fuck ‘em.” Ledger grits, struggling to keep his calm, “Don’t feed their rotten ignorance more than they need.”

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

The walk back to Ramsay’s isn’t quiet.

It’s heavy like trudging through quicksand.

Ada’s walking in front of Ledger while he periodically keeps checking over their shoulder’s.

He bumps right into her since he missed her stopping in her tracks.

His attention briefly on making sure that they weren’t being followed.

Ada sucks her teeth, not at Ledger necessarily bumping into her, her thumbs holding underneath the straps of her backpack.

He encouraged, “Keep moving.”

“I can’t believe you made us walk away.”

“What?” Ledger moves to stand beside her instead.

Ada chomps on her gum since her nerves are out of whack at the moment.

“Why do we always have to be the bigger people when we’re constantly disrespected? It’s always about race because THEY made it about race from the very fucken beginning.”

Ledger nods.

“I know.”

“You should’ve let me—

“No.” Ledger’s eyes darken along with his nostrils flaring, “Don’t go there. It was three of them. The older one had a gun on ‘im but you missed that. I want us to get home. Understand that.”

There’s a lump in Ada’s throat that she struggles to swallow.

The fatigue comes in around the anger.

She walks around Ledger.

He follows with his hands in his pockets and shoulders squared.

The energy is off, this Ramsay can tell when he puts out his cigarette. He even asks if things are alright when he goes over payment with Ledger, eyes moving from Ada who gets into the passenger seat instead with a harsh slam.

Ledger’s polite although a little forced in his response, eyes tight at the corners, even if his words kinda give him away.

He doesn’t quiz if Ada’s ready, her gaze locked out on the right side of the window, knee bouncing, already buckled in.

Ledger reverses off the lot after a deep sigh.

Safe to say: Dubois and Togwotee Pass was a blur on both parts.

[~JACKSON, 1:47pm]

The space in between Ada’s shoulders rest against the cruiser as she stands in the parking lot.

Ledger’s got the trunk open, already pulling out the luggage while Ada peers out at the view.

Jackson felt like those breath-taking landscapes that gets set as your desktop background.

The longer she stared out at the vibrant emerald green mountains and got a whiff of some wildflowers somewhere…it felt similar to her giving her stress ball a good squeeze.

Emotions didn’t just vanish but the art of seeing this, embracing this part of the world, helped just a smidge.

Ada and Ledger both bring their things in, in hopes of checking in a little early.

With a thirty minute wait in the lobby, the hotel clerk calls them back over with a room with double beds, and two keys.

The seminar was at 4 so that gave Ledger time to freshen up.

He took the bed closest to the door.

Ada doesn’t comment, just sprays the beds down—his too—before pulling the covers back and silently checking for cameras.

“I’m gonna shower…unless you want to go first?”

Ledger already knew Ada planned on not attending the seminar with him but he was still a gentleman about their travels.

Ada lightly shakes her head, a yawn ripping through her as she fought to catch it, sitting up against the headboard, she waves her hand at him.

“Go for it. I can wait.”

Her stare meets his before her attention turns back to the digging of her phone.

Ledger turns on the TV, then starts digging through his suitcase.

A smile appears on Ada’s face with Roman sending her text updates with Mablean.

The most recent was a photo of Roman crouched down, arm wrapped around her neck, peace sign up, while Mable was in the process of licking his face.

From: Ro

mable wants to know if her mom made it?

To: Ro

mama made it but at what cost?

A question mark is sent right on the corner of that text. Ada knows Roman would want to know what’s going on and she would respond—she just needed more time to decompress.

Inside the bathroom, the shower’s been running, steam fogging up the room but Ledger is still outside of the shower, hands making the edge of the modern shaped sink creak at the pressure.

His restraint could come down now that he was alone.

The silence between them weighed more than the flat tire ever had. For the first time since leaving Laramie, Ledger didn’t know how to steer them forward.

Ada’s apparently fallen asleep by the time Ledger is ready to go.

Ever the light sleeper, he stands over her, hand out ready to touch her thigh but her eyes peel open.

“I’m gonna head out…It’s supposed to be for three hours…” Ledger trails off.

She has wired earphones in her old iPod nano but she nods anyway, answering the lingering question after that.

She’ll be okay on her own.

Then they separate.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

It’s after eight pm by the time Ledger gets back to the hotel room.

The seminar was all that Ledger hoped it to be.

Influential.

He networked with a few chefs, social media marketing people, and other business owners afterwards but soon felt the need to get back.

To Ada.

Except he’s met with an empty hotel room and ajar bathroom door.

Ledger stands in between the beds, picking up the notepad to read Ada’s handwriting.

Wanted to see what Jackson’s nightlife is like. Come find me later if you’re up for it. —A, no PLL.

‘The hell is PLL?’

Ledger thinks to himself.

Premier lacrosse league?

He pulls out his phone to ask Siri.

Ohhh.

Pretty little liars.

That show Ada wanted him to binge watch with her on Sunday’s.

Instead they settled on: Married at first sight.

Ledger breathes out a laugh through his nostrils, tossing the notepad onto the stand and locates the Find My Friends app.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

This is the part of the film where things turn into a musical.

Ada had no intentions of entering a bar that had open mic night.

She was working on her second whiskey when one of the owner’s is back on stage, almost pleading for anyone to come on up after an amateur comedian basically got boo’ed off the stage.

The last thing Ada needed was that but the booze kept the shyness away as her finger went up in the air to signal she’ll do something.

The white light was bright and thankfully the sound man off in the dark of the corner switches over to a more yellow hue and aimed the light lower.

She gives him a thumbs up, still holding onto her whiskey as the bar’s music lowered.

“Hey, I’m Ada. Just a Wyoming woman.”

That earned some whoops from some.

Clearly tipsy.

Ada covers her snort into the mic but thanks them anyway.

“I came all the way out here from Laramie and it’s been a damn day I can’t even lie,” she spills into the mic before taking a sip of the brown liquor, “And since this stage is piling with dust and my heart’s kinda big, I think I can help this place out for a night.”

Claps of support fill the air.

“So I’m gonna get on with it, I promise. I’ve got this new song that I’ve been working on—it’s called a siren’s call. I left my guitar in the hotel room but thankfully I have a demo, shout-out to Kevin.”

She steps back from the mic, doing brief vocal warm ups, then signals for the sound man to let the instrumental play.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

Ledger enters Timberline Tap, phone still in his hand with his eyes expecting to find Ada at the counter of the bar.

The place is pretty packed and the muffled music from outside is much more clearer as Ledger is now shut in with the rest of the guests.

Slowly he steps forward, making his way over to the bar tables where some sit and a few other faces stand by the stage.

Treading water

Sink or swim (sink or swim)

Holding my breath

Diving in, oh

Ooh, sirens callin'…

It’s Ada standing center stage in front of a mic, eyes closed and hand gripping tightly onto a square glass.

Ledger had heard Ada sing a hundred different songs over the years. Some covers and originals. Somehow, this one felt like the first time he’d truly heard where she’d been.

Ledger stands amongst the crowd, hands clasping in front of him as he really listens to what’s left.

Her eyes open, scanning the crowd that’s formed and tuned in.

So I pray and I pray

Lord, you keep me awake when the sirens are calling my name…

Then she carefully steps back, trying to gauge reactions with a flick of worry but that applause that hits has her sharply exhaling in relief.

Not at the validation.

At being heard.

A beam of a smile spills out onto her face, her hand going up to her chest in thanks, she even gives a curtesy, earning a laugh from Ledger in the crowd who’s also clapping along.

Her eyes find his.

She pauses but her smile seems to match her eyes even harder now.

Ada gets off the stage meeting Ledger in the middle.

His arms easily lock around her, slightly swaying them from side to side.

The claps don’t subside but they get quieter to Ada in Ledger’s arms.

His chin rests down on top of her hair.

His lips are at her ear when the owner gets back on stage with a screech, “Ten outta ten, Ada. Like I knew it would be.”

She pulls back to stare up at Ledger, the smile never leaving her face as she playfully shoves him back—shut up, know it all—basically is a what that shove is for.

“Give it up for Ada one more time!” The owner of Timberline Tap yells into the mic.

Without asking, Ledger gently lifted the whiskey from her hand and set it on a nearby table. Ada doesn’t reach for it back. Her eyes roll but the smile stays.

Ada waves at everyone one last time then leaves to retrieve her phone, thanking the praise from the sound man and for him helping her out tonight.

Then she slips underneath Ledger’s awaiting arm, her arm resting along his waist as they walk out into Jackson’s night.

Tomorrow they’d eventually make it to Florida, with more miles beneath them. Wyoming had given them its beauty, its bruises, its laughter, and, somehow, a song.

Life had asked so much of them.

Tonight?

They’d just be here.

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎. ˖°𓇼⋆ 𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.

-> fin.

Football practice had been kicking Cameron’s ass, leaving him with throbbing headaches and a fresh set of bruises along his ribs. This was his first weekend off since the season started and all he wanted to do was spend time with his wife and relax.

As soon as he stepped into your shared home, he followed your scent to the kitchen where you were eating a sandwich. “Hello my love.” Your face immediately softened and mouth turned into a smile. You leaned up from the kitchen island and walked over to him.

The heavy gear bag slipped from his shoulder, hitting the floor forgotten as his arms wrapped around your waist. You squeezed him back which caused him to groan. You pulled away almost instantly. “More bruising?” You didn’t even have to ask; you knew football took a toll on his body and it pained you to see him like this.

“Baby i’m fine. I just need to relax,” He paused leaned back in to kissed you softly. “With you.” The reassurance only made you feel somewhat better but you still worried about him.

“Whatever, I just started the sauna. Take these sweaty ass clothes off and come on.” He groaned exaggeratedly as you shoved past him, but you didn’t miss the way his eyes trailed as you swayed down the long hallway towards your in home gym, which had a sauna connected to it.

The coolness of the gym simmered away as soon as you stepped into the sauna. You peeled off your clothes, that were already sticking to your body, and tossed them to the bench outside the door. Cameron finally made his way in, just as you were grabbing a towel and wrapping it around yourself.

“I missed the show?” He pouted, getting rid of his articles of clothing the closer he got to the heat. As he got closer, you could see where the bruising impacted him the most. Red, purple, blues marks scattered all over. He wrapped a towel around his waist and closed the door behind him.

The two of you, sat on benches opposite of each other and he watched you as you watched him. Your eyes lingering on the bruises along his ribs.

“Hey, look at me.” He called softly and you snapped out of your trance and met his eyes. “I’m good. I swear.” You didn’t utter another word, just nodded and got up. The heat wrapping around you the more you moved. You walked a few steps and sat gently on his lap, mindful of his sides.

“This okay?”

He nodded and his hands slid up to your hips instinctively. “I missed you baby.” You rubbed at his tense shoulders soothingly and felt all the tension from the past weeks wash away.

His fingers slid to your thighs, digging into them. Your skin was sticking to his like glue, the more the thin towel was starting to ride up. His soft blue eyes now dark with hunger, and a hint of exhaustion.

“I’ve been stuck in practices and conference rooms for weeks,” He rasped, leaning forward and pulling you chest to chest with him, not even caring about his minor injuries anymore.

“Not able to smell you..” His nose found it’s way to your neck and inhaled deeply. He could smell that sweet vanilla scent you always wore that drove him crazy.

“Touch you…” He rasped and his heated hands slid higher up your thighs until they reached your ass and gave it a possessive squeeze.

“Kiss you.” He mumbled in your neck and left a soft peck there before moving up. He teased and kissed you all over your face, avoiding where you needed his lips the most.

“Cam…” You began but he hushed you and leaned in, colliding your lips together in a deep passionate kiss. Your arms wrapped around his neck as the kiss got deeper.

This is what you’ve needed—what you both needed. Every time you two spent time apart, you came back 10x stronger and that’s what made you work.

He lifted your hips while keeping his lips locked with yours and pulled the towels off the both of you. He sat your bare ass against his still clothed lap.

Cameron started guiding your hips against his bulge. He had that smug smirk on his face like he knew exactly what he was doing.

“Stop teasing! I thought you missed me.” Laughter erupted between the two of you and Cameron shifted to pick you up and laid you on the bench.

“Wait your ribs-” He hushed you and slid his underwear down and tossed them aside. “A couple of bruised ribs aren’t stopping me from greeting my girl properly. “Now legs up.”

One leg was pressed against the wall and the other was dangling off the sauna bench. Cameron looked down at the beautiful mess between your legs in awe.

“All this,” He dragged his tip through your soaked folds. “For me, pretty?” You squirmed when he tapped it against your clit.

You gave him a look that told him to stop playing. He snickered a bit before lining himself up and pushing into you. Both of you let out an exhale of relief.

It had been too long since you had each other like this and Cameron was gonna make sure he made up for the weeks he was away.

“I missed how warm this pussy is.” He groaned and gripped the back of your knee, pushing your leg further down. He was hardly moving, just merely admiring what he did to you.

The first roll of his hips had chills going up your spine and eyes fluttering to the back of your head. He leaned down the best he could and cradled your head.

“Look at me, baby.” Another slow but deep thrust from him, along with the sound of his voice, made your eyes open. He was looking down at you with those darkened blue eyes.

Your hands clawed at the edge of the bench and the wall next to your head. You didn’t want to grab him out of fear of worsening his pain. Cameron started a steady rhythm that had you struggling to maintain eye contact.

From the angle at which he was holding your head, you could see where the two of you connected and how much you were coating his cock with your slickness. “I missed you so much.” You whispered as your eyes flickered between his and where the two of you connected. He let out a small hum in response and kept going—clearly lost in the pleasure.

You raised one of your hands and cupped his face. Without thinking, you pushed your thumb against his lips which he gladly took into his mouth. His hips never faltered; if anything, they sped up.

“You look so good like this.” You moaned. “Fucking me so good, my love.” He moaned around your thumb in response and you slid it out. You wanted to hear him loud and clear.

“I love you so much, sweet girl.” His voice was raspy, likely from the humidity of the room. “I love you too.” You breathed out. His hands shifted, one on your boob and the other trailed down your stomach and started circling your clit with his thumb.

Cameron sat up with a few pained groans. He was close and needed close with him. “Come on, baby. I wanna see this pussy gush.” He pushed himself deeper in you while pushing your leg further into your chest.

His efforts to make you cum were working. His fingers rubbed and flicked your nipples, his encouraging yet nasty words filled your ears, and his thumb worked overtime on your clit. It was all pushing you closer to the edge.

When you began squirming and stuttering, he knew he had you. “Come on. Give it to me. You know what I want.” He talked you through it, knowing exactly what to do and say to get you to cum.

A broken cry left your throat and you couldn’t help but grip his arms as your orgasm hit you. Cameron scooped you up in his arms, bringing you together with a passionate kiss while he coated your insides with his cum.

The two of you sat like that for a while, just enjoying the silence and each other’s presence. A few minutes passed and he finally pulled out. He watched as your combined fluids leaked out of you.

“Ugh we need a shower.” Your bodies were damp and now even stickier than before. Cameron chuckled and picked you up off the bench. He started walking you out of the sauna without another thought. “Cam, our clothes!”

𖤓 bombshell!cameron cade. makes mini dates for the girls he’s interested in. he wants to show the girl(s) that he wants to take their connection seriously, and show her that she deserves to be considered and seen. during that date, he is listening attentively and getting a feeling of how the girl feels, not just about him but also about romance, love, her views on things that shape her

𖤓 bombshell!cameron cade. respectful, but a bit physical. he ups the levels of physical touch, following after your comfort level; caresses your leg as you chat with him, brings himself closer by holding onto your finger, at times tempted to lay his head on your lap and listen to you talk, but as for now, distance and respect for your couple !!

𖤓 bombshell!cameron cade. extremely transparent on who he wants and has no issue going after her. whether it be bringing her breakfast before her couple does, heightening his charm to woo her, or even taking her up to a more secluded location, just have her couple be a bit antsy. he’s already a competitive man as it is due to his job, fighting for the girl he desires and wants is nothing to him

𖤓 bombshell!cameron cade. recoupling night feels like a night of reassurance and poetry spoken to you under the moonlight. the way he describes you makes you feel like the only girl in the world and always winks at you before he starts his speech. dare i say after casa, he started adding, “lady in my life” before announcing your name

Almost immediately, fresh tears welled in Ledger’s greenish hazels as he stared at you. You drove with both hands, sitting up straight.

“C-Chiara?” he murmured.

“Hi my love, how are you feeling? Do you need water? A snack?

You reached out and cupped the side of his face closest to you, quickly leaning over to kiss his lips. It triggered Ledger’s sobs.

“Oh no, baby” you caressed his cheekbone, “don’t cry, don’t cry, it’ll all be okay. I always say that— I’ve been saying that. We just had to see some things through but we are finally at the finish line. Stop crying, okay? Please, you’ll make me sad”

Leaning over again, you kissed his lips. The salty taste of his tears coating your own lips.

Ledger sniffled and huffed, “you killed my best friend”

The air inside the car suddenly took a turn. Your hand tightened against Ledger’s face but you quickly relaxed. You swallowed hard, just briefly shutting your eyes and opening them.

“And you murdered your ex girlfriend. Are we really pulling cards for ethics and morals? Your record’s not all that clean, baby”

You let go of Ledger’s face, hands back on the wheel and still driving.

“Why?”

“Why not?”

Your chuckle was dark and unforgiving. You donned a weird aura— like you couldn’t care for the situation at hand. Relaxed, calm, cool.

“I mean, is it really killing if he deserved it? It’s gotta be the same reason you killed Kenna, right? I mean, she makes you think she loves you only to step out on you and ruin everything you built. Scotty was that to me”

Ledger didn’t notice the slight break, crack in your voice. Staring ahead, you softly reminisced.

“There were good times, y’know? He was my world, my everything… but I was never his. I could’ve lived with the nonchalant attitude, his incessant reading in between the lines that said he was growing sick of me, hell, the cheating even!”

You let out a dramatic, dark cackle. Gently beating closed fists on the steering wheel as you continued trucking forward.

Ledger Ward stared at you like you grew three heads. The words of your plans were finally being outed and it was the last thing the man was expecting to hear. You continued.

“But he knew when I got pregnant and the hell he put me through is why my daughter isn’t here. You’d think I’d live another day on this Earth, sharing the same breath as him knowing he got his fairytale happy ending and I didn’t? A happy home with a baby? No fucking way”

Tears streamed down your cheeks despite your upbeat, giddy demeanor. You still donned a smile that was just properly scaring Ledger straight. Who the fuck were you?

You leaned over and reached into the glove box, in your hands were the infamous printed out digital camera photos.

“I didn’t plan for you finding these. I realized you’d been in my house before but when I noticed these were missing from my mirror, I had to expedite the plans for us spending the rest of our lives together”

You gripped the photos in your left hand and grabbed Ledger’s face in your right.

“Because I want it all with you, Ledger. Think about, Mrs. Ledger Ward— how does that sound? Rings on our fingers, a house on the farm, some animals, and a baby in my stomach. Isn’t it perfect? Because that’s all I’ve ever wanted in my life. That’s all I want! Is that so much?!”

A crack in your mask saw deep hurt and emotion despite the facade you were trying to keep up. A deeply disturbed, hurt woman.

“But too many people were in the way. Scotty had to be first but that was just the principle. Miss Millie immediately after that. I knew her from a long time ago, I knew her dead daughter too. We were kind of friends, I didn’t really like her all that much but I stayed around even after she died”

You cackled once again, tightening your hold on Ledger’s face once again.

“Can you believe that old bitch came to me with a plan to expose you way before she saw you at the state fair? She was going to ruin you. I had to intervene, baby”

flashback — then

“He’s going down, Chiara, I swear to God”

Millie Rowan paced back and forth in the rainy wet secluded streets somewhere downtown. In an alley.

A cigarette in between her fingers as she puffed from time to time.

You stood before her with your arms crossed. It was easy to slip out of Ledger’s embrace when he was fast asleep, the stress of that confrontation and a pent up need to fuck finally putting him down.

“What all do you have to put him away? He doesn’t have to tell me that he killed your daughter, I already know he did”

Millie scoffed out, taking another puff.

“I’ve got everything: witness photos, witness stories from that night, I had a PI do some digging on him. He’s a fucking drunk, history of being in AA, some people in town saying he’s got a temper— I’ve got all of that on him!”

You nodded, playing your role. “You’re just waiting for the right time to get him served and arrested”

She pointed her cigarette at you, nodding. “Exactly. I just need to be right about this, y’know? I can’t have him seeing this coming. I have to see this through”

You took a step into her space.

“He might not but I can’t have you seeing it either”

Gripping the long blade that hid in the jacket pocket of Ledger’s hoodie, you raised it and cut a hard right. Blood splattered across your face and the brick walls behind Millie.

But you worked fast. You rushed her, clamping a hand over her mouth and forcing her body to the ground, behind the dumpster.

You made quick work of watching her bleed out and beginning the carve of her eyes out of her skull.

Thankfully the busy night on the town kept you camouflaged.

current —

“You might think this ruins things but I promise you it doesn’t. We have no more problems, no more outliers, no more distractions. It was always going to be you, baby”

Ledger Ward was slumped in defeat, his body against the soft fabric from what he could feel of the seat.

“I went back up north after Scotty’s death but I always had eyes on you, Ledger. I had to have you back in my life by any means necessary, okay?”

You suddenly pulled over on the shoulder of the road and put the truck in park, full on turning to face the man. You took Ledger’s face in your hands and peered into his eyes.

“Even if it meant some little white lies, even if it meant giving Kurt Peterson the perfect sob story— I mean, God, I’ve never had a problem with alcohol but I knew he’d taken you in, it made the most sense. I just had to get back to you”

His beautiful greens began watering again, the tears coming out full force. He couldn’t help it. To say Ledger was scared was an understatement.

“People are dead, Chiara”

You nodded understandingly, “I-I know but I think it’s perfect for us. We can be together now”

Ledger Ward shook his head.

“I don’t think we can”

Your face went a soft, stone, stoic expression. A flash of anger before correcting it. The first time since waking up that day that the man finally witnessed a crack in your shield.

You let go of his face and turned back to your steering wheel, putting the car back in drive.

“You can’t see it now but you will soon”

Neither of you spoke as the car came to life, as you began driving on the road again. Ledger leaned back in his seat, head facing the window.

“Where are we going?” He muttered after a moment.

“Helena, Montana”

“What’s in Montana?”

“My childhood home. My family has two homes, the one up north where I stayed for my firsts of school but we have another in Helena. My parents relocated out of state to retire, left me here”

Ledger’s eyes watered once more. “So you basically kidnapped me away from my life and we’re staying with your parents?”

You immediately shook your head, “oh no, my parents are gone. Dead”

“How did they die?”

“House fire. They didn’t put me in their will as their only child to have the Montana house when they die eventually. Decided to speed up the process for them”

As straightforward as ever.

Ledger gasped under his breath, said tears still fresh in his eyes and streaming down his cheeks. He couldn’t believe this was real life or his life.

This couldn’t be the same woman he fell in love with.

“M-my life is back home, Chiara” Ledger sobbed, “my house, m-my bar, Kurt, my job— Cole. I have to go back, Chiara, I can’t stay in Montana”

“I’ve already made arrangements for that, okay? You’ll be set. I made sure your bar license was active, I can help you get set up to move Wards downtown in Helena. I know people”

You weren’t hearing him.

“As for football, I anonymously informed the program that you’re relocating with the full intent of bettering yourself and your sobriety but you will still continue coaching in Montana thanks to your status as a retired player. Turns out a lot of people love you in Montana and will do anything to have you use your skills.. including Cole. His family doesn’t mind the travel to see you… they talk really fond of you”

All Ledger could do was shake his head. None of this reassured him in the slightest. What about Roman? What about all of the things he came to know back home?

“You can’t do this, Chiara, please. The way you know my secret, I can keep yours, I won’t tell anybody. I fucking promise. I love you, I’ll keep you so safe. Please j-just turn the car around, baby”

Unbeknownst to you, Ledger was working. He just had to keep you talking and engaged somehow. He sat bound with tape on his wrists, but the more he subtly wiggled around, the more moist the adhesive got.

“You know I can’t do that, Ledger. I’m trying to compromise— HEY!”

Ledger Ward bit the bullet. He lunged toward, finally freeing his arms, wrists, hands, and body.

Immediately, he latched onto the steering wheel, strong hands over yours. He turned the wheel to the left and right, jerking the car every which way he could if it meant gaining control.

“Ledger, stop!” You yelled, “stop it! What are you doing?!”

“Shut up!”

Still Ledger swerved with the wheel. Your feet remained on the gas and brakes despite Ledger moving.

“Fucking let go, Ledger, stop! Please!”

“We’re going back home, Chiara!”

One strong arm of his closed over your throat and pushed you back into the seat. You clawed on his forearm desperately.

Another desperation attempt? You grabbed onto Ledger’s shirt, his chest more so. Finding that same old deep flesh would, you dug your nails into it. Hard.

“Fuuck!” Ledger shouted out in pain, his loosening grip on the wheel and on your throat, had you able to move.

You reached an arm back with a closed fist and connected it over Ledger’s jaw. He immediately retracted into his seat.

Gaining control of the wheel once again, you pulled over and put the car in park.

“Look what you made me do!” You screamed, “I’m so sorry baby, I-I didn’t mean— I swear, I didn’t want to do that but you gave me no choice!”

Hopping out of the car and headed to the trunk, you got more duct tape. You opened Ledger’s side of the door and tightly re-secured his body to his arms. Also adding a layer to his mouth.

“I love you, sweetheart but you did this to yourself”

All Ledger Ward could do was lie back once again. Defeated.

Nightfall had finally descended on Ledger and Chiara once again.

The entire ride since Ledger’s stunt had the inside the car silent. Silent except soft music that played, easing your anxiety and annoyance with him.

The more you thought about your future with him, the more calm you got. Ledger wasn’t understanding his feelings now and though you were expecting him to get in board, you knew it’d take time.

You and Ledger could smoothly get situated in the Helena home, he’d still be able to see Cole and coach, and get his bar up and running with your connects. He’d be happy again, you knew it.

“Are we almost there yet?” He asked, his tone weak and defeated.

“Just another hour, almost. I gotta stop for gas and we can fuel up for the last leg. Do you need to use the restroom? Are you hungry?”

Ledger nodded, still looking out his window. “Yeah, a little bit”

“Okay”

Your eyes caught sight of an exit sign and the nearest gas station. You drove towards it.

“I’m sorry” his voice from your right muttered out. “I almost got us into an accident back there.. I just panicked, I’m sorry”

You nodded, “I understand”

“I just… I’m scared, Chiara. I don’t know how I can pick up my life again in a whole new state. I’m trying to become okay with it… especially because there’s no plan to move back to Wyoming. I’m sorry, still”

Reaching over, you threaded your hand through the one bound to his side.

“I know. It’ll take some time but it’ll be okay. We have each other and that’s the best thing. I’ll do anything to help you get settled, okay? I love you. It’ll all be so good, I promise”

You squeezed his hand and continued driving, continued steering. Getting onto the exit ramp, you pulled the car into an open but empty gas station.

The lights still bright for 11:30 PM. No additional cars in sight. From looking in the windows of the gas station, you noticed a clerk at the front.

You pulled up to a pump and put the car in park. You unbuckled your seatbelt and turned towards Ledger.

“Do you need to use the restroom still?” He nods, looking over and meeting your eye. You shifted your gaze to a more pointed look into his greenish hazels. “No more stunts, okay? If I cut you loose and take you in here with me, can you promise me no more stunts?”

Ledger Ward stared you square in the eyes. “I promise”

Your smile was brief. Grabbing a pocket knife from under your seat, you cut through the tape around Ledger’s body and ankles.

You rounded the car to his side and helped him out, grabbing ahold of his arm. Standing on your tippy toes, you pressed a kiss to his lips.

“Let’s make this quick so we can get to our new home, okay?”

Ledger nodded, slithering an arm around your waist. He walked with you up to the entrance of the gas station, pulling the door open for you.

Inside the clerk greeted you with a simple head nod, his body perched on his forearms as he engrossed himself with his phone.

The small station had five aisles, mostly food along with a back section for drinks. That’s where you headed.

Ledger paced up and down the chip aisles or anywhere with snacks. Truthfully, he wasn’t hungry at all but having snacks on hand was better than not having anything.

He grabbed two chip bags and a bag of candy. He tried to relax but he could feel your watchful eye like a hawk. Heated, pointed, and unwavering.

But the more Ledger occupied himself in the aisles, the more his brain raced. He was in public again, that was a good thing. Or it could be a good thing.

Approaching the counter with his items, Ledger greeted the clerk with a head nod as they began ringing his items.

“Oh shit” the clerk muttered, doing a double take. “Ledger Ward? QB for the Saviors?” Ledger nodded, a quirk in his brow. “Holy shit dude, no way. I— we love you out here. My Dad and I used to sit down every Sunday and watch your games when you still played. You’re a legend”

The clerk had to be in his early twenties. He donned the store uniform and shaggy hair.

Feeling a soft warmth of gratitude and love, Ledger’s smile was pained but genuine. He felt the love but it was hard to digest it at the moment.

“Thank you, man, I really appreciate it”

The clerk continued ringing Ledger’s things, now opting to bag them.

“Hey, if it’s not too much, can I get an autograph? I wish I had some Savior memorabilia but I think a receipt paper can do?”

Ledger nodded, “of course, man, don’t worry about it”

When the clerk presented a fresh paper slip and a Sharpie to Ledger, time felt slowed down. He was in public again, this had to be good, right?

Ledger glanced over his shoulder to find you, you were standing with your back to the front in the cold section. Not paying any mind.

Instead of his signature scribble, Ledger penned a simple: ‘Call 911. Held Captive’.

Passing the slip back to the boy, he read and immediately met Ledger’s gaze seriously. The older man held a desperate, pleading glimmer in his own eye.

The men said nothing. The boy grabbed the store’s landline phone, pressing buttons, and putting the device up to his ear.

Ledger glanced over at his shoulder once more but he frowned when he couldn’t find you anywhere.

“Hi I’m calling from—“

All at once chaos erupted. A sharp and shrill pop cut in the air, immediately making Ledger duck. The sound of glass shattering and raining over him also had him covering his head.

He glanced to his right and you stood only two feet from him. He looked back at the store clerk, the boy stood frozen.

The landline dropped from his hand and the blood spread throughout his lower abdomen, staining his beige uniform shirt. One turned into another. Square in the boy’s chest.

Tears danced down Ledger’s cheeks as he looked back at you once more.

“What did you do?!” He shouted angrily. You snarled and tucked the piece, your items in hand. You stomped over to Ledger and grabbed at him.

“Get the fuck up, now! Now, Ledge, now!”

Ledger pathetically scrambled to his feet as you ran the both of you out of the store, towards the truck. Your strength was unmatched, anger coursing your veins.

You opened Ledger’s side and tossed him in the seat.

“Look what you made me do, again, Ledger, again! Do you think I like killing people?! You promised me you’d behave!”

“I don’t fucking trust you!” He yelled back, “nor will I ever, Chiara!”

That silenced you, your chest heaving. Ledger looked at you in disgust tearfully.

“You’re not the same person I fell in love with. You’re a cold blooded, angry, psychopath and I don’t think I’ll ever look at you the same way”

Ledger didn’t know if his words held any truth in this moment but meaning what he said now felt good. Tears of your own welled in your eyes, a snarl and cut to your eyes at him.

“You’re out of control and it’s sick. You need help, lots of it, and I refuse to be apart of it”

You bit down on your lip, trying to control yourself. Beneath your anger lay active heartache from Ledger’s words.

“You wanna leave me?” You murmured. You propped open the passenger seat wider and stepped back, “You wanna go back in that store and call the police on me? Go right ahead, I’m not stopping you”

You were baiting him, Ledger recognized it. He stayed put in the seat.

“But need I remind you, you do know you’re still a suspect in your ex girlfriend’s death, right? And now that her mother is dead too, it’ll be easy for them to just bring you down to the station and put two and two together”

“But I didn’t kill Millie, you did”

You shrugged, “it’s your word against theirs.. mine too”

Ledger finally understood what you were trying to say… and do. His heart sank to the deepest parts of his body. Not because of fear but because… you were right.

He couldn’t try to accuse you of Scotty’s death without making himself look crazy. He’d already gone off the wagon, who would believe him?

Not to mention trying to do his best to stay out of legal trouble. Any exposure would be enough to reopen Kenna’s cold case and he’d be the first person of interest.

Ledger couldn’t risk it if he wanted to.

His body slumped in defeat, the man finally accepted his fate. He sat idly watching you reapply the tape on his body, saying nothing.

He said nothing even as you brought the car to life and hurriedly sped out of the station’s lot.

He said nothing as you pushed the car for the last hour and finally pulled into a gated farmhouse. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen.

You pulled into the driveway and put the truck in park.

“Welcome home, Ledger”

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