Chapter Text
It’s a bit overwhelming. He almost wants to ask why, what caused this decision? He did bad things, why is he free? He’s curious about the Peeler’s sentence, but also, he doesn’t give a shit. The officer removes his handcuffs and Fit rubs his wrists, giving him the look of thank you. Judge Cucurucho stands and looks down at him with a smile that’s almost creepy, but Fit can manage, considering the circumstances.
“We will provide you with clothes before you leave the courthouse today. One of our officers has business in Silverbrush and will leave tomorrow morning, so we offer travel back home for you. You are welcome to stay in town until then. The Inn is down the main street, you can tell them I sent you; they’ll know what to do.”
“That’s very considerate of you, thank you sir. Thank you for your generosity and, well, making me a free man, it’s greatly appreciated.” Fit gladly states with a wide smile. Cucurucho let’s out another low chuckle.
“I hope you enjoy your time in the town.” With that, he leaves the room, and Fit is escorted to exit the room as well.
..
He was indeed given clothes in exchange for the prison uniform, and a pair of worn boots. Not the most comfortable, but they’ll do. Better than the burlap shoes they had in Coalstand. He steps out of the courthouse and onto the side path. The midday sun is shining, and the heat isn’t too bad. The building is large, a prominent landmark indeed, sitting in the middle of the large town. He looks down both directions of the road and locates the Inn, right next to the Saloon. He could use a good drink after everything.
After checking in at the Inn, he was provided a small room for the night that he gladly accepted. He enters the room silently and closes the door behind him. It’s a simple room, with a bed and wardrobe, small but functional. Fit leans against the door frame and reflects on the events of the day. He can’t believe it, he really can’t. He’s still boggled about why he was released, why was he given this lucky hand? He knows better than to question it, but he can’t help himself.
People like him don’t get second chances.
Fit walks over and falls onto the bed, it’s soft. Softer than prison anyway, not as good as his bed at home.
Home….he can call it that now, can’t he. They don’t have to run anymore. He considers writing to Pac, but he’ll make it to town before the letter does. It will be a surprise for him, worth it. He feels a warmth in his chest, flowing through his veins and running throughout his body. A smile creeps to his face and a laugh escapes him. The feeling of relief and disbelief come in waves, and he can’t help himself. It feels wonderful.
As the sun is making its way down in the sky, he enters the saloon a to enjoy a good drink. He takes a step into the bar, a few patrons sitting at the tables and the counter, and the bartender behind the counter laughing with others and making drinks. He spots Fit enter and greets him with a warm grin.
“Hello there! You look like you could use a drink.” He says, Fit nods and sits at the bar in front of him.
“I do! I’m celebrating tonight.”
“Oh? Well, whatever you’re celebrating, congratulations! What would you like?”
“Whiskey, please.” The bartender nods and makes his drink, setting it in front of him. Fit puts the money he had on the counter and takes a drink, feeling the warm liquid slide down this throat into his gut. He lets out a satisfied sigh, the bitter taste doesn’t bother him.
“Well, can I ask what you’re celebrating tonight?” The bartender asks. Fit sets his glass down and gives him a caring glance paired with a smile.
“Going home.”
“Oh! Well, that’s a good reason for celebrating. Eager to see your family?”
“Very. Anxious to see my son and significant other. It’s been two months, I’m ready to sleep in my own bed.”
The bartender smiles and walks off to help other customers and conversate with them. Fit sits in silence for most of the night with a smile on his face, nursing his drink of choice and losing himself in his thoughts about the future. Because he has that now, a future. One filled with happy events, exciting moments, and memories to make. A future including so many new people that he has come to care for, and one he has come love greatly. He wants to spend many days working on the ranch, and many nights sitting by the fire playing his guitar and singing songs. He wants to teach Ramon how to play songs and show him how to bull ride, to go with him to different rodeos and watch him compete.
He is ready to build his new life with Pac, show him that he can be the partner he desires, and give him the support he needs. He never thought he would be having these thoughts about a partner, never thought someone would want to love him back. He’s ready to take on what comes next, with people he can count on.
..
Fit wakes in the morning as the sun rises over the hills, with the sky changing from dark tones to warm ones. He leaves the Inn with a thank you and heads to the courthouse to catch his ride, ready to leave. He enters the building to find a couple officers in the lobby, discussing different tasks that they want the one to accomplish while he’s in Silverbrush. They greet Fit warmly and casually talk about nothing, and within a half hour, they are leaving on horse to Silverbrush with a bag of food, water, and other essentials for the day’s ride.
He's finally heading home.
..
The two men arrive in Silverbrush the next morning after a day long ride, and a rest in the evening. The sun is peaking over the buildings and Fit can’t contain his smile. It feels overwhelming, and now that he’s here, it’s hitting him in ways he didn’t think it could. They stroll into the town, it’s quiet still, businesses just opening up and people staring their days.
They bring their horses to the front of the sheriff's office and hop down. Foolish comes to the door and welcomes the officer to the town before he notices Fit behind him. Shocked, he stares for a moment before smiling greatly.
“Oh shit! You’re out!” He exclaims, receiving a smile from Fit.
“I am! It’s incredible, I..Foolish thank you.” He says, moving forward to give the sheriff a hug. Foolish is startled but laughs and pats his back.
“Not a problem, pal. I just told him the facts is all. I guess it helped to hype up the good you've done. I’m glad it helped with his decision.” Fit pulls away from him and sighs. He turns to the officer with him and addresses him.
“Is there anything I need to do? What about the horse?”
“I can take the horse with me on a lead. I don’t need anything from you now. You are free to go home.” He says, Fit looks at him, and back to Foolish. He gives a nod to both and begins walking back to the house. It’s a half hour walk, but he doesn’t mind. He knows what is waiting for him.
Before he knows it, he can see the compound in the distance, and he picks up his pace. He enters the corral; he sees the cattle off to one side with the sheep. It’s quiet, doesn’t seem like anyone is here. Not a problem, he didn’t expect a welcome party. Not like he would get one anyway, he’s sure everyone is still mad at him. He walks to Pac’s house, heart pounding in his chest. What will Pac do when he sees him? Will he be excited? Indifferent? There’s no way he would be, right? If his letters are anything to go by, there’s no way he’s moved on.
He opens the door and peeks into the room.
“Hello? Pac? Ramon?” He calls out to the silence. It doesn’t look like anyone is home. Fit steps in, closing the door behind him and looks around the space, nothing has changed. Everything looks to be in the same place as it was when he left. He walks around the house slowly, taking in the details he has missed so much. The markings in the walls that don’t mean anything otherwise, the dents in the table that weren’t noticed before. He doesn’t fight the smile across his lips. There is no other emotion he would rather feel in this moment. He walks into his bedroom and looks at his things. It doesn’t look like anything is missing, nothing has been touched, right where it should be.
As Fit walks out of his doorway, he hears the knob turn on the front door. His heart races in anticipation of whoever is on the other side.
~~~~~
“Ramon, if you hold your grip here, you’ll have better control of the sheep.” Phil advises in his corral. Ramon nods and adjusts his grip, and they go again around the ring. Chayanne and Lullah stand on the fence with Pac leaning on it. Ramon was entered in a sheep riding competition with Richas last week, and Richas did great! It came back to him easily and he placed well. Ramon, however...for his very first try, he did great. Pac was very proud that he gave it a go and that he was willing to train so he could do it again. Phil offered to help him learn the proper way to do things, and he seems very interested in the sport.
“You’re doing great, Ramon! Improving so much.” Pac says, as the boy comes to a stop with a smile.
“Thanks, Pai! Maybe the next rodeo I’ll do better.” Ramon hops off the sheep and gives her a pat on the back as a thank you for the lesson. Phil gives a hug to Ramon and reminds him that he’s doing a good job. It fills Pac’s heart with love as well as ache to see Ramon want to do things that Fit would love to be a part of, and that everyone is willing to help him accomplish those goals. He just wish’s Fit was here as well.
Things have been getting easier. Pac’s finding that he’s not longing as much as he did, wishing he was here. Now reminds himself that he can save these memories and share them when they go for a visit. He still finds pockets of days when he feels down and alone, wanting to hold him again and give him praise, receiving it in return.
“Can I spend time playing with Chayanne and Lullah?” Ramon asks. Pac lets out a sigh and pats his head.
“Unfortunately, we need to take care of some things at home today. Maybe we can make plans for another time.” Pac suggests, Ramon nods and Phil smiles.
“That would be lovely. I’m sure the kids have things to take care of as well. They’ll have to ask their mother if she needs any help with the laundry.” The two kids groan hopping off the fence.
“I hate doing laundry.” Chayanne complains.
“I just don’t like getting my hands wet, I don’t mind folding.” Lullah states.
“Go see if she needs help.” Phil orders, and the two kids walk off, hugging Ramon farewell as they pass by.
“Thank you again, Phil. Ramon is picking it up quick it looks like!”
“He is! Let me know when the next rodeo competition is and I’ll happily come along. I’m sure the kids would enjoy it.”
“I will! Come on Ramon, lets get this lady back to the corral and get things done at home.” Ramon waves to Phil as they turn to leave. Ramon grabs the sheep by the harness and tugs her along down the road home.
..
Pac opens the gate to the corral and Ramon pushes the sheep in.
“We have the barn to pick up and the cattle to feed. Why don’t you run in and put your thick gloves on and put the riding gloves away.” Pac asks. Ramon nods and begins to unfasten the gloves from his hands and hold them gently in one hand.
He steps onto the porch and gently opens the door. He’s messing with the gloves in his hand and not looking into the house, but at the floor. He takes a few steps in before he looks up and finds Fit, standing in the room. He freezes, it feels like time has stopped. His mouth hangs open slightly in shock, his eyes fixed on his Pa. It takes a moment before the silence is broken by Fit.
“Ramon.” He mutters under his breath, giving the signal to Ramon to rush over and hug him tightly around the waist. The tears are instant, wetting the bottom of his shirt. Fit wraps his arms around his shoulders, but that doesn’t achieve the love he wants to give him, so he kneels and wraps around him tightly. The two remain in the hug for several long minutes, Fit refusing to let go first. Ramon lets out soft sobs into his shoulder, the words he wants to say unable to leave his mouth. Suddenly, Ramon pulls away and wipes the tears from his eyes.
“When did you get here?”
“I got into town a little bit ago and walked home.”
“I have so much to tell you! I did my first rodeo last week!”
“Yes! I remember Pac telling me in a letter! How did it go?” Ramon rubs his hand on his neck.
“Well…not good. But I’ve been practicing with Phil! It’s been fun. Oh!” Ramon holds up his gloves to Fit, who takes them gently from his grasp. “They were your gloves; I hope you don’t mind. We had to cut them to get them to fit me.”
Fit smiles greatly as he looks over the new stitches, running his thumb over the leather. “I don’t mind. I feel honored that you wanted to have a bit of me with you.” Ramon smiles as they hear footsteps coming to the door.
“Ramon, are you okay? Do you need..” Pac trails off before seeing him. Their eyes lock before Fit stands to greet him.
"Hi." Fit says quietly. Ramon turns around and rushes to Pac, hugging his waist in excitement. Pac doesn’t move, he doesn’t break his gaze from Fit, who begins walking to him.
“You..what…but..” He stammers, unable to find the correct words to say, each word becoming strained and forced. His breath hitched, his heart pounds against his chest. He doesn’t notice the tears running down his cheeks until Fit wipes them away. Pac places a hand on his shoulder, running his hand down his arm, making sure his eyes aren’t playing tricks on him. Fit reaches across to his back and pulls him close, his other hand wrapping around his shoulder and his fingers resting in his hair. Pac brings his arms up his back and nuzzles his face into his shoulder, letting out several deep, shaky breaths. Fit’s fingers rub gentle circles in his scalp to calm him, he gently kisses his hair, letting his own tears fall. Ramon wraps one arm around Fit's leg, hugging both men.
The three remain locked in this embrace, unwilling to move away.
“You’re here.” Pac whispers into his shoulder.
“I am. I’m here for good.” Pac pulls up from his shoulder and looks into his eyes. He watches them sparkle as they look back at him, it’s everything that he has craved since he’s been gone. He runs his hand up his neck and softly brings their lips together in a long-awaited kiss, filled with longing and promise. It’s a moment both fragile and sincere, a reunion both have dreamt of for so long. Fit tightens his fingers in the strands of his hair as he relishes in the feeling of love that flows through him.
It’s a tender moment that feels like it stretches for hours but lasts for a short moment before they pull away, smiles on both faces, pink dusting their cheeks. They rest their heads against one another in an attempt to come down to earth. The tug of Fit’s shirt forces him to look down at his son, still hugging onto their legs. Ramon looks up, new tears on his cheeks and a smile.
“Does this mean I don’t have to do my chores?” The two adults laugh before letting each other go.
“Sorry, Ramon. They still need to get done.” Pac says, gaining a groan from the boy and a chuckle from Fit.
“Don’t worry though, I can help you with them.” Fit answers. Ramon releases his grip on the two and runs outside, forgetting he was inside to get his thick gloves from his room. Pac grabs them before walking back and grabbing Fit’s hand, but Fit doesn’t move. He remains in place looking at Pac with so much care and affection. He leans forward, hovering over his lips.
“I love you.” He whispers before gently kissing the corner of his lips. Pac’s breath catches at the comment. It’s three words that mean so much, that send electricity throughout his body and shocks his heart into overdrive, beating hard against his ribs. Pac brings his hand up to gently cup his cheek, Fit leans into his palm with a sigh.
“I love you, too.” Pac responds, kissing him gently once more before pulling him to head outside to enjoy the day together.
For the first time in his life, Fit feels complete, full of love, and is confident that he is where he needs to be. And Pac feels the joy he's been longing to feel. It's a feeling he's been waiting for, to be happy and in love. And it feels great.