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It looks like a nice place from a distance, as they slow down their horses to a nice pace. They rode around the perimeter first, and seeing nothing wrong, they headed over to the main house. It's not too much to look at. There's faded and chipped green paint on the exterior, with equally faded and chipped white paint on the pillars of the porch and the door. Two windows hug the door; both look like they are able to swing open. By the look of the chimney, there is a wood-burning stove inside, not a fireplace. Crosshair prefers fireplaces, but it's not a deal breaker. Not too far from the house is a barn, only big enough to house three horses and all the supplies they'd need to store, but it's been kept up well. A single large tree, the largest Crosshair has ever seen, has taken root in the back of the house. It'd be a nice place to cool down when the heat becomes unbearable.
He pulls down his bandanna from over his nose and mouth so it rests under his chin. The dust isn't as bad here as it was crossing the territory—a small bit of luck. "It's small," Crosshair comments frankly—probably sounding cold and uninterested.
"It's perfect."
Crosshair twists around to see his little sister smiling brightly, her eyes shining. Omega is already in love with the place, that's for sure. Crosshair can practically see the wheels turning in her head with all the things they'd do here. Planting pretty flowers around the border of the house and painting the fence. Maybe getting some rocking chairs on the porch to rock in, watching the sun set after a long hot day, and with Batcher lying down between them. A garden out back with carrots, beans, and potatoes. Maybe even using some apples from the little orchard they saw on a corner of the ranch to bake pies or brew up some cider. He can imagine Omega is picturing riding her horse, her long blond hair flying free in the wind, brushing her horse, and taking care of it in the barn next to the house. Knowing his sister, Omega is probably thinking of entering some nearby rodeo with her horse too.
Crosshair can imagine it too, in his own way. Living their lives out here. Starting over. Safe. Far, far away from Tantiss. Far away from their parents' abuse.
"It's still small."
"We don't need something big, Crosshair." Omega moves and directs her horse to stand in front of him. "You like it just as much as I do. Admit it."
Crosshair rolls his eyes to the sky. "Hmph." Then his gaze focuses on the notice posted to the door of the home.
RANCH FOR SALE
160 ACRES
SEE MAYOR SHEP HAZARD
PABU
"It's the same amount of land that the government promised everyone. We don't need more than that for the two of us."
A protesting woof comes from below, and Batcher runs out in front of them, wagging her tail and reminding them of her presence even though that's not hard for such a big dog as she is.
"Three of us," his sister amends, and Batcher woofs again and twirls around with delight. "I could never forget you, Batcher." She dismounts and nuzzles their dog's face, giggling as Batcher slobbers all over her.
"How much do you reckon it'd cost us?" he asks. "Whoever this mayor is got the land for free."
"The house and barn weren't free to him." His sister shrugs. "Doesn't matter. I can always get us the money. I'm sure there's a saloon that has games." Omega looks up at him from her spot on the ground—her face shaded from under the brim of her hat. "Please, Crosshair?"
He knows that she knows that begging rarely works on him and that she doesn't need to beg now. He ticks up one eyebrow. "Check the map. I don't want to go in the completely wrong direction to Pabu and have to double back."
Omega jumps and cheers. "Thank you!"
Soon enough, they make their way south to the town of Pabu.
~ ~ ~ ~
This last cattle drive up north had gone well with no problems and good weather. Hunter and his brothers didn't have plans to do another drive until next spring—or maybe not until the one after that. Pooling their earnings together, and with what they have already saved up, they can take a relaxing break and actually enjoy their homestead for once. They bought it years ago but don't stay there often since they spend most of their days on cattle trails or doing odd jobs that come their way if they need some extra cash. All four of them are running ragged, and the prospect of being home is nice.
Won't be long now, Hunter thinks, raising his whiskey to his lips. They're supposed to meet Shep here to catch up on everything since they've been gone. Pabu's lone saloon isn't crowded this time of day, which is how Hunter prefers it. He and his brothers have only gotten back—he doesn't want to deal with Wrecker getting into brawls or outsiders wanting to shoot Tech because they think they've been cheated at sabacc, or Echo's exasperated side looks to him when anything goes down.
"There's a sight for my sore eyes! The Fett Brothers!" Shep's booming voice grabs everyone's attention. Their jolly friend enters the saloon, dressed in a patchwork of browns and greens, and his arms are spread wide.
"Shep!" Wrecker calls, stands to his full height, and grabs Shep around his middle and lifts him clean off his feet.
"Good to see you too, my friends." After he's back on the ground, Shep shakes each of their hands—Hunter is grateful that Shep switches hands so he's not shaking the air when he greets Echo. The mayor of Pabu has been a good friend to them for a long time. He's the one who convinced all of them to settle down and get a home to stay when the cattle drives are over—instead of staying the nights in hotels or saloons or even outdoors on the ground.
A few minutes pass as the five men catch up before the doors to the saloon swing open. Before Hunter looks over, he can tell there are two people—two different-sounding footsteps—and a panting dog. So when he does look up, his eyes widen, and it feels like his breath has been taken away. There's a young, blonde-haired girl, a huge mutt, and a very handsome man. The man is lean, tall, grey-haired, and there's a crosshair tattoo over one of his brown eyes. A deep, deep scowl helps in giving off a don't fuck right me ambiance. A rifle is slung over his shoulder—a Firepuncher if Hunter is not mistaken.
"Howdy!" The girl's smile is bright and efficacious, and Hunter finds himself smiling back. "Do any of you know where we can find Mayor Hazard?"
"I'm Mayor Hazard," Shep replies, standing up. "I'm glad to meet you, but I have to tell you that dogs aren't allowed in the saloon. You'll have to leave him outside."
"The hound stays."
The stranger's voice is rough, dangerous. Definitely works in with the ambiance. A shiver runs down Hunter's spine. There's something attractive about it all—about this stranger.
The girl puts her hand on the dog's head and scratches behind its ears. "The last time we left Batcher outside a saloon, someone stole her, and we spent most of the night tracking her down and getting her back. Wherever we go, Batcher comes with us. No matter what."
Shep nods and concedes. "That's understandable. Batcher can stay inside. I'm sorry that happened to you. Now, you said you're looking for me, but I don't know who you two are."
"I'm Omega Se, and this is my brother, Crosshair. We saw a ranch for sale that's about three miles north of here, and the sign posted said to ask for you. We're interested in buying it."
Shep ushers the duo and the dog to a far corner so their conversation about the ranch and payment wouldn't be overheard. Hunter should go back to his drink and have Tech deal him into the next round of sabacc, but he can't take his eyes off that man… Crosshair, is it? There's just something about him.
It's easy to tell that he's listening, just not talking like his younger sibling. Crosshair opens a pouch at his side, pulls out a toothpick, and pops it in his mouth. He nods, turns to look at his sister, and shakes his head. Hunter has impeccable hearing but tries his best not to pay attention to the actual words being said in the negotiations. The matters of property and money are sensitive, and he shouldn't know them.
Crosshair's left hand reaches out and scratches under their dog's chin, his head still turned to his sister. Hunter's eyes drift towards those fingers—his mind galloping to imagine what he could do with those fingers… where Crosshair's fingers could go…
Echo hits his upper arm with his stump. "Stop staring at him."
Hunter pulls his attention away from Crosshair and returns it to his brothers. "I'm not."
"Very convincing," Tech says. "I must not know the definition of 'staring', or you do not know the definition of the word, because you were, in fact, staring."
Hunter grunts, picks up his nearly empty glass, and downs what remains of his drink. He can't help it and hopes his brothers don't notice that he takes a quick glance back over to the trio. His eyes widen seeing that Crosshair is looking in their direction—at him.
Another smack to his arm abruptly breaks off his gaze.
"Stop. Staring." Echo rolls his eyes, then glares. "It's not polite."
"And kinda creepy," Wrecker adds.
"That too. Deal him in."
Wordlessly, Tech hands over a stack of cards that looks like they had already been put aside, waiting for Hunter. "They're discussing the ranch bordering our property, if I am not mistaken," Tech presumes. "It's been for sale for quite some time… Two years and three months."
"It'd be nice to have some neighbors." Wrecker plays a card, groans in disappointment, and picks up another from the pile. "'Specially since we're gonna be home for a while. I could make them dinner to welcome them or—"
"Or they might not buy the ranch." Echo picks up a card, then lays two down, his face not portraying emotions as he does so. "Shouldn't get attached to that idea. And stop fucking him with your eyes."
A sudden cough erupts from Hunter, and his youngest brother barks out a laugh and slams one of his large scarred hands on the table—all the glasses jump, and by some miracle none spill their contents or shatter.
"Watch it," Hunter warns, more than a little annoyed. "I don't want to cover for property damage again."
"Ugh, Hunter. You're overreacting!"
There's an ear-splitting sound of chair legs scraping the creaky wooden floor, accompanied by hurried steps. A moment later, the girl, Omega, is standing between Echo and himself. She's bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement. "You playing sabacc?"
"Uh, yeah kid." Hunter raises an eyebrow. "You know how to play?"
"A little bit. Can I join?"
"Sure," Hunter answers before anyone can disagree, getting up from his chair, and gestures for her to sit. "Take my spot."
"You sure?" Omega beams up at him, and he finds that he returns her smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"I think we're your new neighbors," she says, looking at what were Hunter's cards—now hers. "We're buying that ranch."
"Congratulations," Echo's tone is lacking any sort of congratulatory joy. "How do you know we'll be neighbors?"
"Mr. Hazard mentioned it. We're going to move in right away—it'll be nice to have a home again."
Tech takes a long look at the girl, adjusting his goggles. "Where was home, Miss. Omega?"
"I'd rather not talk about it—lots of bad memories."
That piques Hunter's interest.
"Well, I suppose Omega has told you that you'll be neighbors?" Shep asks, obviously knowing the answer. He, Crosshair, and the dog come over to their table. "I'm sure you've introduced yourselves, fellas?"
"The subject of introductions has not occurred organically in the current conversation. I am Tech Fett, and that's Wrecker—"
His youngest brother smiles broadly. "Nice to meet ya."
"Echo—"
Their oldest brother sits up a little straighter in his chair and salutes to them—using his stump. Neither Crosshair nor Omega comments on his partially missing limb.
"And Hunter."
Hunter steps forward and reaches out his hand for Crosshair to shake. "Hello, I'm Hunter Fett."
The other man raises an eyebrow—the one above his tattoo. "Yes, I know." Crosshair gives his own name nonetheless.
Hunter watches Crosshair's face when their hands meet in the middle. The man has an impressive grip—strong. His eyes stay fixed on Crosshair's… They're intense, guarded. He wonders what happened to this stranger to make them harden. In turn, Crosshair seems to be looking him over as well. His eyes flicker from his skull tattoo to the strands of hair peeking out from under his bandanna, focusing on his mouth… They should have ended the handshake a second or two ago, but Hunter doesn't want to pull away—he wants to never let go of this man he hardly knows.
"Just how often have you played this game?" Echo sounds suspicious.
"Only a couple times."
"You're doing really well for someone who has barely played."
"Beginner's luck, I guess."
Hunter's eyes drift to Crosshair's Firepuncher. It's been modified; from what he notices there's a larger loop than standard issue and a setscrew on the lever itself. That would make rapid-fire shots easier and quicker, and be able to do a fancy move called spin cocking where the gunman spins the rifle. Hunter isn't sure what other modifications there could be. "That's an interesting rifle you've got there."
Crosshair grunts, pulling his hand back and placing it on the strap that holds his rifle. "It's not for sale."
"Didn't say I wanted to buy it."
"Enough people do."
"There's at least one person per week who says that they want his rifle," the girl adds. "I told him we need to write up a sign that says it's not for sale."
"And where would we put it, exactly?" Crosshair counters.
"On your rif—"
"No."
"On your slin—"
"No."
"On your fore—"
"No."
"Then where would you put it?"
"I wouldn't put it anywhere because there is not going to be a sign about the ownership of my rifle."
"I'm not one to take away a man's preferred weapon." Hunter reaches to his side, pulling out his knife from its sheath. "I'm happy with my blade." Without even thinking, he twirls the blade between his fingers—careful, practiced.
"You seem skilled with a blade…" Crosshair stares at him with those intense, entrancing eyes. "I wonder if your fingers are skilled in things other than weapons."
"Maybe it's something you'd like to find out." Oh God, what made him say that?
Crosshair grunts, eyes taking him in. After a quiet few moments, he gives the slightest of nods. Hunter feels his heat in his cheeks. The implications. And oh, how Hunter wants to act out on those implications.
Right now.
"Would you—"
"D'awww, Batcher!"
Wrecker's giggles tear Hunter away from Crosshair—away from the moment they just shared.
The large hound is up on her hind legs—front legs resting on Wrecker's shoulders—and slobbering all over his face. "You're so cute!" He scratches the sides of Batcher's body. "She likes me!"
"Animals usually do," Echo says with a frown. He sighs and puts down all of the cards in his hand. "I'm out. "Just you two now."
"We are able to count," Tech points out. "Although, I believe that this game is about to end. Don't you agree, Miss. Omega?"
Omega hums, nodding. "Draw?"
His brother adjusts his goggles. "Draw."
Tech shows his cards; Omega does the same.
Echo lets out a whistle. "Damn, I've never seen that before."
Hunter peers over at the table—he's never seen this before either. Both Tech's and Omega's hands were of equivalent value, and there were no more cards in the draw pile.
"It's a tie," Hunter affirms. "Looks like you've met your match."
"Possibly. Would you be interested in a rematch, Miss. Omega?"
The girl excitedly bobs her head. "Yeah! We can do one now!"
"No." Crosshair's gravelly voice cuts through her giddiness. "We have to get going. We have set up things at the post office and bank. Then we need to get supplies at the general store."
"But another game won't take—"
"You'll play a different day," he says sternly. "They're our neighbors; we'll see them plenty. We have to take care of ourselves now. Understand?"
It looks like Omega wants to counter but changes her mind, bowing her head. "Yeah, you're right." She stands and pats her side twice. Batcher stops her friendly assault of Wrecker and trots to Omega. The girl pets Batcher, which instantly seems to lift her spirits. "Thank you for letting me play sabacc with you. It was really nice of you."
"It was fun!" Wrecker exclaims. "I mean, I was out of the game really fast, but it was still fun."
Echo suggests to the group, "How about we get together later in the week? Dinner or something."
"That sounds like a great idea." Hunter turns to Crosshair again, letting him have the final say. " Whaddya think?"
Crosshair looks to his sister, and Hunter guesses they are doing that sibling thing of being able to read each other without communication verbally. Hunter does it with his siblings too.
"Sure," Crosshair replies.
They firm up the details for a Sunday dinner at the Fett's place for around four o'clock. Plenty of time to eat and socialize (there'll probably be a few rounds of sabacc), and for the Ses to get back to their ranch by nightfall.
"Oh! Crosshair! Omega!"
The group turns as a whole towards Shep, who has retreated long ago for something or other—probably some mayoral duties that Hunter doesn't want anything to do with. "I forgot to mention that there's a school about four miles east of your ranch. My daughter goes there; she's about your age, Omega. If you want to enroll, there should be paperwork for it at the post office. And Fetts, aren't you boys signing up for the next rodeo? The last day to sign up is tomorrow."
"What?!"
Hunter cringes at the high pitch of the girl's voice—with his hearing being so good sometimes loud noises just plain hurt.
"There's going to be a rodeo? When?!"
"Not this Saturday, but the one after. It's right here in town. I take it you like rodeos?"
"Do I!? I participated in them all the time back where we used to live! So did Crosshair!" She looks up at her brother. "Can we sign up? Please?"
"We'll talk about it later. Let's go." Crosshair tips his hat to everyone, and his eyes linger on Hunter for a moment before exiting the saloon with his sister and their hound on his heels.
"You've got it bad, brother."
Hunter rolls his eyes. "Shut up, Echo."
His brother is right, though Hunter isn't going to admit it out loud.
~ ~ ~ ~
The days go by slowly but are never dull. There are so many things they have to do to get the ranch up and running. Crosshair was right when he guessed that Omega would want to plant some flowers. On their second day as property owners, they rode into town using a large cart borrowed from the Fetts and loaded it up with lots of supplies like tools, food, and kitchenware. They ordered mattresses to be delivered to their door in two weeks—and would keep sleeping on the floor in the meantime. Items like extra clothes, boots, and paint could wait a little longer since they did need to save up money and they didn't need all that stuff right away. But, Crosshair couldn't refuse when his sister saw potted sunflowers ready to be planted into the ground along with some seeds and asked to buy them. They were planted yesterday, all along the side of the house that gets the most sun. The Fett Brothers stopped by on their way back from town to say hello, but Omega quickly roped all four men to help for the cause of making their place look more like a proper home.
He and Omega's new lives at Pabu are working out so far. It's a nice town with nice people. Finding that advertisement for a ranch for sale in the paper has been the best thing that could have happened to them.
Right now, Crosshair is riding back to the Fett homestead for the planned Sunday dinner. He's riding alone in the cart since Omega is in town with Echo, Tech, and Wrecker.
He's nervous; it's so stupid that he's nervous. The cause of it all is Hunter Fett. There's something about the man. He's pretty—not that being pretty necessarily means anything. From what he's seen so far, Hunter is loyal—Crosshair likes loyalty. It means a lot to him.
Crosshair slows his horse as he sees the Fett's home on the horizon and almost signals for his horse to halt when he catches sight of Hunter Fett. Chopping wood. Without a shirt on. The man is all muscles, and it's quite the sight.
So, that tattoo goes all the way down.
Crosshair feels interest stirring but does his damndest to hold it back. It wouldn't look good to have an erection when he gets off the cart to greet his neighbor. No matter how much Crosshair would like that scenario to turn out. Getting off the cart obviously aroused… Hunter would notice him and the bulge in his pants right away… Come over to him and…
That's when Hunter catches sight of him—a small smile crosses his lips. He puts the axe down against the tree stump and wipes his brow. Crosshair notes that bits of hair that hang over Hunter's red bandanna stick to his forehead from sweat from the heat of the sun. Damn him for looking so attractive.
"Didn't expect you 'til later," Hunter says in-way of greeting. "I would have put on a shirt at least."
"I like you with your shirt off."
Hunter's dark eyes widen with shock, and slowly another emotion shines in those eyes—hunger. The man strides forward, only stopping when they're a foot apart. Hunter reaches—his tanned hand grasps his bicep, making circles with his thumb on the rough fabric of his shirt. "Tell me if I'm being an ass and read this all wrong."
Crosshair feels his heart pounding in his chest as he's on the receiving end of Hunter's kiss. It's surprising but nowhere near unwelcome. He didn't think there being anything like this between them was possible. He didn't want to hope if it would only lead to unrequited heartbreak.
Hunter's lips are chapped, but Crosshair doesn't mind one bit. He wraps his arms around the back of Hunter's neck, pulling him forwards so their bodies are flush. They easily lose themselves in this moment—wrapped up in lust.
"Inside," Hunter whispers against Crosshair's lips. "Bed."
Miraculously, they are able to take their time in exploring each other's bodies. Hunter's whimpers and moans drive Crosshair to bring his new lover to complete ecstasy.
After they have cleaned themselves and redressed, Crosshair assists Hunter in finishing his chore of chopping wood. They're close to finishing when the rest of the Fetts and Omega return.
Dinner is delicious—Wrecker is quite the cook. They sit outside on blankets and coats because the Fett's table is much too small for guests. Crosshair likes it this way because Batcher is able to run around, beg for food scraps, and play fetch. The Fett's two cats, Gonky and Azi, become curious and make an appearance, and the duo warm up to Batcher and snuggle the hound as she lies next to Wrecker.
Conversation is easygoing. Wrecker opens up about how he lost his eye, and Echo tells them the story of how he lost his arm. In turn, Omega dramatically narrates some of the adventures they had on their way to Pabu. Neither of them is ready to discuss Tantiss, and no one seems to push the dodged subject. The rodeo pops up in conversation. It's approaching fast. All of the Fett Brothers participate in the rodeo one way or another. Tech tends to moonlight as a bookie; Echo works with the ranch hands. Wrecker and Hunter usually participate—Wrecker likes the bareback and bull riding—Hunter performs knife-throwing demonstrations between events as everything is being set up. The brothers seem delighted that Omega and her horse will be participating in the barrel racing event. To their chagrin, Crosshair decided not to participate in an active role, only as a spectator. Yeah, he could have signed up for a shooting competition or demo, but he wants to relax and cheer on his sister.
Once everything is cleaned up from dinner, there's a series of card games played. The Fetts eventually catch on that Omega is a natural at card games and figuring out players' tells. It's all competitive and fun. It is nice. It's what having a family should feel like. He, Omega, and Batcher seem to have fit right in with Wrecker's, Echo's, Tech's, and Hunter's lives. As if they were meant to be here.
As Omega is beginning to gather their things and packing up leftovers to take home, Hunter takes Crosshair and pulls him aside, leading him behind a tall log pile for a little privacy. Hunter kisses his throat, and as Crosshair lets out a soft whimper, he can feel Hunter's smile against his skin.
"Can I take you out tomorrow night? We can have dinner or go to the vaudeville show that's in town for a couple more days. Maybe just take a walk?"
Crosshair pulls slightly away from the other man, squinting. "Are you asking me out on a date?"
"Suppose that I am. What do you think?"
"I'd like that."
On the way back home, Omega says out of the blue, "What do you think of Hunter?"
Crosshair shrugs one shoulder, trying to brush off the topic. "Dunno. He seems like a good man."
"You like him," his sister states. "I can tell. You stare at him when you think he's not looking, and you smile a lot when he talks to you."
Crosshair grunts as a reply, then reaches into his pouch and chews on a toothpick.
"Pretty sure he likes you too."
~ ~ ~ ~
His sister stands tall on the top step of the winners' platform, waving with both hands at the delighted crowd. Mayor Hazard makes the announcement of the winners of the junior barrel racing event. Third place goes to a boy named Jax. Runner-up is awarded to Lyanna Hazard, the mayor's daughter and Omega's new friend from school.
"Now this little lady is new to our town and just won first place in junior barrel racing… Omega Se!"
Crosshair doesn't make noise besides clapping his hands… Unlike a barking Batcher and the Fetts, who are lauding—cries of Omega's name, whistles, and whooping. If it wasn't for his newfound friendships with Tech, Wrecker, and Echo, and his new relationship with Hunter, Crosshair would have sneered and walked far away from the ruckus. Instead, he stays put, happy and proud, even if he may not look like it on the outside.
Shep broadcasts that the next event, junior bull riding, will begin in thirty minutes with the suggestion that it would be the perfect time to grab an ice cream cone from Genoa Creamery.
Omega finds them quickly—Wrecker's height and bulk make him easy to spot. She runs and crashes into Crosshair's front, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.
"I won!" His sister exclaims, full of joy.
"I saw," he responds and gives her a one-armed squeeze in return.
Suddenly, Wrecker takes up his whole view, and he scoops Omega into his arms and hoists her onto his shoulder. They're all exhausted from the day and make their way out of the rodeo to where their horses are and head back home. Hunter slides up beside him and grips his hand, slotting their fingers together.
Crosshair likes his new life.