✧ cowgirl like me ✧

[madison-hills]

Madison felt a grin tug at his lips as he watched her flush and laugh, the way her eyes sparkled making it impossible not to mirror her joy. “You’re adorable,” he said softly, voice low, teasing but tender, letting his thumb brush along her hand as he held it. “And you don’t have to worry about kissing like a fish. I think you’re perfect just the way you are.” He leaned a little closer, eyes warm as he caught the little quivers of nervous excitement in her laugh. “And yeah,” he added, a teasing smile pulling at his lips, “I’ll give you lessons, if I know anything, though you might be teaching me a thing or two too.” His thumb traced gentle circles over the back of her hand, fingers laced with hers like it had always belonged there. When she covered her face, giggling nervously, he chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Stop hiding from me,” he murmured, voice low, playful. “I like this version of you. The nervous, flustered, laughing-at-everything version. "You are just so real to me." Her words about the next time he left made him lift a brow, smirk softening into something affectionate. “Next time?” he asked, leaning just slightly closer, the warmth in his gaze steady and certain. “You better believe it. I won’t let you wait until I leave to get a kiss. Not happening.” He followed her lead as she tugged his hand toward the house, thumb brushing over hers as they walked. “I can already imagine the chaos too,” he said, voice teasing. “Avery will definitely be confused. Dakota, yeah, he’ll have that ‘processing’ face, but I bet he’s smiling under it already.” Madison felt his chest lift with a quiet warmth as they reached the door, hand still securely holding hers. “You’re nervous?” he murmured, leaning just enough so his forehead almost brushed hers. “Good. That’s perfect. Shows you care. Shows you feel it. Me too.” The door swung open, and Madison followed Emmy inside, still holding her hand, letting her take the lead. The warmth of the house hit them first, mingled with laughter and the faint smell of something baking in the kitchen. They both walked into the main room. Madison grinned to himself, leaning slightly into Emmy, letting her energy guide him. Madison’s mum, standing nearby with a plate of cookies, noticed immediately. Her eyes widened, and a knowing smile spread across her face. She leaned over and tapped Emmy’s mom lightly on the shoulder, her excitement quiet but unmistakable. Both moms froze for a second, surprised and a little flustered, blinking at each other before laughter bubbled up between them. Madison felt a soft warmth in his chest, seeing their reaction, happy, approving, but clearly a little shook at how obvious it all was. Madison gently shifted so he could wrap Emmy in his arms, pulling her close against his chest. Her warmth pressed against him, her hands settling naturally over his shoulders, and he let himself enjoy the moment for a second. Then, catching the way both moms were still staring, his lips curved into a soft, teasing smile. “Stop staring,” he murmured, voice low and playful, almost grinning. “It’'ll make it weird."

[clementinefisher]

emmy looked at madison, a soft blush creeping up her cheeks. "thanks for not bruising my feelings about the fish kiss," she chuckled, a shy smile on her lips. "i might teach you?" she added with a small laugh, "madison, you’re the first guy i’ve kissed, like really kissed." she glanced at him as he raised his eyebrows. "do you really think i can teach you anything? what, from the movies i’ve watched?" she laughed again, her cheeks turning even redder. she looked down for a second, she hadn’t had a boyfriend, not because she didn’t want one, but because madison had always been in her mind, leaving no space for anyone else. as he said he liked this version of her, the nervous, flustered one, she smiled softly. "people don’t really get to see this side of me," she admitted, "not fake, but… i guess they don’t really know clementine," she added quietly, looking at him. her gaze dropped to his lips as he said he wasn’t going to wait until he left to kiss her. "we still have a couple of days," she whispered. she bit her lower lip and shifted slightly before glancing toward the house with a smile. "i’m nervous, well… not nervous, just excited," she corrected herself, the smile never leaving her face as she opened the door. as they walked inside, she kept smiling, swinging their hands lightly between them. she noticed their moms elbowing each other, smiling, and she couldn’t help but laugh softly. when madison wrapped his arms around her, her breath hitched for a second, but she relaxed into it, her hands finding his shoulders. she pulled back slightly, glancing at their moms. "i told you they were the perfect couple," emmy’s mom said, hands clasped near her lips. emmy’s cheeks flushed again as she gently pulled madison toward the living room, sitting down on the couch with him. her brothers were there with their dads. "what are we watching?" she asked with a small smile. dakota eyed them, eyebrows furrowed as he looked between her and madison. "what’s going on there?" he asked, tilting his head before glancing at their dads. "nothing," emmy laughed nervously, "what’s going on with you?" she shot back, trying to deflect. dakota shook his head. "are you dating?" avery asked. at the question, emmy’s eyes moved to madison’s. were they dating after just one kiss and years of loving each other in silenc

[mad3lyncline]

𝑱𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑪𝑨 𝑭𝑬𝑳𝑻𝑬𝑹 . Via Tiktok ( x ) .

[madison-hills]

Hearing Emmy say she’d felt it too, all this time, made something in his chest settle in a way it hadn’t since she left Wyoming. At her question about being too young, he nodded gently. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I think we were. I knew what I felt, but I didn’t trust myself not to mess it up. You were my everything back then. I didn’t want to risk losing all that.” His voice dipped at the last part, honest and unguarded. When she pouted and said she hoped he’d never hurt because of her again, his expression turned tender. He reached for her hand without thinking, thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “Hey,” he murmured, polite and earnest as ever, “loving you was never the part that hurt. It was thinking I had to do it quietly.” He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat. You were always going to be my crush." Her question about the first kiss made him laugh outright, shoulders shaking. When she joked about him showing her the ropes, he lifted his brows in mock seriousness. “Emmy,” he said with exaggerated politeness, “I am a gentleman. You know teaching takes practice,” Then his grin broke through. “But I suppose I could offer a few lessons. Strictly educational purposes, of course.” He chuckled at her comment about her boss and shook his head. “Wouldn’t dream of getting you fired. I’ll keep the curriculum respectable.” Her confession about the torture made his breath hitch for just a second. He studied her like he was memorising the moment. “You have no idea,” he admitted quietly. “Every time you’d laugh, or hug me goodbye. I’d think about it. And then I’d tell myself not to.” He smiled softly. “Guess we’ve both been stubborn.” At her mischievous suggestion, his eyes lit up in that familiar way, the same look he used to get before dragging her into some harmless childhood trouble. He glanced toward the ranch house, then back at her, squeezing her hand. “Oh, I absolutely think we should,” he said, charm slipping easily into his tone. “Walk in slow. Give ’em something to talk about.” He leaned in just slightly, forehead nearly brushing hers. “But only if you’re ready for your childhood best friend to upgrade to official hand-holder.” He intertwined their fingers without waiting for her to second guess it, thumb brushing over her skin like it had always belonged there. “Your brothers are gonna be shook. I can see it now, dead silence, slow blinks, until they realise I've not let go." He grinned, that sweet, boyish charm slipping through. “I’ve known them since I was knee-high and covered in mud."

[clementinefisher]

their friendship was something emmy had always treasured. every memory she had seemed to have madison somewhere in it, every little detail tied to a story about him. that was exactly why she had never told him how she felt—what if he didn’t see her that way? what if she ruined the best thing she had? living with the fear of losing him had consumed her for so long, but now she didn’t have to pretend anymore. she could finally be honest with her best friend, and after that kiss it was obvious they had both been holding the same feelings back for far too long. “you’re too sweet,” she said, shaking her head with a soft smile. “but at least now i won’t be sitting around wondering how you feel—and you won’t have to do the same.” she let out a small sigh of relief, grateful he’d been brave enough to kiss her and say it out loud because she was so tired of pretending she didn’t love him the way she really did. when he suddenly said her name in that serious tone her eyebrows lifted. “you’re a country man, i know you’re a gentleman,” she nodded before laughing. “this is so cringey—definitely my fault.” her cheeks flushed as she added, “but i’d love a few lessons, just so you don’t regret it later. i don’t want to kiss like a fish.” she covered her face briefly, laughing at herself. “honestly you wouldn’t be the reason i get fired—it’d be because of how uncool i sound right now. they need cool cowgirls there, not the kind that blush and get nervous because you’re looking at me like that,” she teased, giggling. “stop looking at me like that, madison.” when he admitted he’d thought about kissing her every time she laughed or hugged him goodbye, she softened. “i won’t get all sad about it,” she said quietly, “but next time when you leave… you’ll kiss me, right?” she smiled, refusing to think about the next time he’d have to get on a plane—right now she just wanted to enjoy this moment. and honestly, she was already imagining their families’ reactions. “oh okay, you want to cause a whole scene? you’re crazy,” she laughed, nervous and excited all at once. she was about to answer him about being his official hand-holder when he laced their fingers together first. “i can already see their faces,” she grinned. “avery’s going to look at elio and everyone else like, ‘are you guys seeing this?’” she laughed. “and dakota? i need to see his reaction. i can picture it—eyebrows furrowed, head tilted like he’s trying to process it. he’ll smile eventually, but first you’ll see the shock in his eyes.” still smiling, emmy tugged his hand toward the house before letting out a breath. “why am i so nervous?” she chuckled, then knocked on the door. “fam! we’re here!”

[madison-hills]

Madison was still a little stunned, like his whole life had quietly tilted into place and he was only just noticing. He didn’t pull away when she nudged him; instead, he laughed under his breath, soft and breathless, eyes fixed straight ahead for a second longer than necessary as if he needed the road to steady himself. He shook his head, finally daring to look at her, and his smile wasn’t teasing, it was warm, overwhelmed, real. “That was the opposite of bad,” he said gently, like it was important she understood that. “That was you.” His voice dipped, honest and a little rough around the edges. “And I’ve been waiting on you since we were kids sneaking snacks from the kitchen and getting yelled at for staying up too late.” He reached over without really thinking, his hand finding hers on the console like it had always belonged there. “Prom,” he added quietly, glancing at her again. “I remember that slow dance. I remember thinking if I held you any closer, I’d ruin everything, and if I didn’t, I’d regret it forever.” He let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “Turns out I was already in love with you. I just didn’t have the courage to say it.” At her words—I love you—his chest had tightened in the best, scariest way. He squeezed her hand, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I love you too, Emmy,” he said, without hesitation, like the truth had finally been given permission to exist out loud. “I always have. I just thought loving you meant protecting what we had, even if it meant hurting quietly.” He started the car then, easing it onto the road, but not before leaning a little closer, his shoulder brushing hers. “And hey,” he added, a hint of that familiar grin sneaking in, “spin the bottle absolutely does not count. I refuse to be intimidated by party games little kids play." He drove, one hand on the wheel, the other still holding hers, like there was no universe where he’d let go now. Madison cleared his throat, a faint flush creeping up his neck as if he’d just realised he’d said everything except the thing sitting loud in his chest. He risked another glance at her, lips curving into a shy, crooked smile. “Also,” he added, voice softer now, a little sheepish, “you really don’t need to be embarrassed, Emmy.” His thumb brushed lightly over her hand, grounding himself. “I liked that little kiss. A lot.” He let out a quiet laugh and shook his head, honesty spilling out before he could stop it. “And you don’t even want to think about how many times I’ve thought about your lips, or kissing you.” He paused, then murmured, “Sorry. Just figured it was time to stop pretending I haven’t been in love with you forever.”

[clementinefisher]

madison had always been the one constant in her life—back when they were kids running around the ranch after school, never spending a single day apart, him showing up to every important moment, even prom. every second in wyoming held a memory of him, which made falling for him easy… and hiding it nearly impossible. when her family moved away, it felt like a piece of her had stayed behind with him. they never really left each other, not even across the globe. so hearing him admit he’d felt the same way since prom made her heart race. “i guess that dance wasn’t going to change what i felt about you,” she said with a soft chuckle, her cheeks tinting pink. “you had the courage to kiss me now, so maybe we were just too young back then?” she asked, words tumbling out before she could overthink them. when he talked about how loving her had hurt, she pouted slightly. “i hope you don’t ever have to hurt because of me again,” she murmured, smiling at him. now they didn’t have to pretend feelings would ruin everything. when his shoulder nudged hers, she laughed quietly. “wait… does that mean you’ve been my first kiss?” she asked, blue eyes lifting to meet his, blush deepening across her cheeks. she wasn’t usually the blushing type, but tonight she couldn’t seem to stop. “okay,” she nodded playfully, “then i guess i can only get better from here. you’ll have to show me the ropes—which sounds way cooler than it probably is. if my boss heard me right now, i’d definitely get fired,” she laughed, shaking her head. “if it’s anywhere near as many times as i’ve thought about kissing you… yeah, it’s been torture,” she admitted lightly. then her eyes sparkled with mischief. “so… now that we don’t have to pretend anymore, do we walk out of this truck and into the ranch holding hands just to see their faces?”

[christian-halloway]

Christian listened the way he always did when it mattered—leaned in just enough, grin softening but never disappearing entirely. At her jab about romance, he scoffed lightly. “Hey, excuse you,” he shot back. “I read selectively.” He nodded when she talked about not wanting to ruin things. “Exactly,” he said. “You don’t risk blowing up something small—you risk it when it actually matters. That’s how you know it’s real.” Then, immediately, he undercut the seriousness with a smirk. At her question, he pointed at her with an easy confidence. “Correct. If he’s still showing up after that? You didn’t screw it up.” He raised his brows. “If anything, that’s a good sign. A very rom‑com, slow-burn, emotionally repressed sign.” He laughed at her, loving the normality that happened between them day in and day out. She was becoming a close friend to him here. “Never insult Madison’s livestock. Verbal animal slander is a no go to farm and ranch people." When she accused him of being too eager for a double date, he held up his hands. “I’m not eager,” he corrected. “I’m strategic. Big difference.” He tilted his head, considering her question. “Double dates can be less scary—takes the pressure off. But there’s no rulebook. If it feels right now, it’s right now. If it feels better later, then later’s fine too.” He flicked her hat again just to be annoying, grinning when she rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said innocently. “I’m not in a rom‑com. I’m the sarcastic best friend with great advice.” When she thanked him, his tone softened. “Anytime, Clementine. You know I’ve got you.” At her last question, he checked the clock. “About twenty minutes,” he said. “Plenty of time for you to overthink your entire love life and for me to remind you you’re doing fine.” Christian reached out, giving Emmy’s shoulder a quick, firm squeeze—friendly, encouraging, just enough to make her feel the energy behind it. “Come on, farm girl" he said with a grin, his eyes sparkling with that mix of charm and mischief he always carried. “Let’s go around and grab the empty glass bottles and see if we can make a little tip before we head outta here.”

[clementinefisher]

christian was right; if madison was still traveling to euroville after she’d told him she had a crush on him, then it couldn’t be the worst-case scenario. if she had ruined things, he would have said something, and that alone lifted a huge weight off her chest. when he told her that him still coming after her confession was basically a rom-com sign, she laughed. “you’re so corny, you should really stop reading romance—‘slow burn,’ ‘emotionally repressed sign’?” she teased, shaking her head. “you’re crazy, halloway.” she sighed, a smile lingering on her lips, her thoughts immediately drifting back to madison. “what’s the difference between strategic and eager?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. when he explained it, she chuckled. “i mean, it sounds scary, but at the same time, i don’t think i can be scared of going on a date with someone i’ve known all my life, right?” she mused, glancing at him. “you’re the sarcastic friend?” she laughed, shoving his side playfully. “you’re crazy—way too much romantic media for you.” she nodded at his reassurance before adding, “thanks, but don’t call me clementine. my mom is the only one who gets to call me that,” she warned, not smiling—playful, but very real. when he mentioned they still had twenty minutes left of their shift, she groaned dramatically. “i won’t overthink it. i’ll just work—it’ll be easier,” she chuckled. “let’s do it.” she smiled, grabbing her tray and tucking it under her arm. “see you later, sheriff,” she added with a wink as she walked away.

[madison-hills]

Madison’s chest tightened the moment she asked, like every word landed straight in the part of him that had been holding this back for years. He swallowed, voice soft but steady, eyes searching hers like he needed her to understand every unspoken thing. “I didn’t kiss you before this ,” he admitted, and there was a pause, heavy with the weight of all the years he’d kept to himself. “Because I was scared. Scared of losing you, scared of messing up what we already had. I wanted to be close to you, always, but I didn’t want to risk it all on a moment that might ruin us.” He gave a small, nervous smile, one that was entirely sincere. “And honestly? I think I didn’t know if I was brave enough. I thought maybe I’d just live with it, loving you quietly, because losing you would have been worse than anything else.” His hand tightened around hers gently, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “But now,” he said, voice low and full of that familiar warmth, “I don’t want to hide it anymore. I’ve wanted this for a long time, every single day. You’re not just my best friend… you’re my everything. Always have been. Always will be." He leaned closer, resting his temple lightly against hers, letting the honesty hang between them like a promise. “So, no more waiting. No more pretending. I want you. I always have.” Madison smiled to himself at the thought, something soft and almost boyish passing over his face. The image of their parents and her brothers, completely unaware, made him let out a quiet breath through his nose—fond, not nervous. “We can be as honest or dishonest about it as you want to be with your parents and mine and your brothers,” he said gently. “I don’t mind keeping the secret between us if that’s what you prefer.” He glanced back at her, eyes warm and steady, no pressure in them at all. “I just want you to feel safe,” he added simply.

[clementinefisher]

she hadn’t been expecting her best friend to confess that he’d had feelings for her for years, let alone for madison to kiss her. she was in shock, her heart pounding in a way it never usually did. she didn’t even know why she asked why he hadn’t kissed her before; of course he’d been scared. they loved each other too much, and neither of them had wanted to risk losing what they had. emmy listened quietly, taking in everything he said. they had been loving each other silently for so long, but after that kiss, they didn’t have to anymore. she smiled at madison. “there were so many times i wanted to tell you,” she admitted softly. “i wanted to tell you when we went to prom together because neither of us had anyone else to go with, and we slow danced. i wanted to tell you right there, but i didn’t want to face the consequences.” as he told her he didn’t want to hide it anymore, she nodded, and when he said she was his everything, her eyes met his. “you’re everything to me,” she echoed, closing her eyes as she leaned into his warmth. “it’s always been you, madison,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, a nervous chuckle slipping out. “i don’t want to hide either.” she bit her lower lip, then smiled. “our moms have wanted us together since we were kids. they’re going to be so happy to know their matchmaking actually worked.” her hand lifted to cup his cheek. “i don’t want to keep this a secret. why would i want to hide something i’ve wanted for years?” she laughed softly. “i love you, madison. and i know that’s not what people usually say right after kissing for the first time, but i love you, and i always will.” she leaned in again, nervous despite herself. before him, she’d only ever kissed a couple of boys during party games, and even someone as confident as emmy felt shy now. the blonde pressed a quick peck to his lips, then pulled back. “i know, that was bad,” she laughed, sinking back into her seat. “drive before i die of embarrassment,” she said, playfully pushing his arm. “and don’t you dare look at me right now. you know kissing two boys during spin the bottle doesn’t count.”

[madison-hills]

Madison’s breath caught the moment she cupped his cheek, the warmth of her touch burning straight through him. He stayed close, his forehead almost brushing hers, his hand still cradling the back of her neck like he wasn’t ready to let go — like he’d been waiting just as long. Her whisper washed over him, and Madison’s expression softened in a way he rarely let anyone see. His thumb brushed lightly against her skin again, slower this time, not teasing — grounding himself. “Yeah,” Madison murmured, voice low, steady but threaded with something vulnerable. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time too.” He let out a shaky, quiet laugh, almost disbelieving, because hearing her say those words — I’ve been in love with you — felt like someone had finally lifted a weight he didn’t know he’d been carrying. When she said she couldn’t be just friends anymore, something in him eased, like her honesty gave him permission to breathe again. His hand slid from her neck to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. “I don’t want to be just friends either,” Madison admitted. He didn’t look away — his gaze stayed locked on hers, warm and steady. “I’ve been trying to pretend I could handle that, but… clearly, I can’t.” Her shy stumble over the words be more made the corner of his mouth lift into a soft smile. Not teasing — tender. “I want more with you,” he said, voice barely above a whisper but certain. “I’ve wanted it for years. I just didn’t want to screw up what we've always had." He leaned his forehead to hers for a moment, breathing her in, letting the silence settle around them, the city lights far behind them and nothing else in the world pressing in. When she said he’d made her nervous, Madison’s smile widened, just enough for his dimples to show. “Good,” he murmured playfully, brushing his thumb over her cheekbone. “Because you make me nervous too.” But then his tone shifted, softening again, sincerity threading through every word. “We can talk about it — everything. But before we do…” He leaned in, giving her a chance to pull away. “…I want to kiss you again.” And he did — slow, certain, like he’d finally let himself have something he’d been craving for years. Then his voice dropped, soft but heavy with years of swallowed feelings. “Why’d you never tell me?” he asked. It wasn’t accusatory. It wasn’t hurt. It was wonder — a quiet, stunned ache that matched her own. His lips parted like he wanted to say more, and then he gave a small, almost rueful laugh, shaking his head slightly. “I mean… hell, I didn’t tell you either,” he admitted, his thumb tracing along her jaw. “Guess we were both idiots about it.” He leaned in, his forehead brushing hers again, his voice gentling even more. “If I’d known you felt like that… I don’t think I would’ve lasted this long pretending.” His hand slid down to cradle her cheek, the closeness between them warm and fragile and overwhelmingly real. “I just—” He swallowed, eyes flicking to her lips and back. “Why’d you hide it? Because I swear I would’ve crossed that line years ago.”

[clementinefisher]

their relationship had always been sincere, being there for each other even when they were separated by an ocean, and her feelings for him had never disappeared, which made everything harder, knowing she was in love with her best friend and that acting on it could mean losing the most important person in her life, but then he kissed her, and all those fears about losing him faded away. he held her close, her eyes closing as she let herself feel her heart beating fast and steady in her chest, and when he confessed he had wanted to kiss her for a long time too, she chuckled softly, unable to believe this was really happening. when she admitted she had been in love with him for years, it wasn’t just a crush, not just liking him, it was love, and it was terrifying to name it like that right after his first kiss, but she said it anyway, honest as always. her hand came to rest over his as his thumb brushed against her skin. “it’s hard,” she nodded, because she knew that feeling too. “i’m glad you couldn’t handle it,” she added, a playful glint in her eyes. “people don’t realize how hard this is,” she said softly, thinking about how she’d wanted something with madison since they were teenagers, since she realized what she felt for him was no longer just platonic. when he admitted he wanted to kiss her again, she smiled and leaned in, pressing her lips to his, her heart racing, and when he pulled away and asked that question, she shook her head. “touché,” she murmured, her hand rising to his cheek as she looked at him in awe. “two idiots is exactly how i’d describe us,” she nodded, “i didn’t want to lose you,” she shrugged, as simple as that. “what if i was imagining things, and telling you how i felt back then changed the way you saw me?” she said quietly, catching the flicker in his eyes that made her heart skip. “i didn’t want to lose you,” she repeated, before adding, “but i could’ve asked you the same thing,” her tone gentle. “why didn’t you kiss me before?”

[christian-halloway]

Christian listened to her with that same easy patience he always had, arms folded loosely, leaning back like he wasn’t just hearing her—he was holding everything she said. He didn’t interrupt, didn’t brush off her fears, just let her spill every tangled piece of her heart. When she finally went quiet, he huffed out a soft laugh. He bumped her shoulder gently, a grin tugging at his mouth. “Emmy, you realise you just described every rom-com plot of all time, right?” he said, eyes bright. “Confession. Panic. Doom. Then, spoiler alert—things work out because you two are already disgustingly in love.” He lifted a brow at her, playful but sincere underneath it. “You’re scared because you care,” Christian added. “And because you’ve known him since you two were basically feral toddlers chewing on horse reins together. If this guy wasn’t the most important person in your life, you’d be chill as ice.” He nudged her back when she nudged him, smirking. “And yeah, things are working out for me. But only because I stopped being a coward and took the damn shot.” Christian pointed at her chest, mock stern. “Which is exactly what you’re doing. So I’m proud of you, even if you look like you might pass out.” He slung an arm over her shoulders, pulling her into a loose, comforting side hug. “Listen,” he said, voice softer now, “some friendships don’t survive confessions because they weren’t strong to begin with. But you two? You’ve survived mud, broken bones, probably his horrible hair phase, and you two probably insulting each other's favourite farm animals,” he deadpanned. “You’ll be fine.” Her mention of a double date made him brighten instantly. “Are you kidding?” Christian scoffed. “You think I’d pass up a chance to size up the legendary Madison? Bring him over. We’ll do dinner. Or bowling. Or a rodeo. Or horse-riding through the fields." He tilted his head, giving her a softer smile, the kind that didn’t tease—just cared. “Whatever happens, happens. I just don't think he's dumb enough to let you go." He reached out, flicking the front of Emmy’s cowgirl hat with two fingers, just enough to make it tilt back a little. "Check your sugar levels too. I know you’re diabetic, but he might be too sweet and taking all your energy.”

[clementinefisher]

she listened to him, comparing her feelings to a rom-com plot. “you’re the one who reads romance, not me, christian,” she rolled her eyes at him. “you don’t know if he’s in love with me, halloway… you just know i am,” she sighed, letting those words out for the first time ever, admitting she was in love with her best friend. she stopped herself from talking, listening as christian spoke, and he was right, painfully right, because she cared that much precisely because she didn’t want to ruin things, because she couldn’t allow herself to destroy the best thing she had. emmy laughed at his words. “you’re a brave cowboy,” she nodded, a playful glint in her eyes as she looked at him. “i guess if he’s still coming even after i told him i have a crush on him, it means i didn’t fuck things up entirely, right?” she asked, looking up at her friend. “do we look that farmy, insulting each other’s favorite animals?” she laughed. “it happened, but only because i didn’t like justin bieber,” she added, laughing again, knowing madison’s habit of naming animals after celebrities, like his three cows named after the jonas brothers. “you’re way too eager for a double date, and i think that’s a bad sign,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “i haven’t ridden a horse since… you know, so i’ll stick to one of the other options,” she smiled. “is a double date less scary for a first date,” she asked softly, “or is that something that happens later?” as he flicked the front of her hat, she rolled her eyes playfully. “you’re the one giving me a sugar spike, you two are part of a rom-com plot,” she mocked him, before softening. “but thanks, christian.” she pulled out her phone to check her levels, turning the screen toward him. “i’m good, don’t worry about being a sweet-talker,” she laughed, slipping the phone back into her back pocket and brushing her hand over the sensor on the back of her arm, checking the sticker was still in place. “how long do we have until shift is over?”

[madison-hills]

Madison hadn’t expected it to feel this natural, being there with Clementine again. Hearing her laugh, seeing that spark in her eyes—it was almost too easy to fall back into old rhythms. When she called herself a “charming menace” and started laughing at her own joke, he couldn’t help but laugh too. God, he’d missed that sound, the way her laughter filled every quiet space. And when she went on about his back pain, calling him sixty, he laughed harder, shaking his head. “Guess I’ve been working too many early mornings,” he said lightly, though her teasing tone—soft and fond—made something in his chest twist. Her face lit up when he mentioned Mrs. Donelly, and Madison found himself smiling just watching her remember. As she talked about bringing corn and eggs, and the little tips and banana bread, he could hear the nostalgia in her voice. When she joked that Mrs. Donelly should “seduce” him with banana bread and send her some, he laughed again—but quieter this time. Her humor was the same, but now it felt gentler, threaded with something unspoken. "Yeah, no, sorry. I'm not being a sugar baby to get you some bread." Without realising it, his thumb had started tracing slow circles against the back of her hand. The warmth of her skin under his made his pulse jump, but he didn’t move. And then she asked about his girlfriend. He didn’t even have to answer; his silence said everything. When she blushed and looked away, his heart gave a quiet, traitorous skip. Madison didn’t answer right away. He just looked at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips, thinking how strange it was that something as simple as her hand in his could make the whole world feel like it was tilting back into place. Without saying a word, he flicked on the blinker and eased the truck to the side of the quiet country road. The gravel crunched beneath the tires, the engine humming low before he threw it into park. He glanced in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see one of their families’ cars passing by, but the road behind them was empty. He hoped it would stay that way. Madison leaned in before he could talk himself out of it. One hand came up to the back of her neck, his fingers slipping into her hair, gentle but sure. For a heartbeat, he hesitated—long enough to feel the warmth of her breath. And then he kissed her. It wasn’t rushed or rough, but it carried all the weight of the years between them—the missed laughter, the silence, the ache that had never really left. The world outside the truck went still, and all he could feel was her, soft and real and finally close enough to touch again. When he finally pulled back, his hand lingered at her neck, his thumb brushing the edge of her jaw. He searched her face, a little out of breath, and his voice came quiet, almost rough. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” he said. “It doesn’t need to mean anything,” he said softly, eyes still on hers. “We can still be just friends, if you want, I just… couldn’t not.”

[clementinefisher]

it had been years since they’d been able to talk face to face— not through text, not through facetime, but really in each other’s presence— and it felt like they had never been apart. she was so glad to be there, knowing her relationship with madison was still the same as it always had been. at his words about not wanting to be someone’s sugar baby just so she could get her bread, she lifted her free hand to her chest. “ouch, that’s not nice, bestie,” she mused, trying not to focus on the way his thumb had started tracing circles against her skin. “if you were nice you’d get a bananabread-mommy just so i could enjoy how good that bread tasted. bad, madison, really bad,” she teased, a smile tugging at her lips. he didn’t answer her question and she wasn’t going to push, but now she knew he was single, and that made her feel… lighter, for some reason. her brows furrowed when he flicked the blinker; they were still far from the ranch, the city visible in the distance, but they’d have to drive another twenty or thirty minutes before actually reaching euroville. “why did you stop, are you feeling okay?” she asked, as if she weren’t the one who got asked that constantly because of her blood sugar. concern crossed her face, and then he leaned closer, his hand sliding through her hair to the back of her neck. she felt like she was running out of air. “madi…” she whispered, but before she got an answer, he kissed her. she felt like her lungs stopped working, but her eyes fluttered closed and her hand moved to cup his cheek. it was happening. her best friend, her crush, the guy she had been in love with for longer than she could remember, was kissing her after she’d finally asked him to visit. she felt dizzy in the best way possible, and when he pulled away, it took her a few seconds to open her eyes, still feeling the warmth of his lips lingering on hers. when she looked at madison again, his hand still on her neck, all her usual quick wit had vanished and she went quiet, still trying to process what had just happened. “i’ve been wanting you to do that for longer, trust me,” she whispered. “i don’t think i can be just friends with you anymore.” the words didn’t even cover what she felt. “madison, i’ve been in love with you since we even knew what love was,” she admitted softly. “i feel like… we could talk about it and…” she swallowed, suddenly shy, “be more?” she whispered. “damn it, you’ve made me nervous, hills,” she added, shaking her head in an attempt to relieve the tension.

[christian-halloway]

Christian listened to Emmy with quiet attention, his expression steady and warm. He could hear the nerves tucked beneath her words, the way her voice softened when she spoke Madison’s name. When she described the confession — the dare, the rush, the fear, and the impossible relief of hearing Madison say he liked her back — Christian didn’t interrupt. He let her talk, knowing she didn’t need advice right away, just space to let it spill out. When she faltered, admitting she was scared of losing him, Christian’s tone stayed calm and grounding. "He'd be stupid to lose someone like you, Emmy." He chuckled lightly when she mentioned “Miss Cowgirl,” shaking his head at the teasing but not denying the truth behind it — that sometimes, being brave really did pay off. When Emmy confessed that Madison was coming to visit and asked if she should tell him then, Christian didn’t rush to answer. He leaned back slightly, thoughtful. “I went on one blind date after a failed relationship,” he admitted, tone light but sincere. “And now Miss Cowgirl might be the one.” A hint of amusement softened his words, but there was warmth behind them — the kind that came from someone who had learned something the hard way. He leaned forward slightly, meeting Emmy’s nervous gaze. “You should always take the risk,” he continued, his voice gentler now, more deliberate. “You don’t know what rewards you might reap.” There was no lecture in his tone, no pressure — just a calm belief that taking the leap, even when it terrified you, was worth it. “I think you should tell him,” he said after a moment, voice even but warm. “What have you got to lose?” He let the question linger, not as a challenge but as reassurance — an invitation for her to see that honesty wasn’t the same as loss. His expression softened as he continued, “You can still be friends with a crush — even if he doesn’t want anything more.” There was no trace of pity in his voice, only understanding. Christian spoke like someone who’d lived through rejection and realised it didn’t have to ruin what came after. He leaned back slightly, giving her space to breathe, his calm presence grounding her. “You’re already brave for saying how you feel,” he added, almost as an afterthought but with quiet conviction. “That kind of honesty — it doesn’t really take anything from you. It just shows how much you care.”

[clementinefisher]

she had blurted out everything she was feeling, the whole confession, and it made her feel like she was back in high school; she had never told anyone that, but she’d seen girls pushed by their friends to talk to their crushes as if that alone would magically make things happen, and she’d always been scared of ever being in that position. it was only the second time she’d ever said it out loud, and she was grateful christian was there to listen to her the same way she listened to him when he talked about his new girl. “but there’s a possibility things won’t work, and i don’t want to lose him, i can’t lose him,” she sighed, shaking herself a little—miss sunshine always thought it was going to rain, that’s what her mom always said, and she knew it was true. when christian talked about how he’d taken a risk going on a blind date after a failed relationship and ended up finding the girl who might be the one, she smiled. “things worked out for you, that’s for sure,” she nodded, feeling nervous just imagining how her own situation could go. “some people get uncomfortable after a confession like that… i know people who weren’t able to stay friends afterward,” she sighed, because she couldn’t lose madison; she had safi and christian, but as harsh as it sounded, they would never be madison—the boy she’d learned to ride a horse with before they could even walk, the person who’d been by her side before they could even talk. the idea of losing the most important person in her life made her stomach twist. “i guess i shouldn’t be this scared when he told me he had a crush on me too,” she murmured mostly to herself. “thanks, sheriff,” she added with a small smile toward christian, nudging his side. “you’re more than a pretty face, you’re good with words.” she exhaled softly. “no matter how the conversation goes, i hope you’ll still want to meet him—maybe i could bring him over, maybe we could do a double date so i can finally talk to miss cowgirl,” she teased lightly, “though i guess that depends on how madison decides to look at me after i tell him all that.”

[christian-halloway]

Christian barked out a laugh at her flip-off, shaking his head as if he’d expected nothing less. “Contract, huh? Must’ve missed that clause in the paperwork,” he shot back, grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. But when she shifted, when that brightness in her voice thinned out at the mention of Madison, his own expression softened. He listened, steady, letting her talk without interruption. At her confession, he tilted his head, brow furrowing—not judgmental, but protective, the way he always seemed to be with her. “You told him,” he repeated, more statement than question. His voice was calm, careful, like he was laying bricks she could stand on. When she admitted he liked her back, he gave her a small, encouraging smile. “That’s good, Emmy. At least you know where each other stands." Her fear, though, he didn’t brush aside. Instead, he leaned forward again, so he could meet her eyes directly. “Look, I get it. Risking a friendship like that? Terrifying. But hear me out—if he’s really your friend, and he really cares about you the way I think he does? You’re not gonna lose him. Not over this. If anything, you’ll gain something better. If not, you should maybe make it clear that you still want a platonic friendship with him, no matter what happens. You can always have that to fall back on then." He let the words hang there, giving her a moment, before his grin returned, lighter now. “And if he somehow manages to screw it up, I’ll personally come down on him like the law. Sheriff’s honor.” He gave her a playful wink, easing the tension without dismissing her feelings. “But between us? I think you’ve got nothing to worry about. I think you should be brave. I went on a blind date and look how that's working out for me now. It's just one moment of bravery."

[clementinefisher]

the way his face lit up when she mentioned telling madison about her crush was almost enough to make her laugh—almost. she wished she could enjoy it the same way he did, but her stomach was a tangled knot. she could still remember that night perfectly: the dim lights of the country club, safi’s laugh echoing beside her, the heat of the moment when she took the dare and confessed to madison. she’d wanted the ground to swallow her whole right after. but then he’d said he liked her back—something she hadn’t even dared to dream of. that moment had been equal parts thrilling and terrifying. “yeah, i told him,” she repeated, her voice soft but steady. “i know it’s good… i just don’t know why it feels so terrifying at the same time. i mean—i do know. i don’t want to lose him.” her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her heart beating far too fast for her liking. christian’s calm tone helped, but it didn’t make it any less scary. she nodded at his suggestion, exhaling slowly. “i guess it’s just about having that one brave moment, right? and if it works out for me like it did for you and miss cowgirl, then… maybe it’ll be worth it,” she mused, half-smiling, half-trying to convince herself that this wasn’t as impossible as it felt. when she said, “he’s coming here,” her voice softened, as if saying it out loud made it suddenly real. “i convinced him to visit,” she continued, and then hesitated, glancing up at christian. “maybe I should tell him then?” the question hung between them, quiet but heavy. emmy had always been the fearless one—the one who chased risk like it was air—but when it came to madison, all of that confidence slipped away. he made her feel like that shy high school girl again, the one who used to scribble his name next to hers in notebooks only to hide them afterward. it was terrifying. it was exhilarating. and maybe that was exactly why she had to do it.

[madison-hills]

Madison let out a low chuckle, scratching the back of his neck like he always did when he got flustered, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “First of all,” he said, raising an eyebrow with mock seriousness, “you’re literally the same Emmy who used to chase chickens in her pajamas. I guess I am surprised you turned into this charming menace.” He nudged her shoulder lightly, his grin widening. “But I guess I should’ve known. You’ve always had that chaotic energy that people can’t help but be obsessed with.” When she teased him about looking down, Madison gave a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “Hey! I'm sorry for being a man," he said, deadpan, before cracking up. “But yeah… same guy, just, y’know, more rugged now. Sunburnt. Perpetually covered in hay. Basically the same Madison, just with more back pain.” He gave her a playful wink. “But nah, back home it’s just me, the cows, and ol’ Mrs. Donnelly from next door. She bakes me banana bread sometimes, but I don’t think she’s trying to seduce me. Pretty sure she’s just lonely and mildly deaf.” He tilted his head at her mention of the city. “Yeah, I get that. Everything back home’s still slow, still familiar." And then, with his fingers brushing hers, Madison tried to play it cool—but his thumb instinctively traced small circles as they laced hands, like it was muscle memory. His voice got a little quieter, still teasing but softer. “No competition, huh?" When she said she could take care of herself, he raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I believe you. You’ve always been the scary one in this friendship anyway.” And then the dreaded question came. “Girlfriend?” Madison blinked, then barked a laugh. “Pfft—me? Nah. I spend more time talking to cows than people, Emmy. The only woman I see on the regular is Mrs. Donnelly and I already told you, she’s not my type unless I suddenly develop a thing for denture cream and murder mystery novels.” He leaned back against his seat - shifting to get comfortable. “Still single. Still farming. Still waiting for the girl who can tolerate my terrible jokes and doesn’t mind a little mud now and then.” He looked over at her, eyes warm and teasing. “Know anyone like that?”

[clementinefisher]

it was better than she’d imagined, having madison there again. he’d brought with him so many memories—the way he scratched at his neck when he was flustered, that grin she hadn’t seen in so long. and with all of it came the reminder of every reason she’d ever loved him. “i’m a charming menace, but i still chase chickens in my pajamas, and i collect rent from my henants,” she said with a laugh, grinning at her own joke. she laughed even harder when he did; god, she’d missed that sound more than she could admit. “you’re a man? since when?” she teased, sticking her tongue out at him. “i see the sunburn, i see the hay, but back pain? madison, what are you, sixty?” she shook her head, her tone soft and fond. “you’re way too young to be complaining about that.” her smile grew as he mentioned mrs. donelly. “she’s still there? wow, some things never change, huh?” she said, warmth coloring her voice. “she was so sweet. my mom used to make me bring her corn and eggs every morning, and she’d always pay me for them—but she’d sneak me a little tip, too,” she added, her lips curving into a nostalgic smile. “her banana bread is so good,” she said, turning to look at him with a playful sparkle in her eyes. “you should let her seduce you—get all the banana bread you want and then send me some.” she laughed, knowing full well that much sugar would probably make her sick, but joking helped distract her from the feeling of his thumb slowly tracing circles against the back of her hand. that simple touch made her whole chest feel tight. the warmth of their hands together was almost too much—too good—and it made clementine nervous in the best, most terrifying way. “i have scary dog privilege,” she said with a soft laugh, trying to mask the flutter in her stomach. when she asked about his girlfriend, his reaction said it all—he was single. and somehow, that tiny truth made her heart skip. she tried to look away, to hide the blush creeping onto her cheeks. what was happening to her confidence? “i could know someone,” she said finally, her voice quiet but teasing, her thumb brushing lightly against his.

[christian-halloway]

Christian couldn’t help but laugh as Emmy mocked him. “Well, I’m not sure how much you’d get for a little harmless nudging, but... I’ll leave that to you to figure out, Emmy.” He raised an eyebrow at her smirk, his playful demeanor never wavering. With Emmy, he felt like he didn’t have to hold back. She was more than just a coworker—she was a close friend, someone who’d become like family since the first day they’d met. He was protective of her, and their back-and-forth was always a source of amusement. “Subtle, huh?” he teased, giving her an exaggerated look. “I’ll take your word for it, but... I’m not convinced. You’re about as subtle as a bull in a china shop.” He laughed at her smirk, enjoying the ease of their friendship. When they danced, it was always like a break from reality, a moment of just being themselves. But when the conversation shifted to Madison, Christian’s tone softened just a little, and that was when Emmy’s playful expression faltered. “Don’t worry,” he said, grinning wider, “I’m not gonna spill the beans to him. I’ve got better things to do than ruin your life.” When he swiped her phone, it was only to poke fun at her, but he noticed the sudden shift in her tone when they started talking about Madison. Christian just nodded quietly, giving her the space to settle into what she was really feeling. He knew how much Madison meant to her, even if she never admitted it. “It’s okay,” he said softly, his voice understanding. “I get it. It’s not easy when your feelings don’t match up with the way things are. Look at my last relationship. My girlfriend left me for my best friend of many years." As she shoved her phone into her back pocket, he gave her a reassuring glance before offering a small, supportive smile. “You don’t have to apologise, Emmy,” he said kindly. “Have you told him about your little crush? What's the worst that could happen if he did know you liked him?"

[clementinefisher]

emmy laughed, “i’d just get a pat on the shoulder, our boss loves me—he’d probably cheer me on for teasing you, it’s literally part of my contract,” she said, her tone playful as her hand slipped into her pocket like she was about to pull something out, only to flip him off with a grin and a laugh. she loved christian, he’d been the friend she needed when she moved here, someone steady and kind. when he teased her about not being subtle, she clutched her chest dramatically. “take that back, i am not a bull in a china shop,” she declared, narrowing her eyes but smiling too much to sell it. “take it back, sheriff,” she repeated, her mock sternness breaking into a chuckle. but when the conversation shifted to madison, her bravado cracked. he was the one topic that always made her stumble, because she never wanted to admit—out loud—how she felt about him. hearing about christian’s heartbreak only made her frown harder; the woman who hurt him, she hated her on principle. “she was an asshole—you’re better off without both of them,” emmy said firmly, meaning it. and then, quieter, almost to herself, “i told him.” her voice lost its usual brightness, her hand fidgeting in her lap. “we were playing a drinking game and safi made me text my crush,” she admitted, her cheeks warming. “he likes me back,” she added, though her tone didn’t carry the excitement those words should have. instead, it sounded heavy, like a secret she was still scared to hold. “but i’m terrified,” she confessed, her brows furrowing as her chest tightened. “we’ve been friends for so long—what if i mess it up?” her eyes flicked to christian’s, vulnerable in a way she rarely let herself be. “i can’t lose him.”

[madison-hills]

Madison smiled, that easy grin that always seemed to make things feel a little lighter when Emmy was around. He'd been looking forward to this, to finally getting to see her face-to-face again after so many long years of calls and texts. He'd missed her more than he cared to admit, and now that they were together again, it felt like everything just... clicked back into place. When he opened the car door for her, a small part of him couldn't help but enjoy the way she teased him. It was the kind of playful banter they had always shared, the kind that made him feel comfortable and at ease with her. "Well, if I'm committing theft, at least I'm stealing something worth having," he shot back with a wink, his voice light, flirty, and full of warmth. "And hey, my mom taught me well. She’d scold me for not acting like a gentleman, but I don't mind." He made his way around to the driver’s side. Once they were on the road, the car felt like a small bubble of calm between them. Madison could feel the shift in the air as they settled into the drive. He was genuinely happy to be there, happy to be with her again, and the warmth between them felt real—nothing virtual about it. “You always know how to convince people, huh?” he replied with a chuckle, his voice teasing but fond. “Guess I’m just another victim of your charm, huh?” Her joke about the "sweet girl next door" made him grin, but when she bumped his shoulder, the touch was like a spark. It was simple, familiar, but still enough to make his chest tighten in the best way. “I didn't even notice your tits before you just said that ,” he teased back, unable to resist shifting forward and taking a quick glance at her chest before looking at her eyes again with a cheeky grin. "I’m still the same guy under these muscles.” He flexed his bicep, watching her squeeze it with a laugh that made him feel even more comfortable with her than he already did. "I got the farmer build, huh? And the tan to go with it." As her voice softened, though, Madison could feel a shift in the air. The teasing lightness faded just a little, replaced with something warmer, something real. “Yeah, maybe we’re just... a new version of us,” he agreed, his voice quieter, more sincere. “I’m really happy I’m here too, Emmy. I missed this too—missed you.” His tone was genuine, and he let the words hang in the air between them, feeling the weight of what they meant. When she gave him the directions, he glanced over at the map before setting his eyes back on the road. “Got it, don’t worry.” he said with a grin, his voice relaxed and comfortable. But when she asked about home, his smile softened, and he sighed, leaning back slightly as he thought about it. “Home’s... well, home,” he began, a slight shrug to his shoulders. “It's been a mix of busy and quiet, like always. Nothing much has changed, but you know how it is. Sometimes, things stay the same even when they shouldn’t. How about you? How’s life on your side? Got any hot and cool farmer boys flocking after you?” He glanced at her with that signature smile, the one that said he knew her well and wasn’t about to stop teasing her anytime soon.

He let the moment stretch for a second before he made the first move—reaching across the center console, his fingers brushing against hers lightly at first, as if testing the waters. Then, without hesitation, he laced his fingers through hers, his grip firm but gentle. He brought her hand closer, lifting it to his lips with a smile that was both mischievous and sincere. His lips pressed a soft, lingering kiss against the back of her hand, the touch light but full of meaning. “If there’s anyone I need to knock out while I’m here, just say the word,” he said, his voice warm and teasing, but his gaze never leaving hers. “I don’t mind scaring off any exes. They won’t know what hit ‘em.” He chuckled softly, his thumb tracing over the back of her hand before he pulled away just enough to let the playful, cowboy charm shine through. “Besides, if there’s anyone who’s ever made you feel anything less than amazing, they’ve got me to answer to.”

[clementinefisher]

emmy tossed her hair back. “everyone gets charmed by me, you shouldn’t be surprised,” she teased, her laugh slipping out easily. her charm wasn’t something she worked on—it just came naturally—but the best part of that moment was knowing she didn’t have to fake it with madison, didn’t have to hide the messy parts of herself. he knew her, good and bad, and he’d still crossed the ocean just to be there with her. if that wasn’t friendship, she didn’t know what was, though it only made her crush on him grow stronger. a man flying across the world because you asked? she was living for that. “hey, perv,” she shoved him playfully as he glanced down at her chest, shaking her head with a grin. “same guy but bigger,” she added with a raised brow, because she knew he was still the one who’d made her crush start in the first place. “you had the whole farmer pack going on,” she laughed, “i bet you’ve got everyone crazy over you back home.” the thought made her stomach twist, but she pushed it down. “same people, just new looks,” she smiled. when he admitted he’d missed her, her chest tightened—he carried that same feeling that everything could be like it was back at the ranch, simple and steady. “things staying the same is somehow comforting,” she admitted, “the city changes too much.” she laughed again, lighter this time. “farmer boys don’t exist here, so no competition. a lot of people chase after me, but that’s nothing new,” she said, sticking her tongue out at him. when his hand brushed hers she tried to stay calm, but the way he laced their fingers and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand nearly made her heart stop. “you don’t need to scare anyone,” she promised, remembering how she’d been raised—boyfriends weren’t casual, let alone anything more, and she was still untouched by both. “don’t worry about it,” she added, though her smile faltered when he pulled his hand away. “i can take care of myself, madison,” she rolled her eyes, trying to mask the sting. “so, tell me about your girlfriend, because there’s no way mr. farmer action man is still single.”

[christian-halloway]

Working with Emmy was always a whirlwind, but Christian wouldn’t have traded it for anything. She brought the chaos, sure—but it was the kind of chaos that lit the place up. He grinned as she winked and bumped his shoulder again. “Careful,” he said with a laugh, “one more nudge and I’m reporting workplace violence.” Not that he ever could. He was just as bad—elbowing her back like they were two kids in a sandbox. “This is your version of being subtle, huh?” he teased. When Emmy smirked and called herself the kindest soul, Christian gave her a dramatic, slow clap. “Wow. Humility really is your strongest quality,” he said with mock awe. He could barely keep a straight face when she described herself as a ghost—or rather, a spirit in cowboy boots and a hat. Then came the jab about him and Este—the hat-wearing mystery girl. When she pointed out that Este wore his hat with pride, Christian couldn't even pretend to deny it. He gave an exaggerated sigh, already bracing himself for her teasing. “Okay, fine,” he admitted, nudging her with a smirk. “I gave her the hat. I had to call dibs before all the hot people here hit on her." He shot her a pointed look as she raised her hands in mock defense. “And you,” he added, turning back to Emmy, “need to stop looking so smug about it. Just because I let her borrow one hat doesn’t mean I’m looking to get married to the girl or anything.” He was still grinning, though, unable to hide the way her energy made it all feel like a sitcom they were both happily stuck in. She teased him like it was her full-time job, and honestly? Christian loved it. “If I’m the sheriff, that makes you the town menace. A menace in glitter boots.” Watching Emmy on the dance floor was something else. Christian never got tired of it—how she’d throw herself into the music like the whole world was her stage. When she screamed at the end of the song, he was right there cheering beside her, laughing like an idiot. “You always gotta outshine everyone, huh?” he teased, though the admiration in his voice made it more compliment than jab. Talk turned to her best friend—and Christian raised a brow. “He doesn’t live here? Then why am I hearing about him like he’s down the hall?” he asked with a smirk. He looked down at Emmy's photo of Madison. "Nailed it, didn’t I?” When she showed him Madison’s picture, Christian leaned in and nodded approvingly. “That smile could get him out of parking tickets,” he admitted. Then, grinning, he added, “Don’t worry. Saffron won’t hear it from me. But I’m definitely telling her if I need leverage.” Christian took the phone from Emmy again, squinting at the picture of Madison on her screen. “He’s looking at you like he’s got a crush on you,” Christian said, lifting an eyebrow and nudging her arm with his elbow. “Just saying. The camera didn’t even phase him—look at that. He’s not smiling for the photo, he’s smiling at you.” He tilted the phone slightly, like a detective analyzing evidence, then glanced at her with a smirk. “You sure he’s just your best friend? Emmy, this guy is smiling like you're his whole personality.”

[clementinefisher]

emmy couldn’t help laughing at his dramatics, “one more nudge and i’m reporting workplace violence,” she mocked, mimicking his voice before smirking, “oh, please, christian halloway, you’d never do that.” with him, she was always fully herself—he wasn’t just a co-worker, he’d become her ride-or-die since the day she started, and she loved him more than she’d ever admit. “i’m subtle, not the best version of subtleness i can manage, but close,” she teased, lips curved into a smirk. his banter always amused her, and while she wanted to nudge him again, she stopped herself, saving her jab for something sharper. when he admitted to calling dibs on her date before anyone else at work could, she burst out laughing because of course he had. “this isn’t a smug look, this is just my face, i always look this way,” she fired back, her grin widening. “not a marriage proposal, i can tell,” she added with a nod, “i hope your mama raised you better, because if that was one i’d be really disappointed, country man.” their teasing was endless, and she loved how often he could flip it back on her. after dancing, she was breathless—maybe because she always pushed herself to outshine everyone else, but that was her job as “the town menace,” as she liked to joke. she loved those moments of pausing their shifts to dance, but the second their conversation shifted to maddie, and christian smiled, she knew he was going to enjoy teasing her even more than she had enjoyed dancing. “you’re talking about him like he’s down the hall—like another spirit with a cowboy hat and boots under the blanket,” she chuckled, though her cheeks warmed as she looked at the picture herself. “if you tell her, it’ll be your last day as sheriff, halloway,” she threatened playfully, though her laugh softened the edges of it. when he swiped her phone, she furrowed her brows. “give it back,” she chuckled, stealing it back a second later. but his words had landed differently, heavier, because she had carried a crush on madison her whole life. “he’s my best friend,” she said, her voice lower now. “she’s smiling at me because he took that picture for me, but we’re just best friends.” her tone turned harsher, like she was reminding herself of that truth more than telling christian. realizing it, she sighed and glanced at him. “sorry, i didn’t mean to snap. it’s just… hard,” she admitted quietly. “we’re friends, we’ve always been friends but…” her words trailed, a sigh pulling from her chest as she shoved her phone into her back pocket, “i wish it wasn’t this way.” she mused walking back to the bar.

[madison-hills]

Madison couldn’t stop grinning. From the moment he saw her again—really saw her, not just through a screen or on a spotty video call—it was like stepping back into a part of himself he didn’t know he’d been missing. Emmy, right there, full of that same stubborn charm and dry humor, only somehow more herself than ever. And now, here he was, surrounded by family, trying not to look like he was completely out of his depth. He’d handled her brothers’ antics with the same easygoing charm he always had—big smile, steady voice, and the same banter he'd always had. When she asked him to head back to the ranch, he agreed faster than he probably should’ve. Partly to save her from more chaos… but mostly because he wanted to be with her, just the two of them. No teasing eyes, no distractions. Just Emmy. Not her family or his getting in the way of conversations. When she made that jab about the keys, Madison raised a hand to his heart with an exaggerated gasp, grinning wide. “Oh, excuse me,” he said, his tone mock-wounded, “didn’t realise I committed grand theft Emmy. You handed them over like a lady in distress—what was I supposed to do, not sweep in like a proper gentleman?” He chuckled, catching the way her tongue peeked out at him. Cute. He didn’t say it—he’d save that bullet for later—but the thought made his grin linger longer. The truck—he was pretty sure it had its own personality. It was tall, dramatic, and a whole mood. Much like its driver. As she settled in, he walked around to the driver’s side with a dramatic bow. “My pleasure, ma’am. Now tell me—what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t steal your truck the moment I get here to let you be a passenger princess in it for once." Then came her truck explanation. He blinked at her, his expression slowly morphing into amused disbelief. He laughed, full and warm, one hand on the wheel as he looked over at her. “That is incredible. I’m never letting you live that down." She called it her baby, and he nodded solemnly. “Respect. She’s got character, that's for sure." Then he glanced at her again, eyes softening just a little. “Still can’t believe I'm here, y’know,” he added, a bit quieter this time. And just like that, he gave her a wink—because even when Madison got sweet, he never left the banter too far behind. “It feels like so much time has passed… yet none at the same time.” His tone had shifted, just barely, like he was letting down the playful front for a second. “You’re still that sweet girl next door,” he added, eyes flicking toward her again, softer now, “but all grown up.” He gave a small, lopsided smile, something almost reverent in the way he said it—like he still saw her with wide-eyed childhood wonder, but couldn’t ignore the way she sat next to him now, self-assured, beautiful, real. Then, just to keep it from getting too serious, he bumped her shoulder gently.

[clementinefisher]

she was relieved madison had agreed to drive back before her brothers’ teasing pushed her over the edge. she loved her family, she loved his, but she had begged him to come—begged him to take that flight across the ocean so they didn’t have to keep existing through calls and glitchy screens. being next to him felt different, felt real. when he opened the car door for her like some old-school gentleman, clementine’s heart skipped before she could stop it, christian’s words still echoing in her head. “you’ve committed theft, you’re basically a gta character now,” she teased with a chuckle, forcing her smile to stay casual as he closed the door and rounded the car. she told herself she could keep it chill, convince herself they were just friends. his smile couldn’t possibly be because of her—christian was wrong. “pretty sure your mom would be disappointed if you didn’t act like a gentleman,” she smirked, “and trust me, i would’ve told her just to watch her scold you.” once he started driving, she exhaled slowly, a calmness settling over her chest that only he seemed to bring. she caught the shift in his voice too, softer, lighter, like the air had relaxed. “oh, i believe it—i’m very good at convincing people to do what i want,” she grinned. when he described her as the sweet girl next door, emmy’s lips curved into a genuine smile, and when his shoulder bumped hers, her chest tightened. “yeah, who would’ve thought my tits would grow,” she joked, pushing back against the weight of her own thoughts, determined to keep it light. “you’ve grown too,” she said warmly, “worked hard for those arms—look at you. i thought you’d be a twink forever, guess i was wrong.” she laughed, reaching out to playfully squeeze his bicep, twice, a smile tugging at her lips. “maybe we’re still the same, just a new version of us,” she mused, her voice softer this time. “i’m really happy you’re here, madi. i missed this,” she confessed, sighing as she set her phone in the holder so he could see the maps. “follow the arrow—if i let you figure it out, our families would beat us there.” leaning into her seat, she tilted her head toward him, her tone gentler now. “tell me about home, how’s everything over there?”

[christian-halloway]

Christian had always enjoyed having Emmy by his side. Hosting events together never felt like work—it felt like teaming up with someone who just got it. She moved through the venue with that magnetic kind of energy, always three steps ahead, always knowing when to smile, when to wink, when to light up the room a little brighter. And every time she nudged him or teased him, it reminded him why he liked her so much—not just as a co-host, but as someone who made all the chaos of the night feel a little more like fun. Christian rolled his eyes with mock exasperation, trying not to smile too hard. “Oh, how generous of you,” he said dryly, nudging her back. “Should I be thanking you now or later for the honor?” He laughed under his breath when she mockingly raised her hands. “Guess I’ll have to be on my worst behavior then if Jesus isn't around,” he quipped. He didn’t miss the way she glanced around, scanning the crowd without looking like she was. Emmy was like a human radar—she noticed everything. “You’re actually terrifying,” he muttered, fondness sneaking into his voice Christian groaned. “Don’t start.” He shot her a sidelong glare as they walked toward the dance floor. “You’re not getting a Nobel, Em. A restraining order, maybe.” But even with all the teasing, he couldn't deny it—she was right. The blind date had gone well. Against all odds, someone had gotten under his skin lately… and Emmy had absolutely picked up on it. When they stepped onto the dance floor, he let the music take over. Christian wasn’t half bad himself, but Emmy always managed to pull something extra out of him. They hit the beat together like they’d rehearsed it a hundred times, even though it was all instinct, all adrenaline. He saw the crowd start to lean in, watching them, and for a second, it felt like nothing else mattered. As the song ended, Emmy made a beeline for him, breathless and shining with excitement. “You say that like we don’t know it,” he replied, still catching his breath. Christian tilted his head slightly, smiling at the thought. “Well,” he said, voice a little softer, “he’d be lucky to see you dance. Invite him." And just like that, he gave her a playful bump with his shoulder. “You talk about him a lot,” he said, eyes on her. “What’s he like?” There was no teasing in his tone this time, no grin tugging at his lips—just genuine interest, layered under a subtle edge of protectiveness. Because if someone mattered to Emmy, they mattered to him too. “Wait, let me guess,” he said, turning to face her more fully, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Sun-kissed, cute hairstyle, and knowing you… someone with big biceps and thighs.”

[clementinefisher]

working with christian was great, their co-workers were great too—she could only complain about a couple, but they'd all learned to bear with each other. christian was one of her closest friends, which made the blonde feel comfortable enough to wink, nudge him, or tease him just to remind him she was around—not in a flirty way, but in a way that said “hey, the chaos is here,” especially when she was that bubbly. "i'm the kindest soul you’ll ever meet, i can promise you that," she smirked, a smile tugging at her lips as he nudged her back. "oh, you can thank me all night, i wouldn’t want you to miss a second of the joy it brings people to thank me," she laughed along with christian. "i’m like a ghost—i’m everywhere, but you can’t feel me. maybe not a ghost, more like a spirit—a really diabetic and hot one, probably wearing boots and a cowboy hat over a blanket," she laughed. "a restraining order? wow, love having friends for this," she mused, placing a hand on her chest like his words had wounded her. "it’s not my fault i have eyes and can see the way you look at her and how she wears your hat with so much pride," she pointed out, raising her hands in mock defense. "my condition hasn’t made me blind, and i hope it doesn’t, but for now, deal with it, sheriff," she joked. as they danced, the electricity from the crowd just made emmy want to show off more—she was breathless, giving the people what they wanted. on the dance floor, she could be a bit of a people pleaser. "wooohooo!" she screamed at the top of her lungs as the song ended, adrenaline rushing through her veins. when he mentioned inviting her best friend over, she scoffed. "he doesn’t live here," she pointed out, "you can consider this old friendship a long-distance one." she shrugged. "of course i talk to him a lot, he’s my best friend." emmy was about to explain when christian interrupted her by guessing. "christian halloway!" she gasped at his description—he wasn’t actually wrong. "have you been spying on my texts?" she laughed. "that’s the perfect definition of madison, but you forgot his smile," she chuckled, pulling out her phone and opening instagram to show christian what madison looked like. "that’s my bestie right there—don’t tell saffron i said that or i’ll be dead."