✝ LOOK AT YOUR LIFE THROUGH HEAVEN'S EYES.

( Gabriel Lockhart △ 32 ▽ Pastor △ Resident ).

[hosannagabriel]

okay, I sifted through most of my drafts! For anyone wondering, I’m going to be bringing in a character to replace Truman who’s sort of similar, so I’m p sure that any major threads you have w Truman can just be tweaked a little ! I’d never leave y’all hangin’. Also, if I HAVEN’T replied to you & haven;t talked to you abt it, please slide into my DMs! I feel like my drafts were a lil empty so & I’m suspicious

[hosannagabriel]

deputyholm‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

          having the rodeo taking over the town was both a blessing and a curse - great in that most of the town were so caught up in the fun of it all that there wasn’t much work for the police department, bad in that the few hooligans that did cause trouble managed to get away with a lot more in the chaos. as such, it’s a relief to find himself clocking off for the afternoon, more than ready to waste a few hours touring his favourite parts, with one of his favourite boot hill citizens. the town’s priest was always a laugh, and someone len would consider perhaps his closest friend, beyond perhaps mallory, and it gave him a pleasant thrum to his step. the cactus juice stand where they planned to meet was entirely a misnomer, or at the very least the cactus flavouring was next to nothing despite it’s refreshing state. lennox’s stride is purposeful but slow as he made his way through the edges of town toward the done-up churchyard, absent smile playing about his lips. he had enough time to wonder at what monstrosity of an outfit gabriel would be wearing for the kids that day, before he turned the corner toward the juice stand and caught an eyefull of the garish garb. yeah, he couldn’t help the full bodied laugh that escaped him as he neared, bringing a hand up to rub away the threat of a tear at the corner of his eye,    “ sorry to disappoint gabe, but you know we’re not supposed to wear out badges outside of our shifts. but boy howdy, did you dress in the dark today ? more so than usual ? this is a whole new level of mess, where the hell did you find that ?  ”

GABRIEL PUT HIS hands on his hips. grinning broadly as Len approached. He was well aware of how atrocious his outfit was, and basking in it’s garish glory. The look on his friend’s face only served to intensify this feeling. “Oh, didn’t know that. Well I guess I can’t fault you then. You know me, total stickler for the rules, good will unto men and all that,” His tone was light and joking, but they both knew the pastor was, indeed, a very play-by-the-book kind of man ( So far as his public life was concerned, of course. ) Gabriel glanced down at his cactus print stomach, the ghost of a playful frown forming on his sun-kissed features. He let it hang for a moment — let the fake tension settle in the air before giving a boyish sort of shrug, smile returning. “hey now, I’ll have you know I’m a very fashion forward guy. Just because you aren’t on my fashionista level, doesn’t mean you get to pretend your not jealous,” He let out a hearty laugh himself, gesturing to his attire. “I got it from my closet. Or my kids did. I haven’t seen this shirt since grade school but they said I needed to ‘embrace my inner cowboy’ so...” Gabriel sighed. what could you do? “I figure, worst case, I can become a side-show attraction and raise some extra money for the church,”

[hosannagabriel]

dravcnlea‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

“It was awful, I know kindergarteners who could throw better than that. Oh please, not the front, I’d prefer a seat near the back so I sneak out at the end and no one can approach me.” Juliet said with a chuckle. She spent a moment trying to gain some confidence, even though there was still some part of her who was certain that she would fail. Clutching the ball tightly in her hand she swung her arm back and threw, somehow it ended hitting the target. Juliet watched, her mouth hanging open with shock, as the pastor fell into the water. 

“me too, I live with them & fear for my life daily! Plus, I’ll need to keep an eye on you,” Gabriel’s cheeky expression showed he was only teasing, though his daughter did have a killer pitching arm. The issue was, that given her minute stature, the balls she threw were usually aimed directly at Gabriel’s well...balls. But thankfully he was safe behind the display of the drunk tank, so he wouldn’t be suffering any fatal injuries today. The pastor still couldn’t help himself from shutting his eyes as the ball hurled towards its target. His stomach dropped as he fell into the drink below. It was a shock, so it took him a moment to get his bearings. The ache for air was enough to bring him to the surface again, laughing as he wiped the hair from his forehead. “on the first try too! Gotta say, I’m impressed,”

[hosannagabriel]

dravcnlea‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

Juliet had been walking through the fair towards the direction of her car when she saw the dunk the pastor sign. Normally, she never would have done something like this but whether it was her exhaustion or that the excitement of the other townspeople rubbing off on her, or a combination of both, she ended up in the line. She stifled a giggle as she watched different people get so close to hitting the target. Juliet half expected that the pastor would be dunked by the time she got to the front of the line but she was surprised when it her turn and he was still dry. “If I manage to dunk you I’ll start coming to church on Sundays and confess all my sins because I’m a terrible shot.” As if to demonstrate, Juliet threw the ball in her hand up in the air and had to step forward quickly so that it wouldn’t drop on the ground. 

GABRIEL WAS never one to put someone down, even if that meant he got soaked in the process. He was okay with that, it was for a good cause, after all. He watched Juliet just narrowly catch the ball which admittedly, had been the best effort he’d seen so far. “what do you mean ‘terrible shot’? You totally caught that! I can’t wait to see you, you’ll get a special seat near the front,” He was grinning wildly. Obviously employing that sense of cheeky humor he’d developed since becoming a father. The still-dry Gabriel shut his eyes tightly, ready for Juliet to make the throw and not at all sure of what to expect.

[hosannagabriel]

ofjakethomas‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

          “You’ll have to show me your dragon later then,” Jake said, tongue in cheek as his heart rate picked up fractionally as he realised he did, in fact, intend for the innuendo. God this trip was going to be a mess, he could already tell, and he seriously needed to get his head screwed on straight (pun intended) if he didn’t want to end up losing one of the better friends he’d made since settling in Boot Hill.

Jake would have been willing to set everything up himself and let Gabe take care of whatever he wanted to, but upon hearing the offer from the pastor to set up the tent he couldn’t not concede. It was the other’s tent afterall, surely he would know how to set it up decently, right? And lighting a fire was definitely something that Jake was capable of doing by himself, so he nodded as he climbed out of the cab and reached into the truck bed to haul his backpack out. Reaching into the pocket that held his utilities he grabbed the flint rod and starter and headed out to gather some small kindling, letting Gabe take care of the tent.

The dry desert meant it was easy enough to find dry wood, and he even managed to find some larger logs not far from camp that would keep it going for at least an hour or two before they needed to find more fuel. Once back at the camp he guaged a fair distance from where Gabe had started setting up the tent and began to build up the firepit. He even grabbed a small axe from his pack as well, starting to chop the logs up into manageable sizes that they’d just be able to throw onto the fire when it was time. Once he was satisfied with his work he packed his things up again and turned to where Gabe was busy with the tent.

          “How’s it going over there? You showing that tent who’s boss?”

“of course I will! After I make you a genu-ine s’more! Otherwise you might get so shocked you can’t eat.” Gabriel said with some gusto. He was excited to show Jake the fun side of camping. So much so that the statement was accompanied by a hand placed firmly on the other man’s bicep, as if to illustrate how important that particular aspect of the trip was. The motion was spur of the moment, and Gabriel was quick to drop his hand, thinking that perhaps he was being a little too eccentric, given Jake’s usually closed-off nature. Of course, the innuendos surrounding the situation were all but lost on him, since he was still firmly planted in fun dad mode. 

With a firm nod accompanied by a salute, the pastor was quick to set to work. He’d already picked out the perfect spot, where their tents could sit nestled side-by-side, safe from the overhang but well within ideal appreciative distance. Gabriel had set up Jake’s tent first, just out of courtesy. It was a simple task, & Gabriel found himself glad that he’d let the kids go “camping” in the backyard the previous weekend. It had given him a chance to brush up on his tent-setting skills, so he wouldn’t look like an utter idiot in front of his companion. It wasn’t until Gabriel began to set up his own tent that he saw the first major road block of their excursion: a gaping hole in the tent lining.

Gabriel had hardly noticed Jake’s absence, so obsessed with the task at hand. When he heard the other man’s voice, he looked up, smiling sheepishly. “nah, think it beat me fair & square,” He gestured to the six inch long gash in the half pitched tent’s lining. “I let the kids use it last Friday. You know, they were really upset they couldn’t go and all...I guess they ripped it when they tried to take it down for me,” The pastor’s hand wandered absentmindedly to his neck, rubbing against the exposed skin. He was more than a little embarrassed at having not thoroughly checked everything, the colour rising in his cheeks. “I guess I’ll have pop back into town, there’s gotta be some place that sells tents. gosh, I really hate to leave you out here with no ride. Will you be okay? I’m really sorry,” But their daylight was already fleeting. He’d have to be quick.

[hosannagabriel]

xfnoah‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

Noah’s hands gently pulled at the edge of the washing machine that rumbled beneath them, his eyes never leaving the man before him. Others before him would pray all the same, with that delightful look in their eyes waiting for Noah to say the one thing that would give them more to grasp to. To save him. The boy that clawed at the dirt just to dig his way to hell. He’d wait just a little too long to answer, not wanting to give Gabriel the wrong idea. But the alternative he thought. “I haven’t got much better to do.”

GABRIEL VISUALLY lit up at the prospect of Noah coming to dinner. He hadn’t thought he’d actually say yes. Only hoped. Smile bright as day, and ever-oblivious to the young boy’s writhing glare, Gabriel gave him a firm nod. “awesome! The kid’s will be so happy. Listen...I’ve got to go pick them up but dinner will probably be ready around six. Text me if you need a lift, or if you loose your delicates in the breeze,” That final statement was accompanied by a traditional dad laugh.

[kittybriar-a]

@hosannagabriel​

                 In the third grade, Kitty decided that god didn’t exist. It all started as a reason to be left at home on Sunday’s when her mother insisted that they both needed to attend the morning service. Ever the defiant and petulant child, Kitty would kick off her good church shoes, undo her pigtail braids and demand that they go to Cheri’s Dairi instead. As usual, Kitty would be forced to bend before her mother would break and she would be dragged to the church kicking and screaming every Sunday morning. Of course, Kitty didn’t believe in ever giving her mother a break, so she whined and stubbornly kicked the back of the pews until the older church-goers turned around in their seats to stare daggers at her. If all that god had to offer her were more rules and obligations that she didn’t ask for then she could certainly do without him. The last thing that she needed was another force in her life trying to teach her the difference between right and wrong when the entire world was something in between. 

                  Sunday services were always a rather time consuming affair filled with the same boring sermons and poorly told anecdotes. Honor thy mother and father, he turned water into wine, Eve was an evil bitch for wanting to be more than the leftover bones of her superior; Kitty had heard it all. She decided that she would rather gouge out her eyes with a spoon than sit through another lengthy sermon in Boot Hill. It wasn’t long after her mother’s marriage that Kitty finally stopped attending the services altogether. Girls like her looked for god in the curve of their lips, in the flutter of their lashes, in themselves. What use did she have for god when she already carried the entire world between her thighs? Besides, Kitty preferred to kneel before a man that she could actually see. 

                   She would never openly admit it, but Pastor Lockhart had managed to breathe new life into Boot Hill’s church. Kitty would see him on the streets and ply him with empty promises of how she would start attending again, but she never did. She knew it probably disappointed him when he looked out into the crowd and her face wasn’t among the others that filled the pews, but there was a reason for her absence.The truth was that she simply couldn’t be bothered to pull herself out of bed early enough to make it in time. It was nearly impossible to get Kitty up earlier than twelve o’clock after a particularly wild night out. Nevertheless, she always felt pretty bad about not being able to keep her promises, but she would make it up to him. One day, Kitty would surprise the Pastor and stay for at least half of a morning service. Kitty would do that for him, but not for god. 

                   Pushing past the wooden double doors of the Community Salvation Church, Kitty looked around at the empty pews until her eyes landed on the Pastor. After closing the door behind her, she made her way up the center aisle of the church until she stood beside him. It wasn’t Sunday but Kitty couldn’t help but think that there should have been more people there. Where were all of those bitter older ladies that swore by the word of the lord? Shouldn’t they be glued to the pews waiting on the rapture or something? “Pretty empty for a church, Pastor.” Kitty teased, moving to sit on the wooden arm of a pew beside him. “I guess I was expecting more people to be here.”

[hosannagabriel]

GABRIEL DID HIS best to make the church a happy & hospitable place for everyone. Though, it wasn’t exactly the most popular weekend event in town. The pastor understood. After all, the town was primarily young folk, and the Community Salvation Church did carter more to a very specific subset of religion. In particular, Christianity & Catholicism, which wasn’t surprising given the church’s age. While Gabriel was more than happy to provide guidance free of any particular religious sentiments, he could see why his place of work might be difficult to approach.

Still the pastor soldiered on. He was less content with recruiting youth, than he was with providing them a safe environment to just...exist in. He had his fair share of troubled citizens, who had their own demons with the church. Kitty was one of those girls. Gabriel had noticed it almost right away — how uncomfortable the topic of his work had made her. Though it seemed, after some weeks, that she had warmed to him. He was glad since — her eccentric nature aside —he saw her as a very sweet and generous person (not afraid to say what was on her mind to boot).

She kept promising to come in on Sundays to watch his sermon. & unable to see the bad in her, Gabriel always took it to heart. She never showed, which always left him feeling a little sad, but he knew better than anyone how hard it could be to bring religion into one’s life. So again, he couldn’t blame her, even if he did look out at the empty pews with a little sigh of discontent.

Gabriel was just doing his rounds — which consisted of wandering the church when he got restless from doing desk work — when Kitty burst in. It made him jump a bit, but he quickly fixed her with a friendly smile. “yeah well, most people don’t have a reason to be here on weekdays unless they’re seeking guidance — which oddly enough, is a very ‘ten pm or later’ kind of event.” He paused for a moment and then added, in his usual gentle tone: “but you’re here now, so it’s a little less empty. Only about...four square feet less empty but still,” 

[hosannagabriel]

ofjakethomas‌:

hosannagabriel‌:

“I’m sure it’s quite something, if you’re willing to admit it even now,” Jake said with a laugh. He couldn’t help himself as he looked over at the pastor, it was like his outfit had triggered something in Jake’s mind and all those thoughts he’d originally had to force down when he saw the wring on the finger and the wife on the arm (cute, adorable, absolutely dorky, charming–) were starting to bubble right back up. He bit his cheek and turned to face the road again, wondering how the fuck he’d survive this camping trip.

“I think we’ll be safe,” He admitted with a chuckle. It was almost cute how Gabriel worried about something that hadn’t even crossed Jake’s mind. Whether that was from growing up in a country where the most ferocious animal you could find was a crazy fox on your way home from a late night bender, or whether it was from being taught not to worry about the animals cus they were the least hostile thing in the desert when he was serving, he couldn’t tell, but he still wanted to make sure that Gabriel felt safe. “Don’t worry about it, if any do show up I’ll protect you.” He’d meant it as a joke, but deep down he could feel a pang of it striking true. What the fuck was going on with him today?

Jake took in the sheer beauty of the overhang as Gabe pulled the truck up just a way’s away. It was a gorgeous campsite, he thought as his mind started going through the practical aspects; clear enough to have a fire without risking anything and flat enough for two or three tents to fit in the area easily, etc. But it was the view that took Jake’s breath away. The place was positioned perfectly to look down on Boot Hill in all its mismatched grandeur, and he couldn’t help but break out in a grin as he turned to look at Gabe in the drivers seat.

“I think it’s gonna be perfect. Now we just have to get everything set up so we can really enjoy it,” he turned back to look at the sight just for another short moment before reaching over and clapping Gabe’s shoulder. “You ready for me to show you how setting up a camp is done, boy scout?”

GABRIEL & JAKE shared a genuine laugh. Maybe their first one ever. The pastor found himself glancing towards the other man, a huge grin plastered across his face. He wondered if he’d ever actually seen Jake look so bright before. He didn’t think so, but in any case it was quite becoming. Gabriel was quick to push away those thoughts — knowing they would only lead to trouble and heartbreak. He distracted his racing mind by running over all the little shadow creatures he’d learned to create over the years. “it is, my dragon is the best if you ask me,” He finally added, managing to keep a casual tone.

Gabriel had been wary to admit his fears ( although he thought they were completely justified ). Thankfully, Jake was a champ, quick to comfort and ever kind. Both admirable qualities, as far as the pastor was concerned. I’ll protect you. File that under: things that had never been said to him before. “thanks, I’m glad,” Gabriel meant it too. It hadn’t escaped his notice that Jake was lean and fit, almost battle-ready. Should they have to size up against any beasts — his companion was more than capable. As such as he wanted Jake to stay free from harm, having him there did quell his fears.

As they both climbed out of the cab, Gabriel returned the smile — God, had he always been so...sweet? He took a moment to survey the campsite, hands on hips, as he joined his companion near the back of the cab. “yeah, but we’ve got lots of daylight, and then we can relax,” Gabriel mused. He gave the traditional two-fingered boy scout salute, fixing Jake with a firm nod as he did so. “yes siree, I sure am!” Truthfully, the pastor had never lost that boyish, chipper attitude that he’d harbored as a real scout. “the food should be okay in the cab for now, so how about I do tents, you set up a fire pit?” 

[hosannagabriel]

WHEN GABRIEL HAD VOLUNTEERED to raise funds for the church, he’d expected the usual — chatting up the locals, kindly pointing out the donation buckets scattered around the lot, what he hadn’t expected was to be sitting in a dunk tank, clad in nothing but cactus-print swim trunks. Apparently, his fellow clergyman had different ideas about the easiest way to get CHARITABLE DONATIONS. ( who was he kidding? this had ‘Noah Bennett’ written all over it ). Just to highlight Gabriel’s current predicament, someone had hung up a sign that read ❝DUNK THE PASTOR❞ in a bright scrawling hand. It attracted more than enough attention, and soon half the town was gathering to buy balls and take their shot at dunking Gabriel. “hey!” he called out to the person next-in-line. “if you dunk me, don’t forget I do confessions on sunday!” joking, of course.

[edwardrafe-deactivated20200904]

The rodeo wasn’t exactly what Ady thought of as a good time, per se, but the small town vibes were getting to him. He’d seen them in movies, laughed at how obsessed the South were with the idea, to the extent where it became an official holiday every time it was in town, but with the cheerful mood in the air, he was starting to understand just why.

Originally, he’d thought of just staying away, not wanting to bring more attention to himself, but eventually the sweet smell of candyfloss, the bright lights and the loud music had called to him, and he’d walked on over with nothing better to do with his time. He was still broke as all hell, but he’d gotten a bit of spare cash he’d let himself spend tonight. It was a special occasion, after all.

          “Okay,” Ady said, turning to the other next to him in the queue, “do I go with the greasy as hell burger, or the funnel cake the size of my head?”

[hosannagabriel]

GABRIEL WAS HAPPY that Ady had agreed to go out with him — it was hard sometimes, to get him to break out of that shell. But the pastor was nothing if not persistent. Plus, it was easy to bride him with the prospect of Gabriel’s square dancing past. ( He didn’t like to talk about it, but desperate times, called for the resurfacing of embarrassing memories ). For now, the pastor was at least content to distract Ady with food, and if he was lucky, the younger man would forget all about it in the meantime. “darn that is tough,” Gabriel mused. “I’d say get the burger. At least it’s a meal, funnel cake is better for right before you go home — that way you can go into a nice food coma afterwards !” He smiled. with all the brilliance and excitement of a child sharing his hard-won knowledge.

[lucasxward-blog1]

The rodeo was a whirl of colours and energy as the whole town congregated at the local community church. Children ran screaming with excitement, leaving their parents in the dust resignedly telling the children to be careful. Lucas took it all in taking the time to enjoy the sights and sounds, not that he’d let it show but it seeing all these families together brought a sense of melancholy to Lucas. He’d never had the chance to spend a day like this with his family. Shaking himself out of his reverie he continued walking looking up just in time to collide into the back of someone “I’m sorry! crap I wasn’t watching where I was going.”  

[hosannagabriel]

AS PER USUAL, at any type of social event, Autumn and Gabriel were tag-teaming the babysitting duties. This was so that they could both mingle with their friends — while at the same time having a valid excuse to avoid socializing in the same circles. Gabriel had just gotten off his first ‘shift’ which had left him both tired, and covered in face paint. A sun on one cheek, and an unidentifiable blob on the other. He was just standing in line when he felt someone smack into him. “oh gosh, no I’m sorry, I was in the way. are you alright?” He turned towards the younger man, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Gabriel must have looked quite the sight but he didn’t think about it much.

[hosannagabriel]

can you fucking believe my fucking power shut off in the middle of drafting replies so not only can I not publish them, but I also lost a reply on Truman RIP Thatch's patience 2k19 ....

[hosannagabriel]

GABRIEL WAS HAPPY to be able to pawn the kids off on his wife for a few hours. He needed party time. Or at least, what amounted to it for a thirty year old pastor who hadn't had a drink in five years. He'd been quick to text Len as soon as he was free, knowing that the deputy was always good to hang out — and that they'd both probably end up wandering around the party aimlessly if they didn't. Gabriel showed up to the designated meeting place — the 'cactus juice' stand. It was really just green tinted lemonade, or so he gathered in the two or so minutes before he saw Len round the corner. Gabriel burst out in a smile, as he always did when he saw the other man. Gabriel had had to go 'full cowboy' for the kids, which meant wearing both a bollo tie and the ugliest shirt know to man — a yellow button down with little pink horses. It made a statement on its own, so it didn't take long for Len to spot him. "gotta say I'm a little bummed out you're not wearing a deputies badge, today of all days," Gabriel quipped, putting his hands on his hips in a mock-stern fashion as the deputy approached.

( CLOSED STARTER FOR @deputyholm ).

[hosannagabriel]

Hey guys! Just wanted to say that I'm sorry for not being on!! Been suffering from a migraine the last couple of days (I think because my glasses are scratched to hell) but I'm going to try and get as much rodeo related stuff out as possible tomorrow so that we can continue threads after the event! Hmu if you'd like a closed rodeo thread ( on any of my boys)

[hosannagabriel]

candiedviiolets‌:

gabriel,

Violet returned the grin. “Oh, of course not. You’re pretty cool already,” Violet assured. She’d seen the pastor a couple of times, her grandfather often going to church and urging Violet to go with him. She’d say no, of course. To be honest, Violet was a complete atheist. If God did exist, why did he take her parents away? She’d often ask herself that growing up before coming to the conclusion. God ( if he did exist ) was one cruel person. But Gabriel didn’t need to know that, of course. “Besides, a good man such as yourself deserves to have a little fun every now and then. Thou shalt live a little. Pretty sure it’s a part of the ten commandments,” Violet continued, “You up for a little game of ball toss? Or are you secretly daring like me and willing to go on one of the rides?”

EVEN AS A HUMBLE man, the compliment had Gabriel grinning. If only because he hardly ever heard those words — more often, he was an embarrassment to his kids or ‘cringy’ whatever that meant? The pastor crossed his arms over his chest, genuinely touched that she was thinking of him. her joke even earned a hearty laugh. “hey, I have fun!” He said lightly, raising his hands in mock defeat. “but you’re right, you’re right, I wouldn’t want to sin or anything, so I guess I’ll just have to enjoy myself. covet thy wild side, I think is the saying?” Contrary to what many believed, Gabriel was not above poking fun at his own religion. In fact, it was one of his favourite pass times. “gee...I dunno about rides. I get pretty motion sick. But I’d totally love a game of ball toss, if you’re ready to lose,”

[candiedviiolets-deactivated2019]

Violet secretly looks forward to the rodeo that happens every year, deciding that she might as well try and have some fun. She had remembered being so awestruck when she was a little girl. Now, it was nothing fairly new or exciting. But Violet always tried to attend whatever event, eager for something to do other than drink all the time. Plus, she’d probably run into a familiar face or two and she was always eager for company. A small smile broke out on her face once she saw someone she recognized standing off to the side, making her way towards them. “Hey, you. Mind hanging out with me for a little while? It wasn’t like you were doing much of anything anyways? Come on, it’ll be fun.

[hosannagabriel]

GABRIEL WAS technically supposed to be supervising the event — or at least, to keep the citizens from trashing the church grounds. But after a few years of this, he’d learned that no one was really a threat until the started drinking. And even then, he trusted the people of the town. So he didn’t mind mingling in between the stalls, Gabriel was shocked when a young woman actually approached him. It took him a moment to actually process her words. “oh um— of course. Are you sure I won’t cramp your style though?” He asked, offering a sheepish grin.

[hosannagabriel]

i’ll be getting to the rest of my replies tomorrow morning ! Sadly I’m totally wiped tonight ! ( && the threads are getting so good too? woe is me )