𝐋𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐈𝐏.

[nevermindcrs]

#𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐂𝐑𝐒. pri. roleplay account for sedonaroleplay.

𝐦𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞. introduction. visuals. interactions. character study. asks.

𝐨𝐳𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐦. introduction. visuals. interactions. character study. asks.

𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬. introduction. visuals. interactions. character study. asks.

[nextchaptcrs]

Elliott: I mean, we have those leaked audios... Anyway, all I know it's everyhing's been awfully quiet ever since the last police report. So maybe you're right and whoever did this is pissed 'cause it backfired. Elliott: I think both? I was suposed to take the book with me to get her an extension so she'd have the time to finish, but it totally slipped my mind. Elliott: That's good to know. I know we don't know each other that well, but I feel like you deserve the kindness. It might not seem that much like it right now considering what happened, but I promise Sedona has a lot of it to offer.

[nevermindcrs]

miriam: you didn't think those were convenient? i'm not saying they weren't authentic. we know that they were, but seriously? they'd have to be the dumbest criminals on earth to make those verbal threats and then follow through on them. miriam: well then, i guess she's lucky that you can make things happen. it's good to know that there are still kids interesting in reading. i thought it was all about tablets and phones these days. miriam: i've seen a bit of what it has to offer. it's helped having the business to help me settle in. i've met a lot of good people so far because of it. i feel lucky in a way.

[sunsetfumes]

somehow his blues roaming the length of her, following every dip and curve of her figure, dusted pink across her cheekbones and her skin felt warm. paige didn't shy away, the feeling of this man she loved admiring her made her feel right. "thank ya, let's hope i don't crack an ankle or bust my head tonight," she joked, lifting her leg a little and wiggling her foot to show the heel.

when he finally moved into her, one hand took the flowers and the other wrapped around the top of his shoulders, her fingers immediately curling into the hair at the nape of his neck. "i missed ya more." in her heels she was a little taller, closer to his face, within better reach of snagging his lips. but he'd pulled back a bit before she could steal a kiss and indicated the flowers she hadn't exactly ignored just had made them secondary to him.

bright blue swept over the beautiful arrangement and she leaned in to smell them. "i've not seen these kind before. they're gorgeous, babe. thank ya." her gaze had shifted back to him and she was about to try and kiss him again but then he'd suggested water. pop pop would know how to take care of them best with his green thumb, but the blonde nodded. "i don't think i got a vase. uhh...would a drinkin' glass work for now? i'll get somethin' for 'em tomorrow." then finally his mouth was hers and his kiss was met with a needy return. even when he'd pulled back after a few moments she'd chased his lips and stole another. "i'm pretty sure i'm the one the won the lottery here," she grinned against his mouth and let her hand drop from his neck to his backside to squeeze a handful before pulling away.

first she sounded into the kitchen and grabbed a large glass from the cupboard, the filled it with water, and as she was placing the flowers into it she asked, "so where'd ya say we're goin'?" turned away from the sink she set the flowers in the middle of the dining table smiled at them, happier than she was sure she'd ever felt and moved back to the man responsible for that. "ready, just gotta grab my purse," she nodded to the entry table by the door where she'd set it earlier. rather than move her arms wrapped around him and she planted another kiss on him. "i love you."

[nevermindcrs]

on any given day, she was the most beautiful person any space. "good thing i'll be around to make sure that doesn't happen." he chuckled sweetly, his blues falling to the playful shake of her foot. he didn't rush his gaze upward. instead, it climbed back up the length of her slowly, like he feared missing something if he moved too quickly. "i like them, but if your feet start to hurt... i'll carry them, and i'll carry you too," he promised, only managing to speak once his eyes had reached hers again.

the firefighter groaned softly and shook his head, feeling drunk on her mouth even after he'd pulled away. "not possible." he was certain of that. he'd spent the better half of his time getting ready staring at his phone. he'd been tempted to call, to ask if he could finish up at her place, but he'd used every ounce of restraint he had to stay put. this was special for them, another first, and he wanted to do it right.

his heart soared at her approval. he'd walked around the entire shop, nodding with a big smile as the florist showed him different options. when his eyes had landed on the ones he'd picked, something tugged at him, and he'd made a choice. "the florist told me that they're a symbol of love and affection." he wiggled his brows. "pretty flowers for a pretty girl." he didn't care if it sounded cheesy. that was the price he'd pay to see the upwards curve on her mouth. "don't worry about it. i'll bring one by. i think a glass with be just fine for the night." he groaned quietly against her mouth and leaned in when she chased him for another stolen kiss. he would never get enough of her and he'd never stop trying either. "guess we're both rich in the way that counts." he considered chasing her for another kiss, but he bit into his bottom lip and watched as she peeled herself from his side.

maverick hovered at the edge of the kitchen, watching as she readied a glass for the flowers to rest in until they replaced it with a proper vase. he smiled, because there was something so paige about the whole thing. "barrel and bone. i read that they have curated wine list?" he wasn't even really sure what that meant, but it was the recommended spot for date nights out and about.

tracking her movements toward him his smile grew impossibly wide until it disappeared against her mouth. he breathed her in, his eyes still closed. "i love you," he muttered low and sweet, each syllable dripping off his tongue like honey. he lingered in her space for a little longer before he straightened enough to look down at her. staring back at him was an incredible woman. "you sure you're up for this?" as he asked, his eyes searching hers. he'd considered places closer, but they'd worked out a solution and he'd agreed to riding passenger. "i'm only asking once. i promise i won't bug you about it. i just want to make sure, p."

[danielaxherrera]

His question pulled a smile from her. "For someone that knows what they are doing, it's easy." While Daniela preferred to remain humble in the kitchen, not bragging about her skills in the ways that others had for her, she couldn't help but state that fact. Her eyes moved to the clock on the wall, noting how late it was. Yet, Ozan had sparked inspiration. The kind that ignited the already burning low fire she always had. It had been low, needing kindling and Ozan had given her just that.

"I can have it ready in about an hour with your help." The baking took up majority of that time, which they couldn't change with two people. However, the prep would be easy enough to split between the two of them, even with his lack of experience. "As long as you're willing to learn, that's what matters." Daniela looked to him, "Have that much time or do we need to rain check?"

[nevermindcrs]

ozan breathed an amused sound, the subtle smile on his mouth stretching just a little wider. "so, for someone like yourself it's easy." he could've guessed that much based on the confidence she radiated. he followed her gaze to the clock, but he wasn't going to say no if she was willing to give it a try. however, he next comment pulled his eyes back to her. "with my help?" this time, when he laughed, it was a little bit louder, because him? helped? clearly she didn't know much about him.

"i've been told i'm a quick learner when i'm not being a stubborn pain in the ass." he could practically hear nadia's voice saying such, but he shook off the memory of her teasing and chose to focus on the current moment and the company he was still getting to know. "no, i've got the time." he stood a little taller and met her gaze when she dared to look up at him. "alright, chef. tell me where to start."

[nevermindcrs]

[omarixwatkins]

Something about what he said stood out to Omari. Fifteen whole years and the guy was calling it home. "How long in did it take you to realize it was home?" Omari found himself asking, the answer raising more questions for himself. Maverick's explanation gave him pause, something that felt worth remembering. He wasn't sure that he knew what was best for himself, not sure if he ever knew that. Yet, maybe Sedona would be the place that would give him the direction to find out what was best for himself. "Thanks, man." Omari's thoughts lingered longer than expected. It sounded promising, building a life here, that was. "I guess we will just have to see where the winds take me."

[nevermindcrs]

"honestly?" he paused to think about it. a few weeks in, he'd known that maybe it was the place for him. by a few months, he'd known that for certain. "it took a couple of weeks for me to realize that i wanted to stay. by a couple of months, i knew it was home." he'd made friends, some that felt more like family, he'd built a career for himself that had potential. it didn't matter if he'd skipped college, or if he didn't have any security blankets to fall back on. he'd made a life for himself, and sedona had made it easier for him. "don't mention it." mav nodded, his smile wide and pointed at the other. he couldn't tell him what to do, or how to feel, but he could be there whenever omari figured it out. "well, if you ever need any help, or if the wind decides to keep you right here in sedona, then i'll always be too."

[sunsetfumes]

standing before the full length mirror on the back of her bedroom door, yet to step into the heels her feet and ankles were not accustomed to, paige's bright blue eyes took in the figure hugging little black dress she'd bought for this night. miriam had told her the off the shoulder cut was a nice touch, exposing her collarbones to the man that had already seen every inch of her. the blonde had straightened her wavy hair and styled it in old hollywood glam way that had felt right for the occasion.

pop pop was gone for the night, an event at the retirement home where some of his longtime friends now resided had perfectly aligned with the plans maverick had made for them on this first date. she was nervous and felt silly for it. would he like her dress? the style of her hair? what if she wobbled on an ankle trying to walk in these heels? but when the door sounded with a knock paige hadn't had much further time to fuss over things and slipped her feet into the matching black heels.

"i'm comin'," she hollered at the door upon exiting her room, heels sounding on the floor with each step. it was strange but excitement had begun to lick at her. just before she opened up paige smoothed her hands down her sides and took a breath, the dress wasn't revealing yet it clung to her shape. fingers fixed her hair just right and then reached for the knob, revealing a sight that left her mouth open, eyes wide, and her heart hammering in her chest.

"holy shit," she finally breathed, half laughed, still stunned. "wow...you look..." the blue of his shirt made his ocean eyes shine brighter, and the fit of his slacks and shirt were something her eyes kept roaming up and down. "hi, baby," paige eventually said, her hand going to her chest were she thought her heart might beat right out of it. "you're so fuckin' handsome. c'mere," she extended her arms to him.

[nevermindcrs]

her voice made his heart stutter beneath his ribs. he listened for distant sound of foot falls from the other side of the door, but all he could hear was the pounding between his temples. his grip tightened around the bouquet of color when he heard the familiar turn of the doorknob and the soft creak of the door.

maverick met her big blues first, and then his eyes slowly trailed down the full length of her. he registered that she was speaking, but he couldn't make out the words. he traced every inch of her, the way the black material clung to her curves, the way her blonde hair spilled over her bare shoulders. when he reached her blues again, his smile was so wide that his cheeks ached.

"you look stunning." he chuckled quietly to himself, his gaze falling down the length of her again before inevitably rising. "hey, gorgeous." the firefighter felt a rush of color bloom at his cheeks, her compliments landing just right. he'd have to thank all those who'd helped him later, but for now, all he could think about was her.

nodding, he held the flowers out in one hand and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her smaller frame against his chest. "i missed you," he breathed against her skin, his lips brushing against her temple. "these are for you," he added, pulling back just enough for her to take in the various colors. "we should get these in some water and then we can head out if you're ready?" he pulled back a little more to get a better look at her and like the greedy man he'd become, he leaned down and captured her mouth in a kiss meant to relay just how happy he was to be there. after a few moments, he pulled back, his smile widening again. "seriously... how the hell did i get so lucky?"

[sunbleachcd]

The woman's heart began to race as her friend spoke, neither confirming nor denying her biggest fears. It wasn't that Will wasn't allowed to struggle. Sobriety was never a straight or simple path forward, and yet, for the first time in a long time, Summer had wanted to believe that it could be. She wanted to believe that she hadn't fooled herself into thinking that things could be different this time around.

As they turned into Rosie's Diner, Summer pulled into the closest parking space and rested her head against the steering wheel the second she could shift the gear into park. "I really don't want you to think I'm being dramatic. I get it... everyone was going through a lot in those first few days, and if he was with you... at least I know that he was safe, but..." Lifting her head, Summer locked her eyes on the building ahead, feeling herself begin to disassociate as all feelings of hunger left her body. Instead, all she felt was nauseous.

"Before the fire, we... had a moment. Or maybe a few moments where I felt hopeful. You know I've tried to keep my distance, but I went back to the apartment to grab some things and before I knew it, we were kissing and I... agreed to spend the night. One night where I allowed myself to forget, and pretend everything was normal."

[nevermindcrs]

maverick hated the silence that filled the space between them. it couldn't have lasted any longer than a couple of minutes from the light to the parking spot, but it'd felt like a lifetime. he pressed the release of his seatbelt and shifted, angling himself toward the mess of blonde that draped over her shoulders as she leaned into the steering wheel. he watched her with knitted brows, weighted worry behind his gaze.

"you aren't being dramatic and even if you were... i think you've more than earned it." he didn't mean it as a dig toward will, but he knew that the man had put her through hell and back. it wasn't entirely his fault, but there was no denying that his struggles had left left a nasty mark.

he kept his gaze on her, even as she stared forward. "hey," he called gently, willing her to look at him. if she didn't, he wouldn't push again. "you're allowed to have those moments together. doesn't mean you failed, or that you did something you shouldn't have." as much as he cared for will, he hated what the man had done to her. "what you two are going through... it's tough. and as much as i try to keep out of it..." he paused, wondering if maybe he should shut up or backtrack.

"look, i gotta be honest, okay? i have a lot of love for will. i know he's a good guy and i know that you know that too." there was no second guessing that much. he pulled in another breath and cleared his throat, ridding the nerves that had risen. "i'd tell you if i was really worried about him. i promised to keep things separated between you two, but if it got bad... i would tell you. i don't know if that makes me a bad friend. maybe," he exhaled, working the problem out aloud. even if it did, she deserved that level of honesty. "but i care about you too, mer and i won't stand around and stay quiet if it gets to that point again."

[sunsetfumes]

"i am looking at you and i said what i said," she chuckled softly, but he was rather sweet and innocent. it was a demeanor they shared in common, though her friend had more menacing moments than she did. "you're welcome to come over any night i'm off and cook. one, we'd get to hang out. two, i'd get a break from the kitchen and coming up with ideas." she had a similar problem as she was solo, living alone in her small house rather than with a roommate or either of her siblings. it wasn't difficult for her to cook for one, for mia it was more about the effort. "well maybe you're just different around the boys than you are me," she laughed lightly. "i don't know," the brunette shrugged, "it's not really a putdown it's just knowing myself well."

for maverick to share that he wanted any of his spare time to go to this girl he was telling her about conveyed, at least to her, how serious this connection might be for him. like any lonely person avoiding too much of the quiet he threw himself into work and whatever kept him busy. he sacrificed himself time and time again for the sake and needs of others but maybe that was now shifting a bit. was he feeling the return for the first time? "it's that and not wanting to miss out on quality time. someday we're gonna be old and looking back on your life do you really want to see all the times you took an extra shift?" brow arched, the question was more about making a point rather than getting an answer. if anything maverick had his time with daniela to draw on and how she'd dedicated herself to her work rather than building with him, and she knew he hadn't forgotten how that'd made him feel. it was so cute and sweet to see him grinning like he was as he talked about this woman. "she's pretty?" he'd said it, but mia felt he might want to repeat it. "if she's making you smile like that? i already do like her."

a smile curved her expression as she watched him add a little more heat to the sauce. the smell of it simmering was fantastic and mia put a hand on her stomach to stifle the grumbling. "oh," was all she said in response to the accident comment and nodded her head once in understanding. "you'd learn to ride a motorcycle just to make things easier for her?" now she was grinning. "that's actually so freaking sweet." at his question she nodded and thought he might even have fun with it, learning to ride. as someone who ventured off on mini roadtrips she could see all the scenic routes he could even take once he'd learned. "of course. you can do anything you set your mind to." but she moved around the island to sit. "alright lets see this plating..."

while she watched and felt a bubble of excitement for her friend, mia's thoughts ventured a little to her encounter with nathan. she had her own personal reasons to be nervous and hopeful. she nodded for more sauce but held up her fingers in a pinch to show just a little more. when it was all put together her eyes swept the plates and then up to maverick. "wonderful. it smells so good too. can't wait, come on," she pulled at the seat next to hers, "let's eat. and you can gush some more if you want. we're in girl talk territory now."

[nevermindcrs]

"i maintain my innocence." the guilty grin he wore didn't fade, and neither did the glimmer of playful trouble that danced behind his deep blues. "you sure you want me messing with your fancy knives?" mav nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on her from across the island. joking or not, he'd take her up on the offer, because he liked being in the kitchen if it wasn't his own. he liked to keep things impossibly light at the firehouse, because so much of what they did was rooted in darkness and loss. "i think they're just assholes, but hey... what the hell do i know?" he was kidding, of course, because he'd defend every member of the crew until his last breath. they'd all been through too much together not to have forged such a bond. "it's nice to know yourself. i don't think people understand how difficult that can be."

thirty-five wasn't much of a milestone, but it felt like one to him. he'd spent years being complacent with the world and what it offered him, never taking more or questioning what landed at his feet. he spent his time helping others, ensuring they saw the best in themselves and in the world around them. "no, i don't want to look back and wonder about any of it." he wasn't the rearview type of person. he preferred his focus on the present, because he'd spent too much time looking back at memories he couldn't change. no, what he wanted now was to make a better future for himself, to fill the voids he'd let sit for so many years. "stunning," he nodded, his smile deepening as he thought about everything he liked about paige. her eyes, her smile, her body. "she's real funny. always making me laugh," he continued on, thankful for the other's support on the matter. as one of dani's friends, he'd wondered how she'd feel, but they'd forged their own friendship too, and he'd trusted in that.

maverick pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and shrugged. "sure. i mean, can't be that hard, right? plus, if it means it'd make her life easier... i'd be sort of crazy not to try." he sounded more confident than he felt, but that was the thing about caring for someone as much as he cared for paige. he'd go out of his comfort zone, even if he knew she'd never ask him to. "i can be sweetheart from time to time," he teased, though it was more often than not. by making the lives of others easier, he felt better about his own. "one thing at a time." his brows shot upward and he forced out a steadying breath. "take it easy on me, alright? i'm still learning."

with the adjustments made and the plates settled in their respective spots, maverick joined her in the seat she'd pulled at for him. once seated, he stole a drink from his glass and turned toward her slightly. "girl talk territory?" he chuckled to himself, and turned away long enough to steal a bite from his plate. it was hot, but he blew out breaths and turned back toward her after he'd swallowed a big bite. "i'll tell you everything you want to know, but you have to tell me a little something too. come on, how are things? how's nathan?" he tried to meet her gaze when the man's name rolled off his tongue. he couldn't help himself from asking about their mutual connection, just like he couldn't help the way he studied her, looking for any subtle tells.

[physzics]

[nevermindcrs]

for fifteen years, maverick had dedicated his life to the firehouse. within those years, he could count on both hands the amount of times they'd received big calls in the dead of the night, each member of the crew pulled from their bunks. he never forgot the things that had waited for them on scene. then there was the core memory from his childhood when he'd watched his father sink to his knees, and then again when child services came knocking. "i've never had much good come from the quiet." that was something he knew she understood. life hadn't been too kind to her either. everything she'd shared with him had been stored away in a box within his mind. he felt for her, but more than anything, it was the understanding they shared that meant the most. "you know... great." the childhood jingle made his grin stretch wider. how many times had tony the tiger called out to him on the box television? too many times.

"do you have a favorite thing i call you?" he hadn't thought much about it until she'd asked him. he shuffled through nicknames with her, only using her full name when he wanted to know that he was being serious. "good. i like both. pretty sure i'd like anything you called me." he nodded, eager and pleased by the idea of her saying it on repeat. his blues shifted down to her mouth before raising back to meet hers. "please do." the words were mumbled against her mouth, quiet and raspy off his tongue. he wanted to kiss her over and over again, stand there until the sun greeted the both of them, but another part of him wanted to get her home and into the bedroom where it'd all started. "you already are giving me everything." her time was more than enough, but her kisses, the soft stories shared in the quiet moments of the night, and all the time they spent together doing everything and nothing at all. that was everything to him. she was everything to him. "hey," he called out softly, waiting until she looked at him again before he spoke. "i'm not going to be the person who lets you down. i've got you, paige."

wanting something for himself and expressing such were two different things. as every word was breathed into the night air, he wondered if it was enough, it any of it made sense or if he was talking himself in circles. his eyes went a little wider when she called his name, her voice steadying the rise of panic that clawed beneath his ribs. he wanted to do this right, wanted to tell her just how much he wanted her. he watched her closely and waited, nodding slowly as she tried to piece together words of her own. he didn't dare rush them from her, he simply hovered, watching her while he tried his damnedest to control the rise and fall of his chest. the pace of his nodding quickened by a few beats as he watched her. he wanted that too, and that was the very thing he was trying to put out there. he wanted her... to be with her. he started to speak, but he forced himself to stay quiet, to allow her the chance to finish. he chuckled quietly when she kicked at the pavement, because it was such a paige move, but the amused look faded back into the focused, hopeful stare he'd been giving her. no part of him wanted to look elsewhere, or to think of anyone else. "i know," he chimed in, but fell silent when she began speaking again. there was so much he wanted to say, so much that he wanted to give her in return, but eh waited until she'd finished. "i don't want to be with anyone else, paige. when i said i want you, whatever you'll give me... that's what i was getting at."

the firefighter reached out to her, his hands falling gently against her cheeks, his thumbs swiping slowly at her skin, his eyes on hers. he knew the tears building behind his own blues had fallen, the wetness streaking his cheeks. "i want to be your partner. i think we'd make a damn good team," he mumbled quietly, his bleary eyed gaze glued to her. "you already give me so much. waking up with you is the best part of my day and getting to come by and see you at the end of that same day... it's my favorite way to spend it." a small smile crept onto his mouth as he looked at her, at the woman that he'd met by chance, and now couldn't imagine his life without. "i got you. i'll always have you." maverick dropped his hands from her face and pulled her into his chest. he hugged her tightly and pressed a firm kiss into the crown of her head. "it's you and me, paige."

at the age of twenty, he'd been willing to believe anything. how was he to know that his crew mates would bring him into the fold in such a way? as he told the story, the way she looked at him made his head spin, but he continued on without missing a beat. he liked being looked at like that, like what he said mattered, even if it was nothing more than a silly story from his past. "they spent about a week doing the prank calls. it was the last one that gave them away though. it was way too over the top and they couldn't hold it together when i came into the bay looking for help." they'd tried again after that, but they always laughed while trying to get into character because they remembered how he'd responded to that one call he'd told her about. "both seems like the best answer, so i'm glad you agree." he wasn't going to shy away from her. he wanted everyone to know that they were together, that maverick malone, resident loner, was no longer alone. "all i care about is us. besides, we've got some time to make up. three years of it, i think," he teased, brows wiggling as he grinned down at her.

"so, what i'm hearing is... we both have some encouraging to do. unless you think i shouldn't say anything? i don't want to get in the middle of it or anything, but he's a good guy, and if she's into him?" he shrugged, thinking of what tyler would do if the roles were reversed. he thought of will and summer too, but he'd taken a hands off approach to their marriage, and had instead opted to care for them separately. he looked to her like he was hoping for an answer. she knew her friend, and they both knew tyler. if it was better to let them figure it out for themselves, he'd let them. "then i guess we better get moving." he wanted to peel off her layers and his too, and he wanted to feel her skin pressed into his. two long days without her had been torture. "i think that might be the solution to all arguments. can't be mad if your focus is somewhere else." despite the joke, maverick knew that they operated on the same wavelength. if there was an ever issue, talking about it was the only way they'd get through it. after the talking, that's when they'd let their bodies handle the rest. he felt a familiar tug low in his belly and he snickered. "sounds like it's a win-win situation for the both of us."

maverick cupped a hand over his mouth to stifle the loud laughter that threatened to spill into the night air. he nodded, recognizing that they had to be quiet. his other hand stayed firm against her backside, greedy and claiming in the way it gripped her. "i'll be by your side most of the time, but you can't blame me for wanting to follow behind every now and again." he was playing with fire, but any bit of tiredness he'd felt earlier in the evening had burned out, replaced by his need for her. he groaned quietly when she yelped, chuckled raspily when she nipped at his chest. "that was the plan, baby," he muttered lowly, voice weighted with want and desire.

maverick shook his head slowly, deep blues lit with amusement. his line of sight fell to the way she bit into her bottom lip. he watched her work it between her a teeth for a few beats, and then he shifted to rid himself of everything except for the black briefs that clung to the round of his backside and left little to the imagination of where his mind was. "that's all you." her body was perfect, every inch sculpted just right. it was hard for him to pick what he liked best, but he chose to leave no part unappreciated. "just waiting for you to catch up," he teased, the anticipation of her shedding each layer enough to drive him mad. her gentle touch brought his gaze to hers. his smile softened and he took in the way she looked at him. his heart thudded wickedly against his ribs, his pulse hammering at his temples so loud that he'd nearly missed the three quiet words she'd delivered.

tears welled in his eyes and he replayed her voice in his head over and over again. for three years, he'd gotten to know her. he'd seen her during her highs, and he'd been there with her during the lows. she'd shared pieces of herself with him and she'd listened while he did the same. "paige," he breathed, his voice cracking. "i love you. i love you. i love you," he echoed, leaning down to press his forehead into hers. his eyes fell closed and tears rolled down his flushed cheeks. "i love you," he muttered again, his lips brushing hers between every syllable.

[sunsetfumes]

the lack of an answer unsettled paige at first, they’d always been open with each other. there’d been years of late night talks where walls seemed to come down and they connected on things each other could understand. in ways she wished he hadn’t had to know. that was when it dawned on her and the blonde nodded with her slow understanding. “i’m sorry,” her voice soft as she rubbed his arm. they were walking home, about to spend the night together after 48 hours apart, paige didn’t want to think about what haunted in the quiet. so when he did that little jingle from that cereal commercial, pulled way back from their childhood, she laughed.

her immediate answer was halted before it rushed off her tongue, because it wasn’t what maverick had asked. she’d love if he called her babe or baby, but she couldn’t prompt that. that was something that should come naturally if it ever did. thinking about it there was only two things he did call her and a smile easily came to her. “it’s cute when ya call me p. i love it. the sound of my full name on your lips?” her hand went to her chest and her fingers tapped like a heartbeat. “it’s powerful.” and he seemed to use it when he really wanted her attention, which worked every time. not wanting to interrupt the kisses the blonde nodded against the firefighter’s mouth, confirming that she would. it didn’t really matter where they were, if she were in his arms and they were kissing, then paige was in her happy place. thought it’d be even better when they got home and into bed. “hopefully that everythin’ is what ya want.” it wasn’t said with doubt but more so to confirm her intentions. when he called out, bright blues snapped to his and she nodded. “i know ya do, babe.”

becoming a rambling mess when she was saying or asking one of the more important things she ever had in her life wasn’t how she’d wanted that to play out. as always, maverick was patient with her, letting her get it out in her own way rather than rush in, but when he confirmed he wanted to be with her and no one else, the blonde exhaled in a shaky cry of relief. “i know. i think,” she chuckled a little through the weight of her emotions, “i guess i just had to throw a shit ton of words at it and hope that it made sense and somethin’ stuck.” what she meant was that she needed it absolutely clear, but then both of them kind of beat around the bush until they eventually got to the clearing. 

being pulled into him was comforting and immediately soothing given that she’d become a raw nerve trying to get that out to him. to ask this man wiping her tears away to be her partner. “baby, you’re cryin’,” she said softly, having looked up and seen the trails of tears marking his cheeks. before she reached up to wipe his cheeks gently with her fingers, her arms wrapped around him gave him a good squeeze. “that’s my favorite way to spend it. each day. and then i try to get as much of ya in-between because i can’t help but be greedy with ya.” this moment, how far they’d come in three years and change was proof to her that something beautiful could come from something bad. “you and me, maverick,” the dealer confirmed, pressed into his chest and under his kiss.

whether he was launching into a story, any story, or reciting the grocery list paige tended to look at him with awe. everything that came out of his mouth was worth listening to, because to her every little thing he said mattered. the firehouse hazing story was amusing though and there was a light in her eyes as he shared. it was great that he had a place and a job he loved so much and loved him back. it made her happy. “wow a whole week? babe…” before she laughed there was a light scolding her tone, teasing him. “so is it somethin’ ya do now to any of the newbies? are ya apart of giving the new fella or gal a hard time?” she figured so because maverick was funny, liked to have a good time and joke about, but paige also knew he was likely the easiest on the new person. it filled her up, warmed her from the inside out that them being together was going to be loud, unabashed, and in everyone’s faces. she wanted to be able to show off this amazing person, but she also didn’t want to have to behave in public. “same. us is all that matters to me. oh? yeah, i think you’re right…maybe we better get started tonight because three years is a helluva long time.” somewhere in the back of her mind she would be wondering why she took so long to get here, but then again, knowing what they knew of each other, it made sense. as his brow wiggled suggestively paige went onto her toes and nipped at his lips.

“nah, say somethin’. i dunno about ya but miri nudged me, encouraged me to tell ya how i feel because what if ya felt the same but were strugglin’ like me with how to say it. maybe they need the same favor from us?” realistically, the blonde didn’t know tyler the way that maverick did. the guys were much closer so he’d know a little better how to move with the tattoo artist, but she understood that tyler wasn’t shy and was the type to go after what he wanted. that just made her curious on why he wasn’t moving like she thought. she nodded, they really did need to move along but they didn’t pull away from each other just yet enough to carry on to the house. “see? we just have the best solutions to everythin’,” she grinned, smug, and shrugged. and now she really wanted to get home with him because her thoughts were going sideways.

it almost felt silly how much paige loved having his hands on her, but she couldn’t help it. the way maverick gripped her backside so selfishly was such a huge turn on for her and it was all the blonde could do to continue to behave on the doorstep. the bedroom was so close yet so far away. “i mean ya could just hold me like this walkin’ beside me, couldn’t ya?” but she knew it was the visual as well that he was meaning. her hand reached out and poked at the bulge in the front of his jeans, “does somebody wanna play with me?” it was her turn to wiggle her brow suggestively. then he went ahead and made the sounds he did and it was all she could do to keep from jumping him right there on the front porch. “oh, fuck. baby, say that again.” he’d called her baby for the first time and paige lost it, she jumped onto him and kissed him hard.

with him standing right before her with nothing but those boxers on, which couldn’t hold back his want for her, paige chose to pause and admire him. “nope. look at ya. fuck, you’re perfect.” it was hard to hold off on trying to get every part of his body on hers, but she managed and when he closed the distance between them her hands went to his chiseled abdomen and moved up to his rock hard chest. biting her lip the entire journey. “i want ya to undress me. i like it when ya get impatient and take over when ya think i’m goin’ too slow.” which, sometimes she did on purpose. before either of them could get to her clothes though, something else came over her.

those three words had felt like a long time coming and they’d felt so right in saying them to him that she didn’t shy one bit. her heart knew this man, knew the heart within him. “maverick,” she returned his name and heard the emotion crack his voice. the reaction to him saying ‘i love you’ nearly made her pass out with the rush of warmth all over her entire body. her head felt light and dizzy and if he hadn’t been holding onto her then her knees might’ve buckled underneath her. “i love you,” she told him again. “i love you,” again, and that time sealed with a kiss. her mouth moved from his after a moment and her lips pressed to his cheekbones to kiss his tears. one side, then the next. “i love you,” paige said softly against his cheek, “c’mere.” another kiss before she pulled maverick along with her as she backed to the bed. “let’s make love.”

[nevermindcrs]

END SCENE.

[nevermindcrs]

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐭 ( @sunsetfumes ) — 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐞'𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 !

how many times had he looked at himself in the full length mirror? his outfit had gone through several channels of approval and still, he looked at himself and wondered if it was enough. the dark khaki slacks he'd purchased hugged him in all the right ways, and the plain shirt did too. he'd tamed the curls atop his head and he'd allowed the stubble to remain peppered across his jawline and chin, just like paige liked.

they'd seen one another a thousand times, but this? this was their first date. this was something they'd both remember for years to come. when he'd finally gotten himself out of his apartment, he stopped by the flower shop and spent another fifteen minutes trying to compare bouquets. thankfully, he still had nearly an hour to spare. after a long conversation with the florist, he settled on a bright mix of colors. it was only after that the florist explained the meaning behind them, and maverick's confidence in his choice only bloomed.

the short ride to her place was spent bouncing between eager excitement and flutters of nervousness. when he threw his truck into park, he gripped the wheel tightly and blew out a breath. the firefighter grabbed the flowers from the passenger seat, his heart thundering against his ribcage, each beat a little harder than the last. by the time he reached the door, he was certain she'd be able to hear it too.

maverick knocked two times and waited, his bottom lip tucked between his teeth. he could've walked in, could've announced himself, but this was different. so, against every single tug of impatience, he waited.

[nevermindcrs]

"sure, it counts, but i don't know if that's enough." it was difficult for him to wrangle when he replayed the devastation on the faces of everyone that had seen what happened at the chapel. it made his stomach twist into knots, because as kind as they'd been about what the fire crew did, he could still see the disappoint in their eyes. "you know what's best for that place. i don't know why he can't let go and let you lead." when she put it like that, he couldn't argue it. he followed her gaze to the runway and nodded slowly, willing himself to understand. "it's hard not to."

[danielaxherrera]

His answer hadn't be entirely surprising. There were only so many things that Daniela could say to help ease the mind of Maverick. Once, she might have had better luck but as the moment settled around them, Daniela was left with the impression she was no longer the best person for the job. Maverick's observation lingered. "You'd think." Daniela's tone was flat as she looked out ahead, chewing on her bottom lip. The thought stuck with her, as it often did. "Maybe one of these days." An airplane's engine hummed loudly on the runaway, suddenly becoming more interesting to her than discussing why her father wasn't letting her lead. "Thanks for this, Maverick. It's been nice."

END.

[nevermindcrs]

END THREAD.

[kirazturan]

"I just thought that there were chocolate and strawberry but now you're making me wonder how far you can go." It all sounded pretty good. Raspberry, blueberry, perhaps there could be something like peanut butter cup, too. Did that mean she needed to go out of her way and create it herself, most definitely not. "You must really like cheesecake. Do they sell individual portions or were you out there purchasing whole cakes for yourself?" There was no judgement, mere intrigue. Frankly, she'd done worse with her big girl money multiple times in her life.

Her head tilted and she smiled slightly. "Somehow I can't see you being persuative. I think you're the rationale kind which is good but I don't always.... receive that well. I need more the aggressive type." The one who would order her to shut the car to ensure she didn't go anywhere. "Let's do next week." Sooner so she wouldn't back out and long enough that maybe she felt like she could if she wanted to. "Next friday?"

[nevermindcrs]

"give me a full day and i'll show you." he looked at her with a challenging tug at one of his brows, one corner of his mouth pulled higher than the other. he wasn't one to crave sweets, but cheesecake was an exception. "feels like there's a little bit of judgement there," he taunted, eyes rolling playfully. "depended on how much money i had. if i saved up, i'd get whole cheesecakes." he'd mow lawns and volunteer himself for task that came with a couple of dollars as payment. sometimes the only thing he could afford was a single slice or two. other times, he'd happily hand over his hard earned funds in exchange for his favorite treat. "now i'm wondering if that bakery still exists. if it does, and you ever find yourself in san jose... you have to try it for yourself."

maverick released a surprised chuckle and nodded. "i think i'd surprise you. just because i took a different approach back then, doesn't mean i haven't learned." he countered her lightly, but truth was, he'd learned a lot about her during the times she'd pushed away his offer for help. he was the learning type, after all. "next friday it is." he'd have to double check that he wasn't on shift, but seeing as her agreeing to something was an every day occasion, maybe he'd get it covered if he was.

[fromdvsk]

"Can't argue with you there." Jake agreed with a frustrated sigh. Sedona didn't need a bunch of out-of-town developers coming in looking to make a quick buck. What it needed was its' own people coming together and figuring out the best way to help it flourish. "If we could just get over this pro development vs pro preservation debate and focus instead on what the town truly needs, we'd be a whole heck of a lot better off."

He smirked at Maverick's response, "Ah yes, because I'd definitely classify fourteen hungry firefighters as a hot date." There was a part of Jake though that couldn't actually say that sounded bad. There was a camaraderie that came with working at a station, he'd experienced it when he and Kiraz first got married, that he hadn't found even working at the hospital. And Jake was glad that Maverick had that. "I'll try not to keep them waiting."

He made a note of something on the form. "Tightness from time to time, huh?" He repeated, moving to Maverick's left side. He'd caught it, the barely there clenching of Mav's jaw on the forward roll, the way the backward one had shifted something in his expression for just a fraction of a second before he'd smoothed it over.

He placed one hand lightly on Maverick's shoulder, the other supporting his elbow. "I'm going to move your arm for you this time. Don't help me, don't resist. Just let it go." He began guiding the man's arm slowly, first forward, then gently rotating it outward, watching Maverick's face more than the arm itself. Then he lifted it, slow and steady, rotating it inward across his body.

He stopped just before the apex of the movement, not because Maverick's arm had run out of range, but because he could feel it. The subtle resistance. The way the joint just didn't want to cooperate the way the right one had. "Does that pinch?" he asked, holding it there. Calmly. Like it was routine. "And before you tell me it's fine, I can feel that it's not..." His voice trailed off, waiting for Maverick's answer, hoping for a real one this time.

[nevermindcrs]

the muscles in his jaw ticked tight. he nodded, rolling the mans counter around in his mind. he had to agree about one thing. the only thing that mattered was what was best for the town. "that's the thing, doc. you can't have both. i'm not saying it can't be done, but look at the chapel. if these big guys don't get what they want, they'll do anything to take it. that means losing all these mom and pop places that have been here for years." roman had promised him that it wouldn't be like that, that he wasn't trying to bring development into sedona to change it. maverick had believed him too, but after the fire, he'd lost all trust that had been built between himself and the developer.

the firefighter huffed a chuckle and shrugged. "hey, maybe my hot date is just one blonde who doesn't like it when i'm late." he flashed a grin toward the other and wiggled his brows. so, maybe that wasn't the case, but he'd thought of paige and how he was eager to swing by her place or the casino to see her. "i appreciate your dedication to a swift cause. promise i'll leave you a green smiley face on that satisfaction survey."

maverick ignored the way the scratching of the pen on paper sounded ten decibels louder than it actually was. this was part of the examination. "yeah, it's not all of the time, but it's enough." he glanced toward jacob and watched as he etched his notes onto the pad. he trusted the doctor as a friend, but more than that, he knew that he was just doing his job.

"you got it." he loosened his body and pulled in a calming breath. he watched jacob's movements, how he was careful, yet firm with the way provided the guidance. a breath caught in mav's throat as the movement became uncomfortable, and he joked it down to speak. "it does." he'd debated on stretching the truth, but his friend had been quick to tell him that it wouldn't matter, because his body was betraying his stubbornness.

mav pulled in another breath, his brows pulling together, his expression rougher, more real than the mask he'd worn since sitting down atop the examination table. "talk to me, jake. is that bad? what's that mean?"

[fromdvsk]

Dre breathed out through his nose, taking a second to take in Maverick's opinion. Since he'd raced to the church at 3am after seeing it ablaze from the roof of Le Rouge, it had been easy to get swept up in the catastrophe of everything. But this was good news and for a moment, the briefest moment, he let that sink in. "That's good to hear," he nodded as if reassuring himself, it truly was good. "I'm sure my father'll be launching fundraising campaigns and the like to get the repairs underway ASAP." It was said with a mirthless chuckle, knowing full well Reverend James Carter didn't know the meaning of 'taking things easy.'

At the firefighter's insistence about getting there ten minutes earlier, Dre sucked in a breath, a pang of guilt hitting him all at once as his thoughts immediately went to the threatening letters his father received a couple weeks ago.

His father had brushed them off. We don't negotiate with fear, Andre. We don't give it that kind of power. And Dre had let him, because he always let him, because disagreeing with Reverend James Carter on matters of faith and principle felt a little like arguing with God himself. But standing here now, looking at the scorched remains of a building his family had poured decades into, Dre felt the full weight of that deference settle on his shoulders.

He blinked, pulling himself back, and cleared his throat. "Don't do that to yourself," he said, and there was a quiet roughness to it, because he was saying it just as much to himself as to Maverick. "You guys got here as fast as you could have. You did everything you could with the time you had."

His hand found the back of his neck, rubbing there once. "Trust me," he added, his voice dropping just slightly, "I know what it feels like to wonder what would've been different if you'd just acted sooner." He left the statement there. Didn't explain yet. But his eyes stayed on the chapel a beat too long to mean nothing.

[nevermindcrs]

the initial reports would cover the response of the crew, but it was what came after that would determine the real damage of the fire. he hated that part the most, because there was something so cynical about walking around the aftermath of a fire, jotting down the details to put into a report that insurance would rake through and tear apart to absolve themselves of any monetary responsibility. "we'll do something too," he assured, speaking for the department like he had any say in what they did. even if it came out of his own pocket, he'd help for the sake of showing support to the family and to the place that meant so much to so many.

maverick allowed the silence to settle between them like a comfort. most days, he would have rushed to feel the void of quiet, but he stole a glance at the other man and knew that it wasn't what the moment called for. he couldn't imagine it, couldn't even begin to think of what it felt like to be staring over the burned and charred building that meant so much to his family. he was allowed to be angry, upset, and anything else that was buzzing within him. it was his emotion to grapple with.

when the other's voice pulled back from his thoughts, he nodded. arguing with dre wasn't going to help matters. it wasn't fair either. "i'm sorry. i shouldn't have said that," he exhaled softly, a small smile of appreciation etched into the subtle curve on either side of his mouth. this wasn't about him, or the station. this was about what still remained, what was left to be rebuilt.

"we did what we could and i know you get that." the firefighter lifted a hand and brushed over his face, his fingers brushing over his stubble and pressing into his mouth. "i'm sorry for what happened here, but this stuff... it brings people together. it doesn't excuse what was lost here, but just know you guys aren't alone in this. you never were, never will be."

[sunsetfumes]

it wasn't uncommon, tyler was used to the gazes of others moving over all that was etched into his skin. sometimes he hoped that it inspired others if they were inclined, like his friend, but mostly he hoped they liked what they saw. not that he'd gotten any piece for anyone other than himself. "nah, historically the hottest month is august. sorry, bro." tyler offered a supportive smile but then laughed a bit at the follow up comment. "oh, you want me right behind you, huh?" the laugh continued but then died down at the accusation and he looked at maverick a little puzzled. "i asked her what month i should be..." and left it at that, continuing on with the destruction around them.

reaching down with his hands tyler pulled some of the wood away from the dresser with a grunt as it splintered and cracked then gave way. when he stood his attention was offered and he shrugged a little with some food for thought. "what if it wasn't the wrong time? knowing your history and hers maybe that time spent building a foundation was purposeful." it sounded right in his head at least and he hoped he conveyed that correctly. "what do you think?" for a moment he studied his friend, a grin stretched across his expression as maverick pointed at him. "it's just that when you wanna be with someone you've got to actually make room for them in your life. not the other way around." saying that, it mean he'd do the same and he'd cut back how much he was at sombra.

"never said there was, buddy." there wasn't a thing he didn't admire about maverick, he genuinely thought he was one of the best people he knew and was never shy or quiet about saying so. especially since his friend rarely gave himself any credit. at the comment about the state of things these days he scrubbed a hand down his face as he sighed and nodded his agreement. he kicked at a fragment of wood to get it out of the way and only contemplated another drink from the green bottle between his fingers. "you know you don't have to," his words were broken up by his amusement, but what was said was real, "i'm always gonna show up for you."

as his friend shared it began to resonate just what he was meaning by it and tyler nodded his understanding, to show that he got it on the deeper level intended. "it's too bad you didn't live out here then," he eventually said, "i saw her often with jake but i'm sure having someone that knew that kind of loss and pain at that age would've done a great deal for her." some memories surfaced of her grandparents sharing their frustrations with his parents of how paige wouldn't talk and seemed so turned in on herself. it only hit tyler now how hard that had to have been as a little five year old. he reached out for his friend's shoulder and gave him a supportive squeeze. "i'm sorry you went through that, mav." he couldn't fathom that kind of grief as he'd not experienced it. but for a child? tyler's head shook before he let emotions get the better of him. "stubborn is an understatement," he chuckled, "she also curses like a sailor and and my poor mother constantly has to cross and bless her." the grin on his face softened and he tipped his head. "seems like it means a lot to you, too."

in a way, tyler considered that getting some of the heavy stuff out first could be a good thing. a weak person would turn away, not wanting to deal with the weight of someone else's baggage, and continuing to show up was a display of intention and grit. "yeah i think i'll invite her over for dinner and cook something. we can hang and get to know each other on a different level maybe. i can get a feel for where she's at and if she might be open to something like a date." he didn't want to overwhelm someone that was dealing with a lot, pulling her time away from her priorities. anything she maybe had to spare though? tyler would take that.

the second green bottle, only a third of the way consumed, was set aside. it was getting easier to drink it but tyler had started thinking ahead. to the after when they tired of this. "yeah and throwing it over and over can really work your arms. that shoulder of yours okay?" he'd seen some favoring of it so the ask was casual. looking over the hole maverick had made with his boot he shrugged, if only to get under his skin and encourage him. "i don't know, güey, i think it could be bigger." the smirk on his lips was soon gone when the hammer went high above his head and came crashing down on the nightstand. with pride he glanced over at maverick, beaming a bit while surveying the damage his friend did. "now that's what i'm talking about," tyler pointed at it, "how do you feel now?" then with a nod of his head and a laugh, "of course. i know my duties on feeding the little gremlin. what're you in the mood for? just holler when you're ready to eat."

[nevermindcrs]

maverick pulled in a thoughtful breath, his brows knitted in mock consideration. "are you sure about that? july seems hotter." he kept a practiced look for as long as he could before inevitably breaking into a boyish chuckle that echoed into the heat of the day. "yeah. i like knowing you have my back. plus, the view you'd get to appreciate?" he rattled it off like he was making a deal and that was the best reason why the other could accept. truth was, he'd do a hundred different calendars if it meant giving money back to the chapel. "guess you asked for it." knowing summer, she'd said something similar to him too. that's just how the blonde was, always teasing and looking for a playful response wherever she could get one.

three years. they'd spent three years getting to know one another. he knew her favorite flavor of ice cream, knew what cereal she preferred. he knew what exhaustion looked like on her, and she knew what it looked like on him too. "i think you're right about that. i know a lot about her, and she knows a lot about me too. i guess we were too caught up in everything to really understand what that meant for us?" ray came first, but their bond had formed naturally, the entangled of themselves happening without either of them realizing it along the way. "that's the thing, man. i want to make time for her. i want her to be in my life and i want to be in hers." if that meant no more doubles, no more covering shifts, then he'd do it and he'd do it a smile on his mouth and warmth beneath his ribs.

even when he couldn't own things about himself, he appreciated the gentle reminders and encouragement that his friends offered. it went far and reached the places within him that triggered a flutter of comfort in his core. that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't all that broken after all. "you're a good guy, tyler." he pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and watched as the male went for another bottle. what he saw was someone that he considered more of a brother than a friend. hell, tyler had done more for him than his older brother ever had and probably ever would. "i'm always going to show up for you too." he knew it went without saying, but his big blues focused in on the other and he'd delivered the reassurance anyway.

"it was lonely," he admitted, shoulder rising in a lousy shrug. "i had this one friend and don't get me wrong, we were... inseparable, but he had his parents. it's not really something that anyone else could understand unless they were in the same situation." to this day, he still kept in close contact with his friend, even if there was a lot of physical distance between them. "it's better late than never, no?" maybe they couldn't turn back time and change how their childhoods played out, but they could make their adult futures whatever they wanted. "no apologies needed, ty. it happened, you know? i feel like it's helped make me who i am today." he smiled softly, letting the other know that he was alright. heavy topic or not, he wasn't a scared little boy any more. the flip back to paige made his smile widen and the commentary pulled a chuckle from deep within his chest. "yeah, she's uh, colorful with her words." he thought of some of the things he'd heard her say over the years another round of laughter quietly rolled off his tongue. "it does. she does."

the firefighter was proud of his friend. he was bolder than maverick in that way, and it made the younger male want to match that energy. "that's a good idea. maybe i'm old fashioned, but i think that's a good way to start. getting to know her, low pressure, food. it doesn't always have to be this big thing. that's what you can plan a date for." he looked encouragingly at the other and nodded slowly in approval. maybe he wasn't the best person to be giving it, but maverick knew firsthand how far support from a good friend could go.

he eyed another bottle, but he didn't reach for it. eventually, he would. "i think it'll be alright, but it's definitely felt better," he chuckled, trying to make light of the dull ache that sat in the joint. he didn't allow himself to slip down the rabbit hole that he fell into during quiet moments. it'd get better. it had to. ocean blues rolled and a loud sigh was forced out of his lungs for nothing more than dramatic effect. "if it makes you happy, then sure. it's bigger than mine." he grinned in a way that felt more coded to his older brother, the kind of curve that read as taunting. after the brief exertion of energy, his chest rising and falling rapidly, he turned back toward tyler and nodded, trying to catch his breath before speaking. "good." he dragged his hand over his forehead and wiped away beads of sweat that threatened to roll down his brows and into his eyes. "you okay if we head out in the next five to ten? now that i'm thinking about food, i can't stop thinking about it. i'm in the mood for salsa. pretty sure that'd solve everything," he half-joked, half-suggested as he stared back at the other. "go ahead and swing that thing all you want. i'll work on another bottle, and then we can head out?"