Reese Eldridge

A Guild Wars 2 Character of the Tarnished Coast Server.

[reese-eldridge]

How open are they with their feelings?

“I always hear tha’ I wear my heart on m’ sleeve. I can’t help but be open ‘bout ‘em. Ain’ really get me anywhere th’ last time, though” He shrugged, chuckling.

[reese-eldridge]

Jealous at all?

“I was. But it was cause sh’ kept me at a distance. It’s over now. Long over. I ain’ like th’ feelin’ of jealousy. It ain’ my style.”

[reese-eldridge]

Favorite date activity?

A dark brow rose and he couldn’t help the crooked smile that dimpled his face, “Ain’ had th’ chance t’ explore a proper date much less had a reason t’ spark ideas. Guess it depends on who I’m wantin’ t’ take out. Ought t’ plan th’ date around th’ woman, ya know?” His hand waved dismissively at the thought, “Won’t be worryin’ bout any dates any time soon.”

[reese-eldridge]

Their ways of expressing their love.

The young Eldridge chuckled and amusement lit up his face as he thought back a few years. “Becker wasn’t th’ type for all them romantic gestures an’ expressin’ feelins’. Girl was downright insultin’ and brash- used it like armor. Acted like she ain’ ever had a kind word said t’ her in her life. I had t’ just b’ frank with her t’ make sure it got through how I felt. Kinda glad I ain’ gotta worry bout all that anymore. Expressin’ yer love shouldn’ be such a damn headache, ya know?” His head shook and his hand combed back the hair that fell around his face. The other ashed his cigarette before putting it back to his mouth for another pull. The smoke billowed out after as he spoke again, the words strained briefly with the deep inhale, “Ain’ had much romantic experience other than ‘er. Reckon I never will wit’ Mason t’ take care of.”

[[ also answered for @thefreelanceangel ! Thanks for the ask. ]]

[reese-eldridge]

Interview with Reese Eldridge

► Name ➔    Reese Eldridge

► Are you single ➔ “Yep.”

► Are you happy ➔   “I’m content. Still adjustin’ t’ some new things.”

► Are you angry? ➔   “Generally? Nah, normally Imma very happy guy. But there is one thing that I tend t’ think about that burns m’ up. Can’ do nothin’ bout it an’ can’t fix it. But it’s knowin’ that ya coulda done things better had ya had th’ chance..  It’s a viscous cycle.”

► Are your parents still married ➔   “Yeah, Happily married. Got all us youngins wantin’ what they got.”

NINE FACTS

► Birth Place ➔ “Our family Ranch in Diessa.”

► Hair Color ➔ “Ma calls it a ‘terra-cotta brown’.”

► Eye Color ➔ “Blue.”

► Birthday ➔ "Plan on buyin’ me somethin’?”

► Mood ➔ “Hmm, a bit numb at th’ moment. Got a lot goin’ on in th’ noggin’..”

► Gender ➔ “Male.”

► Summer or winter ➔ “Both got their charms, really. We always got things t’ keep us busy and entertained round here.”

► Morning or afternoon ➔ “Mornings.  Early Mornin’s. We Eldridge’s rise before dawn and work hard all day.”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love ➔ “Newp. Not anymore.”

► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ “Ain’ gonna say no but ain’ had a reason t’ say yes yet, either..”

► Who ended your last relationship ➔ “She did. She up an’ left.”

► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔ “Nah, it ain’ in me t’ go round breakin’ hearts.”

► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ “Nah, there are scarier things in th’ world. Remember, I was raised by happily married parents. Commitment’s in our blood.”

► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ “Sure have.”

► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ “If’n I do or did, it’s a real good secret cause I ain’ never had an inkling of it.”

► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “How... is that even..? No.”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ “Can I pass? Love an’ lust ain’t done me much good in th’ past. ‘Specially if’n it’s one sided.”

► Cats or Dogs ➔ “I really can’ pick one over th’ other. I live on a ranch, we got animals in all shapes an’ sizes.”

► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ “Had a best friend once. Still got some regular friends. It’s kinda nice havin’ both.”

► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ "When I had someone special, definitely a romantic night in. She wasn’ one for all that romance though.. These days? Neither. Ain’t got much reason for either.”

► Day or night ➔ “Depends on how I’m feelin’. Some moods are better suited for days while others reign th’ nights.”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ “As a kid? Was caught more sneakin’ back in.”

► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “I’ve done both.. it’s an interesting thing fallin’ up stairs.”

► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “Yea, my son. It’s a long story.”

► Wanted to disappear ➔ “Nah, not one t’ run away from my problems.”

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ “Any gal can fake a smile but what’s behind their eyes is a bit tougher t’ hide. Just gotta be observant.”

► Shorter or Taller ➔ “Ain’ gotta preference.”

► Intelligence or Attraction ➔ “Intelligence is very attractive t’ me.”

► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ “Ain’ one tha’ goes out lookin’ for hook-ups. Sometimes they happen and lead t’ a relationship. Happened t’ me once. Only thing good th’ came from it was my son.”

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔ “Surprising, but yes. We’re a large, close knit family. Even more shockin’ is we all work t’gether with our family business. ”

► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “Nah, in most ways I got a life t’ be envied. I ain’ got much t’ complain about.”

► Have you ever ran away from home ➔ “Ain’ ever had a reason to.’”

► Have you ever been kicked out ➔ “Newp.”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “Ain’ much of a friend if’n I hate them- even if it’s secretly.”

► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ “Course not.”

► Who is your best friend ➔ “Dray. Back in th’ day when we was kids. it’s a little different now..”

► Who knows everything about you ➔ “Everythin’? Not even I know everythin’ about myself.”

Tagged by: @many-voices

Tagging: @roy-eldridge , @adrastos-the-luxon , @jedidiah-eldridge , @pollywestgw2 (and whoever you haven’t done it for and would like to ) , @bries-alts (Any of your alts) , @lindelaelemonlarkspur ,

[reese-eldridge]

U- Unbelievable- one thing that they experienced that they still have a hard time believing was real

Reese combed fingers through thick brown hair as he stared into a glass of bourbon. His eyes shifted to his cousin, a crooked smile curved his lips. “Between seein’ you alive and findin’ out I gotta boy out there, I feel like someone’s playin’ a cruel trick.” He knew it sounded crazy with Drayden very clearly standing there.”It all don’ feel real yet. I reckon it will once I've got my boy where he rightly belongs.”

[a-shakespearean-in-paris]

Romance Asks

Send me one of my OCs and their LI along with a number to my askbox, and I’ll answer the question! 

For the couple:

1. What drew your character to their LI and vice versa?

2. What was the first moment that they knew they were in love with their LI? 

3. When they are having a fight, what is it about and how do they deal with it? 

4. Their favorite physical feature on each other? 

5. How do they comfort each other when they are sad? 

6. Who is the big spoon?

7. Favorite date activity? 

8. What are their most prominent memories of each other?

9. How open are they with their feelings?

10. Do they have pet names for each other?

11. Do they have any inside jokes?

12. Do they have similar goals? If they clash, how do they deal?

13. How do they react at being away from each other?

14. Is their anything they associate with each other?

15. Does their view of themselves differ from their partner’s view?

16. Jealous at all?

17. Their ways of expressing their love.

18. Is their any way they disappoint each other? 

19. Describe how they communicate 

20. Did either person change at all, to be with their partner?

For the creator

21. Personally, do you think they are a good couple? 

22. From the outside looking in, what is their dynamic like? 

23. Did you tailor your OC for the other in the romance? 

24. Is their any moment that happens between them that you know happens and just makes you melt? 

25. Share any headcanons about their relationship. 

26. How important is the romance in your OC’s overall story? 

27. What makes you excited about their relationship? 

28. Is their any similarities to your OC and LI’s relationship to one you have had IRL?

29. What are your favorite moments that happen between them? 

30. How does their love change as they get older?

31. Share anything you would like about the couple!

[many-voices]

Oh sure.  I have a few couples:  Jovissa (Jovan and @alissabryliss-fairfax)!  Polly and @mavrosaerosrae!  

And, newly arranged and sorta-digging-each-other Natasa and @andreusversai. Love?  Haha that is funny.

Hamish is seeing @aiaversai, but it is a casual going-nowhere sort of thing.  And he sort of screwed it up.

Nora is having her first very tentative romance with an NPC of mine, Owembe.  

[reese-eldridge]

Tell my muse when your muse has been the most scared of them. ---------- "Shit! Don't tell uncle Jedd!" Drayden plead as he pressed his handkerchief against the gouge in his cousin's arm. "It ain't as bad as it looks!"

Despite the severity of the situation and the obvious concern his cousin had with the repercussions, Reese couldn’t help but play on the predicament. “GAH!, That hurts! What the fuck, Dray?! Ya tryin’ t’ kil me or sumthin?” Truth of the matter was, the gouge hurt like a bitch but the look on Drayden’s face was reward enough. “Pops is gonna kill ya when he finds out.”

[kingxfmischief]

Reblog this if your inbox is open 24/7 for plotting.

[raivaryn]

A L W A Y S

[platonicrpmemes]

Tell my muse when your muse has been the most scared of them.

[reese-eldridge]

📝 (Aunt Danika)

Their first impression: “She was the fun Auntie. Always good with us kids.”

Their current impression: “She’s an actress an’ a gypsy with a heart o’ gold. And if yer in some deep shit she’s got tricks up her sleeve.”

What they like the most about your muse: “She’s one of us but so much different. Her way of life is jus’ so intriguing. She just knows how t’ enjoy life. She’s quirky, spontaneous.. there are so many things about my Auntie to love that ya can’t just single out one.”

What they dislike the most about your muse: “I dislike that she ain’ always around like the rest of our family. But at th’ same time, that’s a part of her appeal.”

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.): “She’s my Aunt, obviously.”

A general opinion of their relationship: “Don’t tell my other Aunts but she’s my favorite.”

If applicable, something they wish to reveal: [--]

[reese-eldridge]

D- Denial- something they’re in denial about

He just recently found out he has a kid, three years after the birth. Despite knowing the resounding responsibility of fatherhood he was quick to act in finding his son. However, he’s in complete denial that he will be a decent father especially in the absence of the mother.

[pollywestgw2]

📝 ( Mavros, of course. And Reese if you want a bit of a challenge.)

(( I love a challenge! ))

Mavros!

Their first impression:  Aww, cute dog.  Man’s not so bad either.

Their current impression:  Love of my life, doll, and I don’t say that casually.  Love of my life.  

What they like the most about your muse: Lots of men talk.  Talk, talk, brag, blather.  They may say sweet things, they may say ‘love,’ but it’s talk.  Jaws flapping, empty noise.  Mavros – he’s not built to ever tell me he loves me.  But he sure as hell acts like it.  You want to know which one’s more important?  Yeah.

What they dislike the most about your muse:  I’m not telling tales on my man.  What kind of good woman does that?  If I had to say anything, I’d say that I wish he could believe me when I said my own loving words. But that’s just what it is, it’s nothing that can be fixed.

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.):  Fiancee, as of this morning.  Just have to get a divorce first.

A general opinion of their relationship:  Oh, you’ve got no idea what it’s like to be him and me.  I’m a lucky lady.  He’s a lucky man.

If applicable, something they wish to reveal:  The idea of marriage still makes me go weak in the knees in a bad way, but my first marriage was such shit.  I trust Mavros every which way, but gods, I hope I do better this time.

Reese!

Their first impression: Not bad on the eyes.  So this is the man who’s sleeping with my man’s ex.

Their current impression: We only met the once, but I felt bad when Mavros told me Becker left him too.  I thought he had a chance at something good.

What they like the most about your muse:  He fixed my guns without either trying to get my skirts up or talking to me like I was an idiot.

What they dislike the most about your muse:  Even I can’t think of something to harp on after one meeting.  

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.):  A really good gun-smith.  Hopefully shacked up now with someone sweet and kind, who wants to stick around.

A general opinion of their relationship: I’d take my weapons back to him anytime.

If applicable, something they wish to reveal:  I wondered how different it was for Becker, being with Reese after Mavros.  And I wondered for just a moment what it would be like to have a man who could talk sweetly to me.  But I wouldn’t trade what I have for the world.

[reese-eldridge]

📝 (Roy)

Their first impression: “Ah, Dray. We grew up t’gether. Boy was far more ballsy than I was.”

Their current impression: “I miss ‘im. Unfortunate, really. He was like m’ best friend up ‘til he was killed.”

What they like the most about your muse: “He got me t’ do shit I was too chickenshit t’ do. Taught me t’ just go for it. Ah, th’ shit we got into. Our parents was always yellin. M’ Pops, especially.”

What they dislike the most about your muse: “What I dislike most? Ya for real? A’right, so I dislike that he’s dead the most. I think tha’ kinda trumps everythin’ else.”

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.): “ He was my cousin. But we were more like brothers.”

A general opinion of their relationship: “We’d be a right pair o’ hellions if’n he were around still. I like t’ think I get into dicier situations as a bit o’ tribute t’ him. Give him some entertainment in th’ Mists.”

If applicable, something they wish to reveal: [--]

[reese-eldridge]

📝 (Jedd)

Their first impression: “Can ya really remember yer first impression of yer pops?”

Their current impression: “He’s a blunt man. Stern an’ hardworking. Sounds imposing t’ most but he’s a good man. Th’ kind ya aspire t’ be.”

What they like the most about your muse: “He’s my Pops. Guessin’ I’m glad he’s the man I learn th’ most from. There ain’ just one thing, ya know? It’s kinda ll o’ it lumped into one.”

What they dislike the most about your muse: “I think he forgets I ain’ him. That I don’t always think like him or as quick on my feet like he is. He gets worked up ‘bout things like that.”

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.): “Did I mention he’s my Pops? Wait.. most ya’ll call that sort yer daddy, am I right?”

A general opinion of their relationship: “It’s a good one. Honest one. We’re close and there’s rarely somethin’ I’m too scared t’ tell him.”

If applicable, something they wish to reveal: [--]

[reese-eldridge]

Send me📝 and my muse will reveal their thoughts about your muse.

roleplaymemesforyou:

Their first impression:

Their current impression:

What they like the most about your muse:

What they dislike the most about your muse:

What your muse is for them ( Friend, lover, rival ecc.):

A general opinion of their relationship:

If applicable, something they wish to reveal:

[reese-eldridge]

It was uncharacteristic of the young Rancher to barge so hurriedly out the door. The letter he had received just moments before was crumbled in his hand and quickly shoved into his leather coat pocket. Taking a mount meant for the caravan, he jumped into the saddle and rode off. Somewhere along the way he only managed to give his father a look. Nothing said, just a single look of urgency.

Reese made his way into the Maiden’s Whisper, his light eyes moved about the room in a cautionary glance. The city is the last place he should be. He hadn’t recognized her at the far end of the counter where she was finishing off a plate of eggs and bacon. She washed down the last bite with a glass of water, swishing it around before swallowing.

 A gloved hand tipped his large brimmed hat to the bartender before setting it aside on the counter and the mask covering the lower half of his face was tugged down so that he could order a simple breakfast with a tall glass of orange juice.

 The woman watched him walk in from the corner of the bar, and continued to observe as he ordered his breakfast. She figured she’d let him settle before approaching. Once he was, she took a deep breath and moved around the bar, stepping close enough to be heard. “Hey, ya made it…” she said in a lighter tone, “Wasn’t sure if m’ letter made it.”

“It made it.” His answer came with a turn of his head in her direction and his hands began to work on his worn gloves. “Ya ain’t gotta reason t’ shank me so I’m here.” The gloves were set aside with his hat and he moved over for her.

 She stepped closer, nodding to his words while watching the tavern keep prepare his breakfast. “I owe ya an apology, Reese. M’ sorry I ran out on ya the way I did, it wasn’t right of me ta not give ya any word, or reason.” She admitted, looking down at the counter.

 “An apology?” He spat out with a short chuckle, “You?” He shook his head, keeping his voice low with another cursory glance around the room. “I halfway expected ya t’ ditch me.” His shoulders rolled once as he watched her attention linger on the counter.

 Becker bit the inside of her cheek, forcing a smile, “Yeah, heh, it’s my way ain’t it? I ain’t do commitment. Ya almost had me turnin’ inta a city girl. Couldn’t have that…” She said with a shake of her head. Exhaling once then finally looked over, “Ya remember our last day t’gether?”

 “A city girl?! I ain’ even a ‘city boy’!” His brows furrowed at that. “We owned one lil’ shop here an’ it marks ya fer life.” He shook his head. “Our last day? What about it?”

 She shrugged, “Felt pretty permanent ta me. I ain’t even owned nothin I couldn’t take with me.” She waved off the comment. “Dun’ matter. I was just wondering if ya recalled any of that day.”

 “I remember a little of a lot of days.” He tipped his head to the bartender as his plate was set in front of him. He pulled it and his newly poured juice closer before taking a deep drink first. “Do you remember any of it?” He countered to her.

 “Course I do. I thought about it a whole lot, wondered if I made the right decision. I ain’t an indecisive person, ya know. When I make a decision, I’m sure of it.” She said with an affirmative nod. “But when it came to ya, ya made everything… slippery. Ya made it hard ta decide. All I know was I wasn’t gonna settle. I wasn’t ready, n’ a part of me wanted ta be. I knew what was best fer us both n’ I split. I was scared. But, I think it was all in the right, it ended better than I coulda expected.”  

 Reese stifled a small chuckle with a fork full of food and then another before washing it down with a gulp of juice. “Ain’ mean to make yer life difficult. Ain’ never wanted ya t’ settle either. I ain’ one t’ settle for. My family got our hands in more than I ever told ya an’ it ain’t yer deal. Too messy. Too unpredictable. And I knew ya wouldn’t be stickin’ around anyway. Ya always made some snarky comments ‘bout me, ‘bout our ‘relationship’. So it came as only a little shock when ya were gone and ain’ come back.”

 Becker watched him as he ate and talked. She even responded to his words with a nod. “Well m’glad I didn’t leave too much of a mark on ya then. Ya been well since?”

 He didn’t bother to remark on her comment and simply answered with an ‘Mmhm’ as he took another bite. He combed fingers through his thick hair pulling out a few sprigs of leaves in the process. He set them on the counter beside his gloves and hat. After all, he may have been the rough sort but he wasn’t disrespectful. “Other than us bein’ run out of th’ city by the Ascolonian nobles, yea. Lost our shop, for now. Ain’ a big loss, though. We got plenty others. An’ other business elsewhere.”

 Her brow arched, “Run out ya say? That ain’ no surprise, this city’s fulla assholes who think they’re better than the rest. Specially people like we are. Dun’ understand it? Get rid of it… that’s how they think…” She shook her head.

 “They ain’ like our affiliations with th’ Charr and we got largely boycotted. Ain’ nothin’ about not understandin’ us. They understood us well enough. Just not entirely. We don’ just cater to custom arms like they thought. Thanks t’ the wars, we got our military end still thrivin’. Our caravans still runnin and carryin’ arms where they need t’ be.” His shoulders rolled in another shrug. “Neither here nor there for ya. But that’s what it is.”

 “Yea, that’s the right of it to be sure,“ she agreed, “Well, it’s good ta know ya got somethin’ good happenin. War ain’t good for most, but yer line o’ business it is.”

 Reese waved it off, looking down at her side as he shoveled in another bite. “Where’s yer other half?”

 Becker glanced down, following his attention to her empty side. “Welp, Gypsy ran off with a pack up in Timberfalls, she’s gotta family of ‘er own. It happened while I was away, n’ I left her be. I visit her from time to time. Recently I been raisin’ Wyverns… n’ I jus’ got m’self a griffon egg last night. I always wondered what happened ta Nomad.. ya was good with him. Didn’t have the heart ta take him with me… I didn’t know where or what I was gonna do at the time, didn’t know if I could keep um in my circumstance.”

 “I sold ‘em.” He commented as he turned back to his plate, taking another bite. His light eyes shifted her way after. When she looked over, her eyes widened at his comment. “ya sold ‘im? Ta who? Ya didn’t wanna keepum?”

 “What for? He was yers and ya bailed.” His brow perked as he watched her.

 She looked away, frowning. “Kinna thought he was both ours.”

“Can’t be both ours if’n one of us ain’ wanna be there no more.” Reese countered.

 Becker looked back to him and her jaw clenched, “I was happy there yanno, till we fucked it up.”  That was when he took a piece of well cooked bacon and bit into it. “We?” he asked as he chewed. She gave him a firm nod, “Yeah -we-. I got pregnant, Reese.”

 He was in the midst of picking up his glass when he paused at her declaration. He looked her dead in the face, “You got pregnant and thought that was th’ best time t’ leave? And not tell me? What happened?”

 She raked her hand through her hair, exhaling a deep breath. She turned away and watched the tender work. “I got scared I told ya. I didn’t know what else ta do. I didn’t wanna tell ya cause I knew ye’d wanna keep it and raise it, and I ain’t the motherin’ kind. I ain’t got no business…” she frowned and looked away, obviously pained.

 “Yer damn right I’d wanna keep it! That’s blood, Quinn.” His jaw tensed and his rough hand pulled down his face. “If’n you ain’ want no part of it that’s on you. I coulda taken it and you coulda been on yer merry way.” He didn’t look away, still staring hard at her. “What did you do?” His words were enunciated with his rising anger.

 Becker looked back at him, listening and taking in his words, her eyes brimming. She blinked and then swallowed. “I gave him ta a family in Beetletun.” Her arms crossed tight around her midsection and she went on, “He’s a handsome boy, got yer eyes, got alla ya, none of me. Yer eyes… he got yer exact eyes.”

 “Him? I have a son?” His face fell and if there ever was rage to be seen on this man, it was now. “You gave -my- son away?”

 She looked away, her pained expression changing to guilt. “They took me in, gave me a place ta stay until he came…. They couldn’t have no babies of their own. They cleared m’ name in exchange. I didn’t want him growin’ up like me. They’re good ta him… I make sure of it.”

 “And not once did ya think that maybe I wanted him? Not once did ya think I had a right t’ him?” His jaw clenched and his words were clearly articulated. “You bartered our son for a clear name?!”

 “Naw, I didn’t barter him they did it outta kindness. Cause I gave um the one thing the couldn’t never have. They love um, like I never saw in m’ life…” She exhaled, “Yea I knew ye’d want him. I wasn’t even gonna have him. I wanted ta off myself, they stopped me. I got arrested n’ taken in, told um I was carryin’ and the Lieutenant took me home, I didn’t know what for. He fed me dinner, talked me down, told me that he and his wife would give me room n’ board, even money if I had the baby n’ let um keep it. I told um I didn’t want their money, I just wanted peace, n’ ta stop livin’ on the run from the law, so he told me he’d clear m’ name after the babe was born and I could start anew, so I did.”

 “You bartered him. No matter how ya spin it t’ make yerself feel good. Ya bartered him t’ clear your ass.” Reese’s face was now a seething red. “I’m getting’ him back. And whatever befalls that family is on yer conscience. That boy is an Eldridge an’ I have a right t’ my son.”

 Becker stared at him, her eyes wide and damp. “The hell ya gonna do? Walk in there and take him? He’s a Lieutenant in the Seraph Guard. Maybe ya kin’ explain who ya are, but yer gonna have a fight.” Reese scoffed at her warning and her suggestion was ignored. There was no way he was going to compromise with this couple. This was his son. A son he wasn’t given the opportunity to see come into the world or grow up. He missed seeing him make a mess of his food, take his first step, and possibly his first word. She robbed him of everything. She knew what family meant to him and she spat on it for the sake of her freedom. There was nothing she could say that would justify what she did. He was livid and seeing red. “Don’t you worry ‘bout what I plan t’ do. An’ don’t think ‘bout warnin’ ‘em. I gotta big family and we can handle more than a Seraph. What he did was against th’ law, anyway. And me and mines will be ready for a fight. We hunt monsters all through Tyria. A man in th’ Seraph ain’ shit.”

 Squeezing her eyes closed, she wiped at them with both hands. “Yer right, all of it. What I did was wrong, I ain’t arguing that. I did what I thought was best for him, but ya got a right ta do what ya feel is best, too. So, ya do that. I ain’t on anyone’s side but Mason’s. I want him ta be safe.”

 Mason. His son’s name was Mason.

 Every movement of his was angered; seething. His jaw was clenched and he made sure she was aware of it. Never had he been an angry person and never had he shown an inkling of it around her. Until now. ”What you did, Quinn, is UNFORGIVABLE.” He swallowed hard. “How old is he?”

 Again, she swallowed while taking the brunt of his words, accepting them. “He just turned three.” She wiped at the corners of her eyes again, “He won’t remember um, if ya take him now. Won’t even be effected by it all….” She blinked hard, looking away. “I look after him from afar. I’m guessin’ ya ain’t gonna let me do that no more.”

 “I ought t’ shoot you” His words held no remorse. “Three years old. THREE YEARS!” He sucked in a deep breath while his eyes welled up, going bloodshot in agony and rage. He had no care for how distraught or upset she looked. He didn’t believe it. “You wanna see him when ya gave him up in the first place? Ya want me t’ do YOU favors when ya took my son away?!” His head shook slow from side to side. “If’n ya ever meant anythin’ t’ me, yer a stranger now. I feel nothin’ but hatred for you. Ya better hope I find my kid.”

 Becker glared at him. “Ya didn’t look for me neither, Reese! I left, but ya haven’t given a shit ta know where I went for three years. Ya coulda known earlier at yer own accord.” She sniffed. “I wasn’t hidin’ nothin’ from ya and ya still wouldn’t know unless I came here t’day ta tell ya. Sonnovabitch. I did him good, he might be yer son but he was in my body!” She pointed to her stomach, “So I did what I thought was right by him, and he’s happy now. I made him happy. I hope ya kin say the same!” She shouted back at him.

 “Don’t give me that. You don’t know that I didn’t look for ya, cause I did. I even slummed at the damn Sun where we met. I looked around every damn bush, while on every damn caravan. Don’t think ya know me so well that you ain’ mean a damn thing. I loved you. I wanted ya back. But after a while, after years of remembering all the things ya liked t’ drill in m’ damn head, I gave up. Ya didn’t want me, and evidently ya ain’t want what we made in our brief happiness. That’s on you. Not me.” He sucked in a deep breath. “Can’t find someone that ain’ wanna be found.”

 Clenching her teeth, she fought the full blown raw emotion tearing at her from the inside, spilling from her eyes. “I’m sorry, I know that dun matter but I’m so fuckin’ sorry, n’ I hate myself fer what I did ta us, ta ya, ta everything. I thought maybe comin’ ta tell ya after he was born, maybe we could kidnap him n’ start over…. But I didn’t know how ye’d take it. Then I saw he had good people who loved him, and I felt wrong takin’ him from um. And I knew ye’d hate me fer my choices…. I fucked everythin’ up, like I always do, but I want ya ta know, I did love ya, n’ I wish I coulda been a good momma ta him and raised him with ya.”

 “That ain’t love. Love ain’ takin’ away a babe cause yer scared. Love is knowin’ that they got yer back even if ya’ll ain’ work out. Ya KNOW how we are with family. My mum is in a wheelchair and we all take care o’ her- From sons and daughters to cousins and Uncles. Family is family. We even got adopteds in our brood. Yea, ya fucked up. Royally. I can’t say what I will do after I get him, where yer concerned. Ain’ makin’ no promises.” He snatches up his gloves and shoved them in his thick coat pocket.

 She nodded, getting her emotions reigned. “Y’ got a right ta how ya feel. Imma stand aside, I already done enough ta fuck things up. I ain’t gotta tell ya ta take care of him, I know ya will. All I ask is ya keep him safe. N’ I named him Mason. Ya kin do what ya want, but Mason Eldridge ain’t bad.” She cleared her throat and looked down, releasing a heavy sigh. “I’ll hope fer the best, expect the worst when it comes ta me. I know I deserve it. Ya take care, n’ keep him safe. Raise him right.”

 “I’ll raise him and any help I need won’t be from you. It will be from mine. He might keep th’ name if’n I decide not t’ erase ya entirely from his life. And mine.” He snatched up His large brimmed hat and rolled it in a way that it wouldn’t lose its shape. “You ain’ who I thought ya were, Quinn. Ya bartered my son. OUR SON. To SERAPH! Ain’ Seraph who killed yer beloved wolf before Gypsy?? And that’s th’ crowd yer leavin’ our son to?!” He didn’t bother to wipe his eyes. He was justified in his display of emotion. “And just so ya know, I was teasin’ about Nomad. He’s havin’ a blast on my Ranch.”

 Becker watches him, blinking and keeping her jaw clenched. There was nothing more to say to what he said, she just shook her head, swiped her sleeve over her reddened face to wipe away the tears. “I’m a real piece of shit. That’s why I ain’t in neither of yer lives. I know what I am. I ain’t denying any of it. Consider yerself lucky I left when I did. I won’t bother ya no more, Reese.” With that she turned away, walking out the door, feeling like the worst person ever.

 Reese slammed some coin on the counter, leaving a half full plate of cold food. He gave her time to disappear before he eventually made his way back out of the city and to the Ranch. Pops was waiting.

[[ collab with @luckybecker ]]