#oliverlangdoncole

[anedendarkly]

It was their first Christmas in Montana together. Some days Deirdre could still hardly believe that Oliver was actually here with her, that seeing him didn’t require teleportation or a plane ride, and that she could kiss him whenever she wanted.

Like right now.

“Merry Christmas, silly man,” she said against his lips. “Do you like yer gifts?”

    “Yeah. Humphreys done ate my wallet.” Most of it, anyway. 

    There was a faraway look in Oliver’s eyes. He wouldn’t say what was on his mind, that she was his greatest gift. That was so cloyingly sweet he could almost taste it, and almost made a face. But it was honest. Being here was a privilege he felt undeserved. 

    Oliver shifted in his seat, braved up and pulled Deirdre into his lap. “What d’ya think? Ya like?” 

[anedendarkly]

“Merry Christmas, wee laddie!”

There was an argument to be made that giving Humphreys gifts was also self-indulgent but Deirdre didn’t care one jot. He deserved all the toys and treats she gave him, as well as the hugs and kisses for being such a good boy all year.

    Oliver laid back on the couch and watched, amused that this dog he’d raised from puppy was a puppy once again. To Deirdre, he always would be. He wondered if Humphreys would like Montana. If he’d lose his mind at the sight and smell of a horse, or wide open fields.

[anedendarkly]

“Cole! In the immortal words of Andy Williams, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” As per tradition, Oliver was presented with an envelope containing his Christmas bonus and a bottle. This year it was some excellent scotch.

He clapped his first mate on the shoulder. “Merry Christmas, man.”

    He’d almost declined that bonus, letting his guilt for thinking about moving to Montana seep through the cracks. Cole got the feeling his boss wouldn’t allow him to decline, even if he gave his notice today. So he just sighed, smiled, and slapped his captain on the back.

    “Merry X-mas, Skip.”

[anedendarkly]

His question prompted another peal of delighted squeals and laughter. She'd seen his intention a mile away, happy to go along with it.

"I can handle anythin'!" Deirdre declared, bracing herself for impact. She would be ready for that gloriously cool water and its initial shock to her system, delighting in it as much as she delighted in Oliver.

His toss was more gentle than his intentions initially seemed. She was petite and delicate, despite that strong personality. The wave carried her away - or attempted to. Oliver took to the opposite direction, not wanting to tangle their legs.

The water was perfectly cool, now that his body had time to adjust. He emerged from a particularly foamy wave, shook the water from his hair like a dog.

[anedendarkly]

"Is Parker the sheriff?" She vaguely remembered Callum mentioning his name once or twice whenever he told her about his weekly football game.

In any event, she'd gotten away with it today. She was going to quit while she was ahead. Until they were in private.

Deirdre laughed as he scooped her up. "I grew up on an island! I'm practically a mermaid. Think you can keep up with me?"

"Yeah." Interesting she went straight to sheriff, and not just cop. He didn't wonder for long. It wasn't that important.

Deirdre was carried until uncomfortably cool water splashed at his ribs, waiting for the next big wave where he could toss this little mermaid. "Think ya can handle what I'm 'bout t'do?" He began holding her up above his head.

[anedendarkly]

She wanted to laugh at his reaction so badly but there was a chance he would take it the wrong way and she didn’t want that. She wanted PDA to be a good thing for him.

So she smiled and stood on tiptoe to steal a tiny kiss. “I can’t help it. I would’ve given you a love bite but we’re in public and gettin’ arrested isn’t verra festive.”

Deirdre finished up with the sunscreen and tossed it in her bag. “Okay, let’s go swim!”

"Don't think fuckin' Parker's got the balls t'arrest ya for a bite. Don't do that again." He'd meant a stronger force behind his statement, but he was smiling, which diminished any sort of authority. She got the better of him, for today.

"Ya a strong swimmer, Scottish?" Two feet forward and Oliver lost interest in simply walking, reaching forward to yank Deidre into his arms bridal style.

[anedendarkly]

Deirdre smiled to herself as she began covering Oliver in sunscreen, working from his legs up. He always seemed so surprised when she wanted to do something for him. Like he was afraid to let himself want it or didn't believe she would want to. It hurt her heart.

And she had no doubt his ex was to blame for it.

She remembered something Leslie Issott had told her ages ago and smiled bigger. Why the hell not. This was as good an opportunity as any.

She finished up Oliver's back and gave his ass a loving pinch before ducking around to do his front.

Oliver was slowly drifting into his own little world, relaxed by simple comfort masked as helpful task. He realized some months ago what she felt like. A second chance. One he might not deserve. Did that mean her judgement was screwed, or his?

But that train of thought was swiftly interrupted by a sharp pinch to his rear, catching him off guard. The man nearly leapt from the ground with a yelped, "Hey, whoa!" This wasn't Leslie, or anyone else looking to tease. This was his girlfriend, and he didn't know what that was, but he couldn't be upset.

"You're playin' with fire," he warned just the same.

[anedendarkly]

Deirdre lifted her braid and held it on top of her head. "Never mind yer back," she chuckled. "Ye're gettin' lathered up from head toe just like I am." He wasn't anywhere near as pale as she was but his skin was still going to be protected, dammit.

She held out her hand for the bottle when he'd finished with the whole of her back side. "Yer turn, darlin'."

     "My - okay." This was what he had wanted, so he was surprised that he was surprised at all. She was given the bottle, bending over long enough to kiss Humpherys' nose. He'd never seen his basset hound wriggle with so much excitement. Deirdre was as much to blame as the beach. That dog loved her.