Headcanons for Rip Wheeler with a sweet, gentle, kind SO who is a ray of pure sunshine (gender neutral, SFW):
You are the opposite of Rip in every way possible.
He's gruff and doesn't talk much.
You're bubbly, all sweetness and light.
He wears the same basic sets of clothes - black shirt, jeans, dusty boots.
You are a rainbow of color on any given day.
Rip only smiles for you.
But you have a smile ready for anyone you pass on the street.
Rip intimidates the hell out of people by his presence alone.
You are warm and friendly and people are just drawn to you like a bee to honey.
If Rip is honest, it scares the shit out of him that you are so trusting and soft-hearted. This world is not kind or gentle. He has seen first hand how kindness like yours gets put through a meat grinder.
He would never dream of changing anything about you. Ever.
But he does attempt to toughen you up a little. Just so you're a little better protected and prepared.
It doesn't stick though.
Because there you are, stopping traffic in the middle of town to rescue an abandoned kitten from the middle of the road.
He just wishes you would be a little more cautious, instead of blindly seeing the good in everyone all the time.
When he tries to explain that, you wrapped your arms around his middle and grinned up at him.
"That's why I have you, tough guy. You're my big, scary, guard dog who keeps me safe."
He likes the sound of that.
On very rare occasions, you and Rip butt heads. Because your perspectives are on total opposite ends of the spectrum.
Rip HATES arguing with you.
He's willing to take on anyone else and fight with them at the drop of a hat.
But not you. Never, ever you.
In the middle of a heated argument, he grits out with a growl, "You're being fucking naive."
A dead silence settles over the room.
The flicker of hurt in your eyes cuts him to the core.
He doesn't give a shit that he's right. He knows he could have said it better.
But your beautiful brilliant butterfly demeanor is already bruised, and you turn away, walking out to get some fresh air.
At first, Rip gives you space to cool off. Even though it kills him a little bit.
When he starts looking for you, he can't find you. Which eats him alive.
Nearly two hours later, he finds you dozing in the hay loft in a patch of sunlight with that damn kitten you rescued.
It's clear from your puffy, bloodshot eyes that you've been crying, which makes him sick with guilt.
"I'm sorry, honey," he says gently, pulling you close as he sits next to you. "Didn't mean to bite your head off like that."
You sniff and lean into him, even though you still feel a little tender.
"I know you're just worried about me," you whisper, threading your fingers with his.
You always decorate your home for every holiday.
To Rip, one day is just like any other, and he shakes his head fondly when you're tangled up in Christmas lights on the living room floor, working out the knots.
Or covering every inch of the house in paper hearts for Valentine's Day.
Or diligently concentrating as you smother cupcakes in green icing for St. Patrick's Day, and somehow, there is green icing in your hair??? and sprinkles covering every. single. surface. of the kitchen too???
Rip really doesn't give a shit about holidays or decorations, but it makes you happy. So, begrudgingly, with a long, weary sigh, he will insist that no, absolutely fucking not, you are not climbing that goddamn ladder to put up those fucking Christmas lights, honey, you'll break your fucking neck, so he'll get one of the ranch hands to do it instead.
In summer, you drag him outside to star gaze (he usually falls asleep within an hour though), rambling about constellations and supernovas and meteor showers as you're cuddled up to him in the cool night air.
He doesn't really have a clue what you're babbling about.
But you're content, warm, and safe beside him. That's all he cares about.
note, hey... i've never written anything for yellowstone on here (i have on wattpad) so I hope you all enjoy!! <3 I feel like this kind of trope is done so much, but I think it's sweet. this is loosely (heavily) inspired by that scene when beth fights that random woman hitting on rip.
pair, kayce dutton x reader
summary, whenever you go out, no matter the circumstances, trouble seems to follow you.
warnings, bar fights, fighting, violence, cursing
word count, 1168 words
(gif not mine)
Getting everyone to go out and away from the ranch was a task, but getting Kayce to go out was totally different. And you knew the only reason he agreed to go out was because it was your birthday.
"One drink?" You asked, a pleading look in your eyes that he tried hard to say no to.
"If I give in, then you're gonna just keep plying me with drinks." He shook his head, "I'm here, that's as good as it's gonna get."
"Kayce, it's my birthday. Come on, have some fun!" You urged him.
"No." He shook his head. You opened your mouth to argue with him again, but shut it after the look he gave you, "I'll have some soda, and keep an eye on you."
"You don't trust me?" You raised a brow at him.
"Not you, darlin'. Trouble just seems to follow you." He joked, kissing your head and handing your drink over to you, "Now go have fun. Enjoy the night." He nudged you towards the dance floor where everyone else was already dancing and having fun. You rolled your eyes but went in the direction he had pushed you in.
The night continued, and you were having fun, almost forgetting all about Kayce. When you did remember he was there, you remembered you also hadn't had any water, so you turned around to where he had been once sitting but froze when you looked up.
A woman who stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all the locals was standing pretty next to Kayce. The look on his face told you he couldn't care less about what she was saying, but he was playing along for appearance's sake.
You slowly approached them, a cautious look on your face as you tried to listen in on their conversation, "... I don't know, if the guys are as cute as you out here, I might just have to move out." She flirted shamelessly, batting her eyelashes at him.
Kayce looked uncomfortable as he nodded, "Right." He looked away from the glass of soda in front of him, and back onto the dance floor.
When he couldn't find you, he started to get nervous. He quickly spun around, trying to find you amongst the crowd, "Who're you looking for?" The woman tried to get his attention again, putting her hand on his arm, trying to get his attention again.
He ripped his arm out of her grasp and continued to look for you, "What the hell?" He muttered.
"You got a girlfriend or something." The girl tried to joke as if he hadn't mentioned you numerous times already.
"Wife, actually." Kayce's shoulders dropped when he heard that familiar voice he loved so much. The woman's attention quickly fell on you, and an almost unimpressed look fell on her face.
"Wife?" She scoffed.
"That's right." The look on your face was one Kayce knew all too well. The look on your face, the way your eyebrow slightly raised and your lips curved a little into something of a smirk.
"Oh, no." He muttered. He turned around, trying to get the attention of the other ranchers, but they were too far and the music was way too loud for them to notice him, "Whatever you're about to do, just think it through."
"What's she gonna do?" The woman scoffed, standing a little straighter with a look on her face that made you want to punch her, "I could easily take you."
"Oh, I'm sure." You tightened your fists, before winding up and punching her fight in the face before Kayce could stop you.
"Whoa!" Kayce shouted, trying to grab onto you but you pounced on the other woman, tackling her to the ground and straddling her, laying punch after punch.
As soon as you both hit the floor, a fight broke out all around you. Ranchers and tourists alike were going at each other, breaking beer bottles and punching each other.
Blood was flying and glass was shattering all around him, but all Kayce was focused on was getting you off the other woman. You were shouting things at her, she was shouting things back at you.
After trying to find a way to get you off without hurting you, he decided to just go in for it, "All right, that's it. Let her go!" Kayce grabbed onto your waist, just missing your elbow that you had thrown back to punch her again, and pulled you off.
"You crazy bitch!" The woman shouted, holding her bleeding nose.
"Calls coming from inside the house, sweetheart!" You shouted back. Kayce managed to carry you out of the bar even though you were wiggling and shouting. He didn't put you down until he made it over to his truck.
"What the hell was that?" Kayce asked. You simply shrugged, looking down at your knuckles and wincing at the blood and cuts forming, "No, don't shrug this off." He grabbed your chin and forced you to look into his eyes.
"Oh, come on, it's not like you were comfortable with it." You glared at him, shoving his hands away from you, "I was protecting your honor."
"You can't go around punching people in the face," Kayce told you.
"Yeah, well I'll remind you of that next time some guy hits on me." You raised a brow, and that got him to shut up, "Right." You smirked, throwing your arms around his neck and kissing him, "You alright?"
"Yeah." He nodded, wrapping his arms around your waist, "Thanks for protecting my honor."
"You're welcome. You're just too pretty." You joked, laughing when he rolled his eyes.
As the other ranchers and tourists alike started piling out of the bar, blue and red lights pulled up outside the bar as well. A few cops got out and Kayce pushed you behind him.
"Officer." He greeted the man with a nod.
"Mr. Dutton." The officer nodded right back, "Got a call about a fight. Something about your wife starting it."
"Fight? What fight?" Kayce asked, playing dumb and looking around. All the other ranchers shrugged innocently as well.
"No idea what you're talking about, sir," Lloyd spoke up.
"That crazy bitch attacked me!" The woman in question shouted, holding an ice pack to her nose.
"Is that true?" The officer asked, looking around Kayce's shoulder at you.
"No idea what she's talking about." You shrugged with a shake of your head.
"All right then." The officer nodded, "Apologies for the inconvenience. Y'all have a good night." He got back in his car and drove off.
"You all are fucking crazy." The woman muttered, walking off with her group of friends who you hadn't even known were there.
"You're gonna put me in an early grave, Trouble." Kayce joked, throwing an arm around your shoulders.
"Only if you don't put me in one first." You nudged him, "Now, let's go home. I've played nurse too many times for you, it's your turn."
Always been in love with him, hated this his character only lasted 1 episode (sorry for the spoiler)
Lee hated dressing up. He hated attending meaningless parties and attempting to network with people that care more about numbers than the actual hard work that goes into ranching even more. And yet, here he is looking dapper and spiffy in the nicely tailored tan suit that matches the tan suede of his cowboy hat. At the very least, he can keep that.
“You sure I have to be here?” He asks, pulling at the collar of his tux, it’s not tight or uncomfortable just way out his usually get up.
Lee has always been a simple man. Wake up, fix a cup of coffee, get to work, grab drinks with the ranch hands, maybe screw around with a pretty lady from the bar and do it all again.
“Yes, Lee. You can’t just think like a cowboy.” His father reminds him. John Dutton has always known out of all his kids, Lee would be the one he would leave it all to. Being the first born, John had been engraving the way of life into Lee. Only as time passes, he realizes Lee isn’t as reciprocal to the business side of things as he should be.
The dinner is in full swing. The Commissioners Dinner only happens once a year and it’s a night John capitalizes on for business. Of course, he’d bring Lee this time.
Just as Lee is gearing up to complain again, his eyes caught onto you. Light laugh escaping through your plush lips, hands clasped together which makes the shimmering jewelry on your wrists jingle. Your dress - fancy enough to be on theme, simple enough not to upstage anyone and still there’s a hint of city flair.
So captivated by you, Lee almost fails to recognize his own father greeting you with a friendly embrace. Now, he’s intrigued. At least enough to stop fussing over his suit and walk over. Playboy grin already slapped onto his face and large hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers as he flanks his father’s left, directly in front of you.
“You remember Lee, my oldest.” John chooses to ignore his son’s sudden interest, already spotting the trouble making smirk on his face.
You’d be a fool to forget Lee Dutton. Even after years, he carries himself the same. Though, the years have favored him, he’s taller - not surprising as he’s always towered over you. His eyes are softer, highlighted by crows feet and his rosy cheeks are covered by his thick red beard sprinkled with salt and peppper. And that damn smirk, the corner of his mouth pulled into that smug upturn.
“‘Course I remember. Lee, good to see you.” You greet him, a warm smile of amusement pulling at your glossy lips as you watch realization crash over him.
Your voice, always comparable to melting honey to him has his eyes widening. It’s been years since he’s seen you. Back then, you were just a little girl, best friends with his sister and doing nothing but getting in his way. And now, you’re a grown woman.
“Y/n. I can’t believe it, look at you.” And he is looking, his eyes take an appreciative once over. Despite only being 4 years older than you, Lee has always kept you at arms length. And now, you’re standing before him after attending a fancy college in the city.
Your giggle is soft and breathy, eyes panning over him as well. “I could say the same to you.”
“God, come here.” Lee chuckles, moving forward for a friendly embrace. But when you step forward, your body slotting in his, he feels all those juvenile feelings returning.
You can’t deny the rush that goes through you as well, feeling his strong body sculpted by years of hard labor under your palms.
Pulling away is the last thing Lee wants to do, but he has no choice especially when the lights being to dim all the attention being called to the stage for the event to begin.
All the disappointment Lee was beginning to feel quickly washes away when he notices both your names tags are placed next to each other at the table.
You can’t deny the satisfaction you feel at sitting next to Lee. Settling into your seats, your table falls into divided conversations. Naturally, Lee pulls you into one.
“So, you’re back?” It’s a statement that borders on a question, his attention fully on you.
So, he doesn’t know. Your eyes cast a fleeting glance over to John seated beside Lee but he’s busy speaking to Mr.McKeller.
“Yeah, I’m back for now.”
“For now? What does that mean? You don’t know if you’re staying?” He asks, confusion and intrigue present in his tone.
“It means, plans aren’t finalized.” You fill, not giving away too much.
The low hum that leaves Lee’s lips are paired with his eyes staring you down, trying to figure out that new version of you.
“What?” You chuckle, feeling hot under his investigative gaze.
“Nothing, just…been a while.” He brushes off, not wanting to admit he can’t keep his eyes off of you.
“It has…” You agree, willing your eyes stay on his instead of raking over him again. Or how he’s slightly manspread in the chair.
“Got a boyfriend or anything that’s gonna a burst in here?” He asks, his eyes quickly flickering to your hands in search of a ring.
The question is comical. You recall seeing Lee with his fair share of girlfriends back in the day.
You chuckle, shaking your head. “No guy…you? Or are you still a ladies man?” Curious on if anyone is able to tame Lee Dutton.
“Ladies man? Is that what you think of me?” He grins, flashing a dangerous grin.
Lee watches you roll your eyes, your grin equally as dangerous to him.
And that’s how the night goes on, catching up with flickering looks and old feelings resurfacing with every moment that passes.
Lee doesn’t even feel the time passes as you drink and eat and laugh and talk. It felt like old times before life forced you both to grow up.
The evening air has a slight nip as you wait for your car beside Lee, n his hands are shoved inside of his trouser pockets and his head keeps turning towards you. A grin spreading across his face every time your eyes meet.
He doesn’t want the night to end, doesn’t want you to disappear again. And just when he’s about to ask you to grab another drink, your car is pulling up.
“Goodnight, Mr. Dutton.” You bid goodbye to the older Dutton as he joins his son next tot he valet stand.
“See you in the morning, Y/n. I’ll get you started with Jamie.”
Lee’s words die on his tongue, his eyes never leaving yours as you flash him a satisfied grin. You knew all long, his father had been speaking of getting a finical advisor to help Lee get more into the business.
Lee can’t even be annoyed at his father’s plan, when he takes in your look. The way you giggle lightly as you settle into your car, casting him a small wave.
“Goodnight, Lee.” Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
Summary: Tired of being holed up on the ranch, the reader begs her husband to calm his paranoid mind for one night so she can go out to the bar with some of the ranch hands. Turns out, his concerns were founded.
Notes: God I love this man. I honestly have had ideas for Kayce imagines for like a year and now I’m finally finishing them (well, at least this one). I hope to do more with him soon, so fingers crossed for my blonde cowboy husband!
Warnings: Harassment, assault, fighting, wounds-
The cage of his arms was a welcome one. It kept you safe while also reminding you of every moment that led to this one.
In this case, you were reminded of how you got into this position.
Kayce’s beard tickled the back of your neck as his lips trailed down to your shoulder and back up again. You sighed contently and nestled back into his embrace.
“Time to get up,” He mumbled.
You screwed your eyes shut and shook your head.
“Noooo,” You whined. “I’m still asleep.”
His chuckle rumbled against your back. “C’mon.”
Your husband’s hands made their way to your waist and squeezed gently. He flipped you around so you were facing him. You tangled your fingers in his long blonde hair and crashed your lips into his in hopes of dissuading him from leaving the bed. Before you could deepen the kiss anymore, he grabbed your hips tighter and pulled you back.
“Nice try, baby, but we’ve got work to do.”
“Or,” you walked your fingers up his chest. “We could lock the doors and spend the whole day-”
He cut you off with another kiss. Just when you thought you’d won, he sat up, giving you a devilish smirk. His hands latched onto the blankets.
You glowered. “Don’t you dare.”
“Hey, I gave you a chance,” he said, yanking the covers back and subjecting your bare skin to the cold morning air.
“Kayce!” You shrieked, clawing to regain the warmth, but he held them just out of reach, laughing at your demise. “Kayce John Dutton, I’m gonna kill you!”
“You’ve got to catch me first, darlin’.” He took off, taking the blankets and sheets with him.
“Navy SEAL or not, I’m still going to get you!” You shouted after him, grabbing his henley off the floor so you weren’t completely naked as you chased your childish husband around the room. Of course, he wasn’t wearing anything either which made the whole ordeal even more ridiculous.
When you did finally catch him, he’d stopped so suddenly and you were running so fast it knocked both of you to the floor, practically rolling with laughter.
“I… win…” You wheezed in between giggles, laying on top of him.
“Alright, alright.” He brushed your hair out of your face so he could kiss you, but just for a moment. “But we’ve still got to get to work.”
You bit your lip.
“What if I promise to make some time for us tonight, hmm?” He offered. “Dinner, movie, whatever you want.”
You sighed dramatically. “I suppose I can live with that.”
Kayce rolled his eyes, locked his arms around you, and stood. You squealed as he threw you over his shoulder, smacking your backside with a victorious chuckle.
Needless to say, you were definitely awake after that.
-
It was a long day. In a good way. One that felt like you were actually doing something. But still, every move you made ached from the day’s work. You helped out at the ranch because of your past in veterinary school. Sure, you hadn’t been in a clinic in years, but you knew your way around an injured horse enough that John liked having you around. He said it was because you didn’t cost as much. You were pretty sure he liked you more than he let on.
When you saw your husband riding up over the horizon, he didn’t look like he’d fared much better. Dirt caked his forehead, mixed with the sweat on his brow. Not that you minded.
“Hey baby,” he greeted gruffly. Kayce jumped down off his horse and gave you a quick kiss on the cheek. When he pulled away, you notice the downward cast of his gaze and the look of guilt in his eyes.
“Alright,” you sighed. “You’ve got that kicked puppy look now. What is it?”
A smile cracks on his face. “I do not look like a kicked puppy.”
“Sure you do.” You tucked a lock of blonde behind his ear. “With your big eyes and your pouty face.” You hooked your arms behind his neck and pulled him closer. “Are you ready for that date night we talked about?”
The puppy look returned.
“About that, baby,” He blew out a breath and ran his fingers through his hair.
Uh oh.
“You’ve gotta work,” you concluded.
“My dad’s asking me to run to Billing’s to take care of some things-”
You held up a hand to stop him. When it came to John Dutton, you didn’t want any details.
“It’s okay. We can make plans for a different night.” You pulled him into a kiss, smirking against his lips. “But you’ll definitely have to come up with something big and romantic and groveling.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, wrapping his arms around you. “You know I’d pick a night with you over anything, but I don’t think fighting him on this would be a good idea. It’s business and you know how he gets.”
As if summoned, Ryan and Colby mosied over to the two of you. While Kayce wasn’t close with any of the boys from the bunkhouse, you’d gotten to know them from working on the horses. So even though Kayce tensed protectively, you gave them a bright grin.
“What do you two fuckers want?” You asked.
“We’re going out,” Colby said. “Celebrating Ryan’s birthday if you want to come.” He eyed your husband nervously. “Both of you.”
“We just saw you over here and thought, maybe you’d want to join, but it’s totally fine-” Ryan started to ramble.
You weren’t sure if it was their usual awkwardness or if the boss’s son just made them nervous, but you couldn’t help but laugh.
“Kace can’t, but I could use a night out,” you beamed.
Kayce’s arms tightened around you and his puppy-dog eyes turned intense.
Sensing the change, Ryan and Colby took a step back.
“Cool,” Ryan said. “Meet up in ten.”
The two hurried off and you turned to fierce brown eyes.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Kayce said.
“I wasn’t exactly asking for your permission, honey,” you scoffed. “Besides, like I said, I could use a night out. I can’t even remember the last time I really got away from the ranch for some fun.”
He turned away, jaw tensed, and eyes following the group of men heading back toward the bunkhouse.
“I don’t think any of the ranch hands are stupid enough to hit on me if that’s what you’re worried about,” you teased, trying to lighten his mood.
“It’s not that.” He shook his head, gaze returning to yours. “And it’s not that I don’t trust you, so don’t start thinking that. It’s just… the places these guys go to. Nothing good ever happens.”
“Baby, I think you’re the last person to worry about me getting into trouble. Or anybody, for that matter.”
It was true. You’d married a trouble magnet. Hell, maybe it’s even safer to go to the bar without him, but he definitely did not look in the mood for you to point that out.
“I won’t go if you really don’t want me to,” you said. “I’ll just sit at home…. All alone…. Bored.” You sighed dramatically.
Kayce huffed and kissed your forehead. “Just keep your phone on, okay?”
“Don’t worry. You will always be my phone call if I get arrested.” You gave him a mischievous grin and started off to join the others.
“That’s not funny!” He called after you, chuckling at your excitement and hoping that he wouldn’t regret this.
-
The neon lights bathed your skin in a blue and pink glow. Music blared from the band on the stage and your throat burned pleasantly from the liquor at your lips. You could feel the tension melting off of you from the long, hard day, realizing how much you needed this. It wasn’t that you didn’t like being at the ranch, but sometimes the vastness somehow felt so small. And knowing how much it hurt Kayce to be there, the nightmares you knew he’d had, made you wonder if it was worth it.
“You look like you could use another,” a voice said over the music.
“Hey, Rip.” You turned to face the dark-haired cowboy with a small smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Yeah, well,” he shrugged, “every once in a while I let them drag me out to these things.” He ordered himself another beer and you another whiskey. “Not used to seeing you without tall blonde trouble on your arm.”
“Looks like I’m causing enough trouble on my own tonight,” you smirked back. “He’s working.”
Rip nodded, running a hand over his chin. “And he let you come here?”
“He didn’t let me do anything.” You took a drink. “He wasn’t particularly happy about it, but he knows better than to try and tell me what to do.”
“If it were me,” Rip chuckled, “I would have locked you up at home. You’re too nice for a place like this.”
“You rough and tumble cowboys don’t scare me,” you smiled. “I married one, remember?”
“You married one of the good ones.”
“Cheers to that.” You clinked your glass against his and he smiled, still shaking his head as he walked to the other end of the bar to keep an eye on things.
His seat was not empty for long.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you ‘round here before.” A muscular arm dressed in a ratty old t-shirt blocked your view of the dance floor and the body attached to it loomed over you like you were a meal. It was a feeling that you were unfortunately familiar with, having grown up around bars like these and, more specifically, their patrons.
“That’s because I haven’t been here,” you said, keeping your voice calm, but cold. The red-haired man beside you did not get the hint. He leaned even closer and you could smell the mix of tobacco and too much beer on his breath as he swayed drunkenly in the seat.
“Well isn’t it my lucky day then?”
You held up your hand, flashing him the wedding ring on your finger.
“Not so much, buddy.” You downed the rest of your drink. “But I’m sure there’s plenty of single women dying to give you a handjob in the bathroom,” you snarked, signaling for the bartender to get you another.
“What if I want you?” He leered.
What started out as annoyance was turning into anger.
“Do I have to spell it out for you?” You stood up in order to get away from his ever-leaning frame. “I’m married, dipshit.”
The drunkard shrugged. “I don’t see anybody here?”
Oh but if Kayce were here…
You could handle yourself without him.
“Why don’t you just back off before that tiny dick of yours gets you into something your tinier brain can’t deal with.”
You turned to walk away.
He grabbed your wrist, twisting it back until it stung.
“What did you say to me you fucking bitch?”
When your fist collided with his chin, it was just the beginning.
Hands grabbed your arms, giving him a clear hit to your stomach which you took with a grunt. You yanked yourself free and found two more men encircling you. Apparently, this shitstain wasn’t alone and all of them were drunk enough to not care that you were half their size and a woman. So much for chivalry.
“Three men versus little old me,” you scoffed. “That hardly seems fair.”
But you weren’t alone either.
Ryan broke through the crowd first, punching the man to your right square between the eyes. Colby was next, fighting some others who’d joined in for the hell of it. You stayed focused on your original creep.
“By the time we’re done, you’re going to be begging me to fuck you into tomorrow,” he sneered.
You responded with another hit to his mouth, feeling a couple of teeth crack against your knuckles.
He swung. You dodged. He picked up a bottle and crashed it against your shoulder, still too drunk to actually aim. You stomped on his foot. He grabbed you by the hair.
Somewhere, a gun went off and everybody screamed.
Red-haired Romeo, however, didn’t seem to care.
By the time Rip had made it over to you, you were being thrown across the bar. You felt the sticky, slick surface slide past your leg before you collided with the back shelves, and dozens of bottles shattered into your back. Your head slammed into the counter as you fell to the whiskey-soaked floor.
Everything was black after that.
-
You got little bits, here and there, trying to force yourself awake, but never able to fight back the darkness.
Rip and Ryan carrying you with your arms over their shoulders, Rip cursing the whole way to the house.
“Her husband is going to have somebody’s hide and it sure as hell isn’t going to be mine.”
A flash of strawberry blonde and the smell of cigarette smoke.
Ryan’s worried eyes as Rip dragged him away.
It was until the alcohol-dipped rag touched your cuts that you were fully awake. You grimaced, the sharp sting shooting up your back. You gripped the arm of the couch, face down in a pillow.
“Oh good, you’re awake,” Beth snarked. “It’d be a shame to miss this fun.” She pulled a piece of glass out of your side and you clenched your jaw. “That looks like it hurts.”
“Is there still bourbon down here?” You asked.
She laughed, shaking her head. “That’s what got you into this mess, sweetheart. And when my brother makes a list tonight, I’m not putting myself on it.”
She plucked another shard. It seemed every muscle in your back spasmed with every move she made, taking out class and swiping at the blood pooling on your skin. Not to mention the pounding in your head, hair matted with gore. You were grateful it was her, though. At least she’d get it done quick, without any pitying or panic.
Meanwhile, outside was an almost as pitiful sight. Rip leaned against the barn, glaring down the other men who nursed their injuries. Ryan’s eye was already starting to swell and Colby rubbed his aching jaw. Even Lloyd looked worse for wear.
“You’re lucky I don’t fire every one of you,” Rip glowered.
“In our defense, we were trying to stop the fight,” Ryan said, but quickly regretted it.
Rip stepped toward him. “You want another black eye?”
All eyes, however, glanced behind Rip, a pair of headlights growing nearer and nearer.
“Oh shit,” Colby muttered. “I thought he was going to Billings.”
Rip ran a hand down his face, trying to contain his frustration. Could anything else go wrong?
“Apparently not.”
Kayce got out of the truck.
At first, he thought they’d cut the party short and came back to the ranch, but as he got closer, he saw the specks of blood on their shirts and the color of forming bruises.
“What the hell happened?”
Rip sighed. “What does it look like?”
Kayce’s burning gaze turned to him, the question going unsaid, but very much present in his eyes. Rip held up a hand, keeping his voice level to not poke the bear any further.
“She’s inside. Beth’s with her.”
Kayce didn’t waste any more time, dark eyes flashing as he whipped around, sprinting up to the house.
“Y/N!” He screamed. “Y/N!”
Beth rolled her eyes. “Do you want to wake up all of Montana? We’re in here.”
A door opened upstairs. John was awake.
“What’s going on?”
You buried your face in the pillow.
Oh. God.
Kayce stormed into the living room at the same time his father appeared in the loft.
“I’m sorry for getting blood on your couch,” you said, gritting your teeth as Beth cleaned another gaping cut. Your bare chest stuck to the leather uncomfortably as you shifted to get a look at your father-in-law, avoiding your husband in the doorway.
“Is she going to be okay?” John called down.
“She won’t be able to lie on her back for a while.” Beth looked up at your panicked husband with a smirk. “But hey, save a horse, ride a cowboy, right?”
“Beth,” you groaned.
Kayce’s expression darkened.
Beth placed the rag back in the bowl and stood. “That’s my cue.” She waved up at John. “Just another day in the Dutton house, daddy.”
John sighed, muttering as he went back down the hall. “I don’t want to know.”
Kayce was at your side in seconds, dark eyes widening at the sight of your bloodied back and bruised face. Guilt and worry took over his features. It was worse than he thought. There were still a few shards of glass stuck in your flesh and some of the cuts looked like they went pretty deep. Your shoulder was a web of scratches with a bloody point of impact in the middle. The back and side of your head were covered with that dreaded red, more glass stuck in your hair.
You tried to crack a smile.
“You should see the other guy.”
“Baby…” he breathed shakily, a trembling hand against your cheek. “What happened?” Before you could answer, another, angrier question boiled in his chest. “Who did this to you?”
“I don’t know.”
He opened his mouth, but you stopped him.
“I’m serious. I didn’t exactly ask for contact information when I was swinging at him.”
Kayce nodded, body rigid with rage as he picked up the rag and started tending to your wounds with a much gentler hand than his sister’s.
“So a man attacked you?” His voice was calm which made you even more nervous. He only sounded like that when he wanted to kill something. Or someone.
“Well, I wasn’t tossed over a bar by Montana Barbie,” you snarked.
Your humor hid your humiliation but only made his frustration worse. His hand tensed roughly against your skin. You bit your lip to keep from wincing.
“Sorry,” he muttered. Keeping his movements slow and soft, he got the rest of the glass out and cleaned up most of the blood, though some of the cuts would definitely need stitches.
“And technically, no,” you said. “I started the fight. He was just annoying.”
You tried to push yourself up, crying out at the pain in your shoulder. Kayce gently urged you back down, repositioning the pillow so you could look at him more comfortably.
“It doesn’t matter,” he growled. “Anybody who does this to you-”
“Have probably already been punished by Rip.” You used your strength to reach a hand to tuck his blonde hair behind his ear. “I’m okay, Kace.”
He motioned to the liquor store sliced into your back. “Not from where I’m sitting, sweetheart. You know, one of those bottles could have paralyzed you, or-or severed an artery. You would have bled out on a dirty bar floor and I wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it.”
His voice cracked and you finally let your cocky facade fall.
“I’m sorry, baby,” you cried. “But you can’t protect me forever. I can handle myself.”
“Tonight’s not real good proof of that,” he said, a small smile teasing his lips. “Only you could get into this much trouble going out for drinks.”
“Hypocrite.”
He started bandaging you up as best he could to get you ready to go to the hospital.
“I don’t need to go anywhere,” you protested as he helped you up.
“You just had your head smashed against I don’t want to know how many surfaces. Rip said you were out for a couple of hours, now we should have had you at the hospital sooner,” Kayce said. “I’m not messin’ around.”
Sure enough, when you did see the doctor, they confirmed that you had a concussion. A bad one. Enough to make them want to keep you overnight to observe, as well as stitch up your back. When they asked what happened, you told them you fell.
“You… fell…” The doctor eyed you, then looked at Kayce.
You grabbed the woman’s arm, directing her suspicious gaze back at you. The last thing Kayce needed was somebody getting the wrong idea and thinking this was his fault.
“Through a glass table, from which I might have died if my husband hadn’t come home early so you keep your focus on me, okay?” You snapped.
Kayce chuckled. “Easy, baby. We’re not being interrogated.”
“I’m responsible for what happened. I don’t want her thinking anything different,” you said. “Tonight was my fault.”
“No,” he sighed. “It wasn’t.”
He should have been there. He didn’t drink, so he would have been able to see those creeps coming a mile off. Better yet, he should have stayed home, stayed with you like he said he was going to. Then none of this wouldn’t have happened.
“Hey,” you said, taking his hand. “Don’t start.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
You gave him a knowing smile. “You don’t have to.”
He brought your hand up to his lips and held it for the rest of the night.
-
Three Weeks Later
The wind whistled around you and for the first time in almost a month, you felt like you could really breathe. Adjusting the reins in your hand, your golden-brown quarter horse turned, facing you back toward the ranch, miles, and miles of beautiful country all around you. In the distance, you saw a dark hat appear out of the stables and heard your name echo across the field.
You pet your horse's neck, laughing. “I think we’re in trouble.”
With the sunset overhead, you rode back, your husband’s disapproving frown becoming clearer and clearer.
“What the hell are you doing?” He asked. You dismounted and led your horse to the barn. “You just got cleared by the doctor. Are you trying to get another concussion?”
“I know how to ride a horse without falling off, baby.” You kissed him as you went by. “Besides, it’s therapeutic. See, I feel better already.”
Kayce watched you go by, eyes lingering on your back, imagining the angry red scabs and scratches that crisscrossed your skin. He thought about how you tried not to wince when he touched you or that you’d have to lean on him after standing, too dizzy to see straight.
He should have been there.
“Morning, Rip,” you said, seeing the mountain of a man in the other doorway. He tilted his hat at you in greeting, glancing over at your husband for a moment before carrying on by. Something you’d watched that morning clicked in your mind. “I actually wanted to talk to the two of you about something.”
Rip halted and turned around.
“I saw on the news this morning that they found the remains of three hikers in the park last night,” you said, suspicious eyes switching between the two of them. “Three men. You two wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Kayce’s brows furrowed. Rip’s expression didn’t change. You put your hands on your hips and narrowed your eyes.
“Because I can fight my own fights. I don’t need either of you getting yourselves into trouble.” You shot your husband a look that said ‘especially you.’ It seemed like trouble was both of your middle names sometimes.
But he just shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, baby.” Kayce turned to the other cowboy. “Rip?”
A silence fell over the barn, heavy with tension and an unspoken truth.
“It’s the first I’m hearing of it,” Rip said, cool blue eyes watching you. “They probably poked a bear they shouldn’t have.” With that, he left the two of you, and Kayce couldn’t help but feel grateful. As much as he would have wanted to deal with them himself, he was glad those bastards got what they deserved.
You unstrapped the saddle and started to lift it off.
“I got it,” Kayce said, grabbing the heavy leather for you and the two of you finished putting everything away. But that heavy silence was still there.
Your hand slipped into his, tugging slightly to make him look at you.
“Kayce,” you started softly, those big brown eyes making you melt just like they always did, but in them, you could see the guilt he’d been carrying for the past three weeks. “What happened was not your fault. It just… happened.” You laid a hand on his cheek. “Even you can’t stop the world from happening. And you can’t stop some men from being drunk bastards who can’t throw a decent punch.”
His fingers traced the forming scars on your shoulder. “I can try,” he whispered.
You brought his gaze back to yours and pulled him in for a kiss that said everything you both needed it to. When you pulled away, you smiled teasingly.
“So enough of the puppy look.”
Kayce rolled his eyes. “Not this again.”
“I’m serious!” You giggled. “It’s time to, I don’t know, have a little fun again. I’m not going to break.”
Ever the fighter, he thought, bringing you in for another kiss.
You tugged on his hand again, leading him out of the barn. The first stars were making their appearance over the incredible landscape you called home.
“Besides,” you said, leading him back toward the house. “You still owe me a date night.”
Kayce chuckled, wrapping an arm around your waist with a smirk that matched your own.
Wattpad request mackleann Rip and reader get married and they get teased by the bunkhouse guys
Rip and I stood underneath the Yellowstone barn door where he had his hands on my waist with my arms around his neck while we shared our first kiss as husband and wife. Breaking the kiss I tilted my head towards the bunkhouse hearing the bunkhouse roaring with laughter. “What do you think those boys are doing at four in the morning?”
“Nothing good I imagine. This is when they act like dumbasses. Let’s go investigate.” He nodded looping his arm through mine while we walked towards the bunkhouse.
Opening the door we walked in on the cowboys and Jamie drinking and spinning on a baseball bat. Colby stopped spinning before he ran jumping away from the rope but Jake wrapped the rope around his foot making him land on the floor. “Don’t you boys need to be sleeping?” I put my hands on my hip eyeing the group.
“There’s the newlywed Wheelers. Care for a beer Y/n Wheeler?” Ryan raises up his beer reaching into the fridge holding one out for me.
Rip tilted his head at his offer when Jimmy asked. “Wait what time is it?”
“Jimmy it’s four in the fucking morning. Now what are you dumb asses doing?” My husband asked when I removed my arm from his taking the beer from Ryan and doing almost half of it.
Jake eyed me swinging the rope in my direction. “So are we expecting a mini Rip in the future?”
“Oh I don’t know about that. My daddy would be happy to have more grand babies I know that for a fact.” Shrugging my shoulders I noticed the x mark on the floor, kicking it with the tip of my boot. “What exactly were y’all doing with this?”
“Ya stand on the x and spin around three times. Then run and we try and rope your ass down on the ground. Do you want to give it a go?” Walker suggested nudging me as he walked past me to get another beer.
Rip crossed his arms over his chest sending me a light concerned look that only I would see in his brown eyes. “Even though she’d kick all your asses. I don’t think Y/n has to prove anything to you.”
“Fine let’s change the subject then. Do you ride her like a bull?” Ryan teased Rip where I swore he might get into a fight with him over it.
Rip stomped up until I got in between the pair trying to ignore the fact that they were asking about our romantic envolvment before we had been married. “You want me to prove something fine I will. Just warning ya my sister says she’s a beer. Well I’m a buffalo.”
“Woah I think we found out who the real boss is behind closed doors.” Colby smirked leaning back in one of the chairs at the round table.
Downing the rest of my beer I threw it on the ground taking the bat calling out to Rip. “Rip, let’s prove them wrong right. I bet that I can do this hood and you can rope me with your eyes closed.”
“Y/n, let’s not entertain the idiots.” Rip shook his head no not wanting me to get hurt.
Lloyd sat his hat down on the table. “That’s something I’d rather like to see.”
“Look we can either watch you herd her like cattle or we can talk about you sleeping with her.” Jake shrugs handing my husband the rope moving out of the way.
Rip moved his gaze back toward his wife seeing her give him those puppy dog eyes that he could never say no too. He walked forward over to his bosses daughter who was now his wife tuckings hair behind her ear. “Fine but if you get hurt I’m making them go to clean the barn after this from top to bottom.”
“I’ll be fine, baby…Ryan hold this.” Removing my light brown hat from my head tossing it at his face he almost dropped it onto the floor and fell out of his chair.
Placing my hands around the handle of the baseball bat I did three spins before I drew my head up and started running in the opposite direction of my husband. Rip followed the rules and shut his eyes slowly swinging the rope around giving me time to get some distance away from me. He then throws the rope and it tightened around my waist yet instead of getting thrown to the ground I squealed when he spun me back into his arms. “Woah hey there cowboy.”
“What do you say we leave these boys and finish this night alone together.” Rip smiled down at me with him holding me against his chest but he had me dipped down to the floor slightly.
Gripping the fabric of his black jacket I whispered up at him pouring my heart into his deep brown eyes. “Hmm some beer and time with you is the best ending to this night I could ask for.”
Rip and I started learning forward about to kiss until Jimmy asked nervously. “Are you two going to kiss…do we need to like give you the room or something?”
“Don’t you have anything better to do!” Rip growled tugging me up to stand on my feet laying my head on his chest.
Lloyd put his hands behind his head smiling. “Not at the moment boss.”
“Hey let’s go. I’ll take that.” Leading Rip by the hand that was intertwined with mine I reached over snatching my hat back from Ryan’s hands. Placing it on my head we exited the bunkhouse hearing the boys making kissing sounds when we shut the door in their faces.
Rip finally kisses me on the lips again when I pressed my body against his, gripping his shoulders underneath my fingertips. “I think it’s time we go to bed, Mrs. Wheeler.”
“You were right that they are dumb asses. But I am tired now so let’s go to sleep, Mr. Wheeler.” Sending him a grin I squeezed his hand in mine with us walking back to the house that my father has given him.
