Deputy US Marshal Givens (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
tinstar) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
singillatim2025-08-14 09:18 pm
tinstar) wrote in singillatim2025-08-14 09:18 pm
Summer of where the hell are we
Who: Raylan and you!
What: Feasting, MemLoss, around town SoL
When: Month of August
Where: Around Milton, Community hall
Raylan always made sure to come to these when he was able to without betraying himself in one way or another. He also made sure to come with plenty of firewood and dried fish over his shoulder and in his hand respectively, to offer new 'settlers'. Free supplies made things a lot easier when you were just learning how to survive like this and he remembers all too well how harrowing it was to just show up here in Milton out of regular life. It didn't hurt that he liked to see who came in, as well as take an opportunity to check up on the message board. It could be it's own form of entertainment sometimes.
At his side moved a wolf, tall at nearly hip level, with the standard kind of grey and white most people would think of when thinking 'wolf', but seemingly perfectly well behaved as his eyes stay on the rest of the room. Quiet but ready. All up until he got distracted by a smell and starts to nose into someone's meal.
"Goose! No, goddamnit, that's rude," he tuts as a long stride carries him over to push the wolf away. Goose didn't even look sorry, in the way he licked his chops, still eyeing the plate. Raylan sighs and offers an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Normally, he's got better manners then that."
It was cold. It was the first thing he'd noticed when he woke up and while a deluge of other wildly concerning circumstances were upon him, the cold dug at him more sharply than anything else. He felt sure that he must know who he was, if he could only warm up enough to think about it. What did it matter who he was if who he was didn't have any goddamn fingers? The flash of irritation warmed him only slightly, and he pulls the coat he's lucky enough to be wearing closer around his ears as step by step, he makes his way through the forest.
It was quiet and the kind of quiet that left live nerves under his skin. The kind of quiet that make his ears try and stretch somehow, to hear more clearly anything that might be moving in the roving mists. He couldn't decide if it had worked but after a little while, the crunch of something else stepping in the snow sent his ears right back to their proverbial stretching. Unnerved enough by not knowing who he was, the man without a hat hurries his stride a little bit, in the hope that what was making that noise was human.
"Hey! Hello, yes-" All it would take is eye contact for him to start moving closer. "Can't tell you how good it is to see someone else out here. Is there a- a town or something nearby? I seem to've gotten lost.."
Raylan hated this month. There was at least one shiny good part about it, but that withstanding, he wasn't sure how anyone here was sane anymore. The day in and day out that was only broken by terrible things upon terrible things, the gnawing hopelessness that felt harder and harder to fight each time they got knocked down was starting to fray his edges. So Raylan did what he always did when he felt like this (since there wasn't enough whiskey to drown it all out); he stayed busy.
Wood chopping was always needed. The library? Well there were some books he thought Tim might like. The clothing store? Just checking in, to see if anything new has come in. A few t-shirts end up over his shoulder after a quick hold up against his chest sizes it out. Hell, he even stops by the church, just to see the place again. He was happy to do anything that wasn't sit still and think. What he needed was a proper bath in the hot springs but honestly, he would need company lest his head get too far away from itself.
What: Feasting, MemLoss, around town SoL
When: Month of August
Where: Around Milton, Community hall
[Methusalah's Feast]
Raylan always made sure to come to these when he was able to without betraying himself in one way or another. He also made sure to come with plenty of firewood and dried fish over his shoulder and in his hand respectively, to offer new 'settlers'. Free supplies made things a lot easier when you were just learning how to survive like this and he remembers all too well how harrowing it was to just show up here in Milton out of regular life. It didn't hurt that he liked to see who came in, as well as take an opportunity to check up on the message board. It could be it's own form of entertainment sometimes.
At his side moved a wolf, tall at nearly hip level, with the standard kind of grey and white most people would think of when thinking 'wolf', but seemingly perfectly well behaved as his eyes stay on the rest of the room. Quiet but ready. All up until he got distracted by a smell and starts to nose into someone's meal.
"Goose! No, goddamnit, that's rude," he tuts as a long stride carries him over to push the wolf away. Goose didn't even look sorry, in the way he licked his chops, still eyeing the plate. Raylan sighs and offers an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Normally, he's got better manners then that."
[In the Woods somewhere]
It was cold. It was the first thing he'd noticed when he woke up and while a deluge of other wildly concerning circumstances were upon him, the cold dug at him more sharply than anything else. He felt sure that he must know who he was, if he could only warm up enough to think about it. What did it matter who he was if who he was didn't have any goddamn fingers? The flash of irritation warmed him only slightly, and he pulls the coat he's lucky enough to be wearing closer around his ears as step by step, he makes his way through the forest.
It was quiet and the kind of quiet that left live nerves under his skin. The kind of quiet that make his ears try and stretch somehow, to hear more clearly anything that might be moving in the roving mists. He couldn't decide if it had worked but after a little while, the crunch of something else stepping in the snow sent his ears right back to their proverbial stretching. Unnerved enough by not knowing who he was, the man without a hat hurries his stride a little bit, in the hope that what was making that noise was human.
"Hey! Hello, yes-" All it would take is eye contact for him to start moving closer. "Can't tell you how good it is to see someone else out here. Is there a- a town or something nearby? I seem to've gotten lost.."
[Around Milton - Wildcard]
Raylan hated this month. There was at least one shiny good part about it, but that withstanding, he wasn't sure how anyone here was sane anymore. The day in and day out that was only broken by terrible things upon terrible things, the gnawing hopelessness that felt harder and harder to fight each time they got knocked down was starting to fray his edges. So Raylan did what he always did when he felt like this (since there wasn't enough whiskey to drown it all out); he stayed busy.
Wood chopping was always needed. The library? Well there were some books he thought Tim might like. The clothing store? Just checking in, to see if anything new has come in. A few t-shirts end up over his shoulder after a quick hold up against his chest sizes it out. Hell, he even stops by the church, just to see the place again. He was happy to do anything that wasn't sit still and think. What he needed was a proper bath in the hot springs but honestly, he would need company lest his head get too far away from itself.
no subject
He'd held a gun before he enlisted. He'd survived his father before he survived the desert. He's never really put his heart on the line before. Really, he didn't think he'd make it this far.
His expression has remained carefully schooled, something he mastered without having to expend too much focus. Does he want to name this? That feels dangerous, but maybe it only is in the context of home. Things are different here, where every day is a fight for basic survival, and they really only have each other to lean on. There isn't any harm in naming it if it doesn't really change anything.
The word 'dating' comes into the mix and that does get a reaction out of Tim, his brow creasing with a slight frown.
"I don't--"
He stops. He doesn't date. Not since coming back stateside and realizing he's a hell of a lot less whole than he was when he left. The baggage is heavy, too heavy to ask someone else to carry, but-- he didn't ask Raylan. He just did it, and even when Tim was difficult about it, he made it clear he wanted to be there.
Fuck. They're already dating, aren't they? That's exactly what they're doing, they've both just been hesitant to name it. Truthfully, Tim still is a little hesitant. But not as much as he's tired of the uncertainty. He takes a long drink from his glass that doesn't do nearly enough to loosen the tightness in his throat.
"Raylan, I'm gonna be real honest with you -- I haven't dated anyone since high school." And what even is dating in high school other than trying to find the next semi-private place to hook up with the same person for a year and a half until it all implodes?
His track record isn't great. He doesn't know how to be in a relationship, but he pulls in a breath and looks Raylan in the eye when he speaks again.
"But that doesn't mean I don't want to."
no subject
"I don't mind bein' the first if you don't, darlin'." He gives Tim a soft smile. "I'm not lookin' for references."
There was also the fact that Raylan had probably started and ruined enough relationships to cover the both of them, but that felt in bad taste to say out loud, true or not.
"This doesn't have to be anythin' you don't want. I know you and I aren't exactly practiced at talkin'-" Considering how long it's taken for them to have this particular conversation. "-But we can figure that out. Even if that means we go on as we have been."
He had full confidence in that statement. Neither of them were stupid, just scared. Tim enjoyed being with him, he was sure of it but he wasn't going to push for something that Tim didn't want.
no subject
Things are irrevocably different here. Here, where forces both natural and supernatural are trying to kill them at every turn. Their jobs aren't here to complicate things, and without that, Tim doesn't really have much to lose. Not even Raylan, truthfully. Even if this doesn't work out for some reason, he doesn't think it's possible for it to cause enough of a rift for them to not have each other's backs as long as they're both here.
It seems like a lot of security to have in something that doesn't even exist at home. Who knows if it ever could, but they've been dealt a new hand, and this is just making the best of it.
Tim sighs, shrugging his shoulders in a very nonchalant way, because, well-- it's how they've been having this whole conversation, as scary as it is. Making it easy even when it's not. It's like Raylan said -- they'll figure it out.
"Well," he says, and there's a faint smirk pulling at his lips as he tips his head. "Are we supposed to kiss on it or somethin'?"
no subject
He'd have to think on that.
For now, he just flashes a grin at his capital P partner.
"There aren't any rules 'sides the ones we make darlin'. But if you're offerin'-" The grin spread. "Does this mean I get to introduce you as my boyfriend?"
He didn't think that Tim would have a problem with that, but he couldn't help but think of Bigby and his objections to anything close to that label.
no subject
It's their ballpark, though. Outside the confines of their lives back home, the shared profession that makes it all complicated and messy. There aren't any rules, just like Raylan says, and maybe they should eventually talk about what does happen if or when they ever make it home and there are rules again--
But not right now. Not anytime soon. One miraculously had conversation at a time.
"Yeah," he says, mouth twisting a bit as he attempts to smother a smile before giving up and letting it happen, because he's starting to feel warm from the whiskey and at some point, his free hand found it's way to resting on Raylan's bicep across the back of the couch. "I think I'd like those braggin' rights."
It feels like a coveted spot, being Raylan's Partner. Being with someone so obnoxiously charming and stunningly handsome. Loyal and protective and fierce. Tim spent a couple of years watching a string of pretty blonde women worm their way into the position he's now occupying, and now that he's here-- it almost doesn't feel real.
"You know I don't care who knows," Tim says. "So however you wanna handle tellin' other people, I'll follow your lead."
no subject
Even if they had to argue a little, something he knew was going to be a rough time for both of them - right now everything felt shiny bright. His proud grin felt too wide for his face, probably bordering on stupid. This wasn't home. They weren't going to have to go fifty miles out of the way of anywhere to go on a date, or worry about someone coming down on them for being out of the textbook ordinary.
"I don't know that anyone wouldn't figure it out, just to look at us. If they figure it out, they figure it out. I don't want us to hide. We don't deserve shoulderin' anymore of that then we already have."
His free hand, glass set somewhere smoothly out of the way, comes up to catch Tim's chin as he leans in.
"Only matters what you think, anyway," he husks before kissing Tim soundly.
no subject
It's impossible to say, and it doesn't matter anyway. This is where they are, and here, Raylan has decided he doesn't care who knows. Tim would've been fine keeping it under wraps -- he understands the intricacies of masculinity and sexuality, navigating judgement and ridicule. Tim was in the military while Don't Ask Don't Tell was alive and well -- once he was no longer serving, he decided he didn't give a shit who knew. If somebody wanted to have a problem with it, they could get their ass kicked by a gay guy. And that's exactly what's happened on more than one occasion.
He doesn't get the feeling it's going to happen here. Interlopers have a lot more important shit to worry about than who either of them are fucking or dating. He could've kept the secret, but he's glad he doesn't have to. That he doesn't have to stop himself from standing too close or touching too long. They don't have to hide the sliver of happiness they've found in this hell hole.
Tim's smiling faintly, leaning in as soon as Raylan's fingers are on his chin, their lips brushing almost before the final words can leave his partner's mouth. Reaching blindly, he sets his glass behind him on the side table, leaving his hand free to slide into Raylan's hair as they kiss. He can taste the whiskey, feel the sparks of desire, a bit pushy in the way he tips his head to deepen the kiss.
This is his now. He wants as much of it as he can get.
no subject
There was always going to be a deep, jaded part of him that will expect trouble for this choice. It felt like the way of life, here or there, and under the wild nerves about how people would take the news, he was equally excited. Tim had spent his adult life proud about it, if not loud for socially understandable reasons, but Raylan hadn't gotten a chance to feel that. Save for once or twice, and twenty years prior stops counting after a while.
And now that didn't matter either, because Tim had his fingers in his hair and was inviting him to more - an invitation he was more than happy to accept as his hand leaves Tim's chin and slides around his waist, fingers lightly pressing in suggestion that Tim shift just a little so Raylan could pull him into his lap. He had less than zero arguments about cementing this all for them by wrapping around Tim and making him breathless and eager. By proving all over again that he wanted Tim, exactly how he was, however he was.
no subject
Including the food simmering away over the fire, which he'll have to attend to at some point. But not right now. Tim shifts his weight, allowing Raylan to tug him into his lap. It's a joint effort, Tim swinging his leg over to straddle Raylan's lap comfortably. Not the first time they've been in this position at this point, but now Tim feels wholly like he belongs here, officially, and God does that feel good.
Absolutely nothing is going to ruin at least the next few hours for him, but if he gets his way, they won't be getting much sleep tonight. The hand in Raylan's hair stays, fingers lacing through the strands as they kiss for a few moments longer. When Tim draws back, he can't help the grin that slips easily onto his face.
"When's the last time we pulled an all-nighter together?"
no subject
"Can't remember," Raylan murmurs, eyes dark with lust and fingers already working their way up under Tim's shirt to get at his skin so he can spread his palms across him. His lips curl, teeth flashing in an echo of that beautiful grin on Tim's face. God he looks good like that, pleased and relaxed and smiling at him that way.
"But it definitely involved a van we didn't take enough advantage of. An' now, we can pull an all nighter with almost no consequences. Have a hellva lot more fun too-" The last is murmured as he stretches up to steal Tim's lips again.
What food?
no subject
They have a lot of lost time they're still making up for, but they're here now. Fitting together like puzzle pieces, those fingers cool against his skin as they push beneath his shirt. A silent shiver slips down his spine, and he barely allows the words to leave Raylan's mouth before he's leaning in too for another hungry kiss.
... The food will be fine. At the very least, they can get in one round before it has to be attended to. Work up a real appetite in the process. Tim shifts his weight, spreading his legs a little wider to bring their hips closer together. Kissing until he can't breathe, then tipping Raylan's chin with one hand so he has more room to kiss along his neck. Nobody here to hide marks from.
"Now we get to re-christen all the furniture in the house," he murmurs, teeth scraping lightly where Raylan's pulse thumps in his throat. "As a couple."
Shall we let this one fade off to make room for new?
"I say we start right here." The hand roaming Tim's back moves out from under his shirt to come up and cradle the back of his neck, fingers getting into the dark blonde hair as he turns to continue his honey silk and husking murmur into Tim's ear. "Then the floor, the table.. won't take you to bed until you're properly worked out and tired."
As he continued, his other hand slides off Tim's ass and moves up to do what he'd started to try to do a few seconds ago and urge that shirt up.
yesssss the ye old fade to black
Sometimes that is the case, when those touches are softer, sweeter, more intimate than sexually charged. There will be a lot more of those now, and he wonders if the novelty of Raylan making him feel brand new will ever wear off.
"You're gonna spoil me," Tim says, sounding a lot more breathless than he did just moments before. He leans back just long enough to finally tear his shirt off and then comes back in for another kiss, and--
Yeah. He can get used to this.