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archetTitle: Angels Ain’t Easy
Author: Archet
Pairing: OMC Jody McKinnon/Matt Hawkes
Fandom: High Mountain Rangers
Summary: a story of falling in love, figuring things out and just holding on.
Disclaimer: I did not create the High Mountain Ranger character/s, only this fic and the Original Male Character, Jody McKinnon, and any other original characters in supporting roles. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: this fic is set in 1989, approximately a year and a half after the events of the final episode of High Mountain Rangers. There will be no acknowledgment of the events of the spin-off show Jesse Hawkes.
Note: this fic takes place a little over four months after Bad Luck, Bad Guys and High Mountain Rangers and is a sequel to that fic, so reading that first is recommended.
Additional: this fic will depict same sex relationships. If this ain’t your thing, venture no further.
Warnings this chapter: none
Summary this chapter: Tim comes over unannounced, some concern and minor snarkiness ensues.
****Additional notes at end of chapter****
“Hey! Anybody home? Where you at, Matt?”
The sudden voice, muffled by the closed bedroom door, startled Matt awake, and for a moment he wasn’t sure if he’d actually heard it, or if he’d dreamt it. Lifting up from where he rested on Jody’s chest, he blinked groggily. After Jody had carried him, literally, back to bed they’d lazed away the hours making love, and dozing in the aftermath.
Having no idea what time it was, Matt peered over at the clock on the nightstand, seeing that it was well past noon. The sheet draped over him slid down his back, and Jody’s arm tightened around him as he rose up. He looked at the bedroom door, listening intently.
“Mmm…? Where you goin’?” Jody asked blearily, stirred by Matt’s movements.
“Matt! Hey, buddy! You know your front door is standing wide open, right?”
Matt stared for a beat, and then rolled off Jody as realization hit. Throwing the blanket aside, he scooted to the edge of the bed, casting around for some clothes to pull on. He grabbed the first thing he saw, his joggers, lying crumpled on the bedroom rug.
“Shit! That’s Tim.”
Jody passed a hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. He didn’t seem to mind the loss of the sheet, but the removal of Matt’s warmth from against him appeared to be much more disagreeable.
“What is it? Come back bed, baby.”
Shimming into his jogging pants, Matt explained. “That’s Tim, my friend, my co-worker, and in about ten seconds he’s going to walk into this bedroom. Get up and put something on!”
That seemed to trigger something in Jody. He sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Matt skittered to a halt, and stared. Jody McKinnon, naked, skin glowing in the warm, afternoon sunlight steaming in through the windows, almost made him forget Tim’s arrival altogether.
“And he just walks into your bedroom uninvited?” Jody wanted to know, scowling.
Matt shook his head to clear it. “What? No! I mean-it’s not like that. He’s my best friend. He likes to give me shit. He was supposed to come by and pick up some climbing gear today, I totally forgot. He probably wants to see how our date went, too. He doesn’t know it’s still actually going on.”
“Oh,” Jody said, sounding only slightly mollified. “That’s… all right, I guess.”
Matt blew out a breath in frustration, giving up his search for his shirt. “Get dressed. I’ll head him off before he comes back here.”
Toward the bedroom door he called out, “Hey, T! Gimme a sec!”
Before Matt could head for the door, Jody reached out, snagging his wrist. He was drawn into the open V of Jody’s legs. Warm hands slid up the outside of his thighs, over the soft grey fleece of his joggers, to curl around his waist.
Head tilted back, Jody looked up. “Be still.”
Matt calmed, an almost automatic reaction to the subtle command in Jody’s even tone. He looked down into his lover’s dark eyes, so warm, focused solely on his own. He wanted to roll right back into Jody’s arms and forget Tim, forget the entire world.
“You’re agitated. Tell me what the big deal is,” Jody said.
“It-It’s not a big deal,” Matt began, but at Jody’s raised brow he sighed.
“It’s just that he only knows we were going out, and now we’re, together. He’ll think it’s a bit sudden, I’m sure.”
The smile that curved Jody’s mouth had Matt leaning in, had him settling his hands on Jody’s broad shoulders.
“Well, it was a bit ‘sudden’” Jody said slowly. “But he’s gonna find out soon or later. Think of it like pulling off a Band-Aid, the quicker the better.”
Matt shrugged. “I guess.”
Jody regarded him steadily for a breath, and Matt felt a shiver race through him as that continued laser focus remained centered upon him.
“Doesn’t sound like that big of a deal,” Jody said, gently setting Matt back a little so he could stand from the bed.
Matt groaned, running fingers through the wreck of his hair. “Oh, it will be. He’ll give me shit, you have no idea and, uh,” Matt left the thought hanging.
Jody smirked, and sidled close, muscle heavy arms wrapping around Matt. “I dunno, that sounds like a good friend. And?”
Matt’s mouth twitched up at one corner. “And Tim can be a little,” he paused, searching for the correct word. “Suspicious,” he finally said.
Jody nodded, gaze thoughtful. “I see.”
Matt wanted to explain that Jody didn’t see. Of everyone, Tim had been front row, center, for the whole fallout after Jonathan’s abandonment. A quick fuck wouldn’t have alarmed Tim, and Matt probably would’ve gotten an approving punch to the shoulder just for getting back into the swing of things… but on finding out that Matt was apparently exclusive now with Jody, a man whom he’d met not all that long ago and under extreme circumstances, well, Matt predicted that his friend was going to be annoying and nosey as fuck.
“He’ll give you shit too, until he’s satisfied you’re not an asshole like my ex-” Matt bit off the last word, wishing he’d just kept his mouth shut.
“Mmm, I’m gonna have to hear more about this ex of yours, but I think you’re right. I’d better get dressed.” Grinning, Jody gave him a squeeze, kissing the tip of his nose. “You better get out there.”
Matt blew out an annoyed breath, and stepped out of Jody’s embrace. It was hard to think in a straight line, with Jody’s hands on him. Walking to the door, he paused, composed himself, then pulled it open and headed into the hall. He found Tim waiting in the kitchen, leaning against the kitchen table, arms folded.
Upon seeing him, Tim shot him a wide grin. “Hey, thought I was gonna have to call out a search party. What? Were you asleep? That must’ve been some date last night, it’s the middle of the afternoon-”
Tim’s words shut off as Matt stepped into the sunny kitchen, running a hand through hair.
“Yeah, sorry, didn’t hear you at first,” Matt said lightly.
Tim’s grinned faded. “Okay, this is where you start explaining.”
Matt shook his head. “Do what?”
Tim pushed away from the table. “What’s all this?” He lifted a hand, gesturing at Matt’s bare chest.
Matt froze, realization clicking in. Jody. Jody’s marks on him, more specifically his shoulder… and neck… and one just above his right nipple, all the lovely signs of Jody’s hands and mouth having been on him.
Fuuuck. Should’ve found that shirt.
Tim’s gaze slanted up, and Matt bit his lip as he sensed without looking, Jody’s presence behind him. It took a certain amount of willpower not to melt back into his lover’s arms as they slipped around his waist from behind. Jody’s big hands landed on his hips, and Matt could hear the grin in his voice as he spoke over Matt’s shoulder.
“Hey. Tim, isn’t it? Good to see you again.”
“Yeah. You too, man.” Tim replied, a blank look on his face.
Matt chuckled helplessly.
Like a Band-Aid, huh? Yeah, this is going over so well.
Matt groaned inwardly. He knew that look. Could see Tim’s guard going up, a shuttered look to his eyes. Before he could say anything into the awkward silence, Jody piped up.
“Baby, I’m gonna take a shower, before we figure something out for lunch.”
Pressing his lips together Matt nodded, staring straight ahead. Tim’s brows lifted at the ‘baby’ and climbed higher as Jody squeezed Matt’s hips, and pressed a quick kiss to his neck. He suppressed a shiver as Jody’s breath feathered against the shell of his ear.
“Think Tim would like to join us for lunch?”
Matt stared at his friend. “Um, would you?” he asked, feeling his face heating up.
Tim seemed to reanimate. He shook his head. “No, but thanks. I already ate.”
“Well, all right, then. See you around.”
Matt could feel the grin in Jody’s voice, and smiled despite himself at the additional squeeze to his hips as Jody stepped away. Matt darted a quick look over his shoulder, drew in a slow breath as he watched Jody strolling back down the hallway, his tall, muscular frame on display as he wore nothing but his black jeans. Jody turned the corner to the bathroom, pushing the door partially closed behind him.
Looking back to Tim, he offered him a quick smile. “So? What’s up?”
Tim, hands on his hips, jerked his chin toward the front door. “How about we step outside?”
Matt nodded, gesturing for Tim to precede him, a sinking feeling in his gut. He was reminded uncomfortably of the time he and Cody had decided to ride their sled down the stairs of their cabin, and had accidently punched out a whole section of railing when they’d spectacularly wiped out on their first run. The resulting dressing down had been just as spectacular.
Stepping out on the front porch, Matt jumped in with both feet. “Look, I know what you’re thinking.”
Tim rounded on him, brows raised. “What do you think that I’m thinking?”
Matt sighed. “You’re thinking that I’m not thinking, and getting in over my head.”
Tim raised a hand, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and finger. “Matthew.”
Lifting his hands, Matt assured, “Everything is fine, I promise. Better than fine, even.”
Tim looked pointedly at Matt’s chest. Getting annoyed, Matt cocked his head. “You gonna ask me if we used a rubber every time?”
Tim rolled his eyes. “Fuck no. I know you’re smart enough to take care of yourself, but, Matt…”
“Tim.” Matt said slowly, drawing out the name. “Weren’t you the one the one riding my ass about getting out of the house, about having a life outside of work?”
“Looks like I’m not the only one that’s been riding your ass,” Tim snarked.
“Oh, fuck off,” Matt snapped, and turning around plopped down onto one the wooden rocking chairs on the porch. He folded his arms over his chest, feeling somewhat petulant.
Sighing, Tim leaned his shoulder against one of the knotty pine posts supporting the porch’s roof.
“Look, I just don’t want to see you knocked back down where you were last year.”
There lay a wealth of unspoken meaning in that brief statement, and Matt’s aggravation deflated.
“I know. But Jody is not Jonathan. It’s not even close, trust me.”
Tim frowned. “But how do you know, Matt? I can see it on your face; this isn’t just a hot fuck. You’re already invested in this guy.”
Stretching his long legs out in front of him, and unfolding his arms, Matt leaned his head back against the rocker’s seat back.
“You’re not wrong, and I know it seems sudden, but this is real, Tim. I can’t explain it in words, but I felt it on the first day I met him.”
Tim seemed skeptical. “You felt what, exactly?”
Matt sighed. “I don’t know how to quantify it for you, but we just--we just connect, and before you say it, I’m not talking about just great chemistry, or sexual attraction. This is more than that. It’s like he, just knows me, and knows what I want, what I need.”
Matt sank back into the rocker, not knowing how better reassure his friend, or how to explain it all. Maybe there was no explaining it. He just knew he needed it, wanted it.
Tim’s generous mouth compressing down into a flat line, he waited a few seconds before speaking in the wake of Matt’s words. To his credit he didn’t point out that Matt and Jody had only spent one night together, as lovers, anyway, and that it could all fall apart in the harsh light of day. Or that it could all fall apart in the face of the toll that Matt’s job tended to take on his personal time, or of Jody barely having set his feet back on the mountain after years away. All were things Matt had already thought of.
“Matt, just be careful, okay?”
Matt nodded. “I hear you, I do. But every instinct I have is pulling me to him.”
Tim looked down for a moment, and then hauled his gaze back up, lips twitching a bit.
“Remember what Merlin used to say?”
Matt chuckled. “He used to say, don’t be an idiot. Don’t ignore your instincts, and you’ll never look like an idiot, probably.”
“Always that ‘probably’ on the end,” Tim echoed, chuckling himself now.
Matt tilted his chin up. “I trust Jody.”
Tim nodded, looking a little less doubtful, or perhaps just resigned. “Well, if anyone could keep you in line, it was Merlin. McKinnon doesn’t know what he’s in for.”
Matt scoffed. “Aw, come on. I’m always the one keeping the rest of you in line, and you know it.”
“That is all lies and defamation, my friend.”
Matt laughed outright. “Right. Just keep telling yourself that.”
Pushing away from the support post, Tim straightened, pinning Matt with a look. “No truth but the whole truth, buddy.”
Matt rolled his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to hang around. I mean, we kinda need a break.”
“Oh, god, no details, please,” Tim moaned, and stepping off the porch, shot a grin up at Matt. “I am not bringing you soup if this goes south.”
“You would though,” Matt retorted, then added, “But it won’t.”
Tim inclined his head and raised his hands, signaling his surrender, though Matt knew better than to believe it was a total win.
“I hope so. And Matt?”
“Hmm?”
Tim looked a little pained. “Do everyone a favor, take a shower, bud.”
Tim shook his head and walked away, waving Matt’s laughter off as he attempted to conceal his own.
Matt called after him. “Hey, what about that climbing gear you needed?”
“I already got it from the shed. I’ll see you at the station tomorrow. And you’d better be on time!”
Matt snorted, and watched Tim climb into his truck and pull out, rolling away down the drive. He sat in the shade and listened to the birds singing amid the limbs of the mountain laurel, and the gentle whisper of the breeze stirring the trees. It flowed a little coolly against this skin, but not unkindly so, and he let his eyes drift closed. Some uncounted amount of time later, a press of warmth to his mouth woke him from his doze, and he opened his eyes to Jody’s amused smile.
“Ready for lunch, angel?” Jody asked.
Matt’s brows rose, stomach instantly rumbling loudly. “You have some?”
Jody chuckled, and bending down, leaned his hands on the armrests of the rocking chair as Matt looked up hopefully.
“Remember how you said you can cook about four things well?”
Matt nodded.
“Well, I can cook more than that. I rooted around your kitchen while you slept, threw something together, so move your ass, sweetheart.”
Rolling his eyes, Matt let Jody pull him up from the rocking chair, and into the cabin.
****Additional Notes****
Nothing too much to report, something a little different, a lot of dialogue and less moaning/panting! LOL And just the beginning of the crew finding out Matt is, quiet suddenly, spoken for. Folks will be concerned, suspicious, and possibly even a little jealous. Shout out to, I believe it was Nessa (correct me if I'm wrong!) who commented that Matt's rangers will be feeling protective of their boy. I totally agree!
Also, a bit of Jody's possessiveness managed to peak through, I think. And I say that in only the best way possible.
Posting this on the fly. Thanks for reading! As always, share thoughts on these boys in the comments as you will. Thanks!
Author: Archet
Pairing: OMC Jody McKinnon/Matt Hawkes
Fandom: High Mountain Rangers
Summary: a story of falling in love, figuring things out and just holding on.
Disclaimer: I did not create the High Mountain Ranger character/s, only this fic and the Original Male Character, Jody McKinnon, and any other original characters in supporting roles. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: this fic is set in 1989, approximately a year and a half after the events of the final episode of High Mountain Rangers. There will be no acknowledgment of the events of the spin-off show Jesse Hawkes.
Note: this fic takes place a little over four months after Bad Luck, Bad Guys and High Mountain Rangers and is a sequel to that fic, so reading that first is recommended.
Additional: this fic will depict same sex relationships. If this ain’t your thing, venture no further.
Warnings this chapter: none
Summary this chapter: Tim comes over unannounced, some concern and minor snarkiness ensues.
****Additional notes at end of chapter****
“Hey! Anybody home? Where you at, Matt?”
The sudden voice, muffled by the closed bedroom door, startled Matt awake, and for a moment he wasn’t sure if he’d actually heard it, or if he’d dreamt it. Lifting up from where he rested on Jody’s chest, he blinked groggily. After Jody had carried him, literally, back to bed they’d lazed away the hours making love, and dozing in the aftermath.
Having no idea what time it was, Matt peered over at the clock on the nightstand, seeing that it was well past noon. The sheet draped over him slid down his back, and Jody’s arm tightened around him as he rose up. He looked at the bedroom door, listening intently.
“Mmm…? Where you goin’?” Jody asked blearily, stirred by Matt’s movements.
“Matt! Hey, buddy! You know your front door is standing wide open, right?”
Matt stared for a beat, and then rolled off Jody as realization hit. Throwing the blanket aside, he scooted to the edge of the bed, casting around for some clothes to pull on. He grabbed the first thing he saw, his joggers, lying crumpled on the bedroom rug.
“Shit! That’s Tim.”
Jody passed a hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. He didn’t seem to mind the loss of the sheet, but the removal of Matt’s warmth from against him appeared to be much more disagreeable.
“What is it? Come back bed, baby.”
Shimming into his jogging pants, Matt explained. “That’s Tim, my friend, my co-worker, and in about ten seconds he’s going to walk into this bedroom. Get up and put something on!”
That seemed to trigger something in Jody. He sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. Matt skittered to a halt, and stared. Jody McKinnon, naked, skin glowing in the warm, afternoon sunlight steaming in through the windows, almost made him forget Tim’s arrival altogether.
“And he just walks into your bedroom uninvited?” Jody wanted to know, scowling.
Matt shook his head to clear it. “What? No! I mean-it’s not like that. He’s my best friend. He likes to give me shit. He was supposed to come by and pick up some climbing gear today, I totally forgot. He probably wants to see how our date went, too. He doesn’t know it’s still actually going on.”
“Oh,” Jody said, sounding only slightly mollified. “That’s… all right, I guess.”
Matt blew out a breath in frustration, giving up his search for his shirt. “Get dressed. I’ll head him off before he comes back here.”
Toward the bedroom door he called out, “Hey, T! Gimme a sec!”
Before Matt could head for the door, Jody reached out, snagging his wrist. He was drawn into the open V of Jody’s legs. Warm hands slid up the outside of his thighs, over the soft grey fleece of his joggers, to curl around his waist.
Head tilted back, Jody looked up. “Be still.”
Matt calmed, an almost automatic reaction to the subtle command in Jody’s even tone. He looked down into his lover’s dark eyes, so warm, focused solely on his own. He wanted to roll right back into Jody’s arms and forget Tim, forget the entire world.
“You’re agitated. Tell me what the big deal is,” Jody said.
“It-It’s not a big deal,” Matt began, but at Jody’s raised brow he sighed.
“It’s just that he only knows we were going out, and now we’re, together. He’ll think it’s a bit sudden, I’m sure.”
The smile that curved Jody’s mouth had Matt leaning in, had him settling his hands on Jody’s broad shoulders.
“Well, it was a bit ‘sudden’” Jody said slowly. “But he’s gonna find out soon or later. Think of it like pulling off a Band-Aid, the quicker the better.”
Matt shrugged. “I guess.”
Jody regarded him steadily for a breath, and Matt felt a shiver race through him as that continued laser focus remained centered upon him.
“Doesn’t sound like that big of a deal,” Jody said, gently setting Matt back a little so he could stand from the bed.
Matt groaned, running fingers through the wreck of his hair. “Oh, it will be. He’ll give me shit, you have no idea and, uh,” Matt left the thought hanging.
Jody smirked, and sidled close, muscle heavy arms wrapping around Matt. “I dunno, that sounds like a good friend. And?”
Matt’s mouth twitched up at one corner. “And Tim can be a little,” he paused, searching for the correct word. “Suspicious,” he finally said.
Jody nodded, gaze thoughtful. “I see.”
Matt wanted to explain that Jody didn’t see. Of everyone, Tim had been front row, center, for the whole fallout after Jonathan’s abandonment. A quick fuck wouldn’t have alarmed Tim, and Matt probably would’ve gotten an approving punch to the shoulder just for getting back into the swing of things… but on finding out that Matt was apparently exclusive now with Jody, a man whom he’d met not all that long ago and under extreme circumstances, well, Matt predicted that his friend was going to be annoying and nosey as fuck.
“He’ll give you shit too, until he’s satisfied you’re not an asshole like my ex-” Matt bit off the last word, wishing he’d just kept his mouth shut.
“Mmm, I’m gonna have to hear more about this ex of yours, but I think you’re right. I’d better get dressed.” Grinning, Jody gave him a squeeze, kissing the tip of his nose. “You better get out there.”
Matt blew out an annoyed breath, and stepped out of Jody’s embrace. It was hard to think in a straight line, with Jody’s hands on him. Walking to the door, he paused, composed himself, then pulled it open and headed into the hall. He found Tim waiting in the kitchen, leaning against the kitchen table, arms folded.
Upon seeing him, Tim shot him a wide grin. “Hey, thought I was gonna have to call out a search party. What? Were you asleep? That must’ve been some date last night, it’s the middle of the afternoon-”
Tim’s words shut off as Matt stepped into the sunny kitchen, running a hand through hair.
“Yeah, sorry, didn’t hear you at first,” Matt said lightly.
Tim’s grinned faded. “Okay, this is where you start explaining.”
Matt shook his head. “Do what?”
Tim pushed away from the table. “What’s all this?” He lifted a hand, gesturing at Matt’s bare chest.
Matt froze, realization clicking in. Jody. Jody’s marks on him, more specifically his shoulder… and neck… and one just above his right nipple, all the lovely signs of Jody’s hands and mouth having been on him.
Fuuuck. Should’ve found that shirt.
Tim’s gaze slanted up, and Matt bit his lip as he sensed without looking, Jody’s presence behind him. It took a certain amount of willpower not to melt back into his lover’s arms as they slipped around his waist from behind. Jody’s big hands landed on his hips, and Matt could hear the grin in his voice as he spoke over Matt’s shoulder.
“Hey. Tim, isn’t it? Good to see you again.”
“Yeah. You too, man.” Tim replied, a blank look on his face.
Matt chuckled helplessly.
Like a Band-Aid, huh? Yeah, this is going over so well.
Matt groaned inwardly. He knew that look. Could see Tim’s guard going up, a shuttered look to his eyes. Before he could say anything into the awkward silence, Jody piped up.
“Baby, I’m gonna take a shower, before we figure something out for lunch.”
Pressing his lips together Matt nodded, staring straight ahead. Tim’s brows lifted at the ‘baby’ and climbed higher as Jody squeezed Matt’s hips, and pressed a quick kiss to his neck. He suppressed a shiver as Jody’s breath feathered against the shell of his ear.
“Think Tim would like to join us for lunch?”
Matt stared at his friend. “Um, would you?” he asked, feeling his face heating up.
Tim seemed to reanimate. He shook his head. “No, but thanks. I already ate.”
“Well, all right, then. See you around.”
Matt could feel the grin in Jody’s voice, and smiled despite himself at the additional squeeze to his hips as Jody stepped away. Matt darted a quick look over his shoulder, drew in a slow breath as he watched Jody strolling back down the hallway, his tall, muscular frame on display as he wore nothing but his black jeans. Jody turned the corner to the bathroom, pushing the door partially closed behind him.
Looking back to Tim, he offered him a quick smile. “So? What’s up?”
Tim, hands on his hips, jerked his chin toward the front door. “How about we step outside?”
Matt nodded, gesturing for Tim to precede him, a sinking feeling in his gut. He was reminded uncomfortably of the time he and Cody had decided to ride their sled down the stairs of their cabin, and had accidently punched out a whole section of railing when they’d spectacularly wiped out on their first run. The resulting dressing down had been just as spectacular.
Stepping out on the front porch, Matt jumped in with both feet. “Look, I know what you’re thinking.”
Tim rounded on him, brows raised. “What do you think that I’m thinking?”
Matt sighed. “You’re thinking that I’m not thinking, and getting in over my head.”
Tim raised a hand, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and finger. “Matthew.”
Lifting his hands, Matt assured, “Everything is fine, I promise. Better than fine, even.”
Tim looked pointedly at Matt’s chest. Getting annoyed, Matt cocked his head. “You gonna ask me if we used a rubber every time?”
Tim rolled his eyes. “Fuck no. I know you’re smart enough to take care of yourself, but, Matt…”
“Tim.” Matt said slowly, drawing out the name. “Weren’t you the one the one riding my ass about getting out of the house, about having a life outside of work?”
“Looks like I’m not the only one that’s been riding your ass,” Tim snarked.
“Oh, fuck off,” Matt snapped, and turning around plopped down onto one the wooden rocking chairs on the porch. He folded his arms over his chest, feeling somewhat petulant.
Sighing, Tim leaned his shoulder against one of the knotty pine posts supporting the porch’s roof.
“Look, I just don’t want to see you knocked back down where you were last year.”
There lay a wealth of unspoken meaning in that brief statement, and Matt’s aggravation deflated.
“I know. But Jody is not Jonathan. It’s not even close, trust me.”
Tim frowned. “But how do you know, Matt? I can see it on your face; this isn’t just a hot fuck. You’re already invested in this guy.”
Stretching his long legs out in front of him, and unfolding his arms, Matt leaned his head back against the rocker’s seat back.
“You’re not wrong, and I know it seems sudden, but this is real, Tim. I can’t explain it in words, but I felt it on the first day I met him.”
Tim seemed skeptical. “You felt what, exactly?”
Matt sighed. “I don’t know how to quantify it for you, but we just--we just connect, and before you say it, I’m not talking about just great chemistry, or sexual attraction. This is more than that. It’s like he, just knows me, and knows what I want, what I need.”
Matt sank back into the rocker, not knowing how better reassure his friend, or how to explain it all. Maybe there was no explaining it. He just knew he needed it, wanted it.
Tim’s generous mouth compressing down into a flat line, he waited a few seconds before speaking in the wake of Matt’s words. To his credit he didn’t point out that Matt and Jody had only spent one night together, as lovers, anyway, and that it could all fall apart in the harsh light of day. Or that it could all fall apart in the face of the toll that Matt’s job tended to take on his personal time, or of Jody barely having set his feet back on the mountain after years away. All were things Matt had already thought of.
“Matt, just be careful, okay?”
Matt nodded. “I hear you, I do. But every instinct I have is pulling me to him.”
Tim looked down for a moment, and then hauled his gaze back up, lips twitching a bit.
“Remember what Merlin used to say?”
Matt chuckled. “He used to say, don’t be an idiot. Don’t ignore your instincts, and you’ll never look like an idiot, probably.”
“Always that ‘probably’ on the end,” Tim echoed, chuckling himself now.
Matt tilted his chin up. “I trust Jody.”
Tim nodded, looking a little less doubtful, or perhaps just resigned. “Well, if anyone could keep you in line, it was Merlin. McKinnon doesn’t know what he’s in for.”
Matt scoffed. “Aw, come on. I’m always the one keeping the rest of you in line, and you know it.”
“That is all lies and defamation, my friend.”
Matt laughed outright. “Right. Just keep telling yourself that.”
Pushing away from the support post, Tim straightened, pinning Matt with a look. “No truth but the whole truth, buddy.”
Matt rolled his eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to hang around. I mean, we kinda need a break.”
“Oh, god, no details, please,” Tim moaned, and stepping off the porch, shot a grin up at Matt. “I am not bringing you soup if this goes south.”
“You would though,” Matt retorted, then added, “But it won’t.”
Tim inclined his head and raised his hands, signaling his surrender, though Matt knew better than to believe it was a total win.
“I hope so. And Matt?”
“Hmm?”
Tim looked a little pained. “Do everyone a favor, take a shower, bud.”
Tim shook his head and walked away, waving Matt’s laughter off as he attempted to conceal his own.
Matt called after him. “Hey, what about that climbing gear you needed?”
“I already got it from the shed. I’ll see you at the station tomorrow. And you’d better be on time!”
Matt snorted, and watched Tim climb into his truck and pull out, rolling away down the drive. He sat in the shade and listened to the birds singing amid the limbs of the mountain laurel, and the gentle whisper of the breeze stirring the trees. It flowed a little coolly against this skin, but not unkindly so, and he let his eyes drift closed. Some uncounted amount of time later, a press of warmth to his mouth woke him from his doze, and he opened his eyes to Jody’s amused smile.
“Ready for lunch, angel?” Jody asked.
Matt’s brows rose, stomach instantly rumbling loudly. “You have some?”
Jody chuckled, and bending down, leaned his hands on the armrests of the rocking chair as Matt looked up hopefully.
“Remember how you said you can cook about four things well?”
Matt nodded.
“Well, I can cook more than that. I rooted around your kitchen while you slept, threw something together, so move your ass, sweetheart.”
Rolling his eyes, Matt let Jody pull him up from the rocking chair, and into the cabin.
****Additional Notes****
Nothing too much to report, something a little different, a lot of dialogue and less moaning/panting! LOL And just the beginning of the crew finding out Matt is, quiet suddenly, spoken for. Folks will be concerned, suspicious, and possibly even a little jealous. Shout out to, I believe it was Nessa (correct me if I'm wrong!) who commented that Matt's rangers will be feeling protective of their boy. I totally agree!
Also, a bit of Jody's possessiveness managed to peak through, I think. And I say that in only the best way possible.
Posting this on the fly. Thanks for reading! As always, share thoughts on these boys in the comments as you will. Thanks!
