[[ wheelsy, south carolina ]]

[justdidntseeit]

[ previously: "'bout damn time." ]



Kate shifts her weight on the stepladder, and twists slightly, all the better to reach the junction box. This new chrome fixture is going to be a gorgeous accent, if she can -- just --

"Ow ow ow ow ow."

She drops the wrench, and presses down on the pinched skin between her thumb and forefinger. A thin line of blood blooms beneath the pressure she applies; she bites her lower lip, blinking hard, and determinedly does not look at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

She's not going to cry.

She's not.

Comments

[justdidntseeit]

"Mm-hmm," she murmurs in agreement, winding her arms around his neck. "I'm kind of sad I missed the reunion."

But that disappointment doesn't lessen her relief, or dampen how pleased she is to know the bar's still functional.

Low, and a little playful: "Looks like you had a good time, though."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He steps closer, resting his hands on her hips.

"We'll have t'get you back there soon so you can visit, too."

Bowing his head closer to hers, his smile quirks into one that's more amused and pleased.

"Yeah well, folks missed me. Had t'do the welcome back proper an' all."

[justdidntseeit]

"Oh, of course," she says, with a light laugh.

But even as she reminds herself that it was only a couple of rounds -- a couple of harmless rounds -- she can't ignore the slight twist deep in her stomach that accompanies the familiar smell of alcohol on his breath.

"And I guess Marshal Givens was feeling generous?"

[wheelsy_sheriff]

Bill chuckles and gives a nod.

"Yeah, real generous. That's top shelf bourbon there."

Nodding at the bottle, he leans back in to rest his forehead against hers.

"He said it might help in dealin' with the Twilight Zone that happened."

[justdidntseeit]

"That's a nice way of putting it," she says, bemused, as she tilts her head to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

His eyes slide closed when her lips press to his skin, and his features are warm when his eyes reopen.

"I figure that's the best way t'look at it so the whole thing don't make me nuts."

[justdidntseeit]

She doesn't bother reining in a wicked, slow-spreading grin.

"Too late, sheriff."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He tries for a mock surprised look but only gets a wider grin for his efforts.

"You callin' me crazy, Kate?"

[justdidntseeit]

"To your face," she says, as if she's doing him a favor. "Doesn't that get me any brownie points?"

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Hmm... " He strokes her hips, thumbing the rivets on the pockets of her jeans as he mulls her words over.

"I reckon, as long as you keep up the story that I'm in my right mind when we're in public."

[justdidntseeit]

Tilting into the attention, she clasps her hands loosely at his nape.

"I'm glad you had a good day," she says, eyes shining with amusement.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"I'm glad I got t'bring you some good news."

He's missed the light in her eyes that seems to have been fogged over with worry since Raylan dropped in and disappeared.

"An' I'm sorry one of my wrenches attacked you."

[justdidntseeit]

Her throat tightens.

She draws him closer, her eyes slipping shut.

"I won't press charges."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

His hands slide up and wrap around her in a hug, and he presses a kiss to her crown.

"I appreciate that. I can even get you a kitty Band-aid, if that'll help."

[justdidntseeit]

She leans into him, shoulders trembling with silent laughter.

"It's really not that bad," she says, the words muffled against his shirt.

"But thanks," she adds, content to let herself be held for next few moments.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He rests his cheek against her hair, and is more than happy to hang onto her a bit.

"Alright, but if you need anything for it, just let me know."

[justdidntseeit]

"Mmm, maybe a back rub," she says, hiding a half-smile at his collarbone. "And a slice of that pie your mom dropped off."

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Back rub, huh? I guess I could-- my mom left pie?"

He pulls back to grin down at her.

[justdidntseeit]

"She's been experimenting. It's a blueberry-peach crumble."

She gives one of his belt loops a teasing tug.

"And I even picked up ice cream earlier."

Which, of course, means that Kate has definitely earned that massage.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

His hips sway with the tug, and he smooths one hand along the small of her back.

"Even remembered the ice cream. Don't I just got the best gal in town."

[justdidntseeit]

"Some days, maybe," she says, her cheeks warming.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He laughs and shakes his head, giving her a playful grin.

"Nope, no some or maybees about it. You're so good, I will be glad t'give you that back rub. After pie, of course."

[justdidntseeit]

"You and your priorities."

She dips her head, smothering a wider smile as she presses a kiss to his shoulder.

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Man's gotta have 'em."

He nuzzles her hair with his nose as his knuckles trace a lazy line up and down her lower spine.

"Tell you what, though, I am totally willin' t'share with you."

[justdidntseeit]

She shivers, breathing a low laugh.

"Well, in that case," she says, folding her hand into his free one, "you can tell me all about your day while you're at it."