beyondtheline | Tornadoes and skeletons and nacho dogs, oh my

Yeah, right?

[He's quick to respond with a big grin.]

The whole fuckin'... Long sleeves, dress down to your fuckin' toes, like you're wearin' a tarp? It's not like it's even practical for farm work, either. I don't get it.

[Then again, maybe most of the women in the saloon last night weren't the kind that do much work, since they have people to do it for them. Ugh. Once inside the barn, he shakes his head and kicks at an ancient dried pile of horse shit, sending it flying in pieces.]

An' speaking of farm work, I dunno how anyone could live here without bein' fuckin' depressed about what's goin' on all around. I wanna get some of those people out. Dunno how, an' I know it won't fix the whole system, but there's gotta be a way to help at least some of 'em while we're here. You can't keep people penned up like fuckin' livestock, it's pissing me off.

[He'd noticed Chrissy's attempts to just not look earlier, but that's just not his tactic. He can't ignore shit like that.]

It's like the other places we've been to. People are just used to it.

[She whispers, bracing her hand against a wooden post. She has no idea how to help those people, but remembers the upset and disgust she had felt when she first saw them out having to work the way they were.]

We could set the farm on fire. Use it as a distraction to get them out. But where would we have them go to? They don't have anywhere to go, and it's not safe for them to just run out in the open.

[They'd probably be killed on sight, which doesn't sit right with her.]

But maybe that's something Cruz can help us figure out. He and his friends could get tons of people out of here if we found them a wagon or something!

[They could set the farm on fire, but he'd want to get word to the people who need to escape, so they don't get caught up in it themselves. It's a good idea, though. Burn the crops, ruin the farmer's income. It looked like beans, all that greenery, but they'll burn fine if the fire's hot enough. He nods as he thinks it all through.]

Yeah. I figure it's worth asking Cruz. Dunno why he an' his guys haven't tried it already, though. Maybe 'cause his house is right here. We gotta make sure the fire can't come this way.

[Or, okay, maybe they haven't set the field on fire because that's not typically what people first think of doing. So maybe they have other ideas. He can't let himself believe Cruz and his friends are fine with slavery right next door.]

We gotta talk to them, too. The slaves, I mean. Gotta let 'em know so they can be ready to fuckin' high-tail it outta there. Maybe they got ideas too an' just need an opportunity. An' we gotta get our hands on shit that burns real good. Old straw in here will just turn to ash before it gets hot enough.

Unless you plan on staying here for a few days, we'll need to give up going out with Cruz and his friends to make this happen.

[She crosses over to wrap her arms around him from behind, rising up on her tiptoes to press her chin against his shoulder.]

But it would be worth it to get to help people.

[It's something she likes to do, whenever she's able to. And if they're able to create enough chaos in this time and place to free a bunch of slaves, then she thinks it would be well worth the effort.]

What if Cruz says he's not interested in helping though?

Don't see why we can't do both. Gonna be easier to act at night anyway. We go out with all them, we get a feel for what they think, we pitch an idea an' see if they all wanna go along with it.

[They have all the way until dawn to do something. Okay, so maybe it makes it harder to get word out, if anything, but whatever. He doesn't want to miss out on the opportunity to hang out with cool cowboy ghosts and hear more about what they get up to, and then he can ruin the lives of some asssholes who think it's cool to try and own people.]

If Cruz an' his buddies aren't in, then we'll figure something out. Hell, look what we've done so far, just the two of us? We can set fucking fires without anyone else's help.

Yeah, but -

[She hesitates, pulling away from him so she can pace a little. Her small hands are balled up into loose fists, and she starts worrying her way around in circles.]

Do we really want to spend all day riding around with people, if they don't care about the fact other people are being treated like property?

[But he's right. They can get things done on their own. They make an amazing team, so she's not worried about that. She's far more worried about her idolizing Cruz being ruined by his just not caring.]

Is everyone you know perfect?

[Okay, now he's being an asshole. At least he recognizes it, though, but it doesn't stop him.

And, really, after about a second, he shrugs and holds up a hand before she can try to reply to that, since it wasn't really the kind of question that needs an answer.]

Let's see what the guy says before we get all worked up about if he does or doesn't, all right? I don't wanna sit here an' dream up imaginary situations, fucking waste of time.

[He shakes his head and starts toward the barn door. He wants another look at that field, maybe figure out the best way to tackle it if they have to do it themselves.]

Fine.

[She flinches at that first part, and it stops her dead in her tracks. She knows that he doesn't mean to snap at her, and he probably isn't intending to be dismissive in how he holds up his hand. The fact remains that it feels like he's being a jerk, but she doesn't want to call him out on it right away because she doesn't want him to get angry at her or even more frustrated than he seems to be right now.

That means giving him his space, so she can also have hers to try to soothe her hurt feelings without being needy about it. She lets him watch the fields, and instead of standing out there with him, she makes her way back into the little house. She wants to finish getting cleaned up and ready for the day, and also wants to get their things packed.

If he doesn't want to stand around and think up imaginary situations, he's free to take all the time he wants outside figuring out a plan. Whenever he's ready to come back inside, he'll find her sitting on the floor beside the trunk, using it as a table so she can write in her notebook. She spots him and smiles a little, but closes the cover to her notebook.]

I was just writing about when we got to Nashville. [Not that he needs to know, but she tells him anyway.] Did you figure out a plan?

[It does him good to have a few minutes alone anyway. Not that he ever really needs or seeks out alone time, but he's also not normally with one person so constantly. It's a good sign that they tolerate each other so well the vast majority of the time. And he feels bad, just a little, for being short with her, but not enough to apologize. It is dumb to worry about a conversation that hasn't even happened, he figures.

Of course, it's no more than a few moments of being alone that he tries to change that - not by seeking out Chrissy, but by trying to wave over one of the men picking beans in that field. He gets a pause and a wary look - not like the look of a man afraid to approach for normal reasons, but rather, the look of a man looking through a shadow that might leap out at him at any second.]

Hey. D'you see me?

[Worth asking, but he doesn't get a response. Well, shit. Maybe he doesn't, or maybe the guy doesn't speak English, or maybe he's that terrified of being reprimanded if he's found talking to someone outside the farm. Man, he hopes it isn't that, just for how fucked up that is.

Well, whatever. They can fuck up a farm, they can tear down a fence, but Cruz is the one who will know if there's a route these people can flee down, or if there are people who can help them get far away.

So a few minutes later he strolls his way into the house, a half-burned cigarette in hand, and smiles down at Chrissy, then shrugs.]

Nah. Tried to talk to a guy but I dunno if he even knew what he was looking at. So fucking weird how inconsistent it is. Like, what is it that means some people see ghosts an' others can't? 'Course, he mighta just been freaked out someone was trying to talk to him.

[She nods as he explains his lack of a plan, and takes in a small breath. Her hands go to rest against her legs, and she can feel herself trembling. Logically, she knows Johnnie won't hit her or anything. But he might yell at her, and she needs to learn to just accept that's part of being in a relationship. Sometimes people might yell, and she can't always be so sensitive. She's still nervous though, but wants to assert how she thinks and feels.]

I've had some time to think it over just now, and I think you were wrong to snap at me like that. It scared me and made you sound like a jerk.

[There's a flinch right after she says it, like she's conditioned to bracing for impact. But there's never a need for it, and she relaxes with a shaky exhale.]

And I just think you should know that.

[Her hands flex against her legs, and she slowly moves to stand up, so she can pack away her journal and pen.]

Huh? Oh.

[Yeah, he'd kinda said worrying about Cruz was a waste of time, huh? Well, he stands by that, but he probably could've said it differently. All his easygoing charm just evaporates when he's annoyed, though. He gets blunt, and blunt can be mean. And she's so damn sensitive to mean, poor thing, after the fucked up people she's had in her life.

So, he gives it a thought, then nods a little.]

Yeah, I didn't need to say it like I did. Sorry, baby girl.

[With how she's trying to keep herself calm, he just stays where he is, even though he wants to reach out and slip an arm around her waist. Something about that nervousness a second ago says she might read it wrong if he moves toward her. Makes him want to gut that Jason asshole all over again, make him choke on his own blood.]

[She nods, and takes a second to breathe in and out a few more times. She's really calm after that, and she takes a step in closer to him.]

I'm not mad. [That point is softly stressed, and she bites at her lip as she creeps in a little closer.] It just scared me, that's all.

[And that's where she leaves it, since he's apologized. She's the one that closes the distance between them, wrapping her arms tight around him as she presses her face against his chest and breathes in his comforting scent.]

Thanks for apologizing.

[No one else ever did when they scared or upset her. The fact he's willing to do it at all for her shows how much he cares. And she knows he's impulsive and prone to being blunt. She just needs to grow thicker skin, and she thinks that's just something that will take more time.

That's not worth worrying about though, not when she knows she's growing and changing every day. She lifts her head so she can look up at him, smile shy. Her eyes meet his, and they just hold each other's gaze for a second before she's leaning in for a kiss.]

I'm sorry for being so sensitive.

[If he can apologize, she needs to woman up and be sorry for her faults too.]

[The hand with the cigarette hangs at his side, but he curls the other arm tight around her and smiles back before gladly sharing that kiss.]

Nah, it's all right. I'd rather you or anyone else gets to really feel shit an' mean it. Even if it means you get hurt sometimes. 'Cause you know what's fucking sad are the people who try an' hide everything inside an' don't let themselves feel anything. I love that you're not like that.

[So she gets another kiss, and a brighter smile, before he takes a drag from the cigarette and then offers it to her, just in case she wants some.]

For what it's worth, I think if Cruz is cool with people bein' slaves then he's an asshole not worth our time. Just so you know.

[No point in speculating about it, but also, she's right.]

[That last part makes her all out grin, smile bright as she laughs and nuzzles her face up against his neck. She takes the cigarette from him then, and enjoys it for a minute while he holds her close.]

I'm really glad you told me that. Because I was starting to wonder.

[But now that they're on the same page as far as that's concerned, she's content enough. The cigarette is passed back as she claims one more kiss, just in time for the sound of something rumbling in the distance to draw her attention away from him. She's curious and goes over to the window, where she sees a dust cloud approaching. It's easy enough to see lots of hooves in that dust, and she gasps as she taps at the glass.]

I think they're here! Let's go outside and meet them.

[If it isn't obvious, she's 100% excited for Duke's return. She's running out of the room and right out of the shack in order to wait by the barn for that skeleton horse's return.]

[At least Duke can never let her down. She probably does need animals in her life, seeing how that skeletal thing makes her smile.

He strides on out behind her, then waves a hand as the men pull up. Men who, despite their varied choices of fashion, all share a few things in common, namely that they too are all skeletons and so are their mounts. Johnnie shakes his head, entirely pleased to see that this is the case.]

Well! Good to see the two of you up and smiling. I hope you're ready for some fine fare.

[Cruz grins that toothy grin of his as he swings down onto the ground and gives Duke a pat on the shoulder. The horse trots right toward Chrissy immediately, sticking its bony nose in her face.

Meanwhile, the others all dismount also. Some are carrying burlap sacks, others old rifles or other gear, but all take their hats off in greeting as Cruz introduces them.]

Just as I was telling you about. Mr. Johnnie Redmayne, and Miss Chrissy Cunningham. You two, why don't you say hi to Diego, Hugo, Nibaihi, Guillermo, Bobby, and Oliver.

[He'll have to forgive her, she's too busy giggling and petting that cute skeletal horse to do anything other than fawn him with affection for a minute. It probably should be embarrassing how much she loves this horse, but there's not a chance she lets herself look anything but happy.

She does eventually pull herself away from Duke though, so she can go stand by Johnnie to make introductions. Her hand lifts up in a wave, and she plasters herself in close to Johnnie's side as she feels a little overwhelmed with the presence of everyone all at once.]

It's really good to meet you!

[The siren call of the other horses is strong, but she maintains her distance for the immediate future. It would be rude to make Duke jealous, after all. ]

What were you out doing all day, anyway?

[what could skeleton cowboys possibly have to do? Cruz chuckles and tips his hat back, so he can wipe the non-existent sweat off his brow.]

Just keeping an eye on things, Miss Chrissy. Nothing you need to worry about.

[One of the shorter men answer, right as Duke approaches her with a nudge to her arm. It's clearly time for more pets.]

[The barn becomes a hub of activity for a few minutes, as the cowboys get equipment off their horses, scrub down boots and saddles, and then start taking things into the house. Soon, there's a fire going on that wood stove again, and a large skillet placed on top of it, while some of those burlap sacks reveal their contents - potatoes, onions, tomatoes, fresh tortillas.

Johnnie watches, curious, then leans against the counter next to the guy who he's pretty sure is Oliver, who is currently using a cool old knife with a handle made of antler to chop up onions.]

So where do you guys get all this stuff? From what Cruz said it sounds like nobody sees you, so you're not buyin' it, right?

[Oliver shakes his head, and smiles that eternal smile all of them wear.]

Some of it we grow, some of it's paid as thanks for what we do. It's all the freshest the land has to offer!

[And Johnnie doesn't doubt it, with how the onion is stinging at his eyes. He squints against that feeling. What is it that they do that they won't talk about, but that gets them bags of fresh produce for impressive cowboy cookouts?]

It really is, isn't it?

[Chrissy's helped with the horses, and she's just slid right into the group to assist with getting food ready. Someone's handed her a knife and she's helping go to town on those onions. Tears are streaming down her face, but she's having a good time.]

I don't think I've ever -

[She pauses to wipe at her eyes, and Oliver laughs in amusement at her enthusiasm.]

Smelled anything this fresh?

[He helpfully finishes for her and she sniffles, nodding.]

Do you guys grow your own gardens? Or do you make other people do it for you?

[Well, there's probably a less blunt way to ask about their feelings on slavery. Given the fact they all get quiet and look among one another, she isn't sure if she's crossed a line. But the good news is, she already has their bags packed in case she's said something to offend them and they're told they need to go.]

[The quiet only lasts another moment before one of them, Guillermo if Johnnie remembers right, speaks up. He's tall, broad-shouldered, and speaks with conviction.]

Miss Chrissy, I was shot, right here,

[He raises a hand to his chest.]

- while sending some good people north where I knew they'd find friends. Diego, my brother there, was hanged the next day for helping. We don't make anyone do anything for us, here.

[The others nod, while Diego tips his head to look at her. The sense Johnnie gets is that they're now trying to suss out Chrissy's feelings on the matter based on how she reacts to that info.

And Johnnie doesn't like her being on the spot like that, so he steps over to stand at her side and rests a hand on her shoulder. There's a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes.]

Good. 'Cause if any of you said otherwise, me an' my girl here would kick your ass.

[Oh, she feels put on the spot. But when she feels Johnnie's hand on her shoulder, he gives her a little courage.]

I'd do most of the butt kicking actually.

[If this were any other subject matter, she might laugh. But given what they're talking about, she's serious. It may not be a fight she'd win, but she'd go down trying.]

And then I'd figure out a way to get the people working at that farm next to us out of there.

[Diego looks over to Cruz, who suddenly looks increasingly uncomfortable. He approaches Chrissy and tosses her a small sack of carrots.]

Why don't you go feed these to the horses. We'll keep Johnnie busy for a few minutes.

[He motions for her to go and she nods, taking the sack and heading out to the barn for a few minutes. When she's gone and out of range of hearing, Cruz looks back to Johnnie as everyone resumes what they're up to.]

People here can see the two of you. Make sure no one hears her talking like that. They won't think nothing of hanging her right up next to you.

They'd have to catch us, first.

[He's defiant as ever, and unafraid of what people think. Cruz suffered terribly and didn't deserve any of it, but it's made him timid. His caution is a weakness, not a virtue.

Johnnie starts pacing, full of explosive energy.]

We look after each other, but we don't hide our heads in the sand an' play nice just to stay safe. What you got right down the road, there? That's fucked up. Rich people don't get to own other human beings for profit or any other reason. They should hear people say that! You can't let that shit go without a challenge!

[And Cruz just watches, lets him get it out, before saying anything.]

You have a good thing going for you, Redmayne. Don't throw it away. There are other ways to help that matter just as much to the people who need it. You can do the right thing and not hurt yourself and the girl you love in the process.

[It's right about then that the sound of the door opening and then closing seems to be louder than it otherwise might be, signaling Chrissy's return. She can pick up on the tension as she walks into the room, and looks among everyone before the smile on her face slowly turns to a frown.]

Are you guys talking about me?

[It feels like they sent her away so they could do that. Which makes her a little uncomfortable, but not as wary as the fact she can tell Johnnie has something brewing within him. It's just waiting to explode.]

It won't hurt for you to hear it too, [Cruz looks to her, so serious that it makes her uncomfortable.] You two aren't from this time or this place. You try to do anything like free those people, you'll both end up regretting it. You may have already died, but other people can see you.

Yeah, man! [Diego chimes in.] And you're both clearly hurt, you got healing wounds and bruises all over you.

[Chrissy finds her way to Johnnie and her fingers brush against his before she takes hold of his hand. Maybe she can diffuse that imminent explosion just by being there.]

If they get their hands on either of you, there's no telling what they'd do once they realized they could torture you as much as they want. Anything to make an example.

[That scares her, how can it not scare her? But she feels so strongly about this subject that she has to interject.]

Okay, I'm really afraid of what they might do to us if they catch us. But I'm more afraid of not trying to do something. Cruz, you said they can't see you! Why can't we use that to our advantage and get a wagon full of people that you guys can get out of town tonight?

[The damn torture scenario makes his eyes roll, and he gives Chrissy's hand a little squeeze. He's fine, he's on the verge of being pissed off but not quite there. Just too many people being goddamned cowards about things, that's all. Someone has to shout some sense into them.

And it turns out, it's Chrissy who helps make a real effort to do that. He nods along with what she says, but Cruz speaks up before he can get a word in.]

What, just steal one? Take people in a horseless, driverless wagon?

[He says it like that's ridiculous, but Johnnie nods.]

Yeah. I mean, why the hell not, right? Better than stayin' put, isn't it? We can get the word out, they might see us. We'll be careful, okay? Let 'em know that there's a wagon comin' to pick 'em up, right before midnight. An' some of your guys can ride ahead, make sure the way's clear of cops or whatever you have here.

You'll help us though, won't you?

[She's close to crying, because this is something she's feeling passionate about and desperately wants these cowboys to be the good guys. They need to be heroes, not cowards that just watch terrible things happen around them.

Cruz looks to every member of his little gang before going back to chopping up vegetables. Diego and Oliver follow suit, and no one says anything for a minute until Chrissy speaks up.]

Hey, don't ignore me! You heard me, didn't you?

[She manages to find her voice and shouts, giving Johnnie's hand a tight squeeze.]

We heard you just fine. [Diego insists, and Cruz continues where he leaves off.]

If you two are that determined to get this job done, we'll help you. But we're not doing it without a solid plan, you two understand?

[While solid plans and Johnnie don't exactly go hand in hand, it isn't like he's opposed to the very concept, especially when there's work to do. So he gives a firm nod at that request.]

Fine. But you guys know the land better than we do. You know where to take 'em so they can get somewhere safe. You gotta, right? You must run into people when you're out riding, people who can hide 'em or feed 'em. You guys figure that part out, we'll do the rest.

[That's the hard part, anyway. And giving that to them to plan means he and Chrissy can tackle the easy part - destroying the farm, making a big distraction while everyone else gets away. Of course, they also have to get word out somehow, make sure people know which way to go, but that'll happen.

Cruz, Diego, and all the rest look between each other like they're deciding if that's something they can do. It's Nibaihi who speaks up, this time. The tallest man in the room, but the quietest one so far, his accent is unfamiliar to Johnnie. He stops beating eggs a moment.]

I know people who will take them in. I can scout ahead of the wagon.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject