beyondtheline | Tornadoes and skeletons and nacho dogs, oh my

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.

[That makes Chrissy grin in satisfaction, and she gives Nibaihi a look of gratitude. That's all she says about it for now, as she pulls away from Johnnie to try and make herself useful. The sooner they have food ready, the sooner they can eat. Which means the sooner they can make a plan. That's good enough for now, and she's glad to hand a knife over to Johnnie to get him chopping up some potatoes alongside her.

eventually Cruz leads everyone and their ingredients outside, so he can set up a fire in an area that looks like an outdoor kitchen of sorts. There's a big wooden stand with a black pot hanging off of it, that's clearly been used for cooking time and time again. Rather than taking over just because she's the only girl here, she lets Cruz and Diego take over. They all seem to be great friends, but Cruz and Diego are definitely close pals.]

Have either of you ever rode a horse before?

[Nibaihi speaks up, looking to Johnnie and Chrissy as everyone else works to cook lunch. He's focused enough on what they want to do, and figures talking plans will help keep them both calm and settled.]

Only a little last night, when Cruz put me on his. I've never actually rode before though.

[That black pot won't do for this meal, apparently. Johnnie watches as a couple of the guys drag a steel frame over the fire ring and lay a big fire-blackened iron comal over the top of it before they get the fire going nice and hot. He sets down his bowl of sliced potatoes as Nibaihi speaks up again.]

An' I sure never have. Dunno where I'd even find a horse in LA.

[The thought is pretty funny, though. Somewhere on the outskirts, probably, but then who knows what goes on in weird places where rich people live up in the hills.

Nibahi's smile somehow seems kind as he sits himself down on the ground to watch the cooking, and waves for them to sit down with him, which Johnnie does.]

It's not too hard, but it'll be good for you to know how. Your... machine, the motorcycle? I would avoid using that for this. I've been told it's loud. We have a few extra horses we can bring by, we'll get them saddled up for you. They're good horses, well-trained. You just hold on, they'll listen to us. They know their way back here if you get separated from the group. I'll give you Niish, [he says to Chrissy,], she's the smart one. She'll keep you out of trouble.

[Okay, she likes the sound of that. She gets her own horse, when she thought she'd be riding with Johnnie. There's a little thrill at being able to independently ride, but with that comes a level of fear because what if she does it wrong? Niish is smart and knows her way back, but Chrissy definitely isn't adjusted to riding horseback. So much could go wrong. The smile stays on her face despite her running thoughts, and she nods.]

So, you'll give Johnnie the wild one that runs right toward trouble?

[She jokes, giving Johnnie a playful nudge with her elbow. It's a good thing he can handle anything, otherwise she might be worried about him with this plan. They won't be on the motorcycle, which will be new to them both. And they won't be riding together, also brand new. It'll be worth it, if they can save some people that really need it.]

That's right. [Nibahi laughs along with her, playing along with the joke for the time being.] He looks like a man that can handle it.

[She has to cover her mouth, her giggles would be too loud otherwise. It might scare the horses.]

Oh, he is. He really likes a wild ride.

Fuckin' right I do.

[He snickers and playfully punches Chrissy in the arm for that. Fuck. He'll show her a wild ride...

The sound and smell of sizzling onions grabs his attention away for a second. Goddamn he's hungry, that piece of jerky didn't count as breakfast. Those onions have him drooling.]

He can ride Nayáwsa'. If I can round him up, that is. The horse, not Redmayne here.

[Johnnie laughs at that too, as he takes out a cigarette to help keep his stomach quiet while food is being prepared, then offers the pack out to the others with him just in case anyone wants one. He's set for a while with all the smokes he grabbed back in New Orleans, that's for sure.]

So how do ghost horses come to be, anyway? We've only seen ghost people so far. Were they yours when you were alive?

Some of them.

[Oliver pipes up, cracking eggs to put on with those sizzling onions.]

Others we found. Couple found us after long days out. They're all family now.

[Cruz adds on, nudging Diego so he can tend to the onions and start adding potato the mix. Chrissy watches this all with mild amusement, and tries to ignore the way her stomach growls. She's been able to do it for almost eighteen years, she can ignore it for another 18-20 minutes.]

Maybe I could help you round up Nayáwsa.

[She offers, and Nibahi shakes his head as the others laugh.]

That's not one horse you should try taming. You're likely to get a hoof to the head.

[Well, that would hurt. She rubs at the side of her head like she's already been kicked, before hopping up on her feet to go investigate the food that's cooking up close. It smells so good, she's pretty ravenous for it.]

We could both just ride on Niish. [It's a helpful suggestion up over the sound of everyone else.] We're not that heavy put together, she'd have to be able to carry us.

[Somehow, that makes all the skeletal men laugh louder than ever, Cruz even patting her head affectionately like she's just said something precious.]

Nah, wouldn't dare interrupt a precious moment between you an' a horse.

[Johnnie shakes his head, then turns again to look toward the food. Hugo, who's coming by with the platter of tortillas to warm once the rest is all cooked, pauses and nods to the back of Johnnie's jacket.]

What's all that mean, anyway? Those letters on the back of your outfit.

[Johnnie brightens at the question, not that he hadn't already been cheery enough anyway. But it's that pride in him, he just wants his gang to be known worldwide and across all of time and space.]

'S my crew, man. The World Enders. Back in California. We're the guys you don't wanna mess with, everyone knows about us back there. Hey, you guys need a cool name though, right? Like, for all of you. Or colors or somethin'.

[Hugo gives a polite, but perhaps, puzzled chuckle as he sets the platter next to the comal with its sizzling onions and potatoes.]

Do we? It's just us.

Yeah, but even just you guys could be a really great gang.

[Chrissy pipes up, like she's an expert on all things gang related. Johnnie's got the right idea though, and she's animated as she gives a bounce and starts pacing a little to think of name ideas.]

You could be the Skeleton Crew!

[Oh no, that's awful. She hates that one. Even she has to groan at it, both hands pressed against her face for a few seconds.]

Hey baby, how do you say skeleton in Spanish?

[He, on the other hand, loves it. It's fucking hilarious for how dumb it is, and for a second he even chokes on smoke as he inhales a little too much unexpectedly.]

Oh, shit. That's good. Uh, el esqueleto? But, man, I dunno. Could be cooler, like the Calavera Crew! Now that's got a ring to it.

[Between them they've definitely earned a few smiles and laughs among those grinning skulls.]

Can't promise we'll adopt it, but I like the spirit behind it.

[That's Cruz, as he sears some tomatoes off to the side of the potatoes and eggplant, and tosses another onion on next to those tomatoes, cut in half only. He lets those blacken while Diego pours beaten egg over the potatoes and onion and gets it all scrambled together. Johnnie's stomach is about ready to jump out of his body and smother it all. It's hard to be patient.

But soon enough, that tomato and onion get seared hot until they start to smoke, and are taken aside to mash into a salsa with some salt while the rest gets cooked, scooped onto a big plate, and the tortillas are set on the remaining oil to puff.]

All right, get over here, time to eat up!

[Chrissy is beyond excited to try what they've made. It smells so good. She lets the men go first, so they don't see what she winds up taking for herself. Eating around Johnnie is one thing, but eating in groups is a total other. She doesn't take quite enough, and Cruz ends up clicking his tongue and piling more on her plate.]

You need the fuel for this big mission of yours.

[And somehow, that skeletal head is able to wink at her. She looks awestruck for a second, but smiles and takes her plate over next to Johnnie to sit and slowly eat.]

I've got a wagon in the barn. [Cruz offers once everyone settles in and enjoys their food.] If you two are willing to help patch it up, we can use it tonight.

[Man, it's too good. He's so ready to stuff his face. And there's plenty, that's for sure - these guys must have healthy appetites for dead people, and then they added more on top for their guests. He bumps his shoulder against Chrissy's and smiles around a mouthful of egg and potato, salsa dripping between his fingers.]

Yeah man, sure thing. Hey, can we decorate it too? You got like, cow skulls around? Man, we could make it look so fucking badass. Actually, shit, I want one for my bike.

[That is such a good idea, he wishes he'd thought of it years ago.]

I bet we could find some, sure. Might as well make this driverless wagon look extra haunted, hm? We'll spawn all kinds of new legends.

[Johnnie beams and raises a fist to the air.]

Fuck yeah, you will! Bet that'll scare some a' these fuckin' assholes off from chasing after it in the first place.

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