𝐒𝐊𝐘𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋, ᵏᵃʸᶜᵉ ᵈᵘᵗᵗᵒⁿ

v. camping

(set in season three episode one)

ELAINE had gotten approval of staying with the wranglers to babysit the cattle, not wanting to be far from her brother but also wanting to give Mavis experiences.

It was early the next morning when they were to set off, bags packed and tents needing to be set up.

Rip and Kayce had done the gesture of finding a calm horse for her and Mavis to ride, granted she already knew the basics of horse riding, but there was also the two year old to think about.

The horse was a chestnut brown with cream coloured hair, it stood tall with a strong build and huffed when people patted it.

Once Elaine was situated in the saddle she was passed up Mavis by Kayce, her purple and white bucket hat sitting on her head.

She made sure the toddler was comfortable before trotting off after the others when they began to move, following behind Tate and Lloyd who were riding in the wagon with the supplies.

After mindless chatter and endless attempts of trying to contain Mavis on the saddle Tate announced the idea of her sitting with them.

After the child was placed on Tate's lap she immediately settled down, opting to follow the direction of his arm everytime he pointed something out.

—

"Looks like you're sharing with me and Ryan" Colby stated once they'd arrived at the makeshift camp that was still being set up.

Elaine, being fine with the idea, nodded along as she supervised Tate and Mavis who were waking along the tree line collecting sticks for the fire.

John had done her the favour of occupying them for the few hours before they settled down for dinner.

"Got a lot of energy, that one" John commented once she'd stepped towards him, his eyes watching the two younger ones interact.

"Don't I know it" She chuckled out, crossing her arms and sighing.

It was quiet for a few moments, the only sound being that of childish squeals and giggles, aswell as small footsteps running around.

"Do y'know how long you'll be here for?" John asked, wanting to know a bit more information on the young woman who unexpectedly showed up on his ranch.

"I don't know yet" She answered quietly, looking to the ground in shame.

"You're free to stay here as long as you need, but if there's something we should know about, then do tell" The elderly man explained, feeling sorry for Elaine and the situation Colby had briefed him on.

It was silent for a second or two before she responded, hoping to get off the topic. "I plan on trying to get a job in town, then hopefully somewhere down the road find a place not too far"

John nodded his head to her words before speaking his next. "What did you do for a living before you came here?"

Elaine smiled in reminder of the job she loved so much, then it faded as she realised it'd never be the way it used to be. "I taught kindergarteners"

"There's a couple schools around, I'm sure you'll find somewhere" He reassured, sparing a look in her direction before he turned and sat himself on a log a few feet away.

—

"Do you guys do this often?" Elaine asked aloud as she stepped closer to the Dutton man who was currently occupying his horse.

He looked over his shoulder at her voice, raising an eyebrow in surprise of anyone, least of all her, being awake at the hour.

"No it's only been recently that we've been doing things a little differently" He answered shortly, eyeing her as she came to stand beside him.

She looked up to him, her head tilting all the way up at the height difference seeing as he was atop of the animal, and nodded in understanding.

"Why aren't you asleep?" He asked after a moment of silence, the pairs eyes both watching the herd of cattle they were out here to watch.

"Couldn't" Was all she responded with, her arms crossed before she spoke again. "Besides, Colby and Ryan are obnoxious snorers"

At her remark he let out a chuckle, which erupted deep from within his chest and left a smile on his face even after it was silent again.

"Tate seems to get along with ..." He started but soon realised he didn't actually know the name of her daughter.

"Mavis" She told him.

"He's never had many friends, especially around his age after being here" Kayce spoke, frowning at the thought of his son being lonely.

"Monica said she's never seen him so happy" She repeated the words spoken to her only the previous day or so.

At the mention of the woman, Kayce clenched his jaw as his gaze hardened, though Elaine didn't catch it.

She did, however, catch on to the tone of his voice when he spoke next.

"You should go get some sleep, only a couple more hours before everyone wakes up"

She nodded along, offering him a soft smile as she walked away and back to the tent she was sharing.

CHARLIE'S DAYCARE !
if you can't already tell i'm making it so Monica and Kayce are already having problems with eachother before Elaine comes along so that Monica and El can still maintain a relationship throughout the show.