Oneshots - Kayce Dutton

It's crowded, Part 1

"You're not listening to me, Kayce!"

Your voice rang out across the barn. It was late at night, the glow from lamps only reaching so far until the darkness took over. You could faintly see the lights coming from the main house as well as Rip and Beth's quarters in the foreman's cabin. Carter was finishing up his nightly chores and his footsteps could be heard at the other end of the barn.

You were standing at the opening, facing a very tired looking Kayce. For the last hour the two of you had been trying to come to some sort of agreement in where to live. You were tired of living in the main house because not only was John there, but it was also the communal place for everything. Something you had grown tired of the last few months. You wanted a place where you knew no one could just walk through, or some government official wouldn't be sitting on the couch as you walked by in your pajamas.

You were jealous of Rip and Beth having their own space. You never felt like you fully relaxed, even in bed with Kayce. Someone was always there, there was always a problem. Kayce had tried to explain the plans for another cabin north of the main house, past the pastures where even part of the river would flow near enough to hear the waters. But it was going to take six more months...and you were tired tonight, so those six months felt like six years in your emotions.

"I am listening to you," Kayce sighed, taking his hat off and running his fingers through his tangled hair. "I'm tryin' here, baby."

You looked into his eyes, the shadows from the light hiding part of his features from you. You tapped your boot two times before letting out a long, slow breath of air. Your shoulders dipped as you felt your muscles give up on your defensive posture.

"I'm sorry," You mumbled lowly. You saw Kayce take a step towards you but then he stopped. You knew he was fighting his protective needs to comfort you and you were honestly glad. One hug or caress and you were sure you'd cry. "I'm just tired."

"I know it's crowded," Kayce offered. You looked over towards the house and saw more lights had come on meaning John was back from his day over in Helena.

"I want you to be with your family, Kayce," You spoke softly, choosing your words carefully. "With everything that's gone on, I want you to be with them. But I also know that there is a line and we've all crossed it months ago."

"Just give it six more."

"Jamie is back," You ignored him. Kayce's ears perked up at that. So, your hunch was correct... John hadn't told his youngest son yet.

"What?" Kayce started to walk towards the house quickly.

"Kayce!" You called out, jogging to catch up to him and grab his arm to stop. "Wait."

"How do you know that?" He turned to you. Now the light was shining directly on him, and you could see his features.

"I overheard your father talking to someone on the phone about it and then when he saw me, he told me," You shrugged. Not that you thought Kayce wouldn't like his brother coming back but you were surprised he didn't seem as excited as you thought he would be. "Is that not, okay?"

"When was this?" Kayce asked.

"I don't know," You shook your head. "A few days ago."

"And you didn't think to tell me?" Kayce snapped. That made you frown, Kayce was never one to snap directly at you, to make you the issue so his tone made your chest clench up.

"Well, Kayce," You pulled your hand away from where it was holding his arm still. "When exactly would you have wanted me to tell you something that deserves a little discretion given the history? Was it when your father had the department of whatever in the living room when I was trying to get Tate to put on a shirt? Or how about when Beth was throwing empty whiskey bottles at Gator because he wasn't fixing a salad at dinner last night? Or how about when I was in the shower with you this morning and your father came in to tell you he needed even more work from you today?"