Oneshots - Kayce Dutton

I have to prove myself to you.

Request: what if Kayce fell in love with his brother lee's widow, and the reader happened to be Kayce's old girlfriend before he met Monica.

Author's Note - I enjoyed writing this one way more than I thought I would (and I always like writing the requests!) 

You were walking with John after the funeral had ended. It was a perfect day, clear blue skies, and a cool breeze to fight off the summer heat. Friends and family had come from all around to pay their respects. There was one you hadn't seen though.

Kayce was missing. His son, Tate, and his...well you weren't sure if they were married or not still, but even Monica was there. You had heard from Lee their relationship was ending, but you hadn't known the details.

As you were walking you saw a horse off to the side of the dirt road. When you got closer you saw a figure sitting down next to it.

"There he is," You heard John mutter next to you.

Sure enough, Kayce was sitting on the dirt, holding the rope. You looked at John and gave him a small, sad smile...releasing his hand from yours before you started to walk toward Kayce. It was a little steep, but you picked up your skirt and gently angled your way down.

Kayce looked up as you got closer and was about to stand when your hand touched his shoulder. You used that to help you sit down next to him. His eyes were red and glossy, and you were pretty sure he looked worse than you.

"I was wondering where you were," You said softly.

"M'sorry," Kayce muttered. "So sorry."

You weren't sure what all he was apologizing for, but something told you it was more than you just losing your husband.

"Why didn't you come stand with us?" You asked him.

"I-I couldn't..." Kayce sighed, tears back in his eyes now.

"I miss him too," You said after a while. "I'll miss him all the time, probably."

Kayce didn't say anything, but he wasn't leaving.

"Are you ever gonna tell me what happened that night?" You looked at Kayce, but he never responded to you.

You could piece a few of the pieces together. There was an incident on the reservation dealing with stolen cattle. Kayce and Lee had been together, and a shootout occurred with some of the other people involved. Monica's brother was also dead, and you were smart enough to know that they were all connected. The problem was Kayce was the only one who made it out alive and knew what happened. But he wasn't telling anyone apparently.

"Kayce," You sighed and reached over to take his hand. "Will you look at me, please?"

Kayce's eyes found yours instantly.

"You know I care about you," You felt your heart break at your words because you had fought so long to push those thoughts from your mind. "If you need something from me, just tell me. Let me help you."

"I c-can't," Kayce whispered.

"It's just me," You spoke calmly. "Just you and me right now."

Kayce just stared at you. Your hand dropped his and cupped the side of his face. You could see him take a deep breath at your touch.

"I'm still on your side," You whispered to him. "You can push everyone away because you think you're protecting them, but I know you...let me help you."

Kayce didn't answer but he did nod his head yes to you. It was progress in your eyes. You gave him a tight-lipped smile before you leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek before you stood back up.