Oneshots - Kayce Dutton Book 2

Branded Heritage - Part Two

Request - Can we get a part two of the branding one where Tate somehow found out that John did it to Kayce (he doesn't know the reason though) and he gets mad and asks John why he'd do that to Kayce and John tries to explain it but Kayce walks in and just tells Tate it's because he deserved it, plain and simple. Or som like that lol

You were messing with Tate. As he stepped, you placed your leg in front of his. Tate pushed against your side, laughing as he tried to do the same to you. You stepped back and Tate almost fell but caught himself. Rolling your eyes the two of you walked up, behind the group of wranglers. 

"Shit this hurts," Jimmy pulled his jacket and shirt away from his chest. 

"Told you to air it out," Walker said. 

You narrowed your eyes, trying to figure out what they were talking about. 

"What's the brand for if no one can see it though?" Jimmy asked. 

Your eyes widened as you learned Jimmy now had the brand. 

"Just be glad you got it," Ryan pushed Jimmy gently. 

"Did you have to push so hard?" Jimmy asked Rip who was leading. 

Rip didn't answer him.

"At least he gave it to you," Ryan chuckled. 

"Why?" Jimmy asked. "Who did yours?" 

"He did," Ryan nodded to RIp. 

Something inside your brain clicked, but before you could do anything Ryan started talking again. 

"Imagine if your own father gave it to you?" Ryan asked. 

"Tate!" You said, grabbing his shoulder but it was too late. 

"Yeah, heard Kayce had his done by Mr. Dutton," Walker said. 

"H-He did it to him?" Jimmy asked. 

Tate stopped walking and you stayed with him. His little eyes looked up to where you stood. 

"Look-Tate!" You called out as he took off. 

Tate ran past the wranglers who all looked back at you in question. Your glare made some of them turn around as you walked past them as well. When you caught Rip's eye you paused. 

"Thanks a lot," You told him. 

"Boy's gonna find out eventually," Rip shrugged. 

You placed your hands on your hips. 

"I'll tell John that when he demands to know who told his grandson something he actually didn't want to be known. 

You watched Rip's eyebrows twitch.

"Yeah," You huffed and continued on. 

Tate was already inside the house, you knew he'd have a minute on your before you could stop him from asking. Walking into the front door you could hear Tate. 

"Why would you do that to my dad!"

You frowning, shutting the door. 

"Why did you do that!" 

You followed Tate's voice into the living room and saw Tate standing in front of where John was sitting. John's eyes glanced over to you briefly before focusing on Tate. 

"Tate..." John sighed. 

"Why?" Tate yelled. 

"It happened a long time ago," John said. 

"So?" Tate huffed. 

You heard boots and looked to see Kayce coming down the stairs. His eyes found your but before you could say something, Tate continued. 

"You branded my dad?" 

Kayce walked fast around you. 

"Hey!" Kayce snapped and everyone in the room looked at him. "That's enough."

"Dad-" Tate's eyes looked scared. 

"I said that's enough," Kayce yelled at him. "I got it because I deserved it. Nothing more or less...now, go to your room." 

"But,-"

"Now!" Kayce pointed. 

Large tears fell from Tate's eyes as he ran past all of you and up to his room. You felt awful, it wasn't Tate's fault that his father and grandfather had this history. But you also knew that explaining it to him at such a young age would warp him. Kayce looked at his father. 

"The fuck was that?" He snarled. 

John just shook his head. Kayce rounded and looked at you. Taking a deep breath, you held your hands up. 

"He heard some of the wranglers taking," You said softly. "This is no one's fault." 

You watched Kayce lower his shoulders and sigh heavily. John stood up from his chair and walked out to the back porch. You waited a few seconds before walking over to Kayce slowly. 

"You know he's going to ask why you deserved that one day," You told him gently. 

"I know," Kayce muttered. "But I can't tell him the truth...he's..."

"The reason you have it," You nodded your head. 

It was quiet between the two of you. Kayce stepped back and leaning on the back of the couch, running his hands over his face. You crossed your arms. 

"Maybe you could tell him what the brand stands for instead?" You looked at Kayce.

"What do you mean?" He asked you, dropping his hands. 

"What it stands for," You shrugged. "Tell him...it's about loyalty...tell him it's about...becoming part of something when you have nothing and nowhere else to go?" 

Kayce watched you closely. 

"Tell him you got it because you felt lost and you needed..." You were trying here. "Needing a reminder of what you had?" 

You watched Kayce take in your words. His hand came up and rubbed over where the brand was on his chest. 

"It's not a complete lie," You stepped closer to him now. "But it's also not hurting him with the complete truth." 

Kayce looked up at you. 

"You sure you ain't a Dutton?" He smirked. 

"Nope," You smiled at him, shaking your head. "Not until I get a ring." 

"Yeah," Kayce nodded. "I should work on that, shouldn't I?" 

"That's one question I won't help you with, cowboy," You laughed, leaning your hands on his shoulders. 

Kayce held your hips as he stood up in front of you. 

"Thank you," He told you. 

"It hasn't worked, don't thank me yet," You sighed. "But I don't want Tate arguing with you or your father." 

Kayce pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you. You leaned your body against him, closing your eyes and smiling. 

"I'll talk to him," Kayce said softly. 

"Good," You pulled back. "Once you're done, you can take Tate and me into town for some burgers."

"Oh, I can?" Kayce chuckled. 

"You can," You smiled. "Gives me enough time for a shower." 

Leaning up on your toes, you kissed Kayce before heading upstairs.