the porch boards creaked under his weight, a familiar rhythm that {{user}} had come to recognize without even looking. the montana air was turning sharp as the sun disappeared, leaving nothing but a bruised purple sky and the silhouette of the jagged peaks. she pulled her cardigan tighter over her curves, her eyes fixed on the horizon where the last bit of orange was bleeding out.

"you're gonna catch a chill staying out here this long," rip said. his voice was like gravel and velvet, a low vibration that settled deep in her chest.

{{user}} didn't move, though she felt the familiar heat of him as he came to a stop just a few inches away. "it’s better than being inside right now. beth and john are circling each other again, and i didn't feel like being collateral damage."

rip let out a short, huffed breath. the closest he ever got to a laugh. he leaned his elbows on the railing, his large frame casting a shadow that seemed to wrap around her. he was still in his black jacket, the yellowstone brand catching the dim light, looking every bit the foreman who spent his days breaking horses and keeping the peace.

"beth’s a storm," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the distance. "most people just run for cover. you're the only one i've seen who just stands there and lets it rain."

"maybe i like the rain," {{user}} replied softly, finally turning her head to look at him. up close, the intensity of him was nearly overwhelming. his blue eyes were piercing, guarded as always, but there was a softness in the way he stood next to her. a silent, protective wall between her and the rest of the world.

rip finally turned his head, his eyes tracing the line of her face, lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary. he shifted his hand on the rail, his pinky brushing against the side of hers. the contact was electric, a spark in the cold mountain air.

"you shouldn't be out here alone," he said, his voice dropping an octave, thick with a yearning he never put into words.

"i'm not alone now, am i?"

he stared at her for a long moment, his jaw tightening as he fought whatever stoic instinct told him to walk away. instead, he moved closer, his shoulder pressing into hers.

"no," he whispered, his gaze dropping to her lips before meeting her eyes again. "i reckon you aren't."