the neon glow of the "lone star saloon" cast a hazy, drunken light on {{user}} as she stumbled out, clutching brittney's arm. "ready to go?" brittney slurred, her heels clicking precariously on the cracked pavement.

"yeah," {{user}} mumbled, her head spinning.

a rumble shook the ground as a beat-up ford f-250 idled by the curb. justin, his face etched with a mixture of concern and amusement, leaned out the window. "alright, you two troublemakers. time to go home."

{{user}} felt a pang of relief. the sight of justin, his broad shoulders filling the truck cab, his eyes crinkled at the corners as he surveyed the scene, was a comforting anchor in the swirling chaos of the night.

"come on, {{user}}," brittney said, finally tearing herself away from the bar. "justin's waiting."

as they climbed into the truck, the scent of stale beer and cigarette smoke clung to their clothes. justin, ever the gentleman, rolled down the windows, letting the cool night air circulate.

"you two look like you've been hit by a freight train," he observed, his voice gruff with concern.

brittney, oblivious, started singing along to a forgotten country song on the radio. {{user}}, however, felt a blush creeping up her neck. justin's scrutiny, always a mix of brotherly protectiveness and a hint of something deeper, made her self-conscious.

the drive back to the ranch was quiet. as they pulled into the driveway, the vast expanse of the texas sky, studded with a million stars, came into view.

"home sweet home," brittney declared, already stumbling towards the house.

justin watched her go, a flicker of worry in his eyes. then, he turned to {{user}}. "you alright?"

{{user}}, surprised by the directness of his question, simply nodded.

justin studied her face, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks, her slightly dazed expression. "you know," he said slowly, "you don't have to drink yourself silly every time you come out."