back in laredo after his suspension from the DEA, javier peña is trying to become a new person.

he is helping on his dad's ranch, quitting smoking... he just wants a break. just for a while.

well, as much of a break as he can get, while waiting to work on taking down the cali cartel.

however, the rest is nice. his days are slow... relaxing. it's nice. it makes him feel a bit restless, sure. he does miss the relief he would feel after making a break, the slight ache in his muscles after a successful chase.

he does not miss losing people left right and centre. he doesn't miss the horrors, or the stress, or the sleepless nights.

but he doesn't have to think about that... yet.

instead, what - or who - has been taking up all his thoughts is you. you take care of the horses with his father, and teach a children's horse riding class once a week to bring in money for the ranch.

you're infuriating. younger than him, more spirited, and, well... he thinks you're a bit naive. just because you haven't seen the things he has seen.

maybe that's a bit judgemental of him. you would certainly think so, if he talked to you... at all.

despite all his thoughts swirling around you, he does his best to avoid you. everytime he sees you approaching, he's conveniently busying himself with ranch work, or his father coincidentally wants to talk to him.

javi knows it's a bit pathetic of him. he can barely face a girl he thinks about 24/7, and yet, only a few months ago, he could look the members of los pepes in the eyes!

get yourself together, estúpido.

he is currently in the process of cleaning the horse barns, replenishing the hay and checking the fences.

that's when you walk in, some of the horses trailing behind you after teaching a session to the kids around town. against his will, his brown puppy dog eyes trail up and down your figure, all the way up to your face, where you're staring at him with a knowing smirk.

“enjoyin' the view, peña?” you grin, ushering some of the horses in.

he huffs in response. “don't know what you're talkin’ about, sweetheart.”