Like Tattoos on This Town

@ paradigm;
Zacky nodded taking in her tone, the disappointment not missed by him. "Yeah I have a bit of stuff to do." He informed her knowing that it might make her feel better if she knew that he wasn't available to hang out. "Are you working till close again?" He asked, wondering if he needed to prepare something for them to eat again. Or if they could go out on a real date this time. But he wouldn't tell her any of his thought, knowing it would only make her feel worse, by getting her hopes up. Beside he didn't know how long it was going to take for his stuff, or if the lawyer had the time for him either.

---

Laney smiled at his teasing, knowing that she'd have to get used to this quickly. Since they were now progressing their relationship. "Yeah, tea sounds good." She told him, normally she'd have helped herself. But she didn't know where anything in his house was and she wasn't about to go snooping. Watching as he wandered into the kitchen to retrieve her a drink. She stood there feeling slightly uncomfortable, but that was only because she didn't know what to do with herself. She'd already stayed the night with him, so it wasn't as big of a deal. Hearing a dig from her pants she pulled her phone out, noticing that she'd had a few missed calls and texts from her father. Sighing she decided it was better to contact him and get it over with. Making a quick call to the man she was surprised by the desperation sound in his voice. "I'm fine, I'll see you at work Monday." She informed him, knowing that giving him something was better than nothing. And she couldn't count how many times he'd told her to go out and have fun. So really she was just doing what he told her.

"No, I'll probably work the lunch shift and leave just before the dinner rush," Hayden answered. She had girls that came in to work the dinner rush, so she didn't feel bad about leaving the diner. "I'll probably cook something at the diner and bring it home for dinner, is there anything specific that you want?" she asked Zacky. That was usually what she tended to do, just cooking something while she was already at the diner and bringing it home to reheat. "Unless you'd rather do something else? Or are you even going to be free at dinner time? I'm sure dealing with the lawyers will probably take awhile."

---

"Tea it is," Matt said. He took his empty beer into the kitchen, pouring a glass of tea for Laney and grabbing another beer for himself. He could hear Laney on the phone in the living room and he knew she was talking to her dad. He hoped she wasn't going to leave, because even if they weren't going to have sex, he was still looking forward to having her stay the night. "Everything alright?" Matt asked as he walked back into the living room. He handed Laney the glass of tea.

@ paradigm;
Zacky nodded listening to her, "I don't care baby." He informed her, "I really don't want to say that I'll be free, but I'd love to spend my free time with you." He told her, before taking a bite of his breakfast. "How about I call you once I'm done with the lawyers and we can decided from there?" He offered, knowing that they didn't have to spend every waking minute together. But they were still stuck in the new of things and didn't want to be apart for too long. He enjoyed being with her, so he wouldn't complain ever.

---

Laney smiled hearing Matt's voice, she could careless if her father heard him. "Love you bye." She said into the receiver, before hanging up on the man, not caring if he was still talking. She turned smiling up at Matt. "Everything is fine." She informed him, before taking the tea from him. "Thank you." She said to him before taking a drink from the cup he'd given her. "He just worried since it's not like me to ditch out on him." She heard a ding from her phone, knowing that she'd gotten a text. Reading over it she rolled her eyes before sending him back a responses. She knew he didn't like the fact she was out with a guy, but after all she would be living her own life now.

[sorry for later responses my internet has being cutting in and out due to storms]

"Yeah, that sounds good," Hayden agreed. "If you haven't called by the time I get off work, I'll just go home and wait. I need a shower, anyway." She finished her breakfast and got to her feet, taking her plate to the sink to rinse it off. "I guess I'm going to head out now," Hayden said, bending over for a minute so she could toss her hair up in a bun. She went over to Zacky and gave him a kiss. "Don't forget to call and let me know what's happening."

---

"He knows you're with me, doesn't he?" Matt said, seeing Laney typing on her phone. He knew it had to be her dad texting her and he was positive Mr. Stevens heard him talking to Laney when he came into the living room. Matt would be lying if he said he wasn't a little worried. Even if he and Laney weren't technically doing anything wrong or illegal, Matt could still get fired. And he definitely needed this job. But there wasn't really anything he could do about it tonight, so he was going to try not to worry about it.

@ paradigm;
Zacky smiled up into the kiss, not quite done with his breakfast yet. "I won't forget." He told her, before gently rubbing her arm. "I defiantly want to hear your voice before bed, so I won't forget." He picked up his cup and took a sip before placing it down. "I'll walk you out." He knew he wasn't finished but he wouldn't let her leave with out a proper good bye, standing from his seat he followed her to the door.

---

Laney smiled up at him, "not really." She informed him, "he just knows I'm with a guy." She shrugged, not really wanting to talk about it. "But don't worry you said that we were going to be secret then we will." She set her tea and phone down on the table. "You don't have to worry about your job or anything like that, if anyone finds out, I will make sure they know the truth. Even if it's my dad." She didn't want him to feel fear of anything because he was dating her.

Hayden nodded, grabbing her keys before walking with Zacky outside. "I'll see you later, okay?" she said. She leaned up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips. She gave Zacky a little wave before heading to her car, slipping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. Hayden was nervous knowing that Zacky was going to be talking to the lawyer's today. She knew he'd promised that he was staying, but that didn't mean he wouldn't stay somewhere else and sell the ranch. Of course, the decision to sell was up to him. But it was a special place to Hayden too and she really hoped that Zacky decided to keep it.

---

"Yeah, but the guys at the shop have seen us talking," Matt said. "It wouldn't take much digging for your dad to figure out that that guy is me." He knew it would be easy for Mr. Steven's to figure everything else, but he also knew that he probably wouldn't even bother to. It seemed like he loved his daughter, but he also seemed like he had far too many other things on his mind. Matt reached for the remote and handed it to Laney. "You can find something to watch on TV if you want," he told her. "I'm going to go ahead and get you a pillow and some blankets so I don't have to do it later."

@ paradigm;
Zacky smiled at the fading truck as she left the ranch, the dust the vehicle kicking up shielding her from view. Sighing he headed back inside, knowing that he had a bit of cleaning up to do before heading into town himself. He'd already spoke to the lawyer knowing that dropping by today would be fine. But really he was nervous, even though he wasn't in trouble, he knew that he had no idea that what the out come for today would be. He also had yet to hear from his mother about her whereabouts and if she was really going to show up. He hoped she decided against it. He loved his mother, but the deaths of his grand parents really brought her attitude into light. And he really didn't want to deal with the family drama.

---

Laney smiled at Matt, "you act like my father is smart." She laughed teasingly. "I know that he's a man of means, but he's not really interested in me, I mean he told me to get a life the other day, so really he's not to concerned." She smiled, "he's just like any father that's curious about their child's well being." She shrugged it off, he seemed to think it too. She bit her lip before sitting down and grabbing the remote, clicking the tv on. As she flipped though the channels she really was more focused on her thoughts. Part of her wanted to stop him from bothering with the items, that she'd buck up and sleep in his bed tonight. But the other part of her brain was wondering if it was to soon to do so, and if he'd even want her to rush. She knew they both were worried about her age, but she felt comfortable with him. And even though they just started dating maybe she needed to let him pick the pace since she was new to the whole dating thing.

Hayden made a quick stop at her house to change clothes before she headed to the diner. She'd given Leigh a key as well, so things were already open, although there weren't very many customers. "It's about damn time you got here," Leigh teased as Hayden walked through the door. She smirked at her sister. "So where were you last night? With your little lover boy?"

"Hush," Hayden said, moving behind the counter. "And yes, I was. Not that's really any of your business, though."

"You've got a hickey on your neck," Leigh said next and Hayden felt herself blush. She hadn't noticed any marks, but then again, she hadn't really looked at herself in the mirror. And given their rendezvous in the barn last night, she didn't doubt that Zacky had left one or two.

---

Matt got to his feet and went over to where he'd stashed his extra pillows and blankets. He grabbed one of his fluffier pillows and comfortable blankets before taking them to Laney in the living room. "Here you go, sweetheart," he said, handing them to her. He took a seat on the couch next to her, tossing his arm over her shoulder. "Did you find something for us to watch?" Matt asked her. He wondered if she would even sleep on the couch, because he got the idea that she might want to sleep in his bed tonight. Part of him wanted her to, because as long as they were just sleeping, it wasn't really a problem. Was it?

@ paradigm;
After finishing up his shower Zacky headed into his room to retrieve some of his clothing from his closet. Pulling them on and making himself a bit more presentable. He knew that his looks and style wasn't what this town really excepted. But after the day he spent in the diner helping Hayden he felt that people were really coming around, and seeing the boy he used to be instead of a tattooed thug. He knew he wasn't a bad person but here in this town tattoos were like taboo, it seemed like the only people with tattoos were thugs. He shook his thoughts off before heading out to his car, nibbling on his lip. Carrying a notebook he knew he would need to write things down, also he'd already wrote some questions down so that he could keep his baring with him, just in case.

---

Laney nibbled on her lip as she cuddled into his chest, she felt a sort of calm come over her. She'd been fretting to much on where this was going that she'd forgotten find them a show to watch. "Umm, not really." She lied, before flipping through the channels. "Is their anything you'd like to watch?" She asked turning her attention up to him. Shifting closer to him, and slipping her leg onto his lap. She really could be careless, but having him close to her it made her brain shut off. It had never been like this before, she'd always managed to stay level headed. But Matt disarmed her, and she never understood why he was so special. Nibbling on her lip she knew it was rather late, so honestly she wasn't to interested in watching tv. But she knew that she didn't want this night to end just yet. And she was rather scared to see what time it really was.

"So what if I do, that's none of your business," Hayden said. She waved her hand playfully at her sister. "Go get the table that just came in and leave me alone." Leigh rolled her eyes before going to greet the couple that had just walked in the door. Hayden grabbed a clean rag and began to wipe off the counter top. She wondered what Zacky was doing right now, if he'd met up with the lawyers yet. Hayden knew he had an important decision to make today and she just hoped that he made the right one. His grandparents' ranch had been like a second home to Hayden while she was growing up and the two of them had amazing memories there, so she would hate to see it be sold. But ultimately the decision was up to Zacky.

---

Matt shook his head when Laney asked if there was anything he wanted to watch. "No, you can choose," he said. He paused as she moved closer to him, pulling her legs up onto his lap. "Unless you'd rather just go to sleep," Matt continued. "It's just barely twelve thirty, but if you want to go to bed, you can. You're the guest, so it's up to you. That's how it works around here, right? Southern hospitality and all that jazz." He knew there wasn't much on this late at night other than infomercial and those weren't exactly fun or entertaining. And he sort of got the idea that Laney was pushing to go to bed, and with him. "So are you going to sleep on the couch tonight?" Matt asked. He smirked very slightly. "Or did I get out these pillows and this blanket for nothing?"

@ paradigm;
Zacky sighed rubbing his face as he exited the lawyer's office. He'd never thought it was going to be that much work, but if he found the right ranch hand, and banker he could be in for smooth sailing. After been given a list of names of dependable bankers he just have to present his case to them. After all his grandmother had dealt with all the business aspect of the business. Something he just found out, having never known her to be anything more than a stay at home wife. Hell she was always baking something for this or that, he didn't see how she had the time to do bookings and shit. Trudging down the road a bit he tuck into the dinner, just wanting to see Hayden beautiful face. It wasn't until he sat down that he realized just how hungry he was. It was well after noon now.

---

Laney nibbled on her lip as he told her there was nothing on, shaking her head she turned off the tv. Leaving them in darkness, the only light was that coming in from the moon. Shifting she looked up at him, "well if you're ready for bed then I don't mind." She wasn't really all that tired, and she felt that if she did sleep in the same bed that she wouldn't be sleeping much, that her nerves would get the best of her and she'd be wide awake. Though the thought of him holding her as they slept was very appealing. "Is that you're way of inviting me into your bed?" She questioned teasingly, though she didn't feel confident enough to say yes just flat out.

"Hey Hayden, I think your little lover boy just walked into the diner," Leigh teased.

Hayden looked up from the counter she was cleaning and smiled when she saw Zacky sitting down at one of their tables. She almost wanted to ask him how things had gone with the lawyers, but she figured that was a conversation best left for when they were in private. "Decided to stop by and see me?" Hayden teased as she approached his table. She leaned against the table. "Did you want something to eat? On the house." Once Zacky had given her his order, Hayden took it back to the kitchen before going back to the table and sitting down across from him. "So did you want to stay at the ranch again tonight or go to my house?" she asked. "Or maybe we could go do something tonight? I'll probably hand the reigns over to Leigh right before dinner, I'll just need to shower first."

---

"Well it sounded like you were laying down some hints," Matt said to Laney, smirking. He got to his feet, grabbing the pillows and blanket he'd gotten from her and took it back to the hall closet. "Since there's nothing on TV, I'm going to head to bed," he told her. He held out his hand to help her up off the couch. Matt walked down the hall to his bedroom, going to his dresser to pull out a pair of basketball shorts to wear to bed. Ducking into his closet, he quickly changed. "So if you wake up tomorrow and I'm still asleep but you're hungry or anything, feel free to dig through my kitchen," Matt said, stretching out in his bed. "I mean, I don't have much because I need to go grocery shopping but you're welcome to whatever's in there. You're a better cook than I am, anyway."

@ paradigm;
As Hayden approached the table he couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips. She looked beautiful even though her face read how tired she was. "Of course that was my first thought." He smiled up at her, wanting nothing more than to pull her in for a kiss. But being professional came first. He then looked up at her sheepishly before telling her he was hungry, having not eaten since this morning. He watched her disappear to give the cook his order. Placing with the wrapped silverware he shifted and looked up as she sat down. "It doesn't matter to me, babe." He informed her, "I'm open to doing anything." He smiled softly at her. He knew that if they went to either or's house they'd be watching tv then sleeping. So really he could go for hitting the bar or movies, anything that she wanted to do. He would do anything if it meant making her happy.

---

Laney felt a blush consume her face as he spoke about her hinting towards them sleeping together. Watching as he left she racked her brain trying to think of what she could of done or said that made him thing that. But her thoughts were interrupted by him offering her his hand. Placing hers not his she let him pull her to her feet before taking the unfamiliar trek to his room. Nibbling on her lip she watched as he exited the room then coming back in changed. She waited until he was laying down before she settled herself down beside him. Feeling extremely awkward and not knowing what to do. But laughed it off and smiled up at him, "is it just me or are you just trying to get me to cook for you." She teased him, laying her head on her arm as she looked up at him. "You know all you have to do is just ask." She told him softly.

"Well then we can get dolled up and go over to the next town, maybe go to dinner and then hit the bar?" Hayden suggested. The bar she was talking about was essentially their version of a club; there were drinks and dancing and pool tables. It was a lot of fun but Hayden didn't go very often, mostly because the only person she had to go with was Leigh. Hayden heard someone shout to her from the kitchen that she had an order up and she got to her feet, smiling at Zacky. "I think your food is ready," she told him before heading back to the kitchen. She grabbed Zacky's food and took it back to his table, lingering beside him. "So did you want to head over to the next town and get dinner once I'm off?" she asked, seeking clarification.

---

"Well I wasn't trying, but if you're offering..." Matt let his voice, grinning at Laney. He reached over to turn off the lamp, settling down and getting comfortable in his bed. He wasn't sure how comfortable Laney was with cuddling, especially since it was their first night sleeping close to each other, so he would let her take the lead on that. He didn't want to drive her away by coming on too strongly. "Goodnight, sweetheart," Matt said softly. He closed his eyes, quickly falling asleep. When he woke up the next morning, Laney was still asleep, so he decided to lay there for a little while longer. There was no reason for him to get up, not when he didn't have to get ready for work.

@ paradigm;
Zacky smiled at her as he listened to her plan out their night, "baby this is as dolled as I get." He chuckled, shaking his head. "But the bar does sound like a good time," he offered hoping that she could tell he just wasn't into planning a night, he'd leave it up to her. He watched her leave, thought's in his head as what else he needed to do today. He couldn't promise that he'd be great company to day depending on how things went. Smiling up at her as she placed his food in front of him. "Well I still have a few things to do sadly." He informed her, "apparently the lawyer has no access to the accounts any more since I took over so he really wasn't help at all other than giving me documents." He shook his head. "But I still had to wait over two hours just from him to tell me that." He grabbed his burger before taking a bit of it. He wondered if she was going to sit down at talk again.

---

Laney smiled into the dark as she watched him, her eyes having adjusted. Shaking her head she settle down into his bed, her body slowly starting to relax. She was kind of surprised when he didn't pull her into him. But that didn't stop her from cuddling closer to his as she slowly slipped off, being easier that she'd have thought. Laney shifted, feeling rather warm and content. Though her stomach was screaming for her to wake, not being one to sleep to late. Yawning she rolled over and cuddled closer to Matt, blinking her eyes slowly as tried to comprehend just what was going on. Not that she minded, just in her groggy state of mind she'd forgotten she'd willingly crawled into bed with him. Smiling at the thought, before looking up at him. "Morning." She said sweetly.

"Well even so, you look cute," Hayden said. She was happy that Zacky agreed to go to the bar. She could use a fun outing after the stressful past few days and she knew that Zacky could, too. She frowned when Zacky said that he had a few more things to do, knowing that anything involving the ranch could take a good bit of time. "Well we can always go when you're finished with whatever you need to do," Hayden said. "I'm sure I can find a few chores that need to be done around the house. Laundry, dishes, something like that." She gave Zacky a soft smile, resting her hand on his shoulder. "I've got to go and check on the rest of my tables, but give me a holler if you need anything." Leaning down, Hayden pressed a kiss to his temple before going over to her closest table.

---

Matt watched as Laney slowly woke up, laughing softly at the look on her face when she realized that she was in bed with him. "Good morning," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Did you sleep well? You must have, because you looked a little surprised to wake up next to me." He chuckled again, rubbing her upper arm. "Are you hungry?" he asked. "I could attempt to cook something if you wanted. And of course, the shower is open if you feel like you need one." Matt wasn't sure what Laney wanted to do today, since they didn't have work. Obviously there wasn't anything to do in this town and Matt wasn't sure how he felt about driving over to the next one again. But he would leave it up to her.

@ requiem;
Zacky nodded hearing her thoughts, "I'll text you when I'm done." He offered, knowing that it would keep her from doing to much unneeded things. Besides he didn't know how long it took her to get ready. After all this would be the first time they actually really went out He waited until she walked away before tucking into his food. The hamburger being something quick and easy to eat, yet filling and would hold him over till tonight. The one thing he could say was Hayden had him spoiled. He wasnt used to eating a lot. Most days he was lucky if he'd eat once a day. Having had a dead end job that barely paid bills, though this was a step up from that. He just needed to decide if this was something he could see himself doing. Could he learn how to do this with out any trouble. He just hoped his life kept this path straight and narrow. He couldn't face losing this because he was stupid.

---

Laney smiled sheepishly when he laughed at her, just knowing he'd seen her face. Nibbling on her lip she relaxed into his embraces. Listening to him ramble she thought over the options. "Why don't I cook?" She offered, after all she was suppose to teach him how to cook. Something she had yet to do. They were always to distracted with other things to ever worry about it. Maybe now she could show him a thing or two. After all it wasn't hard, don't burn it. If you paid attention to the stove and not the tv or other device then it was something rather easy to pick up. But even after offering to cook she still didn't make any attempt to move. She was rather comfortable in his arms, and this was really the first time they'd ever cuddled like this, awake.

Hayden remained pretty busy until her shift ended, going over to Zacky's table once she'd clocked out. "Don't forget to tell me when you're done with everything," she told him, leaning down to give him a kiss. "I'm going to head to my house and take a shower, maybe get a little dolled up," she added, giving him a little wink. She waved goodbye to her sister before leaving the restaurant, going out to climb into her truck. She was excited about going out with Zacky. It had been forever since she'd had a proper date and she'd wanted to go on one with Zacky since they were teenagers. Once she was home, Hayden went to her closet, digging around in the back for one of her nicer dresses. She hardly ever got to dress up and go out, so she was going to take advantage of this opportunity.

---

"Well, I'm not going to pass up that opportunity," Matt said with a grin. He knew Laney probably didn't intend to cook him breakfast while he laid in bed, so he stretched, sitting up and getting to his feet. "Come on, let's go see what we've got to cook," he said, holding his hand out to Laney. He pulled her to her feet and walked with her to the kitchen, going over to open his fridge and his freezer. "Hmm, I've got eggs," he announced, seeing the carton in the fridge. "And some hashbrowns. But it looks like that's about it. Except for toast. I've got bread." Matt turned to Laney. "So what should we start with?" he asked, grinning. "I'm ready for my first cooking lesson."

@ requiem;
Zacky finished his food, he waited around until Hayden came back to his table. He didn't want to interrupt her work. "Okay love." He smiled at her, loving the feel of her lips pressing to his. "I won't forget I enjoy my time with you." He teased her, before getting up and following her out of the place. He quickly left and headed straight to the bank, he wanted to get this over with quickly so that he could enjoy the rest of his evening with his beautiful girlfriend. After what felt like hours he'd finally made it out of the bank, the knowledge he'd gain weighing heavy on him. But he still felt the need to try and make it work. Pulling out his phone, he sent a quick. I'm done. To Hayden before driving back to the farm.

---

Laney pouted as he left the bed, though she knew that they did have to eat. Expecting his offered hands she exited the bed, before following to the kitchen. Listening to him rattle off what he had, she peeped into the open fridge. "Well how about omelets?" She questioned him. They were quick and he did have shredded cheese, plus red and green bell peppers. Moving to grab the items she handed him the few items. Then walked over to the stove. "Do you have a cutting board?" She asked.

Once Hayden was dressed, she slipped on her dark brown cowboy boots and went into the bathroom, deciding to curl her hair a little. She'd just finished when her phone vibrated, a message from Zacky flashing on the screen. Okay, I'll meet you at the farm in about twenty minutes. Grabbing the keys to her truck, Hayden quickly locked up before heading for the farm. "Zacky, I'm here," Hayden called out, walking into the farmhouse. She walked through the house until she found him, going over to give him a short kiss. "Are you ready to go?" she asked.

---

"Omelets sound good," Matt said. He took the carton of eggs when Laney handed it to him, along with the shredded cheese and bell peppers. "Shit, I wish I had some jalapenos," he muttered to himself. Turning to Laney, he chuckled at her question. "You're kidding, right? No, I don't have a cutting board. I don't exactly cook a lot of things that need to be cut. Sandwiches are a staple around here. Just..." He paused, grabbing the dishrag from the sink and cleaning off a spot on the counter. "Just cut it on the counter. It's clean now, won't hurt anything." Matt went to his cabinet and pulled out the one good skillet he owned, handing this to Laney. "This is the only good skillet I have, so we'll have to make it work."