i've got a world of chances for you||raine||

[Jacob T. Forester;]

Jake's eyes scanned the yard as he pushed his truck into park for a moment. He sized up the yard, as if seeing it for the first time.

Three horses. Two round pens. It seems to me like your horse shouldn't have a problem... but what if I close off the arena and let one of them in there, until we get everything figured out?

Jake bit his lip, turning to Raine. She made a motion of agreement, so Jake thought for a moment, before backing the trailer to the round pen. He climbed out of the truck, opening the gate, before swinging down the ramp of the trailer. The gray trotted easily out of the trailer, trotting around the pen before stopping.

Raising the ramp, Jake climbed back in and drove to the second round pen. He allowed the chocolate palomino to rush out, and noticed he didn't have the hurt look in his eyes anymore. He came to Jake, pushing his head against the humans chest, and sighed.

Good boy, Rocko. I'll be right back.

He slid out of the fence, and put up the ramp again. The blood bay inside was getting restless as his trailermates left him, and Jake didn't want him getting hurt. He quickly drove to the indoor arena, shutting off the doors before allowing the blood bay out of the trailer. He took off at a flying canter, his black mane flying back and whipping in the wind. A sharp neigh came from the back pasture, and Jake looked up in bewilderment. Through the window, Deheya was just visible. She seemed to be reprimanding the gelding, as her two foals frolicked around her.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 460
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

The drive back to the ranch was an easy one, as well as an exciting one. Justin was going to give her a hard time for this. As much as she wanted to leave her problems aside Raine had to admit that her brother was still her best friend. He used to be a part of everything and here she was with another man in her life, leaving Justin out of the mix. He might be a pain in the ass but blood was thicker than water and all that she could hope for was someone else who would be a miracle. A miracle that would save her brother's life.

They had arrived at the ranch and Raine's thoughts were disrupted. Jacob was speaking to her as well and she had hardly heard what he had said. She nodded and he set to work, backing up the trailer and freeing the grey into the round pen. Next was the palomino and then the blood bay. Raine had got out of the truck as soon as Jake parked it and folded her sleeves up to her elbows. Her slender legs fit well into her jeans, hugging all the right places but she needed a change of clothes. She thought of retrieving her clothes from the boot of her car. Raine remembered her handbag and leaned back into the truck to fetch it. She pulled out her car keys and jogged off to her car.

Just getting my clothes.

She called to Jake before heading off. The lights flashed and she pulled the bag of clothes out from the boot. She took them back to the house and set them in the hall, deciding to leave it 'til later. They had to prepare stalls for the three new additions to the ranch. When Raine returned she could see Deheya sticking her head out from the pasture. The two foals were standing alongside her and Raine couldn't help but love the little filly. She was smaller than her brother and Raine felt an attachment to that particular twin. With her heart already melting in her chest she turned back to Jake, who was standing outside the door of the indoor arena. She approached him, a sultry smile on her lips.

Got everything you wanted?

She asked, laying her hand on his abdominal muscles as she leaned against his body with the wall of the indoor arena towering over their heads. She put her other hand on his jaw, leaning into him and kissed him like the first time he had kissed her. Once, twice. Short and sweet before finally she covered his lips with her own. It was tame, tasting him and exploring as the excitement of the day tingled beneath her skin.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

Feeling Raine's lips against his, Jake couldn't help but push back equally. They merged together, forgetting the world for a while.

You know, your brother could always come here and work with one of the horses.

Jake had been quiet, but the new break of conversation caused the blood bay's head to fly up. Jake watched him gallop around the arena, and as he passed the window, noted the way his coat reflected the light, like a fire. A bonfire.

Bonfire.

Jake whispered the word, but the horse slid to a stop that could rival a Quarter Horse. He jogged up to the human, using his lip to examine Jake's face. Jake laughed, trying to escape the kisses of the horse, but with every step he took, Bonfire mirrored him.

Okay, okay. That's enough.

He gently laid his hand on the geldings neck and applied a slight pressure.

Back up. C'mon now, back it up.

As Bonfire backed up, Jake praised him. The gelding nodded his head, his jaw clacking together, before letting out a high pitched whinny.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 245
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

She had leaned into Jacob and when the kiss ended, Rai had nothing but tender feelings for the man. However she seemed somewhat distant when he mentioned her brother. Raine was not a dark person but there were parts of herself that she protected.

Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt.

Raine put out the joke but her body language spoke differently. She said nothing further on the subject, her eyes turning towards the blood bay. He had approached them through the window and was showing nothing but affection towards Jake. Raine was in wonderment of the horses. She had always thought that bonding with horses would take some time but obviously with Jake, the horses just took to him.

After the bay's loud whinny, another rang through the air. It had been the tobiano. He raised his tail and then began to trot along the fencing. His tail flagged out behind him and his neck rounded with his chin bumping into his chest. It was a proud trot and showed off the geldings obvious excitement. He was inspecting the pen, eventually halting and moving his head along the fence as he studied the rest of the yard from his confined space.

How long will you keep them separate?

Raine asked, turning back towards Jacob and bursting out into a grin. The bay was stretching out his neck with his upper lip curling up. The curious and playful act was certainly a sight to see.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

Jake watched Bonfire as he thought about it.

All of them are coming willingly to us, so catching them shouldn't be much of a problem. I want to keep them in the round pens until we know it won't be a problem, though. We don't want them high-talin' it out across the paddock at the sight of us.

Exhaustion showed in Jake's eyes, but he kept his eyes on Bonfire. He was trotting on tiptoe again, his body arching. Jake felt a light nausea rise in his stomach, and he sat down, resting his head on his knees. The gelding looked surprised to see Jake on the ground, and snorted loudly.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 165
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

With his explanation Raine nodded. She was learning things step by step and taking new things in each and every day she spent with the horses. She was watching the blood bay alongside Jacob but all of a sudden he wasn't standing towering over her. She looked down and there he was sitting with his head on his knees.

Jake?

Raine knelt down in front of him and laid her hand gently on his back. She had seen that flash of exhaustion in his face and she stroked his hair. He had been working for many hours with only so many spent sleeping. It was bound to catch up on him sooner or later but Rai couldn't be sure what it was exactly.

Take a break. I'll prepare the stalls. Why don't you go sleep, Jake?

Her voice was just above a whisper and soothing, waiting for him to speak. She rubbed his back, her hand moving over the tense muscles with a quiet touch.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

Jake frowned as Raine told him to go to sleep. He knew he was exhausted, but he'd grown up on a farm. He was used to it.

I can't go to sleep. Two outta three of these guys are mine. It's my responsibility, not yours.

His hand was on his stomach, trying to keep the nausea away, and he slowly got to his feet. He knew he'd have to do the stalls soon before he got even more nauseous. He took Raine's hand, leading her out to the barn, and grabbed a few packs of shavings. He broke one open, spreading the shavings around one of the big stalls. His face contorted, and he leaned against the rake, a slight sweat breaking on his brow. He exited the stall, filling a bucket with water that he hung in the stall, and he went to the stall next to it. He broke another, spreading it through the second stall, and hanging another bucket.

He leaned against the back wall, allowing himself to sink down and rest his head in his lap. His stomach heaved, and he winced, closing his eyes.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 264
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Raine folded her arms across her chest after standing up. Her eyes followed Jacob skeptically as he stood slowly. Next thing he had taken her hand and was leading her into the barn, but she didn't tug against his grip. She could see the state that he was in and she was just waiting for him to realise it. He just seemed too stubborn to understand that this time he actually did need to lie down. Raine let him go about his business, taking one of the packets of shaving and spreading it over the stall next to his. Once she was done spreading the shavings with a rake she walked into the stall he had been busying himself with. She leaned in through the doorway, using her hands on the frame to let herself hang in. Jake was sitting with his back against the wall and his face wasn't visible, but it was obvious that he was uncomfortable. She crossed the stall to get to him.

Jake, don't be stubborn. Get your butt into a bed.

She took his arm, attempting to pull him up but it was useless because he must have weighed nearly double her own weight.

An hour. Come on, and don't you dare tell me you're fine.

Her voice was stern but it was far from anger. She was used to the stubborn act before a man finally gave in. She had had her brother and Len at one point to care for, so she knew to go through the motions before they finally landed up in bed resting.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

An hour. Not a second more. But let me just bring the boys in first.

He pulled himself to his feet, and vertigo set in. He shook his head, trying to regain his bearings, but it was hard. He knew this was his own fault, getting sick. He'd been too damn concerned with getting a ranch started that he hadn't been taking his medicine or eating regularly. Food.

Jake groaned, and turned his head toward Raine.

I definitely am the stupidist guy ever. I didn't get you food last night, or this morning.

A dark look clouded his mind. He was sick, not simple minded. He should have thought of food when he was feeding Deheya. Yeah, there was alot going on with the foals, but not enough that he shouldn't have gotten Raine and himself food.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 775
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Jake.

Raine released an exasperated sigh as he stood once again. She kept her hand on his arm, not that she would be able to catch him if he fell. Most probably she would be squished under him but she at least put her hand there so that he would know she was there. She shook her head when he looked at her, having suddenly realised that neither of them had eaten anything in a few hours.

I didn't notice either. So I guess both of us are pretty stupid.

She retorted sarcastically, pointing towards the stall door.

Bed. Now. If you're struggling to stand, how do you suppose you'll handle an excited horse?

She headed out of the stall and let Jacob make his decision. However, whatever he decided she was blatantly going against him leading one of the horses. She may not compare with his strength but she had handled Cowboy before when he had become difficult. She had a fair amount of muscle in her arms from the months she had spent here and she didn't mind the challenge of handling one of the new horses. She also had a few tricks up her sleeve.

Raine headed into the second round pen where the chocolate palomino was. She held the lead in hand whilst walking into the pen. The gelding was cautious of her approach and avoided her at first. However she held out her closed hand and curiosity got the best of the horse, especially when he could smell the sweet smell of a sugar cube. Raine opened her palm and the gelding lipped up the cube, and she took that chance to clip on the lead. The gelding grumbled in his chest and searched Raine's hands for more treats as she led him to the gate. He had been the one to fight Jacob but he had run out some of his energy and although skittish, he was more easy to handle. Raine clicked her tongue whenever he stopped and he walked on, curiosly whipping his ears from side to side. She led the gelding into an open stall and unclipped the lead, hanging it on a hook and heading out again.

This time Raine went to the indoor arena. The blood bay startled as she opened the door but once he knew who it was, he extended his neck out curiosly. Jacob was right. Separated the horses seemed a bit calmer and were easier to handle than if they had banded together as a herd and avoided the humans. Right then all the bay had as Jacob and Raine so that was who he knew to trust. She reached out her hand with another sugar cube and the bay had the same reaction as the palomino. She clipped on the lead and led him to his stall. He was easier than the palomino and rubbed his head against her shoulder and she laughed, reaching back to scratch his cheek.

Stop.

She scolded gently, still smiling as she led the bay into his stall. She closed the stall door behind her and next up was the tobiano. Raine slipped in under the fencing with the emerald green lead rope in her hand. She had two sugar cubes this time.

Don't tell the others.

She whispered jokingly, her smile broadening as the grey approached her. He had a white-based coat with large light-grey patches on his body. His face was more mixed than the rest of his body, which was neater. She tickled the bit of pink on his muzzle and he moved his upper lip.

Such an adorable boy.

She said, moving around to his neck and doing some T-circles on his neck. His name was beautiful - just like poetry.

Old Grey Romance.

She said his name aloud but the horse didn't recognise it. So she used his nickname.

Roman?

The gelding turned his head and pushed his muzzle against her leg.

There we go.

She said, gently moving her hand with longer strokes over his shoulder and back. He accepted the touches and once he was relaxed she clipped on the lead. Roman followed her as she opened the gate and then led him towards the barn. Behind her she could hear one of the twins calling out and she looked back, seeing Daa'bu nip his sister playfully.

Beautiful, aren't they?

She said, patting Roman's neck and they disappeared into the barn. Once he was settled she moved around to fill a water bucket for the gelding.

Jake? Still here?

She called, looking down the aisle again for a response. Had he gone to the house or not?

[Jacob T. Forester;]

As Raine went to take care of the horses, Jake pulled himself up to the hayloft. Sure- he almost fell once, but he didn't care. He dropped himself carefully down onto a few hay bales, allowing himself to fall asleep in the comforting smell. His stomach was still queasy, but just being able to relax made his stomach muscles relax.

Down in the stalls, Bonfire was beginning to panic. He could smell Roman and Rocko, and he wanted to be with them. He didn't enjoy being alone in this small space. He let out a trumpeting neigh, his whole body shaking with the force of it. Rocko whickered, a sound deep within his chest, and the sound calmed the younger horse. Bonfire dipped his head into his water bucket, taking ravenous gulps.

Not even the trumpeting neigh of the young gelding could awaken Jake at this point. He was out cold, curled on his side, his breathing regular.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 674
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

Raine got no reply but the one thing she did get was the panicked noises coming from Bonfire's stall. Raine left the water bucket and headed towards the stall. She leaned into the half door and stood watching until the gelding calmed after his initial panic.

Hey, big boy.

Raine leaned over the half door, then headed off to one of the rooms. There was a pile of carrots, the package unopened. She made a hole in the plastic and pulled out a carrot. She returned to Bonfire's stall, snapping the carrot in half and offering one half out on her flat palm.

Bonfire, come on. Shhh. That's it.

Her voice was gentle and although skittish, the gelding seemed to accept the carrot and was busy munching. Hopefully it proved a distraction for the horse so that he wouldn't mind the confines of the stall. Once Jake awoke he would know what to do to make the gelding more comfortable. Speaking of whom, she couldn't see him. Raine gave Bonfire a pat on his neck before exiting the barn. She headed up to the house, taking advantage of those quiet moments to change her clothes.

She grabbed the parcel in the hall and headed upstairs. Among the clothes she had bought was a navy and white striped top. She pulled off her hoodie, beneath which she wasn't wearing anything. The bedroom was empty and although this puzzled Raine she went on to change into the striped top, pulling a cream jersey over it. Next went on a pair of dark jeans with a flare at the bottom. Raine pulled her hair out of the ponytail and gave her waves a bit of volume, giving them some more shape by playing with them with her hands. Once she was sure that she was presentable and ready for action she jogged down the stairs and into the kitchen. They had collected some food and put in the fridge. Some of the basics, like bread and any necessary ingredients for a sandwich. Raine whipped one up, pulling her phone out of her pocket and held it between her shoulder and her ear whilst she buttered the bread.

The phone rang for a while before Justin answered his cellphone.

JT? What took you so long?

She said, smiling despite herself.

"Picking my nose."

You're disgusting.

He scoffed into the phone but she could hear his laughing.

Hey, how's gran? You at home?

"She's just fine. Knitting me another pair of socks. Good god."

You loved those yellow ones. Admit it.

She teased, putting down the knife and picking up some other ingredients and laying them down on the bread.

"You gonna join me at the bar later? Don't tell me you're gonna spend the night in lover boy's bed again."

JT.

"Rai."

Her brother challenged her and finally she held her cellphone with her hand, leaning on the counter with her other hand.

I'll see what happens. But I'll come home tonight. You better be there. Please just leave the whiskey for one night.

There was silence.

"I'll see you."

With that he hung up and in her frustration she slammed her phone down on the counter. She kept her hand there for a moment then slid her phone across the counter, finishing up with the sandwich and carrying it out on a plate. If only her brother would give up his habit for one damned night. Her mood was foul until she reached the barn, searching its confines for any sign of Jake. Then she noticed that the ladder had been shifted. It led up to the hayloft and she had to do some manouvering in order to carry the plate and ascend the ladder. She peeped over the edge and for sure, there he was, resting on some hay bales. Raine approached and set the sandwich down on the hay bale, leaning over him with her hand gently touched his shoulder. It had been an hour by then but she hadn't the heart to wake him.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

Jake's breathing was labored, as if he'd just run a mile. His face was pulled into a frown, as he dreamed. In his nightmare, Seth had gotten into another car crash. His daughter Kaileigh was in the back, her car seat secured nice and tight. The eighteen wheeler had come from nowhere, flipping the small Chevy easily. Kaileigh's mom had died in the first crash- she couldn't lose her father too. So Jake had run from his ranch all the way to Nevada, to try and save his brother, but it was too late. Kaileigh had no one. Selena had been an only child, and both of her parents died the year before she did. All of Jake's brothers lived across the country. Only he, Quinn, and Seth stayed in the area. And Quinn's life as a bronc rider would never allow him to have a kid.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, and he jumped up, his eyes wide. They were unfocused, trying to make sense of what happened. It was a dream. Just a dream. He took a deep breath, before his eyes focused on Rai. And food.

Thanks.

His voice was raspy, as if he'd been screaming, and he took a small bite of sandwhich to keep from saying anything else.

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[Raine Adylin]

Word Count: 141
Status: Complete
Lyrics: N/A

She jumped a little, initially spooked by his reaction at suddenly waking. She had just put her hand on his shoulder but it had been enough to wake him with a jerk. Raine pulled the plate of food from behind her and held it out for Jacob. Her eyes rolled over his face, her concern showing. She placed her hand on his forehead which was abnormally warm.

Bad dream?

She asked, tilting her head to the side and eyeing the beads of sweat on his forehead. He didn't seem too well rested after his hour of sleep and concern was welling up inside of her that he had worked himself into a state trying to pull the ranch together in such a short amount of time. She didn't crowd him, allowing Jake his space to breath because he was obviously uneasy.

[Jacob T. Forester;]

The word come out a breath from Jake's mouth, and he kept it short.

Nightmare.

The weather was beginning to break, and he peeled off his over shirt. His fever was causing him to over heat, and he rubbed his forehead.

It's not a big deal. It's not going to come true.

He stretched, running his fingers through his hair to displace the hay. His eyes focused on Raine, and saw concern in his eyes. He allowed them to drop to his lap.

Jake did want to have kids. But he would never want to have his brother's daughter. Especially through a turn of events such as what had portrayed in his subconscious. Plus, she was only three. She didn't deserve the loss. The pain of losing the only people you'd ever loved.

He stood up, stretching his long legs as he paced the hay loft. His balance was regained, and his fever was peaking, so he leaned over the edge, watching Bonfire, Rocko, and Roman. His eyebrow raised as Deheya wandered in, followed by Daa'bu and Minni. How had they...? He shook his head. He'd check the fence line in just a minute. He watched the tiny filly put her nose right to Roman's and let out a high pitched whinny. He returned the touch, and nickered softly, like a proud father. Deheya raised her head defensively, but the gelding showed no desire to harm her foal. Daa'bu ran up to Rocko's stall, letting out a challenging little neigh. The older male gave him a bored look, turning his back to him, and Daa'bu, looking crestfallen, returned to his mother. Deheya and Bonfire were having a stare down. Bonfire gently lowered his head into a bow, and Deheya moved her head up and down, clacking her jaw. She seemed content with the new comers, and let out her low whicker she used when she knew Jake was near. He smiled, climbing down the ladder and holding it for Raine, before grabbing the mare's halter.

Silly girl. And we have to get some halters for your pretty babies, too.

It ain't easy, growin' up in World War III
Never knowin' what love could be
You'll see, I don't want love to destroy me
Like it has done my family

Can we work it out?
(Can we?)
Can we be a family?
(Can we?)
I promise I'll be better
(I promise)
Mommy, I'll do anything
(I'll do anything)

Can we work it out?
Can we be a family?
I promise I'll be better
Daddy, please don't leave.

Jake led Deheya back to the mare's barn, and watched the two foals trotting to keep up. They're tiny, perfect hooves caught in the snow, but they didn't seem to mind. Once they were back in their stall, Jake made his way to the tack shed. Grabbing a box of nails and a hammer, he slid the hammer through his belt loop and stuffed the nails in his pocket. Still in a simple wifebeater, he walked out to the fence, quickly fixing the downed boards. He stared at his truck for a long moment. He knew he was being ridiculous, as his fever was at it's peak, but he just knew he had to work on his truck.

Jake climbed under neath the truck, his long, lean legs sticking out and his wifebeater moving up over his abdomen. The air was catching an icy chill, and he knew that it would soon snow. He reached up, playing with the oil line, and debating on what he could do to make his truck run smoother. He knew he needed new front breaks and rotors, but he wasn't about to drive.

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