Sodom? Back to Gomorrah

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After bringing both Miss Bunny and Rhett to their new home, Callahan knew the work was just beginning. They'd have to find a place to create the gang's camp, know which herds to hunt to not kill 'em all, if there were dangers present. With that thought in mind, Callahan decided he'd ask Rhett to accompany him on a brief run of the valley.

“You up for a ride?” Cal barked as he came close to the pale-furred man, a grin appearing on his lips. The scars on his eyebrow and cheek tightened at the movement, creating small furrows in his rugged appearance.

While he'd never say it, this run was not only to map out the area, but to test the man. Was he a skilled outrider? A hunter? Hell, a muscle? Cal could only hope it'd help Rhett shine and find him a place within the gang.

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for @Rhett <3 also hella short but it works ^^

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“A ride, yeah? Don't have to ask me twice.” He grinned, twisting his neck from side to side, then moving to stretch out his shoulders.

“This here valley’s just right for it.” He could certainly admire the choice. There was no better spot to rustle up a good gang.

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Once out in the open, they had come to Cal's preferred lookout spot, a rocky outcropping on the closest mountain. The valley spread for miles, green grasses dotted with the occasional purple lupines. Hell, he could just make out the pronghorns near the river.

“S'perfect, ain't it?” He mused as he looked out at the expansive valley. His chest swelled with pride at the image of a bustlin' gang at the center of it all. Cal had grown fond of the lupine meadow, their sweet floral aroma a reminder of the times he'd spent in a place just like this. The soft babbling from the river nearby had calmed the outlaw enough to let his gaze sweep to the man at his side.

“Forgive my forwardness, but I'm curious 'bout what you're good at.” Cal paused, brows furrowing as he thought over how to approach the question. He didn't wanna offend the man, but he wanted to figure out the right, job, for Rhett.

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It was indeed perfect. He couldn't have agreed more.

What was he good at, the man asked? Well, the answer was too simple. Would he be judged for it, or make the wrong impression? Maybe both. But it was an honest answer. “Always been a leader and a fighter. What I was raised for, to tell ya' the truth.” He shrugged, not sure what else to add. It really was all that simple for him.

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Pale eyes trailed along the horizon, studying the layout of the valley. The abandoned ranch caught his eye on multiple occasions, it could serve as camp should they decide bein' out in the open were too much. Miss Bunny could possibly grow her own little garden in the rich soil within the confines of the fencin'. Hell, they could even try to collect their own herd of cattle if they found 'em.

Cal was pulled from his thoughts when Rhett answered his question. The man nodded, his eyes glazing over with thought. Rhett sounded an awful lot like Levi, and that was something that put the man on alert. What if he followed in his footsteps and things went south? Cal knew it were wrong to assume, but the past wouldn't let up.

“If I make you my right hand, could I trust you?” He asked softly, the words almost pained. He didn't want a repeat of the past to happen here, for his future to crash within days. Rhett had experience that could be beneficial, if he were loyal.

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His ears peaked at the following words. Carefully, he appraised the man, a sincere hint of respect and also curiosity deep in his gaze. “Course you could. I’m the kind that lives by loyalty—givin’ it and expectin’ it back. Ain’t nothin’ more valuable in a crew like ours.” And he meant every word.

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Callahan felt a weight come off his shoulders. He worried for nothin', Rhett weren't Levi. Sure, they looked the same, but they weren't the same man. Levi would've lied through his teeth if it meant power, but this man before him weren't like that. He was, sincere. Honest. And an honest man is who Cal wanted at his side.

“That's all I'd ask of you.” Cal spoke firmly, confidently as he met the man's gaze. “The gang comes first, always. We'd care for each other like family, no matter what.” For the first time in a long time, Callahan felt, good. He could trust Rhett, and that brought a sense of relief.

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No truer words. “Family first. Always.” He agreed, his words a solemn promise. One he would never break. He never had before, and he wouldn't start now.

“How many folks we got here so far?” If he was to be looking out for those who were now his own, he would need to know just how many and who they all were. Eventually, he'd know them all by face and name. But for now, what Callahan could provide would have to suffice.

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Cal gave a curt nod, an acknowledgment of the agreement between them. “Always.” Callahan was no tyrant, but he'd hold everyone to the same standard. Loyalty first, always.

“Well, just the three. For now. Me, you, 'n Miss Bunny.” He responded, now wonderin' if she'd noticed they're absence or if she were still sleepin'. Cal knew they'd have to go back soon, preferably with a meal for them to feast on before goin' about their chores. For all things to miss, chores were something Callahan oddly wished he could do. He relished in the routine and the fact that he were the one getting stuff done 'round camp.

Callahan turned his gaze back to the valley, that sense of pride returning to his chest. “Hopefully more will appear and we can build this gang of ours.” Yes, they'd have a gang of their own soon enough.

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Only three? Seemed a small crew, but they could make do until their numbers crew.

“It ought to grow quick, I reckon.” He shrugged, hoping his words were true. But he was content with the smaller lot for now. It would make for easier settlement and less names to remember.

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Callahan nodded at the man's words. “I think so. Just gotta find 'em.” Cal was a patient man, and he'd take his time creating this gang. There was no rush to collect members, no growing need for it. Sure, he wanted to build something, but he knew better than to act on desires and dreams. It was what Levi had done and look what happened.

“Might as well continue on patrol. Might run into someone.” Cal weren't sure if it were true, but it wouldn't hurt to scout the area.

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Rhett was not the most patient of men, but for this circumstance, he would have to try his best. “Right.”

When the suggestion of continuing on with a patrol, he shifted his eager feet. “I agree with ya' on that. May as well.”

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Noticing Rhett's shift in demeanor, Callahan slightly nudged that man with a shoulder. “Patience is a virtue, my friend.” Cal chuckled as he turned to pad along the trail. The sun had settled at its peak, its warm rays beatin' down on the valley. That gentle breeze was once again settlin' over the place, trailin' its fingers through the branches of the pines around them. The river's glittered like the scales of the salmon he knew would be runnin' through in the comin' months. The place was perfect.

Turning his head towards Rhett, Cal let his smile appear once more. “Best head on now 'fore we worry Miss Bunny.”

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gonna wrap up here <3

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