Always Around

Ashlee's response didn't really surprise Dylan, but there was still a part of him that was relieved she didn't outright reject him after all she'd just learned. He was still struggling to believe he had a right to be happy, but he was trying. He didn't like being miserable, he was just so used to it, it was hard to get out of that rut. He knew he'd been a little more sociable lately, but it took a lot of effort yet.

Getting bumped in the shoulder, he looked at her quickly as a grin curled the corner of his mouth. Still walking, his grin grew into short of a sheepish smile. "Yeah... Just 'cause I keep myself busy doesn't mean I don't have time to keep my eyes open." In truth, he studied everything that happened at the ranch. He knew where most people were at any given time just because he paid attention. It kept his mind off things he'd rather not think about on bad days. "I always know when you're in the barn or riding, or back in your bunk doing homework." He shrugged. "I guess maybe... it helps knowing where people are... kinda... feels like my world isn't falling to pieces I guess." He wasn't even sure how to explain it. Just being aware of routines was like a security blanket. He could always depend on where people would be, rather than being left in limbo and after all he'd been through... perhaps stability was more important to him than he realized.

Still walking, he sighed. "I know you still want to be friends. And I'm not going anywhere right now. But... three really is a crowd." He shot her a glance. Even if he was best friends with Travis, it wasn't as if he was really welcome when those two were together, which... was almost constantly. He knew. He watched. The fact he didn't like Travis just made it harder. He shrugged again and turned his eyes back to the trail. It wasn't Ashlee's fault. "Don't worry about it..." Maybe in the back of his mind, he'd planned to make a little more of a fuss but... if she was happy with Travis, then she was happy with Travis. End of story. "I'm always around somewhere. But hanging out with the two of you really isn't a great option at this point... you know that."


In spite of Eli's sudden reservations about Hunter, he couldn't deny the happiness he saw in his sister right now. The way she talked about the ranch and all she'd done. There was no doubt she'd had a good time and it had been good for her. He didn't have to ask how she was feeling about all her issues - it was plain that it had been the right choice for her to visit the ranch. He knew it wouldn't be a miracle cure, but he could already see that it had done a world of good. Then there was this strange development with Hunter. What did "kinda grew closer" mean exactly?

Eli pursed his lips in thought, and finally forced a smile. He really didn't know what to think at this point, but Ryan was smiling and he didn't want to ruin that by acting like he was unhappy with them. "I am thrilled you had such a good time." He swiped through the pictures on her phone, chuckling and smiling at them. She really did look like she'd had fun. "Kinda sad I missed out on all that," he teased." He handed her phone back and sat back down again before looking to Hunter and giving him a nod. "Thank you for all you've done." 

Hunter just shook his head. "No thanks necessary. Glad to do it and... maybe I needed the boost as much as Ryan did." He glanced at her and gave her a wink. "However... I do think I should get home, otherwise I might fall asleep right here, and you won't get me up til morning."

Eli looked at his watch. "It is morning." He grinned and moved his eyes to his sister. "You look like you could use some sleep yourself there."