You get him home safely

Everything must have taken a larger toll on Dakota than you thought it would. The boy was out cold as soon as he head hit the pillow. He didn't stir at all as the storm rolled through. You, on the other hand... Well, you decided after staring at the ceiling it would be better to do something productive. So you spent the night mending some ripped clothing and making a list for your trip into town. Better to do it now since you do have to bring Dakota back in the morning.

The storm, thankfully, isn't as bad as you thought it might be. When you check outside there are some branches on the ground, but everything else is still in place. Your truck held up just fine and the road looks mostly clear. You throw the chainsaw in the back just in case.

Dakota comes into the kitchen shortly after sunrise, rubbing his eyes and yawning. He's a cute boy. A tiny part of you wonders what he measured in at. He looks very feminine, could pass as a women with a couple of surgeries. But you've seen some men who look meek and mild packing some serious heat in their pants. He'll make his husband very happy no matter his size, you think.

He's a bit startled when he sees you. "Sorry mister, I didn't see you there." he says.

You can't help but get lost in his eyes for a moment. They are a deep chocolate color, verging on black on the far ring. Shaking your head, you **** yourself out of your stupor. Dakota is a tourist; an injured one that needs to get back to town. You aren't even sure you're ready for a mate, much less with him. "Don't worry about it kid." you say before gesturing towards a plate of eggs, "Get yourself some breakfast and I'll run you to town once you're done."

He gives you a soft 'thank you' before digging in. The two of you talk a bit, once Dakota wakes up a bit. You find out he's from New York City and this was his first big trip out of state. He tells you about his older brother and his husband, along with his four-year-old nephew. He mentions a boyfriend as well, but gets very quiet when you ask about him. You shrug it off and ask about his plans once he gets to town.

The group is supposed to head home tonight, so you know you have to hurry. Dakota offers to do the dishes when he finishes, but you wave him off. "Go get in the truck." you say, putting the dishes in the sink, "We better get you back before its too late to catch your flight."

He nods and heads out, you following not long after. Thankfully the roads are clear and you roll into town just before noon. You can see a group of men huddled around the sheriff. They must be starting a search party for Dakota.

"Will!" Dakota yells, dashing out of the truck. He runs straight into the arms of an older man who is almost identical to him. You watch the tearful reunion in the truck, only looking away when the sheriff knocks on your window.

"Morning Donnie."

"Arthur." he says, "Didn't hear a peep from you last night. Storm knock the power out?"

"I had power, but service was shit. Something probably wrong with the tower. I tried to call."

The older man nods. "You know what happened?"

"Kid said he lost the trail and slipped when he backtracked. Didn't seem too hurt, just scrapped up a bit. Got him cleaned up and fed before I brought him back."

Another nod. "Thank you Arthur."

"Not a problem sheriff."

The group has mostly dispersed by now and it looks like Dakota is being brought to the town doctor. You doubt you'll see him again.

Well, now that that's handled, might as well get your chores done. You need to swing by the general store for supplies, see if that new set of boots finally came in at the post office, and get those chickens from Mr. Finch's farm. Life moves on.