Disclaimer: This is my first foray into the Longmire fandom. i have not read the books and am in Season 4 of the tv series. This is Walt/Vic, but she doesn't cheat on Sean in this. It's more of an exploration of Walt and Vic's dynamic. Each chapter will alternate viewpoints with a short overlap for transition. This story is complete and will be published every few days as I am able to do a final proof read. Should be about 8 chapters. I don't own anything and all mistakes are mine.

Disclosure

Ch 1

Walt stood in the cool night air watching the taillights of his daughter's car disappear into the distance. He wasn't sorry that he hid the manner of her mother's death from her. Not a bit. He was sorry that she found out from Fales and he was sorry that she is finally subjected to the raw emotions he has been trying to cope with for so long. Her parting words were deserved and his own, which cut deep. Hands on his hips, he scraped his boot on the dusty road and glanced away from the now dark road to the door of his cabin. He knew if he went in he would drink until he fell asleep and if he went to the Red Pony he would have to answer to Henry for his part in Cady's pain.

He didn't want to do either, but he couldn't and shouldn't do what he wanted which was to talk to Vic. She knew what was going on with Branch and Cady, which would be enough for him to talk about the rift without dealing with Martha's death and what he kept from Cady. Vic was the closest thing he had to a partner and sometimes you just need someone to be with you in the moment, shoulder to shoulder, who will just let you be. Decision made, he jumped up to the porch and unlocked the door. It was cold in the cabin, but he paid no mind picking up the phone and dialing Vic's cell.

Glancing at his watch he cringed at the late hour; not knowing if she was at home or even where her husband might be. Having second thoughts, Walt nearly hung up when he heard Vic's voice on the line. She sounded alert, which means he didn't wake her. She didn't sound out of breath either, so he hadn't interrupted what she called 'mind-blowing sex' with her husband. Score two points for him.

"Hey Vic."

"Hey Walt. Do we have a callout?"

She didn't sound upset, so he ventured forward with his plan before he could change his mind.

"Uh no, but I uh…"

This wasn't going well at all. Grow a pair, Walt. Fortunately Vic knew of his propensity to hem and haw, so she usually gave him a chance to come out with it. She had developed some patience with him over the time they had been working together.

"Look Vic, do you mind coming into the station. It's not for work, so you can say no. It's just, uh…"

He stalled again, kicking himself for choosing the station when Branch was on call. He wanted a neutral place, since she is married, but he also wanted privacy. He made a note to call Branch next.

"Are you ok, Walt?"

"Is Sean home? I don't want to pull you away…"

He let his thought trail off, thinking more and more this was a bad idea. He should've stuck to the beer plan.

"He's out of town. I can be at the station in 30."

"30, Ok."

He hung up the phone and called Branch to let him know he was coming in and that he could go home after all. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, Branch said he was clearing out as soon as he put his laptop away.

Walt locked up the cabin and climbed in the Bronco, still warm from when he pulled up a few minutes ago. As he drove the familiar path to the station, his mind wandered to Cady. She was so distraught she actually got physical with him; an unfortunate first in his relationship with her. The past year has been hell for them both. Martha's death, his injuries, her relocation and their strained relationship had all taken their toll.

The Bronco slid into the normal spot and he saw that Branch had indeed left, which is good. He didn't need to show the younger man anymore weakness than he already had. He locked up the truck, crossed the street and trudged up the stairs. Hanging up his jacket and hat, he walked over to the couch and sat down. Cady's face came into view in his mind's eye as he cradled his own in his large hands, elbows on his knees. He could feel her blows, see her tears as he relived the confrontation outside of the cabin. Regret washed over him as his words in her voice echoed in his head. Let me relieve you of that burden.

Walt was startled out of his thoughts by Vic's hand on his shoulder. She had not sat down yet, nor had she removed her coat.

"Walt, do you want some coffee or tea?"

Her voice was low and her movements seemed tentative, which means he probably worried her.

"Whatever you feel like."

TBC