#*pats head* this kid can fit so much [RADIO STATIC] in her | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

frunbuns · 3 years

Text

Almost Home

Modern AU

Read on Ao3

I was just a kid

Dreams were looking big and then I had to grow up

No one ever says

All the love you give might not be enough

Broke my heart in two a couple times

Before it hurt too much

Obi-Wan has been sitting in the car for hours. It’s brand new. Still smells like it even though he’s had it for a while now. Something about insurance. He can’t quite remember what it was, but Mace had taken care of it for him. He hasn’t used it. This is the first time he’s ever been in it. Since getting discharged from the hospital.

It’s a nice car. Maybe he would have liked it if it was before. Though he’s never been quite good with cars. As long as it worked he never thought all that much about it.

The keys are not even in the ignition. He’s got his seatbelt on, his hands clutching the steering wheel, but that’s about it. He hasn’t even turned on the radio. He’s actually not quite sure how to turn it on.

He’s sure that if he wasn’t gripping the steering wheel so hard his hands would be shaking.

He needs to get going soon. Anakin is waiting for Obi-Wan to come pick him up. To finally take him home. It had all been sorted out. After a lot of fighting and arguing - and a little help from Mace and Plo - he had been allowed to take Anakin in after all. Despite his age. Despite Qui-Gon. Despite everything that had happened.

He had fought so hard for the kid, but it seemed now he had lost all his bravado. Over a car, of all things. Over a simple drive.

His heart beats quickly behind his healing ribs as he takes slow, shaky breaths. Willing himself to let go of the steering wheel. To relax.

His hands are slick with sweat when he finally lets go. He thinks he might be sick for a moment, but it passes as quickly as it came when he leans back and closes his eyes.

He wishes his father was there.

Wiping his sweaty palms off on his pants he picks his phone out of his pocket and calls the first person on his contact list. It rings a few seconds before it picks up.

“Obi-Wan?” Bant’s voice says through the speaker. “Obi-Wan, how are you? We haven’t heard from you in a while now and—”

“Can you come?” He hates how small and pathetic his voice sounds. “Please?”

He hears some shuffling on the other end. Then, “Yeah, sure. Where are you?”

Obi-Wan swallows thickly. “The car,” he says, hoping she’ll get it. “I’m in the car.”

She does. “I’ll be there in five.”

Grief, Obi-Wan finds, is all consuming. It takes, and it takes, and it takes until all that's left is a hollow shell if yourself. And then it takes more, as it sees fit. Until all that's left is numbness and emptiness.

It's exhausting. Carrying around all that pain by yourself. It renders you almost immobile. It's like doing the smallest movements – like walking from one room to another – sucks everything out of him. A kind of exhaustion that settles heavily in his limbs, burying deep under his skin and muscle.

It takes his breath away at times. Leaves him gasping for air almost. Because it just hurts so much.

Obi-Wan vaguely recalls their pet goldfish dying when he was little. He had cried so hard he'd nearly thrown up. It took hours before his father had managed to calm him down enough to scoop the little guy out of the tank with a tiny net.

After some coaching Obi-Wan had allowed him to flush him down the toilet. Only after assuring his son that the little fish had loved him too, as Obi-Wan had loved it. That he had been a good owner. That sometimes pets just die. That the pain he felt only meant that what he had lost had meant something.

It had calmed the raging heartbreak slightly. Enough for the two of them to give the little guy a proper funeral. He had cried the whole time, but his father kept his big, comforting hand around him the entire time as he spoke.

He had been a steady rock in a storm of chaos. Something Obi-Wan was too young to quite understand at the time.

Now, however, he's all alone. There are no big arms wrapping around him. No steady rock to his storm of chaos.

It's agony, having loved and lost. He hates it, he decides.

He's aware that he's retreated into himself a bit. That he's far from the person he was before. But if he's going to be able to wake up every morning and take care of Anakin he has to box it all away. Put on some kind of façade to keep him going.

Obi-Wan checks the mirror again for what must be the thousandth time that trip. Qui-Gon sighs, watching the younger man bemused. Knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel for dear life.

Outside the rain slaps against the roof of the car like bullets. Creating tracks on the windows. The wipers work overtime to keep the water at bay. In many ways it feels like driving on a river.

"There are no cars here for miles, Obi-Wan," he says. "You don't have to worry so much. Relax."

"I still think you should have been the one to drive," Obi-Wan replies.

"You're never going to get comfortable behind the wheel if you don't try. You already passed your test and you have your licence. A bit of weather will be fine."

"Maybe they shouldn't have let me–"

They drive over a hole in the asphalt and Obi-Wan startles. He grips the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white.

Qui-Gon chuckles. "Relax, Obi-Wan. You’re doing fine.”

Obi-Wan takes a deep breath. His grip on the steering wheel slackening. He nods. It’s fine. It’s just a bit of water.

Obi-Wan closes the door behind him, Anakin’s bag slung over his shoulder. A weary sigh leaves his lips. He can’t help but feel like he should have cleaned up a bit before he picked up Anakin. But the boy doesn’t seem to mind as he runs room to room, exploring the space.

“Woah!” he exclaims. “This is so wizard! Do you really live here?”

Obi-Wan huffs as he drops the bag on the living room floor. It feels a lot brighter than he could remember it being before he left. Bant laughs next to him.

“He’s got a lot of energy,” she says. Obi-Wan nods.

“Do you need anything else?” she asks him, quietly so only he hears.

“No,” he replies, then clears his throat. “No. We’ll be fine. Thank you.”

She smiles at him then. Almost sadly. And places the car keys in his hand. “Just give me a call if you need anything. Anything.” she says. “Any of us. We’re more than willing to help.”

Obi-Wan nods numbly.

“Bye Anakin!” she shouts down the corridor. “I’ll see you around. Take good care of your new dad for me, will you?”

“I will!” Anakin shouts back. “Goodbye, Bant!”

She chuckles and pats Obi-Wan’s back. “Take care, Obi,” she mutters to him, and then walks out, closing the door after her.

Obi-Wan sits down on the sofa, his body aching with this kind of exhaustion that doesn’t leave no matter how much he sleeps. He runs his hand over his face and just sits there for a moment, with his head in his hand. He listens half-heartedly to Anakin rummaging through the bathroom. He can’t quite bring himself to care about the mess the boy might be creating. Maybe it makes him a bad parent.

He’ll take care of it later. Later… He’s been saying that a lot lately, but later doesn’t seem to ever come. If anything it just keeps adding up. It’s like there’s a big pile of later shoved into a closet somewhere just waiting to be opened and wreak havoc.

“Obi-Wan?” a timid voice says.

Obi-Wan lifts his face from his hands and comes face to face with Anakin. He looks at the boy expectantly as he seems to hesitate.

“Are you alright?” he finally asks.

Obi-Wan sighs. “I’m fine.” Anakin looks unconvinced, but doesn’t press him, seemingly satisfied with that answer for now. “Is there anything else?”

Anakin grabs his bag of belongings and slings it over his shoulder. “Where do I sleep?”

Obi-Wan blinks. “Oh,” he says, a little confunded. “You can take my room.”

Obi-Wan comes to, to the sound of static. His head hurts. A lot. In fact, his whole body hurts. And there’s a distinct smell of oil and antifreeze coming from somewhere. Everything feels muddy and strange. There’s something wet dripping down his face. Wait. No. That’s not right. It’s dripping up.

He groans as he forces his eyes open. Bright lights assault his vision. When his eyes finally adjust everything is upside down. It takes him a moment to realise he’s in the car. There’s another car a few meters in front of them, a massive bulk in its side and its hood. Their entire windshield has shattered, littering the car with glass. His seatbelt is the only thing keeping him from crashing into the roof of the vehicle.

Obi-Wan’s breath hitches. “Da-ad?” He coughs, chest aching after each one. “Dad?”

Slowly, he manages to turn his head towards the passenger seat. The car door is missing on that side. Rivers of blood drip down Qui-Gon’s thorso, soaking his clothes and gathering into a bloody puddle under him. He’s unconscious. And injured. Maybe even worse. He could be— He might be—

“Dad?” He tries again.

Obi-Wan’s heart beats rapidly behind his aching ribs. No one answers. His heart sinks.

He fumbles with his seatbelt, desperately trying to undo his seatbelt. It releases him with a soft click and he goes tumbling into the roof of the car. He cries out as he lands on his shoulder. It takes him a moment to recover before he manages to think straight again. Or as straight as he could before he fell at least. Everything feels a bit muddy and cloudy.

He pushes himself towards Qui-Gon with his weak limbs. It’s a challenge in the small space of the car, but he manages to get close enough to touch him.

With a shaking hand he reaches towards the older man. His pulse is weak and uneven under his fingertips, but there nonetheless. Obi-Wan would be relieved if he wasn’t so sure Qui-Gon was dying.

He manages to fiddle with some of the buttons on the radio and the buzzing stops. He swallows back what sounds like a sob and closes his eyes. It hurts. Everything hurts.

The funeral passes in a blur. Anakin is glued to his hand the whole time, not letting go even once. His tiny hand grips his with vigor. He presses himself into his side when there are people around and practically hides behind him when they come to talk.

“I see you brought the boy as well.”

Obi-Wan purses his lips and looks at his grandfather, face blank and expressionless. The man holds himself high where he stands, practically radiating authority. Obi-Wan used to be scared of him as a child. His cold nature was always a harsh contrast to his father’s warm presence. Not that they spent much time around each other. Qui-Gon had fallen out with his father years before Obi-Wan came into the picture.

Obi-Wan only stares at him as Anakin pushes himself into his side, looking up at the older man with apprehension.

“Though I’ll have to say I’m surprised they let you take him,” the man muses. “Given your age and situation.”

“Obi-Wan was always the golden child,” Xanatos chimes in, ambling up to them. “Of course they let him. They always let him have what he wants, if he pleads enough and bats his eyes at them.”

Obi-Wan’s jaw clenches. He never got along with Xanatos. Even as a child. As the youngest of three – significantly as well – Xanatos just never liked him.

Xanatos stares down at him, barely concealing a glare.

"Oh, please leave him alone," echoes the voice of Feemor. He stops next to them, joining their circle. "Xanatos. Grandpa," he greets them with practiced politeness.

"I see you've finally decided to come back home," Dooku comments, a smug brow raised. "Life treating you well over there, I assume. Seeing as it's been quite some time since you were back in Coruscant."

"As a matter of fact; it is."

They chat for a while. Not for the sake of being nice and catching up, but just to be polite. If polite is an accurate word for it at all. The passive aggressiveness is thick in the air, lacing each word. It’s exhausting to listen to. Obi-Wan understands well why his father kept him away from them as much as he did.

Obi-Wan merely watches the three of them talk, occasionally nodding his head, not really ,paying attention to what’s being said.. Anakin keeps himself tucked into his leg. but seems to be much more comfortable now that he's not under Dooku and Xanatos' heavy gaze.

“—but hey, maybe this is a good thing. The rescue takes on his own rescue. Poetic, really. Dad never could turn down a stray.”

“Xanatos—”

“He always was too sympathetic for his own good. And see how you repaid hi—”

“That’s enough!”

Obi-Wan stumbles over his own feet as Feemor drags him away, Anakin’s grip on his hand tightening as he tries to keep up with the two men. Obi-Wan has never seen Feemor look so furious as he does now. Eyes dark and expression stone cold. It’s unnerving in a way. Feemor has always been the kind and soft-spoken one. Similar to their dad in a lot of ways.

They come to a stop a few tabled down. Feemor’s anger melts away, replaced with a sad smile. “Don’t listen to them, Obi,” he says. “Xanatos is just bitter and petty because he can be.”

Obi-Wan nods and swallows thickly.

Feemor looks down at Anakin, a soft smile gracing his lips. “You must be Anakin,” he says, extending his hand to the little boy. “Nice to meet you, little man. I’m your uncle Feemor.”

Anakin only looks at the outstretched hand, clutching the material of Obi-Wan’s black suit in his hands. Feemor huffs in amusement, turning his gaze back up to Obi-Wan.

“He’s a shy one.”

Obi-Wan clears his throat. “Only sometimes.”

The older man laughs. Anakin shifts next to him.

“I’m sorry about…” His expression turns sad. “I heard it was bad.”

Obi-Wan nods woefully, eyes downcast and lips pursed. He doesn’t trust himself to speak. Doesn’t even protest when Feemor pulls him into a hug, wrapping his arms around him.

“It’s going to be alright, you’ll see,” He murmurs with a sigh. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. You’re the best of all of us, you know. Dad would be so proud.”

And just like that Obi-Wan sags into the embrace, burying his face in Feemor’s suit. He only holds him tighter when he weeps into the fabric. It’s pitiful and undignified, but the hollowness of Obi-Wan’s heart feels easier to carry in that moment.

It’s so easy to believe Feemor in that moment, and Obi-Wan clings to it.

Obi-Wan isn’t sure how long they wait before he hears the siren. Qui-Gon’s breathing has become shallow and he hasn’t shown any signs of waking up. At some point Obi-Wan started shivering. He’s not sure when, or exactly why. He might be in shock, he thinks.

He hears the commotion of the emergency workers reaching the other car. He hopes they’re okay. He would call out if he felt like he could.

He hears talking, but it’s hard to make out the words.

“Dad?” he whispers, voice hoarse and grating. He coughs, eyes watering.

Next thing he knows he’s being pulled out of the wreckage. There are hands on him and they’re asking questions he doesn’t understand. It all happens in a blur. Then he’s being strapped down to a bed.

“Can you tell us your name, sir?”

Obi-Wan blinks, vision blurry from being moved. His eyes land on a dark haired man.

“Your name, sir. Can you tell us?”

“Obi-Wan,” he says, voice barely above a whisper, teeth chattering. “Kenobi. Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

“That’s good, Obi-Wan. Can you tell me who was in the car with you?”

When Obi-Wan turns his head he sees a group of paramedics pulling an unconscious Qui-Gon out of the car and strapping him down to a bed like the one Obi-Wan lies on. Something in his chest squeezes painfully in his chest at the sight, a surge of anxiety bubbling up from within.

“Qui-Gon,” he says, breath hitching. “My father. Qui-Gon Jinn. He needs— He needs help—”

“They’ll take good care of your father, Obi-Wan. Just relax and let us do our job.”

Obi-Wan gasps for breath. It’s as though something heavy is pressing down onto his chest. Like there’s something blocking his airways. His head swims and his stomach churns as he’s loaded into the back of the ambulance.

He only gets a glance at Qui-Gon before the door is shut and they drive off.

The next few days pass by monotonously. Anakin seems to be adjusting well to his new life, much to Obi-Wan’s relief. He talks animatedly about his day every day when he comes home from school. Obi-Wan spends his days trying to catch up on his classes.

It almost feels like things are going to be okay.

Qui-Gon’s room remains untouched. Door ajar, sitting there like a painful reminder. Ominous almost. If he felt like he could bear it - that he wouldn’t risk getting a look inside - he would at least close the door properly.

He should probably start cleaning it out. He can’t sleep on the sofa forever.

His phone vibrates, loud against the wooden table. Obi-Wan startles. He thinks about just letting it ring like he always does until he sees who’s calling him.

Anakin’s school.

But why would they call him?

He swears his heart skips a beat as he picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hello. Is this Anakin’s father?”

Obi-Wan hesitates for a moment. Technically he is. In all the legal ways. But Anakin has never called him anything but Obi or Obi-Wan.

Still, he says, “Yes.”

“This is Anakin’s teacher, Shaak Ti.”

“Did something happen?”

“Anakin got in a fight with one of his classmates and he appears to have run away. We can’t find him anywhere near school grounds.”

He what?

Obi-Wan’s heart stops. It’s like time freezes around him. He even stops breathing for a moment.

“We already have our staff searching for him, but we were hoping you could come here too.”

“I… Yes, of course! I’ll be there right away.”

Shaak lets out a relieved breath. “Thank you.”

With shaking hands he lowers the cellphone from his ear.

What if something terrible happened to Anakin? What if he’s hurt? What if he got lost and can’t find his way back? He’s not familiar with Coruscant yet. He never even left Tatooine before he came to Coruscant. Anything could have happened. Coruscant is big and dangerous.

Obi-Wan has no idea how to deal with anything Anakin related normally. How is he expected to act now? Is this what being a parent is like? Being so terrified you feel like you’re going to die?

He’s only had Anakin for a few weeks. Surely if something has happened they’re going to take him from him. They were right to be sceptical of him. He’s not fit to take care of a child. The thought of Anakin being taken away from him now… It’s unbearable. He can’t lose him too. Not now.

He scrolls through his contacts until he lands on Bant. His finger only wavers over the call button for a second.

“Obi-Wan? How are you? I haven’t heard from you in a while—”

“It’s Anakin. He— He—””

“What happened?” She sounds worried now. Suddenly serious.

“They said he got in a fight or— or something. I don’t— They can’t find him. He ran away and they can’t find him, Bant! What if he’s hurt?”

“Okay. Relax, Obi-Wan. It’s gonna be fine. I’ll call the others, and then I’ll come pick you up and we’ll find him. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“We’ll find him, Obi.”

Obi-Wan can’t breathe. He’s been sitting next to the bed for at least twenty minutes, not doing anything. He’s dimly aware of the nurse standing behind him, watching him.

It’s the first time he’s got to see his father since...since the car.

He looks better. Without all the blood. He looks almost normal. It’s almost like… It’s like he’s just sleeping.

His hand trembles as he reaches for his father’s limp hand. It lacks its usual warmth, but Obi-Wan squeezes it lovingly anyway. There’s no steady heartbeat beneath his fingertips.

The realisation that he’s never going to see him again - not properly. Not alive. - hits hard. It drops onto him with the weight of a building. Crushing him under the rubble.

Obi-Wan Kenobi knows loss. He knows loss very well. But it does not make it any less heartbreaking. It does not make the pain any easier to bear.

“Da-ad… Oh, dad…”

Carefully, he brushes a strand of hair away from the man’s face. His eyes cloud with tears, he chokes back a sob. Grief heavy on his heart, he gives in. Cradling his father’s hand to his face, he cries. Pitiful and miserable.

Broken rib. Collapsed lung. Head trauma. Coupled up with bad weather, slippery roads and the impact with the other vehicle it had all been one unfortunate accident. One that cost him his father.

He doesn’t know much of the specifics, but he hopes he at least wasn’t in too much pain. He can’t bear the thought of it.

This is the man who took him in. Who gave him a home. Who took care of him. The man who raised him. The man who loved him. Unconditionally. And the man he loved— still loves.

Guilt claws at his insides. Ugly and suffocating. Like a thick blanket, enveloping his whole being. Shameful thoughts poison his subconscious.

It should’ve been him. It should’ve been him. It should’ve…

It’s of no use. Not now. Not ever.

But Obi-Wan feels like a part of his soul has been ripped away. That some irreparable part of him has been broken beyond repair. Taken away from him by that other car and his sloppy driving. Like some cruel punishment from the world itself.

He sits there until his throat is sore and his eyes red.

The rain is pouring down in buckets. Obi-Wan is soaked to the bone. Absolutely sopping wet. Still, Obi-Wan can’t quite bring himself to regret not picking up an umbrella when the first drizzle came. Anakin is still out there. Cold, wet and lost.

They’ve managed to narrow it down to a nearby forest. With the help of some teachers and some of their friends.

His phone died twelve minutes ago. If they find him before he does Obi-Wan hopes he can hear them yell for him. If he can hear anything from the deafening sound of downpour.

Obi-Wan’s teeth clenches to stop them from chattering. His shoes make squelching sounds for each step he takes. He pushes his hair away from his face.

And that's when he sees him. Sitting under a tree, protected from the pouring rain by the leaves. Sitting against the tree, arms wrapped around his knees. Obi-Wan's heart skips a beat.

"Anakin!"

The little boy's eyes snap up to him, surprise and relief colouring his features. "Dad!" He exclaims, scrambling to his feet in a mess of limbs.

Obi-Wan barely has time to even acknowledge that before he’s running. Running faster than he's ever ran before. He practically crashes to his knees in front of Anakin pulling him into a tight embrace. "Anakin," he whispers, voice cracking slightly. His heart warms with affection. "Don't ever do that again."

"I'm sorry–"

Obi-Wan pulls away, giving Anakin a thorough once-over. "Are you hurt?" he asks, trembling hands patting him down. Nervous eyes flit across his features. His hands land on his cheeks, cold and wet, but comforting.

"I'm okay," Anakin tells him.

Before he can say anything else Obi-Wan pulls him into a hug again. He grips the fabric of Anakin's jumper as if the boy will vanish into thin air if he lets go. His other hand buries itself in his hair, securely holding his head against his shoulder. Even though his fingers are cold and numb, Obi-Wan doesn't let go.

Anakin tentatively wraps his arms around the older man, burying himself in the safety of Obi-Wan's embrace. Even though Obi-Wan's clothes are soaked through, and he's cold, Anakin doesn't let go. When he feels the man shaking against him, and hears him sniffle into his hair, he only holds him tighter.

“You scared me,” Obi-Wan murmurs. “Why didn’t you tell me you were struggling?”

“I didn’t want to worry you. You’re so sad and tired all the time.”

Obi-Wan could swear his heart breaks a little at that.

“Oh, dear. It’s my responsibility to take care of you. You mustn’t ever feel that you can’t come to me.”

Anakin is quiet for a while. “Okay.”

Around them the rain pitter patters against the leaves.

“You’re cold.”

Obi-Wan chuckles. “Yeah.”

“You’re gonna get sick.”

“It’ll be fine.”

Behind him boots splash in the puddles. Obi-Wan thinks he might hear yelling, but it’s hard to hear over the rainfall.

“Obi-Wan.” There’s a hand on his shoulder. “It’s time to go.”

Obi-Wan untangles himself from Anakin and comes face to face with Mace Windu. The man holds a black umbrella over him, protecting him and them from the rain.

“We’ve got a car waiting just outside the forest. Now come here before you get yourself both sicker than you already are. Qui-Gon would never forgive me if I let you two sit out here any longer.”

The warmth of the house is welcome. His clothes are still dripping by the time he steps in the door. He’s not sure he’s ever been so relieved to be home. He sighs as he closes the door behind him.

When he takes off his shoes his socks leave wet footprints on the hardwood floor. Anakin tip toes around his footprints to get into the living room, giggling quietly to himself as he does.

He gets Anakin out of his clothes and into a pair of warm, dry pajamas. Then he hops into the shower, the warm water doing wonders for his cold and aching muscles. When he steps out of the bathroom he feels marginally better.

“Ani?”

Anakin is not in the living room. He’s not in the kitchen either. Obi-Wan tries not to worry. He wouldn’t have left the house. He’s probably in his room. Before he gets time to start worrying he sets foot for the corridor.

And sure as day, there he is. Wearing some scarf Obi-Wan doesn’t recognise. Standing in the doorway of Qui-Gon’s bedroom. Obi-Wan swallows thickly and ambles up to him. When he’s behind him he places a hand in the boy’s hair and gazes into the bedroom.

“You never go in here.”

Obi-Wan hums.

“You’re scared.”

Anakin isn’t dumb. Of course he would notice. Kids are never stupid, no matter how hard you pretend they are. It was only a matter of time before he would be confronted about his little charade he’s been putting up.

“Maybe,” Anakin murmurs. “If we cleaned up in here you wouldn’t be so scared anymore.” He looks up at him, hopeful and young.

Obi-Wan clears his throat. “Yeah,” he agrees. “Maybe.”

Anakin walks into the room, inspecting the room with curious eyes. Then he grabs an almost empty box laying by the bed and starts putting things in it. “We did this when my mom died,” he says quietly. “She didn’t have as much stuff as your dad though.”

Awkwardly, almost clumsily, Obi-Wan walks into the room too, sitting down on the other side of the box. He picks up a discarded sweater from the floor and inspects it - He was always the messier of the two of them. Feels the fabric on his skin. It still smells like him. Even after all these weeks.

“You can keep some of it if you want,” Anakin says then. “They let me keep some of mom’s things.” He fiddles with the scarf for a moment. “This used to be hers. It makes me feel better when I miss her.”

Obi-Wan feels a pang of sympathy in his chest. Once again reminded of how much this little child has been through. Oh, what he’d do to make all that pain go away. He’d gladly take it all on himself if he could. If it meant he would never have to feel such heartbreak in his life ever again.

“You should try it on,” Anakin suggests.

Obi-Wan pulls the sweater over his head. He has a second where he can’t quite find the hole for the right arm, but he quickly figures it out. He catches a glimpse of himself in the floor-length mirror and he can’t help but laugh. The sweater is massive on him. Practically swallows him whole. Qui-Gon had always been a quite large man, but to see it like this…

Anakin laughs too. “You look small,” he says between giggles. “You’ll grow into it. That’s what mom always said, at least.”

He won’t, but he doesn’t say anything about it.

He rolls up the sleeves and picks up a framed picture from the dresser.

“Wow, you used to be small,” Anakin comments, pointing to the small redheaded child standing next to a younger Qui-Qon. “I didn’t know Mr Qui-Gon very well, but he seemed like a nice man. And a good dad.”

Obi-Wan sniffles. “He was.”

“I’ve never had a dad before,” Anakin explains, studying the picture. “I was really happy when Mr Qui-Gon said he would be mine - like, really happy - but I think you’re doing a pretty good job at it too.”

Obi-Wan’s lips quirk upwards, into a sort of lipsides and awkward smile.

“Do you miss him? Your dad.”

Obi-Wan nods. “Very much.”

“I miss my mom too. It’s okay to be sad about it. It just means it meant something.”

Obi-Wan feels like he’s been crying a lot lately, but it seems like this is what finally breaks the dam. Anakin only places a hand on his arm as he muffles his sobs in the long sleeves of Qui-Gon’s sweater. Slowly he sinks back onto the floor, back against the bed.

He feels very much like that small, scared child he used to be at this moment. The small, scared child who didn’t know how the world worked yet. Who didn’t know what to do or how to do anything. The small, scared child who worried about everything. But maybe he just never actually stopped being that child.

Anakin presses himself up against his side, leaning his head on his shoulder. It’s such a small thing, but it makes him feel infinitely better. Like things might be okay after all. And it will be, he reminds himself. It will just take some time.

Just close your eyes

Soon we'll be home

Fall asleep to the radio

Strangers pass by

Red, green and gold

I wonder what they're all waiting for

21 notes · View notes

cruecifymesixx · 4 years

Text

Love and Leather /part seventy two/

Word Count: 7.6k

A/N: Thx for being patient with me while I try to sort out my life! enjoy! any and all feedback is appreciated!

Warnings: language

Taglist: @brideofdraculana , @xstarryeyesx , @aryssav , @miserablecunt , @dangerous-like-a-loaded-pistol @fandomshit6000, @anntheboneless, @venus-calum, @justjodeye, @supernaturalvikingwhore, @hi-my-name-is-riley, @extremesadnerding, @thatbandchick39, @awkwrdcait, @countrygirlswonderland, @romanticvengeance , @tashy-bear, @krazykatkay456, @terror-triplet, @shouttatthedevill @beachystars, @rodriguez025, @kickstart-myheart-sixx, @s-outhie, @anxious-diabetic, @awkwardblackgirls, @rockersbox, @brooklyn-antiques, @shamelessobsessions, @jerseytaint, @lilytalebi, @criminalyetminimal, @motley-queen, @trapt-in-a-dream, @lunamadhatter99, @broke-n-bitchy, @thanks2pete, @slowandangry, @lovesick-heart0, @keepcalm-and-beyou, @miriampraez, @teenwolflover28, @lilyhw1, @motherloovebone, @random-internet-user-4471, @falcon-arrows, @talranocchia2001, @wheresmyvodkabitch, @waywardprincess666, @malibubarbievince, @iluvmesomemarvelndc @zoenicoles, @vamprlestat, @supersoldierballerina, @primal-screamer @electradestiny, @marshbev, @n0-sh0rtage-0f-faults, @cruebaby, @ggorehorror, @valentines-in-london, @miss2001babe, @nassauartist @cmft-jr-winchester, @bokkie92, @notworthyofyou1120 @xrosegoldwolfx, @lauravic, @mgkobsessed, @chaoticvybe @kellysimagines @thoughtsoftheantagonist @marvelismylifffe, @sleepyjunhong @meetthesixxter @sparxx27 @gingerspicetalks @kaitieskidmore1 @unknownoblivion @nevergoodenuffbutokaaayyy @sublimeprincesswasteland @kylieinwonderland @haileynicoleseavey17 @lavendersoundbarrier @ijustwanttokiss70srogertaylor, @xxisxxisxxis @malibubarbievince, @dogmom2014, @cruesixxlover1991, @xpoisonousrosesx, @cranberrirolls, @m0rnlngstar, @love-struck-aries, @findingmyths, @minxtruck, @i-want-to-shoot-myself, @arianareirg, @fentitrbl, @sinningsixx, @motleycrueprincess, @awesomealmostdopestudent

“Get your finger out of my nose.”

Nikki’s boyish chortle ringed through my ears. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat as I attempted to doze off again. “Come on. The passenger is always supposed to stay awake during road trips. What if I don’t see something that’s in my blind side?”

“Then I guess we die.” I mumbled as I put the hoodie back over my face, only for Nikki to tug it off me, “Sixx, just let me sleep. I got us all the way through California and halfway through Nevada. Do you even have a clue how boring driving through the desert was?”

He sighed before giving up, “Fine, fine. You can nap just like Ari too.”

I mumbled a thank you before I started to drift off while listening to country music attempting to come through the static of the radio, “And stop eating all my jerky.” I snatched the bag out of his lap when I heard the crinkle of the plastic.

“Yeah, take a nap. You’re getting cranky.” Nikki chuckled as he rested his hand on my thigh. I closed my eyes again, placing my hand on top of his.

“You’re gonna love it. Fresh air and no smog. No traffic. No outrageous stores for you to spend money. Just you, me and Arianna. Maybe we can go on a hike. Ari’s gonna love it.. Tom has a few farm animals.” I pretended to be fast asleep as Nikki sighed and took his hand away from me.

“I’m gonna stick my finger up your nose again if you don’t wake up.” Nikki warned, it wasn’t even a warning as he was already doing it.

“Nikki. Stop. I don’t know where your hands have been.” I said, smacking his hand away from my face. I brought the chair up as I gave up on trying to sleep.

“Let me stick my finger up your nose again so you can get a whiff and figure out where it was this morning before we left.” Nikki quickly dipped his hand between my legs, mine closing on instinct and my hand reaching for his wrist.

“You’re such a pig.” I laughed, “Just focus on the road.” I took his hand and placed it on the steering wheel, “Ten and two Nikki.”

I noticed we were driving through a small little town, seeing a sign saying Jerome, Idaho. Population 7,000. “I feel like I’m going to get dismembered out here.” I mumbled to myself as I saw people walking down the sidewalk and staring at Nikki’s fancy Chevy truck.

“Well Miss, a pretty little thing like you might. I wouldn’t be reckon you go out after dusk.” Nikki joked in his best country accent.

I blinked once and we were already out of the what I believe is Main Street and we started driving down a dirt road, “He lives in the middle of nowhere?” I asked as Nikki chuckled.

“Doll, we’re in the middle of nowhere already.”

Green pastures and old run down houses were scattered around with cattle grazing in the fields. It kinda reminded me of Texas but more desolate and less hot too.

“Nikki, is he even going to like me?” I questioned, looking over at him as he scratched his chin hair.

“Well, he’ll like you more than Brandi that’s for sure.” He took a sip of his water and cracked a smile, “Yes, Van. Tom is going to like you. Shit, he practically knows you. I mentioned you years ago, before we were even together.”

“Oh...so he met Brandi? How come she got to meet him but me meeting him took this long?” Nikki rolled his eyes before mumbling under his breath.

“Don’t even start that.” He glared over at me, “No, Brandi didn’t meet Tom. Tom just said I was making a horrible decision marrying her and that it wouldn’t last and that I was a dumb ass. Haven’t spoken to him since before her and I got married, up until like a week ago when he called to see how I was doing and now we’re here.”

I chuckled, “I think I like him already.”

Nikki turned onto a dirt road, dust and rocks being kicked up behind us. I heard little groans before looking over my shoulder, “Are we there yet? I need to go potty.” Arianna spoke softly as she let out a yawn.

Nikki glanced at Arianna through the mirror, “Yes pumpkin. We’re almost there. Just hold it in.” Nikki looked over at me, “Cause daddy just got the seats steamed.” He mumbled as I chuckled a bit.

“Mom! Look at the horsies! They’re like grandpas!” Arianna chimed as she kicked the back of my seat excitingly.

“Yes baby, I see them.” I chuckled, watching as Nikki pulled onto a loose gravel road and drove us down before we were parked outside of Tom’s house.

Clothes were hanging on the line, blowing softly in the wind as I looked around the property. It seemed run down but at the same time still taken care of, “You lived here?” I asked Nikki when he opened up my door followed by Arianna’s and helping her out of his truck.

“Yep, off and on until I finally went to California.”

I stepped out only to land in a mud puddle and clutch on to Nikki when I started to slip, “Told you to wear boots.” He teased before looking towards the door when it opened up.

“You parked there on purpose, dick face.” I muttered as Nikki side eyed me with a playful grin.

Arianna came over and held my hand as Nikki walked ahead of us to greet Tom first. Nikki looked small compared to him. He was tall with a beer gut and a white beard, “He has a big nose like daddy.” Ari told me as I looked down at her.

I laughed quietly before hushing her and walking to the front steps.

“Hey Tom.” Nikki hugged him tightly as Tom patted his back, “Nikki, it’s good to see you. How are you?”

Nikki stepped away from Tom, “I’m good. Real good.” He turned around and motioned for us, “Tom, this is Vanity and our daughter Arianna.”

I smiled nervously as Tom looked at me, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” I stuck my hand out for him to shake, he wiped whatever was on his hand on his blue jeans and shook it.

“My uncles name is Tommy.” Arianna peered up at him as she giggled and stuck out her hand. Tom smiled down at her and gently shook hers too.

“And I’ve had to hear all about you too and never gotten the chance to meet ya. What the hell is up with that Frankie? Didn’t I teach you better than that?” Toms laugh and smile was contagious as I looked at him and then Nikki.

“I don’t know.” He laughed a bit and rubbed the back of his neck, “She’s made me chase her for a while.” I wrapped my hand around Nikki’s bicep.

I looked over at Tom, “Don’t let him fool you, I’ve had to chase him too.”

Tom crossed his arms over his burly chest, “Maybe a bit too much chasing if you two got a kid.”

I felt my face get warm, “Can you blame me?” Nikki laughed as he kissed my cheek and wrapped an arm over my shoulders, “I thought we’d stay for a few days, if that’s alright with you?”

“Sure! You know you are allowed to come here as much as you like. I’ve done a lot with the place since the last time you were here. I’m sure Arianna would love to explore the area and see the animals I got on the land.” Tom explained as he held the door open for us.

“Mommy, I gotta go...” Arianna squeezed my hand as she danced around.

I chuckled, “Tom, where’s the bathroom?”

“Ah, just down the hall and to the right.” I nodded before leading her down the hall before letting her into the bathroom and leaving her.

I walked back out to the living room as Tom offered me a bottle of water, “I’m sure the three of you are use to spas and five star hotels. But I have a spare bedroom down the hall that I think will fit everyone comfortably.” Tom explained as I looked around the living room and all the 1960s decor that was everywhere.

“Oh, no worries. I’m sure we will be fine.” I glanced at all the trinkets laying around and the pictures on the wall, “Was this yours and Nonas house?”

Tom sighed a bit, “Yeah, it was. It used to be more decorated when she was around but I try.” He looked around the house, reminiscing as he shrugged it off and went to the kitchen.

I watched as Arianna made herself at home and climbed up on the couch with her doll. I walked along the wall seeing the old time photos of Tom and Nona. There was even a few of Nikki when he was younger.

“I am sorry it has taken so long to meet you. Nikki has always spoke so highly about you, Nona too and all the stories about living here.” I explained as Tom sat down on the recliner.

“It’s okay. Frank-excuse me, Nikki, him and I have always butt heads at times. It sometimes takes months to a year for someone to pick up the phone and call. Wish she was still around to meet the little one, she knew he’d make a wonderful father once he got his act together. Same with him getting sober, wish she could’ve seen that too.” Tom explained to me as I sat down next to Arianna, she laid her head in my lap and I ran my nails through her brown waves.

“Yeah, he’s a bit stubborn sometimes but he is such a good dad to her, they have so much fun together.” I glanced over at him, “He’s doing well on his sobriety. I am very proud of him. I know he did slip up a few times while I have been gone, but he’s good now. He has a few drinks here and there but nothing like before, thank god.” I chuckled a bit.

Tom nodded, “Good, I’m glad to hear that. I wouldn’t want her going through what Deanna put him through. She really messed him up...more than what he lets people know...” Tom stopped talking when Nikki came in the door with our suitcases.

“I thought I told you to pack light.” Nikki scowled as he put the bags on the floor, “Shits heavy, V.”

“Sorry Sixx.” I grinned as he rolled his eyes before picking the bags up again and going down the hallway.

“Anyways, little miss...do you want to go see the horse?” Tom questioned Arianna but she looked at me for permission. I nodded and she got off the couch and stood in front of Tom.

“My grandpa Theo has three horsies.” She held up her fingers as Tom acted impressed.

“Wow sugarplum that’s a lot. I only have one, is that okay with you?” Tom asked as Arianna nodded, “Yes! That’s fine! Can we go?”

Tom scooted her back as he got off the couch, “Come on Arianna. You can give him some snacks.”

I followed behind Tom and Arianna as she walked beside him and told him all about Theo and Betty’s ranch. I looked around seeing some chickens in the coop as well as a few goats too.

“So what do you think?” Nikki came up behind me, throwing his arm over my shoulder and walking with me.

“Of what?”

He chuckled, “Tom? The house? My entire childhood being out on display.”

“Oh, uh Tom seems very nice already so I’m wondering what went wrong with you.” I smirked, batting my eyelashes at him as he rolled his eyes and kissed my forehead, “The house is cute, very um...it’s what I expected. And well, your childhood is nothing new to me.”

Nikki pointed ahead as I looked over and saw Tom lifting her up and letting her stand on the metal gate, “I’m glad she isn’t being shy with him.” He expressed as I agreed.

“Now his name is Ronnie he’s a bit young still but don’t let him scare you alright?” Tom explained to Arianna.

“I’m not scared.” She said in a matter of fact type of tone as Tom laughed whole heartedly and handed her some hay to give to Ronnie.

“Is he trained enough to ride yet?” I asked as Tom looked over at me and shook his head.

“No. Still bucks and thrashes around. Do you ride horses?”

I shrugged, “When I was younger yeah, not so much anymore. Too much of a hassle when I have this one.” I smiled, gently squeezing Arianna’s sides as she giggled and screamed, “And this one too.” I nudged Nikki before wrapping my arms around his torso as Nikki straightened up and put his hands on his hips.

“Glad you kids still love each other...now don’t be scared darlin just stick your hand out and he’ll come to you. Hey boy! C’mere.” Tom whistler for the horse as it trotted over to them.

“Give me a kiss.” I told Nikki as he looked down at me, stiff as a board as he shook his head. I raised an eyebrow as I glided my nails up his sides, making him flinch.

“Quit it.” He laughed, wrapping tattooed arms around my shoulders before giving me a sweet little kiss on the lips. I quickly turned around when I heard the chains rattle and Tom catching Arianna from falling off the gate and onto the dirt.

I exhaled deeply as Nikki chuckled, “Thought we don’t panic? Isn’t that what you told me in New York?” I swatted his chest.

“I don’t want too.” Arianna mumbled as she stepped away from the gate, “He’s mean.”

“Okay, we can try again tomorrow. Do you want to see some goats? They’re funny.” He guided her over to the goats as they thrashed around and were kicking a tin can.

“I don’t want them.” Arianna stared at them as a little black goat charged at her through the gate and hitting the wooden post, sending her screaming and running to Nikki almost in tears.

“Okay, alright.” He picked her up, trying not to laugh and held her, “Come on be a big girl. It’s just a little dumb billy goat.” He kissed her cheek and rubbed his hand up and down her back.

“I think someone’s tired.” I said to her as she rubbed her eyes and looked at me, “Am not.” I smiled at her when she wrapped her arms around Nikkis neck and laid her head on his shoulder.

“I can get supper ready so she can get some sleep. I’m sure being in the car all day is tiring for her.” Tom suggested as we started walking back to the house, “Just hang tight and it will be ready in a jiffy.”

Nikki plopped down on the couch with Arianna laying on his chest. I kicked off my shoes and sat down next to him, “How long are we staying?” I questioned, resting my head on Nikki’s shoulder and seeing Arianna fighting being awake and falling asleep.

“Just through the weekend. Thought tomorrow maybe we’d go into town and I’ll show you around. There’s this mom and pops diner I think you’d like it and an antique store for me to check out. Why? You ready to leave already?” Nikki joked, tilting his head to the side and kissing my forehead.

“No.” I laughed a bit, “Was just curious, that’s all. I’m not going to antique store with you, I’ve done it and it’s boring. You take forever.”

Nikki smiled at me, “I take forever?”

I nodded, “Yes, remember that one antique store we went to outside of Thousand Oaks? We were there for almost two hours because you wanted that mirror that’s in your office but couldn’t decide between the oak or the mahogany but you ended up picking out the cedar instead.”

“Two hours? Princess, I’ve followed you around in a mall and carried your bags for almost an entire day and I still took you to get your manicure done after. So I don’t want to hear about taking forever.” Nikki grinned as he adjusted Arianna in his arms, her legs sprawled over my lap.

“You’re the one that offered to do all of that for me.” I shrugged it off and closed my eyes before opening them and glancing at Nikki.

“Because I love you.”

*Next Afternoon*

“Whose that with Tom?” I asked Nikki as we pulled up in front of the house. Tom and some other guy were doing some work to the fencing to keep the goats in.

Nikki sighed in annoyance as he pushed his sunglasses up to the top of his head, “I don’t know.” He spoke fast as he got out of the car, “Come on Ari.” He helped her out as he handed me the lunch we had brought back for Tom.

“Go give this to Tom, please.” Nikki spoke, glancing at Tom and the other guy one more time before going inside with Arianna.

“Okay...” I muttered before pushing hair out of my face and walking over to them, “Hey guys.” I smiled when they turned their head to look at me.

The other guy looked at me up and down, “Well Tom, when did you get such a pretty lady?” He questioned, lifting up the bottom of his dirt stained white shirt and wiping his face.

“Oh that’s Vanity. She’s here with Frankie visiting from Los Angeles.” Tom explained as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

“This is for you. We stopped and got lunch and figured you’d be hungry. If I knew you had a guest we woulda brought something back for him too...It’s nice to meet you.” I handed the bag over to Tom while sticking my hand out.

“Troy.” He gently took my hand after wiping the dust off on his Levi’s, “I help Tom with repairs around the house.” He glanced over at him, “Didn’t mention Frankie was back home and didn’t mention such a beauty would be with him.”

I smiled cheekily, “Thank you. Yeah Nikki and I wanted to come up here so I can meet him and so his granddaughter could meet him as well. What are you guys working on?” I motioned to all the tools and looked at the goats.

“Oh that stupid little black goat tried to get through the fence again so we’re just reinforcing the wire and the posts.” Troy explained to me as he sat down on a rock and took a sip from his water.

“Mommy, daddy asked if you can come inside to help him.” Arianna reached for my hand and tried tugging me with her.

I looked towards the house and saw Nikki standing at the window like a fucking weirdo waving for me to come over to him, “Go tell daddy it’s too nice to be inside. Babe this is Troy, grandpa’s friend.”

Arianna hid her face behind my leg and whispered a shy hello to him, “He’s mean.” She said, pointing to the black goat that was thrashing around.

“Yeah, he’s a mean one. I keep telling your grandpa to get rid of him or to have some goat meat.”

There’s just somethings you don’t tell a child.

“What?” She said looking at him and then at me, “But grandpa said he wouldn’t!”

Tom chuckled as he patted the grassy patch next to him for her to take a seat, “I’m not sweetie don’t worry. He’s just a little special that’s all.”

I nudged Arianna to get off my leg and go to him, “It’s so nice of you to help Tom out. Do you know Nikki? Or Frankie I guess since he’s known by that name here.” I asked Troy as he chuckled and nodded.

“Oh, I know Frankie. Well Nikki I should say. We use to go to school together when we were younger.” He explained to me as I carefully sat down on the grass next to him, holding my sundress down.

“It’s so weird to hear everyone calling him that. What was he like in school?”

Troy shrugged as he leaned back a bit, his palms supporting his weight, “Uh, he was really strange and angry.”

Huh, nothing’s changed.

“Me and him got into a few schoolyard scraps, nothing serious though.” He chuckled a bit and rubbed the back of his neck, glancing over at me, “Yeah I’m sure it’s weird hearing everyone call him Frank or Frankie. But it’s not surprising that he got big and famous and came back with a chicks name.”

My eyebrows raised in surprise, “Oh...well...he did wear some pretty high heels but I think Nikki’s a boys name.”

“And he wore make up.” Troy pointed out, “Always had to be different, I mean, obviously it worked out so more power to him.”

I looked at that arrogant smirk he had going on, “There’s nothing wrong with being different, and yeah, it did work for him. It worked well for him.”

I heard incoherent grumbling and heavy footsteps kicking dirt as I turned around to see Nikki walking over, “Oh hey Frankie!”

I saw Nikki rolls his eyes and he made no point to hide it, “Troy, nice to see you.” Nikki spat out as he scowled at me.

“What?” I asked in a confused manner but he shook his head and ignored me.

“Nice to see you too, bud. And your cute girl. I guess playboy wasn’t pretty enough?” Troy laughed a bit, Tom even grinning a bit as well.

“Yeah man, actually she wasn’t. And yes, my girl.” I looked away from Nikki’s glare and started picking dandelions out of the yard.

“Lucky you. Come back from the dead and still get all the chicks.” Troy laughed again before getting up and brushing off his hands, “I gotta get back to work. It was nice chatting with you sweetheart.” I smiled politely but didn’t say anything in return.

“Yeah, that’s a little crooked..” Nikki smirked, pointing at the fencing as Troy picked up the hammer and looked at Nikki.

“Thanks.” Troy rolled his eyes before turning his back to us. I looked at Nikki and the prideful smile he had on his face.

“You’re like Ricky. He’s our gardener.” Arianna said to Troy after poking his shoulder, “He makes the flowers pretty.”

“Babe, just leave him alone. He’s working.” I told Arianna as Nikki held his hand out and helped me up from the ground.

“Yeah? Is your dad too scared of getting his hands dirty?” Troy laughed as Nikki’s death glare was dead set on him.

“Daddy has money. You don’t.”

I let out an audible gasp when Arianna said that. Nikki on the other hand started cracking up in hysterics, “Arianna.” I reached for her wrist as she giggled, “It isn’t funny. You don’t say stuff like that- Nikki stop laughing.”

“Nice kid you’re raising Frankie.”

Nikki shrugged, “Yeah, she gets it from me. But kids know when people are dicks. So stop acting like we’re still children because I have no issue taking that hammer and shoving it between your teeth.”

“Okay boys. Knock it off.” Tom spoke as he pulled himself up, “Just go inside Nikki.”

I wrapped my hand around his bicep and tried pulling him with me, “Yeah and you still have the same anger issues from mommy leaving. Go on and go play dress up while the men work.” Troy continued to antagonize Nikki.

“Not in front of Arianna.” I muttered to Nikki as he sighed and nodded, “Nice to see you Troy.” Nikki grumbled before grabbing my hand and pulling me along with him.

“Nice meeting you beautiful.” Nikki stopped and attempted to turn back around, “Just leave it.” I muttered as I dragged him along the path.

“Daddy! Look!” Arianna ran up handing Nikki a yellow flower. He deeply exhaled and smiled down at her.

“Thank you pumpkin. I’ll cherish it forever.” He took it out of the grasp of her little fingers and stuck it behind his ear.

“That’s a cute look for you. I think the next show you should do it. Show the world what fatherhood has done to you.” I chuckled a bit and leaned into him when he loosely slung his arm around my shoulders.

“You think so? Maybe instead of the spikes and chains we’ll do flowers and sparkles. We’ll start a new trend for bands.” Nikki thought out loud as I laughed.

“That’s a big difference compared to devil worshipping.” I told him, making him shake his head and kiss the side of my cheek, “So Troy is a childhood bully?”

Nikki exhaled deeply, “Yeah, he was. Him and his friends use to pick on me and beat me up when we were kids. I was a scrawny little thing compared to them. Took any chance he could to torment me. But I find great satisfaction in knowing he never did anything with his life or left this town.”

“It’s his karma. But you aren’t scrawny now, and you could probably kick his ass twice.” I reassured Nikki as he nodded.

“Yeah, maybe it is his karma.”

I slid my hand down his arm before intertwining our fingers together, “You know, I always thought you would’ve been the bully in school. You just come across as it because of all your issues and what not.”

Nikki chuckled and looked at me, “Really? No, no, I was a nice kid. But I was only nice if you were nice to me. But I was picked on by pretty much everyone because they thought I was different.”

“Huh, well when I was in school I wasn’t really the bull, but I did have a mean and nasty streak. Lots of mean looks and sometimes I would mouth off to a teacher or two. But nothing too serious.” I explained to him, “You know, actually I did make a girl cry once because I told her nobody loved her.”

“Jesus Christ, V.” Nikki laughed, giving my hand a slight squeeze, “The mean girl persona would totally fit since you were a cheerleader and prom queen.”

I shrugged, “Me becoming prom queen was due to the student body voting for me. So, really, that shows how well liked I was.”

“Glad you had a good time.” He rolled his eyes at me before moving me in front of him and wrapping his arms around my waist, “But I’m sure I coulda got my hands on you. Probably would’ve taken you out to the football field and under the bleachers.”

“I wasn’t too big on giving back to the misfortunate youth when I was younger, so you probably wouldn’t have had a chance Nikki.”

*later that evening*

I stared down at the slab of meat in front of me. Red, bloody, and covered in onions. I dry swallowed, feeling my stomach churn. I glanced over to Nikki and saw he was already chomping down on it.

“Something wrong with my cooking?” I looked across the table at Tom as he arched an eyebrow.

“Yeah, it’s still mooing.” I said to him, seeing Arianna smile and laugh while eating her Mac and cheese. Her Mac and cheese I’m about to eat for myself.

“Mooing?” Tom clarified as I nodded.

“Babe, don’t. Just eat it. It’s not going to hurt you. It’s good.” Nikki chimed in as he wiped his face with his napkin.

“Oh, you’re one of those people.” Tom laughed time himself and continued eating his raw steak.

“I just like it well done, burnt almost…do you have something else to eat? Maybe a salad?” I asked sweetly, seeing him exhale before he got up and went to the kitchen.

“You’re being a brat.” Nikki whispered to me as I scoffed in return.

“You know I don’t like my meat raw.” I whined as he shook his head.

“I beg to differ.”

I scowled at him as he blew me a kiss, “You’re disgusting.” I glanced at Tom when he came back to the dining table, putting down a plate of lettuce and tomatoes on it. He put down a bottle of ranch too, “Do you have Italian? Maybe raspberry vinaigrette?”

Tom looked like he was at his wits ends with me, “Just order yourself a pizza. There’s a twenty on the counter.”

Nikki glared at me, shaking his head as I forced a smile to Tom, “No this is okay. I’m just being picky.” I mumbled as I started eating the salad.

“I’ve been so wrapped up in catching up with Nikki, I have yet to even talk to you about anything. I can tell you’re from the south. The southern draw comes out with some of your words.” Tom questioned.

“…Comes out more when she’s angry and yelling.” Nikki added on before taking a sip of his soda.

“Dallas, Texas born and raised. People usually thinks it’s an accent from one of the Carolinas but it’s not. And yes, it does come out more when I’m yelling at Nikki.” I stuck my tongue out at him as he scratched his chin with his middle finger.

“Well that’s pretty neat? Your folks still around?”

I smiled, “Yes, but just my mom though. My dad died when I was younger. Mom runs the business.”

“Business?”

“Her precious oil.” Nikki rolled his eyes as he took another bite of his food. I chose to ignore his comment.

“An oil company. A lot of exporting of oil around the world. My great grandparents started it, passed it down to my grandfather and then my dad and now my moms running it and after my mom it will probably be my brother.” I explained to him as he glanced at Nikki and then back at me.

“Well why not you?” Tom asked? Genuinely surprised as I chuckled.

“Not my thing. Too much paperwork and meetings and numbers. I’ll just spend the money the company makes.”

“Smart girl.” Tom laughed, “So what took you to California?”

I shrugged, “Uh, had to get away from my psycho ex fiancé. So I moved and started working at this diner and that’s how I met Nikki.”

“At the diner?” I nodded, “Yeah, he was a customer. Was really rude too because he got his ass kicked prior.”

“I did not! He got one good shot at me and that was it! I laid him out after.” Nikki defended himself as we both laughed at him, “I won that fight.”

“Okay Sixx.” I glanced at him as he shook his head, “And then I became friends with Nikki and the guys and now I’m here.”

“Thank you for sparing me the gory details about Nikki’s partying. I don’t think I want to hear about it.”

“You don’t.” Nikki and I both said at the same time, making one another smile, “It’s very, very gruesome.”

Tom glared at Nikki, who in return shrugged with a huge grin, “Save it. Due to the young ears that are listening, and because Nona will roll in her grave.”

“Yeah, she would. She’d come haunt me in my dreams.” Nikki chuckled a bit before his smile faded.

“I miss her too Nikki.” Tom spoke softly to him as Nikki nodded and continued eating his dinner quietly.

I knew Nikki regretted not being able to go to Nona’s funeral due to him being completely out of it and so wrapped up with heroin. I remember the day he found out Nikki, Tommy and I were all coming off a coke binge, and Doc had came to Nikki’s house in Van Nuys and told him to give a call home to Tom because Tom couldn’t get a hold of Nikki to tell him his grandmother wasn’t doing to well. So after digging and jumping through hoops, Tom was able to get ahold of Doc. Nikki didn’t even cry. He just told Doc to get out and we continued our binge up until when Tommy went home to Heather. Then Nikki dragged out the needles and I told him to get rid of it, he said to fuck off and I went home. The usual story, ya know?

“Do you have any photo albums? I would love to see some pictures of Nikki.” I asked Tom as he smiled and pushed his plate away from him.

“Tom, please don’t bust out the pictures. She’s going to laugh at me.” Nikki groaned as he grabbed our plates and took them to the kitchen. Bopping Arianna on the nose as he went by her, “Ari! Tell mommy we don’t want to see them!”

“Mommy, daddy says we don’t want to see them.” Arianna repeated as I chuckled, “Thanks baby, but I want to see some funny pictures of daddy, don’t you?” She nodded feverishly and climbed out of the chair and onto my lap.

“You know, she looks like him a bit when he was her age.” Tom pointed at Arianna as he handed a white album to me.

“So that’s why her forehead is so big.” I laughed, wincing a tad when Nikki walked by and tugged on my hair.

“Watch it, Blackwood almost Sixx.” He smirked and sat down as I started going through the album.

“I always knew we’d make good looking kids.” I told Nikki as I pointed at the picture, “That’s daddy when he was a kid, just like you.”

I flipped the page, covering my mouth with my hand to keep my laughter in as I stared at a picture of Nikki with big ‘ol glasses and a shaggy bowl cut, “Oh my…”

Arianna giggled, “Daddy! You look funny!”

Nikki rolled his eyes, “Sixx! Look at you!” I covered my mouth to keep my laughter in, “You looked like such a nerd. I guess you weren’t prom king at your high school.” I cackled and closed the album before wiping away a fake tear, “I probably wouldn’t have talked to you. Maybe to help with my math home-“ I couldn’t control my laughter as he had a mean look on his face.

“Yeah, yeah just laugh it up. I wouldn’t have talked to you in high school anyways. Not with that bratty and snobby attitude.” Nikki grumbled as he snatched the photo album away from me.

“You know you love it. Or you wouldn’t be dealing with me.” I responded in a sickeningly sweet voice as I reached across the table and grazed my nails over his forearm. Nikki grinned before enveloping my hand in his and kissing it.

“Well I’m gonna hit the sack. I thought maybe tomorrow we could go on drive in my truck and I take you kids to the lake. Maybe teach Arianna to fish and have lunch up there.” Tom suggested as I glanced at Nikki and he nodded.

“That sounds wonderful Tom. I’m sure Arianna will have a blast. I’ll make breakfast in the morning and-“

“Like hell you will. I’ll make breakfast in the morning so we don’t get food poisoning before we go.” Nikki blurted out as I took my hand from his.

“Don’t be a dick.”

“Daddy don’t be a dick!” Arianna started squealing and laughing.

“Ari! No baby! Don’t say that!” I quickly corrected her as Nikki cracked up in hysterics, “Goodnight Tom.” I muttered to him as he deeply exhaled and headed to his bedroom.

“Arianna, no cussing. Or I’ll wash that mouth out with soap and you aren’t gonna like that one bit.” Nikki threatened in what I believe is him finding his stern dad voice.

“Sorry…” she mumbled, giving us her cheesiest smile possible.

“Let’s just get you ready for bed. We have a long day tomorrow.” I told Arianna, shaking my head and following after her.

A little while later, after Arianna demanded a bubble bath, combing out her hair and getting her dressed and to bed she was finally falling asleep. I slipped on my sweats and a fitted shirt before laying down in the bed next to her.

“Love you mommy.” Arianna muttered, putting her hand on my forehead. I chuckled and pinched her cheek lightly, “Love you more princess.” She pushed my hand away and covered her head with the blanket. I flipped on the tv, turning it to a low volume before deciding to watch some late night re runs.

Nikki came in, pulling off his shirt and digging through his suitcase for a pair of shorts to wear after. He groaned before laying down on his make shift bed on the floor beside me, “I told you there’s enough room for you up here.” I whispered to him as I watched him grimace in discomfort, “And your back is gonna hurt in the morning and you’ll be complaining all day how stiff your back is and how much I need to give you a massage.”

He smiled at me, “You know how I sleep. I need the room to stretch out so I’ll stay down here. I’m fine doll.” I rolled my eyes before grabbing his hand and tugging him, “Come on. I’ll scoot over.” I whined, hearing his deep sigh as he got off the floor. I moved to the middle of the bed, careful not to bump into Ari as Nikki laid down. He lifted his arm up as I curled against his side, head on his chest and my leg draped over his.

“See? That’s a lot better, isn’t?” I sighed into his skin, pressing my lips against him before running my fingers up and down his sternum.

“Mhmm.” He mumbled as he started to play with my hair, “I love you.” Nikki whispered as he kissed the top of my head.

“I love you too, Nikki. Thanks for bringing us here.” My eyelids started getting heavy when the tips of his fingers ran over my scalp, “Tom’s really cool. Cooler than my grandpa.”

His chest vibrated when a low laugh rolled out, “Anytime doll. Toms cool, but Nona is way cooler. You would’ve loved her.”

I propped myself up for a moment as he adjusted so he could look at me, “I love her already, for doing such a fine job at raising you.” I cupped his cheek and kissed him softly before laying back down and falling asleep.

*Next Morning*

I woke up in a panic with Nikki rudely, and roughly shoving me off him. I watched him go across the room to grab his phone, “Nikki, turn it off!” I groaned, grabbing the pillow and putting it over my head. I heard him answer it, his voice ecstatic.

I then felt tiny little fingers poking my back, “Mom. It’s morning.” Arianna whispered right in my ear, “Yes, and it’s early go back to sleep.” I mumbled, turning my head to look at her, “Just another hour.” I closed my eyes until she stuck her finger up my nose, “Arianna, don’t be like daddy.”

“Yes! Oh my god! That’s great news Allen! Yes! Of course I can get back to California soon! I’ll let you know when I’m in the city! Bye Allen!” Nikki sounded way to chipper.

“Van!” Nikki jumped onto the bed, wrapping both me and Arianna in his arms, “They found us a singer! Isn’t that great! Daddy doesn’t have to stop making music now!” Arianna clapped for him.

“Come on! Get your lazy ass up, Van! We gotta get back to Los Angeles! If we leave now, we can get there by six maybe seven tonight! And I can get to the studio and meet with Allen so we can set up a time to meet with this guy.” Nikki was over the moon as he got off the bed and spun Arianna around.

“Nikki, it’s too early. The band can wait. We haven’t even finished our trip and we have plans-“

“Who cares about the plans! It’s the band, Vanity! Aren’t you happy?!”

I looked at him, “Well, yeah I’m happy for you Sixx but-“

“But what?” He chuckled and put Arianna down, “Go pick out some clothes.” Nikki put on a shirt and leaned over to give me a quick and rather rough kiss, “I’m gonna go wake up Tom to tell him we’re leaving and gotta cut the trip short.” I touched my lips when he left the room just to make sure they weren’t bleeding.

I sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing my eyes and glancing at the clock, it was only five in the morning. I got out of bed and walked over to Arianna and helped button her pants and put her shirt on, “I don’t want to go yet.” Arianna pouted a bit as I forced a smile.

“Me neither angel, but daddy has to get back to work. You know, the music and what not.” I explained as she put on her little jacket and I zipped it.

“What are you doing? Get dressed Van, come on.” Nikki laughed as he came back into the room and started stuffing clothes back into the suitcases, “Actually just wear that. We’re gonna be in the car all day anyways.”

“Nikki.”

“I’ll take the bags out to the car and check all the fluids.”

“Nikki.”

“Arianna, go potty so we don’t have to stop for a while.”

“Nikki!”

He finally looked at me, like I had grown three heads, “Nikki, she needs to eat before we do anything. You need to calm down. Los Angeles and the band isn’t going anywhere, so just relax.” I told him as he scoffed.

“Arianna, are you hungry?” He asked her as she shook her head, telling him no, “We’ll stop and get breakfast and snacks later. Now come on let’s move that cute ass and get to the car.” Nikki moved behind me and gave me a light push.

I saw Tom, yawning and brewing a pot of coffee as he rubbed his face, “A nice little alarm system you got there.” He grumbled as I was about to speak up but Nikki beat me too it.

“Sorry Tom! We gotta go like right now. We don’t have time for coffee and breakfast.” Nikki picked up Arianna and took her outside.

“Tom, I’m really sorry we’re leaving in such a rush. I really wish we could stay.” I told him as he brushed me off and poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Babe, come on!” Nikki came back inside, grabbing the rest of my bags, “Princess, we gotta go-“

“Nikki! Fucking stop!” I shouted at him as he was taken by surprise and took a step back from me, “I know you’re happy about Allen finding you a singer, but Jesus Christ, say bye to your grandfather!”

Nikki put the bags down and rubbed his face, “Right, right. Sorry.” He mumbled before going over to Tom and giving him a big hug, “Thanks for letting us stay.” He let go of him and grabbed the bags again, “I’ll be out in the car.”

Unbelievable.

“It’s okay Vanity. It was like this years ago too. He’d come for a few days and leave all of a sudden. It’s alright. Just tell him to call me every once in a while and that I love him.” Tom came over and gave me a hug as I patted his back, “Hope to see you and Arianna again.”

I smiled at him when he pulled away, “Of course. We’ll be back. Maybe in a few months or so.” I rolled my eyes when Nikki started honking, “Thank you Tom. It was a pleasure to finally meet you.”

I gave him one last smile before walking out the door and to the car, scowling at Nikki when I got in, “What?” He asked confused, laughing a bit before turning on the radio.

“Nothing.” I rolled my eyes as I buckled up and waved bye to Tom, “Bye grandpa! Love you!” Arianna yelled to him while rolling down the window and waving.

“We’ll come back in a few months babe, don’t worry.” I turned my head to look back at her as she nodded.

“Well not if Mötley is gonna be on tour. We’ll be on the road and I’m not leaving you two at home by yourselves.” Nikki told me as I stared at him.

“And when did we discuss this?” I questioned, as I watched him grip the steering wheel a bit tighter.

“We didn’t. I’m not leaving you two behind while I’m on the road. I wouldn’t feel right with being away from you two for so long. She’d love it and I already know you love being on tour with me.”

I chose to keep my mouth shut. We have hours upon hours to drive and it won’t be good if we were arguing. I couldn’t believe he was acting like this over something he doesn’t even know is going to happen in the first place! I felt so bad for leaving Tom high and dry like that. I’m sure he’s lonely without Nona and with having a rockstar grandson whose always coming and going wouldn’t help matters as well.

I rolled my eyes and looked out the window. Who the hell does he think he is for deciding what we’re going to do if and it’s a big if he goes on tour again. I’m not going to rip Arianna out of school just so she can watch Nikki beat on a guitar for two hours every night.

I shoved Nikki’s hand off me when he gripped my thigh, “Don’t touch me.”

And so it begins again.

96 notes · View notes

creativeskullcreations · 4 years

Text

Outside chapter 4: Home at Last

Fourth chapter, once again from Scout's POV! Idk, I think I'm getting better at writing her. Also a little bit more of a look into Stacy’s life, and what her personality is like.

"So, you ready for another ride in the truck?" Stacy asked as she locked up Sammy's apartment. True to what he'd said, he was long gone by the time they'd woken up, much to Scout's disappointment. She'd wanted to at least say goodbye, though Stacy had assured her that she'd see him again at soon enough.

"He wants to keep an eye on the stitch wounds, make sure they're healing right. So we have to come back here next week." She'd said. "Also, he's my favorite cousin. He kind of has to deal with me coming over, anyways."

While that hadn't actually made the Puppet feel any better, she did appreciate the effort. It actually meant a lot to Scout that Stacy would at least try to be comforting.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Scout replied from her hiding place in her Host's hood. She was mostly behind Stacy's neck, with her head peeking around the side to better see what was going on. Yeah she was surrounded by and covered in hair, but it was better than the other option of hiding in the bag. At least this way she could see things.

And see things she did. What had been hidden from her the other night now held a strange beauty in the bluish light of predawn. Buildings with darkened windows, street lamps starting to dim down, trees just starting to grow leaves. To the Puppet, who had only ever viewed the world through a TV screen, everything looked new and beautiful.

The entire, short, walk to Stacy's truck, Scout had to fight the urge to launch herself from her hiding spot in order to see better. It was too risky, even with how early it was. Anyone could glance out their window and see her, and she wasn't ready for that just yet.

As they made it to the vehicle, it beeped at them as the lights flashed, startling Scout. Stacy climbed into the truck and tossed her bag into the passenger seat. She then lowered her hood and gently dropped Scout on top of her bag. "You gotta ride over there. I need to concentrate on the road. Also I'm going to get us some Wendy's for the trip. What do you want to try from there?"

Scout didn't answer and instead climbed into Stacy's lap in order to plaster her face to the window. She ignored Stacy when her Host sighed, and watched as they pulled out of the lot and on to the road.

As they passed by the buildings, and occasional tree, Scout found herself getting more and more excited. 'The TV never told me just how big everything is out here. Or how many Hosts there are.' She thought as they turned into another parking lot and approached a weird looking box with a speaker . '... I don't think I thought this through enough. What if they all react like Sammy did? Fuck, I want to go back.'

"Welcome to Wendy's, how may I help you?" Scout jerked at the strange voice, and turned to look up at Stacy, who wasn't staring at a box full of pictures of food. She glanced down and, seeing the Puppet staring, gave her a quick pat on the head.

"Yeah, I'd like a single cheeseburger combo with a coke and a kid's meal with chocolate milk." She told the box as she did this, ignoring Scout as the Puppet fixed her with a death glare for her antics.

"What kind of kid's meal would you like?" The box sounded rushed. In the background, beyond the static, Scout heard a loud crash.

"Uh..." Stacy turned and stared at the Puppet for a long moment, almost to the point of discomfort. "Chicken nuggets? No sauce please."

"That'll be $11.83 please pull forward to the first window." The box shut off with a click, and Stacy slowly started driving up to the first window while Scout just stared at her.

When they reached the window, the Host reached for her bag and dug out a small, flat rectangle. When the window opened, she handed it to the Host inside, who did something with it before handing it back. Said Host also ignored Scout completely, which was just fine with her.

"What was that?" The Puppet asked as they drove to the next window. Nothing like that had ever come up in the shows she'd watched, nor had any of the Puppets at HQ ever mentioned anything about it.

"Me paying for our food." Stacy responded. "Money is very important to, uh, Host society. Remind me to teach you more about it later, it's something you'll need to know." She handed Scout the small rectangle. "Here, you can look at it if you want. Just don't break it."

The window opened then, and the Host inside handed Stacy a white cup with a lid and a small bottle. She put these in the cup holders, and then grabbed the two bags that were handed out next. She thanked the Host inside, dropped the bags in the passenger seat, and drove away. She parked again a few feet later, though, and grabbed the bags.

"Okay, so this one is mine." She pulled the white bag closer to her, then picked Scout up and set her in front of the more colorful one. "And this one is for you. Don't worry if you make a mess, I'll clean it up later."

Scout stared at the bag for a moment, then pulled it over so she could reach inside and pull out the food that was supposedly in there. Underneath some brown papery things and a plastic bag, there were several long, skinny yellow sticks, and four fat brown things. She picked up a few of the yellow ones first and shoved them in her mouth, having to fold them up a bit to make them fit. She mashed them up, then tipped her head up to swallow as she glanced over at her Host, who was eating the large sandwich she'd ordered.

"These taste weird." Scout spoke up, shoving yet more into her mouth. It was certainly different than what they had eaten the night before. Less soft, for one, but not so hard she couldn't "chew" them.

"It's fast food. It's supposed to taste weird." Stacy told her. "What you're eating now is french fries, the brown things are chicken nuggets, and I have a cheese burger. And then we have coke and chocolate milk to drink."

"Hmm." Scout picked up a nugget and stuck it in her mouth, finding it chewier than the fries. It reminded her of the red things she'd had last night, and she wondered if it was something similar. She then grabbed the bottle and gave it a shake, scowling when she heard liquid inside.

'Noooo thank you...' She put the bottle back and picked up more fries. 'Stacy can have that.'

They continued to eat their food in silence, with Scout watching as they slowly left the buildings behind to only simple blue sky. Climbing back up she could see that it wasn't as empty as it seemed. Miles of green plains were all she could see, but there was the occasional house or grouping of trees. Sometimes there were also large, strange animals.

"It's so empty..." She hadn't realized she'd spoken out loud until Stacy answered her.

"Yeah, most of us like to live all clumped together, but we still have need for, like, farms and stuff. Most of what's out there now is fields for growing food. They should be planting them soon, actually, if they haven't already." She told her. "You might be able to see some of the machines if you look for them." Scout could see some odd looking cars in the fields, but wasn't entirely sure if that was what Stacy was talking about. Instead she rested her head on her folded arms and simply enjoyed the view.

Sitting there, watching trees and houses and other cars pass by, made the Puppet feel more relaxed than she'd ever been in her entire life. She sunk even deeper into that feeling when Stacy clicked the radio on and music filled the small space. Her Host started singing along to whatever song was on, and the Puppet gave a small sigh of contentment.

Life was good on the outside.

"Welp, here we are." Stacy finally announced as she pulled into another lot in front of a brick building. Scout jolted awake at the sound of her voice, having fallen asleep at some point in the journey. Shaking her head, she watched as Stacy gathered up the "fast food" trash and shoved it into the white bag. She then grabbed up her own bag and Scout before finally opening the door and stepping out into the open air.

As Scout quickly crawled into the hood, she was struck by how similar the building was to Sammy's home. If it weren't for the fact she knew they were somewhere completely different, Scout would be worried they'd gone in a circle. Stacy jogged up the steps and into the building, heading straight for the stairs. she paused only briefly to make sure her bag was settled properly and Scout was there before starting the long climb.

"We can't take the elevator?" Scout asked as they started the climb to the fourth floor. "The other place had one. And the TV said all buildings like this have one."

"Nope. Well, the building has one, but it's not for people to use." Scout blinked. Who used it then, if not people. Stacy continued to fast for her to question it, though. "And I live on the fourth floor, so that's... fun." Her grip on her bag tightened just a bit as she sped up a little. "But yeah, apartment thirteen on the fourth floor, in case you ever get lost. I'll try and get a key made for you next time I go to Home Depot."

Scout stayed silent on that. A key would be cool, but she was far too short to even use it. Still, it was nice that her Host was thinking of a detail like that, however useless it would be in reality.

When they reached the door, a shiny 413 sitting just above eye level, Stacy pulled a small key out of her bag and unlocked it. The door stuck a little, but Stacy managed to get it open and they ducked inside, with the Host locking it behind them.

"Welp, here we are. My own little home." Stacy said as she dropped her bag by the door. Scout took the chance to look around while she still had the height, before Stacy dropped her off somewhere.

Right away Scout could see a kitchen area with a larger table and four chairs around it. Behind them was a shelve filled with books, figurines, and stuffed animals. Against the far wall was a bigger couch than what Sammy had, along with a large TV. There was also a desk with two smaller TVs on it and a cool chair with wheels in front of it, and beside the shelf was another door. "Definitely looks cleaner than that other guy's place." She remarked as Stacy took her shoes off. Her Host bit back a laugh, shaking her head.

"Yeah, he's never really been all that clean." She said as she hung her hoodie over one of the chairs. She then started pulling her phone out of her pocket. "I've gotta make a couple of calls real quick. You can go watch Netflix or something until I'm done, okay?"

"Kay." Scout Jumped to the couch when Stacy looked down at her phone and started searching for the remote. It was easily found under a blanket, and she managed to get the bigger TV on while her Host started her call.

"Hey Will. I'm back from my most recent expedition!" She sounded perky, but the smile she had quickly faded as whoever Will was said something. "Uh, well, it kinda... didn't. Things got pretty bad in there. No, no I'm not... dead, anyways." She rubbed at the bandage on her left wrist. "And I did manage to bring home a souvenir. Kinda."

Scout looked up at that, staring openly at her Host, but was ignored. "No, she's not another pipe. I told you I wasn't bringing you any more of those. Nor a dog. Or a cat." She sounded exasperated, rolling her eyes while she started pacing behind the TV. "She's not an animal. My apartment doesn't allow pets anyways. You'll meet her when you come over tonight. No, Will, it's not an orphan child with magic powers. Well," She caught Scout's eye as she passed by again, "maybe yes on the powers part. No. Yes. Look, Babe, I still gotta call Carol about the article. Yeah, I called you first." The smile was back, but was different from the other times Scout had seen her Host smile. It sent a spike of something pleasant through her, and she quickly turned back to the screen. "Okay. Yeah, I'll see you tonight unless Carol kills me through the phone. Love you too. Bye."

"Who's Will?" Scout asked when she'd hung up the phone. She'd managed to get to Netflix, but hadn't yet selected something to watch. Not that she knew her choices, of course.

"Will's my boyfriend, you'll meet him tonight. He should be bringing pizza." She started messing with her phone again while Scout looked away, suddenly nervous. "Now just to call Carol..."

'<i>So there's going to be someone else who knows. Great...</i>' Scout shook her head, refocusing on the TV. 'Remember that you wanted this, Scout. You've made it this far, you can't back out.' Her thoughts were interrupted by Stacy, now talking to "Carol".

"Yeah, hey Carol. I survived my latest expedition. Barely." She fingered her bandages again. "Yeah, I'll get started on the article right away, I just had to stay with my cousin for a few days. I'll explain why when I come over with my piece tomorrow. Pfft, yeah, I can totally get the whole thing written tonight, this is what I do, remember?" Scout rolled her own eyes at the cocky tone.

'We almost died, dumbass.'

"Yeah, I got a souvenir. No, she's not a pipe. Why does everyone think I adopted a pet? My building doesn't even allow fish!" Stacy facepalmed, shaking her head. "Yeah. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Yeah, I'll bring her. I kind of need to so you'll believe me. You'll see tomorrow! I gotta go now. Bye." Stacy quickly hung up and let out a sigh.

"So was that one Carol?" Scout asked as she looked for The Good Place on Netflix. Unfortunately, the words all looked like gibberish to her, so she was trying to go by the pictures. It wasn't working so far, but she stayed determined.

"Yep. We gotta go talk to her tomorrow." Scout didn't miss that wording, but didn't protest it as Stacy walked over to the desk and sat in the cool chair. She leaned down fiddling with something underneath. "I gotta work on my article. Two articles, actually. I need a back-up one for tomorrow depending how Carol takes things."

While she messed with things, Scout Jumped on top of the TV, and then onto the back of the chair. She watched as Stacy did something with the small TVs, and then started making words appear. The Puppet was confused, having never seen anything like this before.

"Uh, what are you doing?" She asked, flopping onto her Host's head. Stacy paused her typing to steady the Puppet, but other than that didn't react. Scout took it as a good sign.

"Writing about what happened at the HQ. I've gotta write two separate pieces about this. What really happened, and then what Carol will probably want published after she reads the first one and meets you."

"Oh." Scout watched a bit more. "Can I help?"

Stacy paused, considering. "Actually, yes. You can tell me what happened between Mortimer casting the spell and when I woke up. I don't really remember, considering I was a zombie and all."

Her Host smiled, but Scout winced at hearing her own words thrown back at her like that. "Ummmm! You don't want to know about that. Like, at all!"

"Why not?" Stacy sounded genuinely curious, and Scout realized she probably didn't think anything had happened beyond the stitching. But there was a whole process to making a Host into, well, a Host. It was a process that Scout was far too familiar with, and that Riley had taken far too much pleasure in each time she'd had to do it.

"Look just... don't ask me that again. Riley... And..." The Puppet shook her head. "I went through it three times. I... Just, don't ask. Please." She didn't like begging., but this was the one thing she wasn't going to talk about. It was horrible, and she was glad Stacy didn't know or remember anything about it. Her Host didn't need or want that knowledge. It was bad enough that Scout had to live with it.

"Alright..." The Host focused back on the screen, and Scout gave a silent sigh in relief. "How about you make sure I get all the details right, instead? If I read it back to you when I'm done, you can make sure I got everything."

"Deal!" That was a much better option. Less telling of nightmares, and more of what Stacy already knew.

Together they worked on the first article, with Stacy reading each paragraph she wrote out loud, and Scout reminding her of anything she'd forgotten. Even with the extra work to it, together they finished it rather quickly. And when it was finally done, and Stacy had clicked on the save icon several times, the Host stood up and stretched.

"Okay, that's enough for right now. It's way past lunch time, and I gotta eat something before I take my pills." She made her way to the kitchen, Scout still on her head.

"Pills? Are ya sick?" The Puppet questioned.

"Eh, kinda?" She waved her hand in a so-so way before grabbing the ingredients for a sandwich out of the fridge. "It's mostly in the head, though." "What, like brain damage?" Scout was confused. She'd seen an episode of some medical show, and it had someone with brain damage in it. Stacy didn't act anything like that Host had in the show.

"Uuuuuuh, no." She put together her sandwich and then dumped a number pills onto the plate. "It's really complicated. I'll tell you later." She cut the sandwich into quarters, then added some small orange sticks from the fridge.

Scout didn't answer, still wondering what else Stacy could mean by "in the head". Her Host grabbed a bottle of water and went back to the computer. She set the plate and bottle down, then picked Scout up off her head and put her next to the plate. Puppet and food in place, she finally sat down herself.

"Okay, so this one has to make the HQ out to be both boring as hell and as dangerous as possible. We gotta make it absolutely not worth going in there." She told Scout through a bite of ham and cheese sandwich. "Like, I'm giving it a zero out of ten either way, but this has to hit home that nobody should go there while leaving out Mortimer's Fun Gang."

"Why? Shouldn't we tell the Host leaders so they can deal with it?" The Puppet asked, pausing in trying to chew through a "carrot stick". She was considering giving up on it as too hard for her plastic teeth.

"You mean the cops? Anthony tried that, remember? He got laughed out of the station. And even if they did believe us, the last thing we want those creeepos to have is guns and more Hosts." She swallowed another bite and started typing. "No, the best thing we can do is make it out to be so dangerous that nobody goes there and it dries up their supply line. They only had so many bodies in that freezer, they've gotta run out eventually."

"Hmm." Scout wasn't too sure. They had other ways of getting Hosts rather than waiting for them to stumble into the building. Riley in particular had made use of Scout's own "siblings" for those ways in the past. Waiting for people like Stacy was actually the least reliable way to get Hosts in the first place.

But Scout wasn't sure she should say so.

Instead she sat on the desk and watched as her Host typed away, stealing some ham and cheese out of one of the sandwiches. When she got tired of that, she Jumped her way back to the couch to find something to watch.

#hello puppets #fanfiction #outside #stacy stein #scout

22 notes · View notes

purrfics · 7 years

Photo

Summary: Dead Weight is a post-apocalyptic story about Jessica and Robbie Starn, twins who after 2 months are thrown into the unknown world of an undead apocalypse. Using their brains, charm and skill to survive. Will they ever find peace in a world gone wrong? Chapter: Two - New Faces Author’s Note: Credits: Gif 1 Gif 2

[Masterpost] [Quotev] [Blog]

Robbie, Jessica and Scrap ran through the forest. Ducking and diving around the trees and jumping over stray holes in the ground.

“Robbie--” Jessica puffed, stumbling towards the ground only to be pulled up by her older brother.

“Come on.”

“We’ve been moving for ages.” She mumbled, pushing Robbie off of her so she could slump down behind a nearby tree. Robbie looked around, wiping the sweat off his forehead as he let out a long sigh. Scrap, the dog, tumbled down next to Jessica almost like he was mimicking her actions.

“I’m sorry.” He finally broke the silence, pulling out his knife and sitting on the ground next to her. He keeps watch out as he waits for everyone to catch their breath.

“I think we should stop.” Jessica tells him, adjusting herself in her seat so she’s as comfortable as she can be.

“Why?”

“We don’t have to keep moving. We’re far enough away that if anything was following us has lost us.”

“Maybe.” Robbie sighs, scratching the back of his head. Jessica places her hand on Robbie’s, wrapping her fingers around his hand and using her other hand to scratch Scrap’s head lovingly.

“Listen. We should go back, but--”

“Back? Are you crazy, Jess?!” Robbie interrupts. “We can’t. Did you see how many there were?”

“I know… It’s just we need to know our friends are okay.” She tells him, tucking her hand under Scrap’s chin and scratching, the dog flopping down and resting his head on Jessica’s lap.

“We’ll find them eventually, but not now. It’s too dangerous to go back.” Robbie tells her, standing up and offering her his hand. She grabs his hand and he helps her pull herself up.

“I’m not used to this. Still.” Jessica tells Robbie as she turns to Scrap, patting her leg for him to follow her.

“I don’t think anyone is.” Robbie says as they adventure further into the forest. “I mean, you’re right, we need to know if everyone is okay, but not now.”

“What if we never find out?”

“Life has a way of surprising you, Jess.”

The trio continue walking until, finally, they come across a road. It’s a long highway that stretches straight in each direction across the horizon. Robbie and Jessica exchange glances before turning to walk down it.

----

Eventually, as the sun continues to lower further and further into the sky, they stumble across a gas station.

“Look.” Jessica said rather breathlessly, pointing her pointer finger into the distance. Robbie squints, spotting a red truck sitting at the gas station. It looks abandoned, the driver’s side door open and nobody in sight.

“Yeah. Maybe it would be a good idea to drive the rest of the way.” Robbie says, jokingly. The three quickly make their way towards the car, as fast as they can. “You check the shop, I’ll check the car?”

“Hell yeah.” Jessica smiles, high fiving her brother as they slowly split ways as they approached the area. Scrap toddled behind Jessica, happy to be under the shade of the roof to the gas station as Jessica slowly pushed open the door, the emergency lights still on inside. Scrap began sniffing around the store, looking for any treats for himself.

Jessica wandered towards a shelf as she pulled out her gun, picking up a knocked over box of crackers. She shrugs to herself, taking it and turning around, only being met with a gun to her head, gasping in shock.

----

Robbie looks at the truck, taking hold of the driver’s side door and pulling it open wider. He climbs inside and sits in the driver’s seat, wrapping his fingers around the steering wheel. He sighs, happy to sit down for the first time in awhile today. He reaches up and pulls open the visor, papers falling into his lap.

“Put your hands up,” A girl’s voice comes from outside the other side of the car, Robbie jumps out of surprise and puts his hand to his gun only to realise the girl is holding a large rifle towards his head, through the window. “Don’t try any funny business.”

----

“Woah-- Woah, calm down. We’re not here to hurt anyone.” Robbie tells the girl, her dark brunette hair hanging over her eyes.

“Get out of the truck!” The girl demands, gesturing upwards with her gun. Robbie immediately obliges, climbing out of the truck and throwing his hands up in the air.

“We didn’t mean to steal your truck. We’ve just--”

“What do you mean we?”

----

Jessica raises her hands above her head, the box of crackers falling to the ground.

“Who are you?” The woman questions, holding the gun towards her forehead.

“N-nobody. My name is Jessica. My brother and I were just looking for a car or somethin’.”

The woman squints her eyes at Jessica.

“He out there?” The woman asks, her head gesturing towards the door behind her. Jessica nods. She gestures again to follow her outside. The woman turns her back to Jessica and opens the door to the shop, exiting it. Jessica follows behind and looks at the scene in front of her. Robbie standing with his hands raised as a petite girl holds a rifle up to him, which looks bigger than her actual body.

“Sabby, put the gun down.” The woman says, the brunette furrows her eyebrows in confusion, lowering her gun. “What’s your name?” She asks Robbie.

“Robbie Starn. This is my sister, Jessica.” He tells her, she nods, playing with her gun slightly in her hand.

“I’m Grace.” The woman tells them before gesturing towards the smaller girl, “This is Sabrina. My sister.”

“It’s good to meet you.” Robbie says, holding out his hand. Grace raises an eyebrow, locking hands with him and shaking firmly.

“You got a home?” Grace asks as she pulls her hand away, wiping it down on her jeans and pushing a stray blonde hair behind her ear.

“We did. It got overrun with the dead. We’ve been moving for hours.” Robbie tells the girls, Jessica crosses her arms and sighs quietly to herself, biting the inside of her lip.

“That’s too bad,” Grace says, stopping for a moment and glancing at Sabrina, who is staring at Robbie and hasn’t stopped since Grace came outside. “We have a camp.” Grace continues.

“Really?” Robbie asks.

“Yeah. It’s not that grand but it does have a thriving community. You could fit right in.” Grace smiles lightly at the twins, Sabrina turning her gaze to Grace, her face scrunched with confusion. Grace appears to ignore her younger sister. “Are you in?” Grace asks.

“Yeah.” Robbie grins.

----

Robbie climbs into the back of the truck along with Jessica and Scrap. He hits the side of the truck and the engine starts, Grace hangs her arm out the window with her other hand on the steering wheel. She begins driving down the road.

“Try and hit that one comin’ up just a few feet ahead of us.” Grace says, turning to look at Sabrina who appears to be sulking in her seat. “Sabby.”

She gets no reply, just a pathetic sigh from the brunette. Grace rolls her eyes and swerves the car slightly, knocking the dead far off the side of the road and blood splattering on the front light.

“Did you see that?” Jessica whispers to Robbie, who looks in amazement as the dead immediately stands back up again.

“I sure did.” He replies, running his fingers gently through Scrap’s fur.

“They’re mad. I tell you.” Jessica stretches out her legs slightly, feeling the open breeze on her face as the car speeds along the road.

“I mean, she’s kinda cool.” Robbie says.

“Who? Grace? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Don’t judge them until you get to know them.” Robbie smirked.

“That’s exactly what you’re doing, though!” Jessica retorts.

“You can’t ignore me the whole drive home.” Grace pipes up, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel of the car.

“I can if I try.” Sabrina tells her blandly, leaning forward in her seat to turn the radio up, dead static filling the car.

“Oh? Really. That’s real mature.” Grace says angrily, reaching immediately back over to turn it down. “You know how much I goddamn hate that noise.”

Sabrina scoffs, rolling her eyes.

“I know you hate when we let new people into the group--”

“That’s not why I’m mad.” Sabrina says, annoyed. “It’s obvious you have hots fo--”

“Oh, please don’t even go there.”

“I wasn’t going to say him.” Sabrina interrupts, sitting up. Grace sighs, a silence filling the air for a hot minute.

“You’re an idiot.” Grace says playfully, reaching over and poking Sabrina in the side, getting a small squeak from her.

“Okay, well. You taught me how to be like that.” Sabrina smiles, looking over at Grace. “This doesn’t mean I forgive you, though.” Grace smiles, looking out to the open road ahead.

----

The car pulls up outside a large, fortified area. Large logs standing upwards, pushed together to create a very strong looking fence. Grace leans out of the window, looking up. Jessica and Robbie turned to look up too, following Grace’s gaze until their eyes met with a man standing on top of a rather small, wooden platform. The man points a sniper down at the car.

“What’s this?!” He mouths, Grace gestures with her hand an opening motion. The man rolls his eyes and climbs down the platform, disappearing until the large wooden gate starts to trundle open.

Grace drives inside until the truck is all the way inside, stopping. The man shuts the gate again before approaching the car as Grace and Sabrina jump out of the front, slamming the doors behind them.

“You’re late.” The man says, he seems rather pissed off as he holds out his hand towards Sabrina. She rolls her eyes and hands over the rifle, shoving her hands in her pockets and wandering away.

“He’s your problem.” Sabrina says as she departs from the group, heading into the camp, towards a wooden house.

The man circles the car until he reaches Grace, she pulls her pistol from it’s holder and hands it over, unstrapping the holder after and swinging it over his shoulder.

“You know, If you didn’t take our guns every time we came back, you wouldn’t have this problem.” Grace teases, heading towards Jessica and Robbie as they carefully get out of the back of the car, their legs wobbly. Scrap jumps out behind them.

“Who’s this? Ya’ know, Flake isn’t going to be happy that you--”

Grace holds her pointer finger up, shushing the man.

“We took a detour. We ran into some folk. Flake could use all the help he can get, don’t think too fast, Drakey.” Grace tells him. “Where is the guy, anyways? Thought I’d give my new friends, Jessica and Robbie, a delightful introduction sooner rather than later.”

“He won’t like that you’re late.” Drake tells her, again. Grace rolls her eyes in frustration.

“Then stop wasting my time.”

Drake scoffed, “He’s in his study.” He tells her.

Grace smiles warmly at him, patting him on the shoulder. “Thank you!”

Grace turns to Jessica and Robbie as Drake adventures off to put the guns away. “Follow me!” She smiles.

----

A man sits slumped in his seat, a gleaming sword sitting on display on his wall behind his head. He writes a letter or some sort of poem on a piece of paper behind a desk. A large “Mother” scrawled at the top, denoting the title of the piece. The only light source being from the window, where the sun sets and the candle sitting on the desk.

A small chap comes from the door. The man sits up, taking the piece of paper and pencil and sliding it into one of the compartments.

“Come in.” He says, sitting back in his chair.

Grace opens the door, pushing it open. The man raises an eyebrow as Jessica, Robbie and Scrap come into his view.

“Ah.” He says to himself.

“Flake! Drake said that we were late, just wanted to check up on that and make sure everything is fine!”

“Yeah. You’re just a little late.” Flake says, standing up behind the desk and leaning against it, both hands resting against the wood of the desk. “Who’s this?”

“Yeah… So we’re fine! This is Jessica and Robbie.” Grace tells him, stepping aside as the two carefully make their way inside the cabin. Flake is silent for a few seconds.

“Explain?”

“We went on a detour. Runnin’ out of gas. We ran into these two.” Grace tells him.

“It’s good to meet you, Flake. We were hoping to stay.” Robbie says, holding out his hand. Flake looks down at Robbie’s hand, finally reaching forward to shake it.

“... And by we, that means Sabrina and I, too!” Grace says.

“Sure. They can stay. We’re running low on helping hands, anyways.” Flake says. Grace grins. “Can you give us a minute?” Flake requests. Robbie’s eyebrows shoot up slightly.

“Oh-- Of course we can.”

“I’ll be with you in a second. Try and find Sabrina!” Grace tells the twins as they step outside the cabin, Grace slowly swinging the door shut until she leans against it.

“What’s up?” Grace asks.

“You know how much I love your help around here, Grace.” Flake starts.

“Are you going to lecture me? I swear, I had no intentions of having more mouths to feed. Hell, I didn’t know they had a dog until we agreed to take them back.”

“I’m not going to lecture you, don’t worry.”

“Oh! Okay then. What were you going to say?” “You need to recruit one of them for a mission. See what they’re capable of. You know?” Flake tells her.

“Ofcourse!” Grace smiles, walking up to the desk and sitting down on the chair in front of it. Flake nods.

“We can’t end up with another Ethan.” He tells her.

“Or another Drake.” She jokes, Flake exhales from his nose sharply, rolling his eyes at the thought of Drake. “Was Ethan even his name? I can’t recall.”

“Yeah. Something like that.” Flake says, staring past Grace’s head into space.

“I’ll get them accustomed and we’ll see what we can do. Don’t worry, boss, your Utopia is under no threat!” Grace says, standing back up and pushing her hair against her ear.

“I hope not.” Flake tells her.

Grace inhales deeply and smiles at Flake before turning on her heels and heading towards the door, turning the handle and opening it.

She wanders out, skipping down the stairs and meeting Robbie and Jessica at the bottom.

“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long.” Grace says, gesturing with her head towards some cabins further into the camp. “Follow me! I have a perfect place for you.”

----

The trio, joined by Scrap, make their way up the darkened camp.

“Where is everybody?” Jessica asks, rubbing her hand against her opposite arm as the cold air begins to hit her.

“We kinda have a curfew sort of deal going on here.” Grace explains. “Don’t worry, you can meet everyone first thing tomorrow morning!”

The group finally stop at a cabin at the end of one row and she opens the door.

Sabrina looks up from her bed and sighs as the cold air hits her room. She slides off the top of the bunk bed and makes her way into the front room, grabbing a hoodie and pulling it over herself as she goes.

“Are they staying here with us tonight?” Sabrina asks. Jessica looks around rather awkwardly.

“It’s only temporary, Sabby.” Grace tells her, ruffling her hair annoyingly. Sabrina groans as she pushes her hair back to normal.

“You guys can sleep on the couches for the night.” Grace suggests.

“Thank you. Really.” Robbie smiles, “It means alot.”

“Don’t thank me! Maybe a little, but, thank Flake!”

“I will first thing tomorrow.” Robbie smiles. Jessica sits slowly down on the single seat, resting her legs again.

“I’m goin’ to hit the sack, anyways. It’s been a rough day if I’m honest.” Grace says, pushing her hair out of her face and rubbing along the bottom of her eye with her thumb. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything at all.”

Grace backs up until she’s inside the bedroom, closing the door and turning the lock behind her. Sighing as she presses her forehead against the door.

“You like them, then?” Sabrina asks, sitting on top the bunk bed.

“They’re nice people. You don’t come across them very often.” Grace tells her, sitting on the chair opposite the bed, looking up at Sabrina.

“Everything keeps changing and I don’t really like it.” Sabrina admits.

“I know. Listen, though, sometimes change is good,” Grace tells her, looking towards the door. “Maybe these people will bring some good to the community.”

----

#original fic #original fiction #zombie fiction #zombie fic #original story #dead weight

0 notes