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#my mom said it looked like someone had a really bad period
vorthosjay · 1 month
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Hi Jay. Not wanting to sound mean, but I really think it must be commented and that there's no softer way of doing that: the company's statement of Thunder Junction being an inhabitated plane prior to MoM is not a honest way of capitalizing on a sellable trope without touching its uncomfortable issues. It's even disrespectful. They have done it in a less flagrant way with Kaladesh and both Ixalan iterations, but now they've gotten too far with Thunder Junction. Colonialism is too big an issue to simply being put under the carpet as it never existed and we could just enjoy the sunny part of the history. I really hope Hasbro as a company acknowledges this and changes its way of dealing with the theme. Thanks for letting me pointing this.
Look, you caught me on a bad day, so I'm going to be as polite as possible but let's start with the foundation that this is not a complaint to direct at me. I have no control over any of this. Mark Rosewater exists and takes feedback on Tumblr.
But, let's talk about it, because I've seen some folks take this to extremes.
First off, I've seen a lot of well meaning folks speaking up on behalf of hypothetical indigenous americans, but I'd love to get takes from folks this actually impacts. I'd love for Wizards to post something about their work with cultural consultants, for sure. But the only actual thing I've seen so far is a great story from Magic's first indigenous american author. And when you're speaking on someone else's behalf, you tend to miss things. Like, Kaladesh is not the great representation of south asian culture that you might think when you jumped to it, and it's okay if you didn't know that, but it sort of proves the point that it's very difficult to actually protest on someone else's behalf. And I just haven't heard from anyone who has also mentioned they speak from authority or are impacted by this. That doesn't mean you're wrong, necessarily.
But here's the thing. Thunder Junction isn't history. It takes cues from the American West, sure, but it's a fake world. And sometimes it's okay for a fake world to ignore the bad things that happens in real life and create something more aspirational. Magic does this all the time. Magic doesn't have homophobia, but that isn't really realistic or representative of the real world, is it?
No one, and I mean literally no one, came to me and said that people of color needed to be ostracized and not allowed to work alongside the white people in the demon mob families of New Capenna. That racism was real, it was systemic, and it was violent. But did it need to be tackled in a fantasy crime drama based on america in the 20s? Should it have been? I don't think anyone would have enjoyed it as much. Sometimes it's just fun to play gangster.
Similarly, the colonization and manifest destiny that was the reality of the American West was tragic, but does that need to be our only depiction of indigenous peoples - being colonized? If they were erased completely from the narrative, that would be awful, but can't they just have fun being cool thunder slingers? The Atiin were developed with a consultant, and if you want answers ask Wizards to talk about it.
There's a reason the Oltec were depicted as being sealed off from the Immortal Sun drama that had happened on the surface. To have an aspirational mesoamerican culture that wasn't affected by the Dusk Legion and Azor and all that.
To put it in another perspective, does every period piece featuring black americans need to feature systemic racism to be respectful? Is Bridgerton disrespectful (I mean probably but not for that reason)?
The reason I've framed a lot of this as questions is because I don't necessarily think I know the right answer, especially not for a fantasy card game. I've worked with tribal governments in my emergency management career and spent a week on the Navajo Nation, and talked a lot about perspective on things, and I would not presume to know what the right answer to all of this is.
Edit: to be clear, Could it have been handled better? Probably. I will never deny that. But also it’s a complicated and fraught topic and I’d love to hear from the people wizards contracted who actually know what they’re talking about.
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gojos-thot-patrol · 7 months
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Starring: Frat boy! Sukuna and a (possibly) pregnant reader
Synopsis: Funny how something as small as a grain of rice can cause a shift so massive in so many lives. Deny all he wants, you're having a baby and now Ryomen has to comes to terms with being a young dad. While it can be read on it's own, this is also part of the Frat Boy Au, which you can read here!
Content Warnings: a pregnancy scare, other than that, it's mostly fluff ;)
(Also, if yall want a song to go with the fic: New Mistakes by Jellyfish inspired it)
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You had experienced time slowing down before. It slowed down as you walked across the stage for your high school graduation. It had slowed down again when you got your acceptance letter to college. It slowed down the first time you saw your now boyfriend, and when you met his mom for the first time. But it had never been slower than it was now, as you sat on your bed, staring at the Clearblue pregnancy test in your hand.
“Well, what’s it say?!” You roommate, Mei Mei, asked- arguably more nervous than you were. She knew Ryomen was bad news, but she didn’t think he was this fucking bad. She moved to try and take the test from your hand, only for Shoko to slap her shoulder.
“Stop making a bad situation worse Mei.” Shoko growled, irritated from not being able to light a cigarette during this high stress situation.
“Two lines…” You mumbled, not looking up from the stick, “Two lines, what does two lines mean!?” Their expressions told you everything you needed to know. Panic filled you as you dropped the test and grabbed a pillow to scream into. God, how could you have let this happen?! Your period was only a few days late, you had taken the test mostly to put Mei Mei at ease. You didn’t know if you were happy you took it or not anymore.
“It’s okay Y/n, we’ll figure this out.” Shoko sighed as she rubbed your back, failing to hide the disappointment in her voice.
“How am I supposed to tell him?!” You panicked as you ripped your head up from the pillow, “How do you tell someone you ruined there life?!”
“You ruined his life?!” Mei Mei scoffed in disbelief at the assertion, “You should be asking him how the hell he plans to make this up to you! He ruined your life!”
“Nobody's life is ruined!” Shoko snapped at the both of you. “It’s a baby not cancer, Jesus fucking Christ. And it’s not like you don’t have options. You’re the one in control here Y/n, whatever you want to happen will happen.” She said, motherly assurance uncharacteristically thick in her tone. It did make you feel a little bit better about the situation. You weren’t absolutely powerless here.
And it wasn’t like you were against being a mother. Quite the contrary, you liked the idea. Of course, you never thought it would be this soon in your life, but…the universe had a funny way of handling things. And if you were going to have a baby, you didn’t think you could have picked a better guy than Ryomen. He was loving, and kind, not to mention the fact he was guaranteed a good job out of college. But, you also knew that he was beyond nervous about being a dad one day, terrified by the notion of becoming his own father.
“I need to talk to Ryomen.” You sighed. 
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“Dude, In what world does a theoretical physicist need to know about the themes of The Metamorphosis, so a dude becomes a bug, so wh-”
“Hey, shut up Y/n just texted me.” Ryomen cut Satoru off as he checked his phone, the buzzing alerting him to a notification. They were sitting next to each other on the couch, venting about classes they hated. Sugruru was sitting on the arm of the couch closest to Satoru, and Nanami taking up an entire love seat across from them as he played on his own phone. It was a relief to have an excuse to end this conversation really. Ryomen did not have it in him to try and listen to his frat brother straight up misunderstand classic literature for the millionth time.
“And you couldn’t wait to answer it until I finished my sen-”
“No, Y/n texted.” Ryomen said without looking up from his phone, but trusting his tone got across his annoyance. Satoru knew you took precedence, Ryomen didn't know why he was acting like you didn’t all of the sudden.
“And she couldn't wait for two-”
“Are you still talking?” Ryomen snapped. Satoru let out an irritated grumble, frustrated he couldn’t go on his (ill informed) rant about how classic American literature, and literature in general, was useless. “Y/n wants to come over.” Ryomen informed his frat brothers. “Like, now.”
“What’s up with Y/n?” Suguru asked from his spot on the arm of couch, deciding it was safe to enter the conversation now that there was no hope of Satoru going on his rant.
“No clue, she just says we need to talk.” He grumbled softly as he typed on his phone. It wasn’t like you to be this cagey about anything, and he would be lying if he said it didn’t concern him at least a little.
“Dude, shes gonna break up with you.” Satoru's mouth moved faster than his brain did, and for it he got a swift elbow to the stomach. 
“No she’s not.” Ryomen hissed. “She just wants to talk.”
“It’s probably to make plans for fall break, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.” Nanami said, quickly getting irritated with all the arguing. 
“Yeah, the dorms close in, what, like two weeks?” Suguru confirmed, “She’s probably gonna ask to stay with your family so she doesn't have to fly back to her own.”
“You’re probably right.” Ryomen took a deep breath to try and calm himself down. That made sense. You got along great with his mom and brother, and your own family basically not at all. It tracked that you would rather drive a few hours and spend a week with people you liked than fly out to people you didn’t. Yeah, that made sense. Yeah.
So why did he still feel so anxious?
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Ryomen had never been more convinced that you were going to leave him than he was now. As you sat across from him on the bed, starring at your fidgeting hands as if they held the secrets to the universe. Something was palpably wrong, he could feel it hanging in a thick veil between the two of you. He didn’t know if he should reach beyond it to hold you, or give you your space and let you come to him. He settled on nervously picking at his nails.
“So, uh, you wanted to talk?” He asked.
“Yeah, I, uh..I’m just trying to think of how to say this.” You muttered. He felt the color drain from his life when you said that. What did he do? Was it about Amy- or whatever the fuck her name was? That was a month ago now, surly it wasn’t that. Was it someone else? That thought made Ryomen realize that actually, he was capable of murder. 
He could feel his jaw clench at the thought of you with another man, white hot rage filling his hands and emotions while images of you with a stranger flashed in his head against his will. What the fuck did that asshole have that he didn’t? What made them think they were worthy of your smile, of your laugh, of you? Who did they think they were?
“Ryomen, I’m pregnant.”
“He’ll never love you like I do.” There was a thick silence of a different variety as they two of you spoke over each other, both of you trying to process what the other said.
“A-are you saying the…baby won’t love me?” You weren’t offended, you were just confused.
“You’re fucking pregnant?” Ryomen could feel his entire world shifting in real time. Thank god you weren’t leaving, but…Pregnant?
“Yeah, that’s what I said, what did You say?” You questioned again, trying to figure out where the fuck that came from. Of all the things you expected him to say, it wasn’t whatever he said.
“It doesn’t really matter what I said, forget I said anything, how long have you known?” He asked, finally pushing past the veil to wrap his arms around you. 
“Like…maybe thirty minuets?” You sighed, rubbing your face as the stress came back. “My period was a week late, so…I took a test, and well…Baby.” You still weren’t sure this was all real.
Ryomen felt the world freeze around him as reality took hold. A dad? He couldn’t be a fucking dad. He was in his fucking twenties, he still had two years left until he graduated, he couldn’t be a dad yet! He thought about his own father, who buckled under the pressure and ran off the moment things got hard. What if he inherited that kind of cowardice? Hell, he didn’t even have the spine to tell his dad to fuck off when he came back in his life after eleven years of radio silence just to completely take control of his future, how the fuck was he supposed to raise a child?!
“Babygirl, that’s amazing!” He smiled, pulling you into his lap and kissing your forehead, “You’re going to be an amazing mom.”
“You think so?” You whispered, taking some comfort in his confidence, It eased your own fear about the uncertain future. 
“Of course I do.” He assured you with the grin that got you into this mess in the first place. Ryomen was fucking petrified of what came next, and he could tell you were too. To him, easing your fear was the most important thing. He could have his own freak out later, right now he needed to be here for you. 
And his words did the trick. Slowly you could feel the tension melting from your shoulders as it settled in that he wasn’t mad, and you weren’t in this alone. “God, I was so scared you where going to leave.” You confessed, feeling the tears pool in the corner of your eyes. His arms tightened around you, holding you like he feared you might be the one to run.
“I’m not going anywhere Babygirl, I promise,” He swore to you, kissing the top of your head, “Wherever you are, that’s were I’ll be. Right next to you and our baby.” His smile was so reassuring, for a second, you actually felt hopeful for the future. He pulled your face to his, and you melted into his kiss.
Ryomen laid with you in his bed, cuddling and talking softly until you finally passed out. He insisted on you staying the night with him, if for no other reason than he found comfort in having you near. He waited until he knew you were in a deep sleep, breathing softly and steadily. He kissed your cheek before he slipped out of bed, into the kitchen for a beer, then out to the balcony to drink it. He was leaning against the old wooden railing, running a hand through his hair as he tried to visualize what his future would look like now.
“So a baby, huh?” He nearly jumped out of his skin at Suguru's voice.
“Jesus fucking Christ, a warning Geto!” He hissed as he took a drink of the cheap beer, giving Suguru the side eye as he leaned next to him.
“Sorry, I’ll make sure to yell at the top of my lungs everywhere I go from now on.” Suguru chuckled softly.
“How do you know we’re having a baby?” Suguru grimaced a little at the pink haired mans question, knowing he got the information through unethical means.
“Satoru listened in on yours and Y/n conversation.” He said as if his ear wasn’t pressed up against the door too, “Sorry.”
“Mmm.” Ryomen groaned, not wanting to accept the apology, but acknowledging it none the less.
“So…whats the plan?” Suguru asked the question no one really wanted to ask, but everyone wanted the answer to.
“The plan is I’m going to be a dad, I guess.” Ryomen grumbled, not really use to the idea yet. He took another drink.
“Well, in that case, congratulations then!” Suguru smiled, taking the cheap beer from Ryomen’s hand and lifting it up, “To the new dad! You’ll do great.” He said as he took a drink.
“Gee, thanks you’re too kind.” Ryomen scoffed.
“Hey man, I’m serious.” Suguru insisted, “I think you’ll be a great dad, if for no other reason than cause your dad sucked. You have the perfect example of what not to do.”
“No I don’t.” Ryomen argued, stress edging into his tone against his will, “My dad wasn’t even there to show me what to not do, he was fucking gone! I have no idea what the hell I’m supposed to do!” His panic was getting the better of him. He took his beer back and took another drink.
“No one does.” Suguru chuckled, still as calm as ever. “You think this shit comes with a manual? No parent in the long history of parenting has ever known what they were doing. But, you’re worried about it. You’re worried about being a good dad. And that’s further than any shitty parent gets. Probably further than you’re dad got. It shows you care man. And besides, you’ll have Y/n with you. She’s going to be a fantastic mom. If shes got the patience to deal with us, a toddler will be a breeze.”
“I don’t know man. What if…what if I am just like my dad?” Ryomen muttered. He looked just like him. He was going to take over his business. Hell, after his dad forced him to be a business major, Ryomen even changed his last name back to his fathers. It made sense at the time, a Sukuna should be the one to take over the Sukuna family business. But, now? Now that he had to pass that last name on? He wasn’t sure he wanted it. “What if it’s just…in my blood to be my dad?”
Suguru actually laughed at that, hard enough to embarrass the man next to him. “Ryomen, being a shitty person is not genetic I assure you. If it was, Nanami would be a lot more insufferable. It’s not up to our parents to decide who we are as people, that for us to decide and us alone. You’re not your DNA sequencing, you’re the actions that you take and the choices that you make. Your father has no control over that.”
“I mean…yeah. I guess you’re right.” Ryomen muttered, taking another drink before handing the bottle back to Suguru. As cliche as it may have been to say, he was starting to feel better. Maybe he wasn't doomed to be his father. Maybe the Sukuna name wasn’t a death sentence.
“Of course I’m right.” Suguru grinned as he finished off the beer. “So what are you going to do now?” He asked.
“Now?” Ryomen sighed, “Now I need to go talk to my mom.”
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It was a week before Ryomen found the time to make the drive home. A week that he spent attached to your hip. A week making sure you didn’t have to lift up a single thing, a week of threatening anyone who dared smoke around you, and a week of coming to terms with his new future. The two of you had spent the time researching doctors, and on baby forums looking for advice. He was relieved to admit, he kinda became fond of the idea of having a little baby running around. 
He started to imagine what they would look like, what they would sound like, and what their favorite color would be. Money wouldn’t be an issue once he took over Malevolent Shrine International, so he wasn’t worried about that. Honestly, you wouldn't have to work if you didn’t want to, and if you did want to he could afford child care. The two- No. The three of you were going to be okay. He hoped it would be only three.
He knocked on the door of his childhood home, having forgot his key and not being willing to go all the way back for it. Much to his dismay, Yuji answered the door. 
“Sorry, sign says no solicitors.” He said, quickly trying to close the door. Ryomen was fast to push against him, trying to get his body through the crack in the entry. 
“Open the door brat or I’m going to wipe your hard drive.” Ryomen threatened,
“College hasn’t changed you one bit, has it?” Yuji scoffed, sticking his tongue out at his brother. 
“It’s made me more prone to violence, wanna see?” Ryomen growled as he pushed against the door harder. Yuji stood firm though, an immovable object to Ryomen’s unstoppable force. 
“I’m going to tell Y/n you said that!” It was Yuji’s turn to threaten, “I’m also going to tell her that you beat me up! And you’re mean! And that you kick kittens!”
“Why you little-” Ryomen finally got his arm through the small space, almost getting a hand on his little brother before his mothers voice brought the entire show to a halt.
“Are you two Trying to break my door?!” She sounded exasperated, “Yuji, let your brother in!” The moment their mother got involved the boys remembered how to act, with Yuji calmly opening the door and Ryomen walking in like he wasn’t just trying to strangle his little sibling. 
“Hi Mom.” He said, smiling warmly as she came up and hugged him.
“Hi Honey,” She said, giving him a soft pat on the cheek. “Wheres Y/n? I made coffee.”
“She had a test today, she couldn’t make it.” He said. That was a lie. You were completely free, but, he didn't want you here for this conversation.
“Mmm, you know your ears turn red when you lie, right?” His mom laughed as she walked to the kitchen. He followed her with a roll of his eyes, sitting at the kitchen table.
“She was busy, alright?” He defended himself as his mom put a coffee cup in front of him, sitting across from him with her own.
“Sure. So what did you need to talk about sweetie?” She asked. Ryomen took a moment to really study his mom. She didn’t look so different from how he remembered her in his childhood. A few more wrinkles, a lot more gray hair, but still his mother none the less. He wondered how she felt when she realized she was having a baby.
“So, um…Y/n is…” He couldn’t make eye contact.
“Ryomen, don’t tell me you got that poor girl pregnant.” She gasped, putting down her mug and looking at him with demanding eyes. 
“Why would you jump to that?!” He tried to deflect.
“Then tell me she’s not.” She said, looking at him with a scowl that dared him to try and lie.
“....She is.” He sighed, taking a drink from his coffee to get away from her disappointed gaze.
“Sweet Jesus...” His mom sighed, closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead. Then she laughed a little, shaking her head with a soft smile she tried to hide behind her coffee cup.
“What?” He asked. She shook her head again.
“Nothing just…well, I guess I was around your age when I had you. A little younger. You can’t really be mad at the apple for not falling too far from the tree now, can you?” She chuckled softly, and it put Ryomen at ease. So she wasn’t going to eviscerate him. Good. 
“Yeah, well…Gotta honor some family traditions, am I right?” He tried to joke, only to be quickly shut up by his mothers disapproving glare. 
“So whats your plan big man?” She asked, “You’re not going to leave her alone with this, that’s for damn sure.”
“No mom, I couldn’t even imagine-”
“Good, cause I’ll choose Y/n over you every time.” She teased. 
“I know mom.” He smiled, “Good to know you like her, cause that makes this question a lot easier to ask.”
“Oh?” He really caught her attention now.
“I was wondering, do you know where Grandmas wedding ring is?” He bit his lip as he finally said it out loud. Even before you were pregnant, every time Ryomen imagined his future, it was always with you as his wife. He couldn’t conceive of a life without you by his side, now more so than ever. He was going to make things right, and unlike his own dad, he wasn’t going to wait for the second baby to do it. He knew he was on the right track when he saw his mothers proud smile.
“As a matter of a fact, I think I do. I think I know where some of your old baby clothes are too, hold on.”
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“Ryo!” You smiled as he walked into the entry of the frat house, carrying a walmart bag of old baby clothes. You were down the stairs and in his arms in an instant, laughing happily as you jumped to him. He caught you with a grin, spinning you around before putting you back on the ground.
“I could get used to that.” He teased. You smiled and rolled your eyes playfully at him.
“I’m sure you could. Ryo, I have amazing news, I- wait, what’s in the bag?” You asked as your brain finally registered that there was something in his hand. 
“Oh, yeah!” He smiled excitedly as he put the bag on the coffee table, “Remember how I went to talk to my mom? She says hi by the way, but look! She still had some of mine and Yuji’s old baby clothes!” He said, pulling out a truly precious onesie, covered in stars and a rocket ship, followed by a red, blue, and yellow stripped jumper.
“Oh baby-” You sighed as you realized your good news might actually not be good news.
“I know it’s not a lot, and its all kinda old and used, but it’s a start, you know? Something to bring the baby home in.”  He said, putting the clothes down and wrapping his arms around your waist.
“Baby, I’m not pregnant.” You dropped that like a nuke. He blinked at you as he tried to process what you just said.
“Huh?”
“I’m not pregnant Ryomen, I’m sorry. I got my period.” You said, gently cupping his cheek. You did not expect a reaction like this at all. Confusion, sure, but not…disappointment?
“But I thought you took a test?” He asked, trying to catch up to reality.
“I did, but it must have been a false positive. Apparently that’s pretty common with my birth control.”
“Oh…” He wasn’t expecting to feel so upset about this either. Like the entire world he had build up in his mind was gone. He realized he was going to be mourning the death of someone who truly never existed, and felt so ridiculous about it. He didn’t realize he was tearing up until you brushed a tear off his cheek.
“I’m sorry Ryo…but, hey! Look on the bright side, we get to keep our twenties!” You chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled gently and nodded.
“You’re right it’s just…I don’t know. I kinda liked the idea of starting a family with you.” He confessed softly, an idea that would have made his skin crawl just a little over a year ago. You really did force him to grow up. You laughed a little more sincerely this time, and gave him a quick kiss.
“Sorry Ryo, if you want a family, you’re gonna have to upgrade from the girlfriend package to the wifey bundle.” You teased him. 
“Y/n!” Gojo yelled from up the stairs, “Nanami got tired of waiting for you, he un-paused the game!” You paled as you realized that Nanami was unfairly demolishing you at street fighter.
“Hey! That’s illegal!” You yelled as you ran up the stairs to try and salvage the round. Ryomen watched as you ran away, an unfamiliar fondness growing in his chest. Normally, he would have been unbelievably jealous you were hanging out with his friends- especially without him. Now though? He saw it as a good sign.
“Upgrade, huh?” He muttered, mostly to himself. His hand dropped into his pocket, clutching the ring box there. “Don’t worry Y/n. I plan on it.” He promised as he went up stairs to join you. 
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AITA for not picking my brothers side against our mother?
Some background information:
My brother (let’s call him Collin) is trans (20m) We come from a relatively Catholic (we aren’t religious but the influence is deffo there) conservative country and have been living in the USA for most of our lives. My mother definitely can’t be considered LGBTQ allies, although they are much more understanding than some of the people here, especially in the south— which is impressive considering where we come from. She is TERRIBLE with using the correct pronouns for Collin, so much so that he doesn’t contact her much anymore. I’ve never tried to get him to do otherwise— it’s his choice, and I still respect him. I can understand it. Shortly before he moved away, he’d rant to me about her. I was pretty good with listening and giving advice/support for the first few years, but towards the end of high school (when the school work stress was piling up, along with other external family issues), it started to weigh on me. I wanted (and still want) to be someone Collin can confide in, but I still love my mother. She has made improvements with her close-mindedness, even if they aren’t huge steps. Whenever I try to give reasons for her behavior or just try to get them to get along, he accused me of siding with her. A lot of his perceptions of her seem warped these days, too. Like a while ago he was talking with me via text about one of his friends/coworkers (who is gay). He told me not to mention to our mother that this friend is gay— this friend, by the way, is fully out and married. A few months later I slipped and mentioned it to my mother (she had suggested that this friend probably likes this woman we know and I said “no mom he’s gay!”). And she didn’t really react? She just bluescreened for a moment (the trademark “confused boomer pause”) and went on with the conversation. I’ve had a lot of talks with her about LGBTQ issues, and I’ve actually managed to get her to consider the fact that homophobia may stem from religion (she is a very science>religion kind of person). She wholeheartedly believes that LGBTQ issues should not be politicized. (Not an ally, not an enemy.)
anyway, all this to say that Collin has a very 2D impression of her. Last year I went to pick him up at the airport, and mom called while we were in the car to remind us to stop by [store] and pick something up. When the call ended, Collin snorted and said something like “the bitch couldn’t have just sent a text?”
I told him, a bit snappishly, to shut up. He looked surprised and I felt bad, but I told him that I didn’t want any in part in the conflict and that he should stop bringing me into it.
I was also kind of pissed at him at the time for posting the story of an argument between our mother and I (my period was a month late, she thought I was pregnant*— not even an argument she was just annoyingly suspicious for a week or two) online. He changed names for privacy, but there were people who knew who he was so it wasn’t that hard to figure out who his “sister” was. Since I never gave him permission to share it with anyone, I asked him to take it down. He did eventually. but I guess that could be for another AITA post.
*I have never dated or shown interest in dating anyone.
Overall, I feel that he has the right to argue/have a bad relationship with our mother. But I also have a right to let it affect me without being labeled as a bad or traitorous sister.
What are these acronyms?
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the-guilty-writer · 1 year
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Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Request from @steveharringtonsgirl04: Hey! I have a request you can totally say not to it but it just keeps coming back in my head lol  soo dad hotch x teen reader where she just wants her dad to hold her :( like all the hotch hugs so he takes her to the BAU and nobody knows he has a daughter btw I absolutely adore your writing it’s literally my favorite!
Aaron Hotchner x daughter!reader
Summary: Hard days are always made better by Hotchner hugs.
A/N: I fully admit that I am lacking in creativity at the moment and I don’t love the “secret family” trope, so this is just short and fluffy Hotch being the best dad
CW: reader gets her period, mentions of vomiting, suggestion that reader’s mother is Haley but could always be adopted or from another relationship
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“Everyone has his day and some last longer than others.”
Well, you were having your day. And it was bad. Before the lunch bell rang for the day you’d already gotten a terrible night sleep, had Jack spill juice on your favorite top, been late for class, gotten locked out of your locker, tripped over your own feet causing you to face plant in front of the upperclassmen, and gotten your period.
It was safe to say that you were having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
You riffled through your backpack, looking for the bottle of Advil to ease the cramps, but when you found it, it was empty. You cursed under your breath.
Terrible. Horrible. No Good. Very Very Bad Day.
With the knowledge that you’d be unable to get through the rest of the day without being in pain, you swallowed your pride and went to the nurse’s office.
“I’m going to have to call a parent or guardian to bring you something,” the older lady told you. “It’s against school policy for me to give students medication without a doctor's note. Is there someone I can call?”
Usually the answer would have been Jessica, but for once she was the guardian who was out of town.
“Yeah, um, my dad,” you said.
The nurse gave you a sympathetic look and left. She came back a few minutes later. “He’s on his way,” she informed you.
Feeling exhausted and uncomfortable, all you could do was nod.
---
When Hotch walked into the nurse’s office an hour later, he thought you might be on the verge of vomiting. While you tried to look as stoic as him, the paleness of your face gave away how you were actually feeling, and the guilt that he couldn’t get there sooner made his heart sink.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he greeted you, sitting next to you on the cot. He pulled a bottle of Advil from his pocket and handed it to you.
“Thanks.” Your hands were slow but your voice was grateful. “Sorry you had to drive all the way here.”
“No need to apologize.” He kissed your forehead before you downed the pills. You leaned into him slightly and he wrapped his arms around you. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”
“‘S not your fault,” your voice was muffled by his suit. You leaned into him and he held you gladly. Just like your mom, you’d always liked hugs, even more so when you hurt.
“Do you want to come to work with me?” he asked. “You can come lay on the couch in my office for the rest of the day.”
You didn’t even question it. “Yes, please."
He signed you out at the front desk. You got a few funny looks, probably doubts that your cramps were really bad enough that you needed the rest of the day off school, but nobody was going to question the glock on your dad's hip or the ID on his shirt.
He helped you into the car, always showing you how any future partner you have should treat you. By the time he climbed into the drivers side, you were already slumped against the door, fast asleep. A gentle smile crept over Hotch’s face as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, careful not to wake you, and then began driving to the office at Quantico.
---
“Do you need anything?” Your dad asked before he sat down at his desk.
You were curled up on the couch in his office, a warm cup of tea on the small table in front of you and a fuzzy blanket. Halfway through the drive, your dad had stopped to get your favorite food. You had your laptop out so you could relax and watch your favorite movies. Really, you had everything.
“A hug?” you requested. That was the one thing he’d never say no to. He sat beside you on the couch and pulled you into a hug- the safest feeling in the world. As he let go, he kissed your forehead and then pulled the blanket tighter around your shoulders.
You put the headphones on and turned on the movie. Your dad began his paperwork.
It was no longer a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.
746 notes · View notes
gretavangroupie · 1 year
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Vigilance (Chapter 1)
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Word count: 9.8k+
Pairings: Sam Kiszka, Jake Kiszka, Female Reader
Warnings: 18+ as always, language, angst, fluff.
A/N: This story is a very special collaboration with my best pal @gretavanmoon. We have been scheming on this one for a while... If you haven't read her stuff, definitely go check it out. If you have, even better! We are taking this one all the way back to the early days, but we will be going into the present, so hold on tight it will be a bumpy ride. Without further ado...
September 2013
You fidget nervously at your desk, waiting to hear who your assigned partner would be for the History project. School only started a few weeks ago, and you had hardly made friends with anyone in your classes yet. There were a few familiar faces that came with you from middle school, but no one that you really considered to be a friend.
High school was different. Everything was much more fast paced, people were louder, and meaner. You spent the last few weeks acclimating to the change of environment and learning your schedule, which brings you to third period History class.
As you listen to your teacher read off the names of the assigned partners you hold your breath as she reaches your name. 
“Your partner for the semester is Samuel Kiszka.” 
Sam? 
He looks over at you and gives you a soft grin. You can barely see his eyes behind his swooping brown hair. You can see the outline of his braces under his lips as he gives you a soft wave in acknowledgement of his assignment. You smile back and nod your head. 
You wouldn’t say that you and Sam are friends, but you have known him for a long time. Your parents are best friends with his parents and they have been since highschool. There have been many times that the Kiszka’s would spend New Years Eve at your house, or you at theirs. Fourth of July was always spent at the Kiszka’s and even sometimes Thanksgiving. You grew up around the guys, but you never really saw them outside of the holidays. 
When the teacher called out Sam’s name, it was almost a relief. Now you wouldn’t have to spend the entire semester getting to know someone you didn’t choose yourself. You already knew Sam, just superficially. 
As the bell for the end of class rang, you collected up your books and zipped them into your backpack. As you stood up, Sam approached your desk, “Hey partner!” he smiled. 
Looking up at him nervously, you replied “Hey Sam!”
“I’m kind of glad we are partners,” he said, “I don’t really know anyone else yet.”
“I thought the same thing!” you say, reaching in your bag and pulling out a piece of scrap paper. You quickly scribble your number onto the strip and cap your pen. “Here is my number, so that we can start to plan. Seems like it's going to be a huge project.” 
He smiles, and accepts the paper from your fingers. “Cool. I’ll text you later about it. Be thinking of ideas.” he says, nodding his head and walking off. 
Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. 
Thinking of topics for the project proved challenging. You were tasked with explaining the history of a modern day object. It could be anything. You spent a lot of the day thinking of things that were interesting and had a cool history behind them. 
As you sat down at a table for lunch that day you began to unpack the lunch your mom made for you. One or two girls from your previous class sat around you and you talked mindlessly about the pep rally coming up and the football game on Friday. As you zoned out, you noticed Sam. He was sitting at a table with one of his friends who you knew as Danny. They were typical teenage boys, cutting up and cracking jokes. His eyes caught yours and he flashed you a smile, before quickly turning his attention back to Danny. Throughout the rest of the lunch you caught each other's eyes a few more times, but just small glances. He had kind eyes and you could tell he was a good person. Maybe you would get to know him better through this project. 
That night as you are studying your Economics book to prepare for the test tomorrow, your phone vibrates on your desk.
Unknown: Hey it’s Sam
Oh, that was quick. I half expected him to lose the paper.
You: Hey Sam!
You quickly add his number to your contacts just as he replies.
Sam: Do you have any ideas for the project?
You: Yeah I do! I was thinking maybe we could do something music related since you are all into that now.
Sam: I’d love that, but are you sure?
You: Yeah, it will be fun and easy. Maybe we can do the evolution of the guitar or something?
Sam: That would be awesome. I always knew you were cool.
You: Lol, thanks…
Sam: Do you want to come to my house tomorrow and we can start on it?
You: You don’t have something better to do on a Friday night?
Sam: Nah, just mess around and play music in the garage like usual. Plus if we get this done we don't have to worry about it the rest of the semester.
You: Good point.
Sam: My brother can drive us to my house if your mom will pick you up later?
You: Sounds good!
Much of the next day at school is spent researching between classes and checking out library books about guitars, something you know nothing about. By the time the final bell rang you had consumed so much information about guitars that you felt like you could probably play one if you picked it up. As you walked to the Senior parking lot you heard Sam call your name from behind. You turn around to face him and he runs up to you.
“Hey!” he says, out of breath.
“Hey, are you ready to go?” you ask, clutching the stack of library books in your arms..
“Yeah, I think Jake's car is in the back. We are always late in the morning.” he says annoyed.
You shrug your shoulders and smile. His eyes flick down to the books in your arms, “I’ll carry those.” he says, reaching for the stack.
“Oh, it’s okay, I’ve got it.” you reply nervously. You’ve never had anyone offer to carry your books, and you can feel yourself blushing.
“No, no, I insist.” he says, grabbing the hefty stack from your hands.
“Thanks.” you say with a soft smile and he gives you a side smile back.
He starts to walk to the back of the parking lot and once you arrive at the car you see Jake leaning against the car, waiting, and clearly very annoyed. He looks a lot different than you remember him. His hair has grown out and his clothing style has changed.
He cuts his eyes at Sam, “You’re late….” his eyes look down to the books in Sam’s arms. “Carrying her books, a nice touch brother.” 
“Shut up Jake.” Sam quips back.
Jake's eyes flash to you, widening slightly as he looks at you. His mouth starts to move as if he is going to say something, but he stops himself and purses his lips together, giving you one last glance as he turns on his heels to get into the car. 
You swallow nervously at the awkward exchange, and get into the backseat of the messy sedan. Sam throws his stuff into the back seat next to you and shuts the door, opting for the front seat. 
The drive to their house is short and you’re thankful. Something about Jake’s presence is making you uneasy. You have a swirling feeling in your stomach and a dry mouth. This is only further accentuated by his glances through the rear view mirror. He is studying you, but why?
You quickly look away, embarrassed that he caught you looking back. A small smirk crosses his lips. Sam looks at him with a puzzled look before looking away and turning the radio up.
A few minutes later you are pulling into the driveway of their house. A house you have visited many times before, but never without the buffer of your parents. You get out and shut the door, watching Sam and Jake gather their things before joining you on the front porch. Jake unlocks the door and you all pile inside. He looks at Sam and then to you. His eyes linger for just a moment, before he heads upstairs and the bedroom door closes.
“Has he always been this weird and I never noticed?” you jokingly ask Sam.
He gives you a strange look and shakes his head, “I don’t know what his deal is. Sorry about that.”
“Oh I don’t mind, all good.” you say dismissively. But you do mind, and you will be thinking about that look in the car, for the foreseeable future.
You and Sam spend the next several hours spread out on his living room floor, laying out books, papers, articles and notebooks with research and information, trying to create a timeline. You have created a solid outline for the paper portion of the project, but will have to put in more work on the actual poster board set up and model, as well as actually writing the paper. As you finish outlining the final section of the paper, you hear Jake coming down the stairs and you both turn your heads to look at him. 
Your blood runs cold when you realize he is shirtless. It feels almost wrong to see him like this. You turn away quickly focusing back on the books in front of you. When he makes his way into the kitchen you release a sigh of relief that you hope Sam didn’t notice. As you continue to work, the image of his bare chest flashes through your brain. You push him away and refocus.
A few minutes later he walks into the living room and positions himself on the couch watching the two of you with a smug look as he scrolls on his phone mindlessly.
“What do you want? Go away.” Sam says aggressively.
“Mom said they will be home late and that I need to ‘supervise’ you.” Jake replies smugly with air quotes.
“Supervise? Supervise what?” Sam asks, practically yelling.
Just as Jake went to answer, the front door flew open. Josh waltzes into the living room loudly announcing his arrival. 
“Honey, I’m hooooome!” he exclaims.
He sees you on the floor next to Sam with Jake on the couch, and raises an eyebrow as he hangs his coat on the little metal hook by the door.
He looks over to you with a smile, “Hey! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in forever! How are you liking highschool?” he asks. He has always been the more talkative one of the twins. He always made a point to have a conversation with you at every gathering, Jake not so much.
“Hey Josh! We are partners for History class this semester. We are working on our project. And… highschool is highschool. Nothing to report just yet.” you reply with a laugh.
“Well give it time, good to see you!” he says, bounding up the stairs. 
You look over to Sam who shrugs his shoulders and you can't help but feel Jake's eyes burning into the side of your head. 
“Do you mind if I get a glass of water?” you ask Sam.
“No go ahead.” he says, continuing to write the thought he was having, down onto the paper.
You stand and make your way into the kitchen, opening the cabinet that you know you’ll find the glasses in, and walking over to the fridge. 
You open the door to grab the pitcher and pour the cold water into the glass. As you shut the door you are shocked to find Jake standing a few feet away leaning against the counter. 
Your eyes widen as they connect with him. Your eyes travel the length of his body up and down, taking in the changes that have happened since the last time you saw him. Suddenly you are seeing him in a whole new way. The glow of the fluorescent lights casting a soft shadow on the dips and curves of his abs. His shaggy brown hair hangs in his eyes as he crosses his feet. He is…attractive. Not something you would have ever thought you would think about a Kiszka boy. Having practically grown up together you thought you would always just see them as brothers. That is apparently not the case. 
You realize that you are staring and quickly look away, only to hear him chuckling under his breath. You take a drink out of your glass and nervously walk over to the sink. Your heart is beating fast at your sudden realization of how your body is reacting to his presence. 
He walks over and leans his upper body onto the counter next to you. “Why’re you breathing so heavy?” he asks with a smug grin.
“Drank too fast.” you reply, looking up at him.
“Hmm.” he says, pushing off the counter and walking back into the living room. 
You set your glass in the sink and just stare at it for a second.
Oh god, he totally knows. 
Returning to the living room, you rejoin Sam on the floor and continue to work. About an hour later the doorbell rings.
“Oh yeah, Mom ordered pizza.” Jake says, getting up to answer the door. He collects the boxes and tips the driver before walking to the kitchen. 
“You hungry?” Sam asks.
“Yeah, I could eat.” you reply with a smile. 
He smiles back and extends his hand to help you off of the floor. You make your way into the kitchen and stand around the island as Jake takes plates out of the cabinet. 
“Hey can you go tell Josh there's food?” Jake asks Sam.
Sam rolls his eyes and trudges up the stairs. You swallow thickly, realizing you are yet again left alone with Jake. He opens the box and looks up at you. 
You immediately look down at your hands and again you hear him laugh.
“Why do you keep doing that?” you ask in an annoyed tone.
“Doing what?” he replies.
“Waiting for me to look at you and then laughing when I look away.” you respond.
He gives you a side smile, “Because…you get all nervous and blush. It’s cute. I think you have a crush on me.”
“No I don’t!” you reply with a bright red face.
“It’s okay if you do. I wouldn’t be mad.” he replies, handing you an empty plate with a smug look.
Before you can say anything, Sam and Josh bound into the kitchen and are so loud that it breaks the tension between you and Jake. 
Thank god.
As Josh and Sam begin to tear into the boxes, Jake raises his voice, “Hey!” and everyone stops and stares at him. Returning his voice to a normal tone he continues, “Ladies first guys, come on.”
If your face were any more red you would turn into a tomato. You quickly walk over and grab 2 slices, and find a seat at the table. You sit just staring at your plate trying to process everything that just happened. 
How does he know I think he’s cute?
Why didn’t I deny it again? Now he probably thinks it’s true!
The rest of the guys join around the table and begin their conversations. Jake is sitting across from you and you have done remarkably well not looking at him one time. You can tell he notices too. 
As Josh asks about your History project, Sam starts to explain your selected topic. As you listen in on all of the research he is talking about you feel something slide across your foot, and you instantly know what it is. You face flames red again and you see a small, hardly noticeable smile cross Jake's lips. 
You pull your leg back so that the contact is lost. Josh asks you what you know about guitars and you tell him that you know absolutely nothing about them. You have never even held one. You grab your glass of water taking a sip as Josh responds.
“You know, Jake could probably teach you a few things if you were interested.” he says, and you nearly choke. The water has slipped past your throat in just the wrong way. 
You feel his foot slide across the side of your ankle, and you try to gain your composure. 
“Yeah, you just call me if you’re interested.” he says with a side smile.
You know his words mean something different than what Josh intended and your heart starts to beat quickly as his eyes stare into yours.
Throughout the rest of the dinner, you feel his foot twisting with yours trying to get your attention but you do your best to ignore him. What does he want from me anyways?
You all finish up and pile your plates in the sink and you and Sam return back to the living room to keep working. Josh and Jake are in the kitchen cleaning up as the doorbell rings. 
“I’ll get it!” Sam yells out, and he walks to the door, opening it to reveal Danny.
You knew Sam and Danny were best friends, they had been since school started a few weeks ago. They were always together.
“Crap, I forgot to text you. I’m trying to get this History project done so we don’t have to worry about it.” he says, letting Danny in the door.
“Hi Danny.” You say standing up to greet him. He returns the hello and turns back to Sam, “I can go. No big deal.”
Sam looks conflicted, and turns to you, “Do you think we have done enough for today?” he asks. You can tell he doesn’t want Danny to leave.
“Yeah, I think we have a really good head start. I just need to text my mom to come get me, and I’ll be out of your hair.” you say pulling your phone from your pocket. 
“Well, we are just gonna play some music in the garage, you can stay if you want to?” he says.
“Oh, it’s Friday night, I don’t want to intrude on your plans…” you say.
Jake comes into the living room from around the corner, “Think of it like research for your project. Need to see one in action if you’re gonna try and write about it, right?” he says with a smirk.
Smooth…
You look at Sam who is shrugging and nodding his head in agreement.
You bite your lips inward and turn back to Jake, “Okay, just for a little bit. I do want to see you play – I mean, I want to see all of you play – I didn’t mea–” you stammer, stumbling over your words. You actually aren’t sure what you meant, but you think it was probably close to the first thing. 
“Cool…” he replies with a smug grin.
Jake places a hand on your shoulder and lets it slide across the top of your back as he makes his way upstairs. You shove your phone back into your pocket and take a deep breath. 
“You can follow us out the garage, but grab your jacket, there’s no heat.” he says, waving his hand to follow after him.
You follow him and Danny out the side door and into the stand alone garage at the end of the gravel path. He turns on the fluorescent lights that start to buzz as they warm up. You see a drum kit, a bass and an electric guitar all hooked up to amps and you turn to look at Sam, “When did all this happen? This wasn’t here last time I was here!” you ask, surprised.
“We kinda got serious about it over the summer. We are gonna try and make a go of it I think. We have some songs worked up, and Danny is our new drummer.” he answers.  You sit down on the old faded red couch and cross your legs. A few minutes later the door opens and Jake and Josh come in to join you. Josh sits next to you on the couch as Jake throws the guitar strap over his shoulder. He has on a hoodie now, but that doesn't stop you from picturing how he looked in the kitchen earlier. Almost as if he knew what you were thinking a smile flashed across his lips as he turned on the amp. Hearing his guitar roar to life you feel a spark travel through you. He is so concentrated and the way his hands are moving across the strings is bringing back that swirling feeling from earlier. He is in his element, and he wanted you to see it.
For the next hour they played to an audience of just you, Josh eventually getting up to join them for a few covers. You didn’t even know Josh could sing. You’re actually glad you stayed. They sound good, better than you expected, and it's nice to actually be doing something other than homework on a Friday night. 
Bouncing your foot along with the music you look at each of the guys, examining their hands and the movements they are making to create the sounds you are hearing. You find your gaze fixed upon Jake and his hands, far longer than any of the others. When you realize and look up you see his eyes trained on you, watching you just as intently as you were watching him. He nods his head in a come here motion, and you reel back slightly. What?
“Come here,” he speaks out.
You stand nervously and approach him. He slings the guitar strap over his head before placing it over your shoulder. It hangs heavily around your neck, as he smiles. “Okay, grab the neck,” he says, picking up your hand and placing it on the frets, “and this arm…” he says, pulling it through the strap, “Rests here. There, now you have held a guitar.” he smiles. 
The feeling of his hands on your body in any capacity is enough to send your nervous system into overdrive. You feel like you might faint, but quickly reel it in. He walks around to the front of the guitar and places your fingers on the strings in a specific pattern. 
“Okay, hold those there. It might hurt a little but it will go away.” he says, pulling the dark green guitar pick out of his teeth and handing it to you. “Okay take this and strum the strings.” 
You do as he says and the note rings out. A smile crosses your face and his. You cant help but notice the shine in his eyes. A look of pride. 
“Hey! You did it! You’ll be replacing Jake in no time!” Josh jokes from his stool. You look over to Sam who has an annoyed look on his face. 
“Jake, isn’t your girlfriend coming over or something…” Sam asks pointedly.
Jake doesn’t answer, but he steps backwards from you, realizing the way things must look.
Your eyes flick back to him and you notice his face is red and you try to break the tension, “Thanks, I feel like I am definitely qualified to write about this now.” you joke, removing the strap from around your neck and handing the guitar back to him. Your hand brushes his in the exchange and you feel that spark again. 
As you make your way back to the couch you pull your phone from your pocket and send a quick text to your mom letting her know she could come pick you up. You spend the next twenty minutes watching them play and goof around with different songs. When she texts you that she is here, you stand up and zip your coat to prepare to leave. 
“Are you going?” Jake is the first to ask, and you see a look cross his face that must be embarrassment that he has come across eager. 
“Yeah, my mom is here, so I need to get my things from inside.” you say.
“I’ll walk you inside.” Sam says, quickly throwing his bass onto the stand. You see Jake's mouth open, but he closes it and steps back biting his cheek.
What was he going to say?
“Thanks for letting me stay and hang out with you guys! Can’t wait until you’re headlining an arena some day” you laugh, waving at all of them and stepping over the threshold of the door. You close the door gently behind you peering through the pane of glass to see Jake giving you his own version of goodbye with his eyes.  
-
As you lay in your bed that night the memory of your impromptu guitar lesson played through your head, closely followed by a pair of piercing brown eyes willing you to stay just a little longer. Against your will and better judgment you fall asleep that night thinking about Jake Kiszka. 
-
The next several Fridays were spent at the Kiszka house. Your parents were thrilled that you had formed a friendship with the guys and his parents had extended an open invitation for your welcome into their home whenever you wanted. Fridays turned into Saturdays which turned into going to hangout with Sam most days after school. You and Sam had become extremely close friends, even after the project was all said and done Freshman year. You and Sam even went to prom together Junior year. At a certain point you thought Sam might have feelings for you, but when you started dating Michael Carvey later that year, that suspicion went away. By summer of Senior year, Michael was but a passing memory and you and Sam were closer than ever. Their band actually had taken off. They were on the path to even record an EP. You had never been happier for them. You had seen first hand just how hard they worked to get there. You even helped Sam pass Calculus so that his parents would let him go play bar gigs in Detroit til 2AM. He was your best friend, and you would do anything for him. You just wanted to see him succeed, and he was. 
While Sam never truly came out with his feelings for you after Michael, you knew. He knew. It was unspoken. You spent practically all of your time with him, but you didn’t feel that way about him. But what he didn’t know, and what you could never tell him was why. It would ruin your friendship. It was Jake, and it had been since that day in the garage. You thought that he was just your first real crush, and that when you had a boyfriend that feeling would go away. But it didn’t. Throughout the years it was a look here, or a touch there. He would say or do something, anything to keep you hanging on and it worked. You both knew it. But you also both knew nothing could ever come of it. You couldn’t do that to Sam. As the years passed you grew distant from Jake as he and Josh went off to college. You and Sam grew closer and now Senior year was drawing to a close. 
May 2017
“Hello?” you answered your phone.
“Hey… did they tell you?” Sam asked.
“Who? Tell me what?” you ask.
“Our parents think they are sneaky and are throwing us a surprise Graduation party” he says with a sigh.
“Oh, well I guess it's not a surprise now, huh?” you laugh.
“I hate surprises!” he says, “I only found out because I heard my mom talking to Josh on the phone.”
“Oh, is Josh coming home for this?” you ask, knowing that if Josh was going, Jake wouldn’t be too far behind. 
“Yeah I think they both are. Lucky us…” he says in an annoyed tone.
“Yeah, well, let's just get through the actual graduation before we worry about the party, okay?” you ask.
“Alright, talk to you later.” he says hanging up.
You throw your phone onto your bed and bring your hand to your chest. 
You haven't seen Jake in months. A feeling of anxiety washes over you at the thought. You have kept up with him on social media but he hasn’t been home when you’ve gone to hang out with Sam lately. They just finalized their EP and he and Josh have been in Detroit working on the tour schedule. You got into U of M  for the fall term and you are so excited you can hardly wait. Sam decided against college, following after Jake. He wants to see where the band will take him, knowing that if he decides to stop the band, college will still be an option. You disagree with his choice, but he is your best friend and you will support him with whatever he decides. Danny did the same, shortly followed by Josh dropping out of U of M. Jake only attended the first year of college, deciding that his band was his dream. They were going to make it, you just had a feeling.
 -
A few days later as you are putting on your graduation dress, you stop and look at yourself in the mirror. You remember standing in this exact spot the day you started highschool, wondering who you would be, and what you would look like in four years. A lot has changed since that moment. You have filled out, become more of a woman than a young girl. You are smart, 5th in your class. You have a partial scholarship to your top choice college and a whole bright future ahead of you. You have had a few boyfriends, a few different hair styles and a few friends come and go. But one thing has remained constant in those passing four years. The forbidden and undeniable tug in your heart for Jake. 
You stand up pushing the thought from your mind as you grab your cap and gown and head downstairs to meet your parents. They think they have pulled a fast one on you with this whole surprise party, and you let them believe it. You know they are going to miss you terribly when you leave for college. 
Hours later as you strut across the stage to accept your diploma, you notice a face in the crowd that tugs on that heartstring once again. You wondered if he would be here. He looks different now, his hair longer, grown out to the tops of his shoulders. His face more structured and defined, his eyes somehow darker and more brooding. His lips, more plump and inviting.  
Stop, this is not his moment. 
As the Principal hands you your diploma you exit the stage and take your seat. You are proud of your accomplishments and who you have become, and you find yourself wondering if he is too.
-
As you pull into the driveway at the Kiszka house, you see cars lined up all up and down the streets, in typical Kiszka fashion they have invited the whole town. As your family makes their way inside everyone rushes towards you and congratulates you on your achievement. You spend the next 20 minutes greeting everyone and thanking them for coming and for all of their support over the past few years. As your parents get tangled up in conversation you make your way to the kitchen to see if you can sneak yourself a drink. As you step into the kitchen he's there. Standing. Waiting. Almost as if he knew this would be your first stop. A soft side smile crosses his face as he extends a red solo cup to you. You smile and take it, taking a sip and you nearly choke.
“What in the world is this?” you say disgusted.
“A little bit of everything. You better get used to it, college girl.” he says playfully.
You roll your eyes with a smile and take another sip, knowing it's only a matter of time until you’re whisked away by another family member. 
“I didn’t think you would come. Haven’t seen you in a while.” you say casually.
“You thought I would miss this?” he asks, almost as if you’d hurt him.
“I don’t know… You have just been busy, with the EP and all…” you trail off.
He pushes off the counter and looks behind him, before bringing a hand to the side of your face, rubbing his thumb over your cheek bone. He pauses for a second, just looking at you.
“You’re so beautiful.” he says, his hand sliding off your face, and down your arm. His fingertips graze yours as he turns and walks away.
JAKE POV
You had to go. You had to get out of there. You walk out of the kitchen, the smell of her perfume still lingering in your nose. You can smell it on your hand. The hand that touched her perfectly soft face, just seconds ago. You knew if you stood there for one second longer it would be over. Everything you have fought for years, gone in an instant. You would kiss her, and it would ruin everything. So instead you left her there, with the only thing that you could force out of your mouth. 
‘You’re so beautiful.’
And god, was she. That was just the tip of the iceberg. She always was. Even that day so long ago, sprawled out on your living room floor next to Sam. You haven't let that day slip from your mind even once. She was the prettiest thing you’d ever seen. You felt compelled to be near her. You couldn’t stay away.
It’s been four years, and with each passing day you watched her change and grow and turn into the beautiful woman that was standing in front of you, and even after all this time and everything that has happened between you, you still can’t have her. 
You remember the day Sam told you that he liked her. It was just a few short weeks after that night in the garage. You were crushed, but he could never know that. You knew you could never have her, simply because he wanted her. She was his best friend. It was forbidden. So you watched from afar, wishing it was you laughing with her on the phone each night. Texting her the funny things that happened in your day, or just hanging out and going to movies together. Anything with her. But it wasn’t you. It was Sam. The worst part of it all, was knowing she didn’t feel the same for him, and trying to help him see it himself. 
You both knew it would never be more than stolen glances, and secrets. Even if you both wanted it. There would always be Sam.
-
Stepping back into your bedroom you shut the door, and walk over to your dresser. You open the tiny wooden box on top and dig out the joint you rolled earlier in the day, thanking yourself for thinking ahead. You put it in the front pocket of your shirt, along with a lighter. You close the box and glance over to the card sitting on your desk. You have been debating on whether or not you were going to give it to her all day. You look away and walk back to the door, twisting the knob and leaving the room. 
The party is starting to die down, a lot of your parents' friends have already left, but a few linger still. You join your siblings and friends in the basement, knowing that she will be down there. You run your fingers through your hair quickly, and take a deep breath as you head down the steps. Everyone is hanging out, lounging on the couches and chairs, even a few people are spread across the floor. You see her on the couch next to Sam and you look away as you go to sit next to Josh on the floor. He is right in the middle of telling a story in his usual overly animated style. You never really understood how he did that. You were never good at storytelling. 
You lean back on your arms and cross your legs in front of you. You look around the room and your eyes meet hers. She bites her lip into her mouth as she looks at you. You wished she wouldn’t do that. You find yourself thinking of how her lips would feel between your own teeth. It wouldn’t be the first time you thought of it, however. Her eyes dart away from yours as Sam begins to speak. 
Your eyes move down her body, focusing on the light reflecting off of her bare legs. They look so smooth, they are practically shining, even in the dim lighting of the basement. You force yourself to look away, and start a side conversation with Josh, but the whole time all you think about is her and how she looked at you in the kitchen. How she has always looked at you.
You have purposefully stayed away from her for the past few months. You couldn’t trust yourself, and you have thankfully been busy with the EP and planning the tour. You have spent a lot of time in Detroit and have scarcely been home. But that didn't mean you weren’t thinking of her. She was always there. 
Everytime you would come home you would hope she was there hanging out with Sam, just wanting one glance from her to hold you over another few weeks. But she wasn’t. So when your mom called and asked if you could come home for Sam’s graduation, you didn’t hesitate to jump in your car and head home immediately. You knew she would be there, and here she was, even more beautiful than the last time you saw her.
Knowing that you needed to get her out of your head you stand up and walk back upstairs, making your way to the back porch. You position yourself on the old wicker patio set in the corner and pull the tightly rolled joint from your shirt pocket.
Placing your feet on the table in front of you, you block the wind and light the end of the joint. 
Taking a long drag you breathe in as deeply as your lungs can take and let it slip slowly past your lips.
You tilt your head back onto the chair and stare up at the night sky, counting each star and trying to pick out the patterns you recognize. A smile crosses your face as you find the little dipper. It always makes you think of her. Her sophomore year, Fourth of July. You pointed it out to her. Somehow she had never seen it. It was the first time you held her, trying to position her the right way to be able to see it. You never wanted it to end. Her hand gripped yours tightly when she saw it, it was perfect. Ever since that night you always think of her when you see it. You can always find it. It’s always there. Just like her, in your heart.
A low rumble sounds through the house as you hear Sam and Danny playing around with a guitar in the basement. Typically you would join in, but tonight you are perfectly fine right here staring up at the stars imagining what if. Just far enough away to clear your mind but still close to her. You can feel her near you. After a few minutes you hear the door open and tilt your head to see who it is. You sit up a little when you see that it's her. You knew she would come looking for you. She always does and you’re always waiting. 
She walks over and sits in the chair next to you crossing her legs on the table just like yours. You both just look at each other, no words needed to be said. This was a familiar occurrence between the two of you. Many times over the years you have found yourself in this exact spot sharing a joint together, each time as if no time has passed at all. No talking, just being together, existing in the same space. But tonight was different.  
Your eyes flick to hers, and you pass it to her, her nimble fingers taking it from yours. You watch as she presses the paper to her lips inhaling and closing her eyes as she tilts her head back to look at the sky, much in the same way you just were. The smoke billows from her lips and you watch her chest rise and fall. The moon is bright, not a single cloud to dull its shine as it glows across her skin. You swallow thickly as you try to stifle the situation in your jeans. She passes it back to you, and you press it to your lips, knowing that the shared saliva on the tip is the closest you’ll ever get to tasting her.
“Jake?” she finally speaks up.
You turn your head to face her, involuntarily almost. Your body is betraying you. “Yeah?”
“Did you mean what you said earlier?” she asks nervously.
“What?” you ask, confused.
“In the kitchen, when you said…” she trails off. 
You let a soft smile cross your face, “Yeah I meant it. You are beautiful. You always have been and I’m so proud of you.”  you confess reaching your hand out to run your fingers over the small stretch of skin on her arm. You see her face soften and it takes every ounce of your strength to not kiss her right then.
You aren’t sure if it’s the alcohol, the weed or both, but you got brave and now the truth is out.
“I’m proud of you too, you know.” she says, taking the joint back from your fingers. She takes a pull of it and hands it back. “I’m proud of all of you of course, but you… it’s different. The EP is so good. People love it and I know why… it came from here.” she says gently, placing her hand over your heart. The electrifying sensation zapping through your body just as quickly as her hand pulled away. Your hand instinctively reached for the spot hers was just in, before you could even realize. 
The music inside is growing louder and you can hear Josh starting to sing. They will be down there for a while. If you’re going to do it, it has to be now. 
“Hey, stay here, I have to get something. I’ll be right back.” You hand her the quickly dwindling joint and sprint upstairs to find the card you wrote her. There it sits on your desk, waiting and hoping to be opened. You grab it and shove it into the back pocket of your jeans before you make your way back downstairs and back onto the porch. Your heart is pounding as you rejoin her. You can tell that she is feeling the effects of the weed, as she is not trying to avoid eye contact anymore. Her eyes are locked in on your every movement. 
You pull the blue envelope out of your pocket and nervously hand it to her. Her brow furrows and she accepts it, reading her name across the front in your messy handwriting. 
“Jake…” she says, pulling the card out of the envelope. 
“Just open it…” you say nervously. 
Her eyes shoot up when she opens the card and notices it. You feel like your heart stops beating for a second as she realizes what it is. You let out a silent breath as you see the corners of her lips turning upward into a smile. 
Taped inside the card was a small green guitar pick. The same one you used that night in the garage. The one you have carried with you everyday since. 
“Jake you kept this?” she asked, rhetorically. 
“I’ve had it with me everyday. Kept it in my wallet. I know it’s stupid… I just…” you stammer.
“It’s not stupid Jake… but why are you giving it to me, you’ve kept it all this time…” she asks, confused on why you would give her something you’ve kept for so long.
Your face turns a dark crimson as you tell her the reason, “Well, I have carried that with me everyday for four years, like… a little piece of you was always with me. Now, I want you to have it. Carry a piece of me… with you. So you don’t forget me when you go away. You have always been my first pick, here’s your proof.” you say nervously.
She looks down, her eyes filled with tears, and smooths her pointer finger over the pick. She closes the card and her eyes flick up to yours. They are different, sad, but dark. She places the card on the table and stands up, walking to lean against the railing that overlooks the ravine next to your childhood home. 
You stand and join her, feeling like you have messed up. Like you shouldn’t have said that.
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset yo–” you are cut off as her hands cup your jaw, and finally after years of dreaming about it, you feel her lips pressed against yours. Your hand finds its place on the back of her neck, pulling her closer into you as your other hand meets the small of her back. 
It’s heaven, ecstasy, pure bliss, any beautiful and mind blowing word you could conjure would never be able to explain the feeling coursing through your veins. You can feel every emotion that neither of you could ever explain, being described perfectly as your lips meld with hers. Her soft, perfect lips. Everything you’ve ever wanted.  
She pulls away, far too soon. Your body is still gravitating to hers. Her hands release your face and smooth down the front of your chest, before pulling away. You can tell than neither of you wanted it to end. But you both knew it had to. At least you had this. This one perfect moment with her. 
She pulls you in for a hug, but this hug is not happy. This hug is sad, and longing. This hug says I will miss you, and I’m not ready to leave you yet. 
“The best gift. Thank you Jake.” she whispers as she pulls away, letting you go. 
HER POV
You sit on the bed in your childhood bedroom, knowing that in a few short weeks this will all be a distant memory. You will be living away from home, no family, no friends. No Sam. No Jake. The thought is dreadful, but you are excited to start new. You were so overwhelmed by Jake’s card tonight. The pick… You can’t believe he kept it, after all this time. Why he kept it... It nearly shattered you. You couldn’t even bring yourself to read what he had written in the card, knowing you would burst into tears. You had to stand up and walk away, but he was there, ready to comfort you, thinking that he had done something wrong when in reality he did everything right. The kiss. You can’t even put into words the kiss. It was everything. You hoped he could feel how much you loved him. 
So now you find yourself here, sitting on your bed, staring at the card in front of you, willing yourself to read the words he has written, just for you. 
You open the card, seeing the pick taped inside, and his perfectly sloppy handwriting.  
Hey college girl,
Proud of you for being a smartypants. I always knew you were smarter than me. But I do have some advice for you, since I am older and therefore wiser, ha ha. 
Skip at least 1 class a month to go do something fun.
Don’t waste too much of your time perfecting your homework, C’s get degrees…
Never go anywhere alone. If you ever find yourself alone, I’m only a phone call away.
You laugh at his advice, it is so perfectly Jake. Written messily underneath the pick you see his parting line. 
I’ve kept a piece of you with me, and now a piece of me will be with you. Don’t forget me.
All my love, 
Jake
You close the card and put it on your night stand. You pull the blankets over your head and turn off the lamp. As you lie alone with your thoughts on what is supposed to be a happy day, you cry yourself to sleep knowing that you could never forget him. Even if you wanted to.
August 2017
“Where do you want this?” Sam asks, holding up your full length mirror.
“How about near the closet somewhere?” you ask.
Sam graciously offered to help you and your parents move your things into your dorm room. He was leaving for tour in a few days and he wanted to spend every last second together before you were both separated from each other. You spent practically all summer together, hanging out, going to the lake, watching them practice for tour. The summer went by too quickly, but you knew it would. Things were changing, Sam became more and more busy with the band, and you were busy preparing everything for your move and classes. When he offered to help you move in you accepted, knowing it would probably be the last time you saw him for a long time. 
“Okay honey, that's everything.  Only need to unpack these boxes of random stuff, and you will be all moved in.” your mom says, teary eyed. 
“Thanks mom, I couldn’t have done all of this without you, really.” you say pulling her in for a hug. 
Your dad follows behind her, giving you his signature bear hug. “You call us if you need anything. I mean it.” he says sternly.
“I will dad, I promise.” you reply and with that they leave you to your new life as a college student. 
You stand in your room, staring at the door, as Sam starts to speak. “Are you okay?” he asks nervously. You feel his arm encircling your shoulders and pulling you in for a hug.
“Yeah, I’m okay, just a little bit sad. Everyone is leaving me.” you reply.
“Not really, they are only an hour and a half away,” he says.
“Not just them, you too.” you say.
“I’m not leaving you! We are just going for a few months. It will go by quickly. I can come visit as soon as we get back! Or maybe you can come see a show or…” he trails off.
“Plus, you can call me or text me whenever you want. You know I always answer you.” he smiles. “Dont, be sad. You’re too pretty to be sad.”
You snap your head to look at him, he has never said something like that to you.
“What?” he asks.
“Well… you never say that kind of stuff to me Sam.” you say curiously. 
“Yeah I know, but I have been thinking…” he says.
You nod your head, encouraging him to continue his thought.
“Do you remember the day we got partnered up Freshman year?” he asks. 
“Yeah?” you reply.
“When I found out you were my partner I was so excited. But I tried to play it cool. I just thought you were soooo pretty.” he laughs. 
He starts to unpack one of the boxes full of random items as he continues, “The night you came over, I didn’t even know how to handle what I was feeling, you were so smart, and funny. I couldn’t understand why I never saw it before. I mean, we knew each other for years.” he says, placing books on your little book shelf. 
“I was so excited you stayed to watch us jam in the garage. I wanted to impress you. A few weeks later I admitted to myself that I liked you. I even asked Jake for advice. None of it worked, obviously. ” he smiles shrugging with his shoulders.
Jake knew? Why didn’t he tell you?
“I worked up all my courage to ask you to Prom, I was still nervous though. I was going to try to kiss you that night. I clearly didn't...” he laughed.
“Then when you started dating Michael, I had the answer I needed. You obviously didn’t feel the same way about me. I put my feelings aside and continued to just be your best friend. I was fine with that. I’ve been fine with that. But now, we are leaving, and you’re starting school and it just feels like I had to tell you. You had to know, if you didn’t already.”
“Sam…” you drag his name out. 
“I know, I know, so typical. Guy falls in love with his best friend…” he laughs.
“In love?” you ask shocked.
“Of course…how could I not? But… I know it’s not like that for you. Or else it would have happened long before now.” he says, closing the drawer of your nightstand. 
He knows, he gets it. But he doesn’t know why. 
“You are my best friend Sam...Practically my brother. I love you, you know that. But I love you like a brother.” you say, ashamed, and knowing that you are crushing him.
“I figured that’s what you would say. There are no hard feelings, I promise.” he says with a smile. But you know it's a lie.
“Are you sure, I feel so stupid…” you reply.
“No, you’re not stupid. I promise. I mean you’re the one going to college here...” he laughs.
“Sam you got into HARVARD.” you laugh.
“Yeah…wasn’t for me…” you both laugh and the tension melts away.
A little while later, you are unpacking the last box and you see all of the pictures you selected for your bulletin board. You grab the thumb tacks and the stack of photos and mementos and turn to put them up. 
“Oh, I can do that. I’m good at collaging.” Sam jokes. 
You hand him the stack and turn back to your bottomless pit of a last box. 
You carry a few items to the closet, and peek over your shoulder to check on his progress. 
“Looks good Sammy!” you yell behind you.
When you return to the room you see him sitting on the bed reading something. The blood drains from your face as you see exactly what it is. 
“What the fuck is this?” he asks, you can feel the venom in his tone.
You walk over to him and snatch the card out of his hands and tuck it under your arm. Ignoring his question. But you know it’s too late. He read it. 
“What is that? I know it's from Jake… I could recognize that handwriting anywhere!” he demands.
“Nothing, Sam! He just gave me a card at that graduation party! It wasn’t even supposed to be in that box. I don’t know why it’s in there. Must have been an accident.” you say, tossing it in the small trash can by your desk. 
You can see his body relax as he watches the folded blue card hit the bottom of the can, and with it the entirety of your heart. 
You never thought that the first thing you would learn in college would be that your best friend is in love with you. Only to be quickly followed by him reading his own brother's private confession, meant for your eyes only. He changes the subject quickly so you know he didn’t read into it too much, and you are thankful. The last thing you want to do is try to explain. 
Another hour or so of packing and talking and it’s time for Sam to go. A few tears and a lot of ‘I’ll miss you’s’ later, you watch as his hand me down Subaru pulls away from your dorm. With a promise of ‘I’ll call you’, you head back into your room. 
Rushing straight to the trash can you pick up the card, running your fingers over the letters as you let the tears fall. You hate lying to Sam. You wish you could be honest, but you know you can't. Especially now.
How could you do this to him? He is your best friend. Your best friend who is in love with you… He would never understand. 
Tears roll down your cheek as you pin the card to your bulletin board. The pick still sits perfectly taped inside the card. You haven’t brought yourself to take it out, afraid you will lose it. You couldn’t bear the thought. It sits right next to a picture of you and Sam. His arm draped around the back of your neck pulling your face close to his. Both of you are wearing huge, happy smiles.  
Your best friend. 
A pang of guilt shoots through your chest as you imagine how Sam must have felt all these years. Hearing you complain about boys and watching you date them, when all he wanted was for it to be him. All the times you cried to him on the phone about your bad dates and break ups…He was always there. 
In a way you almost feel like you led him on, spending almost everyday with him this summer. You knew you two had grown closer, but you didn’t know how much more it meant to him. All the while you were pining after his brother. The brother who he asked for advice. About you. You, never even throwing a thought his way. Now you’re here at college, and they are leaving for tour. You’re not sure when you’ll see them again, but maybe the distance will be good. Maybe it will give you all the clarity you need. 
You decide to take a shower to rinse away the day, and hope that it will help you relax into your new surroundings. It’s hard being in a new place where no one knows you. It’s scary and lonely. You triple check the lock on your door and text your mom that you are in for the night, so that she doesn’t worry.
As you crawl into the unfamiliar twin bed, you read a few pages of a book your mom bought you, and find yourself growing drowsy with each flip of a page. When your phone vibrates next to you, your eyes pop open, waking you from your light sleep. You pick it up wondering who it could be, and when you see the name on the screen it nearly takes your breath away. 
Jake.
With shaking hands you swipe to open the message and what you are met with, sends a chill down your spine.
Jake: Sam called.
.
.
.
.
.
Chapter 2
403 notes · View notes
thebearer · 10 months
Note
Wait but Carmy during your period... like you always have it bad so you try to hide from him till you're literally clenching onto the counter cause this man would freak the fuck out
me rn and i think i might be dying. it's so bad i just have to like stop and breathe bc it feels like someone's hammering my intestines.
carmen wouldn't fucking know what to do. he had an older sister so he's aware and knew to avoid sugar during her time of the month... he always avoided his mom so that wasn't hard when she was on hers lol.
but he didn't know how really bad it was until you're helping him and your face just contorts, gripping the counter, eyes shut, taking slow breaths.
"what? what's wrong? what just happened?" carmen's looking at you, trying to see if you burnt yourself or got cut.
"i just need a second." you grit, taking a shaky breath out.
"baby, you're scarin' me, what's-"
"carmen," you said calmly, coolly. "i'm on my period."
"yeah, yeah, i know that." carmen nodded. he did, of course. it's why his balls were aching because you'd been too miserable to have sex, which he respected ofc, he just was suffering selfishly.
"i'm just having a cramp. it'll pass." you sighed slowly.
"they... they hurt that bad?" he didn't mean for it to sound challenging.
your eyes glaring at him. "yeah, carmen, they fucking hurt pretty bad. my body is furious and punishing me for not being pregnant and it's shredding my uterus apart, so yeah- hurts pretty fucking bad." you snap.
carmen's blushing furiously, head to toe just red. especially when tina and marcus snicker in the corner. "'m sorry, alright? i-i didn't mean it like that. i just didn't know they got this bad." carmen whispered. "do you need anything? need me to get you anything? what do you need from me?"
you looked at him, still a hint of a glare. "i just need a minute, carm." you huff, his soft eyes rounding making you flinch. you knew he didn't mean it. of course he didn't like that you were just... dare you say, sensitive and hormonal.
"just... give me a second and i'll help you."
"it's alright, i got it, baby, if you want to-"
"-just give me a second, carm." you repeat, sterner this time. "i'll be alright. it just sucks really bad."
"yeah. seems like it does." carmen snorted lightly. "promise you'll tell me if you need anything?"
"of course, honey." you coo, a complete turn around from before. carmen melted either way, picking up his own knife, going back to chopping the nuts for you to drizzle over the dish.
348 notes · View notes
jpitha · 4 months
Text
Between the Black and Gray 4
First / Previous / Next
At the docking ring, Fen and Ma-ren led Gord all the way down to the end. Past the regular passenger ships, past the scheduled freighters, past the bays for warships, past the semi permanent bays for residents to the last seven bays, thirty three though forty. Before they reached bay thirty three Gord could see the bulk of the Starjumper. It was easily five times larger than any ship here.
Walking past a simple barricade they stepped into an area of the docks that were not visited very often. The noise and bustle of the docks receded until Gord could only hear their footsteps and the thrum of the air handlers. Fen walked up to an airlock and gestured dramatically. "Here she is. Spyglass. She last moved when my Grandparents were young and Mom was a kid the last time she had power."
Gord walked up to the airlock. It was dark, with no lights, and no indicator over the door. a light layer of dust surrounded everything. "Oh, what happened hon? What did they do to you?" He whispered to the ship. He turned to Fen and Ma-ren "How do we open the airlock?"
"There's no power; we have to open it manually." Ma-ren shrugged. "We should be able to pump that lever there a few times and then the outer door will open."
Gord looked around and found the lever. It was worn and clearly well used. "What about shore power from the station?"
Fen laughed. "We can't afford those fees. Grandma says back when she was a kid they used to pay to run shore power during celebrations like weddings and funerals. These days though, nobody really cares anymore."
Gord stared at Fen and Ma-ren for a long while before turning back to the airlock and pumping the handle.
"Uh Gord?"
"Yes?"
"What's going on? You're acting like Spyglass is alive or something. Like, we left someone behind. If Spyglass was alive, we'd remember. Grandma would have mentioned it, Mom would have mentioned it, anyone would have mentioned it."
"There was a time when Spyglass was alive." Gord sighed. "She was a friend of mine. I'm worried for her. I want to view the logs and figure out what happened."
Fen blinked. "Gord, that doesn't make sense. If you were friends with Spyglass that would make you...."
Gord didn't meet her gaze. The airlock slowly opened as Gord worked the handle. After a moment it was wide enough for a person to enter. "Come on, let's see what's inside."
The inner airlock door was wide open. One the one hand, Gord was happy that he wouldn't have to pump the handle to manually open it, but having the airlock wide open was a bad sign. Gord took out two palm lights and handed one to Ma-ren and turned on the other.
Fen was surprised at how... cramped it was. She hadn't been inside Spyglass since she was a kid, but it always seemed to big when she was little. Now, she realized the halls were only a little taller than her and how small the rooms where. Gord started walking down the hall towards the command deck.
Ma-ren and Fen followed Gord. As soon as he was aboard, he seemed to know exactly where they were going. Occasionally he'd swing his light over some detail and nod, or look at something else and grunt, but he wasn't lost.
After a few minutes, they made it to the command deck. Now they were further into Spyglass than Fen or Ma-ren had ever been, and as evidenced by the floors, it had been a long time since anyone else was here. The floors were dusty and what few boot-prints there were were also covered by a layer of dust. Gord wiped away at a sign on the door. At the top, it said "Command Deck' in Colonic, but under it was another phrase in a different language.
"Gord, what's that under the sign in Colonic?"
Gord looked up. "Oh? Ah yeah, Spyglass was refit right after Colonic took over as the main language for the colony worlds. The bottom text is the same thing in Late Period English." He read the words out loud. The language was strange to Fen and Ma-ren, very staccato.
"You can speak it Gord? Are you a scholar?"
Gord chuckled. "I can, and I'm not. I don't need to be a scholar to speak my native language. Gord opened a panel on the side and stick his hand into the cavity and rummaged around. There was a click and he was able to slide the door open.
Fen and Ma-ren stepped in after Gord and gazed around. They could only see tiny parts at time from their small palm light, but the room was large, with many seats and was all oriented towards a large screen at the front. Gord sat in a seat in the middle and touched a screen on the arm. "Completely dead. I would have expected something, even if was just dim lights." He stood. "Come on ladies, I'll need your help."
"Why?" Fen was having a good time looking around the old command deck, and didn't want to leave just yet.
"We're going to restore power. At least to critical systems."
"What? How?" Ma-ren's fur poofed out and her tail twitched worriedly. "Everything is dead and cold."
"Well yeah, but it wasn't always this way, and so long as you haven't stolen parts-" He turned and looked at them "You haven't stolen parts, right?"
They shook their heads.
"Then we should be able to get her up and at least lit. Spyglass had 6 reactors back in the day. We only need one for lights and heat. We get her lit, we can check the core and figure out what happened.
Gord lead them back down the other end, down stairs and across halls, deep, deep within Spyglass. Fen was sure that nobody had been down here since after they docked. It was odd. She expected things to be... grimer than they were. Sure it was dark, and sure it was dusty, but things weren't leaking or broken, and there weren't any vermin about. It was quite different than the station.
They reached the Reactor Room, and Gord once again did his trick with the panel to open the doors. As soon as he stepped inside, he swung his light around the room and gasped.
"What? What is it?" Ma-ren walked in behind him and looked around. It was a long hall.
"The reactors! There are supposed to be six of them! There's only two left!" Sure enough, Fen and Ma-ren followed Gord as he walked down the hall, his boots clanging on the metal grating as they passed empty space after empty space, finally coming upon two huge, identical machines at the very back of the hall. Gord peered at them and tisked. "Well, so long as they're not both broken in the same way, I can get one going again." Without looking up he gestured at Fen and Ma-ren. "There's a tool kit over in the locker behind you. Please go fetch it. There should be some battery lights too, let's see if we can get a little more light on this.
"It took a few hours to get everything set up, and they were well past curfew before they were finished, but they had set up the lights and Gord had the reactor in more pieces than they thought possible. Gord knew where everything was, even things that he shouldn't know. He had told them that the medical ward was a few doors down and they were able to find some folding chairs to sit, and even some cots so they could take a nap. Gord never seemed to have to take a break. He didn't eat, didn't get tired, just continued to tinker. Fen and Ma-ren dozed on the cots while Gord worked.
Finally he sat back, and closed the panel. "Ladies? I think we're ready for ignition. It's made up of spares and most of the other reactor, so we'll never be able to run the Stardrive or the weapons, but we can at least have lights and heat and the computer.
"You fixed it?" Ma-ren yawned hugely.
"Not really. Just rigged it together. This old model reactor is very durable and resilient. I'm a little surprised the crew that brought you here wasn't able to keep it running. Everything needed was onboard."
Fen nodded. "Grandma mentioned that hardly anyone knew what to do or how to work the ship, there was a lot of guesswork and hoping involved."
Gord didn't reply. Instead he turned back towards the reactor. "I'm going to start it, watch out."
Before Fen and Ma-ren could ask what to watch out for Gord pressed the starter. There was a hum and a loud clack of relays, followed by a warbling hum that started slow and went faster and faster until there was a sound like a burst of static.
And then, with hardly any fanfare at all, the lights came up.
Before they could cheer, there was a cacophony of alarms and klaxons and sirens. Gord jumped at the noise, and then took off towards the command deck. Fen and Ma-ren hurried to catch up.
In addition to the alarm and siren sounds, there were voices warning things. They'd speak in two or three languages that Fen didn't recognize and then in oddly accented Colonic she heard "WARNING. WARNING. REACTORS OFFLINE. BACKUPS OFFLINE. HULL DAMAGE. WEAPON DAMAGE. STARDRIVE DAMAGE. SYSTEMS CRITICAL." and it would repeat.
They made it to the command deck and Gord was sitting in the middle seat, his fingers dancing over the pads until the alarms were silenced one by one. Sighing in relief, and continued to poke and prod at the pad. "I'm turning off running lights. They've been off for decades, no sense in telling station authorities that we have power now." Gord was speaking to them without looking up.
"So Gord, is Spyglass alive or not?"
"I don't know. She's not replying to my usual queries." He looked up at the room. "Hey Spyglass! You Up? It's Gord!"
Nothing.
"Come on, let's go check the core. Something's up."
They made their way deeper into the ship; deeper even than the reactors, until they reached a door that was almost completely hidden. There was no frame around this door, and no panel on the outside. There wasn't even a sign in Colonic. Just a small line of text in that angular Late Period English language. With the power on, Gord didn't have to rummage in the walls looking for an override. He approached the door and touched it with both his hands, palms in. There was a click and the door slid smoothy to the side.
This room was completely different than the others. It was barely more than a closet, bathed in a blue light. From the floor to the ceiling were racks and racks of electronics and half of it blinked and hummed. The other half was dark and silent, separated by a large black mechanism that was stuck haphazardly over things. When Gord saw the mechanism he said something in his old language that Fen and Ma-ren didn't understand, but the meaning was clear.
"Fuck."
"What?"
"It's a shackle." He gestured towards the black mechanism. "It's meant to lock down AIs, to prevent them from being intelligent. Spyglass is here, but she's trapped."
"Someone is...inside Spyglass?" Ma-ren's ears twitched.
"Gord shook his head. "No, she is Spyglass. The ship is her body."
"Oh no" Fen shuddered. "So is she aware of herself?"
Gord nodded. "Probably, yes."
"How long has she been like this?"
He peered at the mechanism without touching it. "This looks like late third Empire tech. Right around The War." He straightened up. "She's been locked down at least five hundred years."
Fen and Ma-ren looked at eachother. Five hundred years? "She's... going to be upset when we unlock her right?"
Gord turned to them and smiled thinly. "Ma-ren, I would like to take this moment to state how pleased I am that you assumed we're going to unlock her. To answer your question, she is going to be a mess. But, I have some skill here. I can help her."
Fen nodded. "Okay then, Gord. How do we free her?"
"Luckily" Gord turned back to the shackle "They were never meant to be hard to install and remove. We just have to enter the code." Gord touched a panel on the front and a keypad rolled out from behind.
"What's the code?"
Gord chuckled. "It's zero zero zero zero one."
Fen blinked. "You're kidding."
"I'm not. The Empire set up these shackles, but didn't trust that anyone could remember the code to remove them, so they hard coded it to something easy."
"But then anyone could have removed them."
"This is true, and wonder, Fen, why they didn't." Gord typed in the code and pressed the start key at the bottom.
The shackle lit up and started glowing green. After a moment, the racks of equipment behind it received power and started glowing like the others.
"That's it?" Ma-ren peered at the equipment.
"That's it." Gord looked around. "We should be able--"
Their conversation was interrupted by the PA crackling to life.
There was a piercing noise.
A woman was screaming.
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melanieph321 · 8 months
Text
Ruben Dias x Black Reader - The Bodyguard Part 1/8
Yeah, this is going to be good 🤭🤭 So good!
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Summary - Reader is a popstars in trouble and Ruben is her new bodyguard, here to protect and help her find out who wants to hurt her. But what happens when the relationship between Reader and Ruben simply gets too personal?
Enjoy!
"A bodyguard? For what?"
"Y/N, a person has threatened your life."
"So? People do that online every day. Haters gonna hate."
You fell back against the cuchens of your fifthy thousand euro couch. Sure, it was expensive, but it came straight from the set of Pulp Fiction, a collectors item, worth every penny. Pulp Fiction was your absolute favorite movie of all time.
"I get that you don't want someone following you around all day, especially now with the tour of your knew album, but please consider your own safety first." You're sister had been managing you ever since the beginning of your singing career, of course her natural instict was to worry about you.
"Fine you sighed. So when is this guy coming?"
"Well, we had him fly in from his latest job in the UAE."
"The what know?"
"The UAE, like Dubai? Aapparently even the riches shieks in the middle east wants this guy as their bodyguard. He's an ex navy seal from what I've heard."
"Girl." You chuckled. "I received one threatening phone call from a man who calls himself the Dickonataor 3000. What makes you think I need a navy seal to protect me from that? You should have gotten one of the pumped up dudes from the fitness center I go to to set this guy straight. How much is this bodyguard guy even costing us?"
"Well, he said your only up for trial and that discussions won't happen until the end of that trial period."
"A trial?" You sat up. "You mean to tell me that this guy is only coming around for a trial. To what? See if my life is really worth guarding?"
"Somthing like that, yes. I don't know all the details. Taylor was the one who set everything up."
"Taylor? What does he know about hiring bodyguards?"
"Well he has a decade of experience when it comes to driving spoiled popstars like yourself."
"I'm not spoiled, you're spoiled."
You're sister smiled. "We're both spoiled."
"Mom would be very proud, too bad she rarely flies out to see us?"
"She will be here for your album release party, she promised."
"Yeah, yeah, promises promises, they mean nothing to me."
Your sister stood with her hands behind her back,  watching you. You hated the way she dressed nowadays, in pantsuits, like a damn politician.
"Are you ready to go back to rehearsals?" She asked. You had only gone back to your apartment for a quick break. You had been dancing all day.
"I haven't eaten anything yet." You said.
"We'll pick somthing up on the go, come." She offered you her hand. Just like she when you were kids, wanting to hold your hand on your way to school.
Rehearsals went well, however your feet were killing you by the time you got home. Taylor dropped you off at the apartment whilst your sister still had some business to take care of. You were glad to be alone for a change, having been surrounded by people telling you what to do all day.
"Maria?"
You peaked your head through to the kitchen to see if your personal chef was there. You'd ask her to cook a nice meal, perhaps one of her country's delicacies. You loved Brazilian food.
"Maria?"
She was nowhere to be found. You went to look for her in her office.
"Mari—"
"She's not here."
You froze as a big shadow swept behind you, followed by the dark voice of a man.
"Who are you?" You turned around and gasped. The man stood tall, dressed in a blacksuit and tie. His hair was slicked back, like a business man trying to appear more professional than he was.
"I'm here to kill you." He stated, just like that, with his hands tied before him.
"Um...okay. Taylor!!" You shouted.
"We're twelve stories up sweetheart, he won't hear you."
You frowned, applled by the man and his commanding, yet not threatening demeanor.
"What do you want, I don't keep any money here."
"Yeah, I realized that. However I hacked into your computer in your office."
"Y...you what?"
"It's not very smart of you not to encrypt any of your emails. I've received everything I need about your recent payments, credit card details, enough to forge your identity to make you go bankrupt in a few days time."
Your chest heaved up with your heavy breathing. Who was this guy, an intruder? Why was he so calm? Was he one of those serial killers to have sex with your corps before cutting it to pieces and eat it. Not on your watch, you thought and quickly ran back downstairs.
"Mariaaaaa!" You shouted.
"Like I said, I sent her home."
The man was right at your heals, following you wherever you went.
"What...why?" You said, slightly out of breath and your feet were still sore, so you didn't feel like running.
"Your apartment should be cleared out of staff by 6.pm it's easier to keep track of who goes in and out of the apartment if all your staff have a time stamp on them."
"How did you even get into the building?" You asked. "Did the doorman let you in?"
The man looked at you with tinted eyes, they were intimidating, yet kind. "The doorman has a shift change that occurs with a thirty minute window before the next guy shows up. I simply bid my time, observing your building all day, waiting for the right moment to simply walk into the building and take the elevator up to your floor."
"W.. what do you want?" You were trembling with fear now, ready to scream if the man dared try anything. However he seemed to keep his distance between you, yet it seemed like he was still invading your space.
"Like I said, I'm here to kill you. Or more so simulate how a killer would make the attempt to approach you in your home. From what I've gathered today you're an easy victim Y/N."
"How did you....wait are you...you're him aren't you? The bodyguard?"
The man stood with his hands behind his straight back, neither confirming or denying your statement.
You shook your head, a hint of a smile on your lips. "What a starnge way to introduce yourself and aren't you too young to be a bodyguard. I was expecting some G.I Joe looking mother fuc...."
"I think I'll do guarding a 60 kg girl who doesn't lock her front door when she leaves her home."
"But I know everyone who lives in this building and we have a doorman."
"You'll lock your doors from now on." He said, end of.
You were slightly taken back, mostly by the way he was dominating you, but also by the way you let him dominant you.
"It's my apartment,  I can do whatever I want." You said, a bit unconvincing.
"Not on my watch."
You snorted. "Right."
"Did I say something funny?"
"Yeah, a lot of things actually."
"I'm sorry to have frightened you with my unannounced entry Miss..."
"Y/N, is fine. " You said, crossing your arms over your chest.
"It's just standard protocol for me to ensure that whoever I'm working for is secure beyond my protection so that when it's necessary for me to give my life to them, I'll know it was for the right reason and not some sloppy mistake like an unlocked door or the fact that you let unwanted personal linger past suitable hours."
You're eyes were narrowed as you stared at the man, trying to make sense of it all. You stared at him until the point of realizing that he was actually kind of cute.
"Oh shit, there you are."
The strange introduction came to an end with your sister stumbling through the door.
"Taylor told me that he picked you up from the airport hours ago. I see you've already met my sister." She stepped forward shaking the man's hand.
"Yes we have just made ourselves acquainted, setting some ground rules for this arrangement."
Your sister looked at you, slightly impressed. You on the other hand was not having it at all.
"Y/N, why the long face?" Your sister said. "Meet Ruben Dias, you're new bodyguard."
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lianaloverr · 7 months
Text
I Hate You, Right?
Paring: Non-streamer Quackity (Alex) x fem!reader
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∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Hello! I’m Liana and this is my first fan-fiction! It’s so nice to meet you. Pls don’t judge my writing it’s my first time lol.
Summary: you and Alex have been enemies since 3rd grade. After you thought it was the end of the world when you two got paired up for a project, you realized he wasn’t as bad as you thought.
Warnings: fluffy (kinda), use of real name.
3rd person
Really short!
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*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
“Ughhhh.” 5 more minutes. “Y/n wake up!” Mom says. *sigh* “I’m up!”
You slide out of bed and start getting ready to go back to hell. You wear *your choice* clothes for school. “Y/n, hurry and come eat breakfast before the bus comes!” “Okay!” You say. You walk down the stairs to smell that sweet smell of pancakes and syrup. You eat your food and wait for the bus.
*time skip to school*
You hop off the bus and start walking to the doors. Once you walk in you hear a familiar voice. “Hey y/n.” It was Alex. “What do you want?” You say, aggravated already. “Woah calm down, I can’t just say hi?” He says. “No actually.” You say as you walk away. You never really thought of why you hated Alex, it was just something about him getting on your nerves. Even since you met in 3rd grade you were at each other’s necks all the time. Like this one time in 5th grade, he tripped you in the hallway right in front of your crush. So you got him back by putting glue in his seat, it was funny nonetheless. But even all of this hatred you have for each other you couldn’t lie and say you’ve never had a crush on him. But since you were enemies, you never thought of asking him out, so you pushed your feelings to the side and kept the rivalry going. You snap out of you thoughts as you approach your first period, math.
*time skip to 5th period*
“Hello class! Today we have a project that you are going to work with a partner for it. But I will be choosing your partners.” Visible anger came form the class. “Okay settle down! Let me name off the people who are working together.” All the sudden you hear a voice behind you. “Hey y/n. I hope we’re partners. That means I’ll get to annoy you even more.” Alex said. “You know, I hope we’re not partners. Because if we are, it’s not gonna be good.” You say. “You know it’s a privilege to work with me!” Alex said. You roll your eyes, “you’re so full of yourself.”, you say as you turn back around.
“Okay, Max and Sarah. Keith and Liz. Y/n and Alex..” “What what!?” You say. “You heard me miss y/n. You will be working with Alex.” The teacher says. “Please there has to be someone else to work with!” You say. “No. You work with Alex or you get an 0.” You sigh as you look back at a smirking Alex. “This is gonna be fun.” He says. Oh boy…
*times skip to the end of school*
“You will not believe who I got paired up with!” You say to your friend. “I got pai-“ “Hey y/n!” You hear from behind you. “Ugh what?” You say, already knowing it was Alex. Do you want to work on the project at my house tomorrow?” Alex says.*sigh* “Sure, why not.” “Cool I’ll give you the address tomorrow at school! Bye partner!” He says as he runs off to catch his bus.
Although you acted mad about it, you didn’t feel all that bad about working with him. You were nonetheless curious on what his house looked liked or what he did in his free time.
But nothing could’ve prepared you from what will happen when you spend the next week with him working on the project.
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Heyy! Thank you for reading part 1! It wasn’t really well done, so it would be very much appreciated if you told me the mistakes I made! Tell me if you want part 2!
Part 1/?
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flwersgarden · 1 year
Note
Yandere Elvis x a reader who pleases everyone and yet no one even gives or helps her in return
note: OOF this one hits a bit too close to home... i love it! *taps mic* THIS ONE IS FOR THE 'MIRRORBALL' / 'THIS IS ME TRYING' GIRLIES—
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elvis presley. isn't he such a dreamboat?
you met him in school, the shy gaze boy who was such a sweet and kind soul.
at first, he thought you hated him. whenever he tried to speak to you, you would just stutter something and ignore him after that.
truth is, you couldn't just bare to have another 'friendship'.
one thing your mother always told you was that if you wanted love, you had to give in return.
as a child, you shared your toys even if you stayed alone while the others played with them, shared your food even if you were starving, covered up for someone even if it ended with you being yelled at. you didn't care at being the beaten up bag because you thought this would gain you love and appreciation.
but you learned when you were eighteen years old, while being laughed at in the middle of the parking lot; after being stood up as a prank, that you will never receive love.
no matter how much homework you give, how much comfort you bring. you will never be loved.
elvis first talked to you when he sat with you in first period.
“ hiya. ”
you hummed.
“ 'm elvis. ” he extended his hand, which you shook quietly.
elvis sat there, waiting for your name.
you never gave it. and when he was about to ask, the bell sounded and you stood up quickly to catch up for the next class. leaving elvis sitting there, alone, smelling the soft roses of your shampoo.
you intrigued him. so, he tried speaking to you but after every single try you would just hum in acknowledge of his presence and chuckle awkwardly every time he tried to joke.
he frowned everytime. i mean, his mama told him he was funny and dixie laughed at every silly thing he did.
“ are you disgusted by me? ”
you slightly jump away from your locker, closing it, finding elvis looking at you with a guilty look nervously playing with his fingers.
“ n-no. ” you try to stammer quickly, ashamed to give the wrong impression. “ no, i'm sorry. ”
you sigh, rubbing your face with your hand before you turn towards him.
“ forgive me. it's just that, i've been very tired lately and i didn't want to throw it on you or something. ” you explain yourself. “ but even with that i made you feel bad, i'm very sorry, really. ”
elvis kept looking at you. curious at your reaction.
“ t-tired? ” he asked, shaking his head. “ with what? ”
“ i'm studying. ”
“... for what, we don't have any exams. ” elvis stubbornly said, trying to find out if you're lying to him.
“ i am in a program for young students. need a scholarship for college. ” you quickly explain, again.
elvis just opens his mouth in an 'o' shape before nodding.
“ yeah, right, sure, i-. ” he stammers, shaking his head, bringing his hand to his hair suddenly feeling embarrassed for interrogating you.
the only sound that could be heard are the ones of multiple students talking.
“ sorry. shouldn't have come up to you like this. ” elvis tries to apologize before you interrupt him.
“ no! don't worry. ” you chuckle. “ it's fine, it's good that we communicate, y'know. it would've sucked for both of us if you thought i didn't like you or something. ”
he chuckles while nodding. “ yeah. hurted my feeling a bit. ” he joked, bringing his hand to his heart while mocking a hurt expression in his face.
“ no, no, i'm sorry. ” you giggle.
elvis finds himself enthralled by the sound.
“ i should make it up to you. do you like pasta? ” you suddenly ask, leaving elvis shrugging as an answer. “ my mom works in this Italian restaurant and she makes the greatest pasta, i could bring a you some. ”
elvis nods. “ i'd love to, though, you shouldn't have, really. it should be me the one making it up to you. ”
you quickly deny his attempts in apologizing before the bell rings, and like clockwork, you grab your things and run to the classroom after shouting a quick 'g'bye' to elvis.
elvis smiles at the smell of your shampoo.
️️ ️️️️️️️️️
but that was a long time ago.
now, elvis and you are the bestest of friends. you tell each other everything and you aren't afraid to be yourself around him.
the thing is that when elvis started to get famous, you noticed a few... changes in his way of treating you.
the first weird thing he did was when you, elvis and dixie were at a dinner. dixie was telling you both about this funny thing that happened to her and while you and elvis were laughing, a man came to your table.
“ hey. ” he said with his eyes stuck on you.
elvis and yours laughter died.
“ uh. hey. ”
the man laugh.
“ don't be a scaredy cat. i won't hurt ya'. ”
elvis clenched his jaw. “ hey, man, why don't ya' leave us alone. ”
the man turned to elvis, the glass of beer in his hand being pointed at him. “ shut it, fairy. i ain't talking to your girl. ” he turned to you. “ i'm talking to this angel. ”
elvis suddenly stood up, the table moving far from the three of you, dixie standing up too as an instinct; her hand placed in his chest while you looked at him, amazed at his sudden angry demeanor, still sitting.
“ elvis, calm down. ” dixie whispered.
“ nuh-uh. what, boy, you wanna fight? ” the man taunted elvis who tried to move from dixie's hold.
“ yeah, i could break your teeth. ”
“ enough! ” you stand up just in time as the man tried to swing at elvis. you turned to the unwelcome visitor. “ i'm sorry, i am enjoying my friends at the moment. ”
the man scoffs, muttering a 'bitch' under his breath before turning and leaving you there.
“ that son of a bitch-. ”
“ stop it! ” you put your hand in his chest, pushing him away as dixie makes him seat. “ doesn't matter. ”
elvis looks at you bewildered. “ y/n, he said a rude thing to you. ”
“ well, it's not the first time! ” you suddenly snap at him, your arms raised before falling to your sides.
elvis and dixie look at you, shocked.
you shake your head. “ i'm sorry. must go. ” you mumble before grabbing your purse and leaving.
you and elvis didn't talked for two days after that. it wasn't until elvis brought flowers and candies to your door that the two of you forgave each other.
the second time was when he told you about his breakup with dixie.
“ you what?! ” you stand up from the couch in his parent's apartment, he followed you, missing the touch of your hands in his.
“ y/n-. ”
“ no, stop. don't try to distract me. why did you do that? ” you say, feeling yourself growing frustrated from elvis' choice.
“ the colonel told me to! ” he tried to defend himself, hand pointing at the door.
“ you are your own person, elvis! that couldn't affect your sales, the girls would just move on, what-?! ”
“ doll, the colonel is an expert. he knows what he's talking about and-. ” he sighs, putting some fingers in his forehead. “ i need the money. ”
you watch him in silence, shocked at how easy elvis threw dixie away for that... dumb reason.
“ so? am i supposed to say: hurray, elvis, you gonna get ten thousand bucks tomorrow for dumping dixie? ”
elvis sighs again, looking away from you, clearly embarrassed from his decision.
you calm yourself before looking away too, sniffing and stopping the tears.
“ i can't imagine how heartbroken she must be. ” you mumble, sitting on the couch again, covering your mouth with your hand.
it was a big hit for you. because that's what people did to you.
they threw you away at any opportunity they had. would elvis do the same if the colonel told him to? you realize you have to soft the blow for yourself.
“ so... ” you whisper. “ what happens to me? ”
elvis looks at you, frowning. “ what do you mean, doll? ” he whispers.
“ i mean. did the colonel told you the same about me? do i gotta go too? ”
before you could even end your sentence, elvis walks to you, grabs your hands and crouches in front of you. “ no. you stay here with me. ”
you look at him with glossy eyes, elvis feels his heart being torn apart. “ no- doll, listen to me. ”
you keep quiet as he clears his throat. “ no one, not even the colonel, will tear us apart, 'kay? ”
you sniff.
“ okay? ” he softly says, one of his hand caressing your cheek.
the feeling you feel is... weird. unknown.
little did you knew, it was the feeling of being loved in return. of being comforted. of being wanted.
you nod, smiling a bit before hugging him; he quickly reciprocated the action.
he was smiling, smelling your shampoo.
while you were trying not to cry, remembering dixie. your friend.
️️ ️️️️️️️️️
the third time was when he bought Graceland.
he told you and his parents to accompany him as he had a surprise for the three of you.
he even sent you dresses to your houses and told you to look good.
“ i mean, you always look pretty but this is an extra thing. ” he said with a soft smile, trying to convey he didn't mean anything wrong with it.
but as your eyes caught the big house with the SOLD sign plastered in front of it you thought he wasn't joking about the big surprise.
he got out of the car, helping you and his mom too before walking excitedly to the front door, taking out their keys and showing it to you while you were walking in front of gladys and vernon.
“ come on, doll. i want you to be the one to open it. ”
you took the keys, clearing your throat before opening the big door.
and as you entered, you couldn't make out any word. gladys just gasped while vernon smiled and congratulated his son. elvis looked proud as he showed the whole house to you and his mom.
after all that, you two were sitting on the couch while his parents were at the kitchen.
“ so. what d'ya think? ” elvis asked you, drinking from his own beer while you held your tea in both of your hands.
“ uhm, it's... ” you took a sip from your tea before nodding. “ beautiful. big. ” you laughed a bit after the last word, elvis laughing with you.
“ yeah. it has a lot of rooms. ”
“ i imagine. ” you chuckled, drinking from your tea.
elvis cleared his throat. “ well, it has four rooms. ” he softly said. “ perfect for us. ”
you frowned, looking at him. “ but you and your parents are three. ”
elvis looked at you, raising his eyebrows a bit before licking his lips.
“ oh. ” you say.
elvis quickly leaves his beer in the coffee table in front of you, grabs your cup and leaves it next to it before grabbing your hands.
“ doll, our life was a mess. a disaster back there. i want you to live here with me, with my pops. ”
you try to focus yourself in what he is saying but your mind keeps trying to comprehend the situations.
“ i want you to live safely, secure. in here, no one is gonna hurt ya'- and i'll be here to take care of ya'. you can help my mama in making dinner, you could even ask for your mama's pasta recipe. ”
he was talking so quick you felt like throwing up.
you stood up, grabbing your belly as you looked at the fireplace.
elvis sighs. “ baby. ” he stands up and keeps himself next to you. “ i want you to be next to me. you've been there since the beginning and you deserve this. ”
he grabs your arms, shakes you a bit before leaning his head towards yours.
“ you always give, and give, and give... when has anyone ever given you something in return? ”
you close your eyes, shaking your head.
elvis continues.
“ i have never asked for anything in these years we have been friends, have i? ”
you feel his body press against yours.
“ the only thing i am asking you is to not abandon me the way others have done to you. ”
you break at that, turning around to hide your face in his chest as you cry. elvis hugs you, caressing your hair while he shushes you, comforting you the way he learned to.
“ you will never be stepped on again, my baby, i promise you that. everyone will respect you. ”
you sob, straining your tears in his lace expensive shirt.
“ because you will no longer be a nobody. ”
you open your eyes as he grabs your cheeks, making you look at him. his gaze is fierce, his blue eyes freezing your thoughts.
“ you will now be my girl stepping on everyone else. ”
you keep quiet as he kisses your nose with so much affection you could feel yourself melting.
he lets you go as gladys calls the both of you for dinner.
the fireplace cracks behind you.
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loveinhawkins · 11 months
Note
For the made up fic title game "1983 is Calling" bc 1983 by Neon Trees randomly came up on my Spotify lol
god i love this title so much. i think 1983 is calling has a Steve Harrington character study written all over it.
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In the November of 1983, Steve Harrington’s world falls out from underneath him. When his feet finally find solid ground again, everything looks a little different, like he’s an Alice who’s grown just slightly too tall for his surroundings.
And maybe most people in his shoes would chalk that up to finding out that monsters are real, that a kid can come back from the dead. But Steve knows that’s not the whole truth.
What’s really tripping him up is the dangerously quiet anger he didn’t really know he was capable of; he spends many sleepless nights staring up at the ceiling, hearing his father’s words come out in his voice, slipping through clenched teeth, finish the sentence.
It’d be easy to brush it off after the quite frankly insane series of events he’s lived through, to claim that wasn’t me.
But it was. It was.
It’s not a dramatic transformation. If anyone was really looking out for it, maybe they’d notice him being just a touch more reserved in school. Slower to react, more careful with his words.
He doesn’t sit with Tommy and Carol in the cafeteria—and while there’s an ache in that decision which he steadfastly ignores, he finds that he doesn’t really mind sitting alone sometimes.
In the quiet, he has more time to think. He tries to keep his assumptions in check, finds that he cares less and less about cliques—does his best to ensure that his first thought about someone isn’t a judgement.
He remembers the casual indifference he had when watching Jonathan Byers put up a poster for his missing brother. His unbothered drawl, God, that’s depressing.
Never again, he decides.
Above all, he doesn’t want to be cruel.
One lunch, he sits with Jonathan, and they swap pudding cups, Steve trading chocolate for butterscotch.
“I… listen, Jonathan, I shouldn’t… shouldn’t have said what—what I said,” he starts, awkwardly, inadequately. “About. About your mom, and your family, and…”
It horrifies him still, the words that came out so easily, never mind if they were echoes of things he heard.
Joyce Byers is one of the strongest people he knows.
“Thanks,” Jonathan says, delayed. He smiles tightly, but Steve knows it’s not personal, that the guy’s still on edge from… everything.
Steve smiles back.
But there’s still a thorn that he hasn’t quite prised out.
“And I…” He lowers his voice. “I shouldn’t have called you that. Y’know.”
Jonathan’s eyebrows go up. “No,” he says mildly. “You shouldn’t have.”
“I…” Steve rubs a hand over his mouth. “I hate that… there’s nothing bad about…”
Jesus, what’s wrong with him?
Jonathan’s expression softens. He blinks, and he has that pensive look on his face, like he’s seeing the world through a camera lens—like the flash has lit up something unknown.
“I agree,” he says quietly, and then he digs into his pudding and asks genuinely about Steve’s holiday plans, talks about getting Will an Atari for Christmas.
At New Year, Steve is abruptly conscious of the fact that he really, really needs to look like he’s having a good time. He doesn’t want to analyse who the performance is for. If it’s for himself, he’s not convinced.
But drink dulls the anxiety; he laughs a lot, sways with Nancy in his arms because that’s what he’s supposed to do.
Even in the euphoria of the midnight countdown, he can see Nancy smiling too brightly, like her face might crack with the strain.
Do you feel it, too? he almost asks. Are we always gonna be back there? Are we always gonna be running from it?
The semester after winter break starts off reluctantly.
There’s a few classes with mixed year groups: they get an absolute horror of a substitute teacher in second period, one who insists on them copying things word for word from the blackboard. She makes her funeral march down the desks and shouts at a student for mis-spelling ‘January.’
“Psst,” comes a voice, before she reaches Steve.
He looks over to see Eddie Munson in the seat next to him, handing over an eraser.
“Wrong year, Harrington,” he whispers.
Steve glances down at his paper. Sure enough, 1983 stares back at him from the top margin.
Steve scoffs. “Figures.” He uses the eraser and passes it back to Eddie. “Thanks.”
“No problem. I wish we were still on vacation, too.”
“Eddie Munson.” The teacher slams a ruler down on Eddie’s desk so hard that Steve flinches. “Shall I send you outside for talking?”
“Oh, no, ma’am,” Eddie says, without missing a beat, “I’ll surely cry. Profusely.”
As other students stifle giggles, Steve manages to write the date down correctly before the teacher peers over his shoulder.
He can’t help noticing that even with the eraser, there’s still an imprint: 1983 faintly engraved on the page.
Well, Steve thinks wryly, so it goes.
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bitemegamer · 2 months
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Log 01: A Note and Meeting Qiu and Tamarack (Long Post)
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Something about this intro... It makes my heart ache in the best way possible. It's the start, the start to a new section of a new life. It is the Fall, the air is cooling down and I can feel it hitting my nose.
*Forgive me, I shall be using MC thoughts as that of my own and basing things off of how I would react, I shall be using first person writing
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I decided, since my MC is 10 and I was a little bit of a nut at this time, I would have him believe that it was a ghost that poked him instead of him being rational about it.
He gets greeted with this paper, and... Honestly, how WOULD your little kid thoughts (esp that of someone who did believe in ghosts) think this meant?
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*I blurred the last name for my own reasons, thank you very much*
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I really, truly wished to be Nancy Drew or one of the Hardy Boys. I spend so much time watching mysteries with my mom. Probably way too much time.
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Too bad I am going to break those rules, Mother! Muahahaha! I am a little troublemaker. Just kidding. However, it's okay. I have a way to bend the rules... Just a little bit ;)
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*Proceeds to go to the woods, which to me feels like straying even further??? tbh, knowing myself as a kid, I would have done this without thinking too deeply*
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Oh where shall I be going? On a cool quest! Off I go to the amazing and great unknown!
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WHAT??? Man... :( I know for a fact I would have been so upset, yet a little relieved. Had I gone further into the forest, I might have freaked out just a little bit.
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The ghost inhabits this building.
Also, random thought/feeling/vibe that I am feeling... This reminds me so much of when I was a little kid doing my own thing, just wandering about and feeling like the whole world was amazing and whimsical. As a kid, I would always go out of my way to have some sort of fun and adventure... Even if that meant getting lost or making something out of nothing.
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A RACCOON!
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If I end up dying, let it be known that I met the end of my life with the coolest animal ever.
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I'm sure said kid feels very different about a total stranger being in their backyard climbing up their fort.
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lol, he thinks I'm quirky...
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I mean... You were the one who sent the note... Right? Right? Oh God, never mind--
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Don't look at me like that *SOB SOB* I'm trembling over here as if I am some sort of scared little grey hound!
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Nice to meet you as well, Qiu!
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*Snorts*
OCD Autism meeting and seeing someone with ADHD for the first time be like (joking):
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I decided to be a little more nicer to him and politely just point it out to him:
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This honestly does beg the question for me... How often has Qiu lost something simply from people just not telling him that he dropped his pages.
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That's it, Bud. You. Me. We're going to be in it together. You're never going to lose something like that again while I'm around you.
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He'll listen to me, but he will have no idea what I am talking about. At least he tries.
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Making art out of trash... I see.
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Yeah... Maybe my joke about ADHD might not be as much of a joke as I thought it was.. Hm...
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Oh... OH... She's so cute, she makes me wanna cry..
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Tamarack really went: 'Wow, okay, *bye*.
Well... Since I have exceeded my image limit for this post, I do believe that I can have this a closing moment... As of now, my MC has met both of the wonderful romantic/friend interests and I think they're both so wonderful!
I know that I am currently playing the Demo at the moment, but goodness this is so cute. This reminds me so much of my days after school and spending time with my friends around this time period.
I can't wait to finish this intro out and write more about my silly little thoughts... Until then, I hope you guys have enjoyed my little comments. I love doing that when I play games.
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yqswo · 27 days
Text
grumpy
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pairing : park minju x fem!reader
summary : after not attending school for a week because of your fever, your girlfriend who is also the student council president has been living with a grey cloud with her.
genre : fluff, angsty, kinda nsfw at the end
cw/tw : men, harassing, violence, bruises and wounds.
“Good morning, y/n!” A bright Jeemin greeted you while hugging your side.
“Morning Jee!” You smiled lovingly, opening your arms so that Youngseo and Hyewon who was behind Jeemin can hug you too. You all shared a group hug before pulling away.
As you pulled away, Jeemin looked at you with her puppy eyes and pouted. You chuckled before caressing her cheeks.
“It’s been a while since I last saw you.” Jeemin muttered while fixing her hair.
“Sorry, I had a fever.” You chuckled awkwardly, scratching your not-so itchy nape.
You missed school last week because you had a severe fever. You didn't have enough energy to do anything, so you spent the entire week resting in bed. Your parents have already taken you to the clinic to get some medicine and have you checked out. You could hear a number of notifications from your phone, but you're so unwell that you can't even get it from beside the bed.
“I’m glad that you feel better now.” Youngseo smiled, patting your head afterwards. “But, I feel like someone is still in a bad mood since last week~” Youngseo giggled, you look up at her, feeling confused.
“Hm, I wonder why our students president was so grumpy last week?” Hyewon said, pretending to think.
You laughed and quickly realised what they meant. You feel bad for not informing your girlfriend that you're sick. Even your mother wondered whether you tell Minju about it or not, because you discovered that Minju had called your mom to asked why you didn’t came to school. You wouldn't be surprised if the notifications is all from her.
“She is?” You giggled as they all snapped their heads toward your direction.
“She’s like way grumpier than she already is!” Youngseo rolled her eyes playfully, remembering what happened last week.
They told you that last week, during the morning assembly, Minju won’t let them seat and suddenly her speeches were so damn long. You couldn’t believe it when they said that Minju was in her office all day long. Minju’s friends were also worried about that girl.
“Ay, there’s no way it’s all because of me-”
“It is!!” Your friend group and Minju’s friend group said in unison causing you to flinched.
“Where did you guys even came from?!?” You shrieked.
By the look of it, it seems like they were just passing by. You couldn’t help but to noticed that Minju isn’t with them, that’s weird.
“Uh, we were just passing by and couldn’t help but to eavesdrop y’all talking.” Yunah laughed out loud but then she stopped when Jeongeun slapped the back of her head.
“Talking about Minju, she’s still walking around with a grey cloud with her.” Jeongeun sighed, massaging her temples.
“Damn y/n, you really should go and talk to her asap. That girl isn’t even functioning properly since she’s so worried about you.” Jihyun said, wrapping her arms around your shoulders. “Did you not tell her that you’re sick?”
You shakes your head, “no I didn’t, I was so sick that I can barely open my eyes.” You pouted.
“By the way, do you guys have any meetings today?” You asked Yunah, Jihyun and Jeongeun since they’re also in the student council.
“Nope, we don’t have any today.” Jeongeun said as you nodded in response.
“Don’t worry, you have the whole day to make it up to Minju. Just don’t do anything freaky in her office!” Yunah teased and went to her class with Jihyun and Jeongeun trailing behind her, bidding you guys goodbye. Your cheeks flushed a bright pink tint at what Yunah just said.
“It’s time for us to go too, let’s go!” Hyewon said, linking her arms with yours.
Your first and second periods went well, and you have virtually the same classes as Youngseo. Even if you were told to stop chatting so much, it was still enjoyable. It was recess, and you sat next to Jeemin, drinking your banana milk. You also brought an extra one for Minju, as you want to meet her when school finishes.
“You sure, y/n?” They asked, when you told them to just go home first without you later.
“Yeah, I planned on meeting Minju for a while. You guys can go first.” You smiled as they all nodded.
“Bye, y/n!” Jeemin waved at you and you waved back at her, before making your way to Minju’s office.
You were almost at her office when you ran into someone, forcing you to fall. "Ouch…" you winced. You sense a presence in front of you and look up to find two terrifying-looking students. Their uniform made it clear that they were not from around here. You thoughts were cut off when one of them grabbed you by your collar.
“My my, what a pretty lady like you doing here?” He chuckled as he let go off your collar.
“U-um, I just need to go to that office so please excuse me.” You said, attempting to walk away but was stopped by another man standing in front of you.
"Calm down, what's the hurry for?" He stated while looking at you with hunger and lust in his eyes. He looked around before bringing you closer to him, pressing your bodies together. And there's another man at your back. You swear you want to cry at this point.
“Hey, why not let’s have some fun hm?” He whispered and started caressing your body, you let out a whimper when the other man covered your mouth with his hands. Your tears were pouring out like a waterfall right now and you wished for nothing but someone or that specific someone to save you.
The man in front of you was about to touch you again, but before he could, he was pulled back roughly by the hair. You flinched but took the chance to bite the man at your back palms, causing him to let out a yelp. You were quick to run a little bit far away, and you tried your best to look through your wet eyelashes. And there you saw Minju throwing blow after blow to the both of them. Her shirt wasn’t tucked in, she threw her blazer somewhere else, and her tie was loosening a bit. Minju kept fighting before a teacher came and stopped her. It seems like it was the two dudes, teacher. He apologised to Minju and your principal before pulling his students away. The principal asked if Minju was okay, and she said she’s fine, before the principal left to settle with those two. 
Through your vision you saw Minju came to you and kneeled in front of you before picking you up in bridal style. You nuzzled your face in her necks and let her carry you to what felt like her office. She put you down on the sofa before going to close the door. She came back to you and kneeled in front of you with her hands caressing your thighs.
“Love,” she called out, and you hummed in response. You wiped your tears away and looked at her. You saw that her lips were bleeding and her temple was bruised with an ugly purple colour. 
You cupped her face, and she leaned into your warm palms. You peck her nose softly before standing up to take a medkit. A few moments later, you sat back down with a medicine kit in your hands. You patted the empty seats beside you as a sign to tell her to sit down. 
In silence, you carefully treated her wounds. You’re being extra careful with the one that’s still bleeding. Without realising it, you were so focused on treating Minju’s wound that you didn’t see that she was staring at you the whole time. You only realised that when you started treating her lips and making eye contact with her.
She smiled softly before you went back to treating her bruised lips like you weren’t completely flustered by that. “Stop it, i need to focus.”
She just chuckled quietly and continued staring at you until you’re done. You pull away and look at her wounds, looking a bit better than before.
“Um, don’t i get a kiss for being obedient?” Minju asked nonchalantly, making you roll your eyes.
“Is this really the grumpy president everyone been talking about?” You scoffed before laughing at how Minju’s pouting.
“Aw, come on…” she mumbled, intertwining your hands afterwards. You giggled quietly before pecking her lips.
You pull away and saw Minju still pouting. “Why? Is that not enough hm?”
“I want a kiss, and that’s only a peck.”
“Minju, your lips taste like ointment you know.”
“Tch, if you won’t kiss me then I will.” she smirked before pinning you down against the sofa.
Let’s just say, the ointment on her lips were no longer there for some, reasons.
a/n — i don’t really like this 😭 imma make another one soon as an apology ;)
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captain-mj · 2 months
Note
Hi I really love your PriceGraves stories and I don know if you still do story requests so can I ask for one with the idea of Price and Graves caring and loving a fluffy white teacup Pomeranian puppy? It is a gift from one of the Shadow recruit to try and cheer Graves up after losing Dumpling, and Graves couldn't say no to the tiny angel baby floofer? I like the idea of two grown men adoring such a very tiny puppy, you can also involve the rest of the 141 too!
Absolutely! Also, little fun fact, Dumpling was based on my Grandma's shih tzu. She was 18 when she died and did so the day after my grandmother died. Though personally I don't think my grandma deserved the loyalty, the little dog met her breed's standards with every day she told the grim reaper to wait.
Price had spent the entire week with Graves after Dumpling died. After day three, he just got up and started working again. From the outside, someone could assume he shook off the loss, but Price saw that he still didn't eat much and mostly drank coffee now a days. He tried to coax him into eating by having Oz cook, but Graves usually only choked down a few bites and thanked him.
All of the Shadows took notice and they talked. Price wondered what they were planning, but he spent most of his time with Graves, almost all of his time in fact. Graves eventually insisted he was fine, but Price saw him touching her favorite blanket or lightly pushing her bowl with his foot.
Price sat with him in the living room and Graves leaned against him. He was napping silently as they sat together and Price was thankful. Graves hadn't been sleeping well.
One of the shadows peaked in before quickly closing the door. He watched the door as multiple looked into the room and went back out. There was a short period of time before the door opened again but no one peeked in.
A tiny, fluffy white dog walked in and Price froze. He must've tensed too fast cause Graves woke up immediately.
The dog's tail wagged a little before they did a little spin. Their tail wagged so hard it made their whole body move.
"What is this?" Graves mumbled.
"I think she's a gift." Price answered, looking closer at her.
Graves sat up and reached for her. He scooped her up and she barked. "Tiny thing. I hope she's old enough to be away from her mom like this."
Price pet her and she licked his hand. "Pomeranian right?"
"Yeah. She is." Graves smiled at her. "Beignet."
"What?"
"I'm going to name her Beignet." Graves said softly. He held her for a moment before handing her to Price. He grabbed Dumpling's bowls and put them away before getting out a regular plate. Price pet Beignet as Graves set up a bowl of food for her. "Old superstition. If you let a dog eat from a bowl of a dead dog... It's bad luck."
Price smiled at him and then set down Beignet. She rushed over to start to gobble down food. Her little tail just kept going.
Graves knelt down and watched her. He stayed there until she was done and she licked at his fingers. For the first time all week, he smiled.
Beignet barked.
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Text
The Robin And The Supergirl 
chapter 1
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“plane to gotham is boarding in 3 minutes” the lady over the intercom says.
“but i don’t know anyone there”.
“sweetie i’m sure you’ll make a lot of friends in gotham there’s nothing to worry about, plus you’ll be staying with the wayne’s so if u need anything you can go to them” mom says trying to calm my anxiety. and rush me to my gate.
we get there as everyone is getting on.
“call us when u land so we know your ok” dad says i can tell he’s a little sad that i’m leaving.
“i will i promise” i say going to hug both mom and dad.
we say our goodbyes and i get on the plane ready to start my new life for the next two years.
i’ve only ever been to gotham once for a mission with roy, that was a year ago.
3 hours later and the plane landed i called my parents, they told me i was to go straight to school and after mr. wayne’s butler was going to pick me up.
on the way to school i seen this big building that said “Wayne Enterprises”. i knew their secret just as they did ours but i don’t know what they look like or their first names.
“we have arrived” the man that drove me here says.
“thank you” i say and give him the money.
i walk though the halls of gotham academy only being here for 2 years because my parents made a deal with mr. wayne, my names katrina kent daughter of lois and clark.
as i was trying to find my class i accidentally bumped into someone, he had gorgeous emerald green eyes, raven hair, beautiful tan skin, he kinda seems familiar.
“i’m sorry i wasn’t looking where i was going” i apologize only so i didn’t make a bad impression because i’m going be here for two years.
“it’s fine” he glares a little and walks away.
“rude much” i stated fixing my skirt.
i found the class that i’m supposed to be in and this girl sat next to me.
“hi i’m skylar” she introduced herself, she has long straight ginger hair, she’s my height.
“hey i’m katrina” i nervously said.
“you must be new here, right?” she said.
“yeah i am, i’m from Metropolis” i answer
“thats so cool” she excitedly says.
“so whats your schedule” i hand it to her and she looks over it “we have all classes but 2” she says with excitement.
“thank god i won’t be alone” i said quietly as the teacher came in.
first period was a success on to second skylar said we have then one together so we walked there together she told me a lot about her self.
we walked into the classroom to see the teacher standing there “you must me miss kent, u can sit by damian”. she say looking at me “who’s mr. wayne”. i question her “he’s in the main back”.
i look and see the guy that i had bumped into earlier, i walked to to back and took my seat.
“are you new or something, i don’t think i’ve ever seen you” he questioned.
“yes i am, i’m katrina kent” I answered, he gave me a kind shocked expression hidden under his cold expression. “what’s your name” i questioned this time
“im Damian, Damian Wayne” and it all clicked for me, he’s robin.
*skip to end of the school day*
i walked out of the school and someone walked up to me “miss katrina, i’m alfred bruce sent me to get you and master damin”
the ride to wayne manor was awkward to say the least me damian sat in the back completely silent, we haven’t said a single this since we introduced ourselves.
“we have arrived master damian and miss katrina” alfred leads us to the door and opens it.
“you must be katrina welcome to gotham i had alfred bring you here so i could introduce you to everyone, i see you’ve already met damian” Bruce says calmly.
“yes mr. Wayne we’ve already introduced ourselves to each other”.
“please katrina call me bruce, let’s introduce you to everyone” he yelled for the rest to the boys “boys this is katrina she’s staying in gotham for the next two years”.
there was three of them, all with black hair.
“hi i’m Richard Grayson but you can call me dick” he says excitedly.
“i’m jason and that over here is replacement” he jokingly says.
“really jason i’m offended, i’m tim and technically, he’s a replacement to”.
after we all introduced ourselves, we all talked and got to know each other “katrina, alfred will show you to your room” bruce says and walks away.
“this is your room i already prepared it for you, damian’s the one across from you, have a goodnight miss katrina”
i walked into my new room and thought to myself “hmm maybe this won’t be as bad as i thought” and with that i got ready to go to sleep.
_________________________________________________
an: can someone please tell me if this was good or not i’m pretty new a writing, also let me know if u want a part 2. also if you want me to make something requests are open.
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callsigndragon · 2 years
Text
A Rebel In My Soul | Chapter 7: Six-feet's never felt so far
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Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Fem!Mitchell!Reader
Word count: 5k (told you it was long)
Warnings: okay so you've read the title. it's about Iceman's funeral. swearing, fluff, mentions of someone wanting to have kids (idk), drunk rooster, alcohol, mentions of rebel's mom (it's sad, i can't say more bc spoilers), mentions of Carole's passing, mention of terminal illness (unknown bc it's never said in the movie), mentions of period, several mentions of death, DEATH OF A MAIN CHARACTER, lots of crying, angst, lots of angst. i cried writing this chapter. Hangman's pov again.
Summary: Y/N "Rebel" Mitchell is one of the best aviators of her generation. She grew up hearing the adventures and stories of Maverick, her father, that he used as bedtime stories. She became an aviator with her best friend Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and now both of them have to come back to the Top Gun Academy for an important mission. Only the best of the best is called for this mission, including the southern idiot called Jake "Hangman" Seresin. Both of you had hated each other since day one. Now, having to work together once more, you count the days for this mission to be over, not only to never see Hangman again, but to also cut all connections again with your father.  
Taglist: @theprettytragic @thatoneweirdhorsegirl913 @shrimping-for-all @inky-sun @popcrone818 @blue-aconite @milestellerwife @chaoticassidy @smoothdogsgirl @nemtodd-barnes1923 @bregarc @alanadetigy @starkleila @plutotcles @bradleysgirl
(If you want to be tagged comment here or send me an ask)
IMPORTANT A/N: I'M REALLY SORRY FOR ALL THE SAD FEELINGS YOU'RE GONNA HAVE WHILE READING THIS. I sobbed while writing it. I wasn't sure if I was gonna write Iceman's death or make him live but I needed this for the development of Fahrenheit's character (special thanks to @blue-aconite, for commenting my previous post about the character's call sign).
Series Masterlist
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After all the events from the day, the only thing you want is to take a long, relaxing shower. Once you get home, you see Rooster’s Bronco and hear some loud music coming from the inside. You open the door, taking off your shoes and walking inside to see your friend weightlifting in the homemade gym you and Rooster organized in the corner of the living room. He’s covered in sweat, jaw clenched and eyes fixated on the wall. Rooster’s in a bad mood.  
“Hey, I'm back” you speak a bit louder than the music coming from the speakers. He leaves the dumbbells on the floor and turns off the music.  
“I’m sorry, Y/n. I saw you running out of the room but I had to make sure that they were okay” he explains, coming closer to you and hugging you.  
“Don’t worry. I understand. Someone had to be there” you pat his back. “I saw them in the infirmary. They’re okay”  
“Yeah, I was there when they got in. They’re okay” 
“...why do you smell like Bag man?”  
You tense a bit in his arms. Shit, you should’ve taken it off when you got home. “Mine was wet and I had to drive so...” 
“Well, he’s sharp, at least.” He strokes your hair, still a bit wet. “I saw you in the locker room with him. He told me to leave”  
You move your head back enough to look up at him. “He kicked you out?” you question, surprised by what your friend is telling. He nods, moving to seat on the sofa.  
“Yeah, he didn’t talk but he gave me a look like saying ‘I got this, leave’” you sit next to him. “Was he nice?”  
“Yeah, Roos. He helped me. He’s a good guy when he wants to” 
He looks at you, frowning and bouncing his leg up and down. “What?”  
“Y/n, I think he’s trying to make a move here” Rooster explains, voice low as if his words were a secret.  
“I mean, I suspected something. He’s been trying to act nice with me, he apologized every time he fucked up and went out of his way to get me a coffee this morning.” you smile a little at the thought.  
Rooster groans and it scares you a little. “I’m gonna get out of here because if I have to see that smile again, I will throw up” says Rooster while moving to his room. You follow him, unsure of why your friend is acting like this.  
“What’s wrong with my smile?” you question, getting close to him with your hands on your hips. 
“You’re falling in love with Bag man”  
“I-I am not falling in love with him” you retort back instantly. A tiny part of your heart knows that he’s telling the truth. But admitting to be in love with someone is something really scary. You don’t think you’re ready for that.  
“Look into my eyes and tell me I'm lying”  
You stare at him, knowing well that awful at stare duels. You usually last very little time because Rooster has such an intense stare that you have to look away. However now you can’t even look at him in the eye. He grins, celebrating his victory.  
“I’m taking your bike” he says while entering his room and closing the door to get changed.  
“Leave your keys so I can take the Bronco later!” you say moving to your room. Rooster opens his door, shirtless, looking at you with a suspicious expression.  
“...where are you going?”  
“Everyone is meeting to celebrate that Phoenix and Bob are okay. I just came to take a shower” 
“Oh yeah, that’s right” he turns to leave but it’s stopped by your next words.  
“Jake told me to meet there later”  
“I knew it! You’re meeting with Bag man. Wait did you say Jake?”  
“It’s his name” you shrug.  
“You never call him by his name”  
“Well and he has never helped me through a panic attack before but here we are! Maturing and forgiving. We should learn a few things about that”  
He rolls his eyes. “Next thing you know, she’s inviting Maverick to her wedding with Bag man” he says, leaving the room to get his shirt and the car keys. He comes back, throws you his keys and leaves saying something along the lines of “please use protection, I don’t need to have a mini–Bag man running around”  
You go straight to the shower. The hot water relaxes your body but your mind is working faster than ever. You don’t know if you’ve ever felt something like this before. It’s a strange feeling, however. It's a new, warm and tender feeling but, at the same time, it feels familiar. As if it has always been there. It had been growing with the years, until it was big enough for you (and everyone else) to notice it.  
It’s always been him; it seems.  
You can’t lie to yourself anymore. There’s a feeling there. Call it whatever you want, but it’s there and it gets only stronger by the minute.  
You don’t realize how much time you’ve been until the water turns cold and it pull you out of your thoughts. You get out, put on a towel and grab the brush to untangle your messy hair.  
You find yourself thinking again about him. Well, about his body. How he hugged you, the tone, muscular arms that engulfed you in, how he applied the right amount of pressure to stop your terrible shaking-self.  
You look at your bed, Jake’s jacket laying in its full glory. You are tempted to wear it again, just to see his reaction. Maybe with that beautiful sundress that it’s been hanging on your closet for a while now. And some sneakers. Yeah, cute outfit.  
After drying your hair and applying some light make up, you get dressed and grab Rooster’s car keys, ready to leave. You hop in the car, smiling when the smell of Jake’s jacket fills your nostrils.  
Yeah, you’re completely head over heels for him.  
When you get to the Hard Deck, however, you smile fades away. Coyote and Hangman are trying to get a very drunk Rooster from the floor. He’s only been here for an hour; how did he get so drunk?  
“Rooster?” you come closer to the three men and he giggles when his intoxicated mind realizes who you are.  
“Reeeeeebel you’re so pretty tonight. Oh my god, are you wearing make up?” he asks with slurred words.  
“How did he end up like this?” you look at Jake, who has a sorrowful expression.  
“Tequila” answers Coyote. “He got here and asked for the whole bottle. He said he had argued with Maverick before and well...”  
“Oh gosh. I’m so sorry. Can you guys take him to the car? I’ll drive him home”  
“I don’t wanna go hooome” whines Rooster while hugging Coyote. Poor guy.  
You move closer to Jake. “I’m sorry I have to leave so soon...”  
“Y/n, it’s not your fault”  
Coyote looks at the both of you, smiling because his friend is having a normal conversation with you. At last.  
“Hey, give me the car keys’ and I’ll get him home” offers Coyote.  
“He came with Fanboy” explains Jake, as if reading your mind. “He lives close to your house; he can let Rooster there”  
“Yeah, and I'll get home walking. It’s just a few minutes, I don’t mind. And you just got in, you should get a drink and enjoy the night. In fact, it’s the first time I've seen you with that dress and it looks really good on you. My friend here would be so glad if you stayed so he can watch you all night”  
Your eyes widen and you look at Jake who is shooting daggers to Coyote. If looks could kill...  
“Okay, then.” you give Coyote the keys and accompany them to the car. “Thank you so much, Coyote”  
“I would say it’s my pleasure but Hangman’s the only one here benefiting from this” he says while turning on the engine and leaving the both of you. Once you stop seeing the car, you realize something.  
“Rooster didn’t give me my keys”  
Jake snorts. “You two are like kids, I swear. Don’t worry, I’ll drive you home”  
You nod, linking your arm with his. “I’ll buy you a beer, then” 
“Only one more, though. I have to get the princess home safe and sound.” 
You hit his arm. “Shut up”  
“You look good in my jacket, darling” he whispers so close to you that you can feel his breath in your neck.  
“If you don’t shut up...”  
“Oh, but I like you all flustered” you hit him again, harder this time. “Auch! Okay, okay. I’ll stop” he laughs. 
After you get two beers, you go outside the noisy bar. The two of you sit on one of the benches. It’s dark outside, only a few lanterns here and there to light the area. The salty scent of the sea and the sound of breaking waves wrap you in a comfortable feeling. It's the kind of night in which secrets are revealed and feelings are confessed.  
“Rooster told me about Maverick.” confesses Jake while looking at the water. “He told me about the papers. He did it to him first, and then to his own daughter”  
“You can’t trust this man when he’s drunk. But yeah... Neither of us knows why. I have an idea, though. Because of a conversation I heard when I was a child” you tell him. First secret of the night.  
“You don’t have to talk about it, Y/n”  
“I need to. I’ve never told anybody about this” you state.  
“Then I’m all ears, sweetheart” he says, giving you a reassuring smile. 
“Carole, Rooster’s mom, said once that she didn’t want her son to become an aviator like his father” you let out the most well-kept secret of your life. You heard it when you were almost ten years old. But you couldn’t tell that to your best friend. He wanted to be like his father so bad... How could you tell him that his mom didn’t approve it?  
“You think that Maverick pulled his papers because of her?”  
“It’s just a hypothesis but it’s the best one I got over the years” you say, sipping from your beer. 
“But he got mad at him. Why did Maverick think that doing the same to you would have different results?” 
“Here’s the other part of the hypothesis: Carole didn’t want me to become an aviator either”  
“And why did she thought she had anything to say about it?”  
You smile, a bit sad at the thought of that part of your life that you’re going to trust him with. Only your closest friends know.  
“Carole raised me as her own daughter. My mother left me and Maverick when I was only two years old. I don’t even know her name”  
Jake leaves his beer on the table and grabs your hand in his. “I’m so sorry to hear that...”  
“Don’t be. When I was old enough to know about my mother, Maverick gave me a box full of pictures and things he had collected for me. I never opened it”  
“Why? Weren’t you curious to know about her?”  
“I didn’t want to know anything about a woman that thought it was okay to leave a two-year-old kid. If she didn’t want me, I wasn’t gonna want her either” you reveal. It was, probably, the easiest decision you had ever made. Not knowing her implied not having to know why did she left you, if she ever missed you. If she had another family.  
You didn’t want to know.  
“And Carole raised you and Rooster alone”  
“Yes, she did. I spent more time in her house than in mine. Maverick spent a few months taking care of me but he was called for another mission and Carole took care of me. And then another mission came. And another, and another... I don’t blame him, though. We know how this is. You don’t have a choice” you feel Jake’s thumb caressing your knuckles and your body shivers at the touch. “Carole raised me. She taught me how to braid my hair, everything related to periods, how to put make up on, how to walk on high heels... Well, I've never learned how to walk properly on those, actually.” you laugh.  
“She loved you like you were hers”  
“Bradley and I used to say that we were siblings. Everybody knew we weren’t but for us... we were. We were raised by the same woman”  
“And you lost her, too”  
You take a deep breath. Yeah. Rooster lost his mother, but you lost yours, too. And only God knows how much you miss her.   
“She became sick. It was really quick, actually. I don’t know if that’s better or worse. One day she was smiling and wearing beautiful dresses and then the next... she was gone” you don’t know when the first tear fell from your cheek, but Jake quickly wipes it away. He gets up and walks around the table to sit beside you and pull you close to him.  
You find yourself in Jake’s hugs for the second time today, but this one is warmer. You can feel his heartbeat against your cheek. Is steady and calm.  
“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, Y/n” 
You hug him closer. “Life sucks, I guess. Now you have to tell me about your family. Spill the beans, cowboy”  
He chuckles and strokes your hair. “Well... Both my parents are alive. I have four sisters. I'm the only boy among the Seresin’s siblings. My older sister has two kids and I love them with my entire soul”  
You move your head back to look at him. “You’re the cool uncle?” 
He smiles shyly. “I love kids, okay? Tell anyone and I’ll deny it”  
“So you want to have kids”  
“A few, yeah. I want to raise them in my family’s ranch.”  
You stop hugging him, even if you don’t want to, because the position you two are in is hurting your neck. You move back a bit, Jake’s hand instantly moving to search your own. It’s like you two cannot stay away from the other.  
“You want kids. You know how to listen when your head is not up your ass. You’re a gentleman when you want to...” he laughs, shaking his head at your words. “Honestly, how are you single?”  
He looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars. “Maybe I was waiting for the right person” he says, leaning closer, his eyes moving from yours to your lips.  
You move closer to him, your heartbeat so loud that you can hear it in your ears. “Did you find them?”  
He moves his hands to your cheeks, one thumb moving over your bottom lip. “Yeah, I did” he whispers, his breath fanning over your features. You close your eyes, ready to feel his lips on yours.  
And then the phone rings.  
You pull away with a groan, taking your phone out of your pocket. Maverick.  
“Okay, that’s the biggest timing I’ve ever seen” he laughs, getting his drink.  
“He never calls me. It must be important.” you press the green button on the screen. “Yes?” 
“Iceman’s gone”  
If a minute ago your heart was beating faster than ever, now it has completely stopped working. You freeze, unable to respond or do anything. Uncle Ice is gone? He said he was okay. Did he... did he lie to you?  
Of course, he did.  
“Y/n? Are you still there?” you hear Maverick talking to you but it sounds so far away your mind doesn’t really process it.  
The phone falls from your grip, Jake catches it before it falls to the ground. “Hey, are you okay?”  
“Hangman is that you?”  
“Yeah, sir. Rebel is here with me. She’s in shock. What did you tell her?”  
“Admiral Kazansky has passed away. It was like an uncle for Rebel.” 
“I understand, sir. I’ll take care of her” he hangs up, putting the phone in his pocket and moving you to his lap. “Come here, darling. You seem to be unable to catch a breath today.”  
“He told me he was okay... I wanted to v-visit him but I didn’t have time” you choke on your words, tears falling down your face. Jake inhales deeply and pulls you impossibly closer.  
“Let’s get you home, okay? I’ll stay with you if you need me” you nod, and he takes you to his car. He only stops holding you when he has to walk around the car to sit behind the wheel, but he grabs your hand after that.  
When you get home, you hear snores from Rooster’s room. You would give everything in the world to be asleep right now, but closing your eyes today will be difficult.  
“Let’s get you out of this dress, you’re cold” says Jake in a sweet tone. Honestly, if your poor heart survives today is because of him.  
Jake accompanies you to your room, making you sit on the bed while he moves around the room looking for everything you need. He comes back with an old hoodie and some shorts and leaves them on the bed. “This will make you feel warm in a minute. I’ll go to the bathroom to look out for something to clean your face. Call me when you’re changed, okay?”  
“Jake” you call his name, your voice hoarse for the second time today.  
“Yes, honey?”  
“Thank you. For everything. I owe you a big one”  
He kneels before you, taking your hands in between his. He brings one of them to his lips, leaving a kiss in your palm. “Hey, you don’t owe me anything. But I'll have one of those beautiful smiles if you insist”  
You smile a bit. It doesn’t reach your eyes, and Jake’s hand drops yours to caress your cheek. “He’s in a better place now, right?” you question, tears flooding your eyes.  
“I’m sure he is, sweetheart. He’s putting everyone in his place up there.”  
You nod, wiping your tears away. He kisses your forehead and goes to the bathroom. Every time he kisses you, your heart skips a beat. You wish you could enjoy that feeling, embrace it and also, deal with all the unsaid words between Jake and you. Because he said that you were the one. He really just poured his heart out there for you to take it, and what had you given him in return? Tears. You need to let him know in a way that you return his feelings, whatever they are. 
“I found your micellar water” he says, entering the room again once you got changed. He has two cotton pads on his hand, and you look at him wondering how the heck does he know what micellar water is.  
“You know about makeup?”  
“Four sisters, remember? I even went once in a midnight run to the store to buy some tampons” he says, pressing the cotton pad against your skin and removing your makeup.  
“You have the whole package” you say, closing your eyes. “Honestly, though. You’re too perfect”  
He stops cleaning your skin and scoffs. You open your eyes to look at him. “I’ve been a jerk half of my life. Too proud to even admit when I was wrong. I’m not that good”  
“Well, you’re good now” you say, this time you’re the one holding his hands. “You’re good for me. And that’s all that matters, Jake”  
He smiles a bit. “I want to kiss you so bad. But I’ll wait because I don’t want you to remember our first kiss in the future and bringing so many bad memories.”  
You sigh. “You’re really something else.” you get up, taking the cotton pads and throwing them to the bin. “You should go home and rest. I’ll see you at the funeral”  
“I’m not leaving you” Jake states.  
“But”  
“No buts. You need someone and the chicken nugget you have for a friend is completely passed out. I’m staying with you”  
“...did you just call Rooster chicken nugget?”  
“It’s McNuggie for me” he says with a serious voice.  
You burst into laughter. Honestly that’s the funniest thing you’ve ever heard someone call him. Jake laughs too. You really needed to laugh a bit.  
“I’ll go to McNuggie’s room and get you some clothes.” you say, leaving your room to go to Rooster’s. He doesn’t even move when you open the door. You grab a t-shirt and some grey sweatpants from his closet and leave quickly, not wanting to disturb his sleep. Even though you know he won’t notice it.  
“Here. You can change in the bathroom”  
He nods and goes change. You hear Rooster’s phone ringing. It’s Maverick again delivering bad news? You grab your phone from the nightstand, where Jake left it before. Several messages from Phoenix and Bob, who knew about Iceman being the closest thing to an uncle you’ve ever had.  
You also see a message from Iceman’s daughter. Snowcone, as you and Rooster used to call her when she was little. She was like her father in many aspects, but she chose to be a WSO instead of a pilot. Her call sign is Fahrenheit. Their companions gave it to her after a few weeks in the academy. Everyone knew she was the Admiral’s daughter. And they also knew about Iceman, how he was cool and cold. But he melted every time his little girl did something that made him proud. Also, she is the warmest person you’ve ever met. You always thought that she and Rooster would end up together. You haven’t talk to her in a while, you thought she was away on a mission. Maybe she was just focusing on her father.  
You open Fahren’s conversation. It’s a short text. She wasn’t one to beat around the bush.  
Fahren: He wanted you to have a good memory of him, Reb. He knew he was dying and he didn’t want us around when the time came. He only let my mom be with him. You know how he was. Always taking care of his girls.  
You: This man... How’s your mom? 
Fahren: Relieved. Sad. Tired. She just wanted him to stop suffering. He did.  
You: It’s hard... You’ll be okay. Both of you.  
Fahren: I know. Rest. I know you haven’t had a good day.  
You: Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.  
Rooster busts into the room with teary eyes. Oh shit, Maverick told him.  
“I-it’s true? Uncle ice...”  
You nod and get up to hug him, your own tears falling again. Jake leaves the bathroom and sees the scene. In his mind, Jake is questioning how you two got such a bad luck in life.  
“Hangman? What are you wearing my clothes”  
“She was with me when Maverick called. I couldn’t leave her alone” explains Jake, moving closer to pat Rooster’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss, Bradshaw.” 
He nods, wiping his tears. “Thanks, man. I’m going to make some coffee; do you guys want?”  
“Yeah, I don’t think I can get any sleep anyway” you admit, walking to the kitchen followed by the two men.  
The three of you sit quietly around the kitchen isle, every single one of you submerged in their own thoughts. The only sound in the room is the coffee machine heating up the brown liquid.  
“If someone told me that Hangman would be seated in my kitchen at midnight with my clothes on, I would have never believed them” says Rooster giving a mug to you and Jake.  
“It’s kinda weird I’ll give you that” retorts the other man. “Do you guys have good memories with the Admiral?”  
You look at Rooster, an instant smile spreading over. “Yeah... a lot” you tell.  
“You know his daughter is a WSO?” Rooster asks Jake and he nods. “We call her Snowcone. And the three of us were always causing havoc when the Kazanskys invited us for dinner. One time, this girl over here sneaked in the Admiral’s office and stole one folder that had ‘Top Secret’ in big red letters”  
“Oh no, not that one” you cover your face, trying to disappear.  
“So, she walks around the house reading the papers and there was like a map in there. She goes up to Snowcone’s room to grab her crayons”  
“Oh, you didn’t" Jake says looking at him.  
“He went on a meeting next day and when he had to show the map to the rest... it had a cute little drawing of Iceman and Maverick in pink aircrafts”  
Both men laugh at the image of a tiny little y/n painting pink aircrafts in a map. You smile at the memory. When you saw Iceman the next week, he wasn’t angry. In fact, he hung the drawing in his office, among other ones that his own kids had drawn before. He even had one from Rooster.  
“He was a good man. Very patient, too. Had to be to deal with Maverick’s ass during all these years” Rooster says.  
“Yeah... and with our asses” you laugh again. 
The three of you stay all night in the kitchen, remembering the most interesting adventures you had while growing up and making Jake part of your small family. He sits there, listening in awe to all the pranks you used to pull on him and Maverick during the years. He eventually tells a few stories of his own, Rooster warming up to him and asking a few things. You know that they can be good friends, and it melts your heart that he is making the effort to be in the same room with him because Jake is now an important part of your life.  
And if Hangman was willing to stay up all night hearing stories about Iceman and Maverick to cheer you up, he would be part of Rooster’s life too.  
Several hours later, you find yourself in full dress blue uniform in front of the mirror. Taking deep breaths, you go to the living room where Rooster and Jake are waiting for you. Jake went to his house a few hours ago to get his uniform. He looks really good.  
“You ready, darling?” asks the man you were staring at.  
“As ready as I'll ever be”  
They both nod, Rooster going to the door. You walk with Jake towards his car. He has offered to drive both of you to the cemetery.
It took Jake twenty minutes to drive there. There was no music, no small talk, nor even a breath could be heard during the ride. Jake was worried, actually. Last night, Rooster and Rebel never once stopped talking, having lots of stories to share with him. Now, it seemed like they would never talk again. He realized that wearing the uniform and going to the funeral makes it all more real. And it made it hurt more. 
Jake also felt bad because all the events that had happened in the last 24 hours had brought him closer to Y/n that he could ever thought possible. She had shared a lot of her, her secrets, her childhood stories, she even stayed around when he said that she was the one for him. If Maverick hadn’t called, they would even have kissed.  
Jake knew that he shouldn’t be grateful for all that, but he was. Because of that, he was able to be with her in her vulnerable moments. He gained her trust. And he had to stop himself several times from kissing her. It wasn’t the moment for that, as Jake confessed to her. He had given her enough bad memories for a lifetime. If they were to make new memories together, he wanted them to be happy, beautiful ones.  
Once they arrived to the cemetery, all the Dagger squad was there. Even Maverick. Y/n walked immediately towards two women who, he supposed, were the Admiral’s wife and daughter. She hugged them close, the older woman crying for what it seemed the hundredth time that day.  
Rooster told Jake that Iceman asked Maverick to nail his wings on his coffin if he ever passed before him. It was a sign of respect. Jake’s chest tightened at the idea that maybe soon enough he will be nailing his wings in someone’s coffin if the mission wasn’t successful. He didn’t want to think of that.  
He stood next to Phoenix who seemed to be waiting for the appropriate time to ask why did he drive Y/n and Rooster here. After a few moments, the two joined them and the funeral began. He knew he wasn’t supposed to, but he took Y/n’s hand in his whenever he could. She seemed grateful to have a grounding touch.  
Once that the Admiral’s coffin was underground, Fahrenheit got closer to the tombstone. The formalities had ended, everyone was in small groups, greeting old friends and talking about the late admiral. Nobody was paying attention to her, except the Dagger squad. Fahren stood in front of her father’s grave, her knees buckled, falling to the ground. She began to cry; her agonizing cries being heard by every single soul present at the graveyard. Rooster ran to her, kneeling down and holding her between his arms. She held onto him for dear life. It seemed that the admiral’s daughter had tried to be brave for him until the very end. Not only for him, but for her family too. She had to take care of the family now. She didn’t know how to do it without her father.  
Y/n, that had been talking to Penny until she heard Fahren cry, also ran to hug her friend. Fahren, Rooster and Rebel had lost a father. Biological or not, it didn’t matter. Iceman took care of them in the same way. Jake had come to that conclusion after all the stories he heard about him. Maverick had been the funny and cool paternal figure, also the one that would always be there whenever they needed him. Iceman had been the mentor. He had taught them mathematics; Maverick had taught them how to drive a bike. Iceman, Maverick and Carole had raised those kids. They were alone, now, with broken hearts, open wounds, and unhealed traumas. 
Carole had died long ago.  
Maverick deceived them soon after.  
And now, Iceman, the only similar thing to a relative they had left, was gone, too.  
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