#I’m so sad we didn’t get to see them walking around in their long johns

[carnevol]

Stalag Fashion

[gallavichsreddie1128]

I’m Sorry (Rafe Cameron)

Description: Rafe didn’t tell the Pogues that Y/N (his wife and their ex best friend) (and JJ’s ex) would be on this trip to get the crown with them.

Word Count: 2,558

Rafe didn’t tell the pogues that his wife, their ex best friend, would be on the boat. JJ and her dated for a while but things didn’t work out and she ended up in the arms of Rafe Cameron.

The pogues disowned her after they found out that she was dating him. She was heartbroken and Rafe put her heart back together. She was with him while he stirred the boat. The others outside the door talking about them.

She knew that they didn’t trust Rafe and they probably didn't trust her. She didn’t blame them but she had hoped that this would make them see that they could trust them, mostly her. “Rafe, Y/N.” John B said the couple’s names.

They both turned to look at the group that was by the door. “Hey guys.” Y/N said but her voice was quiet. She hadn’t talked to them in so long and to hear her name fall from his lips was crazy. “We just want peace.” That would have been simple until JJ decided to punch him.

Y/N felt rage through her body at him doing that. Almost like JJ had always wanted to do that, probably has. “REALLY?” Y/N yelled at him. “I don’t trust him, none of us do. Not sure if we even trust you.” He said. That had hurt her a lot.

She wasn’t the reason their relationship ended, it was him. Rafe fixed her and sure he wasn’t the best guy but it was enough for her. “I’m not the one who fucked you over JJ, you fucked over me.” Y/N said. 

Y/N waited for Rafe to wake up. It was a battle but she convinced them not to tie him up. She had food and pain killers waiting for him. He woke a few hours after the incident and looked around, “Hey babe. I brought you some food and painkillers.” Y/N told him.

He was pissed and wanted them off the boat after that but again Y/N had to convince him not too. “He punched me. Let’s not pretend that this is just about me not being trustworthy.” Rafe said to her as they ate. Y/N raised her eyebrows.

He was probably right. “Yeah well that was 3 years ago, Rafe.” She was over it and was even ready to forgive him but JJ didn’t feel the same. Maybe JJ was still in love with her after all. 

The boat started to rock like crazy causing them to get up and see what was going on. It was a disaster waiting to happen. The boat was crashing into the water and flooding. “Guys what’s going on?” She asked. “The storm.” Kie said. Y/N managed to make her way to where John B was.

JJ and Sarah are also there. It was bad, so bad to the point that Y/N ended up in the water. “Y/N.” JJ yelled and grabbed a raft and threw it in the water. “I’m coming.” He yelled and jumped in the water after her.

Rafe got there just in time to see them get covered by a big wave. He screamed his wife’s name and Sarah managed to hold him back so they didn’t lose more people. 

Rafe was crying and freaking out. The others had hope that they would turn up but Rafe had lost too much. They all felt bad and guilty that they treated them like that and realized that they aren’t bad people. Y/N never was and she might be dead. Sarah couldn’t help but cry.

Maybe it was the guilt or the sadness but she was crying so hard. Rafe was thinking about it so much. His wife was most likely dead and JJ jumped in after her. If they were alive he couldn’t even be mad about it. What if JJ had saved her life but what if she realized that she still loved him?

Rafe was deep in thought that he didn’t realize John B looking out in the distance at two people. “Guys.” Everyone looked over at the two people walking towards them. Rafe jumped up and ran to them. As he got closer he saw his wife and he laughed in relief.

She saw him and ran to him as well until they collapsed on the ground in a hug. Both of them were crying and saying that they love one another. JJ watched as the couple kissed and laughed in relief. He saved her life and though she was thankful, she was not going to leave rafe for him. 

“I saved her life.” JJ tells the others as they all sit around the fire. “And I am thankful for that JJ.” She said to him. He couldn’t meet her eyes, why was it that he thought she would love him all over again now? “Thanks for saving her.” Rafe said to him.

Everyone was shocked by that but also it made sense. Y/N was his wife after all.  Rafe wanted to be mad and yell at him but he couldn’t. She might not be alive if it wasn’t for him. But the thought of JJ and her together sickened him. Rafe wasn’t an idiot and saw right through JJ.

He knew that JJ was hoping for her to love him again and that’s what scared him. What broke him out of his thoughts was her yawning in his arms. “Well, I’m tired. Goodnight guys.” She said. Rafe followed her to where she was sleeping and laid down next to her. He pulled her body right up against his and he felt her snuggle up against him.   

Hearing that Sarah was pregnant actually made Y/N happy. She knew that John B and Sarah would be good parents and she was very excited for them. Rafe and her wanted kids but Rafe was scared. He never wanted to treat his kids the way he was treated.

Sure he loved his dad but it wasn’t a hidden fact that he wasn’t the greatest dad. But Rafe had no reaction to hearing that Sarah was pregnant. Y/N wanted to ask him about it but they really had no time. When Rafe almost got arrested for something the others did, it slipped her mind.

And Rafe had a lot of questions for her when they were walking around. “Did he try anything after saving you?” He asked after buying them clothes. “No. We barely talked.” Which was true. She thanked him and even hugged him but besides that they didn’t talk. “Did he tell you that he was still in love with you?” She looked at him like he had three heads. She shook her head, “No because he isn’t.” Rafe wanted to argue that factor but instead asked another question.

“Do you feel anything for him after that?” “Rafe, what?” She asked. “He saved your life and did something I couldn’t.” She rolled her eyes and huffed. Whether he was going to admit it or not she knew that was his worst fear. “Rafe, I can assure you I don’t love him. I love you.” She tells him.

Before he could respond he notices someone and pulls Y/N with him up against the wall. The people were talking about Groff. They listened and figured that he was close by. 

Rafe didn’t wanna leave her alone so he bought her a four wheeler and told her once he has Groff to speed off with them. She nods and waits for her man as he kicks some ass and gets Groff. Before Groff could say anything to her they drove off. She followed Rafe to wherever it was that he was headed.

She got off the four wheeler and Rafe immediately started to question Groff. Groff didn’t even get to say anything to Y/N with how Rafe was questioning him. Groff didn’t have the money anymore but he had the map to the treasure. Y/N gasped when they started fighting and Rafe took those things from him.

The Pendant was beautiful. Y/N couldn’t wait to wear it but that slipped her mind as Rafe pushed him in the well. “HAHA CHECKMATE BITCH.” Y/N bit her lip, finding that hot but knew it wasn’t the right time. He handed her the pendant and she put it on. “It looks beautiful on you.” He winks at her. She smiled at him and he looked at the map. They had a long way to go. 

“You know it was really hot when you pushed Groff into that well.” She said to him. He looked over at her and smirked, “My wife is a freak.” She laughed at him and shook her head, “Anything you do I find hot, Rafe.” He looked back at the map as they walked.

“Yeah well I would love to fuck you right now after hearing that but we gotta get our money first.” She sighed. It was truly unfortunate that they couldn’t. “Give me the pendant.” He says and she takes it off and hands it to him.

He tries to read the map with it but gets frustrated. “Here.” She said and took the necklace from him. She used to do this treasure hunting stuff with the pogues all the time. He smiled as he watched her figure it out. 

Rafe, who had the map in his hand, held up his hands as they were held at gunpoint. Y/N also held up her hands and looked at her husband, nervously. “Let her go she has nothing to do with this.” Rafe tries but they don’t care. “Drop the map.” Rafe nods and announces that he’s doing it slowly.

Y/N couldn’t look anywhere but her husband, missing her old friends ready to shoot the guys holding them hostage. It was in a flash of a second that Sarah shot at them and Rafe took Y/N’s hand and they ran. The pogues followed them. Rafe picked Y/N up and ran faster. She told him to wait as she saw the pogues but he didn’t listen until they barged through the door. “Next time we’ll let you get shot.” Kie tells him but Y/N thanks her. He sets Y/N down but still has the map. “Groff didn’t have the money.” She says to the others.

“Hand over the map.” Y/N looks at Rafe knowing he wouldn’t go down without a fight. “Rafe, baby give them it. They know what they are doing.” He looks at her, “You also know.” While that was true this was their fight now. “Dad would want us to work together.” Rafe was about to break. He believed that Sarah killed him. Y/N didn’t. “Rafe, they are willing to work together.” Y/N tries but he yells at Sarah saying that he couldn’t trust her because of Ward. “Dad died saving me. I was gonna die.” Y/N felt tears in her own eyes. “You’re so quick to blame me for everything.” That was true. “You’re gonna leave me just like everyone else in my life has besides Y/N. She’s the only one keeping me going. You’ll ruin that. He’s trying to ruin that.” Rafe pointed at JJ.

JJ stayed silent as Sarah talked to him, “I’m all you have.” “Baby look at me. She’s telling the truth. I know them baby, they aren’t bad people. Nothing will ever come between us.” Her heart broke at the sight of him crying. “We’ll still get our cut?” Rafe asked Sarah. “Yes.” He goes to hand her the map but she pushes it away and she hugs him. Y/n smiled at the sight and rubbed his back as he tried to hold back tears. 

“Hun, I’m going down there to stop them.” “No.” “Rafe, they are killers.” Kie said to him. He looks at the two of them. “I’m a killer too.” He says and if he said that at any other point, she would have been so turned on but right now they were on a mission. Kie and Y/N couldn’t really see JJ but kept telling him to hurry up. He was trying but he was going to find it no matter what.

Y/N kept looking behind her hoping to see Rafe but she couldn’t. She couldn’t lose him and this was making her think she would. “JJ we have to go.” Kie yelled at him. He was reaching into the eye of the sand statue and it looked like he pulled something out but she couldn’t be so sure.

The sand was everywhere. She heard yelling and cheering from him and smiled to herself. He got the crown. A few minutes later he showed them the crown and they all hugged. It was a nice feeling, one that she missed. They ran down to get the others and Y/N’s mind was on her husband. She had to make sure he was okay.

She yelled his name as she looked for him but gasped as she saw Groff. She hid so he couldn’t see her and he grabbed Kie. Y/N had to cover her mouth. She was hoping that he wouldn’t hurt her but of course he was willing to trade her for the crown. They were so close.

Y/N watched as the trade was made and sighed in relief. She was glad her friends were okay. Sure she wanted the money back but their lives were and always will be more important. She turned to go find Rafe but heard Kie gasping. Y/N turned around and her eyes widened, her heart dropped and her soul left her body. Groff had stabbed JJ.

She didn’t care anymore and ran over to him as Groff ran off. She thought about chasing him but didn’t want to get killed. “JJ.” She cried and he looked at her. For once since they reunited he looked at her and he didn’t look mad. Kie and her helped him to the ground.

“You’re gonna be okay. We will get you out of here.” Kie said. JJ gave them a smile, “It’s okay.” “JJ we can get you help.” Y/N tells him. He looks over at her, “Y/N I’m sorry that I messed up with you and never gave you what you deserved.” “JJ I don’t care about that stuff.” He could barely get out words but he had to tell her, “Kie I never told you my wish.” Kie was crying.

“JJ it’s okay…” “I have everything I could ever wish for right now.” He holds both of their hands. “My best friend.” He looks at Kie. “And the woman I’ll always love.” He looks at Y/N. Y/N starts crying harder. “I love you both.”  He said and his grip on their hands weakened. He was dead.

The others started showing up and everyone was crying. Rafe showed up and saw Y/N put JJ’s hand in his lap. He couldn’t even feel relief about this, nothing about it was. He wasn’t jealous or mad cuz for once he knew that she was his and that no matter what they were together.

He got on the ground with her. “Hey.” He said and she collapsed in his lap crying for her friend. “It’s okay baby. I understand and I promise you we will avenge him.” He whispered to her. One thing she learned about being married to Rafe Cameron was that he kept his word. Especially on Revenge. 

[flowerfreya]

Repercussions

The next part in the office AU

Masterlist

Content: Readers ex boyfriend tries to win her back( does not go well ) and then she discovers she has a crush on all four of them *gasp*

Pairing : poly!141 x reader

If have any thing you want to see from this group of people, please let me know. Lowkey running out of ideas lol

Price, Soap, and Ghost stand in front of the room where you were just taken. “She’s just trying to get attention”, he shifts his gaze to Price, “You know what I mean?”, he raises his eyebrows in a know what I mean motion. 

Price is not amused ,“No, I don't know what you mean”.

“Maybe you need to take a walk”, Soap says. He tries to guide him to entrance but your ex is  a glutton for punishment. 

“No,she a bitch, she used me as a gold digger”,he spits out, waving his arms and yelling and honestly embarrassing himself. 

“Mate, you need gold in order for that to happen”, Simon is trying to move him away from the door but he is very persistent. 

“You take another step it will be your last in this building” 

He slowly turns around, “You can’t do that, there's a process”, he smirks, thinking that he’s won. 

“Oh I know the process, we have been doing the process”, he lists all the things that your ex-boyfriend has been doing or in this case, not doing. 

Price has always had a problem with your ex boyfriend, they hired him on a whim and they needed a body. They had hoped that he would have no call , no show and they could help him but alas , he very very sadly persisted. He started fucking up almost four months ago, showing up late leaving early , taking long lunches. Price had finally found his in. He’s been putting in the work with Kyle to fire him, that when he brought you in for an interview. 

Price knew that men like him , took out his frustration on the women in his life because that's just the man he is. So he put a pause on it, you didn’t deserve that. When he got that call from Simon that you had called asking for help he knew that it was a sign.

~ 

Your ex is still moaning and bitching about you, then he says something that makes you not care. 

“Oh shut the fuck up” , you yell at him and walking out the backroom. He’s shocked that you responded, you're usually very passive in this , thinking it’s easy to agree then to argue. He starts stuttering, not used to this from you. 

“Uh -u -u -u” , you mock him. You get close to him so tired of just taking it. You’re so done with him. 

“Nothing to say?” , you ask him. He looks around like one of your guys are going to help but he finds none. 

“Can you do me favor and just fucking go?” ,you're so pissed that you let yourself get to this level, this sad sad place, where knowing that you need better, that you deserve better but just staying. Settling. 

He tries to change tactics with you, “Baby, please you know that I’m sorry, I messed up please forgive me”, he gets tears in the corner of his eyes. 

You scoff, “You know you caused this , you decided to leave me here and be a jerk when I asked you to pick me up”, you pause and wait for him to respond and he has nothing to say. 

“We are done, over, never getting back together, wrap your brain around that”. 

He tries to say something else but John cuts him off and leads( pushes) him toward the exit. 

Once he’s out the door, you kind of deflate when you no longer see him. Kye places his hand on your shoulder, “Alright?”, you want to go home and curl into a ball and drink dessert wine still your stomach hurts. 

“Can I go home?”, you don’t make eye contact with him even though you know that he is trying to connect with you. You can’t do life today and being with all of them today is going to be too much. You are single for the first time in a very long time and you have a crush on your boss ... .and coworker ... .and your other coworker… and your HR rep. How do you go from hating your only romantic partner to having a crush on four people? 

[luversgirl]

TO BE SO LONELY, part two

summary: after the pouges forget her special day, y/n meets someone the pouges aren’t too pleased with. (heres part one if you haven’t read it yet)

notes: here is the long awaited pt two, im sorry this took to long. i’m in the middle of finals and im trying to get back into writing (p.s theirs another important note after the fic)

warnings: language?

after the big fight at the chateau rafe drove them to the beach, more specifically the one they first interacted at.

y/n quickly slipped off the helmet and walked towards the water without a word said.

as she got closer and closer she placed the helmet and shopping bag down and continued walking.

“y/n!” rafe yelled trying to catch up.

“y/n!” he yelled again a bit more sternly making her stop in her tracks.

he quickly caught up seeing as he was walking very fast to keep up with her “please talk to me” he softly spoke as he stopped in front of her.

“there’s nothing for me to say” she spoke back clearly lying as many tears rolled down her face.

“you’re allowed to be upset y/n” rafe says placing his hands on her face, wiping her tears away.

“how come everyone forgets me” y/n’s voice cracks as she speaks.

after y/n broke down at the beach rafe thought it would be best for her to stay at the cameron household for the night.

waking up to the sun peaking through out the expensive silky curtains the rougtledge girl rubbed her eyes.

her eyebrows furrowed at the unfamiliar smell of the sheets she was laying on, turning her body around she saw a sleeping rafe.

she sat up, carefully doing her best to to wake rafe and succeeding.

y/n’s eyes gazed around the room that was clearly rafes. it pleasantly surprised her how organized his room was, the way all his expensive colognes were organized, no laundry on the floor and the pictures of his family and him displayed along the walls.

“good morning” y/n turned to rafe who was now rubbing his eyes as she was minutes before.

“good morning” she smiled as he pulled her closer kissing the top on her head.

“how you feeling baby” rafe asks.

“better now thanks to you” y/n grins looking up at him “what time is it?”

rafe grabs his phone from the nightstand by his side “its 12” he says.

“i have a shift at 1” y/n sighs leaning against rafe.

“can you cancel it?” rafe trys to reason.

y/n chuckles “thats not exactly how a job works, wheres my phone?” she asks.

“under your pillow” y/n reaches for it, hopingit doesn’t explode with messages when it powers on “i also put it on silent so we could sleep through the night” rafe chuckles.

“thank you” y/n smile up at him before checking “jesus christ” she quickly says as she was right about the phone blowing up and

scrolls through all the missed notifications.

“you okay?” rafe asks observing her face.

closing her eyes, y/n takes a deep breath then setting her phone down onto the bed and started to get out of the plush cameron bed.

“woah, woah, woah, where you going sweet thing?” rafe quickly followed now standing in front of her with his hands on each side of her face caressing her soft cheekbones with his thumbs.

“rafe” y/n smiles and tilts her head up looking at the tall boy.

“you know, not all of us can be kooks” sending him a sad smile.

shortly after rafes constant attempts to get y/n not to go to work he accepted his loss in the battle and dropped her off.

she was 2 hours into her shift and nothing had gone wrong yet, but of course she knew something was bound to happen seeing as her brother and his friends new where she worked so it was all just a matter of time.

as soon as her break hits she’s pushing the back door of the the store open for some fresh air only to be met with the pouges.

“what do you guys want” y/n spoke sitting on her usual break bench and gave into her fate.

“i don’t understand why’d you do this to us” john b speaks up first.

y/n eyebrows furrow “i didn’t ‘do’ anything to do” she emphasizes the ‘do’ “not everything is about you bee” using her brother nickname only reserved for her.

“i never said tha-“ john b interjects.

“but thats what you meant, you know i’m actually happy?” y/n humourless laughs then begins to raises her voice “i don’t remember the last time i’ve even been this happy and the second you find out its not in a way you ‘approve’ of you want to try and take it from me”

“we-“ jj tries to interject something else but y/n doesn’t even give him the chance as she grows angrier every time they say something.

“you know he hasn’t bothered you guys in months but you’re all too self absorbed in your fucking shit to even see that and where the fuck was all this when john started dating sarah” y/n’s voice quivers but also grows louder as she stands up “huh?”

“i always supported you and sarah” y/n addresses the young couple making eye contact with the cameron who continued to remain silent “nice to know kindness is a one way street with you guys”

“y/n we never meant to try take away your happiness” kie spits out as y/n starts towards the door.

she turns around to face the pouges “then what were you trying to do?” they all look down at the ground or just stay silent.

“that’s what i thought”

important note!: hi! recently i reached 2k followers (what the actual fuck) so i’ve decided to come up with a little celebration. this celebration would guys yall the option to send in a prompt, blurb, rec list request and stuff like that for any of the characters i would list (like obx for example) would that interest you guys or am i dululu as fuck? lmk through a simple anon or commenting, thanks! ♡

taglist: @faeaura @prettyboystarkey @euthoricspidey @pankowfruitsnacks @rafecameronswhore @yunho-leeknow @outeredits-jess @totallynotkaibiased @jjmaybankslittleslut

[toasttt11]

training camp

September 18, 2024

Sebastian and Luke walked into the Devils arena after being away for the past few months for offseason and Sebastian squeezed Luke’s arm as Luke was heading to the trainers and Sebastian was heading to the locker room and than workout room.

Sebastian walked into and he perked up a little seeing Seamus sitting in a stall, “Shea!” Sebastian walked over to Seamus and ruffled his head. Sebastian had really grown to like Seamus when they played together and was pretty excited hearing Seamus would be at training camp.

“Seb!” Seamus happily beamed and got up hugging Sebastian tightly. Seamus has always really looked up to Sebastian and loves playing with Sebastian as Sebastian is such an incredible defenseman and Seamus loves learning from Sebastian.

Sebastian wouldn’t admit it to anyone but maybe Luke but Seamus is the closest thing Sebastian has ever had to a youngest sibling.

Sebastian stayed with Seamus as they got ready for the weight room and Seamus followed right on Sebastian’s heels as they headed to the weight room and started their workout with some of the team.

Luke came into the weight room a little while after once he finished his appointment and sat down on the coach in the room admiring Sebastian lifting weights and cursed his shoulder for stopping him from doing somethings he wants to do with Sebastian right now.

Luke shook his head getting rid of some of those thoughts and watched as Sebastian helped Seamus with weight with a very kind and patient face that Luke doesn’t see on Sebastian often in public around others.

Luke knew out of all of the younger player on the Umich hockey team Sebastian has always liked Seamus the most. Luke knows the soft side that Seamus has reminds Sebastian a lot of himself and Sebastian try’s to protect Seamus.

Luke was so focused on watching Sebastian with Seamus he didn’t even realize Nico had walked in with the media team filming a TikTok.

Luke looked up surprise and waved at Nico before turning his attention back to Sebastian.

Sebastian clapped his hand on Seamus shoulders once they finished a workout and he headed over to Luke.

Sebastian sat down next to Luke on the couch drinking some water, “Ready to go home to see Daisy?” Sebastian softly asked seeing Luke looking ready to go home.

They have only had Daisy for a few days but they have quickly both fell in love with her and she fits in their little family perfectly.

Luke nodded wanting to be back home in their bed cuddling with Daisy.

“I’m almost done.” Sebastian reassured him resting his hand on Luke’s thigh slightly.

Sebastian and Luke shared a sad look as they looked at their team and Alex and John were no longer here. It was a tough time learning they were both being traded away as Sebastian and Luke had gotten extremely close to both of them and it was the first time either of them dealt with a teammate being traded.

Sebastian squeezed Luke’s thigh as they both tried not to think about how they missed Alex and John.

“What do you think of letting Shea staying with us?” Sebastian lowered his voice as he asked Luke watching Seamus sitting down next to Simon and the two talking.

Luke titled his head having truthfully already thought about it, “He’s more than welcome too.” Luke wouldn’t mind at all having Seamus stay with them.

Luke and Sebastian didn’t know if Seamus was staying in the NHL after preseason finished but they would rather he didn’t have to stay in hotel that long and they had more than enough guest rooms.

“We can talk to him tomorrow then.” Sebastian nodded and squeezed Luke’s leg before getting up, “I’m almost done and we can go home.” Sebastian pressure gently seeing Luke’s tired eyes.

Luke nodded and curled up more on the couch resting his head on the back of the couch closing his eyes.

Sebastian finished up his last workout after a little and walked back over to Luke seeing him fast asleep. Sebastian left real quick and grabbed his sweatshirt from his stall and draped it over Luke before heading into the showers.

Sebastian took a quick shower before tossing on comfortable clothes and groaned slightly seeing the reporters waiting by his stall. He took a deep breath rolling his eyes as he walked by and sat down in his stall.

Sebastian answered all the questions as quick as he could and he cracked a small smile as Amanda asked a few questions about Daisy at the end of the interview.

He let out a long sigh as he left his stall and he grabbed his few things and headed back to the workout room seeing Luke still peacefully sleeping.

Sebastian kneeled down in front of the couch his hand running across Luke’s curls, “Lu.” Sebastian softly cooed and Luke stirred slightly, “Come on Lu let’s go home.” Sebastian cooed again and Luke eventually slowly woke up rubbing his face.

Sebastian helped Luke stand up and Luke happily held Sebastian’s hoodie in his arm as he leaned against Sebastian as they walked out of the arena and to their car.

Sebastian helped Luke unit the car and buckled the seatbelt for him and Luke used Sebastian’s hoodie as a pillow as Sebastian got into the car and started the quick drive home.

Luke had fallen asleep again and Sebastian didn’t want to wake him up so he got out of the car and gently picked Luke up and Luke barely moved only cuddling closer to Sebastian.

Sebastian carried Luke to their apartment and opened the door and saw Daisy waiting patiently but tail wagging in her pen, “One second Daisy girl.” Sebastian softly spoke to his puppy as he walked down the hallway and into their bedroom.

Sebastian gently set Luke down in their bed and took his shoes off for him and covered him with blanket beside he headed back into the living room seeing Daisy waiting.

Sebastian sat on the ground and opened the pen door and Daisy immediately ran out and into his lap into his arms licking his face, “Hi lovely.” Sebastian cooed softly.

Sebastian took Daisy outside before they came back inside and joined Luke in bed. Daisy licked Luke’s cheek beside curling up next to him as Sebastian laid down in bed next to them making Luke cuddle to him.

[gaysindistress]

Sad girl - nineteen

summary: James has an interesting new business proposal and one hell of a condition to deal with.

pairing: Mob!Bucky Barnes x Reader

warnings: cursing, Bucky’s smartass, angst, guns, violence, Walker has decided that he wants to be Joe Goldberg, character death, talks of blood, gunshots, mentions of funerals and past character deaths, the feels, I’m sorry for your hearts

A/n: i had originally planned out 20 parts but the last part was only 800 words so I combined 19 & 20 into one. We made it! I’m so grateful and appreciative for all of the love and support! I’m excited for what comes next!

word count: 3.4K

part 18 | series masterlist

Taglist: @missvelvetsstuff @angelsincident @spencerreidisagorgman @goldensunflowe-r   @i-have-no-life-charlie @esposadomd @iateall-yourcookies  @littlelizardlizzie @alana4610 @kandis-mom @beware-my-thorns @ozwriterchick @reader-without-a-story @unaxv @wh0reforbucknasty @cjand10​  @vickie5446 @katymae12344 @callsign-athena @openup-yourmind

disclaimer: credits to original creator/poster of image/gif. found on google/Pinterest

“Jesus Christ,” Sam mutters under his breath as they walk into the foyer. 

Laying at the bottom of the stairs is Pepper, still and unresponsive. Steve kneels down to check her pulse but the pool of blood around her tells them everything they need to know. A thud from upstairs has them pointing their guns toward it and slowly stalking up the stairs. Steve creeps up the stairs first with Sam close behind. The office door creaks up and reveals a bloody Bucky with his gun in their direction.

He lowers it slightly upon seeing them, “Took you long enough. Anthony and Marianne are dead. He just grazed my arm but I don’t know where he went.” 

Steve whips the backpack around and grabs the kit out as they all walk into the office to assess the damage to his arm. John had grazed over the same spot he’d been shot earlier as if he already knew that’s where he was injured. As they’re wrapping his arm, Sam checks the pulses of the two bodies but finds the same as they did with pepper; nothing. 

“Did you guys see Morgan or Pepper?” 

“We found Pepper at the bottom of the stairs but not Morgan, were we supposed to?” 

Wincing at the tightness of the wrap, Bucky says “Anthony sent Peter to find them. You didn’t see Morgan or Peter though?” 

“No, we came in, saw her, heard you, and came upstairs. We haven’t cleared the building yet,” Sam pauses, sniffing the air, “Do you guys smell that?” 

The other two men sniff the air as well as the smell grows stronger. Sam starts to cough as he gets closer to the door and clouds of smoke start to waft into the room. 

“He’s set the house on fire. We have to get out NOW!” 

As they get closer to the mansion, smoke clouds pummel in the sky, obviously concerning both women. 

“Please God don’t let that be the house,” she whispers under her breath as they speed past the open gates and down the driveway. 

Her prayers are not answered as Nat slams on the brakes at the sight of the south end of the house on fire. Doll rips open the door, stumbling as she falls out of the car and catches herself on the gravel. Nat throws her door open as well, racing over to the passenger side and helping her up. 

“No, no, no we have to go in. They’re all in there,” she fights against Nat’s grip as she shrieks. 

Thor and Loki come running out of the house, hands over their mouths as they cough from the smoke. 

“Where is everyone?” she yells at them as she breaks free from Nat’s grip and runs to them. 

“I don’t know, we were out in the stables when we saw the smoke,” Thor replies, out of breath. 

Loki catches her by the waist as she tries to push past them to get to the house, “Let go of me! Morgan and Bucky are in there!” “We can’t go in there. It’s not safe.”

Her fighting is useless against the taller and stronger man, still, she tries her best to break free. The familiar sound of gunshots rings through the air. She whips her head in the direction of the shots only to see John stalking towards them, gun smoking in his hand. The group takes off as more shots rip through the air and one hits Thor in the leg, crumpling him. They try to pause to help him but he waves them on. 

“Go, keep running,” He tells them as he draws his weapon, “I’ll hold him off for as long as I can.”

“I’ll stay too brother. You two run now,” Loki shouts at them, pointing towards the back lot of the mansion. 

“Sweetheart,” John’s voice tears through the women’s ears as they scramble off the ground and take off. 

More shots are fired as they flee from the scene. Gruff voices and cries chase them as they get further and further from the house. Breaking through to the forest that sits behind the Stark estate, the two women pause to catch their breath. Nat yanks her phone from her back pocket and dials Bucky, Steve, and Sam separately but to no avail. 

“Shit, okay, we have to make it back to our car,” Nat tells Doll, still out of breath. 

The sound of branches breaking and heavy footsteps snaps both of their attention to the entrance of the forest. Emerging from behind some trees is Peter with a terrified Morgan in his arms. The little girl jumps from Peter and races towards her sister who falls to her knees and grips her tightly in a hug. 

“Oh my god, you’re okay. You’re okay,” she whispers with relief into the little girl’s hair, “Are you hurt?”

The girl shakes her head quickly, tears flowing steadily down her small face. Doll kisses her forehead and picks her up. 

“What’s the plan now?” Peter asks the two older women. 

“It’s starting to get dark so we’ll have a better chance at hiding but so will he. We need to make our way back to the house and to our car. I’m assuming one of the neighbors already called 911 with the amount of smoke,” Nat says quickly looking behind all of them, “I saw the SUV but not any of the boys. Did you see them when you left, Peter?”

“No, I left before everything happened. I found Mrs. Stark and her,” gesturing to Morgan he continues, “and we fled out the front. John was coming down the stairs and shot Mrs. Stark before we could get out. I just ran with her. I’m so sorry.” 

Doll places her hand on his shaking shoulder, “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. You did your job and got Morgan out, that’s all that matters.”

Once again John’s voice is heard from across the expansive back lawn. 

“Shit, he’s coming. Peter, give me your gun. Nat,” she turns to the redhead, “I need you to get them to the car and find the boys. Get everyone out of here. He’s not going to stop until he has me and he won’t hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in his way.”

“No you’re fucking crazy if you think I’m letting you go alone,” she argues, refusing to accept her crazy plan. 

“I’m not asking, I’m ordering. No one else needs to get hurt. This is ending tonight,” she takes the gun from Peter’s hand before addressing the trembling girl in her arms, “Morgan, I need you to go with Peter.” 

Passing off the girl to Peter, she whispers into her ear, “I love you so much Mo Mo but you have to go with Peter and Nat. They’re going to get you to safety.”

Morgan tries to protest but stops when Doll gives her the mom look. She kisses her forehead and gives a curt nod to the boy holding her. 

“Go,” and with that Nat gives her an extremely pissed-off look before she and Peter take off with Morgan in his arms. 

“Oh, sweetheart where are you?” 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she says under her breath. She may not be able to see him but she can hear John’s footsteps and his shouting. 

“Come out, come out wherever you are.” 

The crunching of leaves and branches indicates that he’s only feet away from her now. 

“Found you.” 

The light from the house fire illuminates his body standing just a few feet from her. It’s seconds between when she spots him to when he’s running at her at full speed. She tries to turn and runs but he tackles her by the waist, landing on top of her on the hard ground. 

“Why’d you run from me? You know I’d never hurt you,” the lies sting like venom as he brushes her hair from her sweaty forehead. He rips the gun from her hand and throws it away them. Struggling under him, she tries her hardest to kick or push him off of her but his body weight and hands are pinning her to the ground. He won't budge an inch no matter how hard she fights in his grasp. 

“Stop fucking moving, sweetheart. You’re only going to make things worse,” he hisses into her ear, leaning fully against her chest to restrict her breathing. 

With no other choice, she does as he says and John smiles triumphantly as she stills. The hand that isn’t holding her wrist together grips her chin tightly so she’s forced to look at him. In the months that he has been tormenting her, his face has grown gaunt and stubble has spread across his once clean-shaven face. 

“If you had just fallen in love with me like I had planned, none of this would have happened. Mommy and Daddy would still be alive, Morgan would be safe, and we could’ve been so happy together but you just had to go and ruin it, didn’t you?”

“I know and I’m sorry baby. I was too caught up to see how good you were to me,” her lies slip 

like honey off her tongue as she attempts to convince him of her foolishness. 

“But you don’t know. Do you even realize how painful it was for me to watch you be paraded around by that pig?”

“I can’t even imagine it but I had to do it. My father didn’t give me a choice,” the more she lies, the loser his grip becomes. 

“Your father’s gone now. All we have to do is get rid of Barnes and we can be together,” he gets off of her but doesn’t release her and hauls her up by her wrists. John has her restrained against his chest as he continues, “I think you should be the one to do it. It would be a beautiful sight to see.”

“If you let go of me, I can make it up to you,” purring, she tries her best to look up at him through her lashes. 

“No,” he sneers at her as he reaches behind him and pulls out his gun. 

“But baby, I can’t do anything if you’re holding my hands together.”

“NO!” he screams into her face causing her to shrink in his grasp. When she does so, he rubs her hair with the gun, “don’t be scared, sweetheart. I won’t hurt you unless you deserve it.”

He starts off back towards the house, ripping her along with him and leaving her gun far behind them. As they walk back towards the burning house, tears threaten to fall as she thinks about the possibility that the boys never made it. Her mind is racing with thoughts of them and if Peter and Nat had made it to her car. She doesn’t notice that John has stopped walking and his sharp voice interrupts her thoughts, “Now why’d you have to go and do that?”

Confused, she looks up and over John’s shoulder, she finally spots the two black SUVs, doors wide open and voices streaming from them.  John, however, is less than pleased with this new development and has taken it upon himself to make his presence known. A loud shot fires off as he shoots at the SUVs. 

“Over here!”

Running footsteps and other commands become louder as they approach John and her. He quickly places her in front of himself and points his gun at her head. The tears start to flow freely when she sees the boys around the corner. They slow to a walk when they spot the duo, making sure to not make any sudden movements as if stalking prey. 

“Put the gun down,” Bucky demands, his own pointed at John. Sam is slowly side-stepping to his right while Steve moves to the left, blocking off any exits. 

“Sweetheart, why don’t you tell them to stand down?” He ignores Bucky, focusing only on her as he whispers threats into her ear. 

“I thought I got him back in the office but it seems like I was wrong. Maybe I should go for center mass this time, wound him so he can watch as I kill all of his buddies and then kill you. Hmm? What do you think of that?”

She starts sobbing even harder, knees buckling but John doesn’t let her fall, catching her by her throat. 

“Let her go,” Bucky’s deafening voice carries across the yard. 

“You don’t get to speak,” John yells back, shoving the gun even harder against her head and pulling his arm tighter across her neck. She chokes under the pressure, desperately clawing at his arm. 

Bucky goes to step forward however, Steve stops him, “He will shoot her if you get any closer.”

“He’s going to shoot her anyways.”

“You should listen to your friend there, Barnes. I will put a bullet in her if you take another step closer.”

“John, John, please. Please John,” she whimpers, drawing his focus back to her, “Please let me go and I promise I’ll go with you. Please, I’m begging you.”

He releases her just enough that she’s able to breathe again and falls forward to the ground, pulling him with her. The gun is knocked from his hand and she stumbles away from him as he attempts to catch himself. Scrambling forward on her knees, she snatches the gun as he grabs a hold of her ankle and jerks her backward. The men across from them are frozen, unsure of what to do because one wrong move could mean hurting her and that’s the last thing they want. 

Flipping onto her back, she points the gun at John and fires 3 times into his chest. His body drops onto hers, covering her in blood. Steve, Sam, and Bucky take off at the sound of the shots fired, coming to kneel by her within moments. She shakily drops the gun, sobbing even harder as she feebly pushes at the dead man’s body. Steve and Sam are the first ones she sees through her tears as they drag John off of her. A pair of hands manhandle her off the ground and into a warm embrace. 

“Doll, it's okay. I’m right here,” Bucky’s soothing voice is low in her ear as he holds her tightly against him, hands rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her down. Her shaking body shows no sign of slowing down and she grips the back of his tactile vest as she melts into him. The familiar and welcoming smell of his cologne engulfs her senses and his soft voice, reserved only for her, fills her. 

“Come on,” he urges her to walk away from the body but she knows her legs will fail her if she tries to move. Sensing this, he sweeps her into his arms and carries her towards the SUVs. As the house fire rages on, sirens and flashing lights fill the Stark driveway. The voices of first responders are muffled and she can’t make out what they’re saying, nor does she want to hear any of it 

She’s sat down on the edge of an ambulance and a shock blanket is wrapped around her shaking shoulders. His thumb brushes away the tears so she can clearly see him kneeling in front of her with a gentle smile. 

“Everything’s going to be okay, Doll. I’ll take care of everything,” he whispers to her before leaning down and kissing her knuckles right over her wedding ring. 

Morgan rips her hands from Peter and Nat’s hands in an adjacent ambulance and takes off toward her. Bucky hears the little girl coming and moves to the side so the two girls can be reunited. 

“Mo o,” Doll cries as she throws her arms around the little girl, “Oh my god, you’re okay. You’re okay.”

He stands again and hugs them both as they cry together. It’s over. It’s finally over. 

Six months later

The funerals had all been a blur to the trio, no one truly remembering what happened only that there had been funerals. Morgan has a hard time adjusting to the smaller Barnes house and would cry almost every night for her parents. Doll had done all that she could to get the young girl help but to no avail. Most nights Morgan could crawl into their bed, sandwiching herself in between her guardians and the nights where she didn’t, Doll and Bucky took turns sleeping with her in her twin bed. It wasn’t the most comfortable arrangement however it was the only thing that provided her with safety and sleep.

Becoming parents overnight, the couple grew into their role as guardians for her younger sister and the family unit grew stronger. Being that she had worked as a therapist, Doll arranged weekly individual counseling sessions as well as family sessions for them to ensure that they would work together. She had thrown out the idea of going to couple’s counseling but it was already a massive win that Bucky had agreed to family and individual therapy so couples would have to wait.

In addition to becoming parents, they had also taken on Stark Industries. With her father and John gone, the damage control she had to do was enormous. Given that Stark Industries was a front for her father’s organized crime, she was faced with the decision to dissolve it or turn it legit. Vision had warned her that dissolving it wasn’t an option due to Morgan being the legal owner so Bucky and her set to work turning it into a legitimate company.

“You know turning Stark Industries into a private contractor is still a dirty business,” Bucky teases her while she’s working in her father’s old office.

“Are we selling drugs? Illegal weapons? Trafficking people?” She doesn’t bother to look up as she questions him.

“Extracting an asset could be considered trafficking.”

She closes her computer slightly, “is this complaining I hear?”

“Me complain? Never,” he chuckles as he stands around her desk and sits on the edge beside her.

She leans back in her chair, taking in the man before her, “Because I seem to remember that you used to do worse things than ‘extracting’ an asset. Murder I think is what they call it.”

“Murder or happy accident, they’re the same thing in our clientele’s eyes.”

“Except we don’t offer a happy accident service anymore.”

“That’s true indeed my love,” he leans down to give her a kiss.

“What time do we have to be at the party tonight?” she asks him as their lips part.

Checking his watch before recapturing her lips, “About an hour.”

“We need to go then,” she gently pushes against his chest as he tries to keep kissing her.

Groaning, he sits back on the desk and lets her stand up to collect her things. Hand in hand they leave Stark Towers to go to the party Nat had planned for their year anniversary.

Of course, they had expected the house to be teeming with people, waiting to celebrate with them however, this wasn’t the case. Flowers and candles line a pathway from the front door out to the garden with the table from their wedding day set up the same way. Morgan, Steve, Sam, and Nat are all standing by the fountain, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Bucky leads them out of the house and into the garden as she holds onto his arm, the group’s anxiety also filling her as she spots the gift she asked Nat to put out. His eyes are wandering around the garden and the table, taking in the love and appreciation that had been put into the scene before him. She feels him tense in her hands as his eyes land on the gift.

“What’s that about?” looking down at her, he says as he points to pale pink heart balloons on the table.

“Go look,” she lets go of him so he can get a better look at the box under the balloons. The group is practically jumping up and down in excitement watching him take the lid off and take in every detail the box has to offer.

Inside the little box is a small pearl necklace with a ‘B’ pendant and a pregnancy test. Gingerly lifting the test up, his hands begin to shake from the realization that it’s positive. After he drops the box and test on the table, he catches her in his arms as she’s running to him.

“Surprise, I’m pregnant!”

[lynnbeth5172]

Blacked Last Night

Small spoilers for Saltburn considering it takes place after the events of the movie🙂

……………………………………………………………………………………………… Summer felt slightly longer than it should have, at least that was the case for Michael, truth be told he didn’t do much besides maybe staying in his room back at his parents house; his cousin paid a visit to their house, he looked slightly better than before. The bags under his eyes had lightened slightly and his smile looked less tired. He felt less alone when his cousin was around; he continued studying the whole of the summer. Though he was from a wealthy family, he didn’t go to the other rich parties or anything besides staying home. Sometimes he and his father would play a game of chess, he had gotten better though he still felt a sense of unhappiness. His mind kept wandering to Oliver Quick.

He was the only friend he had in Oxford, only having one friend in private school and losing them when they went to a different college.

Getting out of his car, he got his things from the trunk and began walking to the campus. Feeling someone’s eyes on him. He turned to see his old friend with a group of other posh people, talking to him as if they didn’t ignore him in their freshmen year of college. Being near him because he stayed at the Catton estate and was with them when Felix and Venetia Catton died, a small bit of anger flickered inside of him.

Fucking bootlicker.

Quickly moving into his dorm, he closed the door and put his bag of things on his bed. Michael clenched and unclenched his hand as his anger mixed with sadness, he now has no one. He tried ignoring that thought and took deep breaths.

It’s fine

He’s fine…

He’ll just be alone for another year of college with no friends, sitting on his bed and closing his eyes. He calmed himself enough to get off the bed and start packing away his things, putting his books on a shelf near his desk as he went back on his bed.

Looking out the window and down at the people who were chatting to their friends, he went to email his parents that he made it to school okay and was going to do well. He did so and didn’t expect an answer.

Michael laid his head on his desk and closed his eyes, another year with no mates to talk to or hang out with. He used to tell himself that he didn’t need them, that his wits were his friend and that he’d rather be alone. But now Michael had a small longing ache for a friend, Oliver used to be his friend but not anymore.

‘Norman No-Mates my ass’.

Deciding to go to the library to release some feeling, he looked back out the window again to see another car pull up.

…………………………………………

…………………………………………..

“Here we are.” Vivi flinched slightly as she heard her brother’s voice in the seat next to her, rubbing her eyes slightly as she closed then opened her eyes again. The ride had felt slightly shorter due to her feeling like she was barely there, dissociating in a way.

“Need any help?” Her brother tapped the steering wheel to the car and looked at her, she felt slightly safe in the car. It was just a small place where she didn’t have to worry about being around too many people.

“No John, I’m good.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car to get her things, feeling a small wave of anxiety take over but suppressing herself from having a panic attack. As she got her things, she turned around to see her brother holding her pill bottle in his hand, she immediately grabbed it and muttered “Thank you” as she got her bags and held her bottle of pills in her hand. Playing with the label.

“Have fun…don’t be stupid.” Her brother, John, hugged her and gave her a bottle of water, likely to take with the pills.

Giving her brother a small smile, she walked onto campus and made her way to her dorm room. Not before stopping near somewhere to take two pills as prescribed by her doctor, as she walked to her dorm, she felt a small bit of calm. Slightly distracted by her thoughts, she felt herself bump into a shoulder. Looking up to see one of the wealthy students with someone she recognized, his face had become slightly stronger looking and his eyes were slightly piercing.

Looking down, she made it to her dorm. Closing her door immediately and dropping her stuff to the ground, rubbing her eyes as she began putting her stuff away. Hiding her pill bottle where her underwear was put; if someone had found out that she had been taking pills for her extreme anxiety…she didn’t want to imagine what they’d say, the students of Oxford already had their fair share of calling her “Weird” or “Scared girl”. She could only imagine the rich kids having another thing to dig at.

She knew she couldn’t be talking, she herself had come from an upper class background and had known some of the people at campus since they were kids. She remembered someone saying to a friend that their parent payed for them to be there and that they were accepted mainly cause of they bought their way in, or that their parents bought them into the school. Rather than actual intelligence.

Vivi didn’t know if she was as smart as some of the few people at the college, she could speak two languages and knew math well enough. Apparently not as brilliant as one of the students, Michael Gavey. Who she had learned had poked fun at her last semester when a new student came in, he was apparently Newton if he were alive again. As she finished putting her stuff away, she sat on the bed and waited for the sun to clear as she looked outside.

She found herself staring at the wall and she plotted a small idea to maybe go down to the Hall to eat slightly earlier so as to not be approached by anyone. Eventually she went to her bag and pulled out a yearbook for grades fifth to eighth, turning to see his face again.

On one of the pages she saw two people, while the girl was smiling. The other kid had a simple half smile on. As if nothing bothered him.

“Quick…”

……………………..

……………………..

So…sorry if this is bad, I may have had to search up some things considering I was like five in 2006 so I don’t remember much🙂I am so sorry if this is bad.

Taglist: @bellaisasleep @liv-cole @annoyingkittydetective @arcielee @slytherincursebreaker @boundlessfantasy @sepherinaspoppies @zae5 @valeskafics

[prettyinlimegreenboots]

Taking Comfort (In Your Arms) - Chapter 16

December 1944

My dearest Addie, 

Merry Christmas, darling. Wishing more than anything I was by your side saying those words instead of being thousands of miles away from you. We got the best Christmas present we could’ve ever asked for - Red Cross parcels filled with food and chocolate. Sad to say I couldn’t ask for anything else, except maybe pulling you into my arms and kissing you senselessly. 

There’s more and more scuttlebutt of us moving out but it’s hard to believe what’s real or not. I promise you I’ll continue to write to you, no matter where I end up. 

I have a promise to uphold - I’m going to watch you walk down an aisle to me. Buck is going to be my best man and Elizabeth your maid of honor. I promise the three of us, along with DeMarco, Brady, and all the boys will make it home to you and the base. 

I love you with all my heart. 

Yours, 

John 

My dear John, 

Merry Christmas, handsome. I’ve got two years of presents to give you next time I see you - just something for you to look forward to. The kitchen has promised a Christmas feast for the ages - I just hope there’s some kind of real meat being served this year. 

We got our first dusting of snow - though I’m sure it’s nothing to the amount of snow you’d get back home in Wisconsin. Meatball had fun running through the snowy fields. Though, he didn’t quite enjoy the bath I had to give him afterwards. Actually, I didn’t enjoy that much either - him shaking in the middle of the bath isn’t my definition of a good time. 

I wish I could hear your voice and your arms wrapped around me in one of your comforting hugs. I don’t even care what we were arguing about before you went down - it’s in the past and something I’ve forgiven you for a long time ago. 

My Christmas wish this year? That you’ll come home this next year - I can’t take another year without at least seeing you. Here’s to hoping this one comes true. 

With all my love, 

Addie

February 3, 1945, 0630 Hours

She pulled John’s jacket tighter around her, trying to combat the freezing cold. Watching the puffs of air swirl in the cold morning breeze, she sighed. Waiting. That’s all she felt like she was doing those days. 

Watching Meatball running in the grass made her smile. At least someone was enjoying the cold. 

“You look grumpy. Also, good morning.” The cheerful voice called from behind her. 

Slowly turning, she glared at the voice before softening her look as he neared. “Good morning, Rosie. Why do you have to be so cheerful this early in the morning?”

“It’s going to be a good day, Addie.” He stopped, giving her a look before pulling her into a hug. “Did someone get up on the wrong side of the bed?”

Shaking her head, she sighed. “Waiting, Rosie. It just sucks and I’m in a mood. Doesn’t help you’re going back up today.” 

His arms tightened around her as she placed her head on his shoulder. A few more sighs escaped her mouth. “We’re so close to this war ending, Addie; closer than we have been in years. Hilter has a two-front war, the absolute last thing he wanted. You’ve had a hell of the last year and half but we’re nearing the finish line. Just hold on a bit longer. We’ll get our boys back and make sure John returns to you.” 

She gave him a hug before stepping away, running a hand through her hair. She smiled wearily. “Thanks Rosie.” 

“Anytime. Douglass and Blakely are both staying back today so if you need anything, go to them.” He spoke quietly, knowing he would soon need to head to the trucks. “Dinner when I get back?” 

“Of course, Rosie. I’ll save you a seat. Safe flying today.” She gave him a salute, which he wholeheartedly returned, pulling her into another hug. 

“Have a good day, Addie.” With one final nod, he headed to the truck, leaving her alone. Whistling, she got Meatball’s attention before heading into the warm tower. 

Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she took a seat at her desk, wishing more than anything that the day would go by quickly. 

Sixteen months of waiting and hoping that her boys would come home safe. 

1400 Hours

Hearing the familiar roar of the planes returning, she grinned knowing the entire base would be in great spirits. Jeffrey was already talking about how important that day’s mission was for both the boys on base and the Allies in general. 

Pushing away from her desk, she gave Josie a look, pulling on the now famous John Egan jacket. “I'm going to go greet Rosie outside of interrogation. You want to come?”

Nodding, Josie stood, prompting Meatball to join the girls as they made their way outside. Meatball ran ahead, greeting men as they jumped off the trucks, heading into interrogation. Cheerful greetings were given to her as she made her way towards the hut. 

Trying to get out of the cold wind, she buried her hands into her jacket as she bounced on her toes, trying to generate some heat. Her eyes scanned the airfield, smiling seeing it busy with crews and men. Seeing her brother walk out of the interrogation hut caused her to smile big. “Charlie! What are you doing in interrogation? Didn’t know they had pulled you in.”

“They called me in to hear something.” Charlie bit his lip, giving his sister a look. “You need to come with me, there’s something I need to tell you.” 

Not liking how that sounded, she silently followed Charlie as he led her to his classroom hut. Charlie nodded over her shoulder, as he held open the door. Josie followed behind the siblings, picking up Charlie’s mood. Whatever he was going to tell the girls wasn’t exactly good news. 

Picking up on his hesitancy, Addie leveled her brother, giving him a look. “Don’t beat around the bush and don’t try to spare my feelings. What’s going on?” 

Charlie sighed, running a hand through his hair as he looked at his little sister. The sister that had already been dealt two difficult blows and he’s about to tell her something else that was going to devastate her. “The reason I was called into interrogation is because Rosie went down, somewhere east of Berlin. The boys reported 7 parachutes from his plane, so we have hope, but we just don’t know which side he was picked up by.” 

Stumbling back, the back of her legs knocked into a desk. Leaning on it, she breathed deeply, giving her brother a look. “Charlie, tell me it’s anyone else. But just not Rosie.” 

Pulling Addie into his arms, he ran his hand up and down her back. She placed her head on his shoulder, muttering to herself. “He was supposed to beat the odds and not get shot down. He’s done so many missions.” 

“God, Addie, I wish more than anything I wasn’t telling you this news.” Charlie whispered, tightening his arms around her. “The hope is that there were chutes, Addie. We have to hope that he was picked up by the Russians. Rosie’s smart, he’ll do everything he can to get back here.” 

Tears fell from her eyes. She didn’t know how much more heartache she could endure with those that she loved leaving her. Damn the Germans and damn this blasted war. 

My dear Adelaide,

I just realize I don’t often call you that and for that I apologize. I do love your full name. 

I’m writing to you to tell you we have marched. All I know is that we’re near Nuremberg. We marched for a day or so, stuffed us into a brickworks building for the night, then pushed us into train cars for the ride to Nuremberg.  

Addie, baby, I’m scared but I can’t show it. Buck and I have to be strong for the men - they look to us for leadership and while this is difficult, I can’t let them down, not now. But it’s hard and with the Germans not telling us anything, it’s hard to figure out where they’re taking us. I don’t know what lies ahead for us. 

God, Addie. All I wanted to do, since that October was get back to you.  And I don’t know if I’ll ever be home. Know that I’m doing all I can to get home to you, darling. I promise, no matter how many days I have left, that I’m fighting like hell to get home to you. 

I promise I’m coming home, Addie. Right back to you. 

With all my love, 

John

February 6, 1944, 0700 Hours

Sitting in the mess hall, she sipped her coffee, attempting to fight off a yawn. She hadn’t been sleeping well the last few days, Josie sat across from her fighting off the same sleepiness. 

Sighing grumpily, she swallowed a gulp of coffee, her eyes trailed around the somewhat busy mess hall. There was a mission going on that morning, but she was surprised by how busy it was. There were two tables up the way from her and Josie’s table filled with men happily joking and teasing each other. Usually, Addie and Josie would be seated at those tables but this morning, between the anxiety of waiting for news on Rosie and the sleepiness, her and Josie choose a quieter table away from the crowds. 

“This weather isn’t helping the want to crawl back into bed for the morning.” 

“No, it’s not.” Josie murmured, taking another sip of her coffee. “Are you doing anything important today or could you call off for the day?” 

Shrugging, she bit back another yawn. “Jeffrey is in London so the tower will be quiet. Though, apparently, we’re getting a big mail call so maybe it’ll just be a half day then I can attempt to get some sleep.” 

Whatever Josie was going to say was cut off by the door being thrown open with a pissed off Crosby walking towards Clouter and Blakely’s table. Josie’s eyes went wide as she looked over at Addie. Addie whistled quietly, knowing it was rare for Cros to be pissed off. She watched him stalk up to Clouter, hands on his hips with an angry look on his face. 

“I guess you’ve never flown over Germany without a parachute, huh?” Crosby attempted to catch his breath all while giving Clouter a look of disbelief. 

Clouter chuckled. “Well, I don’t know, Crosby. Have you?” 

What happened next caused both Josie and Addie to gasp. They watched Crosby slam Clouter’s head into his plate of bacon and eggs, holding his head down as he uttered, “Now from here on out, you’re going to keep that equipment hut opened and manned until wheels up plus 30 minutes. Yes, Major?” 

“Yes, Major.” 

Addie watched Crosby stalk out of the mess hut, as if he didn’t just punish someone. Her eyes trailed back to where Blakely was telling the boys to clean up and get a move on. Blakely watched the boys silently leave the mess hall before stopping at the girls’ table. “What was that about?”

“Your guess is as good as ours, Blakely.” Addie raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m guessing the crew didn’t have the equipment they needed to go up. You know Crosby as well as I do - he doesn’t get pissed off very often.” 

 Blakely nodded. “Can you go check up on him? I don’t think he’s doing too good.” 

“None of us are okay, Blakely.” Addie gave him a look. “We’re all on edge waiting for news of Rosie and the boys. But yes, I will finish up here then I’ll go check up on him.” 

Twenty minutes later, pushing back from the table, Addie gave Josie a tight smile before leaving her with two mugs of coffee in her hand. Making her way from the hut, she walked across the way towards the command center, Meatball on her heels. Pushing open the door, she made her way inside, cheerfully greeting everyone good morning, as she walked towards Crosby’s office. 

Setting the mug of coffee on his desk, she leaned against the door, raising an eyebrow. “Brought you some coffee. Want to clue me in on what happened earlier?” 

“Three men showed up at my door, letting me know the equipment hut was locked and they didn’t have parachutes.” Crosby took a long sip of coffee, before raising his eyes to meet hers. “That pissed me off because -” 

Addie cut him off before he could go any further. “You don’t have to say anything, Croz. That pisses me off too and I don’t even have to have you finish your thoughts. You definitely made your point. Blakely wanted me to come check up on you.” 

“I’m fine.” Crosby ran a hand through his hair, sighing loudly. “I called Bill earlier and he told me they still haven’t heard anything about Rosie or the crew.” 

It was Addie’s turn to sigh, shaking her head before taking a sip of her coffee. A cuss escaped her mouth as she was starting to believe, no news was good news in this case. 

“I don’t know how much longer I can hold on to hope, Croz.” Addie whispered softly, turning her sad eyes to him. 

Crosby stood, quickly shaking, taking her mug from her, placing it on the table. He pulled her into a gentle hug, her head dropping to his shoulder. “Don’t lose hope, Addie. It’ll be a sad day on base when that happens. You are helping us all keep going and if you lose hope, what does that say for the rest of us?”

“Croz, I can’t continue to say goodbye.” She whispered, tears falling down her face as she sniffled. “My heart can’t take another goodbye.” 

Crosby sighed. “Please just hold on a bit longer. Rosie is alive, I can feel it and he’ll be coming home to us soon.”

“God, I hope you’re right, Crosby.” She pulled back, wiping her eyes, sighing. “God, I hope you’re right.” 

Dear John, 

Sixteen months - that’s how long it’s been since I’ve hugged, kissed or seen you. I lost it with Crosby the other day - I’m glad you didn’t see the ugly cry I had but I somehow felt better afterwards. 

Rosie went down, John. He went down February 3rd somewhere east of Berlin. Seven chutes were reported but no idea who made it out or where they ended up. It sucks, John. I’m tired of saying goodbyes - I much prefer hellos, though I haven’t had the opportunity to say much of those. 

Anna made a stop on the base. Charlie and her are engaged (finally)! Charlie took her up in Daffodil and proposed to her after a joyride over East Anglia. They’ve promised to wait until you and Elizabeth are home but I've never seen my brother so happy.  Makes me have a bit of hope for the future. 

Tell the boys I send my regards and hellos. Stay warm, John. 

Sending you all my love. 

Addie

February 15, 1945, 1500 Hours

Throwing the tennis ball, she watched Meatball tear off after it. The afternoon had passed slowly, Jeffrey finally telling her to get out.  She knew she was just going through the motions, waiting for the day to end so she could crawl into bed and attempt to settle her mind. But with a thousand and one thoughts, she could never settle to get a good night's sleep. She ended up tossing and turning until another day began. 

Between Jeffrey, Josie, and Crosby, all three were mother henning her. Threats of the infirmary were common, which was the absolute last thing Addie wanted. Most nights she managed four hours of sleep, tossing and turning the other hours away. That past night she had somehow gotten six hours of sleep, and she felt the best she had in the 12 days since Rosie went down. 

Meatball returned to her, sitting at her feet. Reaching down, she grabbed the tennis ball from him before throwing it again. It was a rare sunny day, so most of the men were out and about, enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures. 

Hearing a door slam shut, she looked over to see Charlie and Red both leaving the tower. Meatball returned, happily panting as he dropped the ball at her feet. She grimaced, picking up the gross ball. Chucking it, she giggled watching him eagerly take off after it. 

“Addie!” Charlie cheerfully called out as he and Red made their way over to where she stood. “We just got a call from the guard station - Rosie’s back!” 

Her eyes went wide at Charlie’s cheerful call. “What? You’re not joking with me are you?” 

“No, the guard just called and said he was back. He should be pulling up any time.” 

Just as the words left his mouth, she heard the familiar roar of a jeep as it neared them. As it came closer, she saw who was sitting in the passenger seat. Instantly tears clouded her eyes as she saw him grinning as the men ran alongside the jeep. A hand flew to her mouth, a sob tearing from her mouth.  She saw his arm in a sling, but other than that he looked okay. 

Charlie watched his sister break down, more from relief than anger, he guessed. She fell to a crouch as more tears streamed down her face. Charlie stood by helplessly as he knew she had to process what she was feeling but he was glad to see one of her best friends return to base, the grin on his face evident by how Rosie was feeling too. 

As the jeep pulled to a stop, Rosie pushed through the crowd, crouching in front of Addie, reaching tentatively forward to place a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw that it was him in front of him, another sob tearing from her mouth. Rosie chuckled, stood up, tugging her into his arms, hugging her. “I’m so sorry I made you worry, Addie. That was the only thing I was thinking of when I went down.” 

Laughing, she stepped back looking at him. She saw a cut on his cheek but other than that he looked to be safe. She threw her arms back around him, tugging him into another hug as she laughed, emotions all over the place at seeing him safe and sound. “Oh, Rosie, that doesn’t matter now. You’re back!” 

“It’s good to be back, Addie.” He chuckled alongside her, swaying her side to side. 

She pulled back, swiping at her eyes. “God, I’m a mess. But you came back.” 

“I told you I would.” He chuckled. “Shall we have that dinner I promised you 12 days ago?” 

Laughing again, Addie nodded. “We shall, then you’ll tell me what happened over the last 12 days?”

“Of course, Addie. Let me say hello to the men then we’ll go grab dinner.” He promised, stepping away to greet everyone. 

Addie stood off to the side, Meatball by her side, watching proudly. Hellos were much preferred, but her heart stilled. There were three hellos that she wished more than anything she could make - she just had to hold on for a bit longer. 

“Ready?” Rosie stood to the side of her, offering his arm to her. 

Slipping her arm into his, Rosie led her towards the mess hall. Addie smiled, feeling the breeze ruffle her hair. “Good to be back, Rosie?”

“You have no idea, Addie.” He smiled, opening the door to the mess for her, motioning her to head inside. Walking down the aisle, she found an empty table near the back, taking a seat. She smiled, watching Rosie get stopped by the men as they welcomed him back. 

Twenty minutes later, Rosie finally joined her at the table with a grin on his face. “Don’t let me keep you from your fanclub, Rosie.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Can’t help that everyone wants to welcome me back. Sorry to keep you waiting, though.” 

“They love you, Rosie.” She grinned. “It’s alright. Now tell me about the last few days. Who ended up picking you up?” 

Plates were placed in front of them, Rosie took a quick bite before meeting her eyes. “Russians picked me up as soon as I fell. They set my arm, cleaned me up and got me on a transport to Poland. Let’s just say that whatever the Germans have coming for them, they have it coming.  The things they did, I’ll spare you the horrors Addie.” 

“They will pay, Rosie. The Allies will make them pay.” She murmured, concerned at his attitude. “What can I do, Rosie?” 

He gave her a half smile. “Just sit here with me. Help me remember I’m back, safe and sound.” 

“Done.” She motioned to his plate. “Eat some of that - don’t want your mother yelling at me because I let her baby boy get too skinny.” 

He laughed at that. “God, you meeting my mother. That’ll be the day.” 

“I look forward to it, Rosie.” She chuckled. “You’ll have to meet my father, next time he’s on base. You’ll meet my sister eventually when she gets back. The whole damn family, Rosie. Looking forward to that day.” 

“Same, Addie, same.” He grinned at her, taking a sip of his coffee, sitting easy in his chair. 

Addie smiled. “It sure is good to have you back, Rosie.” 

April 2, 1945, 0900 Hours

Sitting at her desk, Addie shuffled through some papers, looking for something Jeffrey had requested. The slamming of the door caught her attention as she watched Crosby, Red, and Kidd come marching in, a mix of determination and excitement on all of their faces. “Addie, come with us please.” 

Eyes wide, she looked over at Josie, who returned her gaze with her own wide eyes. Pushing away from her desk, she hastily grabbed a pad of paper and a pen before following the men into Jeffrey’s office. 

Jeffrey sat at his desk, reading a piece of paper that she watched Crosby hand him as his eyes widened. “When did you receive this?” 

“Ten minutes ago. Told Red and Kidd and we knew you needed to be aware.” Crosby said, running a hand through his hair, a grin tugging on his lips. “Haven’t even told Addie yet.” 

Looking between the men, she stood tall, not sure why she was even in the room. “Do you need me to take notes on something?” 

“No, we will need you to take a B-17 and do a pick up in Paris.” Jeffrey said, giving her a look. “Do you think you can do that?” 

Addie looked at Jeffrey, mildly amused. “Sir, I don’t know if you know but I can’t exactly go ferry a plane with the ATAs. I’m kinda on their shit list, sir.” 

Jeffrey chuckled at her deadpan explanation. “I’m well aware of what you can and cannot do, Captain Baker. However, this isn’t ATA business.” Jeffrey looked between Addie and the other men in the room. “This is Air Force business and you’re a qualified pilot to go make this run.” 

Not understanding him, Addie tilted her head, puzzlement clearly on her face. She never did have a great poker face. “With all due respect, sir, Kidd is a qualified pilot who could easily do this run. Why me?” 

“This mission is more personal to you rather than Kidd, though I’m sure he will be your co-pilot if you wish.” Jeffrey smiled, looking between her and Kidd. 

Frustration coursed through her. She was blatantly missing something, the other four were clued into. “Will you quit beating around the bush and tell me what this mission is? I feel like I’m missing something.” 

Jeffrey set the piece of paper on the desk, folding his hand, leaning back in his chair to look at Addie. “Gale Cleven escaped from a night march a few weeks ago and managed to run into some American troops and he needs to be picked up. We figured he’d appreciate a familiar face picking him up. Are you up for the flight?” 

“He escaped?” She gasped, immediate tears lining the corners of her eyes. “Any word on the others?” 

Crosby shook his head. “We didn’t hear anything about anyone else. Just Buck - he and another escapee ran into American forces in Germany. They flew him to Paris, did a full checkup on him then we got the call a bit ago.”

“When can I go get him?” Addie asked, biting her lip, attempting to keep the tears of relief from falling.  As happy as she was for Buck’s escape, she still worried about Bucky and him staying behind. 

Looks were exchanged between Jeffrey, Crosby, Red, and Kidd before Jeffrey looked at her. “Wheels up in an hour - you’re going straight to Paris, landing at the base, then coming straight back here - no stops. There and back. You’ll be on the ground for less than an hour, but you know what to bring, just in case. Bring your flight book and your ATA stuff.” 

“Yes sir. Can I go by myself?” She asked, looking between the men. “I’ll have a co-pilot on the way back.” 

Jeffrey gave her a long look. “You sure you don’t want someone to go with you? I’ll give the Paris base a heads up but not sure how they’re going to react with a female pilot landing on their base.” 

“It wouldn’t be the worst place I’ve landed.” She smirked, shaking her head. “Give them the heads up and I’ll go get my things. If they give you a hard time, let me know and I’ll bring someone. But if they don’t, then I go by myself.” 

“I will meet you on the hard stand and will let you know what they say.” Jeffrey gave her a look as she quickly saluted. 

Without another word, she turned and headed out of Jeffrey’s office. Stopping by Josie’s desk, she let the tears that she had held back finally fall. Collapsing into Josie’s arms, she cried for a few minutes. “Buck escaped, Josie. I’m going to Paris to pick him up and bring him home.” 

“He did?” Josie gasped, hugging her friend tighter. “Any word on anyone else?” 

Shaking her head, Addie sighed. “Just Buck made the escape. Jeffrey is calling the Paris base to let them know I’m coming. If they don’t protest, I get to go by myself to get him. If they complain, I’ve got to take a co-pilot with me. “ 

“Promise me you’ll be safe - we’re so close Addie.” Josie whispered, hugging her tighter. 

Nodding, Addie promised. “I’ve got to go get my things. Will you get Charlie out to the hardstand - if I have to take a co-pilot, I want it to be him, rather than anyone else.” 

Walking out of the tower behind her, Josie promised she would get Charlie before the two walked different ways.  Addie quickly grabbed her gear, luckily never unpacked it from her last unexpected mission before walking out, Meatball by her side. “Wish you could go with us buddy, but I’ll be back before you know it. Josie will watch you while I’m gone.” 

Taking her time to walk out to the hard stand, she felt a few different emotions. On one hand, she was happy that Buck was making his way home. But at the same time, her heart hurt that Bucky didn’t get to make the escape with his best friend. She was worried how he was holding up without Buck by his side. 

Sighing, she crouched down, giving Meatball pats and scratches. Kissing his head, she gave him a few more scratches, standing up with a smile before continuing her way to the hard stand. Stopping to Jeffrey’s left, she gave him a look. “I’m guessing the French aren’t happy with a female pilot?” 

“Unfortunately, they will probably make a fuss so pick someone to be your co-pilot, at least.” Jeffrey gave her a look. “We don’t want to cause trouble, especially when it could come back on you and Buck.” 

Addie groaned but nodded. “I want Charlie to come with me - can you spare him for a few hours?” 

“The boys will be glad to have the morning off. Does he know you want him to tag along?” Jeffrey asked, as she started doing her preflight checks on the B-17 in front of her “Mike”. 

“Josie was going to grab him as I gathered my stuff.” She smirked. “She may or may not have told him what she needed him for. I’ll make sure he’s aware before we take off.” 

Jeffrey laughed, shaking his head. “You know, I shouldn’t let siblings fly together but hell, you two would probably take off regardless of what I say.” 

“That may or may not happen, but you’re probably right.” She smirked, watching Josie and Charlie make their way to the hard stand.  “About time you got here.” 

Charlie gave her a look. “All Josie told me is that you’re flying to Paris and might need a co-pilot.” 

Addie smirked at Jeffrey’s. “See he’s all caught up - can we head out now?” 

“Go for it - make sure he knows what’s going on before you touch down in Paris.” Jeffrey gave the two of them a look. “Remember, no more than an hour on the ground.” 

Addie and Charlie both saluted before they made their way into the B-17 to finish pre-flight checks. Addie took the pilot’s seat, leaving the co-pilot’s seat to her brother. Final checks were quickly done before Addie radioed the tower for take-off instructions. 

Soon, the B-17 was airbound, Addie grinning at her brother. “So why are we heading to Paris?” 

“Buck escaped on a night march and ended up in Paris. We’re going to pick him up and bring him home.” Addie sighed, running a hand through her hair. 

Charlie looked over at his sister, that sigh was a bit heavy. “You doing okay?” 

“Glad Buck made the escape but sad John and Elizabeth are still POWs.” She grimaced. “Just wish it was them that we were going to pick up too. It’s been too damn long since I’ve seen him - almost a year and a half.” 

Charlie nodded, not even attempting to comprehend what his sister was feeling. “I wish I could tell you the war is almost over but only the damn Germans know that. But it has to be coming to an end eventually.” 

“We can only hope.” She whispered, watching the landscape change as they flew over the channel into French soil. 

Charlie stayed quiet, obeying Addie’s commands as she kept an eye on their altitude and distance. “We’re nearing Paris - can you radio into the tower for landing instructions?” 

She heard Charlie call over, asking for the instructions, which were quickly relayed back to them. Before long, the wheels were down and the plane landed with a gentle bump. Taxiing down the runway, she guided the plane onto a hard stand, nearest to the huts. Turning off the engines, she radioed the tower, letting them know who they were there to pick up. The tower radioed back that a jeep would be out there soon with the man. 

“You staying up here or coming out?” Addie asked, unbuckling with a big grin on her face. 

Charlie shook his head. “You go greet him. I’ll stay up here and let you bombard him.” 

With a mock salute, she made her way through the belly before swinging out. Dropping out of the hatch, she caught her balance before watching a jeep make its way from one of the huts onto the runway.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched it come closer to her. Eighteen months without one of her best friends and suddenly, he was mere feet away from her. 

The jeep’s brakes squealed as it came to a stop, but Addie didn’t mind that. Her eyes had landed on Buck Cleven - a sight for sore eyes. “Gale Cleven!” 

His head snapped up hearing his voice, looking up to see a crying, grinning Addie standing near the plane. Hopping out of the jeep, he quickly thanked his driver before making his way over to the plane. He quickly pulled Addie into a strong hug, tears flowing from both of their eyes. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, Addie.”

“So are you, Buck.” She hugged him back tightly. “Almost, welcome home. It’s good to see you.” 

Buck sighed. “It’s weird to be back. I’m sorry Bucky wasn’t able to make the run with me.” 

“He okay?” She asked, running her pointer finger under her cheeks, attempting to catch the tears that had fallen. 

Buck pulled back, looking at his best friend’s girl. “He was the last one, insisting I go first. A German soldier caught him, just as he was about to make the run. He yelled at me to go, leaving him behind. God, Addie, I wish it was him standing here instead of me.” 

“He would say the same thing, if he was standing here.” She gave him a long look. “I’m glad you are safe and sound, Buck. Ready to head back to Thorpe?” 

He sighed, a sad smile on his face. “I guess you’re my pilot home?” 

“You guessed right - so much for never flying with me again.” She teased, giggling, watching Buck’s eyes go wide. “It’s a big bird so I can’t barrel roll it. Besides, Charlie is up in the yolk so he’ll keep me on the straight and narrow.” 

Buck laughed, shaking his head. “Thank goodness for Charlie keeping you in line.” 

“Hey, Addie?” Pausing, she heard the hesitation in his voice. Turning, she gave him a look as he held a piece of paper out to her. “From John. He gave it to me when we first started marching, just in case something happened, or he wasn’t able to escape with us. He wanted me to have something to give to you.” 

A few more tears fell, as she accepted the paper. Tucking it into John’s jacket, she smiled. “Thank you, Buck. Let’s get you home.” 

She motioned him to go up as she walked around the plane, inspecting it for pre-flight checks. Before long she was in the belly of the plane, hearing Charlie and Buck talk. “Do you two want to fly us home? I’m perfectly fine being a passenger princess.” 

“Addie, get your butt up here. Buck and I were just catching up.” Charlie called back as she made her way up to the cockpit. “Buck, where are you going to hang out?” 

“Navigator’s desk. Never been down here during a flight.” Buck replied as Addie snickered. 

Charlie gave his sister a look. “Buck’s been a pilot since day one. When would he have been down in the nose?”

“She’s not wrong.” Buck chuckled as Addie started up the engines. 

Before long they were airborne, Buck asking questions about the base and what life had been like since they were away. “Wait, Buck, how’s Elizabeth doing? Did she attempt the run with you?” 

“We tried to get her to run with us but there's a few men she was looking after that had pretty serious injuries. She refused to leave them.” She could hear the grin in the Major’s voice. 

“Gale, what aren’t you telling us?” Addie asked, eyes scanning the horizon as she attempted to pull the details from one of her best friends. 

Buck laughed. “It’s all good - I promise. We don’t know much but pretty sure your sister is sweet on Brady. Those two were thick as thieves in the stalag and they spent a lot of time together.” 

“Brady, huh? Didn’t see that one coming.” Addie mused. “How was she otherwise?” 

Buck sighed. “Much like you, Addie, always positive and happy go lucky. Rarely did I not see a smile on her face. She always brightened our spirits and checked in on us daily. Most of the guys wouldn’t have made it through that ordeal without her.”

Sighing, she shook her head. “Well, we’re happy you’re back Buck. There may be a welcoming crew waiting for you on the tarmac when we return.” 

“What did you do, Addie?” 

Feigning innocence, Addie chuckled. “I didn’t do a thing, Buck.” 

“Don’t let her fool you, she wouldn’t stop telling people you were coming home. And she only had an hour between when she found out and when we flew out.” Charlie chuckled. 

Addie smacked her brother’s shoulder, chuckling. “It’s the returning of men that makes this whole idea of war worth it. Don’t fault me for being excited that after 18 months, Buck is back with us, safe and sound.”

She paused, knowing she would have to ask about one other man, just for the sake of her friend. “Buck, how’s DeMarco? You know he’s been writing to Josie but if anything happened to him, can you tell me?”

“DeMarco is fine, Addie or at least he was when I left. He was with Alex and Macon when I left. I know they were planning their own escape but I don’t know if they even attempted.” Buck replied back with a wearily sigh. 

Nodding, there wasn’t anything else she could say. Looking over at Charlie, she smiled sadly. “Can you radio to the tower for landing instructions?” 

Soon enough, they were on the ground, pulling the B-17 onto a hard stand, shutting off the engine. “Go on Buck, it’s you they want to see, not us.” 

“I highly doubt that, Addie.” Buck laughed but she heard the hatch open as she completed her landing checklist. 

Soon, she made her way out of the plane to see Buck surrounded by men as they welcomed him back. Charlie dropped down beside her with a chuckle. “Good to see him back on base.” 

“You don’t know how good, Charlie.” She sighed. “Gives me hope for John and Elizabeth to return.” 

2030 Hours 

Leaving the Officer’s Club, with Meatball by her side, she felt the crinkle of the paper in her coat pocket. In all the excitement, she had forgotten the letter that Buck had given her before they returned to England. 

Making her way onto the tarmac and the lone fort that was sitting there, she stumbled on the uneven terrain before collapsing against the wheel. It was still light enough that she could make out the messy handwriting on the paper in front of her. Meatball laid down beside her, his head on her lap, sighing as she felt him relax. 

My darling Adelaide, 

If you’re reading this, that means Buck made the escape and he’s back in Thorpe by your side. I’m sorry, darling, I didn’t make the escape with Buck. But I’m happy he’s safe and back with you. 

Addie, take care of yourself, please? Tell me something funny - I cannot wait to hear all the stories that you couldn’t put into writing. We have a lot of catching up to do when I get back - you’ll probably talk my ear off with all the news. And honestly, I cannot wait. Spending time in our field, just the two of us, catching up sounds like a pretty good way to spend a few hours. 

I’m not sure where we are but the men are safe and sound. We march for about 8 hours a day. Rest before doing night marches. I think the Germans want to stay ahead of the Allies so night marches are more common than we want them to be. We’re being gunned down by our own forces. 

I hope the ending is near. And if that’s the case, I cannot wait to be back in your arms. Counting down the days until I get to see you again. 

Love you always and forever, 

John

Leaning against the wheel, she sighed, tucking the paper back into her jacket. Carting her hand through Meatball’s fur, trying to calm herself down. Closing her eyes, she let her head fall against the wheel. Her heart hurt for Bucky - he lost his best friend when Buck successfully got out, leaving him behind. Addie knew how close the two were but for Bucky to be left behind, trying to be a leader for his men, despite the unknown. She couldn’t imagine how much he was hurting and scared. Despite not making the run with Buck, he attempted to be upbeat in his letter to her. How much of a brave face had he put on for the men while he was scared himself? She wishes she could just wrap him up in her arms and hug him close. 

Soon, she vowed. Soon they would be reunited and she wouldn’t let him out of her sights any time soon. 

Hearing footsteps on the tarmac caused her to open her eyes. She pushed a smile forward as Meatball pushed off her to go greet the man walking closer to her. Watching the dog and man walk closer to her, she pushed herself to her feet. “Thought I’d find you out here - could never get too far away from the Big Birds, huh, Addie?” 

“Nothing’s changed, Buck.” She grinned as he shook his head, sighing. 

“Everything’s changed, Addie.” He gave her a look, scratching his jaw. 

Nodding, she bit her lip, scanning his face for any distress or worry. “As much as I wish it didn’t, time keeps moving on. How are you, Buck? Truly.” 

“It’s weird being back - everything about me has changed. But yet the base is the same, or at least looks the same.” He scanned the area surrounding them. “But part of me feels left behind, I should still be with Bucky and the boys.” 

Addie’s heart broke for him. “Buck, you know as well as I do that Bucky would have wanted you here, where you’re supposed to be. I’m sure it was hard to leave him behind but you got out. Now, talk to me - about anything or nothing in particular, but you have that look on your face that you need to talk.” 

“If we’re going to talk, then we need to be somewhere warm and sitting down.” Buck gave her a look, smiling slightly. 

Addie chuckled. “Luckily, I know just the place and we won’t be interrupted. C’mon.” 

Throwing an arm around his waist, Buck threw his arm around her shoulder, tugging her close. The two, with Meatball trailing behind them, walked over to the mess hut. Just as Addie predicted, it was quiet when she threw open the door and motioned him to go in.  They found a table near the back before settling in.

Smiling at the waiter, Addie quietly asked for two mugs of coffee, which were quickly deposited on the table as Addie gave Buck a look. “It’s just me and you - whatever you want to talk about.” 

“Did Lemmons tell you anything about the day that DeMarco and I went down?” Buck started, taking a sip of coffee. 

Nodding, Addie cupped her hands around the mug. “John and I weren’t talking after we returned from London. He wasn’t speaking to me, focused on going up and avenging you going down. Lemmons found us asleep in John’s fort and pulled me aside to tell me it was a magneto issue and that he had to ride the wheel to fix it. He needed reassurance that wasn’t the reason you went down.” 

“I spoke with him this afternoon and made sure he knew it wasn’t. It was the damn flak that blew two engines and we went down. I ended up with a pitchfork to my neck as a farmer wasn’t too keen that I flew in through his backdoor.” Buck explained with a laugh. 

He went on to talk about being picked up by the Germans and the interrogation that followed. “He knew almost everything about me - as if he was reading my personnel file. He knew about Bucky and your name was brought up too. I had to remind myself to keep my anger in check. After I kept repeating my name, rank, and serial number, they soon got tired of me and threw me back in my cell. Woke us up in the middle of the night and marched us to the Stalag. I was the first of the boys to show up. Few days later, DeMarco shows up along with a few of the other boys. About a week after that, John shows up with a busted eye and ribs. Never have I been so relieved to see him, despite wishing he was far, far away from that place. We were separated for four months before they threw me into his bunk with the rest of the boys.” 

Taking a deep breath, he sighed, taking another sip of coffee. “It was about 6 months after that when Elizabeth showed up to camp. I had seen her come into camp and told Bucky. At first he thought it was you that we were talking about until I mentioned that it was Elizabeth. We all took her under our wing and made sure she was okay. Her and Bucky immediately got along - almost a bit too well. Within an hour of her being in the bunk, she slugged him for proposing to you in a letter.” 

Addie smiled sadly. “As much as it hurt for you all to be away, I was glad you all had one another, instead of being alone.”

“You weren’t far from our thoughts at any time.” Buck whispered. “Your letters kept us and the other guys going. With not a lot to keep us occupied, we looked forward to mail day - always loved hearing about the coming and going of the base, including what Meatball was up to.”

She chuckled. “I always hated getting your letters as much of it would be crossed out by the sensors - always had to attempt to piece together what you all were talking about. I still don’t know what much of it means but as long as the letters kept coming, I didn’t care. That meant you all were safe.” 

Reaching over, Buck grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I can’t thank you enough for writing Marge - that meant more to me than you’ll ever know, Addie.” 

“I figured I was one of a handful of people who knew what she was feeling.” Addie squeezed his hand back. “We’re friends now so there’s no hope for you or John. She’s a sweetheart and she’s lucky to have you, Gale. Did you get the chance to send her a telegram?” 

Shaking his head, Buck sighed. “Not yet. I’ll do that tomorrow morning. What should I tell her?” 

“That you’re safe and back at Thorpe’s. That’s all she’s been waiting to hear.” Addie bit her lip. “That’s all we’ve been waiting to hear for 18 months, Buck. Maybe, tell her you love her too, that might be a good thing too.” 

Buck laughed. “Thank you, Addie.” 

“For what?” 

“For keeping the hope alive that we’d make it. For writing to us, Marge. For coming to pick me up.” Buck raised an eyebrow. “For everything.” 

Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair. “It was what kept me going. Knowing that I need to keep you updated on everything going on here, well as much as I could tell you. Now we just need to wait for Elizabeth and John to come home, then all will be right in the world.” 

Pushing back from the table, a yawn escaped his mouth. She stood, slapping her thigh to gain Meatball’s attention. “Oh, one more thing that Bucky made me promise to tell you.” 

She stopped, raising an eyebrow at him. “He told me that he can’t wait to see you in a white dress. He also told me to give you a giant hug from him.” 

And with that, he tugged her into a hug, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, with a gentle squeeze. “He’ll be back soon, Addie, and all this crap would have been worth it.” 

“Holding you to that, Buck.” She smiled, her heart somewhat lighter with his words and hug. 

8,000+ words and chapter 16 is posted. Please let me know what you think. We are almost to the end. I'm planning on positing extra tidbits that had to be cut or I didn't end up using after the story is done. If there's something you'd like to see, just send me a message or leave a comment. Feedback would be much appreciated.

Chapter 17

[bigassmoonchild]

it is i again

since that anon with the crochet request gave me an idea

can we have the 141 reaction to wool stockpile

i once had over 350 spare balls of wool { down to like 50 now} and my current partner was concerned

tumblr didn’t delete any of it this time 🥳🥳. thank you so much for the request, i actually really enjoyed writing this!!

much love queen 🫶🫶

(the 141 and you are already dating bc i said so)

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley:

it wasn’t often he was able to come by your home, considering you lived a bit further than he usually likes to drive after a mission. but there were a few times when he was able to, although he was still growing comfortable in the house. like a stray cat.

you’d been making some cookies, as simon had brought over some food he’d made earlier in the day. ‘hey si, can you grab me a new shirt? i got some egg on this one,’ you asked him, washing your hands after handling said eggs.

he gave you a little grunt of affirmation, standing and entering your room. in front of your dresser, he stood for a few moments contemplating which drawer your shirts were in.

opening the top, he was quick to close it after seeing a few lacy items. the next one down gave him a better look, but as he reached for one of the shirts he noticed something sticking out from under one.

picking up the shirt, he blinked a few times while staring at the balls of wool (or was it yarn?) that filled the entire drawer.

‘hey doll,’ he called down, leaning around the door frame. you gave him a hum, looking up front where you began putting the dough on the tray. ‘why do you ‘ave so much yarn?’

‘it’s wool,’ you answered, wiping your hands off on the towel nearby and walking to the room. ‘you weren’t really supposed to see all that,’ your face was flushed and you grabbed one of the shirts on top.

closing it, he looked around. ‘you’ve got anymore interesting things hidden around here?’ he asked you, beginning to dig through some drawers and the closet.

huffing a laugh, you smiled softly after changing shirts. god, he was a stray cat who was finally getting comfortable.

Captain John Price:

most days price was on leave, you would be over by his flat. most days price wasn’t on leave, you were over there. you’d been dating nearly a year at this point, and he’d finally asked you to move in.

he was helping pack up your essentials, taking some time to watch you tape up the boxes you’d already organized. he had taken care of the kitchen, finding any utensils he didn’t have and stashing them in a box.

you’d also needed him to just clear the top shelf.

by the time it was getting late, he was grabbing the last box left. the movers would be in for the rest of the bigger items the next day, but this box was oddly light for it’s size.

‘hey love, what’s in this one?’ he called out, dropping in front of the door. you had just come around from the bathroom, peeking at what he’d grabbed.

he saw your eyes widen and you moved quickly towards it. ‘hey, no, if this is in my flat i should know what’s in it,’ he pulled you into a tight hug and spun you around, stopping you from getting the box and listening to your laugh.

looking down at you, he gave a cheeky smile. ‘is it what i’m thinking it is?’ you pushed away from him, huffing at him. you stood as he pulled the tape off, rather excited at what he’d find.

‘oh,’ he sounded so sad as he looked upon the box full of wool. ‘that’s not as interesting as i thought,’ and he closed the box. it was embarrassing to you, having him see your stash like that.

he didn’t need to know about the small box you’d hidden in the box of bedding.

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick:

the mission was a long one. tiring and grueling, all he wanted was to fall into bed next to you back in his apartment. when he came upon his door, he’d noticed a package waiting there.

thinking nothing of it, gaz brought it in and began to open it up before you’d come barreling out of the bedroom.

‘kyle!’ you shouted, lunging for a hug that he willingly pulled you into and swung you back and forth in his arms. pressing his head deep into your neck, he sighed heavily.

muffled by your hair and skin, he gave you a small greeting. ‘you order something?’ he huffed through your hair. you gave a little hum before looking upon the box and scrambling to grab it.

‘maybe,’ you whispered and nearly disappeared with the box, with how tired gaz was he didn’t think anything of it.

he always woke up before you, and allowed himself the pleasure of watching you sleep. he softly ran his fingers along your skin, feeling the warmth spread through him.

standing, gaz took a deep breath and ventured to the kitchen to make you a coffee. as he was making it, he caught the box out of the corner of his eye. sitting in the office.

carefully, to avoid waking you, he walked over to it and peeked inside. what he wasn’t expecting was a box filled past the brim with wool and yarn. pretty colors mixed together, the texture soft against his calloused hands.

he heard your footsteps grow closer. ‘i’m sorry,’ you whispered. ‘didn’t mean to order that much, didn’t notice until after they’d shipped it,’ you told him.

pulling you into a hug, he pressed a kiss to your temple. ‘y’can buy all the wool in the world and i wouldn’t think anything of it,’ you gave him a little laugh at that.

Johnny ‘Soap’ McTavish:

while you weren’t yet living together, he practically lived in your apartment. when he was on leave, your place was the first he would go to. ‘gotta make sure my girl knows when i’m available,’ he told you once when you’d asked.

one early morning, just before the sun was fully risen, he had been able to finally get away to come to you. he checked your mail, as per usual, before grabbing the large (but surprisingly light) box.

taking the stairs two at a time, he was able to unlock the door and walk in, greeting the little cat you’d adopted off the streets. dropping the box on the table, he kicked his boots off and walked in your room.

just watching for a few minutes, he admired how calm you looked. so, he climbed in and began pressing kisses against you, finally waking you.

‘hi, bug,’ you whispered softly. leaning up to give him a little kiss and lazily opening your eyes. he smiled at you, pressing one more kiss to your forehead before climbing back out of bed.

‘y’got a package, bug,’ he told you and you hummed, stretching along the bed. you met him in the main kitchen area, tugging the tape off of the box and throwing a few balls of wool on it.

and then more. and more. his brows furrowed, watching as you slowly dumped out each ball nearly one by one.

dropping the box off the table once it was done, you sat down and began organizing them into piles of colors. he watched on, slightly surprised but still adoring you as you moved.

he gestured to everything. ‘what’s all this for?’ he asked and watched as you blinked tiredly at him. you gave a little hum, rubbing your eyes softly.

‘j’s some projects i’ve got going on,’ you answered and began walking them into the art room. he followed suit, watching as you pulled a few baskets out of their spots and filled them with the colors.

johnny made a sound of surprise, looking at the amount you had. ‘christ, bug, i’d think you were hoarding them if i knew better,’ and you gave him a sleepy smile.

[supergirl000983]

The Rancher and the Pilot PT. 3 (maybe final)

Pairings: Jake Seresin x Dutton!Reader

Warning: Language, fighting, Beth being a bad bitch, talk of past trauma.

Also in this Lee didn’t die because I said so!

Y/n looked at Jake with angry sad eyes “There is so much more to life than that Hell Jake.” She said as she began putting her clothes back on Jake following her actions. “What do you mean? I thought things on the ranch were getting better.” He questioned as he finished buckling his jeans. “They are, but now that daddy is governor we are under a heavy watchful eye. I mean Rip and I can’t even take someone to the fucking train station without being followed.” Y/n said frustrated pulling her boots back on. “Come on let’s head back inside before they realize we disappeared.” She said grabbing Jake’s hand and pulling him out of the truck. “Plus I already talked to daddy and he agreed it was time for me to get out of Montana for awhile. He also said that being with you in fighter-town would definitely be best.” Y/n said smiling causing Jake to smile knowing that this meant her father wasn’t going to kill him now that he knew. Jake laughed spinning her around. “Ok so does this mean you are coming back with us once leave is over?” Jake asked smiling his million dollar smile. “Yeah I already have some bags packed and I was given permission to take my ranch truck, I know how y’all feel about flying in planes y’all can’t control.” Y/n responded as she leaned up kissing Jake happily. They separated when they heard a fighting commotion come from inside right as Beth burst through the door holding a blonde woman by her hair. “Hey baby sister a little help in here?” Beth said before slamming the blonde’s face into the door then leaving her there and walking back in. The two followed and were surprised to see people trying to break up the fight going on in the middle. They weren’t still long as one woman ran up to attack Jake, but before she could Y/n grabbed her arm spinning her around and slamming her on her back and commenced to beating to fuck out of her. That was all she really remembered while she and Beth were both being put into the back of the police Tahoe. “So…what happened Bethie?” She questioned her big sister that practically raised her. “Some California bitch put her hands on Rip and then came over and told me that they were gonna leave and have some fun with or without me.” Beth said in a straight voice before looking at her sister and both of them laughing hysterically. “Nice hits by the way. Those girls didn’t know what to think when you started beating the shit out of their friend.” Beth said as they both finally calmed down. “Hey Bethie? How are we gonna explain this to Daddy?” Y/n said as she looked at her sister with all seriousness. “You don’t worry your pretty little head about that ok? I’ll take care of it and I’m sure Jaimie is already working on making this all disappear.” Beth said looking at her baby sister who wasn’t a baby anymore she was now a 30 year old woman that had seen a lot of shit in her time on earth. From being kidnapped, shot at, stabbed, and blown up. Beth really didn’t know how her sister was still alive. All she did know was that her sister was one strong motherfucker

After booking they were both put in a cell and made small talk with another woman in there. After a bit they were both bailed out and on their way back to the ranch. “I still can’t believe that happened and that bitch didn’t get arrested.” Beth said walking into the house meeting the eyes of several people including: the Aviators, some of the ranch hands, her other siblings, and their father. “Well why does everyone look so surprised to see us?” Y/n said as she took Jaimie’s whiskey out of his hand. She then walked back over to Beth. “If I remember correctly I made you both promise to stay out of trouble tonight.” John Dutton finally spoke he stood and walked over and stopped in-front of his daughters. Before smiling and walking away to his bedroom. Kayce then stood and walked to Y/N. “You had to date one of my best friends?” He said smiling at his younger sister. “What can I say? He’s the one for me Kayce.” She said looking up at her big brother. “Ok as long as you’re happy than I’m happy.” He said wrapping her in a hug.

“Actually before everyone goes to bed Jake and I have an announcement.” Y/n said as she held her hand out for Jake to hold as he came to stand beside her. “After tonight I will be stepping down as head cowboy. Rip congrats you get to boss these ass hats around.” She said as she smiled at her group of close friends and family that were all family at this point. “ What do you mean your stepping down?” Ryan asked sharing a confused look with Colby. “I mean I will no longer be able to run things for the ranch from fighter-town. I am going to take a least a year off and start my new life with Jake. Yes we will pop in for the Holidays, but I really need to get out of here for awhile.” Y/n said looking at one of her best friends. “I love you all. You guys will be fine without me. Rip is just as much of a hard-ass as I am if not more.” She said laughing poking fun at her brother-in-law who smiled at the comment.

————————Time Skip———————

The next morning they had everything packed into the truck. Everyone was saying their goodbyes. Y/n looked around knowing she was gonna miss her home in Montana. She also knew that it was time to move on. “Hey you ok?” Her father asked coming to lean on the truck beside her. “Yeah I’m just thinking about how nice it’s gonna be not to hear Lee snoring from the other side of the hallway, how I won’t have to hear Jaime bitch about everything, how I won’t accidentally walk in on Beth and Rip anymore, or Kayce and Monica for that matter.” She said looking looking at her father. John laughed and pulled his youngest child his absolute pride and joy into a bear hug. As they pulled back he handed her something. It was her mother’s necklace that her father had given their mother a few days before her death. “Dad…are you sure?” She asked looking up into her fathers eyes. “She would want you to have just as much as I want you to have it.” He said leaving no room to argue. She handed it to him and turned so he could clasp it for her. It was a simple necklace a thin gold chain with a ruby in the middle and tiny white diamonds surrounding it. After it was on she turned around and bear hugged her father again “Thank you for everything. There were times when you could have given up on all of us kids and you didn’t. So thank you daddy thank you so much.” Y/n said with tears in her eyes. All of the other Dutton children stood in a group watching the interaction knowing that after the youngest Dutton was gone he wouldn’t want to talk about it. Everyone finished their goodbyes and the group of aviators loaded into the truck and waited for Y/n to finish her group hug and goodbye with her siblings. After she was done she loaded up and looked at her boyfriend and his friends and smiled. “Alright…let’s head out. Goodbye Yellowstone, Hello Fighter-Town.” She said as they started the drive.

Trying to decide if I want to continue the story, or start a new one.

[the1975attheirverybest]

I see we'll are very sad to not be on a boat with Matty and honestly I feel for all of us because we deserve it but think how annoying it would be to remind him constantly to put on sun screen? And have him saying: baby, I'm a man I don't burn that easily...

(unrelated but yesterday a used a new sunscreen and I must have been allergic to it because it gave me such a bad reaction to my eyes while I was at the pool. I was miserable)

Sunshine Baby

@heralldaylong ‘s request for a summer vacation one shot was perfect for this. So here you guys go.

warnings: none. Maybe some mentions of past trauma but kept it super vague

———

She closed her book and set it down in her lap at the end of the 7th chapter. She pushed her sunglasses off her face and into her hair , and unfolded her crossed legs over the sun-lounger. Over the railing of the boat, the sun glitter shimmering over the surface of the ocean brought a smile to her face. Closing her eyes and letting the gentle warmth of the atmosphere flow through her, she listened to the soft chatter from around the corner. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the realization that she could pick out Matty’s voice, and his sweet giggle, from the medley of voices on the other side of the deck. She sat up over the edge of the sun lounger, dropping her feet to the floor. On the side table, her ice-cold beverage had a few sips left in it. She picked it up, watching the circle of condensation that had formed at the base of the glass slip off the table. Then she reached for the bottle of sunscreen and set her book down in its place.

on the Deck, Gabi looked like she had fallen asleep in her seat next to John as he and Polly giggled at whatever private conversation they seemed to be having. Across from them, Ross smiled and shook his head, the wind. Blowing through his hair. She couldn’t quite hear him, but he was responding to what Matty, and the boys’ two trainer, Ben, and Alex, were saying. If she had to guess, they were probably attempting to entice Ross into a swimming competition, and judging by Ross’s self-assured smile, they were failing.

Matty sat closest to the edge, remarkably, his phone was nowhere in sight. The shirt that had been loosely draped over his upper body when she left him not too long ago was now on the seat next to him, leaving his back and chest completely exposed. he looked at peace for the first time in a long time. She never thought that someone else’s quiet contentment could bring her so much joy, but watching him run himself ragged day in and day out had been difficult. While she was nothing but proud of him, she’d been worried he’d burn himself out.

That worry, in itself, was a privilege, she’d decided. in her past relationship, she never felt connected enough to her partner to have such a concern for him. The fact that she was not only a part of Matty’s life, but also of his friends’ lives, overwhelmed her sometimes. It took moments like this, of quiet reflection, of almost stumbling upon a scene from a movie unfolding before her eyes, for her to realize how lucky she’d gotten.

she walked across the deck, swinging her arm around Matty’s shoulder when she got to him. “Hey, you.” She kissed the side of his head. a massive smile spread across his face when he felt her, “hi, Angel.” He kissed her lips. “How’s my favorite introvert feeling? You get a little me time?”

she smiled, nodding and squeezing a bit of sunscreen onto her hands. “good, cuz it’s Matty time now.”

she rolled her eyes. “That might work on thousands of adoring fans, but it doesn’t work on me.”

“what about it I wink when I say it?”

she placed her SPF covered hands on his neck.

“Mate- what? It hasn’t even been 40 minutes since you put the last round on my face!”

“well, mate, I didn’t get your shoulders and back. Cuz you were dressed. But since you’ve decided to expose the rest of your body, now we gotta get that, too.”

Matty shrugged, “whatever. I’m going in the water soon, anyway.”

“oh, ok then let me go get the swimming one-“ she moved to walk away from him but Matty instantly caught a hold of her hand, pulling her back to him.

“Don’t- go- or get anything. Stay with me for a moment, would you? Come- over here. Sit in my lap I wanna show you something. No-“ he laughed when she gave him a raised eyebrow. “I’m not being- I’m not trying to be cheeky or whatever- you just won’t see it from over there.” She relented, letting him pull her by the waist and set her down in his lap. Matty leaned them both over the railing and pointed down at the water. “Look! We’ve got company.”

“oh my god, dolphins!” She squealed. The pure joy and surprise in her voice almost made Matty’s heart implode in his chest. He kissed her cheek as she watched the dolphins swim along the side of the boat. “They’re following us.” She mumbled. Ross happened to glance in their direction and noticed them having a small moment of privacy. He took his phone out, snapping a picture as of them as Matty began to sway his hips and placed a kiss on her cheek again.

“Well, Matty.” Alex tapped his shoulder. “Your friend won’t listen to reason.” His head nodded towards Ross who was too busy texting the photos he’d taken to their group chat to notice his friends conspiring. “we've gotta do it then.” Matty whispered.

“What, do what? What’re you guys talking about?”

Matty grinned. “You’ll see.” He tapped her hips gently and stood up when she got off of his lap.

she watched as Alex and Matty exchanged a look, then went over to Ben and Waugh, whispering conspiratorially.

they all gathered around Ross’s side of the deck, forming a smal line with Matty in the front, Ross behind him, and everyone else behind Ross. “what’re you doing?” She yelled out as Matty stood over the edge of the deck smiling. “count to three?” Ben alerted over Ross’s shoulder. “Matty’s never been good at counting down to stuff”

she mumbled to herself, not that anyone could hear her anyway.

before Ben could count them down all the way, matty had already grabbed Ross by the arms and pulled them both into the ocean. Alex, Ben, and Waugh all followed behind.

the girls on deck were sure they could hear Ross inventing new profanities as he cursed out Matty, but the sound of the ocean waves splattering over the side of the boat, and the boys roaring laughter left little for them to hear.

“alright! Listen to me! You’re in the water now. Might as well do it.” Matty directed everyone’s attention. “First one to pop his head out of the water loses, okay? Polly’s gonna time us” he raised a thumb up to Polly and she nodded. “on the count of three, and I do mean three Matty, you boys ready?”

[imagines-r-s]

terms and conditions

chapter 2

series masterlist

a/n: sorry for how long this took. because of school, i was only able to work on it occasionally, which i am genuinely so sorry for. i appreciate your patience.

taglist: @stxrniqlo @dojacatismywife @gillybear17 @obx-thoughts

warnings: mentions of asher

w.c: 2.8k

“Why won’t you just tell us what he did to you?” Charlie asked, pacing behind you as you continued to play one of your favorite pieces on the piano.

“I don’t know why you keep asking, Miller, she’s playing the piano right now, which is basically y/n saying ‘shut the fuck up and leave me alone’,” Rafe said, not looking up from his phone. Rafe knew better than anyone that you picked whatever songs you played based off your mood. 

Like the time that you only played the end of ‘Bennie and the Jets’ by Elton John for a week after finding out that you got to go to see one of your favorite artists in concert with VIP tickets for a meet and greet. Or throughout everything that happened with your dad, when all you played were a variety of depressing piano ballads by Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, and Lord Huron. 

And for the past hour, you’ve been playing songs by all three. 

“Yes, which I also know is a sign she needs to talk about whatever is bothering her,” Charlie said, moving to sit next to Rafe on the couch, “please tell me you know that, too.”

“Yeah, I know, but after yesterday at the restaurant I can tell that we won’t get it out of her anytime. And before you ask, yes that worries me, but I can’t really do much about it at this exact moment.”

The two of them looked over to you as you played the ending of “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron and as soon as they heard you start another song, Charlie pulled you from the piano. “Okay, honey. I’m either going to need you to play something more lively or get away from the piano.”

Your eyebrows furrowed, “but you love my playing?”

“Yes, yes, I do, but not when it’s the same depressing shit that Rafe has on his sad playlist for when Kie repeatedly rejects him.”

“Hey,” Rafe said, incredulously, “you said you wouldn’t bring that up, dude.”

“Yeah, sorry. Anyways, you’re here for the summer and summer is fun, okay? So, no more sad music. Now go get ready, we’re going out to the country club today.”

“Do we have to?”

“Yes,” the boys said simultaneously. 

“We’ll meet you out there in 15 and Kelce and Top are on their way,” Rafe added before walking away. 

☾⋆

You had lived rent free in JJ’s head since he saw you at The Wreck the other day. He knew that he would get to see you if Ward worked his plan of having JJ show you around and such, but there was something about you that he couldn’t ignore - he didn’t exactly know what that was yet, but he knew there was something. 

Trying to gather his bearings for work, he went back to the kitchen and put on his apron - hoping that to some extent dealing with a bunch of rich assholes might take his mind off you to some degree. The only problem was as he walked out to deal with his tables, he saw you and the boys making their way toward one of his usual tables. 

“Maybank, you get the Cameron table,” his manager, Justin’s, voice rang out. 

“JT, please, just this one time, can you take it?”

“One, quit calling me JT, asshat. And two, I thought you settled your stuff with Rafe and them?”

“Yes, but-”

“Then, if there’s not another logical reason, I will not be adding a table to my service today.”

“Could bribery work?”

“I make a lot more money than you, Maybank, so unless it’s a valuable quantity, it’s still a no from me, dawg. Just go serve them. The sooner you do, the sooner they leave,” Justin said, practically shoving JJ towards the table. 

JJ resisted the pushing to the best of his ability, “JT, please, I’m begging.”

“Go.” And with that JJ finally let up and made his way over to your table.

Rafe was the first to notice JJ heading their way and sent a subtle nod in his direction. “Maybank, hey man. You our server today?”

Much to his dismay, yes. “Yeah, you guys get to be graced with my presence. What can I get you guys started with today?” JJ asked, getting his notepad out from his back pocket. Maybe if he kept his eyes focused on that, he wouldn’t make too much of a fool of himself. Quickly getting everyone’s drink order, his eyes finally looked where he had been avoiding - you. “Um, hey, what about you?”

He quickly noticed the way that your eyes immediately met his and the way that you smiled at him. “I’ll just get a water, thank you,” you paused, looking for his name tag, “JJ.”

For that reason he immediately regretted wearing his nametag today. “Alright, I’ll be back with that as soon as possible.”

“I think our dear friend just made JJ Maybank flustered, which I must applaud her for,” Kelce said, earning nods of agreement from everyone, but you, who was very much out of the loop. 

“Why is that such a big deal?”

“Well, he’s not necessarily the biggest playboy anymore - Rafe has taken that spot - but he is typically not visibly into people, so it’s very entertaining to witness,” Kelce said, filling you in on the situation. 

“He just asked what I wanted to drink?” you asked, even more confused how they came to that specific conclusion from that minor of an interaction. 

“Yes, but he literally looked everywhere except you and then whenever he finally spoke up, it was rushed and mumbly. He’s a cocky son of a bitch, who usually is not phased by basic conversation, so that definitely counts for something,” Topper chimed in. 

“I doubt it’s anything, see he’s coming back now, we’ll see.”

Everyone’s attention was focused on the interaction - mainly to prove their own point correct. “Alright, I have the waters, the teas, and the Shirley Temple - which by the way Charlie, I hate you for ordering that right now.”

“Sorry, blondie, I hate to disappoint,” Charlie spoke with fake sympathy. 

“It’s all good,” he spoke before turning toward you, “okay, and I’ll start with you as far as what you want to eat. What’s it going to be, babe?”

“Oh, babe? I got my own nickname now?” you asked, egging him on to prove everyone’s point wrong. 

“Well, I mean, sorry. If you don’t want the nickname-” He was so screwed. 

“J, it’s cool. What would you recommend though?”

“Oh, um. Honestly, I’m not a salad person, but I really like our salads. Any of our pasta is to die for, just up to you and what you like.”

You smiled, “Ok, well surprise me, I’m cool with whatever.” Listening as he got the rest of everyone’s orders, you quickly noted how different he acted with everyone else in comparison to you. You could tell just by those quick moments that there was a very obvious difference in dynamics. “Look, I’m not going to say that any of you are right, but there was definitely a difference.”

“Told you,” Rafe and Charlie said, simultaneously. 

The rest of lunch went smoothly, with quite a few more interactions between you and JJ. You could tell that over time he was beginning to get a bit more comfortable with you, to the point that the two of you were both cracking jokes later on. Eventually as all of you finished eating, you gathered your things to head out, “Hey man, see you tomorrow morning?” Rafe asked, which threw you off slightly. 

“Yeah, Rose and Ward both want me to help with planning for Midsummer’s, so I’ll be there pretty much everyday for the next month,” he spoke as he started packing up the table.

“Wait, you work for the Cameron’s?” you spoke up, seeking clarification. 

“Yeah, I do the gardening for Rose and then any other lawn work, boat stuff, or whatever else for Ward. Anything helps, you know. Anyways, you guys have a good one, I’ll see you around.”

JJ watched as the group left the country club as he got the table cleaned up. He headed back to the kitchen ready for another table when Justin stopped him, “so she’s the reason you didn’t want to work that table, huh?”

☾⋆

Waking up the next morning, you finally decided to unpack for the summer. Taking out your clothes and getting your makeup and toiletries settled, you tried to make the Cameron guest room as homey as you could - especially considering that you didn’t exactly have any other options. As you were folding some clothes into your drawer, you heard a soft knock on your door, “come in.” 

“Hey, I come with peace offerings and hope that you’ll talk about your problems,” Rafe said, carrying in the tray that held your favorite breakfast items. “Obviously, you can still have breakfast, even if you don’t talk about whatever happened, but you already know my preference.” He finished off by sending you a sickly, sweet smile before sitting on the edge of your bed.

“What do you want to know, Rafe?” you said, putting some clothes on a hanger and turning away from him. 

“Whatever you’re fine with sharing, Buttercup. I’m not going to force anything out of you, but there’s obviously much to discuss. I just don’t want you to feel like you can’t talk to anyone about anything that’s going on, you know. I’ll be here for you either way, tea time or not.”

Joining Rafe on the side of your bed, you let out a deep breath and a small chuckle, “uh. Asher or why am I here first?”

“Well, not to start this off on a wrong foot, but the Asher thing has been pressing on me since yesterday.”

“Connections are connections.”

“Connections are- huh?”

“That’s what Asher told me right before I broke up with him. The situations kinda go hand in hand, so it kinda just varies on what playing field you look at it on, but nonetheless, I-”

“He said that to you? What the fuck, y/n?” 

You let out another sigh, “do you remember that school that I told you about?”

“With the really nice music program… Johnston’s, right?” he watched as you nodded, “yeah, you mentioned it before you tried out how excited you were and how you were going to convince your mom to let you go, if you got it.”

You nodded, staring straight ahead, “yeah, uh, she found out I got in, got really upset about it, and said I couldn’t go. So, in rational fashion, I went to my boyfriend with the issue and he said it was a silly hobby of mine and that I need to focus on my actual career, like my mom wants. I tried to talk to him about it and how it wasn’t just a hobby and then he started going on about how he should have known I wasn’t serious about being CEO and that he should have picked a better connection.”

Rafe sat in a moment in stunned silence as he processed what you had told him, “y/n.”

“Yeah?” you asked, as if you hadn’t just dropped the most shocking information he could have heard. 

“What the actual fuck?” he stood up quickly and started pacing, “Yeah, no, I see why you didn’t tell anyone else because then you would have had to convince more people not to fly to Asher and pummel his face in. I’m only here right now as I’m still in conversation with you, but what?”

“Yeah, I really don’t know and I just… I feel stupid for not knowing, you know.”

“Don’t blame yourself for his mediocrity. That’s a him problem, not you. I’m sorry you were victim to it though because that was so out of pocket. Is he why you’re here?”

“To some extent, I guess. Not exactly,” you continued watching him pace, “but please don’t tell the boys until I’m ready, I understand why you think you should, but please wait a while.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course, buttercup. Whatever you need I’m here for you,” he made a final turn before giving you a hug. “You deserve so much better than that. I’m sorry.”

You stayed quiet for quite some time. “I think I’m just going to take today easy; practice some piano, do whatever.”

“Please don’t play any Lord Huron, I can’t deal with that today, too.”

“Yeah, I can make do without Lord Huron, got to make sure I save that for whenever Kie rejects you again.” 

“Oh, hey, that was unnecessary. And for payback, I won’t tell you that JJ works today.” 

Grabbing a pillow from your bed, you quickly tossed it in his direction, “oh my god, leave.”

Finishing up your breakfast, you made your way downstairs to the piano. Even throughout all that had happened, you found no ill will towards how you felt about playing the piano. Asher’s words of it only being a hobby and your mother’s disapproval were easily drowned out when your hands hit the keys and the melody of these familiar songs filled the air. If there was one thing that you could always count on, it was this.

Walking into Tannyhill, JJ’s ears immediately picked up on the sound of a piano playing, but he continued on his way under the assumption that it was just someone listening to music. It wasn’t until he passed the Grand Room where the piano was, that he saw you sitting there. The song was familiar to him, but not enough that he could immediately recognize the song; but in all honesty, the song was the least of his concerns. 

Maybe it was the outfit you picked today. Or the way your hair looked today. Or maybe it had something to do with the fact that your body showed how into the music you were. The way that your hands moved so gracefully; or that your body swayed with the music; or how after specific parts of the song, the corners of your mouth would lift up. 

“J, it’s rude to stare” you said, causing his eyes to snap to you, only to find that your eyes weren’t even on him. 

“I wasn’t staring,” he said, “I was just, um, admiring. That was really good by the way.” 

As you finished up the song, you finally took the opportunity to look at him. Your eyes immediately went to the red cutout tee that he was wearing that day, moreso the way his arms looked in the shirt itself. 

Noticing the way that you were staring at him, some of his usual cockiness was able to seep through whatever wall you had somehow put up, “It’s rude to stare, you know.”

“Don’t worry, J, I was just admiring,” he watched as you stood up from the piano and made your way closer to him. “What all are you working on today?”

“Nothing crazy, just pulling weeds for Rose. Why? What’s up?”

“Oh, I was just wondering and I like to ask questions, so.” 

The smile on JJ’s face grew a little, “well, perfect for you, I love answering questions,” He actually hated answering questions, but he wanted a reason to keep talking to you, “but you have to let me ask you some questions, too. Deal?” 

“Deal.” 

☾⋆

JJ didn’t leave Tannyhill for another few hours, which normally he would have been quick to complain about, but he was able to spend all that time with you. Really, he had no room to complain, the only thing in his head was the nagging thought about what Ward was having him do. 

He chose to ignore the fact that he was at least two hours late to the plans that he had with the pogues, but he knew that they would forgive him for it. Riding back to the Chateau, he was immediately welcomed to everyone chilling out with drinks in hand already. 

“Well, would you look at that? JJ finally decided to join us,” John B’s voice rang out as he made his way up the steps of the chateau, “how was work?”

“It was good, can’t complain when all I had to do was pull some weeds.” 

“Doesn’t pulling weeds only take you like an hour? You were gone for four,” Pope’s voice added. 

“Yeah, usually, I don't know what all happened, uh, the ecosystem and all that was on overdrive,” he spoke slowly, hoping that whatever he was saying made sense, “so it took a while.” 

“Something was on overdrive, that’s for sure,” Sarah said, “something to do with a specific pianist that’s residing in my house for the summer?”

A chuckle left his mouth before he could pick up on it, “pianist. That’s such a funny word.”

“Didn’t answer the question,” Sarah stated. 

“I just figured that it would be smart to introduce myself,” he said, with a simple shrug. Maybe they would believe that an introduction took four hours.

[thesconesyard]

Yeehaw!

When the Cactus Blooms

7. Tall Handsome Stranger

McCoy was working in the main yard with Jim when the man appeared. He was tall and slim, with piercing eyes. When he removed his hat, his hair was nearly black and brushed back from the temples. His pants were black and his shirt dark, though a bit dusty, probably from his walking.

“Howdy!” Jim called out.

“Hello,” the man answered.

McCoy nodded a greeting and kept working.

“What can we do for you?” Jim asked.

“I was told in town that you have work for people down on their luck.” The man smiled self-deprecatingly.

“Sure,” Jim smiled broadly. “Name’s Jim Kirk. I own the Enterprise Ranch.” Jim stuck his hand out and the other man shook it. “This here is Leonard McCoy.”

“I am John Harrison. A pleasure to meet you Mr. Kirk, Mr. McCoy.”

“It’s doctor actually,” Jim said, nodding at McCoy.

“Oh. My apologies Dr. McCoy,” Harrison said with a slightly remorseful look.

“Don’t worry about it,” McCoy waved a hand. “I don’t practice anymore.” Something about the man’s piercing gaze unsettled him.

Silence passed between the men for a beat.

“Well Mr. Harrison, are you hungry? It’s quite a walk from town and still some time before lunch, but I’m sure the ladies could rustle something up—” Jim said.

“Oh no, please don’t bother. I can wait. I’d prefer to work.”

“Ok,” Jim smiled. “Well, what kind of work do you like? Got something in mind?”

“I did a bit of work engineering and improving mechanical things at my last place,” Harrison answered. His face grew sad.

McCoy hid a frown, but couldn’t help but wonder what had happened where Harrison had last been that gave him that look to mention it.

“Perfect!” Jim exclaimed. “Scotty’ll be glad to have someone help him. He’s our engineering genius.”

“Wonderful,” Harrison smiled.

A chill went down McCoy’s back at that smile, but he didn’t know why.

“You good Bones? I’ll be right back,” Jim asked.

“Yeah kid, I’m fine,” McCoy replied. He turned back to their work. Jim led Harrison along to find Scotty. Keenser and a couple of his birds came up next to McCoy.

“Who?” the short man asked, pointing after Jim.

“Man looking for work. Name’s John Harrison,” McCoy told him.

“Hmm.”

“Did ya tell the gals there’d be an extra?” McCoy asked when Jim returned.

“Slipped my mind,” Jim admitted, a flash of embarrassment crossing his face.

“Knew you would forget,” McCoy grumbled. “Good thing Keenser said he’d let them know.”

“Hey Leonard,” Uhura greeted him as he stepped into the dining room.

“Hi. Can I help?”

“Get the plates out? What’s the new man like?”

McCoy turned to the pile of dishes and began to place them around the table.

“Not sure,” he shrugged. “Only met him really. John Harrison is his name. Someone in town sent him our way.”

“We do take people in,” Uhura gave a light chuckle. They had all found themselves at the ranch one way or another. “Think he’ll stay?”

McCoy couldn’t help his frown, but he turned so Uhura couldn’t see it.

“I don’t know.”

It wasn’t long before the sound of laughing voices reached them in the dining room, as everyone came inside for lunch. Scotty and Harrison were the last to join them. They appeared to be getting along quite well. Scotty introduced him to everyone around the table and pointed him to the empty seat by McCoy.

“Hello again Doctor,” Harrison said as he sat.

McCoy gave him a tight smile.

“Not necessary to call me that,” he said politely.

“Right,” Harrison said carefully, “You said you don’t practice anymore. Why is that?”

McCoy’s shoulders tensed and he saw Christine look over at him. Her hand was sliding towards his.

“I’m sorry John,” Scotty said from up the table. “I should have explained to ye. We don’t much talk about the past.”

“As long as you’re willing to work hard, we take you for who you show us,” Sulu added.

“My apologies,” Harrison said with a chagrined look. “That was much too familiar a question for having just met.”

“No harm done,” McCoy said. His heart was pounding in his chest. Scotty was already on a first name basis with this new man?

“He's sure handsome,” Uhura said.

“Yes,” Christine agreed.

McCoy had stayed inside to help the ladies clean up. He dried a plate as Uhura handed it over to him.

“Polite and smart as well, it seems,” Christine added.

“We’ll feed him well. Poor man; so thin,” Uhura said.

McCoy just listened. Scotty had led Harrison off again after lunch, laughing at something as they went. He’d sort of thought he and Scotty had come to some kind of understanding out at the creek. Maybe he had been wrong. They hadn’t said anything to each other beyond McCoy’s round about way of showing his interest in the man. Maybe he had just imagined the agreeable look in Scotty’s eyes.

He sighed.

“Alright Leo?” Christine asked, coming up behind him and placing a hand around his shoulder.

Giving himself a mental shake, he put on a smile and looked at Christine.

“Right as rain sweetheart.”

She gave him a hard stare for a moment but dropped it.

Harrison became a fixture at the ranch over the following week. He charmed the ladies, helped everywhere he could and seemed to put everyone at ease. Except McCoy. And maybe Spock, but McCoy couldn’t be completely sure about that.

Jim gave Harrison one of the small cabins to sleep in and McCoy could hear him and Scotty, chatting and talking over complex things, sitting out front in the cool evenings.

McCoy was polite, his upbringing wouldn’t let him be anything but, and yet he still felt something. Something bothered him about the man named John Harrison.

“Thought I’d find you here.”

McCoy startled. He’d been down deep in his thoughts, staring into the creek, sitting by one of the big trees. The moon was high, and the stars were out.

“What’s bothering you Leo?” Christine asked as she sat down on the ground next to him and smoothed her skirt.

“Nothing,” he said quickly.

“You’re a terrible liar, honey,” Christine laughed at him. “You’ve been moping all week. What is it?”

“Nothing,” he said again, and turned back to watching the water in the creek as it flowed around some rocks.

“Did he turn you down?” she asked quietly. “You said you were gonna say something last week when you were both gone…”

“No,” McCoy said again. “No. We- I- I indicated how I- how I… well, you know,” he stammered out. “I thought I got myself across clearly. I… I guess I read him wrong.” He let out a soft sigh.

Christine put her arm around him and pulled him over until their heads bumped together.

“All week he’s looked lit up about Harrison. I don’t know why I bother…”

“Oh Leo,” Christine soothed. “It’ll all turn out right, don’t you fret.”

In the morning John Harrison didn’t turn up for breakfast. A bad feeling settled in McCoy’s stomach, but he couldn’t explain why.

As the day went by, it was obvious the man had left as quietly as he had arrived.

“Things are missing Jim,” Uhura stated with a worried frown as the men came in for lunch.

“What things?”

“My mother’s bracelet and that pair of cufflinks that belonged to my father.”

“And a pair of my necklaces,” Christine added.

Jim frowned and looked around at the others.

“Are you sure you gals didn’t just misplace them?”

“I wore one of those necklaces to town last week Jim. It was sitting in my top drawer with my handkerchiefs,” Christine said.

“He took’em,” McCoy muttered.

“We don’t know that!” Scotty said.

“The timing is suspicious,” Spock said. “Is anyone else missing anything?”

It turned out everyone was missing something of value.

“I’ll be damned,” Jim said. “Guess we’ll have to be more careful from now on.”

“Should we go after him?” Chekov asked.

Jim was quiet and looked at Spock before answering.

“Yes.”

[jojo0039]

*Summer Heat* The Phantom Part 1

Jo wakes up to sirens down the road. She's laying on one of the benches with her head on JJ's lap. His arm is wrapped around her while he's clicking his zippo lighter. "Did you sleep at all Jay?" she whispers so she doesn't wake Pope and Kie. JJ shakes his head. "I couldn't sleep. It's ok though you needed to sleep." he tells her. She moves her head up so she's laying her head on his chest. "This whole thing has gotten so messed up." she says. "I know Jo. I am so worried about John B man." Jo looks up at him. "I know I am too. This shit is so fucked up." She watches as JJ stands up and walks over to the back patio door. She stands up and follows him. She grabs his hand to get his attention. "Everything is gonna work out." she tells him. "How do you know?" he asks her in a broken voice. She gives him a small smile. "We just have to believe that everything is gonna work out. Plus John B has us to make sure that it does." Jo assures him. "How can you stay so positive after everything we've been through?" JJ asks in astonishment. He bends down and kisses her. She kisses him back and wraps her arms around his shoulders. "You're amazing." he whispers. She blushes and gives him a small smile. They break apart when Pope walks over to them and looks horrible. "Are they still patrolling?" he asks them. Jo sighs and nods her head. "Yea they just drove past like 5 minutes ago." she says. "Good that means they haven't caught him yet." Pope says. "Let's hope." JJ comments. "You know, we were in that car too. They're probably looking for us also." Kie says as she comes to stand with them. Pope glances at her awkwardly. Jo and JJ share a look. "Well if we're gonna be outlaws, we may as well help John B." Pope states firmly. "So we find him before they do?" JJ asks. Pope reaches into JJ's bag and grabs the keys to his bike. "Where are you going?" Jo asks him. "I'm gonna go get gas for the boat." Pope tells them curtly. He heads for the door. "Be careful." Kie says softly to him. Pope looks at her for a second before he turns his head away from her and looks toward JJ and Jo. "Meet me at the dock at 3 you guys. Don't be late." Pope tells them before he walks out the door. Jo glances at Kie and sees that she's upset. Kie gets up and follows Pope out the door. "What is your problem?" they hear Kie shout to Pope. "Should we-?" Jo points to the door. "We wouldn't be us if we didn't." JJ wraps his arm around her waist as they follow Kie outside. They stand by the door as Kie tries to talk to Pope. He keeps reeving the engine so he can't hear her. They watch as he peels off leaving Kie standing there. Jo pulls away from JJ and walks down the steps to Kie. She offers her a sad smile as she pulls her into a hug. "Come on." Jo starts to pull Kie back inside. They all see a helicopter flying overhead. Jo sees the SBI letters on the side. "Oh my God. This isn't good." she states. ************************ Once they walk back inside, Jo pulls Kie into the back bathroom. "Are you okay?" Jo asks her. Kie nods her head. "Pope told me he was in love with me last night." she reveals. "What? When did he do that?" Jo asks. "Right after you took off around the house. He told me that he has been in love with me for a while." Kie says. "I take it, you didn't say it back." Jo comments. "What could I say? We were trying to get to Sarah and he just drops this on me. I haven't even fully got to process it yet! He hasn't given me time to think. And he's so upset thinking it's an instant rejection and I never wanted to hurt his feelings." Kie says as she tries not to cry. Jo pulls her into a hug. "I know you never meant to hurt him." Jo comforts. "He means a lot to me! He's one of my best friends! I haven't even thought of him like that or any of the boys like that." Jo nods her head. "I know. It's Pope, he won't stay mad long. His ego got hurt, but he'll calm down and you guys will talk and it'll be okay." Jo calmly replies. Kie gives her a small smile. "You're right. He'll calm down eventually." Jo nods her head. "We just have to worry about getting John B out of here." Jo goes to leave the bathroom, but Kie doesn't follow her. "I saw you." Jo turns around with a confused look. "What?" Jo asks. "I saw you with Rafe last night. Why didn't you push him away when he kissed you?" Kie asks. Jo doesn't know what to say. "I- I- he just caught me by surprise. I didn't know he was gonna kiss me." she tells Kie. "You can't still have feelings for him! He's the reason John B is on the run!" Kie lectures. "I know-" Kie cuts her off. "He's a murderer-" " I know." "After everything that he has done to us, you shouldn't want anything to do with him!" "I know Kie!" Kiara shuts up and just stares at Jo. Jo sighs in frustration. "I know okay. I know that Rafe is an unstable person and I'm not defending him whatsoever. You haven't said what I haven't told myself a million times these last few weeks. He was my first everything, and he wasn't always like this." Jo wipes some tears off of her face. "I've been trying to move on from him and sometimes he makes it really hard to. But I know that I have to not only for obvious reasons, but because of JJ. We're starting something and I really wanna see where it goes. I care about him so much. It's not fair to him that I still have Rafe hanging on." Jo cries to her best friend. Kie quickly pulls Jo into a hug. "It's gonna be okay. I'll be here for you and help you figure out your love life after we get John B off the island." Jo wipes the tears and clears her throat. "You're completely right. I shouldn't even let this get to me." Jo comments and stands up. "Hey, you're always the strong one and there for everyone else. It's okay to let someone else be there for you." Kie tells her. "I love you." Jo smiles. "I love you too. Pogues for life." Kie states. "Pogues for life." Kie and Jo do their pogue handshake. "Now let's go out there before JJ starts looking for us." Kie says. "You go. I'll be out in a minute." Kie nods and walks out of the bathroom. Jo turns back towards the mirror and cleans her face up so it doesn't show that she has been crying. *************************** Jo walks back out to the lobby of the restaurant. JJ and Kie are putting some food in boxes. "Are you alright?" JJ asks her watching her carefully. She gives him a small smile. "I'm good. Everything just caught up to me. I needed a moment." She says as she grabs another box. "Is this gonna be enough food for them?" Kie asks as they each load up a box of food. "It's gonna have to be. I mean it'll be good for a couple of weeks, that's all they really need." JJ says as they grab the boxes. They walk outside to load the jeep. "Where the hell have you been?" They look up to see Jo's dad and Anna, Kiara's mom. "Dad? What are you doing here?" Jo asks. "Kiara's parents called me. I thought we talked about this. This behavior is completely uncalled for. Go get in the truck now." he demands of his daughter. "We were all up half the night, scared to death looking for you guys." Anna tells them. "Were you even gonna say anything to us?" Buzz asks. "Dad, I'm not getting in the truck!" Jo argues. "I'm telling you now mom." Kie argues with her mom. "Yes you are! Do you not understand the severity of this situation right now! You're gonna be an accessory to a murderer!" Buzz yells at them. "I told you already John B didn't do this!" Jo argues. "What the hell are you guys doing?" Anna asks them. "I'm sorry Mrs. Anna, Mr. M but we really have to go." JJ says to them as he closes the back latch of the jeep. "You guys aren't going anywhere! You are in so much trouble." Buzz lectures. "I'm sorry dad. I love you but John B needs us." Jo pushes past her dad as JJ gets in the passenger seat. Anna tries to pull Kie away from the car. "There is a storm coming! This is not safe!" Anna yells at her daughter. Buzz grabs Jo's arm. "You are not going." Jo yanks her arm out of his grasp. "John B needs me! I dont turn my back on my best friends like you do!" She accuses her dad. She feels slightly guilty after seeing the look on his face. "These pogues are criminals Kiara! You girls are gonna get shot!" Anna yells through the window at her daughter. Jo starts the car. "Get out of the car now! There is a storm coming!" Buzz tries to open the door. "I'm sorry dad, John B needs me!" Jo peels out of the parking lot. "Damn it!" Buzz shouts in anger. Jo drives the car to JJ's house. She parks the car in the front yard. She reaches over and grabs JJ's hand. "I can come in with you. You know I will." she tells him. He shakes his head. "This will only take a minute. Plus I dont want you to have to see him." JJ tells her. "You know I don't care about that." she responds. "I'll be right back." He opens the door and walks into the house. The girls sit in silence until JJ comes back out. He swings the key around on his finger. "See, easy peasy." he tells her with a small smile. ***************************** Jo pulls into the garage where the boat is being housed. They get out and JJ unlocks the door and opens it up. They see the boat sitting there. "There she be, hey girl." JJ speaks softly to the boat. "A 1983 Formula 402 SR1." JJ grabs Jo's hand and pulls her closer to the boat with him. She gives him a look of amusement. "This is the Phantom. I want my two girls to get acquainted with each other." JJ winks at her. She smiles with a shake of her head. "The first boat to make the run to Bermuda in under 16 hours. She's 40 years old you guys! And still the fastest thing that Kildare has ever seen." He speaks about the boat with pure love. "Why are you speaking nicer to the boat than you do me." Jo jokes with a laugh. "I'm introducing my two girls to each other." JJ tells her as she makes an amused face the entire time. "It's kinda a junker." Kie states. JJ gives her a deadpan look. "Really? She's right there Kie, she can hear you. Let's just put it this way. You two would not be smoking weed right now if she never existed." Jo shakes her head. "Come on, let's get this latched up." They hear a motorbike approaching. "Finally Pope." Kie mumbles. Jo walks closer to the door but stops with a gasp when she meets Rafe. Her eyes widen. "Rafe? What are you doing here?" She asks as she backs up slowly. "Hey, sweetheart. I missed you baby." Rafe comments before he whistles and Barry appears from the other side. Barry cocks a gun and points it at JJ. Before she can do anything Rafe grabs her around her waist and pulls her tightly against him. "You just stay right here with me. I won't let him hurt you." He whispers in her ear. She struggles against his grip. "Let me go Rafe now!" Rafe just tightens his grip. "See, don't think I forgot about me and you on the side of the road." Barry says to JJ. "I'm here because I want my mother fucking money!" Barry shouts in JJ's face before he punches him. "JJ! Rafe let me go now!" Jo continues to struggle in Rafe's grip. Barry punches JJ again. "Where's my money?!" Kie jumps on Barry's back. "Stop it! Leave him alone!" Barry throws Kie off of him and she hits her head on the boat. "Kie!" Rafe wraps his hand around Jo's jaw and makes her watch Barry hit JJ. "This doesn't have to happen this way. Look and see what's happening to your boy. Just tell us where John B is and Barry will let him go." Rafe whispers in her ear. "We don't know where he is!" Jo tells them. She struggles against his grip. She yanks her head back and headbutts him. "Fuck!" He quickly releases her. Kie stands back up. "We know what you did Rafe! You shot Peterkin! Do you really think Jo wants anything to do with you after that?" Kie shouts in his face. "I really wish you didn't say that." Rafe says calmly before he wraps his hand around Kiara's throat. Jo rushes forward and tries to pull his hand off of her. "Let go of her Rafe! Stop!" Rafe pushes her away from him. Barry is still kicking and hitting JJ. "Rafe please!" Pope sneaks up behind them and hits Rafe in the back with a pipe. "Get away from them!" he shouts. Rafe turns around and swings at Pope. He punches him, and Pope lands a punch on him back. Rafe swings again and misses. Pope punches him hard making him sway. Pope continues to punch him. "Pope stop!" "Pope he's had enough!" "Pope stop it!" Pope grabs a rope and wraps his neck around it and pulls. Jo's eyes meet Rafe's widened ones as he struggles to breathe. "Pope, stop he can't breathe!" JJ pulls Pope away as Rafe falls to the ground as he regains his breath. "We have to get out of here!" Kie and JJ start latching up the boat to the jeep. Jo drops down to her knees and puts her fingers on Rafe's throat checking for major injuries. Rafe's eyes meet hers as he struggles to breathe. "Stay off the cut, and stay the fuck away from Joanna you piece of shit!" Pope tells Rafe, before he pulls Jo up. Rafe's eyes never leave Jo's as she runs to the jeep.

[hbosscreations]

@url-is-url You are a treasure and a gem.

And I'm sorry, but you interacted with me, so now I'm going to word vomit my feelings.

The thing about tragedy with John, is that the same story over and over gets boring and predictable after a while. We’ve been following John Constantine since 1985, and the writers keep telling the same story over and over. John fucks up, someone dies or tells him he’s trash and walks away (basically dying, but with the chance of being killed off later for extra ‘sad’).

His suffering has become stale.

We need a new twist. We need something for a modern audience while still keeping that traditional Hellblazer flavor that keeps us coming back.

Hear me out.

Noah trusts John completely.

John saved his life, saved his mother’s life, and seems to be taking care of Noah emotionally if not physically. They don’t get much panel time together, but what we see is friendly and amicable. If Noah didn’t want to be there by the end of This Sceptred Isle Part 2, he would not have been.

Noah went back to K-Mag’s place where the only friend we see Noah had was killed, and he went because of John. Noah KILLED because of John.

That is a LOT of trust.

If it was on me, I would have spent Dead in America playing with that as a through line. John trying to build a relationship with Noah while being wracked with guilt about lying to him and making him kill (THE FIRST ISSUE STARTS THIS AND THEY NEVER FUCKING PICK IT UP AGAIN?! WHAT THE FUCK, MAN?!?!).  The push and pull of wanting connection while simultaneously realizing that Noah is NOT safe with John.

The understanding that John is dead and as their relationship gets stronger, he gets closer and closer to leaving his son behind.

Give Noah the opportunity to see John as a mentor, a friend, maybe call John ‘the weird uncle he never had’ or something. Close enough without overstepping, because we know Noah has been burned in the past by people who he cared about. (I’m convinced there was supposed to be something more going on with DS Dole, but we’ll never see him again so I guess it doesn’t matter.)

Show us how implicitly Noah trusts John and SHATTER that trust.

That’s the tragedy.

It doesn’t have to be about death. Give Noah the chance to say ‘I should have stayed with K-Mag, I might have died, but at least K-Mag wasn’t a liar’. Let Noah tell John to fuck off, don’t touch him, don’t try to fix this.

Make John live with the consequences of his actions. His secrets and his behavior hurts the people around him. Give him the knowledge that his son is alive, is still sticking around, is still a part of his life, but only out of necessity and convenience.

John will never have his trust again. Never have his faith.

Let John feel that Noah isn’t going to walk away, but only because John is convenient. He’s disabled, and while we saw in the last released issue that he can use magic to make people understand him, I clocked immediately that it’s a BAD THING given that Noah mind controlled the girl into sleeping with him (I have SO MANY FUCKING FEELINGS ABOUT THE LAST ISSUE AND SPURRIER IS LUCKY I’M NOT HIS BARISTA BECAUSE HE WOULD BE GETTING PISS COFFEE FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE).

Noah doesn’t have anyone else in the world who believes him about his mother, who understands him, who is willing to help him for nothing more than his time.

He’s not walking away from John.

But that doesn’t mean John gets to have him either.

John Constantine is a man who is in love with the idea of his legacy. He doesn’t necessarily want to be a parent, or think he’d be a good one, but EVERY TIME the comics give him a blood child, he becomes devoted to them for as long as they’re there. You cannot tell me that John, who stole a DOUBLE DECKER BUS FOR A CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD TRIP SO NOAH WOULD ‘HAVE A PIECE OF HOME TO CARRY WITH HIM’ wouldn’t be a weirdly invested parent.

This would also potentially lead into ANOTHER storyline. More work for the writer, more angst to explore, more comics with gorgeous art to hang on my wall. Why wasn't Noah on ANY of the covers?

This run is a bunch of missed opportunities in a trenchcoat.

Fixing Hellblazer: Dead in America

Apparently I'm not doing being negative today, so I'm going to channel my bullshit into fixing things.

Let me tell you a bit about me. I love bad horror movies. I LOVE horror movies that aren't great, but you can see how they COULD be great under different circumstances. My favorite thing to do for years was take a movie that wasn't good and think about what needed to be done to fix it.

Dead in America actually has a pretty simple fix that would help with the rewrite. You'd have to rewrite the whole thing, this draft isn't salvagable, but if you really want to tell the story about American Racism, it's such an easy fix, I don't know why they didn't do it in the first place.

Make Noah Ikumelo the main character.

Seriously. That's the big change.

Maybe he's not the focal character for the entire 11 issue run, but have him be the perspective of at least one issue instead of the random racists that keep getting their stories told like we're supposed to care about them.

Issue 1: Flee

Tommy is dead, K-Mag is dead, they're on the run, and John says 'well, I've got friends in America who could help us out'.

Noah's scared, Nat's scared, John seems to have a plan. So, they're off to America with no money, no papers, nothing but the clothes on their backs.

It's okay at first, John's magic lets him manipulate people a bit, gets them through security checks and keeps them fed, but it's definitely not enough to keep them safe forever.

Noah has a bunch of exposition he gives about being black in the UK, about being disabled, about his feelings about his mother (being a cop, being in a coma, being weird about magic).

How he has always felt unheard until John came into the picture and saw him.

They're traveling, the fear starts to wear off, Noah realizes they've fled the country and his mother is alone.

Where's his gran? This is a point to show flashbacks. Maybe she's not mentally all there? Maybe Noah has been sleeping on John's couch. Maybe he's been learning magic during the months we don't see in the original run. Not a lot, John tells him that he likes that Noah's not really involved in this shit.

Until the murder dreams, when Noah starts getting a crash course in magic and hasn't had a chance to think about anything except John and his stupid plans.

The issue ends with them on the freight ship they stowed away on approaching the docks. They've arrived in port, and it's time to leave. John puts his hand on the double decker bus and reassures them both that he's got this. He's got a plan, and things are going to be okay.

He looks fondly at Noah, and Noah wonders if he can trust that face. Can he believe John?

He doesn't really have a choice, does he?

Issue 2: Where is everyone?

This issue is mostly from John's perspective and his narrating voice takes control again.

John reaches out to old contacts. They're gone. Dead or never existed in the first place. No capes and cowls in this universe. Just magic, divinity, and damnation.

They're fucked.

Meanwhile, Noah and Nat both realize that they're being treated differently than John is. Both have experienced different types of prejudice based on race, gender, disability, and now there's an extra layer of it. The American layer that the story really wants to talk about.

John gets a little, but it's pretty clear that people are generally cooler with a blond haired, blue eyed, white man with an accent than they are with Noah's lack of speaking and Nat's heavy Glaswegian accent.

There's a level of cruelty that makes being trapped in another country, unable to call anyone and tell them that you're alive, unable to know if your family is safe, unable to know if you were even a suspect in the crimes committed, extra fucky.

John's contacts he'd normally call are all of touch the easy way.

So, fine. If he can't call them, he'll go to their usual haunts and track them that way.

Hence, road trip.

This leads into the actual comic scene where John is in St. Augustine, Florida and talking to the statue.

You can still have the Girl Scout come and be cryptic and cruel, have John losing his shit over the fact that he's damned Noah to hell.

(Or we can include my favorite headcanon that Noah was supposed to be a tulpa designed to distract John. I don't know if it would work here, but a story about a kid literally designed to be a sponge for prejudice and cruelty might be a mirror this story about racism could play with. It would need a MUCH more competent writer than me and at least two sensitivity readers.)

Noah wants to pull over for a hitchhiker, they've got the space and he's kind, but John cautions him that America is VERY different from London. We learn that Noah has not traveled much outside of his home city if at all because of his mother's profession and then her coma, leaving him in the care of his gran, who lived on the estate and therefore didn't really have much in the ability or desire to go far.

The dream with Dream still happens, which gives us a nice connection to the previous story as well as John's whole...being dead thing. They're looking for the sand, they're looking for friendly faces, they're looking for magic in a world that John quickly realizes is GASPING and DYING.

Because the multiverse still got punched in the dick by Tim Hunter, and while this world hasn't been hit by him specifically, it's feeling some of the multiversal repercussions of an apocalypse that massive.

And John doesn't have the power to get them out of this while he's a corpse. The longer he rots, the weaker he gets.

Dream gives his orders. John agrees.

They wake up, Noah is being threatened by the cop because he's black and driving a bus. We don't make it about the cop being too stupid to know what a bus is this time, instead, we make it because the bus looks strange and 'why is a black boy driving a bus unless he stole it? obviously he's a thief and he's refusing to speak out of disrespect'.

That fucking sucks, but it also works more to the actual threat of racism in the US. The OTHERING. They're dangerous because they're OTHER. They're lesser because they're OTHER.

Nat keeps the cop's gun after he's frozen. She's freaked. Noah's freaked.

John calmly tells them the spell won't last forever and they need to drive. Nat goes to the wheel and we watch Noah sneak up to the upper level and cry.

John watches from the stairs until he's sure Noah is asleep. He doesn't know how to offer this particular kid comfort, how to offer to hold him without revealing his death or just being too attached.

We see him put his coat over the boy as a symbol of protection. He brushes a hand over Noah's head and asks Dream to look out for the kid.

"I know you're pissed at me and I don't really have the right to ask, but hasn't he had enough nightmares for now?"

Noah's dream about all the horrible things he's processing from the previous issue, the previous run, and that night melt into something more pleasant. Maybe the groundwork for him learning John is his father.

John is back with Nat as she's driving. She's angry. The conversation from the original issue can stay and be expanded on. John tries to comfort her, tries to ease the tension, and it eventually works.

She gets what he's doing, even if he's not doing a good job.

This is a Classic John Constantine who cares about other people but isn't necessarily good at showing it.

The sun starts to rise.

"Where the fuck are we going now? We're a target in this thing, John, and that cop's gonna call us in."

John reassures that they're fine and he's got a new plan.

Most of the hero types don't exist now, but that's fine. He's started to tap into the multiversal memories that he'd repressed in the 2019 issue, and he's pretty sure that he's got a friend who will exist in this universe, even if people like Zatanna and Superman don't.

After all, the Green is a multiversal constant.

This leads into the ending of the original issue 1, with the swamp being filled in and turned into a golf course.

And that ends issue 2.

I don't know if I want to invest energy into re-imagining the entire run, and I suspect that would require the run to be finished before I can properly fix anything except the opening. If you actually read this...sorry about the way it's written, this was all just thought to typing, so it has 0 polish.

I think this is a series that could have worked under different circumstances. I think there are elements here that are good, but this was clearly not written with any real oversight or a coherent story beforehand.

I would have loved for them to learn magic on the bus. Scenes of Nat and Noah picking up spells, Nat teaching Noah the proper way to throw a punch that won't fuck up his hands. Noah being REALLY good at making sure they all manage to eat properly (I am deeply invested in this child shoving oranges into people's hands because 'do you want scurvy?').

A scene of John teaching Nat sign language while Noah slept because he's already so isolated and they all need to take care of each other. Nat forcing John to drive, only for him to hit a car and immediately switch back to her driving. Nat reading a novel aloud to keep Noah awake while they drive at night.

Basically, we need to make them seem like they're actual people who actually spend all of their time trapped together.

Also, does John eat? How have they noticed that he doesn't eat? Does he sweat? If he showers, does that damage his skin and hair, since he's apparently molding at the start of the series?

[my-friends-in-bantry]

Cory McBrown: Year 2-Chapter 4

20th of December, 2002

I don’t believe this. At the beginning of the week, I did not care about boys in the least. Romance seemed like something I would never EVER be interested in. How can two minutes with a stranger whose real name I don’t even know change that? I still don’t really care about boys. It’s Smithy I care about. I lean against my locker and look around at the sea of students and know that not one of these boys makes me feel like Smithy did. I don’t have any clue why. I don’t even know where Smithy lives. Maybe he doesn’t have a home. He had the look of an addict. What could I have possibly seen in him?

But underneath all that sadness that surrounded him, he had the brightest, most infectious smile. I couldn’t help but smile when he did. And I’d never seen eyes like that before. I suppose one could argue he had pretty generic brown eyes, but there was something about them. I almost felt dizzy and dopey looking into them. Mum told me once that you can see a person’s soul through their eyes. Well, if that’s true, then he has a wonderful soul. Brimming with life, but burdened with sadness.

That’s the other thing. He didn’t get defensive until I made him feel vulnerable. Obviously something’s happened to him to make him afraid to trust people, and that breaks my heart. I wish I could’ve helped him, if for no other reason than to know he’s gonna be okay.

“Cory, are you okay?” Sam comes up to me. “Why are you crying?”

I didn’t even realize I was crying. I was just waiting for her and John before we went home.

I try to shake it off. “I’m fine.”

Sam eyes me suspiciously. “You’re not still on about that kid, are you?”

“I just can’t help wanting to know if he’s okay,” I say. “He didn’t look so good.” I don’t tell her that I liked him in another way. For one thing, I’m a little afraid she’ll judge me. For another thing, I don’t really want her to make a big deal out of the fact that, yes, I was wrong. I have now had feelings for a boy. Big deal.

Sam puts her hand on my shoulder. “You can’t help everyone.”

I sigh. She continues. “Remember what Bart said when he came back? The kid had downed nearly half a bottle of whiskey by then, and it wasn’t that long between when we left and when Bart went to see him.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

21st of December, 2002

Yule

In my house, we’ve always done Yule, the pagan version of the holiday, and Christmas because we have non-pagan relatives (Edward for example). In our case, we open one present on Yule and then the rest at Christmas. We also have another special dinner, and sometimes a fire in the fire pit in our backyard.

Tonight, after exchanging gifts and having our meal, we sit out by the fire, roasting marshmallows. I remain kind of quiet.

Mum sits next to me. “How’re you doing, honey?”

I look at her. “Fine.”

“You’ve been kind of quiet the last few days.”

Bart perks up on our conversation. “This isn’t still about that kid, is it?”

I frown at Bart. “Bart!”

“What kid?” Mum asks.

I sigh. Why did he have to open his big mouth? “We were walking home from school the other day, and I saw this boy on the street-“

“Smoking herb outside a liquor store.” Bart comments.

I frown at him. “And then what happened?” Mum asks.

I get uncomfortable. “I went over to talk to him, and… I don’t know.”

Bart blows out his marshmallow. “He pushed her.”

Mum raises her eyebrows. “Bart, quit telling the big brother version of the story. That is not what happened!” I say.

Mum looks at me. “What do you think happened?”

“Bart’s gonna make fun of me.” I say.

“I will ground him until graduation if he does.” Mum assures me.

Bart makes a face. I sigh. “Fine. I wanted to help him. He looked like he was only my age. No kid who’s loved spends time smoking weed on the street. I just wanted to be his friend, and… That scared him I think… I mean, before I said that, we were totally connecting. And once I did, he got defensive and retreated. He didn’t push me. He pushed my hand off his shoulder. He didn’t hurt me… I mean, not physically anyway… It did kind of hurt my feelings when he did that.”

Mum nods. “Honey, I understand you wanting to help people, especially a kid, but I don’t think that was a situation you should’ve gotten involved in. Not by yourself anyways. That could’ve been dangerous.”

“Mum, he looked terrified. Terrified and sick.” I start to cry. “It was almost like I was the first person who ever showed him kindness. I just wanted to help him.”

Mum puts her arm around me. “And you’re wonderful for that, sweetie… But you can’t help everybody.”

“I know everyone keeps saying that, but… I don’t want people to tell me I can’t help everybody. I don’t want to help everybody, I wanted to help him, and I feel sad that I can’t.”

Mum rubs my arm. “I understand, sweetie… Was there something else that happened?”

I don’t answer right away. Then I sigh. “Let’s just say I think I know what Sam’s talking about now.”

Mum nods. Bart frowns. “Wait, you had a crush on him?”

“Graduation, Bart.” Mum warns.

Bart frowns and goes back to roasting marshmallows. “So you had some unexpected feelings for this boy, is that what you’re telling me?”

I nod. “And I don’t suddenly think all boys are cool, now… No one at my school is even remotely interesting to me… I don’t know why I cared about this boy so much.”

“Well, honey, the heart doesn’t always make sense. You don’t have to rationalize it.”

“But why do I miss someone I don’t even know? Why do I worry about him still?”

“Well, maybe it might help you to pray for him.”

I frown. So does Bart. “Pray for him?” I say, quizzically.

“For whatever reason you had a connection with this boy, and because you’re such a loving, caring person, you want things to be okay for him, right?” Mum explains.

I nod. “So instead of trying to rationalize why you felt that way, why not ritualize it? Wish him well on his journey and let him go.”

I think about that for a moment. There really isn’t anything I can do for him practically. I guess praying for his well-being is the next best thing. I mean, I believe receiving loving energy is beneficial, even if you don’t realize it’s coming to you, or where it’s coming from.

I nod. “Okay.”

Mum nods. “Wanna take my hand? Edward!” Mum calls to Edward, a few feet away.

He comes over and sits down with us. “We’re going to send some loving energy to Cory’s friend.” Mum explains.

Mum takes my hand, and Edward’s. I also take little Jenny’s hand. Edward reaches for Bart’s hand, too. Bart is a little hesitant, but he takes Edward’s hand anyway.

“Mother Earth, we call upon you to pray for the healing of another. Cory, would you like to say it?” Mum asks me.

I nod. I take a deep breath, thinking about what I want to say. “Mother Earth, I ask you to please take care of Smithy. I do not ask you to fix, or spare him, I know I cannot ask you that… But just take care of him. Help him on his journey… Let him know that there are people in this world who love him… He really needs that.”

We’re all silent for a moment.

I look at Mum. “I know I don’t know him… but I could tell he hasn’t had a lot of people love him, so somebody has to… Even if from afar.”

Mum puts her arm around me. “That was beautiful, honey.”

Edward nods. “I don’t know who we’re talking about here, but I agree.”

Bart nods, too. “I guess that’s all in the spirit of Christmas isn’t it?… Love even those you don’t know… Especially the unloved.”

Mum nods. Bart’s right, I think. Why does the world only do that at Christmas, I wonder. Why is it “the Spirit of Christmas” to help strangers, and love the unloved? Let’s forget for a moment the personal feelings I felt for Smithy. I saw a 14 year old on the street, in front of a liquor store, smoking weed, completely disheveled, malnourished, and terrified. Now, I know that you can’t help everybody, but what kind of person would I be if I didn’t try? He clearly needed help, and I tried to give it to him in the way I knew how. For me, that was being his friend. Although, to a certain degree, that’s weird cause I’m not usually the type to make the first move when it comes to making friends. That’s more Sam’s speed. Even Bart gives long glances before he’ll ever say anything.

But let’s examine that further. Smithy is very clearly an addict, or at the very least, he’s in need of some kind of help. I know there are places for people like that, but why are they social outcasts? Shouldn’t it be easier for them to get that help? These are people in pain, who have turned to the only source of relief they could find, however unhelpful. Society shouldn’t outcast them as “drunks”, “lowly addicts”, etc. These people need a healthier source of relief. They need love and connection, even if they don’t believe that.

Well, I hope he finds it. If not that, I hope he at least finds peace.

25th of December, 2002

Christmas Day

Christmas morning, I take little Jenny and barge into Bart’s room, yelling. “Wake up! Wake up!”

Bart rolls over and puts his pillow over his head. “Ugh. Shouldn’t you have grown out of this part yet?”

“Oh, tthhpbb!” I blow a raspberry at him.

Then I start to tickle him. “Ah! Hey! Not fair!” He yells.

“Bart, wake up! Wake up!” Jenny yells.

Bart rolls out of bed. His hair looks really funny. “Fine. I’m up. Is Mum up yet?”

“No. You know the rules,” I say. “The kids get up first.”

“Thank god I’ll be an adult next year.” Bart says, fixing his hair.

I run out of the room. “Wait, Cory! Take Jenny with you! I have to get dressed.”

I stick my head back in the room. “Bart, we always open presents in our pajamas!”

“No, no, and no! I drew the line at that at 15,” Bart informs me.

I roll my eyes and leave the room. Did I really just do that? Did I really become a teenager? I rolled my eyes at my brother. Oh well. It’s a rite of passage, I guess.

I take Jenny downstairs and sit her down in front of the tree. I turn the lights on, and it shines in brilliant points of white and multicolored light. I always insist we have colored lights as well as white lights.

Just as Bart comes downstairs, there’s a knock on the door. Bart goes to answer it cautiously. It’s Sam and John, dressed in their elf clothes again. John has some kind of baked good.

“What are you two doing here? It’s half 6 in the morning!” Bart scolds them, although I can tell he doesn’t sound too mad at them.

“It’s Christmas morning, and it’s the last Christmas we’re all going to be kids,” Sam says.

Bart lets down his shoulders. “Ye had to appeal to my sentimental side,” he says. “I’ll go make some breakfast.”

We all sit for about half an hour while Bart makes chocolate chip pancakes until Mum and Edward make their way downstairs. Jenny asks what Santa brought everyone. I figured out a long time ago that Santa wasn’t actually real, but I think it’s sweet that Jenny still believes. Actually, don’t tell anyone, but there’s a small part of me that still wants to believe.

We spend the day opening presents, eating John’s candy cane cake (yes, he really did make it), watching Christmas movies, and singing carols. It almost makes me forget about my troubles. Almost.