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gravityfallsrewritten · 3 months ago

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Chapter 15: Exchanging Bosses and Bodies

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Summerween had passed exactly two weeks before. Things had moved slowly but steadily. Nothing significant had occurred. Stan kept working for the Shack, while Y/n was trapped in the portal room every evening until morning. No one questioned her erratic sleeping schedule, though Y/n appreciated it when Mabel made a plan and informed her ahead of time so she could adjust her time frame.

One morning, Stan was watching his favorite show with the kids, 'Cash Wheel' with his niece and nephew until Soos came and announced that they had a bus full of tourists coming in from different places. Stan made sure that the prices of each merchandise were tripled– no, quadrupled.

He even used Dipper as an attraction, having him dress in a wolf costume, who dances when people throw money at him. Mabel attempted to give one bumper sticker on the house until Stan chastised her for giving away something for free. Mabel told him to use his please and thank you, but Stan argued back that those words never earned him money.

The rest of the day, the employees of the Mystery Shack were ordered to paint the whole sign with pink glitter to attract more tourists before Stan went outside and saw Y/n by the vending machine.

"Oh, my- I thought you were someone else." Y/n jumped as she heard him by the door. She had just exited through the fake door and if someone saw her come out, their whole cover would be blown.

Stan rolled his eyes. "You're lucky the tourists were down at the museum or else you would have ruined everything. Now give me a Pitt Cola."

"Of course I peeked first before coming out. You think I'm an idiot?" Y/n elbowed the glass and the machine automatically spat out two cans of sodas. She took the two, tossed one to Stan, and they opened it at the same time.

Meanwhile, the four people standing on the roof in filthy clothes were now complaining about Stan being the worst boss ever. Soos also shared his own experience with Stan disagreeing with his idea of having a Mystery Shack mascot, which Mabel thought was where Stan crossed the line.

Stan entered after saying his goodbyes to the customers on his porch. When Mabel appeared behind him, he almost dropped the jar full of money. She followed him to his office, complaining that he had gone too far this time. "Did you seriously tell Soos not to follow his hopes and dreams because he 'couldn't handle it'?!"

The older man explained his way of bossing then around but Mabel was just not having it. "No way! I bet you'd make way more money being nice than being a big grumpy grump to everyone all the time!"

He was unimpressed all the same. "Ha! You think you know more about business than I do? You think you could wear this hat?"

Mabel accepted the challenge with glee, proclaiming that she can turn the situation around. Stan mocked her once more, claiming that he could make more money on vacation than Mabel could running the place.

"Then why don't you go on a vacation?"

Her proposition made him raise an eyebrow in interest. He rubbed his chin, thinking of a deal as he is a wagering man. "3 days. 72 hours. You run the Shack, and I'll go on vacation. If you make more money than me, then I guess it means you're right about the way I run my business."

Mabel stayed silent, contemplating his words.

"But if you lose, you- uh..." He picked up a random, dirty shirt from the floor and wrote 'LOSER' in marker. "You gotta wear this LOSER shirt all summer!"

She stared at the shirt in horror, imagining herself in the horrendous shirt, but she's not putting down a fight. "Fine! But if I win, I get to be the boss for the rest of the summer! Plus, you have to sing an apologizing song with lyrics by me! Mabel."

They had themselves a deal.

Stan changed his clothes before packing his belongings. He stuffed his suitcases into the trunk of his car. After closing it, he turned to face his niece. "See you in 72 hours! We'll see who makes more money." He entered his car, but before closing it, he threw his fez, which landed on Mabel's head.

But before he drove away, he returned his gaze to her. "Oh, and don't ask Y/n for help." He was gone before Mabel knew it.

An hour passed when Dipper knocked on Y/n's bedroom door. "Y/n? You there?"

She opened the door after a moment. "What's wrong?"

He shrugged. "Nothing's wrong, it's just that Mabel is calling us from Stan's office,"

"Why would she be–"

"She made a bet with Stan that she runs the Shack for 3 days while Stan is on vacation."

Y/n paused, averting her gaze. Stan? Outside? It was the first time he had been away from the Shack in 30 years. He deserved it because he's been working so hard. "Hm."

"So, are you coming?"

"Alright," she replied, "just give me a moment."

Dipper stood outside the closed door. He'd never been inside her room before and was curious about what it looked like. He never got a good look because the door was always shut.

Y/n walked out again after a full minute. "Okay, let's go."

On the way to Stan's office, they met Soos and Wendy who apparently were also called to meet 'Stan' but when they opened the door and stared at the large office chair, the old man was replaced by a young girl wearing an oversized suit with glasses.

Mabel had already sent a message to Stan that she has a different approach to business, as Y/n could tell. She has no idea how this will go, despite the numerous motivational posters hung on the wall and stickers attached to every tool.

The young boss informed everyone that Stan had gone on vacation and that they had made a bet that she would be the Mystery Shack's temporary show-runner.

So far, Mabel's shower of compliments and positive outlook have stood in stark contrast to Stan's nagging and demanding demeanor, which makes Y/n concerned. She's been in the Mystery Shack business for decades and is well-versed in its operations. She knew how to win over customers and how to attract tourists. She just hoped Mabel's temporary job wouldn't be too stressful.

All previous working conditions have been transformed into a relaxed, yet cooperative environment. Wendy's request to have friends at work was granted, Mabel had Soos' dream costume ready, and Dipper was dispatched to capture the next Shack's attraction.

Naturally, the boy was ecstatic, eager to discover anything that might exist in the journal. Y/n stood there watching as he practically jumped out the window.

"As for you, Y/n..." she heard Mabel say. She turned to the glasses-wearing tween. "How would you like to change the way you move around this establishment?"

Y/n didn't have an answer she could give to Mabel considering Stan really didn't give her a heavy load of work, but she didn't want to look like she wasn't interested with Mabel's changes around the Shack. "Well, if you want, Mabel, I can be your assistant around here. You know, in case things get hectic."

It was a sincere offer. With Stan gone, it was up to Y/n to take care of the Shack. She was a little concerned, but she knew they could handle it. What possibly could go wrong?

To put it mildly, the first 12 hours have been... okay. Mabel was wholeheartedly attempting to be a better boss, but nothing is truly better than before. The tour, led by Mabel and Y/n, was pleasant, and the tourists were satisfied, pouring money into the large jar.

Y/n smiled at Mabel's excited grin when she looked inside the jar filled with dollar bills.

"Guys! I caught something!" Dipper called as he arrived, pulling a large sack behind him. The creature inside was still thrashing around, groaning. "This is gonna blow those tourists away!" He laughed shakily as he couldn't contain his excitement, but it was cut short when the sack suddenly leaped and captured Dipper's arm with its mouth.

Dipper screamed, punching it repeatedly and it let go.

After praising his brother and giving a motivational speech to Soos who felt very unsure about the Questiony the Question Mark mascot, Mabel and Y/n walked inside the Shack and decided to check on the redhead.

"How's my favorite Wendy!" Mabel greeted cheerily but she was greeted back by a trashed gift shop.

Y/n felt frustrated, seeing the broken up merchandise and garbage lying everywhere as Wendy just stood there, doing nothing.

Lee and Nate were playing around with a shriveled goblin skull until the latter had the last kick that was unknowingly aimed at an innocent kid, hitting him directly into his face.

The kid cried aloud, sobbing as his mother frantically ran to him. "Billy, your face! It's ruined!"

Mabel dashed towards the woman while Y/n marched up to Wendy's friends, unafraid.

Unfortunately, they all - except for Wendy - got up and left without receiving much as a bicker from Y/n. She rolled her eyes, beginning to pick up the garbage and placing them on a nearby trash can.

The boss approached Wendy after handling the customer. "Wendy, you got a lot of cleaning up to do. Please?"

"Whoa," Wendy said, "all this rule stuff is starting to make you sound like Stan..."

Y/n stared at the older teen as she couldn't believe the incredulity of Wendy's dupe to make Mabel think that she's becoming like Stan, when she was completely aware that Mabel didn't ever want to be compared to the old man.

"What? No! I'm nothing like Stan!" Mabel hurriedly denied. "In fact, take the rest of the day off...?"

Wendy paused. "With full pay?"

Mabel didn't even hesitate, chuckling nervously. "Of course!"

The redhead gave her a thumbs up before sprinting out the door. Maybe this was her way of getting out of work, but she still took advantage of Mabel and that didn't sit right with Y/n. She shook her head as she felt that her respect for Wendy had decreased significantly.

Mabel was unnerving, even seemingly proud of herself for being such a nice boss. Y/n shook her head slightly. Oh, Mabel...

Dipper finally got the monster he captured inside the cage after nearly being killed. It was now time to show the creature to the two unsuspecting tourists. "Behold, part gremlin, part goblin..." he unveiled the cover, revealing the thrashing monster inside. "The Gremloblin!"

It was shaking the bars, groaning as spit flew everywhere. Alas, even when it spit out a real human skeleton arm, the couple easily dismissed the display as fake, referring to the body hair as strings.

Dipper tried to convince them, but they were more entertained with the other creatures. "Look at this, dear! The 'Six Pack O' Lope!'"

The man chuckled. "Wordplay!"

"No, everything else here is fake!" He pulled the two of them back to the caged monster. "This is a real paranormal beast! Hey! Fun fact about this little guy; if you look into its eyes, you can see your worst nightmare."

And looked into its eyes they did. It was also a fun little fact when its eyes glowed yellow and rendered the couple speechless. It was also quite hilarious when Dipper had to call for the ambulance because they were now permanently scarred, quivering and stammering.

"Thanks again for visiting!" Dipper bid the vehicle away, trying to appear optimistic but quickly abandoning the act when the ambulance was far away.

Mabel, on the other hand, was having a particularly bad day. She was feverishly running around the gift shop, assisting customers with everything. She was frantic as she helped the customers with everything they needed, completely unaware that she was messing things up.

Slumping on the back of the counter, she let out an exhausted sigh. Dipper plopped on the ground next to her. "Welp, I just made two people go insane. How about you?"

"I'm so tired," Mabel breathed, "I gave Wendy the day off so I had to do her job."

"Where's Y/n?"

"She wanted to excuse herself. I figured she was tired, so I let her take some rest..." the girl replied.

Dipper turned to her. "Well, maybe you need to start being a little bit tougher around here. And we need Y//n's help, why are you letting her slack off, too?"

"Being tougher is what Stan would do! No way!" Mabel immediately rejected, "And you know what he said before he left; do not ask Y/n for help."

"But we need all the help we can get!" Dipper argued. "I'm sure Stan didn't mean anything."

The other twin shrugged. "Let's just give her some space, maybe she really needed it. Meanwhile, I just need to think positive, be friendly, and everything will work out fine-""

Suddenly, a roar rang throughout the gift shop and the Gremloblin burst through the wall. Tourists screamed and ran out of the Shack as Mabel and Dipper hid behind the counter.

"What?!" Dipper exclaimed. "How did he get out of his locked cage?"

Mabel was guiltily fiddling with the sleeves of her sweater. "Well... I wanted to give him a 5-minute break so I taped the key on his cage! No big deal..."

"YOU GAVE HIM A BREAK?!"

"He's an employee...! Sort of..." she tried to reason.

He face-palmed, trying to devise a plan. "We gotta round him up. Where's Soos?"

"He was stressed out, so I told him to take a soothing nature walk," Mabel replied.

"Okay, we gotta call for Y/n, then."

"No! But what if she's asleep?"

Dipper's hands were shaking. "She should be awake from the noises right now! I need to go get her!"

The two managed to run out from the counter where the Gremloblin was near. They went through the Employees' Only door next to the broken up wall.

Before they could dash off, Y/n was running out from the hall. "Oh, my– what the heck happened?!"

"Y/n! Shush!" Dipper hissed, pulling her closer to them. They managed to evade the monster's sights. He tried to explain as quickly as possible. "Don't freak out. It was supposed to be a display for the museum, but Mabel accidentally let it out-"

"You captured a Gremloblin?!" Y/n exclaimed in whispers. "How did you even-"

"It doesn't matter," he quickly moved past it, despite being aware of the enraged look in her eyes. "We need to find a way to make it leave."

Mabel, having gotten a quick peek from the door, was pacing. "What do we do? He's awarding himself stickers that he didn't even earn!"

Y/n stared at the ground, knowing exactly what to do with the monster in order to sedate it. She recalled the first time they had an encounter with the Gremloblin, how F was there and that she and Ford saved him... Stupidly, Ford thought that in order to keep it calm, it needed-

"...'water'...'" Dipper was reading from the journal. Y/n's eyes widened when she saw that Mabel wasn't with them, only to be found outside with a glass of water in front of the Gremloblin. Oh, crap. She had to do a flashback that lasted for a whole minute.

"No, don't-!" Y/n tried to stop Mabel, but she already tossed the liquid onto the creature just as Dipper turned to the next page in the journal.

"... 'only as a last resort as water will make him much much scarier'! AH!" He closed the book in a panic. "Who writes sentences like that?!"

Apparently the author. Y/n scoffed internally.

Mabel managed to run away as the Gremloblin transformed into a scarier version of him.

Y/n glanced at the monster, trying to find a way to get on its back and sending a blow on its neck. She needed a distraction, but how?

The Gremloblin spent its hours playing with the knickknacks of the shop, including the Singing Salmon, which it has been pressing for hours now.

"Ugh, why doesn't he just leave?" Mabel said, exasperated.

All of a sudden, the monster seemed to be hungry, catching a whiff of the green dollar bills tucked inside the jar. It sat up and reached for the container, pouring the cash into its mouth.

"Our profits!" Mabel cried, not hesitating to run towards the beast.

"Mabel!" Y/n and Dipper shouted in unison.

"Stop, stop!" Mabel yelled as she flailed her arms, getting the attention of the Gremloblin. The monster grabbed her and lifted her up to its face.

Y/n cupped her hands on the side of her lips. "Mabel, whatever you do, don't look into his eye!"

"It's evil, Mabel!" Dipper shouted too. "You'll see your worst nightmare!"

Mabel was persistent, thrashing around in its grip. "I wish we had an evil eye to show him!" She said to the monster, unfortunately looking into its eyes. "Oh no!" Her eyes glowed yellow, and that made Y/n go forward and to the side of the monster, climbing up the logged walls of the gift shop until she reached a high shelf.

Dipper also had a plan of his own, having thought of the most logical way to beat a creature who has a pair of evil eyes. "Hey, monster!" he called, getting a random mirror off the ground. "Take a look at this!" He showed the reflective glass and it was sent to its own nightmares, making it drop Mabel.

Before the monster could thrash around more, though, it went unconscious when Y/n bashed something hard on the back of its neck. It was probably a stone golem version of Stan as a merchandise.

"Woah!" Dipper exclaimed as the Gremloblin crashed to the ground. "Y/n, that was... amazing! How did you know that?"

Y/n got off of the beast's back. "My mom made me do judo last summer," she quickly came up with an excuse, "and one of the lessons they taught me were pressure points."

"Well, good job, because then the Gremloblin wouldn't have dealt more damage to the Shack."

Suddenly, the Gremloblin woke up with a start, began running in circles before running towards the wall and flying away, but not before breaking off the tall totem pole and setting off a car alarm.

"Oh, boy." Dipper breathed.

"Guys! It's the third day!" Mabel said frantically. "We've only got 7 hours to earn back our profits, or I've got to wear that loser shirt all summer!"

Right at the hole where the monster just burst out of were Wendy and Soos. "Hey, guys!" The redhead greeted the three. "Am I nuts, or does this place look different?"

"Wendy, Soos! Am I glad to see you," Mabel exclaimed in relief. "We've got a lot of work to do, but if we hurry, we can still beat Stan!"

Wendy sheepishly rubbed the top of her hat. "Uh, yeah. I've got a little headache, so maybe I should, like, not work today."

"And I actually just met this pack of wolves, and I think they're gonna, like, raise me as one of their own, so I should really be at the den right now..." Soos followed with his own reason why he shouldn't work today.

"But-but..." Mabel helplessly stuttered, wearing a huge frown.

"But, hey, we'll see ya on Monday." Wendy and Soos didn't even notice Mabel's change in mood as they both walked away.

"Um, guys?" Y/n tried to butt in and explain that they would really need their help. I mean, did they even see the look of the Shack? How insensitive.

Mabel was twitching angrily, holding her purple pen so tightly that it broke in her hand. "ENOUGH!" Her scream was through the roof, stopping both Soos and Wendy from leaving. Dipper and Y/n gasped at her sudden change in tone. She walked to the back of the counter. "I have HAD IT! I fought a monster to save this business, and this is how you repay me?! I'm gonna get an ulcer from your lollygagging!"

Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Lollygagging?"

Soos followed. "Ulcer? You're acting... different."

"You shut your yaps!| Mabel shouted back, making the two gasp. "I've been doing everyone's job while you bums have been bleeding me dry!"

"B-but, I-"

"No buts except yours on the floor cleaning! Now quit loafing and get to work!"

"Yes, Mabel."

Mabel narrowed her eyes. "That's yes, BOSS!" She slammed her hand against the counter, making Stan's fez fall and land on her head. She looked in the nearby mirror and gasped when she saw who she looked like. "Dipper, what have I become?" She wondered aloud.

Dipper appeared beside her and laid a comforting pat on her back. "What you had to, Mabel. What you had to." He nodded.

"We've got 7 hours to turn this around!" She stood on the counter, holding up the money jar. "Let's go, people!"

And they were off to work. Soos had to contact a construction worker with an excavator to fix the totem pole. Wendy was sweeping the floors while Y/n was fixing the broken walls of the gift shop.

Mabel was yelling on the megaphone, still wearing the red fez. "Time is money, hard hat! You got complaints, file them with the complaint department!" She shouted, holding up a trash can. "Ugh, my back." She stretched with a groan.

Then, a tour bus pulled up on the yard, making Mabel yell angrily at her megaphone once more. "Dipper, we've got tourists at 9 o'clock!"

Dipper was in front of her. "But what do I show them? Real magic just freaks people out."

"Figure something out, knucklehead!"

After thinking of numerous ideas, he eventually came up with one. "Soos, c'mere!"

The two quickly came up with the idea of having Soos as one of the attractions, naming him 'The Horrible Giant Question Baby,' with Dipper even dressing up like a mini Mystery Man. Of course, the people were sold, pouring their money into the photographs and the gift shop. Concerning the shop, it was fortunate that it was repaired quickly and that Y/n knew where the other stocks of merchandise were hidden so that they could sell it.

Dipper waved goodbye to the tourists, who were all holding their own Mystery boxes. "We put the 'fun' in 'No Refunds'!" He walked back inside the Shack. "How'd we do?"

Mabel pridefully lifted the container. "We filled the whole jar!"

Everyone in the room cheered and hollered. Guess they had the chance to defeat Stan after all.

Y/n wasn't all that enthusiastic even after the results of today. All that jarful of money would all just go away once they calculated the expenses, then the damages...

Dipper brought out the printing calculator and began counting the bills. She pulled out the amount of cash they needed for the repairs as he was inputting the numbers into the device. They worked flawlessly, whilst the rest of the three watched. "Minus the money to replace all the furniture, supplies to fix the Shack. That leaves us..."

Mabel glanced at the lone buck sitting on the bottom of the jar. "One dollar..." she frowned.

The door was slammed open as Stan walked in with his suitcase and a digital clock that read 00:00. "Tick-tock! Time's up, kids!"

"Oh, no!"

Stan strode to the five of them by the counter. "Nice to see you learned how to dress while I was gone." He said, pointing at Dipper's Mystery Man outfit.

The boy glared at him in reply as Mabel asked, "How much did you beat us by?"

"I won three hundred thousand dollars!" The older man exclaimed. The twins gasped, while Y/n was looking around him for the money or the large check but it was nowhere to be found. Did he leave it in his car? "And then..." he trailed off, telling the story of how he had gotten to the final part of the game where he just needed to guess one more word.

Rich, the host of the show, had said the hint for the final word, "What is the six-letter word you use to ask for something politely? For example, 'May I blank have that'?" Stan had answered wrong the first time, and even when he was given another chance, he was unsurprisingly incorrect again because the word was-

"Please!" Mabel pointed at the sticker with a huge grin on her face, her braces shining.

Stan frowned in defeat. "Apparently that word can make you money."

Y/n couldn't help it. She burst out in laughter. The older man narrowed his eyes on her. "Really rubbing it in, Y/n," he grumbled.

Her laughter dissipated just as Dipper spoke. "So, wait. If you lost everything, then that means... Mabel, you won!" He turned to his sister.

They were overjoyed, but when Stan explained that part of their bet included Mabel becoming the new boss, everyone objected. Stan was perplexed, but Mabel admitted that trying to be boss was difficult. She handed him his fez, which she had been wearing for the entire afternoon. Her grunkle reapplied the hat as he drew the twins in for an embrace. "It's nice to be back, you know?" The three of them smiled.

"Okay, okay, that's enough, get off-a me!" Stan said, playfully pushing the twins away from him. He then turned to his other two employees with a calm smile, holding his hand together. "And Soos, Wendy... get to work!" He cleared his throat. "...please. Ugh, still hurts."

Y/n sighed and rolled her eyes. Stan had good intentions, he truly does, and he has such a kind heart. He just doesn't know how to express his feelings, though he does so through actions.

"Mabel, didn't your agreement say something about Stan having to do some kind of apology dance if he lost?" Dipper spoke after a moment.

Stan became hysterical. "N-no. No, it didn't!"

Mabel nodded with a malicious grin. "Actually, yeah, I think I have it in my notes here."

"No! That never happened!"

Wendy, having overheard the entire conversation, popped in with a laugh. "I'll get the camera!"

"Alright, let me just..." Stan dashed away from the three as far as he could. But he couldn't run away forever.

***

To say the least, the next few days have been eventful. Y/n had fallen back into the bottomless pit after Stan insisted on getting rid of his Mystery Shack suggestion papers despite the strong wind and storm that was approaching. She was now strung along with the twins and Soos, who attempted to save Stan, and they ended up telling stories for twenty one minutes.

The last time she was in the pit was with Ford and it was... an experience. She spent her minutes constantly thinking about her mentor and the feeling of knowing more about him. He tried to tell jokes, and each one was funny (she loved bad jokes), and she'd gotten to know more about him and his life before Gravity Falls.

They told stories with Stan, Dipper, Mabel, and Soos that were entertaining enough to last the entire twenty-one minutes of falling in the pit.

The following day was the hottest day of the summer. Y/n had no idea what 110 degrees hotter felt like because, obviously, she doesn't feel pain. She sat comfortably with her jacket on her study table in her room, while the others were suffering in heat, sweating profusely even with most of their clothes discarded, and laying on the ground.

She refused Stan's invitation to the newly opened pool because she wanted nothing more than silence while reading one of her favorite books. Fortunately, Stan didn't care about her opinion because all he wanted to do was go to the public pool and cool off. She was given command of the entire Shack, so she had the entire house to herself - and Waddles.

The very next day was completely normal. Mabel and Dipper were having fun with their new "Attic Stuff Mini-Golf" game. Their room was filled with props made from items found in the Shack, such as Dipper's old laundry "where man fears to tread," as Mabel put it.

Dipper had just sunken a Stan shot, and they were arguing about whether it was a legal play or not, when Mabel's Meow o'clock began to ring. She handed him her golf club. "Hey, Dipper, I gotta go hang out with Candy and Grenda tonight."

"Aw, again? You can't leave mid-game." Dipper frowned.

"Don't be silly, I'm not leaving," the other twin smiled. "My friends are coming to me!"

"Wait, what?!" The boy's eyes widened, dropping the clubs as he realized... "Oh, no. No no no. Sleeping bags? Rom-coms? Calling All Boys: Preteen Edition?!" He stepped back in fear. "You're not having a..."

The door opened behind him, and there stood Candy and Grenda grinning in the shadows. They jumped in, finishing Dipper's sentence. "Sleepover!"

Dipper screamed in horror that could be heard in the entire house.

The girls had arranged their cushions and pillows, as well as their snacks and essentials, together. They were talking about boys (as usual) when Mabel began screaming, followed by Candy and Grenda, who then began punching the wooden floor.

In the other half of the room, Dipper was losing his mind and hearing.

He tried asking the girls to do this somewhere other than their room because of the noise, but when they retaliated using makeovers, he decided that he shouldn't be here as he's pretty much outnumbered. So he took his pillow and blanket and began to tread through the hallways of the Shack, walking up to Soos who stood in front of a door that says "Break Room".

"Hey, Soos, can I sleep in your break room tonight?" He sighed.

Soos smiled, "Of course, dude." He opened the door to reveal a very cramped up closet with hazardous pipes and steam. When the handyman further explained how to fit inside, Dipper just walked away and found himself going near Y/n's room.

The thought of sleeping in the same room as her was awkward, but he had no choice. So, with all his strength and courage, he lifted his hand and knocked three times on the door. He waited with baited breath, but there was no response after a few seconds. He knocked again, louder and faster this time because he was getting worried about his actions.

It was silent again, making him sigh. Guess she was a heavy sleeper.

After a few minutes of searching for places to sleep in, he finally found the perfect place. He breathed out in relief. "Sleeping under the stars..." He could feel the cold grass under his vest, and the rubble under his pillow, but he couldn't care. "Not bad."

He momentarily closed his eyes, but not before he heard a growling sound. He sat up and saw a wolf biting on his leg. "Ah! Get off! Get away!" He tried to push away the creature, but then he looked up at the window of his room and saw Mabel, Grenda, and Candy jumping up and down, singing very loudly.

Dipper's gaze reverted to the wolf, who was still biting and shaking his ankle. "This is still better," he said, glaring, and laying down again as the wolf gnawed on his leg.

The morning arrived and that's where Mabel bid her friends goodbye and promised a next time. Dipper returned to his room, all beaten up with a black eye and twigs in his hair. He proceeded to lay on his bed. "Mabel, last night an owl tried to eat my tongue."

Mabel only laughed optimistically. "That's great!"

"No, it's not great!" He sat up on his bed. "This is impossible to live with!" He said, gesturing to their messy and wrecked room.

Mabel was trying to cheer him up, but Dipper had had it. He put his foot down and began laying down some ground rules. One of them was prohibiting sleepovers, in which Mabel argued back that he's keeping her up every night with his summer reading.

"Well, at least my braces don't whistle when I breathe."

"At least I wash my clothes once in a while."

"Washing clothes is a waste of time, I'm a busy guy!"

"Meow meow meow meow meow!"

Dipper glared. "Alright, if you meow one more time-!"

"Meow meow meow!"

"Okay! That's it! That's the final straw!" He walked around. "Maybe we shouldn't share a room anymore!"

Mabel was taken aback, lost for words. "Wah, uh... well, maybe we shouldn't!"

"Fine by me!"

"Double fine by me!"

Dipper raised an eyebrow. "Then we need to talk to Grunkle Stan about moving rooms."

After preparing for the day with deep frowns on their faces, the twins ran to the living room where Stan was watching fights on his TV. "Grunkle Stan, we want different rooms!" Dipper demanded.

Stan laughed mockingly. "And I want a pair of magic money pants. It's not gonna happen."

"Magic money pants...?" Mabel questioned under her breath.

"Come on, Grunkle Stan. Can't we work something out?" Dipper begged.

Stan smirked. "Look, kid, there's my room and the attic. That's it."

Dipper's eyes seemed to light up as he came up with an idea. "What about Y/n's room?"

The suggestion wiped the smirk away from the older man's face as he had gotten hesitant. "Eh, I'm not sure she would want that."

"We haven't even seen her room yet, Grunkle Stan!" Mabel agreed to the idea, now feeling excited.

Stan remained silent. He didn't know what to say, but he also didn't want more silence to pass for the kids to suspect that Y/n was hiding something, which Y/n and Stan both didn't want to happen.

While all of this was going on in the living room, Y/n had been cooped up in her bedroom all morning. She had just returned from working underground all night, and she should have been sleeping, but she didn't feel sleepy at all. She suddenly felt reminiscent. She was pacing around her room aimlessly, attempting to fall asleep but failing miserably. She couldn't help herself.

She really missed him.

When was the last time they experimented for fun? Coming up with novel inventions? She took a look at the old calendar on her bedside table. 1982 was in front of it because she never ripped it off or moved it. It was simply there. She had no idea why it was still hanging there, perhaps as a painful reminder that he had been gone for 30 years and that she just liked to torture herself, or perhaps as a motivation that they should keep going or all of this would be for naught.

She began a small quest to look for experiments that she kept in her storage with a small smile, which didn't take long because it was a striking blue that immediately caught her eye. It was rolled up and tucked into a corner. She effortlessly lifted the dusty material and placed it on the ground. She grabbed the end of it and lifted it up as if dusting it, revealing good 'ol Experiment 78.

She was giggling with delight as she noticed the familiar yellow loop in the center of the design. It was laid out on the ground as she felt the material. Very shaggy. She couldn't help but laugh as she started rolling around on the carpet, feeling the electrons on her skin. She was creating carpet angels when she heard a knock on the door all of a sudden.

Opening the door slightly with a creak, Stan was on the other side with Dipper and Mabel. Immediately, she looked up at the older man's eyes that were staring down at her. "Yes?"

"They want to share rooms with you."

Y/n couldn't form a proper response. "Uh..." she then looked across to see the twins who were waiting for their answer. Just what happened that made them decide to switch rooms? "Sure." She opened the door wider for everyone to see. Stan rarely comes here, while it was the siblings' first time seeing everything.

They began listing off things that they could see about her room. "Woah, this is just as big as the one in the attic!" "You have your own toilet?!" "A study table! I would love to read here!"

While they were being excited about her room, Y/n stood beside an unimpressed Stan as she glanced at the rug that they were stepping on. She couldn't help but be worried. "Okaaay, that's enough ogling. What's going on?" She stared up at Stan.

"Well these bozos just randomly come to me demanding that they want separate rooms, don't cha, kids?" The older man said, placing his hands on his hips.

"Yeah, and in my opinion, I should be the one sharing the room with Y/n," Mabel spoke, pointing at herself. "Me and Y/n can bond over girly stuff and actually have fun. She'll have the funnest roommate ever!"

Dipper glared. "Yeah, well, I know that Y/n wouldn't wake up to my night reading because she's a heavy sleeper!"

"Wait, how did you know that?" Y/n chimed in.

He was suddenly flustered, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "I was knocking on your door last night, and you didn't answer so I figured you were fast asleep..."

Y/n's eyes widened. "Oh, you were?" She composed herself. She couldn't admit that she wasn't actually in her room last night, and that she was working hard in the portal room downstairs. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't hear you..."

"That's alright," Dipper easily dismissed it. "It's perfect! I can be your perfect roommate!"

"Wait a second," Stan began, walking between both Dipper and Mabel. "So you both want to be Y/n's roommate, huh? Because I own this Shack and specifically, this room, I'll be the one who decides who gets the other half depending on whom I like more." He said so confidently even without asking for Y/n's opinion.

Stan looked around the room until his gaze fell on a random dream catcher hanging on the back of her door. He snatched the item off of the wood that made Y/n yell out in protest. "Hey, put that down! What are you gonna do with that?"

"This is just gonna act like some sort of key. Whoever got this dream catcher in the end gets to be your roommate," Stan easily answered.

"I'm not agreeing to this!"

"Come on, Y/n, how are we supposed to figure out who gets to share the room with ya?" He asked before bending down and pulling his shoelaces loose. "Uh oh, looks like my shoes untied!"

The twins looked at each other for a second before scrambling to the ground and trying to tie Stan's shoe. Stan cackled maniacally. "To the kitchen!"

He ran out of Y/n's room and Dipper and Mabel got up to follow him out the exit.

Y/n was rendered speechless. She didn't know what the heck just happened in the last ten minutes. All she knew was that she had to hide some of her personal belongings from the twins if either of them decided to stay here. While doing so, she tried to figure out Stan's plan without having to ask him directly. Is he doing this for the journal? How will this even go?

And why did the twins even want separate rooms now, anyway? What happened that made them want to do this?

Her beeping watch interrupted her brewing thoughts. She groaned, knowing what she had to do. Glancing quickly around her room, she thought that she had hidden what she needed to hide before leaving her room to tend to the portal. Her watch does the reminder for portal duties during the day.

While walking down the hall and tip-toeing around the gift shop, she kept thinking about her room. She didn't forget anything, did she?

Stan's watch was beeping too, but he quickly turned it off, focusing on his great niece and nephew instead who were busy mowing the lawn in such heat. "Dipper, you're phoning it in!" He called out before drinking lemonade.

They were eventually done with that one chore and they all went inside. "Grunkle Stan, can I go to Y/n's room? I need a little break."

He was aware that Y/n could be downstairs already, meaning that her room would be completely empty. "Sure, but she's not gonna be there."

"Oh? Where is she?"

"She's out, I made her fetch the laundry," Stan quickly came up with an excuse that the twins didn't even question.

Mabel was out and about in the kitchen, throwing in eggs in the pan and garnishes she could find in the cupboards. She wasn't saying anything as she was clearly busy.

"Hey, Dipper, before you go, I need you to fix the door hinges by the toilet. Go get the toolbox on one of those closets on the way." Stan instructed, making Dipper roll his eyes discreetly. "What was that?" Stan still caught it.

"Nothing, nothing!"

"Want me to deduct your suck-up points? You're already at a negative, you know."

"What! No, no, no! I'll do it, I'll do it. Just don't deduct my points!" Dipper begged before walking away towards the hall that leads to the toilet.

It was a fairly quick job, but not for Dipper apparently. For starters, he's too short to reach the top hinges so he had to find a stool. But the tightening part was done quite swiftly. Dipper didn't waste anymore time and made his way to Y/n's room.

Luckily, it was unlocked. It's alright to come inside her room, right? She's not home, and it'll be his room as well eventually, so it's okay, right?

He opened the door and sighed. "I mean, all these chores will be worth it. She even has shag carpeting. Nice." He removed his shoes and began shuffling his sock feet on the carpet as electricity built up around his legs.

Mabel's voice cut off his lounging moment. "Hey, brother. Don't get too comfortable. I just made Stan an omelet shaped like his own face.

Dipper stood up and began pacing around Mabel, building up more electricity.

"Face it. I'm like a suck-up ninja. Half of Y/n's room is as good as mine, and we'll be the best roomies! You might as well give up now. What do you say?" Mabel said, stretching out her hand.

He narrowed his eyes on her. "I say I'm gonna be Y/n's roommate somehow, and when I do, I wouldn't ever have to worry about any of your sleepovers, and we'll never have to share anything ever again!"

Dipper slapped Mabel's hand away, electrocuting her and causing a massive glow between them that knocked them both out.

The girl sat up first, rubbing her head. "Ugh, what happened?"

"Dipper?" The boy said. "Why are you wearing my clothes... and my..." he began to feel his skin. "...face! Am I in your body?"

"Am I in your body?!"

The two began screaming in unison. Mabel in Dipper's body ran to the toilet and threw up while Dipper in Mabel's body was having a meltdown.

After a few moments, Dipper and Mabel stared at their new, swapped bodies in Y/n's tri-fold mirror, pointing out weird things about each other now that they were in each other's bodies. "Great. Just what we need, more Gravity Falls weirdness."

"This is stupid!" Mabel exclaimed. "Sharing a room was bad enough, now we're sharing bodies?"

Dabel (in Mabel's body) walked over to the edge of the carpet and took a look at the tag. "Hey, look. 'Experiment 78'." He flipped the tag over and the back said 'Electron Carpet'. "Electron Carpet. Atoms can swap electrons. This carpet can swap electrons. It must build up a static charge so powerful it can swap minds!"

"But why does Y/n have this?" Mabel asked.

"I have no idea. W-we need to change back and tell Y/n about this."

Mipper (Mabel in Dipper's body) sighed in relief. "Phew! Glad I'm switching back. If I was you I would totally lose the contest."

"And if I was you, which I am, I could sabotage myself! Then Mabel would lose her points and the room would go to Dipper!"

"Wait what?!"

"Oh, Stan!" Dabel yelled out. "I've always hated you!" He chuckled evilly. "See who gives the room to now." He ran out of the room.

Mipper began to chase him but tripped on her feet. "Tie your shoes!"

The two attempted to say and do things that would almost certainly result in them losing points. Dabel poured cereal out of the box everywhere and laughed obnoxiously as Mipper kicked the oven and bottles around. Stan, clearly perplexed, walked out of the kitchen, followed by the twins, who demanded that the points be removed.

Back in Y/n's room, Soos was chasing down Waddles who unknowingly went inside her room because the door was wide open. It was also the handyman's first time seeing the girl's room, while Waddles didn't care as he rolled around in the carpet, loving the way it felt. "Aw Waddles," He cooed, "Nobody thinks it's cute when I lie naked on the living room floor." He began rubbing the pig's head. "I wish I could be a pig."

And, lo and behold, his wish had been granted by the electron carpet, and their bodies were swapped in a snap.

Meanwhile, Dabel was running through the hallway. "Grunkle Stan, come back! I have more terrible things to do!" He turned around. "You're toast, Mabel!" He began to sprint off, only to crash into Grenda.

"There you are, Mabel!" She exclaimed.

"Attack her with love!" Candy followed, hugging Dabel and Grenda close. The two - with Dabel embraced tightly, jumped in unison. "Sleepover!"

"What?!" Dabel thrashed. "No! No, no, no!" He screamed as he was carried up the stairs while Mipper tried to run after them.

Grenda and Candy ran into the twins' room.

"Wait, come back!" Mipper shouted. "Hey, um," she faced Grenda by the door, "can I talk to my... sister, for a sec?"

"This is a sleepover, buddy. No boys allowed!" Grenda emphasized before slamming the door in her face.

Mipper crouched down and peered through the keyhole to see Dabel unsure about the entire situation. Grenda and Candy were giggling and gushing over Grenda's mother's age inappropriate romance novels, which she had brought with her. She had just learned about the book's protagonist, Gerard the werewolf, when someone approached her.

"What's going on, Dipper?"

She gasped and tried to cover the keyhole where she was looking in. Stan glanced at the door and he had the idea on what Mipper was up to. "Ah, you're at that creepy age where you spy on girls, huh? Guess it's time you and I had a man to man talk. About the birds and the bees, you know?"

Mipper frowned deeply as Stan led her to his office. He shuffled around the room until he found just the ideal book for the topic. 'Why Am I Sweaty?' was the book's title.

While all of this was happening above, underground, Y/n was stressing out about the portal. She sighed and leaned back in her chair, staring at the control panel in front of her. Why does she have to keep the portal stable when it's not even running?

They actually needed the three journals as a blueprint for the inter-dimensional portal to work, but they only had one in their possession. Wait a minute, the third one was nearby; they just didn't have the perfect opportunity to grab it.

She shifted her gaze to the journal, which she opened to a specific page. Since when has she been staring at this section of the blueprint? She's been staring at it for three whole decades and it's already imprinted in her mind.

Shaking her head, she stood up. That's enough inquisition for the day. She glanced at the control panel again, giving it a hard punch. Her knuckles slammed against the metal but it didn't hurt one bit. She smacked it in hopes of a functional portal, but alas, no change.

Y/n rode the elevator quietly, walked up the path to the vending machine and took a peek through the glass display. The gift shop seemed to be vacant – even Wendy was out, signaling that the coast was clear. As quickly as possible, she opened the machine and lurked her way out, not forgetting to get herself a can of Pitt Cola to make it look like she was just getting herself a drink and not someone who just got out of a secret door.

Opening the can, she took a sip and exhaled in relief. The drink was always a nice one. She turned around casually and she just realized the chaotic mess of the gift shop. It looked like someone made a breakdown and destroyed everything in their path. The banners were chewed, the signboards were broken in half, and the glass jars were shattered on the ground. Who could have done this?

She heard multiple voices coming from down hall. It sounded like it was coming from her bedroom. She sprinted across, finally arriving at her room just as Dipper and Mabel were dashing out with the dreamcatcher on the boy's hand.

"Dipper, give it back!" Mabel screamed, chasing after him.

Y/n stood there, staring at the numerous unwanted visitors inside her room. She was too afraid to step inside. Clearly, their bodies have been swapped because of their personality changes.

This was her fault and all she blamed was herself for bringing the carpet out again, but she couldn't help but feel mad for the people uninvited who were screaming and laughing from the body switching shenanigan.

"Everybody, stop!" She screamed, and it was silent. "Why are you in my room?!"

Everyone looked at her, speechless as if they were caught red-handed.

"Please, don't move. I demand you all to form a circle, and shuffle your feet against the carpet," she urged them, and thankfully, they granted her request.

Eventually, each one of them had returned to their own bodies and Y/n immediately ushered them outside, one by one.

Once they were out, she was pulling her hair in frustration. What a mess.

While she was cleaning her cluttered room, the twins eventually returned from what seemed to be their feud. They stood from outside of her room, and because the door was opened, Y/n just let the two in.

She resumed her cleaning while the twins were watching her from the door.

"Hey, Y/n, I'm sorry we got inside your room without your permission," Dipper began.

"It's fine," Y/n answered without even looking at him. She was trying to focus on reorganizing the stuff on the shelf.

He stepped forward. "But, I wanted to ask you about the carpet. It was an electron carpet that can swap... well, our electrons."

Y/n almost smiled as she stopped her movements momentarily at Dipper's inquiry. The experiment still works.

Dipper paused in his speech. How does he even ask the question without making her feel bad? "Where... How... Why...?" He stuttered out. That was pathetic.

Finally, Y/n turned around. "I bought it at a yard sale; I didn't expect it to be like that!" Another lie. She couldn't decide whether she should feel bad or proud of herself for thinking of that excuse so quickly.

Before the twins could utter anything in response, she decided to change the subject. "So, who won the uh... contest?"

"Dipper won, but now I understand and won't argue about it anymore," Mabel said with a kind smile as she looked over her brother.

Y/n shrugged. "Alright."

Everyone helped with the moving, but it was mainly his bed. His clothes had a special shelf from one of Y/n's drawers. The room was parted in half, just like the attic used to be. The electron carpet was long gone. Dipper thought it was already thrown out, but it was hidden under her bed.

"Well, this is it," Y/n said, looking at Dipper who was adjusting the mattress. "We can share the study table, but, uh... is it okay if I use my toilet?"

"Uh huh. Sure..." Dipper trailed off, looking down at his pillow. He moved ever so slowly, and she had a feeling he was adorning a frown.

"What's wrong?"

He let out a sigh before turning around and sitting on the edge of his bed. "Nothing, it's..."

"It's what?"

"I thought it would feel more liberating having separated from Mabel, but I had no idea it would be..."

"Would be...?"

"Lonely," he said.

She stared at a random wall, fiddling with her hands. "I'm sorry," seemed like the right thing to say at the moment.

"No, no, don't be," Dipper quickly replied, "It's fine. It's the first time we didn't sleep in the same room, and..."

"Dude, you need to stop letting me finish your sentences."

"I already miss Mabel."

Y/n sat awkwardly on her bed, her interlocked fingers placed on her lap. She didn't like the silence this time as she could practically feel Dipper's depression resonate through the room. "Well," she started slowly, "we could always have a little sleepover?"

A small smile appeared on his face. "I can't believe I would say this but a sleepover sounds like a good idea." He looked at her with hopeful eyes. "Wanna come?"

"Oh," she jumped. "I- I figured this could be between you and your sister...?"

Dipper rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, you've never been in a sleepover?"

With a solemn smile, she averted her gaze. It was almost comical how she didn't have time for sleepovers or other activities that most kids do. Consciously, she rubbed her baggy eyes. Her exhaustion had only recently caught up with her, and she realized she'd spent the previous thirty years underground. She was extremely fortunate to be unable to feel pain and to heal quickly, or she would have honestly died by now.

He was taken aback by her silence, which made him look at her slightly sad. He got out of bed after grabbing his pillow and did the most spontaneous thing of his day, if not his life. He approached Y/n as she looked at him expectantly.

"What are you doing?"

Dipper grabbed her hand and yanked her off her bed before leading her out of the room. "All right, come on." He was holding her hand in the one hand while still gripping the pillow on the other.

"What?"

"We're doing a sleepover... right now." Dipper smiled at her. Thankfully, Y/n let him lead her upstairs to the attic.

The boy dropped her hand before knocking on the door and a few seconds later, Mabel answered, opening it just a bit so she could only see him.

"Hey, you wanna have a sleepover?" Dipper asked sheepishly.

Mabel glanced at the pillow under his arm and smiled widely.

"Oh, and I brought a friend," he smiled and pushed the door open, allowing Mabel to see Y/n, who was waving shyly.

Her grin widened even more when she saw the two of them and immediately drew them inside. Mabel picked up her mini golf club before giving a spare one to Y/n. "Fore!" She shouted, striking a synthetic eyeball. "Let's play Attic Stuff Mini-Golf!"

Y/n let a smile stretch her lips. "How do you play?"

"Just hit the ball and we'll score the points depending on how awesome it goes!" She explained.

Dipper smiled and encouraged her, placing the eyeball on the ground by Y/n's shoes.

"Okay..." Y/n trailed off, allowing her golf club to kiss the ball for a brief moment before swinging back and swatting the ball too hard, causing it to bounce on various walls and surfaces until it crashed through the window and fell on Stan's head.

"Ah! Why am I even out here at night?!"

Their laughs filled the entire attic as they had fun for the rest of the night until they eventually passed out on the floor, cuddled together.

***

CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 16!

MASTERLIST

RG'H LPZB GL YV GRIVW. BLF XZM GZPV Z YIVZP

author's note: love u guys <3

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skinni-girls-eat-books · 1 year ago

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Saturday Nov 11th, 2023

7am I have received some dumb ass news. I will be relying on this journaling shit HEAVY ASF until I can get therapist tbh. Literally wtf. How do you go from having a curfew to a weeklong sleepover at your gfs house. I have no idea how this family works anymore wtf. They don't have shit for morals and I'm sorry they don't know how to raise their kids. You think they've had enough of them to it figure out by now. Some of these are thoughts from last night. But more and more I don't want to be a part of this family, or have kids in this family. They're all really fucking shady and I want to be comfortable bringing my kids around their relatives, something I basically never had growing up. It's just another reason to stop thinking this stupid shit about getting back together bc it's really damn hard to imagine these people as grandparents, aunts and uncles like they're all really fucked up. Shit sucks but it's a harsh reality, and I've always seen the good in people, so I like them, but I can see their flaws and obviously know what not to like about them. Some people are just fucked up, and it's looking very genetic here. I'll just leave that there lol.

8am gotta get ready for work and to go see live music later! Bringing a change of clothes but if I need to come home between that's ok too I have plenty of time, I'm just bringing the clothes so I have options ❤️ let's have some fun!

5pm hello I got Starbucks and have been chilling in my car listening to NPR. I have only ingested caffeine today and I THINK that's why I right now feel very anxious. Plus I have to poop but I probably won't/ can't do that until I get home bc I will not be using a portopotty at this festival lmao. It feels so good to actually identify logical reasons (and illogical) for why I am sitting in my car feeling so anxious. Going to get out now and walk around even tho I feel shaky and nervous ik it's just my circumstances right now lol. I should probably eat something.

I need to remember that the best part about my situation is that I can enjoy the positive aspects of friendship without having to deal with the dumbass tomfoolery that made being in a functioning relationship absolutely impossible. He brought up his bike and it all came flooding back all the shit that I really disliked. The pure obsession with something so expensive and dangerous. Like good for you! I'm glad that doesn't affect me PERSONALLY anymore but talk all you want! Because I'm busy doing my shit that I enjoy and value lmao without having to suffer the consequences of your insane obsessions :) I won't be around the next time shit doesn't work out. I'll be straight up chilling probably with a jack n coke listening to an indie band while you're in financial distress bc you never took anyone's advice that actually cares about your future. Ok rant over haha

630pm Holy shit I just had a burger so good I'm sweating. Gigglewaters Speakcheesey Burger wowowow

Haha I want to text him badly. Why? He left me on open with no response to me having a good time without him. I know he's ok. I wish he here with me, but he's not and I never could make him come with me. He doesn't care to listen to what I like and literally has no original thought about it. He's so lame, all talk and no walk. Heard you loud n clear, lmk when your shit takes off. I miss the idea of having someone to go to these things with, but that's not him, it's me and my imagination lol. If I invited him to this, yk where he'd be? With his bike friends. He wouldn't want to just sit and chill w me, his ADHD brain just wouldn't let him I guess. I love him but he's not the one clearly bc he would've already wanted to leave as soon as the sun went down, or he'd be texting another girl or guilt tripping me into buying some overpriced shit from the vendors instead of *just enjoying the music peacefully and chill* he was always stressful to bring to these things bc he could not pay for anything that he wanted like his own meal and it turned a chill event into resentful burden. Always one-sided effort to do anything seriously. Now look at me. I can stay however long I want, sit wherever I want, not have to worry about entertaining a grown man seriously. It was like having a toddler but he was supposed to be my equal partner. If I wanted a baby, I'd have a baby, not a "bf". The end. Wow this journaling rocks!

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crazyk-imagine · 2 years ago

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The Good, The Bad, and The Working on It

Pairing: (Stepdad) Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Mom!Reader

Characters: (Stepdad) Jake “Hangman” Seresin, Mom!Reader, Edwin and Maryanne (the kiddos), Penny Benjamin, Amelia Benjamin, Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, Robert "Bob" Floyd, Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Javy "Coyote" Machado, Billy "Fritz" Avalone, Callie "Halo" Bassett, Neil "Omaha" Vikander, Bringham "Harvard" Lennox, Logan "Yale" Lee, Marty and Cody (the other bartenders)

Warnings: Fluff, minor angst, not enough communication (always communicate with your partner), minor cursing (very brief), drama, nicknames (gorgeous, darlin’, etc.), Fanboy is the man when it comes to photography, Bob is the best guy for the job of being a DJ, Javy "Coyote" Machado is a good friend, Jake being a softie, Penny acts as a protective mother figure over reader, Bradley judges our favorite cocky pilot, everyone teases Jake, Cute quick Penny and Pete moment.

Word Count: 11,575

A/N: This can easily become a series, still thinking about it though (even though I have notes and drafts all revolving around this imagine and I made a header for it not even 10 min ago)

Answers to TGTBATWOI

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Three and a half years ago…

After the father of your kids decided that he had enough of being tied down and left with little to no goodbye, it was safe to say you didn’t think or care about dating after that shitty experience.

So, you can fully admit (as well as Jake and his pilot buddies) that it was no surprise when you met said pilot at the Hard Deck.

You work there a little more than part time, being a bartender there is your “out of the house” job (as you like to say) and you do a type of telemarketing at home when the company you’ve been emailing with asks you too.

Luckily it doesn’t happen all the time but sometimes it can be pretty inconvenient on days when your babies have a part in a play and they’re the lead star or when they have their first soccer game (it was a bit of a hassle to accomplish but you did it).

And then again, it was no surprise when Jake was a jackass when you two first met.

You (and anyone else, yes, including Bradley and Pete) can admit that it was nice when he actually started to act like a human being with emotions and not some douche with a huge ego.

Today however, will be the test to see how everything will be if you and Jake decide to take your relationship (or pining) a step further… even though he hasn’t officially asked you out.

“Are you sure you can’t watch them for another three-ish hours?” You ask your babysitter and get a lame excuse saying she can’t because she has to study when she actually has plans to go out with her friends and her boyfriend (the kids told you yesterday about all this).

You sigh, hanging up your phone before shoving it into your pocket. You rest your hands on the edge of the bar top, closing your eyes with your head down to the floor.

“You, okay?” Penny asks.

You quickly straighten your posture, “yep, all good.”

“Your babysitter cancel on you?”

You avert your gaze, “maybe.”

“You get off early tonight, why not bring them here? Pete and the others will be here. They could go swimming.”

“I don’t have any of their swim things and no sunscreen. Plus, I need them to focus on their homework right now. I don’t want to have another meeting with their teachers over something as minor as homework.”

She nods, “alright. We can have them sit over at one of the tables until the lunch rush shows. And, before you say anything, breath. We’ll be fine. I’ve got Marty and Cody coming in for their shifts in an hour which will give you more than enough time to go pick them up and come back here… even though we won’t need you.”

“I’m gonna ignore that last part because we both know it’s not true. Thank you.”

You check the clock on the wall, “crap. I gotta go. I’ll be back soon.”

“Looks like your girlfriends not here,” Javy comments.

“She’s not- shut up, man.” Jake shoves his buddy away from him as he enters the bar, immediately aiming for the center station. He can’t take these conversations seriously without a drink.

“Where’s the only sensible woman Bagman hasn’t managed to sink his claws into?” Natasha asks, standing behind him.

“He’s in one of his moods,” Javy says before leaning down to “whisper”, “she’s not here. Her car wasn’t in the parking lot.”

“Guess she came to her senses,” she pats him on the shoulder.

Logan, Billy, and Callie wave her over, pointing to the pool table.

She walks away from the two, wanting to place some bets (knowing she’ll make a quick buck or two).

“She’s gonna be here soon, you know. Don’t pout, man.” Javy pats Jake’s shoulder, not wanting to have to console the dude for something so minor but willing to do so anyway.

“Would you stop saying that? I don’t care, alright?”

His friend makes an attempt to respond but doesn’t because he starts coughing, choking on his saliva.

“You good?”

His buddy shakes his head, covering his mouth with a clenched fist, using his free hand to point over at you.

The blonde turns, his eyes widen ever so slightly. “She has kids?” He mutters to himself, wondering who else may have known and if this is why you continue to turn him down.

He thinks back to the times when he’s asked you out and if you wear a wedding ring or have mentioned having a boyfriend, but the answer is no.

“Alright, today we can focus on your homework a little more because Pen has a couple extra hands. We ready?”

“Do we have to?” Edwin, Ed (or Eddie) asks with a whining tone.

“Don’t give me that pouty lip, Mister. If we can get this done before we go home, I know for a fact you would feel better.”

“What if I don’t want to feel better?”

“You should.”

You turn to your daughter, Maryanne, who’s older by three years looks back down at her own work. “Thank you, sweetheart, but I don’t need you to chime in with your insightful thoughts.”

“But he needs to focus. He’s already gotten a warning from his teacher.”

“He’s what?” You turn to look at your son, “Edwin, is this true?”

He looks down, not saying anything.

“Why did you get a warning?”

“She wouldn’t let me ask my friend for help.”

“Were you talking to your friend during class time when you know you’re not supposed to?”

He purses his lips, “that’s ervelant.”

“Irrelevant, sweetheart. How long ago did you get your warning?”

“He got it on his first day and we’re on our third day of school now.”

You turn to your daughter, “do you know if it was a verbal warning or is there something I need to sign?”

She shakes your head, “the first one. It’s okay though. His teacher tells me what I need to tell you when I’m waiting for him in his class after school.”

Your son is upset that you two are talking about and “acting” like he’s not even there. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!”

“Eddie, I need you to calm down-”

“No!”

You open your mouth to say his name again when he hops off the chair and runs off. Your eyes widen. “Sweetheart, you’re coming with me. Hold my hand.”

“Mom,” she groans.

“There is a small crowd already. I will not lose both of my children in it.”

She lets out a dramatic, long sigh, “fine.”

You grab her hand, “thank you.”

Javy opens the bathroom door, stopping when something bounces off his legs. He freezes when he sees a little boy sitting on his butt, looking up at him, ready to cry. “Oh no.”

“Hey, what’re you doing? Get out of the doorway, man,” Jake says.

“There’s a tearful kid in the way.”

“What?” He looks over his buddy’s shoulder to find Edwin sitting there with a wobbly lip.

“What do I do?”

“Pick the kid- move out of my way.” Jake scoffs, “Coyote.” The blond bends down, holding his hand out for the little boy to take.

Edwin hesitantly reaches up for the man’s hand.

Jake helps him off the ground, giving him a gentle smile. “Atta boy, you’re looking better already. Is your mom or dad here?”

He nods.

“You want to point me in their direction-”

“Eddie! Edw-” Maryanne stops you, pointing to Jake.

You rush over to the two, kneeling beside Jake. “Edwin, I’ve told you too many times, not to run off like that.”

He sniffs, nodding his head.

You sigh, wiping his cheeks before turning to find- “Jake.”

“My favorite,” he glances between the two, “b-a-r-t-e-n-d-e-r.”

“I can spell,” Maryanne says with slight attitude.

“Maryanne.”

“Sorry mama.”

“These two are yours?”

“Obviously.”

“I’m really sorry,” Javy starts to apologize. “I didn’t see him and then he-”

You smile, “Javy, it’s okay. I know you didn’t do anything on purpose. He just got upset and ran off.”

“I’m still really sorry.”

“We accept your apology.” You stand up, “why don’t you two go join the rest of your crew. We’ve got some work to do.”

Your daughter pouts, leaning against you.

He stands up. “You go,” Jake whispers to Javy.

“Dude.”

“Just go.”

“Alright, alright.”

“So, what kind of homework do we have to do?”

You shake your head, holding both of your kids’ hands, “no, Jake. You go join your friends. You don’t want to stay and help out with homework, that’s not what you came here to do.”

“I came here to talk to some people, and I’d certainly enjoy talking to you three.”

You scoff through your nose, shaking your head to hide the fact that your cheeks are on fire.

“Let me carry little man and don’t tell me I don’t need to. I want to, gorgeous.” He lifts Edwin into his arms, holding the boy against his hip.

Maryanne starts walking ahead, pulling you with her.

You all settle into your seats, Jake across from you with the kids on each side of you.

“I finished my writing assignment before we went looking for Ed.”

You give her a small smile, “that’s good, what else do you have to do?”

She pouts, “math.”

You nod, “okay.”

“I can help,” Jake offers.

“You can?” You ask.

“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that attitude and say yes.”

“Since when were you a math whiz?”

“Since I actually put in the effort to pass.”

“That’s always nice to hear...” You smirk, resting your head on your palm, “were you being threatened with detention?”

“Worse.”

“No car?”

“Bingo.”

“I bet it would have been hilarious to see teen, skinny armed, pasty Jake riding his bike through the neighborhood.”

“Oh, yeah. So, funny.” He turns to Maryanne, glancing down at her work, “you need help with math?”

“Yeah… can you help me?”

“Sure, I can. What are we doing today?”

“Is he actually being nice to kids?” Bradley mutters.

“He’s obviously doing it to impress her,” Reuben adds.

“I don’t think so. He’s actually good with kids. You should see him with his nieces and nephews,” says Javy.

“There’s more of him? There are little bagman’s running around out in the world?” Natasha asks, catching the last little bit of the conversation.

Javy dry laughs, “ha ha. Yeah, kind of. He just doesn’t want you all to see him as a softie.”

“I feel like I’m watching a rom com,” Mickey says.

“But it’s actually decent and well worth watching,” adds Bob.

“How long have you been there?” Reuben asks.

“A few minutes. I’m waiting on my soda.”

“Anyone want to play pool?” Javy asks.

“Or darts? Maybe next to them?” Natasha offers.

Javy smirks, “let’s go.” He wraps his arm around her shoulders, pulling her with him.

Mickey and Bob trail behind them, shaking their heads, not liking what the two may be planning.

Reuben runs over to the bar to grab their drinks.

“And how are we today?” Javy asks, wrapping his arm around is buddy’s shoulders. He turns to Edwin, “sorry about running into you little dude.”

“It’s okay and we’re good. Jake’s helping Maryanne with her math,” you tell him.

“You’ve got the best guy to help her.”

“How come we never met your mini me’s?” Mickey asks, pulling Javy away so he and Natasha can start their game of darts.

“My babysitter canceled.”

“That sucks. Why? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“She’s in high school, has a boyfriend. Need I say more.”

“Ah,” he nods, “got it. Well, if you ever need a babysitter, I’d happily offer my services.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet.”

Jake furrows his brows; he knows the kid isn’t hitting on you, but he can’t help but feel a little jealous very jealous. “Alright, that’s enough. Your partner in crime is calling you over to play darts.”

Mickey snickers as he walks away.

“You good, Seresin?” You ask with a raised brow.

“Always,” he smirks before helping Maryanne with her homework.

You smile, letting yourself daydream about a future with him and how nice it would be to be able to share a life with him, having family outings, potentially expanding your family, and growing old together… You shake your head, ridding your mind of these thoughts. You don’t want to get your hopes up (anymore, then you already have).

He glances over at you and smiles.

You fight the urge to smile for a second before you give up and give in, smiling with just as much, if not a skosh more happiness.

After about an hour or so, Maryanne was able to successfully finish her homework.

“You know if she gets a good grade on her homework, I’m gonna ask you to help her again. I can barely help her when she asks me. If it was me, I would have still been on problem two.”

Jake chuckles, “I’d be happy to help her out as long as I get to take you out.”

A nervous chuckle escapes you, “you mean like a- like a date?”

“If you wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, “I’ll see if I can find the time.”

He shakes his head.

You check your phone, seeing that it’s dinner time and you’ve been off your shift since- wow three hours ago. “Looks like it’s time to go home. I’ve still got to make dinner and figure out when I need to go grocery shopping. Do I need gas?” You push your chair in, helping the kids get ready.

Jake getting out of his seat makes you realize you, kind of, forgot about him for a second. “Oh, sorry, I got too into my head.”

“It’s alright, my sister is the same way.”

“Oh, how is everyone? I’ve been meaning to ask but every time I want to someone else needs a drink.”

“It’s okay. Maybe on our date we can talk more about things you’ve been wanting to ask me and… I can do the same.”

“Yeah?”

He nods, giving you a genuine smile, enjoying how he gets to see you all excited and jittery (and hopefully because of him, in a good way, of course), “yeah.”

“Can we go now?” Edwin asks, rubbing his eyes.

“Come on, let’s go.”

“I’ll walk you all out.”

“I’ll call you.”

“You don’t have my number,” you point out.

“Did you forget, I’m good with numbers.”

You’re not impressed right now. “Just give me your phone.”

“So bossy,” he teases, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

“You love it, don’t lie.”

“Maybe I do but, I think that’s more of a later date thing.”

You return his phone back to him, “you think we’ll be going on more than one date?”

He nods. “I know we will.”

You shake your head, “goodnight, Jake.”

He leans in, giving you time to push him away; you don’t. He pecks your cheek.

You close your eyes, inhaling his cologne (something else you’ve grown to like about him).

He pulls back, opening the car door for you.

You shake your head, remembering what you have to do.

“Text me when you get home,” he says, leaning against the car and door.

“Only if you do them same.”

“’Course I will. Goodnight, gorgeous.”

“Night, Jake.”

After that night, he officially asked you out for a proper date and the two of you hit it off.

He didn’t take you to a fancy restaurant (since he asked the others and Penny for a few different ideas on where you’d like to go). Jake did NOT want to screw up (what felt like) his one chance to take you out.

The two of you found yourselves in his truck, laying in the back watching the stars, talking about whatever came to mind while you ate fast food.

“This has to be the best date I’ve been on in- well, ever honestly,” you admit, staring up at the night sky.

He turns his head, studying your side profile, “really?”

“Without a shadow of a doubt.”

He gulps, unsure if he should ask this now or ever. “I know this is too soon to ask and I might be overstepping some boundaries but, what happened with Maryanne and Edwin’s dad? Is he going to come back into their lives at any point in the future?”

You scoff, leaning up to rest on your elbow with your head angled down towards him. “I can assure you that he will never come back into their lives until they turn eighteen then they can make the decision, but I will take the role of a bad guy if it means I keep that asshole away from them and out of their lives.”

You sigh, resting on your back once more, “he decided that when Edwin was three months old, and Maryanne was close two and a half that he wasn’t cut out for the life of being a dad or being tied down, so he left, and I haven’t looked back since. He hasn’t called or texted since then so why should I go looking for him. He made his choice.”

“And you made yours.”

“What’s that?”

Jake shuffles closer to you, cupping your cheek with his thumb brushing across your cheekbone every so often as he stares into your eyes. “You are raising two amazing kids all by yourself and you look damn good doing it.”

You let out a quiet playful laugh.

“I’m not gonna lie, a part of me wishes that they were mine.”

“Yeah? What about the other part of you?”

“Which one? I’ve got two more.”

You raise your hand, placing it against the base of his neck, brushing your thumb back and forth against the edge of his hair, “what’s the second part of you say?”

“How much I want to ask you to marry me even though it might be too soon.”

“And the other?”

“If it’d be stupid of me to ask if you’d be my gorgeous girl and let me in, help you raise those two troublemakers.”

You sink your teeth into your bottom lip, preventing yourself from getting too emotional. “Seems to me like you just want to get in my house to see my bedroom.”

“That would certainly be a plus, wouldn’t it?”

“For you maybe.”

“Damn straight.” He leans down, whispering in your ear, “I’d get to see what you wear underneath your pretty little clothes without asking you to strip for me.”

You scoff, slapping your hands against his chest.

He chuckles, pulling back to see you relaxed and happy, something he doesn’t think he’s ever seen before. “There’s another part of me that wants to do something.”

“Like what?”

“Kiss you.”

You don’t realize it until a second later, but your lips tugged upwards, and you know you’re smiling. “Do it,” you whisper.

He hums, blinking owlishly at you clearly coming out of his thoughts.

You lean up and lightly brush your lips against his before pulling back. You switch from staring one eye to the next, waiting to see panic or disgust, only to find the stars twinkling in his eyes. “Kiss me.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t think I’ll be able to stop once I start.”

You both lean into one another sharing a passionate first kiss (with many more to come).

Two years later...

“Do you think she’s gonna say yes?” asks Jake, to his friend who has a bored look on his face.

“I hope so. I’m tired of hearing you complain and whine about “if she says no” and how you’ll “die” with whatever answer she does give you,” Javy slaps his hands on the blond man’s shoulders, “shut up. She’s gonna say yes.”

Jake says nothing as he purses his lips, “I hear you but what if-”

“Shut up,” Javy hands him a handful of darts, “and play. Have a drink, just do something- anything to calm your nerves… please. And you hear that? I’m asking you nicely.”

He stares at Javy with a deadpan expression. “I’m talking to you in confidence. You’re supposed to boost me up and help me feel better.”

“I am.”

“You’re not being honest with me,” Jake complains.

“I am.” He sees the look his fellow pilot is giving him out of the corner of his eye while he throws the dart at the dartboard, it lands, and he turns around. “Look, you’re an asshole-”

“Thank you, keep telling me things I need to hear,” the blond says with sass.

“But you’re an asshole in love and you’re,” Javy pokes his chest, “just too scared to admit it.”

“Yeah,” he nods, until he repeats what his friend said in his head and glares at Javy. “I hate you sometimes,” he throws a dart at the dart board, it lands way off base from the center.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Bob walks over to the two, glancing over Jake with a concerned expression. “Is he okay?”

“Him? Oh, yeah. He’s fine.”

“He’s nervous she’s gonna say no, huh?”

Jake spins around, using a dart to point at Bob. “No, I’m not.”

Javy leans closer to the WSO, “he’s in the denial stage.”

“I can see that.”

“You two are messing up my concentration. Go gossip about me somewhere else.”

“You know,” Javy pats his shoulder, “it’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not scared,” he denies.

“Lying is only gonna make this worse.”

“Can it, Baby on Board.”

Bob raises his hands, staring at the ground with a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Your girl’s here,” Billy says, handing Javy a drink and Bob his beer nuts.

Jake spins around just as the dart hits the center of the dart board. A boyish grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, “yes, she is.” He hands Bob the third dart, “have fun boys. Oh, and use protection, especially you,” he points to the WSO before talking off.

“What?”

“Ignore him. He’s in love, you know, it makes people do and say crazy things,” Javy assures Bob.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he greets you, placing a hand on your lower back.

“Hey.” You turn around, leaning into him. You see the guys standing there, watching the two of you. “Are we gonna go say hi?”

He shakes his head, “nope. Come on.” He leads you towards the walls, wanting to get away from the crowd, not lose you in it.

“Where are we going?”

“I want to go outside and see how much more beautiful you can look tonight.”

You scoff, smacking his shoulder, “you can be such an adorable suck up.”

“Only for you,” he pecks your lips, “did it work?”

You roll your eyes, “shut up.” You grab his hand, pulling him along behind you. You happily wave over at the three, who return “cool” waves, except for Bob (he always waves back with just as much enthusiasm as you do to him).

Jake shoves you out the door, letting it slam shut behind him.

He pulls you back, spinning you around once, and wraps his arms around your waist. “Hi.”

You can’t resist his charm and smile back at him, “hi.”

“Let’s walk along the beach, yeah?”

You nod, “if that’s what you want to do.”

“Come on,” he tucks you into his side and starts walking.

You begin to wonder what he has planned. Jake usually doesn’t like to walk along the beach at night (he can’t see your gorgeous face as he likes to say whenever you ask… which is always).

You turn to look at him, he’s nervous but you can’t tell why. You know there’s nothing important coming up such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. The kids haven’t been giving him too much of a hard time (it’s a tough process but they do seem to act like they like him when he comes over or when you all go out).

You’re left even more confused than when you first exited the bar.

He stops, staring out into the ocean.

You watch him, curious as to what’s floating around in his head, “are you okay?”

He turns his head looking at you, wondering how he got so lucky to have meet you and hoping you’ll say yes because he wants the married life with you and to be another parent figure that Maryanne and Edwin can look up too. He knows he wants to live out the rest of his life with you and the kids. Jake gulps, “you should ring me?”

You jerk your head back, blinking owlishly at him, “what?”

“We should rings.” He closes his eyes with a clenched jaw, shaking his head.

You tilt your head, “are you feeling okay?” You place your hand on the back of his forehead.

He nods, reaching into his pocket, pulling the box out of his pocket, practically shoving it in his face.

You grab his wrist pulling it down, out of your face and look down, realizing what he’s planning to do. “Jake?”

“I don’t know how to say it.”

“What- uh- what do you want to do?”

“I think it’s pretty obvious what I want to do.”

“Okay, smart ass. Get down on one knee and ask me.”

“That’s the thing. I can’t figure out how to ask you.” He bends down on one knee, “I’ve got too much running through my head. and I don’t know what to say. Then before I know words just start spewing out of my mouth.”

You take a deep breath, placing your hands on his shoulders, “what’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think about wanting to marry me?”

“I don’t want to marry you. I am gonna marry you. So,” he reaches for your left hand, placing a gentle kiss on top, “you can’t get rid of me easily.”

An emotional chuckle escapes you, “what a sap you are.”

“The first thing that pops into my head when I think about us being married is how there isn’t going to much of a difference because we’re already a family. But there is one thing I do know and that’s wanting to grow old with you. You know, I want us to be the older fun couple who still act like they did their first year of dating and I want to listen to your old lady problems.”

You smack his shoulder.

He chuckles, “while you listen to my old man issues.”

“Something tells me there’s gonna be a lot.”

“Let me finish then we can add the commentary later… I also want to be able to help with the kids more.”

“You already do so much.”

“I know but, I think it’s best if we don’t have a lunch issue 2.0.”

You nod, wiping your cheeks, “that’s very true. You almost got kicked out. They called me to make sure you were who you said you were.”

“I told them not to.”

“Oh, yeah because that always goes well when a strange man they hadn’t actually seen before says “don’t call their mom”. Really, Jake? I mean honestly.”

“Ask her already!” Javy, Bob, Natasha, Bradley, Pete, and Penny shout.

You two turn to see some of the gang standing there, waiting for Jake to pop the question.

“If you don’t do it tonight, you’re doing all my paperwork,” Pete shouts.

“I already do.”

“Yeah, well… then you’ll have more.”

“Can you guys turn towards me a little?” Mickey asks, holding up his phone. “You’re gonna regret it, if you don’t.”

You two do as he asked.

“Perfect, thank you! And… propose.”

“What are we in a movie or something? Geez,” you roll your eyes.

“I’m gonna ask you now.”

“Okay, shutting up now.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Can I think about it?”

“What?” He asks with his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

“I’m joking, you idiot. Of course, I will!” You throw your arms around his neck causing the two of you to fall back.

The two of you start laughing.

You push yourself off him, opting to lay on your side.

“Oh shit.”

“What?”

“Where’s the ring?”

“Right here,” answers Bradley, holding the ring box up for him.

“Give it to me.”

“No.”

“Give it to me, chicken.”

“See that, that right there is exactly why I won’t.”

“I swear to-”

“Shut up,” Natasha snatches the box from him and hands it to Jake. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“I wasn’t,” Bradley pouts.

“Sure, you weren’t.”

Jake lifts your hand up and slides the ring on, kissing your knuckles.

You give him an excited smile, wondering how you got so lucky and he’s doing the same.

Your scooped up before you know it, squealing until you find yourself taller than everyone else. “Guys,” you giggle, “put me down.”

“Nope,” a certain mustached man responds.

“Nat? Help?”

“Mickey’s getting a good shot of you up there,” she says, looking over said pilot’s shoulder.

“We can do a better photoshoot tomorrow. Put me down.”

“Can I have my fiancée back?”

“After the old timer,” Penny pats Pete’s shoulder, “buys a round for everybody.”

You all holler, shouting excitedly.

“Not the whole bar, right?” Pete asks his girl.

She smirks, “no, only a lucky few. I promise… as long as your phone doesn’t wind up on the bar top.”

“You’re a cruel, cruel woman.”

“I’ve gotta be stern when running a bar.”

“I was hoping that wouldn’t apply to me.”

“Alright, one round on the old man then we’re outta here,” Jake announces.

Numerous “aw’s” and “boo’s” come his way.

“We gotta go home and get the kids ready for school.”

“Who knew Bagman could be such a softie?” Natasha adds.

“You couldn’t have done this on a Saturday?”

“Shut up, chicken.”

“I’m just saying, you should have planned better.”

“And we’re out of here.”

You let out a soft chuckle, squeezing his hand as you two exit the bar. “Jake, I wanted to say by to everyone.”

“I did too, but they pissed me off.”

“You’re such an old man.”

He lightly pushes you against the car door, “hey, I’m your old man, gorgeous.”

You smirk, “that makes me your old lady?”

“Or if you prefer, my gorgeous.” He kisses your cheek.

“That’s a bit of an open ending, don’t you think?”

“No because you can add anything you want to it.”

“You’re such a sappy suck up,” you tell him before reaching up to peck his cheek.

“Only for you.”

“I don’t know how they’re gonna react.” You glance over at the front door of your shared home.

"We don’t have to get married right away.”

You look over at him, “Jake…”

“No,” he shakes his head. “It’s not just because of Maryanne and Edwin, alright. I want us to take our time and plan it. Invite the people we actually want to be there because I can tell you no one from my family would actually come. I mean, my sister might but… I want to make this a special day for us.”

“I don’t want to argue about this, even though all I have to say is that I know whenever or wherever we have this wedding it will be special.”

“Now who’s a sappy suck up,” he reaches over the middle console to cup your cheek.

“What are we gonna do if the kids don’t accept this?”

“We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

“I don’t want you to be the one who’s hurt.”

He shakes his head, “I won’t be. If I can be a part of their life in any other way, I’ll do it. And I get their hesitancy towards me. I do.”

“I know you do and that’s so, so nice of you but you don’t deserve to be treated like this.” He rests his forehead against yours, “like I told you, I would do anything to be in their lives.” He pecks the corner of your mouth, “and yours.”

Jake pulls back, staring into your eyes. His thumb brushes back and forth against your cheekbone. “Let’s go inside, yeah?” He knows he can only distract you from your worries for so long.

You nod, not wanting to worry about this anymore. “Okay.”

A month and a half ago…

The credits play across the screen. The sound is off because he muted the TV, wanting to talk to you.

"It happened again," Jake sighs.

You quietly groan to yourself, rubbing your face with both hands before slapping your thighs. You scoot yourself into an upright position, legs still resting in his lap, "I'm sorry, honey. I can talk to them again or-"

"No, it's okay. I- uh-” He gulps, “I was thinking maybe I should go stay somewhere else for a few days."

You shake your head, "no. No, absolutely not."

He doesn’t say anything for a few minutes. "Our kids don’t care about me."

You scoff through your nose, "they do. How could you ever think otherwise?" Your chest puffs out with every breath you take, your vision blurs as tears pool in your water line.

He cups your cheeks, "they're not going to warm up to me because they think I'm trying to replace their deadbeat dumbass of a father, or they think I’m gonna be exactly like him and leave. They’re not ready to trust me."

"They know you’re not trying to replace him," you weakly argue.

"You could be right, but they won't listen to you because you’re mom."

You sniff, "please, don’t leave."

"I'm doing this to save yours and the kids relationship."

"You staying here and being a part of the kids’ lives hasn't changed that."

"But it will."

This is it. It feels like it’s the end of your relationship, but you know it’s not. You refuse to believe that you two won’t find your way back to one another and have a better improved relationship with yourself and the kids. His bag falls to the ground.

You take a step forward and rest your head on his shoulder, silently crying into his shirt, bunching it in your clenched fists, "Jake…"

He shushes you, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you closer. His hand finds its way up to its rightful resting place, cupping your cheek, "hey, look at me. Look at me please.”

You lift your head up, with wet cheeks.

His thumb sweeps across your cheek, wiping away your tears, “you know I love you, right?"

You don’t think you’ve ever heard him sound so emotional (except for when he told you about his past and his family, the day he asked to marry you, when he repeated what you said about moving in, and the first time he said I love you). "Course I do.” You lean in closer, whispering, “I love you so much."

It feels like you’re sharing a secret (which you are about Jake’s departure… from the kids for the time being).

"I'll text you when I make it to my place."

You nod, "okay."

Jake leans down, kissing you, reminding you of how much he loves you. He takes a step back, one hand on your back as he leans over to grab his bag.

You two stare at one another with tears in your eyes (yes, even Jake’s on the verge of crying- or maybe he already is but your own tear-filled eyes blur your vision, preventing you from seeing so).

His hand slides off your back after he opens the door. He steps outside, feeling like a stranger on the porch of his own home. Jake tries to walk away before things could get even more depressing.

You reach out, hand squeezing his bicep, silently pleading for him to stay. “Be careful?”

The corner of his lips tug upward into a farewell cocky smirk, “always am, gorgeous. Always am.”

You watch as he gets in his car and wave him off (breaking your hearts into a million pieces).

Jake disappears from you view and you stand there for a few seconds, unwilling to move because if you do, you’ll be home alone… you’ll be alone.

You close the door, resting your forehead on the wooden frame. Your shoulders shake as you struggle to keep your cries quiet. You raise your hand, covering your mouth; whimpers escape you before you can even try and stop them.

As much as you don’t want to, you make your way to your bedroom. You swear you hear your heart break when you walk in. It doesn’t look like much has changed but you know if you open your dresser drawers and check the closet, his clothes won’t be there. You won’t be able to admire his uniform or shake your head at the way he organizes his sock and underwear drawer.

You try to not to think about the little things you’ll miss while taking of your shoes. You lay down on your side, bending your legs, curling into yourself.

After about an hour of laying down, you text Penny.

SoonToBeMrs.S

Hey Pen Sent Read 1:58pm

PickaPenny

Are you alright? You only say my name when something’s happened Sent Read 2:00pm

SoonToBeMrs.S

All good here. Can you pick up Maryanne and Edwin? Sent Read 2:00pm

PickaPenny

You got it. Sent Read 2:01pm

PickaPenny typing…

“What are you doing here?”

Jake turns around, his shoulders sag, “needed a drink.”

“Why am I getting a text from your fiancé about picking up the kids?” asks Penny.

He gulps, “I- uh- I’m gonna be out of the house for a while.”

“Oh, I didn’t hear you were deployed.”

“I’m not.”

The bar owner looks back at him after giving another customer her drink. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Did you break it off with her?”

“No, God no. Penny I-”

“You what?”

“I’m doing this to save the family relationship.”

“What do you mean?”

“The kids don’t like me.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“They don’t listen to a thing I say and when I pick them up from school, they don’t talk to me.”

“Have you tried talking to them?”

“Of course, I have.”

“No, no. Not ask them questions, talk to them about the whole situation?”

“I’ve tried but they won’t put in the effort to listen. And, yeah, I know they’re kids and that’s how they are, but I want them to know that I’m not trying to replace their bio dad and I want them to stop thinking I’ll leave ‘em just like he did. I just- I can’t get through to them. And I’m not going to be the reason they hate their mom for marrying someone they don’t like. I grew up that way. My mom married someone we weren’t all huge fans of, and he didn’t care. He never tried to talk to us, not even after mom died.”

“Jake-”

He takes out his wallet, setting a few bills down. “Don’t tell her you saw me.”

“Fine,” she sighs. “Can you at least tell me where you’re staying?”

“I’ll be crashing on Coyote’s couch for a few days.”

“And then?” He shrugs, “see you around Penny.”

You open your eyes, glancing over your shoulder to see Penny standing there, and jolt. “Jeez!”

“Sorry, hon. I tried to be gentle, but you wouldn’t budge.”

You push yourself up, “sorry. I take it since you’re here, you picked the kids up?”

“No, I left them to run the bar.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Pete for too long. His- whatever is rubbing off on you.”

She scoffs, “oh, please. If anything, it’s me making him less of an old man.” She sits down beside your legs, rubbing your knee in a comforting manner. “I saw him earlier.”

You don’t say anything, your eyes shift downwards.

“He looked really upset.”

“Did he?”

“He already misses you and the kids.”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t give me that fake “I don’t care attitude”. I know you’re upset he’s gone but it’s not like you won’t see him. He just doesn’t want to come between you, Maryanne, or Edwin but he still cares about all of you and wants to help out.”

You wrap your arms around your abdomen, “I know that.”

“Why can’t you two talk it out?”

“I’ve tried to have us talk but no one wants to listen.”

“Okay, okay. Breathe.”

“I am but- it’s all gotten so complicated.”

Penny leaves before dinner time.

You finish preparing their plates, setting them on the dining table. “You two start eating, I’ve got to make sure my makeshift office space is ready after dinner.”

“Where’s Jake? We always have dinner together,” says Edwin.

You freeze, handing the two their utensils. “Oh- um- he’s got- he got caught up with work and won’t be here for a little while.”

“Is he gonna be, okay?” Maryanne asks.

You slowly stand up, giving them a sad smile, “yeah, yeah, he is.” You exit the kitchen.

“Is mama not gonna eat with us since Jake’s gone?” Edwin asks his sister.

“I don’t know, Eddie. I don’t like this.”

“Same.”

“After dinner we can watch a movie. Maybe mama won’t be so busy.”

He nods, “okay.”

“Go pick a movie.” Maryanne pushes her brother towards the living room and realizes what she said. “No Ice Age!”

“Ice Age is a good movie!”

A knock on your door gets you moving faster, you pat your face dry, hoping the bloodshot look will go away soon. “Come in, Maryanne.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“You and your brother have very different knocks.”

“Obviously if you can tell who’s who when we knock. Do you want- were you crying?”

“No, what makes you say that?”

“Your eyes are puffy. Is it because of Jake? Did he make you cry?”

You chuckle, “no, sweetheart.”

“Well, then where is he?”

“I told you; he has a few work things he needs to do.”

“If he’s leaving like dad just tell me, I can handle it.”

You swoop her into a hug after seeing the way her bottom lip quivers. You take a step back, sitting on the edge of your bed. “No, no, no. He’s not leaving. He’s just- he doesn’t want to- he says he wants us to have a better relationship with one another.”

“We already do.”

“You think so?”

She nods.

You sweep the hair covering her eyes out of her way, “what do you think of him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you like him?”

“I… yeah.”

“Do you not like, Jake?”

“He’s nice and tries...”

“Can I ask you why you two are hesitant on letting him into our life?”

She doesn’t say anything.

“Do you think he’s gonna be like your dad?”

“I don’t want him to leave,” says Edwin from your bedroom door.

You open your other arm, giving him room to squeeze in. “Did you like him?”

“We both do.”

“Eddie!”

“I’m tired of you not telling mama what you mean. We both like him.”

“You do?”

He nods, “uh-huh. But we don’t want him to be like dad.”

“Oh, he wouldn’t-”

“Where is he now?”

“...He’s giving us space because he thinks you don’t like him.”

“We do!” He bounces around, “we do! Call him. Make him come home.”

“We can’t make him come home, if he doesn’t want to,” Maryanne points out. “Can we call him tomorrow?”

“We’ll see.”

“Can we watch Ice Age now?” You chuckle, “I’m not leaving you alone with Jake again. He’s corrupted your movie likes and dislikes.”

The kids run out of your room.

You change into something a little comfier before exiting the room.

Maybe there is light at the end of this tunnel.

Edwin was the first to fall asleep, you went out next, leaving your little girl to be the sole survivor.

She grabs her phone off the side table, going to her camera app. She angles herself closer and takes a selfie with the three of you.

LittleDarlin

*image* Miss you Sent Read 8:39pm.

Jake puts his shirt on, checking his phone before winding down for bed. His heart starts to race a little when he sees it’s from his little girl. He opens the message and his heart melts.

SouthernSavior

Miss you too, darlin Sent Read 8:41pm.

Shouldn’t you be asleep? Sent Read 8:42pm.

LittleDarlin

Eddie put Ice Age on Sent Read 8:42pm.

SouthernSavior

Not a good excuse. Go to bed Sent Read 8:43pm.

LittleDarlin typing… Can you come home? Deleted

LittleDarlin

Night Jake Sent Read 8:45pm.

SouthernSavior

Night darlin Sent Read 8:45pm.

Before Jake turns his phone off and puts it on the charger, he sets the photo as his lockscreen.

Three days later…

A knock on the front door alerts you.

You’re confused until you realize it’s a school day and pop out of bed, running out of your room. You check their rooms, finding neither of them there. “Not in the living room or kitchen,” you gasp. “The kitchen.”

You run in, seeing your kids putting their dishes in the sink. “Was no one going to wake me up?”

“You know Jake takes us to school,” Maryanne argues.

“He does but with everything that’s going on, I didn’t know what we were gonna do.”

“I’m still on school duty.”

You scream, jumping just about ten feet in the air. You bring your hand up, placing it on your chest, “don’t. Do. That.”

“I have to get your heart pumping somehow,” he answers you with that damn cocky smirk you’ve grown to love.

“Yeah, and I can send you to work with a foot up your a-s-s.”

“We can spell,” your daughters chimes in.

“Pretend you can’t.”

“Come on, d- Jake. Let’s go before we’re late.”

The two try to walk past you, until you clear your throat.

“What?”

“Hug your mother, kids,” he says, standing beside you.

Edwin rolls his eyes and sighs in a joking way before launching himself into your arms.

Maryanne walks over to give you a quick hug before dragging her brother outside behind her.

Jake hesitates to place his hand on your lower back.

You turn, almost automatically curling into him. “Hey there, sailor.”

“Still not a sailor but, hello to you too, gorgeous.”

“Can we talk later?”

“Is it a good talk or a bad talk?”

“Depends, are you gonna listen to me or not?”

“When don’t I listen to you?”

You arch your brow.

“Fine, I’ll listen.” He walks to the door when you remember something.

“Oh, wait! Edwin has early day today.”

“What time?”

“Like Thursday.”

He quietly groans to himself, “I won’t be able to pick him up.”

“It’s okay. I planned on picking him up anyway. I just wanted you to know so you’re not sitting and waiting at the school for too long.”

“Are you always this thoughtful?”

There it is again. You give him a sarcastic smile, “are you always a pain in my ass?”

“I’d like to think otherwise.”

“In other words, yes.”

“If that’s what you want to call me then fine.”

A car honk alerts the two of you.

“I gotta go. I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“You can count on it. Bye, Jake.” You lean up and peck him on the lips. You aim to head back into the kitchen when you’re pulled back.

He cups your cheek, pulling you closer, “is this, okay?”

“I’d say it’s more than okay.”

The corner of his mouth tugs upwards, “knew you could never resist me.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

“Yes ma’am.” His other hand wraps around your waist, bringing you closer to him.

You place your hands on his arms, one hand slides along his shoulders, stopping at the base of his neck. You scratch the back of his neck near the edge of his hairline.

He slightly shivers pulling back; he pecks your pink, wet, and swollen lips. “I gotta go drop them off,” his voice comes out hoarse and quiet.

You nod, “mmhmm.”

“You can kiss later! We’ve gotta go or we’ll be late!”

You cover your mouth, hiding your laughter. “You heard the girl.”

“Hey, I didn’t start this whole thing.”

“Neither did I.”

“Let’s call it a truce and you go take the kids to school.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, hon.”

“Bye, gorgeous.”

You and Edwin do his homework before you put on a movie (yes, Ice Age) for him. You turn your head to see the mess in the backyard.

You sigh, getting up off the couch to clean it up. You were doing good, making a lot of progress until you didn’t.

You fall, landing on your shoulder. You know you’re screwed, the pain radiating in your arm is too much, but you can’t freak out because your baby boy will freak out which won’t solve anything.

You push yourself off the ground (with great difficulty) and enter the house.

“Eds,” you whisper, sitting beside him with your arm close to you.

“Yeah?” he asks, slightly distracted by the movie.

“Can you call Aunt Penny for me and hold the phone to my ear?”

“Why?”

“I fell.”

“Are you okay?!”

You shush him, “breathe, sweetheart. Breathe.”

“Where’s your phone? Where’s your phone?”

“Look at the table beside you.”

“Okay, Penny… Penny… Aunt Penny? Mom wants to talk to you.” He holds the phone against your ear.

“Pen? Hey… can you come over and drive me to the emergency room? I fell and broke something.”

Jake rushes into the emergency center, frantically searching for you with Maryanne holding his left hand. He stops when he sees Penny waving, letting him know where you and Edwin are.

He rushes over to the two of you while the poor little girl is being yanked over to your bed. He makes sure Maryanne can hold your hand and get close to you before he sets his hand on top of your head. “Are you okay?”

“I will be if I can get out of here.”

He checks over you, stopping when he sees your arm resting across your stomach, “what happened?”

“I was in the backyard cleaning up-”

“I told you I would do it.”

“Yeah, and that was before you…” you trail off unsure of how to say it without making it sound mean, ‘before you left,’ yeah, not the nicest thing to say ever.

“You could have called me. No, you should have called me.”

You open your mouth to respond when Penny moves the kids away from the bed, having them sit in the seats (she grabbed earlier) giving you two more room to talk.

He reaches down for your hand without looking, letting you squeeze his hand, knowing you aren’t taking any of the morphine or other pain medication (because you don’t like how you feel afterwards). He leans down, letting you turn your head into his chest, “why didn’t you call me?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Didn’t know what?”

You look up at him through your wet lashes, blinking repeatedly so you can see him. “I didn’t know how we were. After this morning-”

“Hey, hey.” He brushes the few loose strands that cover your face back, “we are never gonna change.” He pecks your forehead before turning around.

He takes a step closer to Penny, whispering, “can you take them somewhere else? Ice cream? Hospital cafeteria? Wherever. I don’t want them to see their mom in anymore pain. I know, Eddie is gonna have a hard time when we get home but I’m not letting them see any more of this.” He pulls out his wallet.

She places her hands on his stopping him, “you don’t need to do that. I’ve got it besides I’ve been wanting to show them a few shells I found the other day.”

He lets out a breath of relief, “thank you.”

“You can thank me by taking care of your wife.” She turns around, facing the two. “Come on, kids. We’re gonna go back to Aunt Penny’s place and look at the few seashells I found, and we can prank Pete. How’s that sound?”

“We don’t want to leave our mom, Aunt Penny,” Maryanne whispers to the older woman.

“I know but Jake thinks it would be smart if you two aren’t stuck in the emergency center for hours.”

The young girl glances over at the two of you, watching how Jake is consoling you and trying to distract you from the pain. She looks back at Penny and nods, “okay. Can we text Jake and ask him when we can go home?”

“Of course, we can,” she holds her hands out for the two to hold.

Maryanne looks back to see nothing but love between the two of you. Maybe she was wrong, maybe Jake won’t be like her dad.

He came just seconds after Penny called him and made sure that both of them could see and touch you.

She feels bad for how she’s been treating him and knows what she needs to do.

“You should have called me,” he whispers into your hair.

“I wanted to.”

“Why didn’t you? You know I would have been there in a second. Well, maybe not a second but,” he smirks but you can see the worry on his face.

You scoff, rolling your eyes, “don’t make me hit you.”

He hums, “it seems to me like you can’t.”

“I can do other things.”

“Oh, yeah. Like what?”

“Well, if I tell you then it won’t be a surprise.”

He sticks his bottom lip out, “come on, you know you want to tell me.”

“No, I really don’t.”

Jake hasn’t removed his arm from around your waist since you were released (after texting Penny).

“You can let go now.”

“I gotta make sure my girl is taken care of.”

“You are by making sure I can get to my car.”

“That was never the plan because that’s a, dangerous and b, penny took your car remember. Seems like you’re stuck with me, gorgeous.”

“Jake,” you start, ready to complain.

“No, no. Don’t give me that attitude. I’m making sure you get home back to the kids safely. End of story.”

You say nothing as he opens the door for you, letting you take your time getting the car.

Once your seated, he helps you with your seatbelt before running to the back, grabbing a pillow to place under your arm (that’s in a secure sling) but that doesn’t stop him.

The drive back to the house was quiet, at least, between the two of you, there was music softly playing filling some of the silence.

He jogs around to the other side of car, opening the door. He reaches in to unbuckle the seatbelt.

You scoot to the edge of the seat, swinging your legs out of the car. Jake holds his hand out for you to take. You slap your hand on his, “I’m gonna need a little help getting out. Take the pillow, first.”

He carefully removes the pillow, tossing it to the driver’s seat. He lets you push yourself out before he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you closer.

You take a deep breath, staring at his collarbone (since your eye level with it), your eyes slowly trail up his neck, past his jawline and cheekbone.

It feels like you’ve lost your breath as you stare into his eyes, reminding you of when you two first started dating.

He moves your hand onto his shoulder before sliding his other arm to your waist, pulling you closer to hug you. He rests his head on your shoulder before tucking his head into the crook of your neck.

You slide your hand across his shoulder, stopping at his neck, brushing your thumb vertically against the base of his hair, feeling the top of his spinal cord.

The two of you wet the others shoulder with your salty, relief ridden tears.

He pulls back, staring at you without wiping his cheeks.

You reach up and wipe away his tears.

He does the same for you. “Let’s get you inside, yeah?” He removes one arm to close the car door, locking it right after.

He unlocks the front door, gently shoving you inside, following after you.

You let out a quiet breath of relief, you were scared he was going to leave after hugging you.

The kids run out of the living room, stopping in front of you.

You bend down, letting them hug your good side with Jake telling them to be careful and not tug your neck.

Maryanne steps away from you, telling Jake to bend down. She wraps her arms around his neck, giving him a hug.

Edwin does the same.

You wipe your cheeks, not wanting to cry even though this is what you’ve been waiting for.

Three months later...

Maryanne stands in front of you, “mama?”

“Yeah, baby?” You turn to look at her, seeing how she looks down at the ground. You furrow your brows, “what’s wrong? Are you feeling, okay?” You place the back of your hand on her forehead. She pulls your hand away from her forehead and shakes her head. “Did you break something?”

“No... I want to do something for Jake.”

You nod, smiling (happy to know no one’s hurt or sick). “Okay, like what?”

“I- we want to do something for him for… Father’s Day.”

The smile slowly falls from your face, “oh,” you gulp. “Did you two have something in mind? And know that just because we’re getting married doesn’t mean that you have to do anything. I know we’ve had a hard time adjusting with one another,” you move the few strands of hair that fell off her face. “He would be happy with anything whether we do something or not.”

She pouts, “I know but we want him to know that we like him and- and that we want him to be our dad.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

“Can he adopt us?”

You lift your hand up, covering your mouth, shocked at her surprising request.

“Mama?”

You shake your head, blinking your eyes rapidly to prevent the tears from falling. You wrap your arms around her shoulders pulling her in for a tight hug. “Oh, my sweet girl.” You detach yourself from her, holding her by her shoulders, “that is more than okay, sweetheart. And you’re sure this is something you and Edwin want?”

She nods as a smile tugs at the corners of her lips.

“We should start now if we want it ready by then huh?”

The wedding was a small one with only Jake’s fellow pilots, WSO’s, and other navy members invited. You both invited his sister, but she was pregnant with baby number four and was unable to fly over.

She was kind enough to call and say that she and her husband would drive over, but it’d take too long for them to arrive. You assured her that it was okay, and she would be missed (you were so close to getting to hear embarrassing stories about pre-pilot Jake).

You didn’t let Jake see you before the wedding (much to his displeasure).

You walk down the aisle with Penny and Amelia walking you down the aisle. When you asked the girls, it easily became one of the most emotional moments when it came to planning the wedding, but you have no regrets (even if the few photos of you three walking down the aisle were of the Benjamin girls crying the entire time).

It was something else when you two were married by Pete.

And, of course, Maryanne was the most adorable flower girl ever making sure used all the petals in her basket and Edwin was a handsome ring bearer.

Thank God you didn’t assign anyone with this task because when Mickey and Logan were asking you a while ago, they showed you the website where you could rent a bear. Of course, this was a joke… you hoped anyway but they did redeem themselves by helping out with all the guy’s suits (after giving them the “mom” look).

Almost everyone- that’s a lie, everyone was crying, no matter how hard you tried not to, you did.

The water works got worse when Jake gave his vows. The man may be cocky as hell, but the man knows when to put his heart and soul into something.

Jake could barely keep his hands to himself when Pete said, “you may now kiss the bride.”

“More like devour the bride,” Bradley mutters. Jake pulls back, needing air, knowing you need the same.

“Can it chicken, you’re just jealous.”

The mustache man scoffs, prepared to say something else when Javy pulls him off to the side, handing him a drink. “To the happy couple!”

Javy and Bradley are the first to raise a glass. “To the happy couple!”

“To my stunning and gorgeous wife,” he whispers in your ear.

“And to my charmingly cocky husband.”

“I see how it is. I compliment you and you insult me.”

“It’s all part of my charm.”

“You weren’t this mean when we first started going out.”

“I didn’t want to show you my dark side.”

“Sure, you didn’t.”

“Okay, enough you two,” Penny takes your drinks from you two, “it’s time for the first dance.”

You let out a dramatic sigh, “if we must.”

“Prepare to have your heels knocked off your feet.”

You place your hand on his shoulder, “play on the usual phrase, I see you’ve been studying with Edwin.”

He smirks, “’course I have. I wanted to impress you.”

“Oh,” you chuckle, “impress me? I see.”

“No more talking, more dancing.”

The song ends and you feel light tugging and look down to find your babies standing there.

“Looks like it’s time for family’s first dance,” DJ Bob announces, adding airhorns.

“I’m never letting baby on board DJ for us again.”

“Oh, c’mon, he’s doing good. Leave him be,” you tell your husband.

“This is a special request coming from the shortest guy here this evening and no, I’m not talking about Fanboy.”

Reuben, Natasha, and Billy cover their mouths to prevent them from spitting out their drinks.

Pete, Penny, Amelia, and Callie shake their heads.

Logan and Bradley shake their heads.

Javy and Bringham hold Mickey back from going after a power-hungry DJ Bob and Neil grabs the camera before the photographer of the evening, can drop it.

An Ice Age remix comes through the speakers and you three look down at Edwin, who innocently shrugs, “what?”

You and Jake glance back at one another and shake your heads, dancing until your feet begin to hurt.

Javy and Bob help back the car with wedding presents while Jake puts the kids in the back, letting them get comfortable and fall asleep.

“Thank you, boys.”

Javy gives you a rare, sweet smile, “anything for the newly Mrs. Seresin.”

Your lips quickly tug into an upward smile, “I haven’t heard that yet.”

“It feel weird?” “You know what? It doesn’t.”

“What doesn’t?” The man of the hour asks.

“Nothing.”

“And… we’re done. You two ready to go?” Bob interrupts.

“We are. Are one of you driving the car back to our place?”

“No, we’re gonna leave it here for the racoons to rip open and bring to you later tomorrow.”

“Just because you’re Jake’s friend, doesn’t mean that I won’t hesitate to kick your ass, Machado.”

Your husband wraps an arm around your waist pulling you back, “okay and that’s enough excitement for one day.”

“We’ll see you two there.”

Bob waves to you with his usual, adorable smile dancing across his lips.

You wave back before Jake holds you against the passenger door. “How do you feel?”

“Like I’m walking on air, husband of mine.”

“Glad to know I’m not the only one. Let’s go home.”

The day after the wedding…

You and Jake sit beside one another on the couch, looking through your wedding album, taking a break from opening presets.

“Aw,” you point to the photo Maryanne sent him a while ago. “When did we take this?”

“Our little darlin’ sent me this when we were- uh-” Jake scratches the back of his head, “away from each other.”

“Oh… why didn’t you ever show me this? Send it to me.”

“Can I never have a cute family photo for myself?”

You sigh, “I suppose you can.”

He shakes his head, “don’t you be trying to guilt trip me now, gorgeous.”

“Me? Guilt trip you, never.” You flip to another page, “wow!”

“Guess the kid is as good with a camera on the ground like he is in the air.”

“Yeah, I’ll say. We are so using him for the kid’s birthdays.”

You can feel the vibrations of him chuckling behind you.

“Guess that means we save a few bucks.”

“Don’t tell me now that we’re married, you’re going cheap on me.”

He scoffs, “never… I just didn’t expect Fanboy to be so good.”

“Wow, no wonder he was hesitant to ask me.” You shake your head, setting the album on the table and see the last gift on the table is the big one. “This one is from the kids, but we have to wait until they wake up.”

“What?” Jake whines.

“Please,” you plead.

“Fine, fine. Stop giving me those “sex” eyes.”

You scoff, “I am not giving you “sex” eyes. If anyone is giving those eyes, it’s you.”

“Wow!”

“I know, it sucks when your words come back to bite you in the ass, right?”

“I know something else that can bite you in the ass.”

“God! We just got married and it’s like you’ve become ten times hornier within twenty-four hours.”

“You just have that effect on me, gorgeous.”

“Did he open it yet?” Maryanne asks, scaring the shit out of you two.

You and Jake scream, the latter lets out an oof. “What happened? Are you okay?”

He shakes his head, holding his stomach, “no.”

You cringe, realizing what you did. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry, are you okay?”

“My poor, beautiful abs.”

You scoff, smacking his arm, “you’re fine.” You turn to look at the kids, “and no he did not. I wanted you two to be here with us.”

They run over to the couch, sitting on each side of him.

You grab the rectangular, thin box, handing it to him.

“You not gonna help me with this one?”

You shake your head, trying to hide your smile, “no, this one’s all you, honey.”

He narrows his eyes at you before looking back at the gift, ripping the gift open. He tosses the box to the side, holding a large manilla envelope. He stares at it with furrowed brows, “what-”

“Just open it,” you tell him.

He carefully opens it, pulling out the document. He starts to read it, “what-” his voice cracks. Jake scoots forward, setting everything on the coffee table so he can cover his eyes.

“Aw, honey,” you start.

The kids stare at you with wide eyes, unsure if this is a good reaction or not. They scoot off the couch, standing in front of him, wrapping their arms around his shoulders.

He returns the gesture. “I know we had a hard time gettin to know each other in the beginning,” he lifts his head, staring back and forth between the two, “but did you two really have to make a grown man cry?”

“We made you cry?” Your daughter asks.

“You should have been worried if I didn’t cry.”

“Fair point.”

You rub the back of his shoulder.

He looks back at you, “how long have you known about this?”

“Too long. I’m just happy your late/ early Father’s Day gift finally made its way to you."

“This is a- okay, new rule, give the old man a little warning so I have time to prepare myself.”

“Nah,” you shake your head, “this is better. We get the raw emotions.”

“Shut up,” he shoves your thigh.

You smile, leaning back against the couch.

“Let’s a movie… not Ice Age,” he pulls Edwin closer, “whispering”, “we’ll watch it when the girls aren’t here.”

The young boy nods, giggling, “okay.”

Maryanne settles in on your side with Jake on your left, an arm wrapped around your shoulders and Edwin on his left.

“Oh, wait. We need popcorn,” says your daughter.

“Let’s go.” Edwin pulls her into the kitchen, preparing the movie snacks.

He pulls you closer.

“I told you they like you.”

He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, “okay, maybe you were right.”

“I was so right, darlin.”

“Look at you trying to copy my accent.”

“Honey, I pull that accent off better than you.”

“Oh, is that how we’re playing it?”

“You bet.”

“How about we cut this competition short?”

“Oh, yeah. How’s that-”

He cups your cheek, pulling you in for a kiss.

“We’re done- ew!”

You can’t help but smile as you two part from one another.

“Alright, kids. Settle in,” he tells them.

They return to their previous seats.

You rest your head against his shoulder.

This is exactly how you pictured it, the family life with Jake.

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theobrowningfd · 1 year ago

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This time of year was always chaotic. But in a good way. Between the kids being off from school, Winnie working part time, more incidences where the fire department was called, and the holidays coming up, Theo was rightfully exhausted. Taking a sip of his water, he nodded. "Yeah, it's a hectic time of year, though I can imagine orders down at the shop are coming in left and right." He answered gesturing with one hand. Neither he nor Winnie had a job where they had to make things or pack things and they didn't have deadlines but he still sympathized with Cage. Plus he knew how raising a kid could make things around this time of year stressful too. "That's very true, it really is. Though as long as it doesn't snow, it'll make it even better."

Theo was curious as to how the house was turning out, and was glad to hear any and all updates. Listening intently as Cage recounted some things. Rolling his eyes, he nodded and laughed, "that's Delia for you. I love her don't get me wrong, but she definitely can't wait for the end result of things sometimes." He shook his head and laughed a bit, knowing he was only teasing his sister. He understood what Cage meant, he himself, was the same way sometimes. "Yeah I know what you mean. I'm the same way sometimes if I am being honest. Though sometimes I do enjoy the process, but I think we all can be a little too impatient sometimes." Theo agreed, but it was not that easy, nothing was. Understanding the difference with Rosalyn and Colton, "yeah, at least with Rosalyn, she's so little so she has no idea. But man that's gotta be tough keeping it from Colton. Though I'm sure he'll be excited for it!"

Feeling a lopsided smiel touch his lips when Theo mentioned not knowing if he was coming or going, he nodded, knowing that he could relate to that all too well. "Between the house and fulfilling orders at the shop, and then starting to think about Christmas shopping, and school being out for the holidays, yeah, I feel you," it was tough to keep your head on straight, especially when you were juggling a household of people, which Cage knew that Theodore would relate to all too well, having kids of his own. "But it's also the best time of year, so it's hard to be too upset about that."

Settling in a little more once their orders were placed, he felt his face light up a little bit at the turn of subject towards the renovations. "Pretty well. Although I'm sure Cordelia's told you otherwise, she can be a little impatient," he laughed. "I think if we could snap our fingers and be done, she'd be thrilled. I like the slow grind of watching it all come together," painstakingly working on every last little -- or big -- project that needed to be done. "Oh yeah, harder with Colton. Rosalyn's young enough that I don't think she suspects anything. Colton just thinks I'm working on a house that Cordelia's helping with to," he picked up both hands to make air quotes, "learn some stuff, but it's a tough secret to keep."

#Theo and Cage #Cage Thread 03

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sarahrogersevans · 2 years ago

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Love Her As My Own- Frank Adler fan fiction

Summary: Frank loves taking care of Mary but hopes to raise her with someone he loves.

Frank’s POV

Warnings: angst, mild language, fluff, mentions not feeling good enough and let me know if I missed anything else.

I love Mary so much she’s such a bright kid and has a big heart but sometimes I worry I’m not good enough to be her guardian but I think I’m doing pretty well now but she needs a mother role model in her life as well.

Mary has met the previous women who I’ve been with but she really needs a permanent woman in her life plus I’ve thought about settling down with someone I love.

——A few days later——

I went to the bar one night to get a drink after a busy day after work and I was waiting to order and I see one of the bartenders at the bar and I call out to them.

“Hey bartender?” I said.

This beautiful woman turns around and says “Hey what can I get you… wait, Frank?! Oh my goodness hey you! Been a while.”

It was my old friend Y/N that I’ve known for years that I’ve also had a crush on. I haven’t seen her in seven years so you can imagine I’d not know what to say at first.

I said “Hey there stranger how have you been??”

Y/N smiled and looked at me saying “I’ve been doing well just been working how about you Adler?”

I said “Hey that’s great I’m glad you’re doing well and oh me just working on those boats and taking care of Mary”

Y/N was pouring a drink and handed it to me and asked “oh yea she’s your niece right?”

I took a sip of the beer, swallowed and nodded saying “Yep she’s my niece she’s a great kid with a big heart and very smart. You’d like her.”

Y/N smiled and said “I bet I would if she’s like her uncle I’d love to meet her.”

I looked at my watch and said “oh shit!! I gotta go pick up Mary now actually I gotta find her a friend to stay with so I can go to my court hearing tomorrow and she has school tomorrow and I can’t be late.”

Y/N saw me start leaving and said “Hey wait..”

I turned around and said “What’s up??”

Y/N said “if you want.. she can stay with me tonight? I’ll make sure she gets to school and she can stay with me until you can come get her.”

I felt relieved and very grateful knowing she’d wanna help out and said “are you sure you don’t mind?”

Y/N said “Hey not at all you can drop her off at my place tonight I get off at 9pm.”

I said “hey great thank you so much Y/N this means a lot to me I’m working hard at getting full custody of her soon and hopefully this hearing ties everything up.”

Y/N smiled at me for a minute not saying anything and I wondered what she was thinking.

I blushed and said “what? What is it Y/N? What are you thinking?”

Y/N shook her head and said “nothing, you’re a wonderful uncle to that kid she’s a lucky girl Adler, here give me your number and I’ll text you when I’m off so you can bring her by.”

I wrote down my number for her on a napkin and she grabbed it and I said “thank you Y/N again I mean it.”

She nodded and I left to pick up Mary at our neighbor and trusted friend Robertas’ house and I knocked on the door.

Roberta opened the door and said “Hey Frank come on in she’s all ready to go we just finished eating dinner and she did her homework.”

Mary ran up to me and hugged me and said “Hey Frank guess what?”

I picked her up and said “what’s up kiddo?”

Mary said “Roberta and I danced to music and sang after homework for my reward for finishing.”

I smiled at Mary and couldn’t be more proud of this girl. I said “Good job kiddo I’m very proud of you alright I gotta drop you off at a friends’ house so I can get to meeting tomorrow, thank you again Roberta.”

Roberta patted me on the shoulder and said “anytime Frank I love spending time with her. Goodnight.”

I heard my phone buzz and I got it out of my pocket and it was Y/N, I felt happy when I saw it her texting me saying “hey I’m at home you can bring her by, see you soon.”

I got Mary in the truck and strapped her in and then got in the truck and said “so the friend you’re gonna stay with is a very good friend of mine her name is Y/N she’s gonna take you to school tomorrow and pick you up and I’ll come get you when I can tomorrow ok?”

Mary nodded and said “ok, is she pretty?”

I blushed and said “yes she’s pretty and very nice she’s an old friend I care about.”

Mary could tell it was more than that and she always would tease me if I liked someone.

Mary poked me and said “you like her!”

I nervously laughed and said “what?.. no we’re just friends Mary.”

Mary said “yea whatever you say Frank.”

We got to Y/N’s place and I rang the doorbell and she opened the door and hugged me and said “Hey again.”

I smiled and said “Hey Y/N thank you again.”

I looked over at Mary and said “Mary, this is Y/N she’s gonna have you stay with her until I finish with my meeting tomorrow ok?”

Mary held out her hand said “hi I’m Mary, you’re Y/N right? My uncle likes you he talks about you a lot.”

Y/N shook hands with her and said “Hi Mary I’ve heard a lot of good things about you come in.”

I said “alright goodnight kiddo bye Y/N thank you.”

I got in the truck and sat there for a minute thinking if she could be the one she would be an amazing mother figure to her I had a good feeling about it.

——time skip——

Four in the afternoon and I just got my court hearing done and they granted me full custody to Mary I was really happy I love being her guardian I couldn’t wait to go give her and Y/N the news.

I got to Y/N’s place and knocked on the door and I could hear through the door “Honey it’s Frank he’s here.” Usually I don’t hear many of my friends calling Mary honey but I liked hearing her say that.

Y/N saw I was a bit anxious but smiling and said “hey Frank come on in we were just having fun out in the backyard swimming in my pool.”

Mary ran over and said “hey Frank! You’re back come join us in the pool!”

I knelt down and said “oh that sounds fun kiddo but let’s see if Y/N would be ok with us staying a bit.”

We both looked at her and Y/N said “oh hey yea of course!”

Y/N and I stood by the pool talking while Mary got in the pool again and swam around and I turned to look at Y/N and she was watching Mary swimming around and Mary waved back at her with a smile then I knew I had to ask.

I said “hey Y/N.. could I talk to you about something?..”

Y/N looked at me and said “yea of course Frank what is it?”

I took a deep breath and said “would you maybe help me raise Mary? She loves you I can tell and I know you enjoy having her around I can tell by how you act with her.. and I’ve thought about this for years but sadly I never told you.. I really like you and I was hoping to have you around more.”

Y/N was surprised but then she had a warm smile on her face and cried and said “wow Frank .. I would be honored to help raise Mary I would love her as she were my own and truth is Adler I like you too.”

I went closer and put my hand on her cheek and kissed her softly.

Mary saw us smiling at each other and came over by us and said “hey what’s going on?”

Y/N wiped her tears away and we both looked at each other and then looked at Mary and I knelt down by her and said “well, Y/N and I are both your guardians now kiddo.”

Mary hugged us both and we both cried happy tears while rubbing her back and said “we love you kiddo.”

This was a special request from an ask I hope you like it 🤗

#frank adler #chris evans #angst fic #request #gifted #frank adler x reader #chris evans characters #fluff #ask answered #fanfics

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mellowswriting · 3 years ago

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I saw that requests are open! would it be possible for you to write a follow up to Second Chances with javi and reader? Maybe you have another kid and this time javi is able to be there for you throughout the whole pregnancy, and get to experience the first kick, you giving birth, etc (I am a sucker for domestic!javi if you can't tell haha) I think it would be really cute!!

From the Beginning

pairing || Javier Peña x afab!Reader

summary || Javier gets to experience the chaotic excitement of welcoming a new baby to the family.

word count || 6,466

warnings || kid fic, pregnant reader, non-graphic childbirth, some spiciness but no smut, dad!Javi being adorable

a/n || I can’t even express how much I love writing about the boys as dads, especially Javier! I really hope you all enjoy this, it was so very much fun to write.

Main Masterlist | Join the taglist!

Early spring mornings always had a special quality about them. The air was never too hot, pleasantly warm with a hint of a cool breeze that still lingered from winter’s sharp grip. Plants were beginning to bloom, the trees regaining their bright green foliage that ruffled in a symphony with every pass of the wind. Spring was the bringer of warmth after the ice and snow, the nurturer that coaxed seeds to sprout and flourish, the guide for new life and hope.

Ironic, then, that those very qualities you had grown to love were the ones causing you so much inner turmoil that you couldn’t even enjoy the gorgeous morning happening around you. You hadn’t even realized what was happening at first. Mother nature hadn’t exactly gifted you with a cycle that could be easily followed and predicted. Instead you had the supreme pleasure of having to carry around menstrual products everywhere you went and having to replace your underwear far more often than usual. So when you went two months without the waves of cramps and frustration of your period, it wasn’t all that remarkable.

It was when you were doing some last minute grocery shopping the night before that you realized something was off. Well, more off than usual. The sight of the shelves of tampons made your stomach bottom out with realization. You must’ve made quite a sight as you stood in that aisle with a cart half full of food, just staring at tampons with dread. Two boxes of pregnancy tests got tossed in with the various other items in your cart and you hoped that Javier was too tired from work to insist he help you put away the groceries.

For once, the universe appeared to be on your side. Your husband was sitting on the floor with Elianna, a spread of coloring books and crayons scattered on the living room carpet, and he actually listened to you when you waved him off to carry the bags in yourself. The tests were tucked away in the bathroom behind your tampons - ironic, yes, but it was the one place Javier really wouldn’t be poking around.

Honestly, a part of you felt bad for not telling Javier right away. He had more than proven himself as a great father and husband in the nearly two years since he returned to your life. Those irrational little fears of him leaving you and little Ellie had been crushed into nothing in the wake of the role he readily took on with his daughter, but this was different. Maybe it was pretty naive of you to not have that conversation with him, but it was something you thought you still had time for.

The plus sign on the pregnancy tests told you the time for that conversation was now, apparently. You were grateful for the timing of your little realization. Saturday mornings saw the standing trend of your sister whisking Ellie away for some ‘auntie and niece time’, and you really didn’t want her to feel the tension you were carrying. She was such a perceptive little girl that had an eye for everything.

Javier was still asleep. You usually slept in with him on the weekends, but you were restless to find out if your period was just pulling a fast one on you or if you actually were pregnant. Now you had four positive tests sitting in front of you and a sleeping husband who you couldn’t decide whether or not to wake up. Luckily, you ended up not having to make that choice since two sharp raps of his knuckles against the bathroom door snapped you out of your trance.

The door opened a millisecond after you snatched up the tests and hid them behind your back, not so unlike Ellie when she was hiding a treat she wasn’t supposed to have yet. The difference was that you didn’t know if this would be a treat to Javier. He was still half asleep, his thin pajama pants slug low on his hips and his eyes squinted against the bathroom light.

“G’morning,” He grunted as he moved to shuffle past you. “Move over, I gotta piss.”

You were rooted to the spot, though, your brain floundering to gain control of your muscles. “Uhm…”

“What’s wrong?” Javier slowly perked up through his sleepy haze at the realization that you looked downright terrified. He put his hand on your bicep and squeezed slightly. “Is Ellie okay?”

“What? No, yeah, Ellie’s fine. She’s with Amelia.” You spluttered, cringing at your inability to function.

“Then why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Javi pressed. There really wasn’t any hiding things from him. Ellie must get that sharp eye of hers from her father. “What are you holding behind your back?”

You tried to swallow down the thickness that enveloped your throat to form some sort of words, literally anything to convey to him what the hell was going on, but your body was seized with fear. So you held out the tests wordlessly. His eyebrows furrowed as he took the bundle of tests from your hand, staring at them with a split second’s confusion before it dawned on him. “This…? You…?”

“Yeah.” You whispered. The worry in your voice must’ve been obvious because Javier was on you in a second flat, his arms crowding you into his chest with a crushing strength.

“You’re pregnant?” Javier croaked into your neck and the dam of emotion in your chest crumbled. His voice was full of excited disbelief, and relief crashed over you.

“Yeah, I am.” You said with a tearful chuckle, winding your arms around him to burrow yourself even further into his chest. “I know we never really talked about having another kid but… is this something you want, Javi?”

“Fuck, this is ironic.” Javier laughed quietly and when you looked up at him, he avoided your eyes with an almost bashful look. “I was gonna ask you today if you ever thought about it. Do you have any idea how many times I went over it in my head?”

You couldn’t help it - you cracked up laughing. The whole thing was almost ridiculous - the both of you worrying despite wanting the exact same thing. Tears of relief and laughter soaked into his t-shirt as you both broke into chaotic laughter, fingers clutching at each other’s shirts as you tried to catch your breath.

“So, uh… are we doing this?” Javier sounded nervous, his hands rubbing up and down your back as if to reassure himself. “You really wanna have a baby with me? Again?”

“Yeah.” Your voice was choked with a tense mix of emotions, so you cleared your throat and tried again. “Yeah, I do.”

“I can’t… fuck, I can’t believe you - you’d… thank you.” He babbled, nearly unintelligible in his scramble to convey how fucking grateful he was, but you knew. It wasn’t the first time you had heard the desperate need to spit words he couldn’t really find, the words that matched the swell of emotions in his chest that still wasn’t used to voicing. “Fuck, Ellie’s gonna be such a good big sister.”

That choked you up more than you expected. She really would be, you knew that for a fact, but it was a dream you had boxed up and shoved on a shelf with all your other unrealistic dreams for your future. Never in your life did you let yourself really think you could have the whole package deal - the loving (albeit gruff) husband, the big house, the sound of little feet chasing each other through the halls…

“Wait, how long have you been…? Or do we have to see a doctor first? Oh shit, we have to find a doctor for you, what the fuck are they called..? A fucking... obstetrician!” Javi rambled in a mix of nerves and excitement, breaking from your embrace to pace the length of the bathroom. “How are you feeling? Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help, because -”

“Javi, breathe!” You calmed him with both hands out to stop his walking and braced your hands on his shoulders to rub at him firmly. “We have plenty of time, okay? Let me go make some coffee for you and we can sit down and make a plan. First, didn’t you have to go to the bathroom?”

“Oh… yeah.”

----------

Javier couldn’t stop bouncing his knee. It was a subconscious thing, something he stopped the moment he realized but soon found it moving of its own volition all over again. He really was trying not to let his nerves show even though he knew that you could tell. It was all so new to him, which wouldn’t be a problem if the reminder didn’t gut him every goddamn time. He couldn’t imagine how alone you must have felt the first time around when you were pregnant with Elianna, especially in these cold, sterile doctors offices.

His grip tightened on your hand. The feeling of your fingertips pressed against the top of his hand kept him grounded, helped him remind himself that there was no going back and changing everything else that happened. All he could do was be there this time around, be the best version of himself that he could be for you and his kid - well, kids now. Plural. The excitement was almost enough to drown away the guilt. Javi really could barely believe that he was getting the privilege of experiencing this with you.

“I’ve seen files on drug lords shorter than all that.” Javier nodded at the pile of forms and paperwork you held in your lap and you laughed brightly. He preened a little at the sound. It was something he could never get enough of, that laugh of yours. “I love you.”

You looked up at him, the pen in your hand stopping its constant scratching for the first time in forever, and gave him a lopsided smile. “I love you, too.”

There was no way he wasn’t going to kiss you after that adorable little display. Your cheek felt soft against his palm and the little sigh of relief you huffed against him was addictive. Just knowing that he was an anchor for you made Javier feel so incredibly loved and important and all he wanted to do was imbue you with that same sense of security. He held you close, his hand slipping back to the back of your neck to keep you right where he wanted you, and gave you those soft little kisses that never failed to make you melt.

“Mrs. Peña?” A nurse called out and he had no choice but to let you go with one last peck against your lips. He followed you and the nurse into the exam room, nerves and excitement soaring even higher in his chest.

It was kind of fascinating, watching you answer the nurse’s barrage of questions. Questions about your medical history, how many pregnancies you’ve had, all about your menstrual cycle. The two of you went back and forth for at least fifteen minutes, tossing questions and answers back and forth like a tennis match. The nurse left with the promise of the doctor being in momentarily for an ultrasound.

“Come hold my hand?” You asked, and how could he deny such a sweet request?

“Of course,” He pulled a chair from across the room and settled himself next to the exam table, both of his hands wrapping around one of yours as he brought it up to his lips to kiss your knuckles. “So what happens now?”

“The doctor will give me an ultrasound. She’ll probably want to run some blood tests, too.” You sighed, obviously uncomfortable at the thought of needles.

“I’ll hold your hand then, too.” Javier promised.

“It’ll be good practice for you, ‘cause once I’m in labor I’ll probably break your hand.” You teased and yeah, broken fingers didn’t sound all that great but fuck, he was more than ready to let you do just that. Javier wanted to be your rock, wanted to support you through it all - especially since he couldn’t the first time.

Two quick knocks sounded against the door made Javier straighten up hastily. The doctor came in with a smile and a large machine wheeling in behind her. “Good morning, mom and dad! How’re we feeling?”

“All good here, Dr. Hall. A little nauseous, but still… good.” You gave Javier’s hand a little squeeze before letting go to unbutton your jeans and fold the waistband down, followed by pulling the hem of your shirt up. It was hard to believe that the beginning of an entire new life was right there between your hips.

“Good to hear!” Dr. Hall fiddled with the ultrasound machine for a moment before turning to you. “So today we’re going to take a look and find out how far along you are, make sure mom and baby both look healthy, okay?”

“Okay,” You and Javier said in unison, and he took your hand again, needing to feel you there with him.

The gel must’ve been cold based on the way you hissed slightly. Javier watched the screen as Dr. Hall trailed the wand over your belly, lips parting at the sight of the black and white image. It was hard to make out what exactly he was seeing at first, but the image shifted slightly and he could make out the tiniest, vague shape of the newest edition to his little family.

“It looks like you’re about ten weeks along.” Dr. Hall murmured without taking her eyes off of the screen. “Baby is about the size of a plum.”

Javier squeezed your hand lightly, the both of you sparing a glance at each other before staring back at the screen in wonder. The doctor pointed out the baby’s head and a little foot as she took her measurements, reassuring you both that everything looked perfect. He gave a rushed “yes, absolutely” when she asked if he wanted the ultrasound photos - there was a spot in his wallet that he had in mind for it already.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been in situations that left him shocked before. This was Javier Peña, after all. Life and career experiences had given him plenty of moments where his mind was completely washed blank with surprise, but never had it been such a good thing. There were so many times that the shock was accompanied by grief or anger, but excitement? Gratefulness? That was new to him, left him reeling the entire drive home, all throughout dinner. Something in the back of his mind nagged at him that he couldn’t be like this when Ellie got home the next day. She was smarter than he could’ve imagined any kid being at three years old and even though he agreed with your assertion that no one should know about your pregnancy for a few more weeks at least, Javier was certain his daughter would be able to needle it out of him.

Those expert interrogation skills must be hereditary.

It wasn’t until he was getting ready for bed that it really hit him how real it was, that you really were sitting in the bed you shared with him, pregnant with his baby and making plans for the usual Sunday brunch and park visit you all did every week. As he set his wallet on the nightstand, he couldn’t help but pull out the little ultrasound picture. He had a feeling he would be doing that a lot, especially when the new cadets were driving him crazy at work. It all swelled up in his chest, the appreciation and excitement and disbelief, because holy shit, how did he get so lucky? One finger traced the little image in his hand, and he couldn’t help but blurt out, “Thank you.”

The confused look you gave him made him flounder for the words.

“I just… I know everything was fucked up the first time around but I swear, it’s going to be different this time. I am not going anywhere.” Javier slid closer at the sight of the tears in your eyes, easily welcoming your arms around his neck as you practically drug yourself into his lap. He held you close to his chest, trying to instill the certainty and promise of it all. “God, fuck, and I thought I couldn’t get enough of you before…”

“Javi…” You croaked, laughing wetly into his neck.

“I’m serious! You’re gonna have to tell me to fuck off when you want space because I can’t keep my hands off you.” Javi teased, relief washing over him at your seeming acceptance of his promises. “And now like this, growing my baby�� fuck, I am in this with you. Me and you and Ellie… and our little plum.”

That night, Javier fell asleep with his head on your shoulder, his face buried in your neck, and his hand tucked into the waistband of your sweatpants to cradle that precious space that held his newest child.

----------

Ellie couldn’t stop touting her new title to anyone who would listen.

“I’m a big sister!” She told the cashier at the grocery store, the other kids at the park and their moms for good measure, and even the mailman when they came by each morning. The brightness in her eyes when she said it made your heart flip in your chest. You had expected some sort of confusion or even for her to be upset at the idea of a new sibling, but she launched right into a story about how her friend from playgroup has a baby sister, and you knew that she would be just fine.

With your sixteenth week rapidly approaching, you couldn’t be more grateful that Ellie was excited for the new addition to the family. It was one less thing for you to worry about amidst the chaos of bringing a new person into the world. The fatigue was something you definitely didn’t miss about pregnancy - it washed over you without warning, left you nodding off wherever you sat. Thank god Javier was such a hands on father. He had no problem herding Ellie off into the backyard or off for a walk to let you get some much needed rest.

You hadn’t expected him to be such a hands on husband, though. Sure, you knew he was excited and you knew he already loved everything about your body, but he really wasn’t lying when he said pregnancy made him want you even more. Every night, Javi’s hands gravitated to your body to ease the kinks out of your muscles, to rub your feet until the aches went away, to cheekily offer you an orgasm if you were up for one. It made you feel cherished, something you sorely missed the first time you were pregnant.

“Thank you, Javi,” You groaned lowly as those strong hands of his worked at your lower back. He easily hitched your thigh up slightly to ease some of the pressure on the new swell to your belly. There was a slur in your voice when you said, “Feels so good.”

Javier chuckled behind you, moving on to rub your feet. “Be quiet, you don’t want to wake Ellie.”

“Did you ever see this being our life?” You murmured though your voice was muffled by the pillows you buried your head in. “Telling each other not to wake the kids, making bacon smiley faces for a toddler’s breakfast?”

“I didn’t think I’d actually get it, but I wished for it. Dreamt about how pretty you’d look all full of me.” Javi placed a teasing kiss to the inside of your thigh. “The real thing is so much better.”

You could only groan under his praise. His thumbs dug into the arch of your foot and rubbed in methodical circles, drawing another pleased groan from you that you muffled in your pillow. The pain slowly melted from your tired muscles under his thorough ministrations, leaving a pleasant warmth in his wake that made you all pliant and drowsy beneath him.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Javi asked as he rubbed his hands up your calves and you smiled. You knew exactly what he was gunning for.

You eased yourself onto your back and reached out for him with both arms, bringing him forward with grabby hands that he could never refuse. Javier settled between your thighs, a knowing smirk on his face, and leaned down to kiss you deeply. “‘M feeling good, Javi.”

“You know I love making my girl feel good,” Javi murmured as he kissed down your neck, one hand trailing back and forth over your hip and thigh lovingly. “Can I make you feel even better?”

“Please?” You asked breathily and your husband was more than happy to oblige. The loose tank top you wore was the first to go, followed quickly by your shorts and underwear.

Javier set about lavishing your neck and chest with affection, his touch more gentle than usual on your oversensitive breasts, and once again you were struck by the surrealness of it all. The fact that this had begun in Colombia all those years ago as two coworkers using sex for stress relief and had blossomed into this beautiful life you shared together was a thing of dreams. But there you were, with Javier Peña making love to you, quietly as to not wake your daughter and gently as to keep you and your baby safe and happy, and you could barely believe it.

“I love you,” You choked out through the tears that sprung into your eyes and Javi sat up to look at you with a concerned expression.

“What? What’s wrong?” He asked, his eyes roaming all over to find the apparent source of your tears.

“Nothing’s wrong.” You tried to pull him back down to you but he didn’t budge, the concern unwavering.

“Then why are you crying?” Javier brushed a thumb under your eyes to wipe away the evidence of your strong burst of emotion.

“Because I love you,” You chuckled as you held his hand close to your cheek and pressed a kiss to the middle of his palm. “And I’m pregnant, so everything is a thousand times more intense and you don’t get to tease me for that.”

“I would never,” Javi muttered but the mischievous grin on his face betrayed him. “Let me make you feel better, baby,”

“I’m already better, Javi - oh,”

----------

Two o’clock in the morning was not an ideal time to wake up, especially since Javier knew that Ellie would be awake and full of energy by seven, but something felt off. Even in his unconscious state, he could feel the absence of you in bed and his mind nagged at him to get up and find you. The hardwood was cold beneath his feet as he wandered from the bedroom, finding the bathroom empty before he made his way down the stairs. You often would rest on the recliner in the living room when your back was bothering you particularly bad, especially since your center of gravity had so drastically changed the further along you got in your pregnancy - but you weren’t there either.

Before Javi could start really worrying, he heard the refrigerator open and found you peering into the illuminated fridge in search of… something. A pint of ice cream was already in your hand, a spoonful of it hanging from your lips as you browsed with a frustrated look on your face, and honestly… Javi loved how you looked. It was so domestic and sweet, the sight of you in your pajamas that barely covered your belly as you raided the kitchen.

Thirty-six weeks and four days. He could barely believe how much time had passed since he saw those positive tests. It felt like forever and the blink of an eye at the same time, and he was beyond excited to meet his newest little one.

“What are you looking for, sweetheart?” Javi asked after a moment of watching you helplessly search around.

The sheepish smile you gave him made his heart swell in his chest and he automatically opened his arms as you shuffled over to bury your face in his chest. “Your kid is driving me crazy with the cravings.”

Javier hugged you tightly, relishing in the way you relaxed against him. “Well, if they’re anything like me, they probably want those barbecue chips, then.”

It didn’t take long for him to get you herded back up to bed with the chips in hand and the sight of you sleepily munching away while burrowed in the blankets eased an almost innate need Javier had to see you safe and happy, all nice and taken care of in his bed. He climbed into bed once he was sure you didn’t need anything else, settling on his side with his head propped up against his hand to watch you despite his own sleepiness.

“Let your mama sleep, troublemaker.” He murmured to your belly as he rubbed gentle circles over the spots he could feel the nudges of his little one retaliating to their father’s stern words. “Need some lotion?”

“Hmmm, please?” You hummed.

Rubbing lotion into your skin was something Javi had taken a particular liking to. The first time he had seen you doing it yourself, he was quick to take over. That was the first time he felt his little one kick at his hands and he fell even more in love - something he hadn’t thought was possible. It was a good way to feel closer to you both, to his wife and the baby you were bringing into the world, and the way you dozed slightly as he helped you relax made him feel needed, like he was doing right by you. That’s all he ever wanted to do.

A nudge to the edge of his hand made Javier glance back down to where his hands were running all over your belly, but it was the sight of the baby rolling that made him do a double take. “Holy shit,” He whispered, hands frozen as he saw what had to be the imprint of a little foot or hand poke out before disappearing. “There really is a whole person in there.”

“You’re tellin’ me,” You grumbled, grimacing slightly at the feeling. “It’s aerobics hour, apparently.”

“That’s fucking crazy.” Javi tentatively resumed massaging the lotion into your skin. It was hard to fathom, the idea that your body was so capable of creating and nurturing a brand new life, and for the millionth time he found himself thanking the universe for letting him have this second chance.

----------

Gabriel Peña came early, quick, and with a sharp cry you were sure could be heard throughout the entire hospital. His little nose was scrunched up, his face all red from his wailing, hands curled into angry fists over his sudden eviction from the warmth and darkness he was accustomed to. It was a short labor, so very different from your first with Ellie for so many reasons but the biggest being the strong presence of Javier at your side. The moment the contractions began at the crisp hour of six a.m., he was alert and full of nervous excitement.

True to his word, Javier let you clutch onto him through it all - every contraction, every push, every angered grumble you threw his way for getting you pregnant in the first place. That sharp mind of his kept up under the pressure. He spoonfed you ice chips and let you use him for support as you rocked your way through particularly bad contractions.

There were tears in Javier’s eyes as he carefully set his hand on his son’s head, carefully musing the shock of dark, wispy hair on his head. You leaned your head against Javi’s shoulder, exhaustion, relief, and happiness warring with each other after hours of labor. You felt his lips press against your temple before he sniffled and whispered, “Thank you.”

Javier stayed by Gabriel’s side the entire time the doctors checked him over and cleaned him up, per your instructions, and he was the one to return your son to your arms. It was the most careful you had ever seen him, his movements slow and deliberate, eyes on the baby’s adorable, chubby face.

“Seven pounds, nine ounces,” Javi murmured as he drug a chair as close to your bedside as possible and settled in, his hand resting on your thigh. A disgruntled whine came from the baby wriggling in your arms and you smiled, knowing he was hungry and could probably smell the milk your body had been preparing to make for his arrival. You pulled the gown down to expose your breast, propping your arm with a pillow to better support him, and adjusted his latch to settle in.

“Nice latch, mama,” One of the nurses said as she finished settling the blankets around your feet.

“Not my first time at this rodeo.” You chuckled quietly. It had been a while since Ellie weaned but you still remembered the struggle of figuring out how to get a newborn to latch properly when you had no idea what you were doing. You set your hand over Javi’s, smiling at him when he blinked sleepily up at you. Neither of you had gotten much rest before Gabriel decided to make his appearance into the world. “Can you hand me some water, honey?”

“Of course,” Javi perked up with the small task you gave him. There wasn’t much he could do at this point, but you wanted him to feel involved, to feel like he was helping you, and even though his mere presence helped you relax, you knew he was an ‘action’ kind of man. He needed something to do to feel useful. He held the straw steady for you and everything, your sweet husband. “How’re you feeling?”

“Tired.” You answered honestly, leaning into his hand when he brushed stray hairs from your face.

“I know this wasn’t easy. I’m proud of you.” It was a simple statement but it hit you right in your chest. As excited as you were to have another baby, it was hard. Exhausting. He could see it all, how tired you were and how hard you were working just to carry on like normal through your pregnancy, and while he did everything he could to ease some of that burden, the plain acknowledgement of how hard you worked felt good.

“I love you so much.” You whispered, pulling his hand close to kiss his palm.

“I love you, too.” Javier leaned over the side of the bed and kissed you softly, careful not to jostle his son where he sleepily nursed against you. “How are our kids so damn cute?”

You huffed a laugh, which made Gabriel shift against you before settling back down, sighing suspiciously similar to his father. “It helps that their dad is incredibly good looking.”

“True,” Javi said, trying for that cocky tone you loved but you didn’t miss the pink tinge to the tips of his ears. Compliments always got him like that, all red-faced and adorable - though he would never admit it.

A short nap later and you had one very excited Ellie fidgeting in the chair next to your bed, impatiently waiting to meet her baby brother. Javier stood behind her, quietly reminding her to be careful as you helped keep the squirming newborn steady in her lap. Your heart damn near exploded when she began cooing at her brother and very gently touching his soft cheeks. She was enamored by him, asking so many questions that you and her father could barely keep up.

“Can we share my bed?” “No, he can’t sleep in your bed, baby. He has to sleep in a special bed in mommy and daddy’s room.”

“Does he get a special seat like me?” “Yep! Daddy’s putting his carseat in next to yours right now. You’ll get to talk to him the whole way home.”

“Is he gonna cry a lot?” “Yeah, he will. That’s how babies let people know they need something since they don’t have words like we do.”

“Can I share my crackers with him?” “Not yet! Right now, he only drinks milk.” “Milk? Like for cereal?” “Kind of, but it comes from your mommy.” “What?!” “You ate the same thing when you were a little baby, too.” “What?!”

The entire drive home was full of little Ellie chatting away at her baby brother, mostly about the stuffed animals she had at home that she promised to show him the moment they got home. There was a small smile on Javier’s face as he drove, his hand curled around yours on the center console. He practically radiated contentment and damn did it look good on him.

----------

For what felt like the millionth time, you woke before the sun had a chance to rise. Though this time, it was to the feeling of a full bladder rather than the sound of a hungry baby, so that could be counted as a small win at the very least. You tried to ignore the ache in your healing body as you stumbled your way to and from the bathroom, near silent in your movements even though you were half asleep. It was a well practiced dance, getting out and back into bed without waking your sleeping children.

But something was off. The sheets were cooler than usual, missing the fire-like heat that Javier radiated constantly. You sat up, blinking against the drowsiness and darkness to see your husband passed out on the rocking chair in the corner of the room with Gabriel curled up on his bare chest. Skin-to-skin contact was something Javier couldn’t get enough of. He told you how close it made him feel to his son and you couldn’t complain. It was a precious sight. Avoiding the creaky floorboards, you carefully covered Gabriel with a soft baby blanket and smoothed it down his back.

“S’wrong?” Javier mumbled, words slurred with sleep, his eyes barely cracking open. On instinct, his hands shifted over the little baby asleep on him to hold him closer, even more secure.

“Shh, nothing’s wrong.” You soothed as you gently tucked his curls back away from his forehead. “Go back to sleep.”

“M’kay.” And with that his eyes were closed, back to dozing like he was never interrupted in the first place. You were glad. Tomorrow was an early morning, and paired with all of the midnight feedings and diaper changes, you all could use some rest. So you laid back down, sleep dragging you back under swiftly.

Javier was practically bouncing with nerves just hours later, even though he was trying not to show it. It brought you back to that first appointment when you were pregnant, only this time he held a sleeping one-month old who he was trying not to wake up with his nervousness.

“I just want it to go well.” He grumbled when you asked if he was okay.

“It will.” You reassured him, rubbing circles into his knee. “They’re both perfectly healthy, the pediatrician will tell you that, too.”

You were right - then again, when weren’t you? Gabe was a healthy nine and a half pounds, strong heart and lungs, and good reflexes. Javier was hooked on the pediatrician’s every word, nodding along and giving you a relieved smile with each positive statement. And of course, Ellie’s rambunctiousness had the pediatrician and nurses completely captivated as she told them all about her preschool and the antics she got up to while they checked her over.

The pride on Javier’s face with every positive comment and reassurance that both of his kids were on track developmentally made your heart flip. You felt so beyond lucky to have this little family of yours, with two beautiful children and the man you always loved. It felt too good to be true sometimes, especially when Javi pulled you close for a tight hug and a kiss to the side of your head before he worked to get one wiggly Gabe back into his onesie.

One impromptu trip to the park later and you and Javier had two very tired kids on your hands. Ellie was already passed out by the time Javier pulled into the driveway but Gabe was quickly venturing into ‘overtired’ territory. He was grumpy, wriggling around in your arms like he couldn’t get comfortable, all the while giving little whines and grunts that threatened to turn into full on wailing. He didn’t want milk, he didn’t need a diaper change, he just wanted to sleep but was too frustrated to let a nap take him.

“Give ‘em here.” Javier offered and you freely handed him over. The postpartum fatigue was no joke, and even though it was lessening with each passing day, you were damn tired so you had no issue with letting your husband put the baby down for a nap. You curled up on the couch, not quite going to sleep but still letting your mind and body rest as you listened to Javi try to negotiate with Gabriel as if he were some sicario and not just a particularly stubborn baby.

“C’mon, little man. Just go to sleep. All of your problems if you went to sleep right now? Solved. Completely solved. Instead of crying you could just… go to sleep.” Javier whispered over the cooing and grunting of his son. “Oh, don’t give me that face, mister.”

You snorted a laugh - you knew exactly what face Gabe was pulling. His nose and eyebrows would scrunch up, lips pursed as he huffed angry breaths like a little baby bull. It was an exaggerated copy of the face Javier pulled anytime he was frustrated, which you found ridiculously adorable. Slowly, the grumpy grunts became more and more quiet until they disappeared completely, and a few moments later, Javier flopped down on the couch next to you with a sigh.

“Got him down.” Javi said as he pressed close to you, burying himself between the back of the couch and your body to press his face into your neck. A blanket of drowsiness must have settled over the entire house as both kids napped peacefully in their beds and you cuddled up to your husband in the living room. The both of you would doze until the sound of little feet on the hardwood or the sounds of a hungry baby woke you, and then it would be back on the grind of parenthood, but you knew… with Javier by your side, you could do it.

{Taglist}

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#javier pena x reader #javier pena x you #javier pena #javier peña #javier peña x reader #javier pena fanfiction #javier peña fanfiction #narcos

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leossmoonn · 4 years ago

Text

Dear Y/n

masterlist

pairing - carl gallagher x fem!reader

type - fluff

note / request - “OMFG FINALLY SOMEONE WRITES FOR RECENT CARL GALLAGHER. Can we get one where the reader is Kev and V’s daughter so they grew up together. And maybe Carl is her secret admirer” so i made debbie and you seniors and carl a junior since he is technically a year younger than debbie. so let’s pretend that debbie stayed in school and carl never went to military school lol, just for the sake of this imagine. enjoy!

summary - you find a note in your locker from a secret admirer and try to figure it out who is your secret admirer

warnings - language

————

*gif isn't mine*

“Hey, girl!” Debbie exclaimed. You looked up from your phone, smiling as you spotted your friend.

“Hey,” you smiled while walking up to her. Your attention when to Franny, who was sitting in her stroller. You crouched down and smiled at the baby.

“Hi, baby. How are you? Do you like going to school with Mommy? You know, some day you’ll be going to school. I’ll be an adult and with kids, too!” You babbled to the baby. Franny squealed and held her hands up to you. You giggled, bopping her nose before going up back to talk to Debbie.

“You’re really good with her,” Debbie complimented.

“Thanks, kids kinda like me,” you giggled.

Debbie rolled her eyes, “Yeah, we know. Anyways, can we hang at your house?”

You two started walking to your guys’s lockers. “Sure. I have to babysit Jems and Ames, though. Mom and Dad don’t get off work until like, midnight.”

Debbie nodded. “Franny can play with them.”

“Sounds good,” you nodded. You unlocked your locker, a piece of paper falling out.

“What’s that?” Debbie asked.

“I don't know,” you muttered, furrowing your brows. You picked up the paper, unfolding it. Your eyes widened as you saw its contents. It read:

Dear Y/n,

I thought your outfit looked really good. Not that your outfits don’t always look good, but today’s my favorite. I really like your jeans and your red shirt. Red really looks good with your eyes.

From,

Secret Admirer

Debbie read the note with you, laughing as she got to the end. “You have a secret admirer!”

You smiled, “Yeah. This is cute. I wonder who it’s from.”

“Maybe it’s from Dean Kepner,” Debbie said, nudging your shoulder teasingly.

You rolled your eyes, “That is the funniest shit I have ever heard.”

“Well, what if it is! I noticed him staring at your shirt today,” Debbie said.

You scoffed, “Yeah, more like staring at my tits. This note said nothing about my tits. It’s probably not him. Plus, I’m pretty sure Dean can’t make compound sentences. He’s worse at speaking than Ames and Jems, and they’re 3 years old.

Debbie chuckled, “True. Well, we should try to figure it out.”

“Eh. It's probably some jackass who wants to get in my head, and then embarrass me because I thought someone liked me,” you said.

“Be more optimistic!” Debbie exclaimed.

“Hm, I will if I get a second note. Let’s go, Jems and Ames are expecting me to pick them up from daycare,” you said. You grabbed a few textbooks and shut your locker. “Is Carl coming home with us?” You asked.

“I think so,” Debbie said. “Alright. Where is he?” You asked.

“Probably making out with some slut in the bathrooms,” Debbie said.

“Probably,” you snorted.

You and Debbie walked to the nearest bathroom, peeking behind the corner to see if you could hear any noise. Surprisingly, it was quiet.

“What are you guys doing?”

You both jumped, turning around and seeing a confused Carl behind you.

Carl was Debbie’s little brother. They were both Gallagher’s. They were children of the alcoholic and drug addict Frank and Monica. They lived on the South Side of Chicago, which was where you also lived.

You were Y/n Ball. Daughter of Veronica Fisher and Kevin Ball. You had lived next to the Gallagher’s all your life. You were their best friend. Well, their only best friend, really. Your mom and their older sister, Fiona, had been friends since forever. You had been born around the same time as Debbie, who was the third oldest out of the 6 Gallagher children, so you two have been basically best friends since birth. Carl was also one of the Gallagher kids you were also the close with, too, him being just a year younger than you. You three had basically grown up together, so being best friends was pretty natural.

“We were seeing if you were fucking anyone,” Debbie answered.

Carl scrunched his face up in disgust. “I don’t do that.”

You laughed, “Sure you don’t. C’mon, C-Dog, I gotta pick up the little missies.”

“Alright, Y/n/n,” Carl smiled at the nickname you had given him ever since you two had gotten closer.

You two hadn’t always been close before. Debbie and you were by far the closest, with being in the same grade and all. You and Carl hung out a lot, but it wasn’t really until he started high school when you two actually hung out one-on-one. He had come to you for relationship advice when he was dating this one girl, Dominique, who turned out to be a horrible person. You two have since bonded about your past, failed relationships, and how shitty life is.

Since getting closer with him, you had kind of developed a little crush on him. He had always been cute, but when puberty hit him, he became really hot, really quick. You never showed any other feelings for him than platonic, though. You didn’t want to deal with all the drama that it would bring between you and your families.

“Stop eye-fucking each other, please,” Debbie groaned, walking away from you two.

You rolled your eyes, “Like you should talk. Every guy you meet you imagine sleeping with them.”

“Not true!” Debbie defended herself.

“Yeah, right. That’s why you have a baby,” Carl joked.

“You guys are so mean,” Debbie muttered.

“That one was pretty mean, but at least it didn’t come from me,” you smiled.

“Yeah, it came from the asshole who got circumcised for a girl,” Debbie laughed.

You laughed with her, Carl rolling his eyes and blushing. He looked to you and noticed a piece of paper peeking out from your jeans.

“What's that?” He asked and pointed.

“Oh, it’s a note that someone gave me,” you said. You took it out and gave it to Carl. He opened it and read it.

“This is nice,” he said.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cute,” you agreed. He handed you the note back. “Who do you think it is?”

“I don’t know, honestly. I’m kind of thinking it’s a joke, so I wanna wait till I get another one,” you said, folding it back into your pocket.

“I think it’s Dean Kepner,” Debbie stated. You rolled your eyes, “Yeah, you're the only one.”

“Is that the popular football guy? In your grade?” Carl asked.

“Yep. He’s so hot,” Debbie sighed dreamily.

“I don’t think so,” you stated.

Carl looked at you and nodded. “Yeah, I heard he does hard drugs.”

“Yeah, another reason why I don’t fuck with him. I mean, I have a beer every other night, but never am I gonna do drugs. That shit messes you up,” you sighed.

“Yeah, we know. We had Monica as our mother,” Debbie said.

You chuckled, walking over to your car. You got in the driver seat, Carl sitting in the passengers. Debbie usually sat there, but since she has a baby, you told her it wasn’t safe to put Franny in the passenger seat, especially since if the even of an accident, the airbag goes off and hurts Franny.

You drove to daycare, humming songs from the radio while doing so. While you were driving, Carl couldn’t help but stare between your face and the note in your pocket. You didn’t know, but the person who wrote you the note was him.

Carl was usually pretty confident and outgoing. All of his family like that. You had to do that to survive the South Side. But when it came to you, he was like jello. He didn’t know how to act, speak, whether he could look at you two seconds longer than normal. You never noticed his behaviour change, though. To you, he was always quiet and low-key. He was thankful that he never questioned why he was so quiet around you, especially since he was a loud, annoying kid when he was younger.

With these notes, he would be able to say what he was afraid to say to your face. He didn’t want to face rejection, especially by the pretty senior girl that had lived next to him since the day he was born. It would be awkward if you did reject him, so he just kept quiet until maybe he worked up the courage to ask you out depending on wether you liked the notes or not.

You parked in a handicap parking spot. “Alright, one of you wanna go and help me get Ames and Jems?” You asked.

“Carl, can you do it, I wanna stay with Franny,” Debbie said.

“Yeah, sure,” Carl nodded. He got out of the car with you, walking into the daycare.

You walked up to front desk. “Hi, I’m here for Amy and Jemma Ball. I'm their older sister, Y/n,” you said.

“Alright, can I see ID?” The woman asked.

You nodded and got your wallet out of your back pocket. You handed her your ID. She handed it back to you.

“Alright, go ahead and head in,” she said.

“Thank you,” you smiled.

She hummed a ‘you’re welcome’ as you and Carl went into the play room.

“Why do you have to give her your ID?” Carl asked.

“I think it’s because she’s new, and also I didn’t drop them off this morning. They wanna make sure no one kidnaps children,” you explained.

Carl nodded. “Ah, makes sense.”

“Yeah, the usual woman here, Julie, moved to Florida. She always gave me and the girls a mint when we left, and never asked for my ID,” you said.

“Wow, she sounds cool,” Carl said.

“Yep, she was,” you smiled.

You walked into the room, spotting Jemma and Amy immediately. They spotted you two, smiling and running up to you.

“Hi, babes!” You exclaimed, crouching down and catching them in your arms.

“Hi, Y/n!” They both squealed.

“Ready to go home?” You asked.

They both nodded.

“Alright. Let me go get your stuff, hang out with Uncle Carl for a few minutes, okay?” You said.

“Okay,” Jemma said.

You walked over to their cubby, grabbing their baby bags. You went back over to Carl, taking a hold of both of the girls’s hands.

“Let’s go, babes,” you said.

“I’m hungry!” Amy exclaimed.

“I’ll get you a snack when we get home, alright?” You asked.

Amy nodded, smiling excitedly. You smiled at her, looking up to see Carl opening the door for you.

“Thanks,” you smiled at him.

“No problem,” he nodded and followed behind you. You put the girls in the backseat with Debbie, unloading their bags in the trunk. You got in the front seat, starting the car.

“Do you want to be dropped off at your house or stay with us at my place?” You asked Carl.

“I'll hang with you guys,” Carl said.

You nodded, “Sounds good.”

You drove back home, parking the car on the side. You unlocked the front door, immediately dropping all the bags you had. You slumped on the couch, taking a breather.

“Can we have a snack?” Jemma asked.

“Oh, yeah, right,” you said, getting up. “You guys want some fruit snacks?” “Yeah!” Amy exclaimed.

You nodded, going to the pantry and getting two packs of fruit snacks for each of them. You led them back to the couch, turning on the tv.

“Watch TV with Franny, okay? Sissy has to do homework,” you said.

The twins nodded, looking at Paw Patrol, which was what was playing. You went to the kitchen table, unloading your backpack.

“You’re really good at taking care of them,” Carl said, sitting next to you.

You smiled, “Thanks. Mom and Dad do a lot, but since they are a little older and so am I, they let me have more responsibility. They have to work and stuff to make sure we can afford everything. I’d like to say I’m an expert at taking care of Amy and Jemma.”

Carl chuckled, “Yeah, I couldn’t imagine taking care of a kid.”

“Well, you have been taking care of Liam since he was born, right?” You asked.

Carl shrugged, “I guess.”

“Taking care of kids is easy if you like them,” you shrugged.

“Makes sense,” he said.

You hummed.

“So, are you waiting for another note?” Carl asked.

“Hm, kind of, yeah. I would be lying if I didn’t say I hoped this will turn into some cute, romantic love story with someone,” you chuckled.

Carl blushed a little, focusing on his own homework. “Yeah, that’d be nice.

————

“Yeah, Mom, I got it. No problem, see you later,” you said, hanging up the call. You sighed, walking slowly to your locker.

Your mom had just called you to come to the Alibi to help out since business was buzzing. Word was, Frank was up to one of his schemes again and got the Alibi full and drunk. You couldn’t wait to deal with perky, 50 year-old men catcalling you. You were wearing a sweatshirt, too, which you knew would make it worse since the men always would try to have you take it off, and never stopped pushing. Luckily, you had pepper spray with you at all times so if someone ever got too much, you wouldn’t hesitate to spray them.

You opened your locker, putting away a few binders when you noticed another note. You grabbed it, unfolding it with a hint of excitement. You would be lying if you said you hadn't been looking forward to this all day.

You opened the note, smiling widely as its contents.

Dear Y/n,

Your makeup looks amazing today. You’re really talented with the eyeliner and stuff. Oh, and your lipstick matches really well with your outfit, too.

From, Secret Admirer

“Another note, huh?” Debbie said, approaching you.

You smiled and nodded. “Yep.”

“What's that?” Carl asked.

“Another note from Y/n’s admirer,” Debbie smiled.

Carl flushed a little. “Oh.”

“Yeah,” you smiled. “I hope this is for real. I want to meet this person.”

“Maybe you will,” Carl said. You looked to him, a worried expression settling on your face.

“You okay, C-Dog?” You asked.

“Yeah. I’m gonna catch the bus. See you guys later,” he said, walking off quickly.

You furrowed your brows. “What's got his dick in a twist?”

“I have no idea. Maybe he likes you,” Debbie smirked.

Your heart fluttered a little at the thought of him liking you. Debbie knew you liked Carl, so maybe she was fucking with you, but you had to ask to be sure.

“Does he?”

“I think,” Debbie said.

“Oh,” you muttered. “Cool,” you smiled.

You weren’t going to confront him just yet, but you prayed to God your secret admirer was Carl.

————

“Hey, there’s something for you in the mail,” Veronica said.

You furrowed your brows. “Who’s it from?”

“It doesn’t have a name,” Veronica said, hanging you an envelope. “It just has your name on it.”

“Huh,” you said, taking the envelope. You tore it open, your eyes widening as you saw another note it in.

“What is it?” Kevin asked.

“A note,” you said. “From my secret admirer.”

“You have a secret admirer! Wow,” Kevin said.

“Yeah,” you chuckled. You sat on the couch, opening the note.

Dear Y/n,

I thought you looked really pretty today. I hope you don’t find it weird I mailed this to your house, I actually live close to you, so I saw you crossing the street today. Anyways, I just thought I would let you know you look pretty.

From,

Secret Admirer

You found yourself giggling, setting the note down. Even though you were flattered, you found it a little weird this person knew where you lived, even if they supposedly lived near. You didn’t know why they couldn’t just tell you all these things in person.

“What does it say?” Veronica asked.

“The note calls me pretty,” you said, putting it back in its envelope.

“Hm, well, whoever this is isn’t wrong,” Veronica grinned. “Do you have any idea who it is?”

You sighed, “Nope. It says they live close to me, though.”

“Maybe it’s one of the Gallagher’s,” Kevin suggested.

Your eyes went wide, remembering what Debbie had said to a few days ago when you got the second note. You shook your head, though. Carl was out with his friends right now, you had just left his house, too, and there was no sign of him.

“Nah, no offence to them, none of them are this romantic or anything. Well, except Ian, but he’s gay,” you said.

“Maybe ask about it, though? All of our other neighbours are old men, and that does not look like old man handwriting,” Veronica said.

“Maybe I will. I mean, Debbie said Carl liked me, and when I got the second note, Carl was acting all weird and shit,” you said.

Veronica eyes widened. “Carl?”

“Yeah,” you said. “I don’t care if it's him, though, it'd be kind of weird.”

Veronica sat down on the couch next to you. “You like him, don’t you?”

“Kind of,” you said sheepishly.

“Well, I think you should ask him about it. If he says no, then don’t mention your feelings for him. If he says yes the notes are from him, then confess,” Veronica said.

“Should I do that?” You asked.

“I think so, baby. Carl’s a good kid, especially with you around. I wouldn’t have a problem with you two dating.”

You smiled, “Thanks, Mom. I’ll go to his place tomorrow.”

“My baby is about to get a boyfriend!” Kevin whooped. “If he hurts you, I will kill him.”

You chuckled, “Thanks, Dad.”

————

You walked into the Gallagher’s house, spotting Fiona in the kitchen.

“Hey, Fi,” you smiled.

“Hey, Y/n! Are you here fo Debbie? She went out,” Fiona said.

“No, actually. I’m here for Carl,” you said.

“Oh, okay. Well, he’s upstairs,” Fiona said.

“Thanks, Fi,” you smiled and made your way up to Carl’s room. You saw that the door was wide open.

You went in, not seeing Carl anywhere.

Where is he? You thought.

You went around his room, walking around the room. His room was ridiculously messy. Clothes everywhere, food and plates all over the dresser, weird liquid on the floor. You chuckled to yourself as you had to step over the puddle.

“Boys are horrific,” you muttered to yourself.

You went to the desk, sitting down in the desk chair. You looked around on the desk, seeing court date papers, old homework, and cigarette boxes. As you looked more to your right, something had caught your eye. There was a paper with your name on it on the back.

You picked it up hesitantly, slowly unfolding it. Your eyes widened as you saw the words “Dear Y/n”. You knew you shouldn't, but you went ahead and read it anyways. You just wanted to make sure you were correct of your suspicions.

Dear Y/n,

After these few weeks, I have decided to try and be brave and go up to ask you out. I think you’re really pretty and you’re so funny and nice. I’ve liked you since I started high school, and even if I get rejected, I know I would regret not trying to ask you out. So, I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date?

From,

Secret Admirer, aka Carl (Gallagher)

“Y/n?” You snapped your head back, seeing Carl in a towel. Your eyes quickly ran past his chest, seeing the toned muscles in his arms and stomach. You eyes went up to his face, lingering on his lips. You then went up to his eyes, seeing them wide and filled with wonder.

“Sorry, I’ll, uh, go,” you muttered and stood up, leaving the note on the desk.

“What?” Carl asked. He was beyond confused, but when he saw you and the note, he put the pieces together. As you went to walk out of his room, he grabbed your arm, pulling you back gently so you two were face-to-face.

“Did read the note?” He asked.

You looked up at him sheepishly, “Yeah, I’m sorry for invading your privacy.”

Carl sighed, “It’s alright. I’m, uh, sorry if I wasn't who you were expecting or anything. I know I’m probably not the person you like or anything, but I just wanted to try and see if you liked me. Ian and Lip said that was a cute idea, the notes.”

Your eyes lit up with he voiced his concerns. Your lips upturned into a smile, your eyes staring into his.

“Carl, I like you, too,” you said.

Carl’s eyes widened. “Wha-what?”

You took his hands in yours. “It was a cute idea. And I’ve liked you for the last 3 years, too. I was hoping it was you, actually.”

Carl blushed, a big smile appearing on his face. “Really?” “Yep,” you nodded.

“Awesome!” Carl chuckled. “So, do you want to go on a date with me?”

“Yeah, I’d love to,” you smiled.

“Cool,” he smiled. “Well, I need to get dressed. You can stay and watch if you want,” he smirked.

You giggled at his words. “Don’t mind if I do.”

————

this was trash i am sorry

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sleep-i-ness · 3 years ago

Text

Insider (Part 1) (Tony Stark x reader)

Synopsis: Tony Stark is your only lead as a team, so you're sent right into the lion's den. Set after Avengers (2012)

SERIES MASTERLIST | MCU MASTERLIST | GENERAL MASTERLIST

"You’re insane!" You cried, spinning around to face the team. "I can't take on Tony Stark's system. The man's a genius, it'd be easier to get a one on one with the President than hack into his computer. Arctic, you’ve gotta be kidding."

Arctic shrugged, steepling his fingers as he leant back against the table. He glanced over at Delila, who nodded at him to speak.

"We haven't had a lead that worked out in months, this might be our big break."

You weren’t surprised, Arctic always agreed to do dumb shit if it was for a girl. Said girl stared you down, as if daring you to chicken out while fiddling with the point of her knife.

Girls with knives were always ridiculously hot but Delila scared you shitless. Plus you were pretty sure she was straight, and Arctic would kill you if you ever made a move. Which you wouldn’t, because especially right now, that knife in her hand looked like it could cut air.

“I thought you were supposed to be a genius as well,” Delila stabbed the knife into the edge of the table where it quivered, a bored expression flitting across her face.

You scoffed. “I am a genius, but this is Tony fucking Stark we’re talking about. The man basically invented personal security; he has a billion-dollar suit, and his house has the most advanced AI in the world in it.”

You were coming to your wits end; they were as willing to listen to you as a brick wall would be. You were wasting your breath on them.

You glanced back at Ghost, who just smirked and tilted his hat down.

Prick.

“I don’t get it. You’re either a genius and you can do this, or you can’t,” Delila pulled the knife out of the table and studied its point before pulling out a cloth to polish it. It was already shiny enough for you to be able to see your face in it, but you were pretty sure it was an intimidation tactic of some kind.

“You don’t get it! This is like.. like,” You paused, you hadn’t actually thought this through. “Like, okay, imagine that the Goliath operation was us battling some mutant gorillas, enhanced, so therefore a bit of a fight, but also gorillas so they’re not the brightest of animals. Now, Tony Stark has an AI which is the battle-hardened mutant gorillas, but without the physical form which is their weakness. And it’s got his brains so it’s incredibly smart, so they don’t have the other weakness of not being very bright.”

“An AI is made from code, right? Which is your specialty, may I remind you. This isn’t up for discussion.” Arctic butted in and you let your head drop onto the dented and scratched metal table, the thud echoing around the dingy, dusty warehouse they had found abandoned and were using as their makeshift base. “Don’t lose any braincells, we need those.”

You weren’t sure how you had managed to let them talk you into this, maybe it was the fact that Tony Stark was undeniably attractive or that you wanted to pick the brains of arguably the biggest genius in technology at the moment. Sure, the latter was it. Anyway, this meant you had ended up where you stood now, clutching your briefcase in both hands to simulate anticipation, and waiting outside Miss Potts’ office. The CEO of Stark Enterprises. She had to be cutthroat to survive in the male-dominated tech industry and you couldn’t lie that perhaps the nervousness you were projecting wasn’t all acting.

“Hello, you’re here for the interview, right?” A ginger lady stuck her head round the door, softly smiling at you as she caught your eye. “I’m Pepper Potts, CEO of Stark Enterprises. I’m so glad you applied for this job.”

You hurried through the door Miss Potts held open for you, eyes widening a fraction as you took in the state-of-the-art office and the beautiful city skyline you could see out of the floor-to-ceiling window stretching across one wall of the spacious room. You were motioned into a plush sofa chair across from her and she tapped on the keyboard.

“So, Y/N Warren, am I right?” You nodded, your first name was common enough and had never officially been linked to you, which meant you could use it as part of the alias. It also made it a hell of a lot easier to answer to. “Now, I can see that you graduated from MIT summa cum laude and had a stint in the US Army. Could you explain to me why exactly you left the Army?”

Internally, you froze, you didn’t know that Arctic had added that to your fake profile and you cursed the captain with all the rude words you could think of in your head. Outwardly, you smiled shyly, pausing to consider the question.

“I guess, umm... In the army, I was Base Ops for my team, but the rest of the team there were very... macho, believing that fighting embodied what we were meant to be doing? They kinda thought that because the fighting I carried out was on a computer and not physical, it was lesser, like I was lower than them. So, I found that the whole team dynamic didn’t really end up working for me and I got an honourable discharge, after paying off the mountains of student debt I had amassed from MIT and went on the search for a new job.” You had pulled upon old army memories to spin the tale you fed to Miss Potts, days you hadn’t really thought of since the government recognised your skills and put you on Special Ops with a team who actually appreciated and understood your work. Well, they appreciated it when you weren’t running your mouth off about nothing in particular.

“Huh,” Miss Potts seemed surprised, her features twisting from a polite smile to a genuine one which broke across her face. “Why exactly did you apply for this job then?”

“I’m interested with just working under Mr Stark; his inventions are ground-breaking and the fact that he created an AI as young as he did proves his genius. Plus, I’m sure I could make an attempt at keeping up with Mr Stark, something not many people could say,” You ran a hand through your messy hair as Miss Potts laughed.

“You and Tony certainly match in your modesty.”

The mild suspicion that had remained in her eyes dissipated and her posture became more relaxed and less rigid. You cracked a grin, relieved that you’d at least got through this round. The next bit was going to be more difficult.

“Would you say I have a shot at getting this job?” No need to beat about the bush, really, you were a busy person. Arctic would kill you if you took a whole day just to come back and say that you'd gotten nowhere.

"Well, you have all the necessary qualifications, and you seem like the first candidate who would be able to handle Mr Stark, but I’m not the one who has the final say. I'll introduce you to him but a lot of hopefuls with potential get the boot because Mr Stark finds that they irritate him or aren't up to the standards he needs." Miss Potts gathered her clipboard and a couple of sheets of paperwork before heading to the door and indicating that you should follow. She liked you; you had spirit and a bit of fire in you which meant you and Tony could gel quite well.

Tony was deep in thought as he puzzled over the hydro mechanism of the engine he was building. The valve pipe was under a lot of strain due to the high-water pressure and the problem had stumped him for a while now. JARVIS interrupted him from his reverie, his screen suddenly filled with a security camera feed.

"Tony, get your ass out of the labs, I've found you an assistant," Tony could see a figure hovering next to Pepper, but the cameras didn't give him enough definition to pick up your features.

"How many times have I told you that I don't need a babysitter, Peps? I'm a big boy. Big boy in a shiny metal suit. And I’ve got a Rhodey; I already have a babysitter. Even if this one looks cute.”

"You're acting like a petulant child. Stop it and come and meet Miss Warren." Pepper rolled her eyes as a beep signalled that the audio hadn't gone through. "Miss Warren, we'll go and see him if he's not going to come to us."

She pressed the pad of her thumb against the biometric scanner, a red light flashing to signal that it hadn't been approved.

"I regret to inform you, Miss Potts, that Mr Stark has removed your access rights.”

She gave you a look and you cracked a grin. “Sorry, Mr Stark, but that seems like an awfully childish move for someone who doesn’t need a babysitter.”

There was no beep and you wondered what Stark’s immediate reaction had been. Static crackled over the speaker, and you wrinkled your nose, waiting to be told to leave the building. Arctic was going to murder you; you always fucked things up by saying stupid things.

The door slid open in front of you silently; Pepper’s eyebrows shooting up before she gestured for you to follow her. You descended into the lab, glancing around at the high-tech equipment and discarded parts in the corner. A bitter sensation twisted at your chest, and it took you a moment to realise that it was a nostalgia for the life you could have had without all this being hunted business. But then again, you’d never swap your team for anything else.

“Tony, this is Miss Warren.”

You smiled at the man, breath catching in your throat. He was even more attractive in person.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Stark smirked, extending a hand to you. Of course he knew. Or maybe he just assumed everyone was attracted to him.

You shook it eagerly; you couldn’t deny that you were slightly intimidated by being in the same room as such a genius. “Likewise.”

He gave you another once-over and turned back to Pepper. “Fine.”

“Fine?” Pepper repeated, tone incredulous. You were equally surprised that it had been this easy; the way he’d been fighting having an assistant moment earlier had suggested that you had no chance.

“Yes, alright, Pep, I’ll take her as my assistant,” Stark sighed. It was clearly a long-running argument, but the exasperation in his voice was tinged with affection. His gaze hardened for a second. “As long as she isn’t another Natalie Rushman.”

Pepper slid the file over to him. “I checked that she’s not from the same organisation.”

They’d done a background check. Thank God or whatever was up there that you’d been able to get into all the official servers to insert false records, otherwise you would have been rumbled. And the last time that had happened, you’d ended up at the top of a skyscraper, cornered by security.

Stark flicked through a couple of pages before tossing it to one side and leaning forward, hands clasped together as he stared you down.

“Thanks Pepper, you can get back to your busy schedule now.” His gaze didn’t waver, and you did your best to hold eye contact. For some reason, you were pretty sure that this was a test. Albeit a weird one.

As the door upstairs slid open and shut, you waited for him to make the first move.

“So, Miss Warren,” he raised an eyebrow, satisfied by what he’d supposedly found. “MIT, then in the army. Bit of a weird step to take.”

You shrugged. “Not with the mountain of student debt I got into. Army paid for it as long as I went into their Communications department for a few tours.”

Not all of us were lucky enough to have rich parents. You bit back that comment, realising that you’d probably already pushed it enough earlier.

He pushed back his chair and stood up, making his way over to the other side of the room. Your eyes followed him, finally noticing everything else in the hangar. God, it was any nerd’s wet dream.

Were you sure you couldn’t come work here permanently?

Delila’s knives came to mind, and you shook that thought away.

“Come on,” Stark called to you, and you snapped out of your daze, rushing to his side. You really were no good at this whole assistant thing.

He handed you a screwdriver, nail between his lips as he fiddled with a strange looking contraption on the table. You frowned slightly. With the amount of top-range technology at his fingertips, you’d have thought that he would be less hands on. But then again he created a metal suit in a cave. In the desert. After being kidnapped and needing an operation.

“Take a look at this.” Stark turned the object towards you, seemingly just a hunk of metal with one joint and a mismatch of wires poking out of it.

“Can I?” You reached out a tentative hand, fingers hovering millimetres above the surface. He nodded; eyes narrowed as he watched you turn it over. You had the funny feeling that if you turned it the wrong way he’d kick you out.

Your eyebrows shot up. “You’re using cylindrical topology? And, let me guess, you miscalculated the opposing torque so failed to offset the centrifugal force.”

He looked impressed; surely the engineering degree gave away that you at least knew something. And this was basic stuff.

“So, what’s your opinion on Ex Machina?”

You grabbed a flat-headed screwdriver and began prying off the panel. “Ex Machina? Isn’t that the one where the billionaire has sex with robots? Is this your way of warning me?”

“Or an offer to join me?” At that you looked up, locking eyes, and pulling a face. You didn’t actually think he was being serious, but it was an unpleasant image all the same.

“Well, thanks, but I’m good. I will also remember to knock before entering any room now.”

He cracked a grin. “The offer will always stand.”

“So, how was it?”

Arctic had barely let you in through the door before bombarding you with questions.

You rubbed your face, slumping into a chair and sipping at the glass of whatever Ghost had just shoved into your hand. Ah, the cheap rum. “Not even the nice stuff?”

Ghost shrugged, slipping back to his perch in the corner.

“That man’s security systems are unbelievable. Several-years-ahead, almost out-of-this-world insane.” You took another slug of the liquid and grimaced. You didn’t understand how Ghost could stomach it. “And he has an invisible voice watching over every room.”

“So what? You can’t do it?” Delila smirks; you had a feeling she had always wanted to make you feel this small. “I thought you were supposed to be the best.”

Ah, there was the killing blow. You clutched at your heart, forcing an expression of exaggerated pain. “I can.”

“It can’t be too difficult, he’s just a businessman,” Delila continued, unfazed by your dramatics.

“Sure, put pressure on the one person who can actually do this. See how that turns out for you.” You paused, rethinking her words. “Have you forgotten the whole Iron Man side to things?”

“So, are you sure you can do it? We can’t afford to be wasting any effort on this if it’s not feasible.”

You groaned. “I just need more time”

“You have a week.” Arctic frowned, Delila smoothing away the expression with a soft kiss. Eurgh, they made you sick. Soppy romance just made you feel a little ill.

“I know, I know, I just-” You buried your head in your hands, muffling your words. “It’ll be fine, I can do it.”

Quintus patted you on the shoulder and you mustered some semblance of a smile.

“I have your coffee,” you called out, balancing as you tried to push the door open with one foot. You caught sight of a video call disappearing from sight as Stark spun around, wide grin already plastered on.

“Who were you talking to?” You waited to reach Stark’s side before asking the question.

“No one,” he replied, far too quickly. His lie would have been less obvious if he had had a neon sign flashing over him saying ‘Liar! Liar!’. You had a funny feeling that he would be a great liar if he could be bothered to put any effort into it, but you assumed he just enjoyed fucking with people’s minds a little too much for that.

You didn’t want to press him about it, but you still had questions. “Oh, I was wondering if we’re the only ones in the house; like is it just you that lives here?”

“Yeah, just me. Luckily I’ve got you to keep me company... Why are you asking?”

You shook your head; no need to make him suspicious. “Just thought I’d heard other footsteps earlier. Coffee?”

“Mm, yes please.” Stark murmured as he invaded your personal space. Okay, definitely hitting on you.

You pushed the cup into his hands and took several steps away. No sleeping with your boss. You were pretty sure that was quite a common rule, and you were determined to follow it.

It had taken a day to map out the various cameras in the house and their blind spots, or lack thereof. This had to be one of the best security systems you’d ever seen. Unsurprising, but you had hoped that with the safety net of his metal suit, Stark would have skimped on the stuff like cameras.

It was another couple of days until you started to lose hope.

“I can’t do this,” you stared at your computer screen, begging the plans to just give you some help. Quintus rubbed small circles between your shoulders, not saying a word.

Your program was perfect; with nothing other than just waiting to do, you had made sure that the code was airtight. But with no opportunity, crying now seemed like the appropriate and respectable response.

“Delila was right,” you groaned. “I am a failure.”

A light thwack on the back of your head broke you out of your self-deprecation as Quintus just gave you a simple look. “You can do it, patita. Don’t lose hope.”

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hmspogue · 3 years ago

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Outer Banks season 2 Official Trailer shot-by-shot rundown

A comprehensive post where I scream about analyze the entire trailer frame by frame for clues, theories, and plot. Just my own opinions and general tin foil-hatting

These are screenshots from Netflix’s trailer for Outer Banks season 2. I do not claim or own any of these.

note: this post is tagged as a long post if you wish to avoid having to scroll until your thumbs break.

“My old man used to tell me, ‘it’s best to never say you’ve hit rock bottom’.”

(Putting all of these shots together since they’re scenes we already know but-) Holy shit, okay let’s just....start off like this I guess, damn.

“'Trust me’, he said...”

Kiara looking back and forth between the boys like this really just feeds the headcanon I have that her form of grief this season is going to be her trying to hold it together for their sakes (and eventually just snapping).

JJ just looks fucking furious someone give these kids a hug? I already know this scene is going to ruin me.

“You can always go...”

JJ back working at the hotel. He looks literally so angry again in this scene I could see him self destructing at work and losing his job? (Please do not be isolating yourself you beautiful son of a bitch even though I know you’re going to).

Pope in the Twinkie (costuming wise they all are in warmer looking clothes for some of the shots, so just confirming it’s a little bit into the school year when this all takes place).

“Lower”

Big John was real big into pep talks, I see. (seriously can you imagine Big John having this conversation with like 8 year old John B after he fucking dropped his ice cream cone or some shit I shouldn’t be laughing).

I’m just-

These poor kids, I wanna know how the police all the way down in the Bahama’s knew about them?

Their calves....

“RUN!”

Are going to be so fucking jacked by the end of this season I stg.

Fuck you.

“The gold from the Royal Merchant....it’s here.”

For a while, I had thought that maybe they didn’t even make it to the Bahama’s at the front of the season and ended there (because everyone had been filming in there). But I guess they’re going to be making two trips.

If I were a bird from this POV I’d shit right on that house no questions asked.

oooooh ho hokay. Just so we’re clear. Ward Cameron not only get away with murder and about two dozen other felonies, but-

“Half a billion.”

HE STILL FINDS THE GOLD IN THE CRAIN HOUSE AND GETS TO KEEP IT?

Not the polo with the snap back, I just know this man has a playlist called Sad Boi Hours that is just Juice WRLD’s top 5 songs on Spotify and he tells his friends they wouldn’t know the underground artists he listens to.

Sh, you have lost screaming privileges. Go inside and take a nap maybe.

“John B, we are fugitives in a foreign country.”

So, previously, I was talking about how I was confused how they would still be trying to find him is everyone thought he was dead, but here the wanted poster clearly says “presumed lost at sea”. I think that will be interesting to see how the Pogues all interpret that.

Especially because they already had a memorial for John B and everything, I wonder if there will be any part of the Pogues holding out hope that they both could still be out there OUCH.

I’m going to circle back to this, but it looks like John B and Sarah are going to get separated for a little while in this man hunt, I could see my idiot himbo son trying to sacrifice himself so Sarah can get away but in reality just....stranding her.

“Promise me you won’t do anything stupid?”

Oh, sweetie....

“Well, Sarah Cameron, I do stupid things all the time without realizing it.”

The volume of his self awareness is astronomical. sir, that is your whole character summed up in your own words.

GOD, IT’S ME AGAIN. PLEASE LET THEM LEAN INTO COMPLETE HIMBO JOHN B THIS SEASON I’LL DO ANYTHING-

nyyooooOOOOOOOOOOOOM-

“Hold on!”

The complete abject terror I would feel having John Booker Routledge driving get-away and then saying the words “Hold on” while reaching fro the gear shift? The english language fails me.

Sarah, bestie, I’m so sorry.

I just wanna know-

what the plan or objective was in this situation. What was the reason for being this dramatic.

Rest in piss, bozo <3

“Ward’s still out there...”

Okay, same conversation they were having as before. I wonder what makes them decide they need to get back to the OBX for this tho.

“I can clear my name. This can all be over in one shot.”

It looks like Topper watching this but way more concerningly, correct me if I’m wrong but this 100% looks like....John B gets caught. And the DEATH PENALTY?! He did have a mug shot for the fliers in s1 and the one above but he was never brought in? Plus he just looks super dirty and dishevled in this one so I-

Jail break anyone?

I also still want to know if they’re going to go with a Topper redemption arc this season. like, does he know more than he should just from being around Rafe and his big fat mouth? Is he going to help out the Pogues even if it’s just for Sarah?

This shot just suddenly made me really sad. The thought of this all started because Big John left one last thing for his son to find, his literal life’s work. And when it all started, it was just a fun adventure John B and his best friends were going on together and having fun with. Then it all got dragged to absolute shit and turned into what it did, including the remaining 3 Pogues thinking that this treasure hunt took their two best friends away from them. And it’s nothing like Big John intended it to be.

Why my eyes wet?

Now we’re edging into what I was talking about earlier with John B and Sarah getting separated.

“If you think there is anything I wouldn’t do...”

Once again, John B is no where to be found. Also, just in case y’all didn’t already know or forgot Ward is an actual psychopath.

I believe this one of the new character, played by Jontavious Johnson (Stubbs). Based on the voice over it lowkey sounds like they’re implying Ward maybe hired Stubbs and Cleo to find and bring Sarah back. My theory would be I bet they do go to retrieve her, but she somehow convinces them that it would be more beneficial for them in the end to be on the Pogue’s side instead.

Miss Girl you gotta be keeping your head on a SWIVEL. Especially when you’re a FUGITIVE of the LAW-

“...you haven’t been paying attention.”

My guy, who are you clarifying this for?

It’s what you deserve for monologuing.

in all seriousness, the idea of them coming to face to face with Ward in Nassau after thinking they finally escaped him is genuinely terrifying.

“SARAH!”

It kind of looks like they’re either hiding their faces or covering their noses? I don’t know maybe it was from some tactic to get away from Ward.

What did I literally jsut say about yelling privileges, you unhinged mother fucker?

“I’m calling the shots now. I’m driving.”

The following progression of scenes made me actually snort-

“I can’t drive stick.”

PLEASE THE FINGER GUNS LAUNCHED ME INTO ORBIT I LOVE THEM, YOUR HONOR.

Alright, so now it looks like we’re in Charleston. This is the same scene with Heyward’s truck that got leaked from BTS (read: JJ and Kie shoulder touch).

One of the main things that stuck out to me in the following scenes which, you will see, is it lowkey looks like Pope is kind of heading up this part of the operation, or even going in alone? The following clips are just very Pope focused.

I don’t know what it means, it’s just an observation.

“John B was not the only one that Ward double-crossed.”

LIMBRY-

Bro, we have been hearing about this woman for literal months and I just have....so many questions?

Who the hell is she? How is she connected to Ward? Why is she in South Carolina instead of the OBX? How do the Pogues even learn about her and how to track her down? How is she meant to “help” them? GAH I JUST WANNA KNOOOW. I already know I don’t trust her though and no I will not be offering up supporting evidence.

Sir, that is my son please unhand him.

“I think you know what I want.”

.......no? But feel....free to explain yourself?

The print on the paper is the same one that’s on the ceiling tiles in the following scene. Obviously, with a key on it that most likely goes to the place a few shots from now.

Hell yeah, son, let’s get SLEUTHING.

“The treasure belongs to the Pogues.”

DAMN STRAIGHT.

Bestie’s I’m not going to lie, I stared at this frame for a solid 10 minuets and I have no idea what it says on there I’m sorry. Someone in the comments is welcome to enlighten us.

“We gotta find it first.”

I can’t tell if that’s just dirt or if he hurt his head? But he look GOOD right now for one thing. For another, same outfit as the one in the Twinkie from the beginning of the trailer.

Look at her. LooK AT HER! LOOK! AT! HER! I MISSED HER SO MUCH even in that damn smiley face top that continues to haunt my waking hours she is in it so much and it stresses me out for literally no good reason I’m sorry-

I could literally cry right now and I think that speaks volumes to how little we actually see him genuinely happy. Have I mentioned how much I love that red hat?

Also, probably not that important, but this is not from the same scene as the shots of Pope and Kiara were. This is from the next one-

“Woogity-woogity?”

“Give me some woogity, baby!”

Yeah, this pushed me over the fucking edge, the way that they’re actually happy and laughing? The fact that they kept woogity-woogity and made it A Thing? Yes.

I am, however, going to be intentionally ignoring what appears to be the very intentional stagingof having such an obvious space between where Kiara and Pope are sitting adn where JJ sits, even including the level they’re sitting on because I don’t have the emotional capacity to face those implications right now. Thank you for your time.

Yes yeeeeEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

GIVE ME ALL OF THE SCENES OF THEM ACTUALLY GETTING TO BE TEENAGERS AND JUST BREATHE AND LAUGH AND HAVE A GOOD TIME AND NOT BE RUNNING FOR THEIR FUCKING LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

before Rafe comes in and literally starts shooting because they can’t breathe for more than 7 seconds but we’ll....get to that.

They refer to Sarah as a Pogue this season or I burn Netflix to the ground. Your move, Jonas.

50 bucks says John B is driving the Twinkie again for the first time since being back.

I deadass think the Pogues JUST got Sarah and John B back and they’re just having the time of their life. Kie was in her smiley face outfit when Pope was in this one a few clips ago, and I still hold to the belief that that one still they released of JJ and Kie hopping over a fence is the Pogue reunion so-

Ward? I have no idea what he’s looking at behind the wall paper and I’ll be so honest I don’t care my eyes are only seeing Pogue content right now.

“This is a map of the whole island.”

This fit, when will John B learn how to operate buttons, stay tuned for season 5. Also my previous theory of this being their reunion outfits and stuff because Pope is in the back in the same jacket as before.

The plot thickens and so has JJ’s hair, Rudy drop the shampoo brand.

Please, dear God, tell me they’re back in the sex church. For @jiaaraa sake.

Kiara, your Madison is showing.

Okay, I really did try but all I can make out is Something to the tomb begin something something.

You’re welcome.

I am no expert but I do not believe boats operate on land.

John B looks like he is in the same outfit here that is in his mug shot we saw on the TV screen so I have a sneaking suspicion this is where he gets caught.

“John B is back-”

Once again with the damn sexual tension that’s always between Barry and Rafe in every scene they do are we about to kiss right now?

“-it’s him or me.”

First of all, no.

Second of all, I’m just....so very confused about this time line this season. It kind of looks like Ward and Rafe follow and find Sarah and John B in Nassau (unless those scenes by the truck were actually back in the OBX). So did they....go to Nassau, then just come right back when they did? I’m just confused.

Put that thing back where it came from or so help me.

Literally when will you stop at this point I am begging you.

This looks like the same scene the Pogues were, ya know, literally just having a good time at so fuck me, I guess.

Yeah, no, it’s going to be a no from me, I’m just going to pretend like I’m not seeing this and moving on.

I have simply no idea what is going on here or who that is on the bike but maybe JJ? Maybe Luke even? I think that’s JJ’s bike.

The sewer scene. The SEWER SCENE-

For months sicne that tiktok leaked this damn scene has been genuinely all I could think about. So (obviously) it seems like they’re sending Kie down into the sewer to go do seomthing and things go horribly, horribly wrong.

If you haven’t seen the tiktok, essentially all it was was JJ and Pope screaming and trying to lift up the man hole cover while Kie is begging for them to hurry from inside. I’m cheating a little bit as this isn’t a shot from the trailer but this picture was posted and it’s from the same scene.

I’ll just....leave this here. Back to the trailer shots.

Nice. Also, same shirt as mugshot.

Hey, um, what?

Kiara’s car, she’s driving, I can’t tell who’s in the back seat or the front.

Holy God what is going on and how can I as an audience member put a stop to it?

So, same scene as we will see and was in the teaser but, for some reason, they’re all jumping off of a giant ass boat into the little life raft where it looks like JJ gets hurt later but don’t you worry we’re getting to that.

JJ AND KIARA WITH THE POGUE HANDSHAKE JJ AND KIARA WITH THE POGUE HANDSHAKE THEY BOTH LOOK SO DAMN GOOD AND THEIR LITTLE SMILES SPARE ME-

Cleo 🥵

I’m so excited to see her arc and what it brings this season you guys have no idea.

Please for the love of God be about to get Ward Cameron’s ass like he deserves literally punt him into jail right from Tanny Hill.

Sarah at My Druther’s with what looks like a bloody bandage on her side? Same outfit she’s wearing when they’re running from the police on the beach and she has the bandage there too so. Interesting.

Topper hugging who I’m pretty sure is Sarah, being a general douche because he’s clearly looking at John B like 😏

Clips like these serve to remind me just how many of my worldly posessions I would gladly give up to be able to punch Topper Thorton in the throat one time.

I think this is Cleo jumping off the boat with Pope after John B and Sarah.

Absolutely busting a lung at Pope’s form in this one.

John B and Sarah waiting in the life raft, still Cleo and Pope coming after them. The obvious next question is where are JJ and Kiara. The scene I’m sure you all have been waiting for is coming up and clearly takes place in the life raft as well.

So, I really think JJ and Kie get left for last, something horrible happens as they’re trying to jump (my head instantly goes to JJ maybe like pushing Kie out of the way and getting hit on the head instead or even just some accident).

And, oh my GOD a scene of him falling off the boat after it happens and Kiara diving in after him immediately, having to desperatly try to stop him from sinkingand get to the life raft holy shit-

Girl CATCH HIM?????

Because why wouldn’t this be Rafe’s fault. Part of me wonders if this isn’t related to JJ being hurt.

I am going to try and unpack this as calmly as possible because behind my computer screen I am vibrating at a frequency that could shatter glass but respectfully.

WHAT IN THE FUCK IS TIAUEWFHLAILA

Okay, so scene wise, JJ’s hit his head somehow (probably while he was jumping with Kiara) it looks like and now they’re back on the raft.

In my opinion, this is either:

A) JJ is in really, really bad condition after getting hurt in the jump and they’re not sure he’s going to make it. So this is a “Please stay with me, stay awake, please don’t die” hug OR

B) They very narrowly just avoided a deadly situation (my first thought is JJ hits his head while jumping, passes out in the water, maybe almost drowns but Kie and the others get him onto the life raft in time) and this is more of a “Oh my God, you’re okay, you’re safe now, we’re okay” hug.

I honestly lean more to the second one based on the little bit of Sarah’s face we saw in the background. To me, it almost looked like she was smiling thru tears, which, fits way more with the second option than the first.

Anyways. Moving on before I burst a lung again.

(also, before anyone comes at me, no, I’m not happy JJ is hurt, obviously.

(Once again, arrest outfits). You can still see the bandage but it looks like Sarah’s limping now too so...good Lord give the girl a break maybe?

Everything in this trailer just went to shit so fast I think I have whip lash, can we go back to the Pogues hanging out and being happy now pkease I liked those scenes.

“I get it. You guys are scared.”

“No.”

She’s cute but, uh, hello sewer scene outfits. Seems like them planning to do whatever the hell they were going to do in the sewers but the boys are starting to get cold feet as maybe they should but hind sight is 20/20 I suppose.

“It’s kind of cute.”

“I’m not scared.”

“You should’ve just led with that.”

I will never be able to express how much I adore Pogue banter and general dumbassery and I have a feeling this season will not be lacking in either department

I high key don’t think these two are actually going to be there for this scene to go down but I’ll let it slide this time because-

They do be kinda cute.

It both feels like I’ve been waiting for this damn show for 3 years and also like I just watched season 1 last month explain that to me.

Either way holy shit. I missed this dumb show and these dumb kids so much it physcially hurts and WE GET THEM BACK IN T-MINUS 16 DAYS.

Also. Where The Hell Is Wheezie Cameron And When Will She Have The Rights She Deserves.

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disasterfandoms · 3 years ago

Text

Meet My Dad || A Brock Reynolds x Carter!Reader Imagine

A/N: SO we were brainstomring in one of my discord groups about what would it be like if Full Metal had a daughter, and now it’s a thing where if i write this for @theysayitscrazy then @bravo-four-seal-team has to behave for a week. Also, this contains the ship Trent/Metal.

Join the Taglist!

TW: a tiny bit of smut (no nudity or graphic depictions), protective parent, murder threats

Taglist: @milfdeacon @bravo-four-seal-team @rebelwrites @chibsytelford @velvetcardiganbucky @jayhalsteadfan-2417 @mrsmarvelous1995 @madhare0512 @galaxysanduniversesinmymind @iris-oaklee-carter-911oc @kobababy @i-love-scott-mccall @pinkrockstar19 @supervalcsi @itsonautopilot @abby-splace @innerpaperexpertcloud @softi92 @thelovelyleo23 @jasonbabymama @peaches-1999

“Dad!” You yelled, walking into his house uninvited as usual. Did you really need an invite to the place you called home for the longest time, though? He wasn’t there, that was evident by his cat, Whiskers, still needing to be fed for the morning. You filled his bowl with kibble, petting the old boy who used to keep you company on dark and stormy nights.

You walk further into his kitchen, seeing the note on the counter that said that he’d be back later. You write a note back, telling him that you’ll be at your boyfriends, and to call you later. You pet the cat once more, before leaving the home, suddenly nervous at the thought of your dad knowing about you and Brock, and your plan for them to meet.

-------------------------------

Full Metal came home a couple hours later, petting Whiskers and putting the groceries away. You and him had a weekly gumbo night, where you all eat and either watch a movie or play some games, getting your time with each other you two needed in in one night.

He’s been a single dad for over twenty years, your mom having left him and you when you were just three years old. He bared no hard feelings, his life and job was complicated and she never truly wanted to be a mom. So, he took time to figure out how to parent you while being home all the time, and figured who’d watch you when he was away. You two made it work, and now you’re closer than ever.

He found the note, noticing your handwriting right away, and visibly paled as he read its contents. A boyfriend? Who? and when? He could have sworn you would have told him before now about any boy you were seeing. He needed to take a breath, calm down. You were a grown adult, with an apartment of your own and a stable job, it wasn’t the end of the world that his baby had a boyfriend.

He took a second, making sure his hands stopped shaking before he picked up the phone, dialing the oh-so-familiar number.

----------------------------------------------------------------

You were straddling Brock’s lap, your tongues colliding as you moved in sync. His lips had then attached to your neck, causing you to moan. Your hands were tangled into his hair, causing him to groan when you pulled it accidentally. His hands travelled down your back, resting just before the opening of your jeans. One hand slid up your shirt, his hands feeling rough against your soft skin, you giggling as he flipped you over, so he was on top.

He opened your legs, putting his knee right next to your covered core, letting you grind against it as he continued his trail of kisses down your chest. He almost took his shirt off when you heard your phone ring, interrupting the fun that was about to come. You quickly grabbed it, groaning as it was your dad. Brock nodded in understanding, moving to lay beside you on the bed as you answered, “Hi Dad!”

“Y/N, you left a note. Boyfriend? Who the fuck are you dating? Why haven’t you told me about this guy beforehand?” Metal shot off at an impressive pace, not impressed that she told him this through a note, for fucks sake.

“I’m great! How are you, are we on for gumbo tonight? I brought him up because I thought about bringing him.” You said sarcastically, moving to snuggle up to Brock, who happily wrapped his arms around you, his leg intertwining with yours.

Metal was pacing in his living room now, rolling his eyes at the sarcasm he heard at the beginning of your response. “You want to bring him? To our tradition?” He asked, shocked you’d even consider it.

“Well, yeah, Dad, it’s just one gumbo night for you to meet him and get to know him outside of work. Besides, you bring Trent sometimes!” You retorted, huffing at the hypocrisy. You could hear Brock chuckling beside you, causing you to stick your tongue out at him.

“That’s different, it’s Trent!” He shot back, stopping his pacing as he was worried he was going to step on Whiskers. He then continued, “Trent’s being invited if you bring him. Wait,” he spoke, his mind registering what all you said thirty seconds ago, “Outside of work? HE WORKS AT DEVGRU?!?!?” He yelled, feeling his face getting hot with anger. One of those idiots is dating his kid?

You put the phone away from your ear, he’s always deafening when he’s angry. Brock kissed your shoulder, one of his hands moving up to grab your breast, massaging it gently, causing you to roll your eyes. “Yes, he works at DEVGRU. He’s on Bravo, with Trent. Invite him! You know I love T,” you say easily, your breath hitching as Brock continues to tease you.

Metal doesn’t even know what to reply to that. He’s full on having a meltdown. His kid, his sweet, caring, loving child is dating someone in Bravo. Oh, Oh god, They’re dating that cocky ass kid. “I gotta go, see you two tonight.” He said quickly, before hanging up without you getting a word in. He rubbed his face with his free hand, before calling Trent to come over.

“He hung up,” you said simply, putting the phone back down on the nightstand, before focusing on the man beside you. You adored him, not just physically, but the kind soul he has, and the willingness to do whatever was necessary to keep you safe and happy. You knew your Dad was a bit... much, but you hoped once he saw you two together, he would calm a bit. “Now, where were we..” you trailed off, giggling as he turned over onto you, starting where you both had left off.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trent was a little worried when Full Metal called him, panicking at the apparent fact that Clay was dating his kid. Trent had been around you since you were a little kid, becoming very close to Metal as they started working together at DEVGRU.

He was incredibly amused at the fact that Metal was having a meltdown while simultaneously starting the gumbo for the night. He wouldn’t interrupt the man, he’s just here to listen and watch his friend chop and cook everything the gumbo needed ingredient wise, while yelling at how Clay was too arrogant foe his own good.

“Of course Y/N would go out with him. Why go for one of us, anyways?” he asked rhetorically, chopping up the andouille sausage, probably imagining it was Clay’s.. well... you know.

“Because they were raised by you? And surrounded by a Naval influence their entire life?” Trent shot back, chuckling as Metal glared at him. Man, if looks could kill...

“Scott, take a breath. You raised Y/N well, they must see something in Clay to not only go out with them, but to want to introduce him to you,” Trent tried to reassure the man, who this time took a deeply breath and nodded.

“I just don’t want them to get hurt,” he spoke quietly, shaking his head at the thought. You were his child, his only one at that, he hated seeing you cry, especially over some dumb ass kid.

Trent nodded, standing up to go over to him, rubbing his back. He didn’t say a word, he didn’t need to. He’s helped Scott raise you since you were a kid, he felt similarly about keeping you safe.

They were silent for a while, before Trent felt like he needed to reassure Scott one more time. “Tonight will be fine, you’ll meet the boyfriend, be polite tonight and then tomorrow you can threaten all you want,” he offered up, and it worked, as he saw Scott smile for the first time today.

“Come tonight?” Metal asked, he didn’t want to have to deal with this alone. Plus, he could just have it on his head that this is just the team hanging out and you just so happened to be there.

Trent nodded, smiling at the offer. He knew Scott needed someone here with them to keep him calm, and he was secretly hoping he’d ask him to stay anyways, the guy makes a mean gumbo.

——————————

It was three hours later, and Brock was suddenly incredibly nervous. He knew Metal was going to kill him, especially because it was his only kid that we’re talking about. He was in love with them, though, so he guessed he’d make it work.

“It’s going to be fine, Dad’s just a big teddy bear,” you reassure him, watching him chuckle nervously. You smiled, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. Your boyfriend may be a man of few words, but it was no secret he was worried about your dad’s reaction.

The silence was comfortable as he drove you both towards your childhood home. He was quiet, taking in the site of the place where Metal raised you, squeezing your hand when he heard you take a shaky breath.

“Hey,” he said quietly, catching your attention as you were getting lost in your worries. “I love you, Y/N/N.”

You smile brightly, saying “I love you too,” before he pulls you in for a kiss, all and full of adoration. He breaks away for a few moments, kissing your nose in the process, causing you to giggle.

You lead him up the steps to the front door, noting that Trent’s bike was in it’s usual spot. You smiled a little, happy your dad’s boyfriend was here to enjoy the chaos. You whispered to Brock, “I told you my dad and Trent were together, right?”

Brock’s eyes widened, shaking his head. Oh, this was going to be fun, he thought, before taking a deep breath. You smile at him, before opening the door, going into your family home, which was warm and the smell of the spices in the gumbo. You picked up Whiskers, who was hanging out in the cat tree by the entryway, and said to Brock, “This is Mr. Whiskers, he used to keep me safe when it was storming and Dad was on a mission.”

Brock saw the way your eyes lit up with you saw the cat, and his heart melted a little bit. He pet the furry creature, personally he wasn’t a fan of cats but he couldn’t help but pet him.

You put him down, taking his hand as you guide him further into the home, yelling, “T, Dad! We’re here!” You give his hand a squeeze, bringing him to the living room.

Trent came out from the living room, smiling as he saw you with... Brock. “Hey kid,” he hugged you tightly, before finally breaking, laughing hysterically at the fact that it was Brock you were with.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

Metal left the kitchen, hearing his boyfriend of five years laughing hysterically. He walks in, seeing Trent doubled over in laughter, looking at you, smiling. “Hey baby,” He spoke softly, opening his arms for a hug, looking at who she brought with her, completely expect Clay, and not... Brock?

“Brock? Dog boy? Seriously?” He asked, causing Brock to laugh a little bit.

You backed away from your Dad, going to your boyfriend, who immediately wrapped his arm around your shoulders. You shot back, “Well, yeah? Who else would I have gone for, Sonny?”

Oh, yeah, that broke Metal.

He just stared at you two, trying to form words, but his brain was short-circuiting. Trent was in tears, laughing so hard he couldn’t breathe. “Didn’t.... see that...coming,” he finally got out, grabbing onto Metal’s shoulder yo hold him up.

“I thought you were dating Clay,” your dad said slowly, shaking his head at the fact you brought the weird one home... typical.

You look at him confused, “No... Brock and I have been together for almost a year,” you tell him gently, smiling as your feel Brock kiss your forehead. You leaned into him for comfort, worried about what your dad will say.

“I... alright,” he sighed, smiling as Trent kissed him on the cheek. Trent was proud of him being calm, and not threatening your boyfriend. In reality, he was planning Brock’s death a very violent way, and where to hide the body.

The night went smoothly, a little too smoothly, if you were honest. Everyone ate and had a good time, the night ending with each Carter cuddled up to their significant other, watching a horror movie.

Brock had went to start the truck after the movie was over, letting you to hug your dads. “Thank you,” you whispered, smiling at Metal.

“what for?” he chuckled, letting go so you could hug Trent.

“For being nice to him, and not threatening to kill him,” you chcuckled as you hugged Trent, who went back to having his arms wrapped around Metal when you let go. Metal nodded, as you said goodbye, not knowing his plans for in the morning.

“You did good, babe,” Trent mumbled, kissing his cheek before making sure the food was away, getting ready to go to bed.

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All was quiet on the base the next morning, the hustle and bustle of the military operation at it’s usual pace. All of Bravo trickled in one by one, no one understanding the scene in front of them as they entered the cage room.

In front of Brock’s locker, there was a hatchet, a bag of lye, and a shovel; along with a note which was written in, what looked like, blood.

“Brock,

You hurt my kid, these tools will be used in removing you from the situation. The hatchet will be used to cut you up into bite-sized pieces for Cerberus to enjoy. What is left of you will be dissolved by the lye, and you will be buried where no one can find the evidence.

They’re my child, I will do whatever it takes to make sure they are happy and safe.

I’m watching you.”

Bravo watched Brock visibly pale as he read the note, causing Trent to smile, shaking his head at his boyfriend’s antics. He should have known last night was too calm, that Metal was being polite because Y/N didn’t want their father to be overprotective.

Oh well, at least Brock understood now the consequences if he fucked up.

#brock reynolds x reader #brock reynolds x carter!reader #scott full metal carter #seal team #seal team imagine #Trent Sawyer #Trent Sawyer x Scott full metal carter

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