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nashidakyouko · 8 months ago

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Girl Talk ~Resident Alien ~ Jay and D'arcy friendship

Also on Ao3.

Summary: Jay stumbles upon D'arcy kissing a woman and they become confidantes 2 years pre-canon. // Platonic Jay and D'arcy, D'asta as a major topic.// T // Word count: ~3000

It was early to be drunk for most people. No matter how frequently she drank, people still acted like it was shocking to see D'arcy wasted by 1 PM. Their pitying concern only annoyed her. She grimaced as she knocked back the rest of her flask. It was no one's business if she wanted to escape for a while, time of day be damned.

Before she even knew what was happening, a preachy Ben found her stumbling outside The 59 and promptly attempted to coax her inside—trying to ensure the town's image by removing the drunk from the streets. He kept muttering about how This is bad behavior and We don't want anyone to think Patience is a place where people get drunk all day and roam the streets. D'arcy rolled her eyes at his knit brow and twiddling hands. Of course he was more worried about the town's fragile little image than about his childhood friend's emotional state. He was a real buzzkill since he became the mayor.

Nonetheless, D'arcy allowed him to lead her back in The 59. Before he could ask if she was okay, D'arcy was already filling several shot glasses with whiskey and downing them one after the other. It wasn't long before Ben fled, not wanting to deal with a heavily drunk D'arcy.

After the 3rd shot, D'arcy ran a hand through her dyed-blonde hair and exhaled harshly. She was glad she didn't have to explain anything, but she was going to explode soon from the weight of her own silence. Since no one in town knew how she felt about Asta, though, there was nobody D'arcy could vent to.

Asta was on a getaway with Jimmy for a few days. D'arcy always drank herself stupid when those two went somewhere, unable to deal with thoughts of them together. This whole one-sided love thing was the fucking worst.

The sound of someone clearing their throat drew D'arcy's attention. A woman D'arcy didn't know sat at the bar, all sultry with her plunging v-neck showing plenty of cleavage. The woman could be just good enough for a distraction, D'arcy supposed. She offered to pay for D'arcy's next drink and gave her a coy smile.

A few minutes later, the two of them were in the back alley making out. D'arcy wasn't usually so careless when she was with women. Patience was a small town, and when she was a kid it was obvious that being queer was frowned upon. Granted, it had been almost 20 years since then, and times had changed. She still typically hid her soirees with the fairer sex from the town's eyes, if mostly out of habit.

In her current state, however—moping and beyond wasted—she just didn't care if the whole damn town knew.

The following day, the same kid showed up at the bar just as D'arcy's shift started. The girl looked down at her bouncing feet, chewing her bottom lip with her arms firmly crossed. Dammit. If she was that anxious, D'arcy feared whatever was coming.

Or so she thought until she heard a small gasp and caught sight of a local kid—Jay, was it?—dashing away. Shit. The stranger D'arcy was with didn't notice or didn't care, slipping her tongue deeper into D'arcy's mouth and effectively chasing away thoughts of being caught by a random 15-year-old.

D'arcy put on a customer service smile and pretended nothing was amiss. “Hey there, kid! It's Jay, right?” The girl nodded, her eyes still lowered. “Okay, well, you're not getting any alcohol, but we do have soda. Just let me know if you need anything.” This was more courtesy than D'arcy usually showed at The 59. Hopefully, acting like the teen hadn't seen anything would do the trick. She did not want to deal with a kid she barely knew in any capacity, much less concerning her queerness.

When Jay didn't immediately respond, D'arcy took the opportunity to skedaddle... to the other end of the bar. It was her damn shift, so a full escape wasn't an option. She scanned the room, but no one else was in the bar except an older man napping at a table. She peered at him, trying to will him awake so she had an actual customer to keep her unavailable. No dice. Stupid midday lull.

“S-so, um... you like girls...?”

And there it was. Exactly the conversation D'arcy wanted to avoid. She looked around again for any acceptable distraction, finding none at a bar at 2:30 in the afternoon.

With a grimace, D'arcy confirmed through gritted teeth, “Sure do. Got a problem?” She turned to the kid with a glare that she regretted instantly. There was such unmasked vulnerability in Jay's dark brown eyes. Oddly familiar eyes. Kind of like Asta's.

D'arcy reflexively softened like she always did around Asta, even though her best friend wasn't there. “Shit, sorry... I thought you were gonna be a dick about it. Looks like you've got something on your mind?” As much as D'arcy didn't want to play senior queer with a possibly-questioning teenager, the girl's warm eyes had sufficiently weakened her resolve to send Jay packing.

The girl stuttered a laugh. She forced herself to meet D'arcy's eyes. “I think I have a crush on my friend. Who is a girl.”

Without thinking, D'arcy chuckled and commiserated. “You and me both, sister.” She frowned, then added. “I mean, my friend for me. I'm not creeping on kids—promise.” Probably shouldn't have said that, D'arcy feared. At least Jay didn't really know D'arcy or who her friends were.

The way Jay's eyes lit up at the admission of queerness once again nagged D'arcy with a sense of familiarity.

Over the next few months, D'arcy and Jay talked regularly—late nights spent drinking soda (though often D'arcy's was laced with alcohol) and staring at the stars while discussing their queer experiences. Jay had long since told D'arcy about the girl she liked, but it became increasingly obvious that D'arcy wasn't keen on sharing her own crush.

One day, Jay spied D'arcy out in town with a group of friends. Jay had met Asta once before, as well as Judy, the curly-haired peppy one scampering alongside D'arcy like an eager puppy. Jay's introduction to Judy that day had been shortened when D'arcy and Asta had to remind Judy that certain topics weren't cool to share with a high school kid.

“Whaaat? But we were doing all that at her age, what's the big deal? I mean, D'arce, when didn't at least one of us have our hands down some guy's—“ Judy's retort was cut off by Asta clamping a hand over her mouth and then dragging Judy away as if it were Asta's job to protect Jay... Weird.

Today, a few others were tagging along, but Jay didn't really know them. And none of them had noticed Jay half-lurking near the baseball field. It was the perfect opportunity for her to get a look at how D'arcy was with her adult friends. Maybe pare down the list of potential girlfriends for her good buddy.

As always, Jay noted how D'arcy never strayed far from Asta. In fact, more often than not, the two of them were touching in some way—holding hands, hugging, arms over each other's shoulders, even sharing kisses on the cheek. Obviously, that was the relationship to watch.

Even with all that physical contact, though, Jay wasn't 100% sure. After all, D'arcy was very physical in general, and it was clear she cared deeply for all of her friends. She acted like Judy was a nuisance, but Jay knew that the second Judy needed someone, D'arcy would be there. Intense loyalty was the very thing that defined D'arcy.

Just as Jay started considering who else D'arcy might like, she saw it.

Asta curling in on herself, cackling at one of D'arcy's quips. And D'arcy watching her joy with the softest, warmest expression Jay had ever seen. It didn't last long, melting into D'arcy's own laughter. But Jay had seen it, and that was all she needed to know.

What surprised Jay more was when Asta opened her eyes and looked at D'arcy the exact same way. Like D'arcy was her sun. Like nothing else mattered as long as Asta could hear D'arcy laugh.

“There's my main underage squeeze!” D'arcy exclaimed when Jay entered the bar.

It certainly seemed to Jay like D'arcy's love wasn't as unrequited as she thought.

“You sound like a deviant when you say things like that.” Jay smirked as she set her bag down next to her. The kid showed up before nightfall pretty often. There was an advantage to missing the crowds.

“Whatever, no one's around! Exactly why you come at this time, right? So, what's up, kid?” D'arcy's smile was bright. She found she actually enjoyed the teen's company—far more than she expected. Before Jay could order, D'arcy slid a custom limeade soda in front of her with a grin.

“I just wanted to ask... who's the friend you have a thing for? I think I know, but...” Jay took a long sip of her soda.

D'arcy quirked an eyebrow. “What do you mean you know? You've barely met any of my friends—just Asta and Judy. And Judy was being gross... and Asta was being... weird.”

“Okay, yeah, but I've seen you around town with people, and it's pretty obvious, isn't it?” Jay already sported a shit-eating grin.

“Is it?” It damn well better not be.

“Oh, come on! It totally is Asta.” D'arcy burned red, leaving little room for doubt. Jay victoriously pumped her fist. “Called it! You're just different with her. Honestly, you're way nicer to her than you are to anyone else.” The kid's smug-as-fuck smirk added insult to injury.

D'arcy wanted to sink into a hole. “Me being nice to my best friend is that weird? I knew I could be an asshole, but that's unfair.”

“It isn't just that. It's like... I've seen the way you look at her. Like she's perfect. And you talk about her all the time. I mean, are you even trying to keep it on the DL?”

“I thought I was!” D'arcy threw up her arms. “She's married! The guy is a douche-bucket, but she's not exactly leaving him. I think she should, but I've pretty much given up on that.”

“I've seen him. Jimmy, right? He's a total dong. She'll wake up and hopefully smell the homo-eroticism eventually.”

“Ha! I wish. Even if she left him, she wouldn't want to be with me.” D'arcy vigorously cleaned glasses to avoid Jay's eyes.

“Why do you say that?” Jay cocked her head in confusion.

“Why would she pick the town drunk? She's a freaking nurse, and I bar-tend.” There was no doubt in D'arcy's mind that she wasn't worthy.

Jay scoffed. “Whatever, you're just scared. I'm rooting for you whether you like it or not.”

“... Thanks, Jay.” D'arcy smiled softly. It was good that someone finally knew. At least she wasn't alone anymore.

–

For two years, D'arcy and Jay shared everything about their relationships. The feelings D'arcy had for Asta never faltered, and Jay was always disappointed when D'arcy dated other people—even if the teen understood that Asta was unavailable. No matter who D'arcy was with, it was painfully obvious that she treasured Asta so much more.

“So, I'm working at the clinic now,” Jay said one afternoon.

D'arcy looked at her sharply. “Are you serious? How did that happen?”

“You know how I've been looking for a job for that work credit thing for school? I barely got a word out in an interview before Asta hired me,” Jay shrugged. “I guess they must be short-handed or something, because she seemed kinda desperate. Works for me, though. Now I've got a reason to talk to her, which means I can trash Jimmy. Maybe push her towards you a little.”

D'arcy fidgeted behind the bar-counter. “Y-you shouldn't do that. I mean, it'd be weird, right? Suddenly having some kid she barely knows commenting on her love life...”

“Isn't that exactly how we became friends?”

“Well... yeah... but...” D'arcy sighed. “I just don't know if it's such a good idea, Jay.”

“Too bad. If it bugs you that much, I'll only trash Jimmy when she brings him up... or when he hits her again. I won't even mention you. I still think it could help a little.” Jay stuck out her tongue, grabbing her things and leaving for the day.

Sometimes, even little gestures like the exact way Jay poked out her tongue struck some chord in D'arcy's mind. After all this time, she still couldn't quite place why in some moments Jay reminded her of her best friend. All she knew was that the perceived similarity made D'arcy feel all the more protective of, and endeared to, the 17-year-old.

–

A handful of months later, D'arcy found Jay brooding during the teen's shift at Dan's diner. She'd never explained her sudden job change to D'arcy. Now, a frown deep enough to age Jay ten years darkened her face. D'arcy couldn't recall ever seeing Jay so morose. She sauntered over to the diner bar and sat down, cocking her head to the side and waiting for Jay to speak.

Those brown eyes that always tugged at D'arcy's heart were full of hurt and rage.

After a long moment, Jay expelled a harsh breath and managed to say “Asta's my mother.”

D'arcy wasn't sure what the joke was, but surely Jay was kidding. “Ha! And Sheriff Mike's my father.”

The serious look on Jay's face remained. Oh shit, she wasn't kidding. D'arcy sobered. “Holy shit. You're the baby.”

“I'm not surprised she didn't tell you. She's been keeping it a secret.”

The calculations going through D'arcy's mind were visible on her face. “Yeah... Yeah, she has...” Could this be what Asta had been keeping from her recently?

“I don't know what to do. She's my mother, and I don't even know how to act in front of her... Not to mention my...” Jay's face screwed up in disgust as she spat out “father.”

D'arcy rolled her eyes, understanding all too well. “Oh, right. Jimmy.”

“It's so messed up. What am I supposed to say to someone like that? I mean, I'm gonna see him. I can't talk to Asta. I can't talk to my parents. Maybe I shouldn't even talk to you,” Jay's tone escalated with every word, anger bubbling over. Then she quieted as she looked imploringly at D'arcy. “But I feel like I am losing my mind and you've always listened before...”

“Hey, hey!” D'arcy took both of Jay's hands and looked her squarely in the eyes. “You know you can totally talk to me. Always. This is a little different than our usual, but you know I've got you, okay?”

Jay almost cracked a smile, but her mind was still reeling too much and she began another spiral. “I can't do this alone. I can't—“

D'arcy tugged Jay's hands to cut her off. “You are not alone. I can help you. A bit. Can't do magic or anything, but I have a way to let Jimmy know how you feel, at least.”

That finally did earn a little smile from the overwhelmed Jay. D'arcy tacked on, “Hey, can you get free onion rings? It's part of the plan.” Her teasing grin was infectious, and for the first time all day, Jay laughed.

“Yeah, sure... Can we do this plan of yours later, though? I think I need to keep talking right now.” Jay came over from behind the counter, sitting next to D'arcy.

“You know it, kid. I'll be right here.” On seeing the flicker of a twinkle in Jay's eyes, a long-standing mystery was solved. D'arcy exclaimed, “Holy fuck, that's why your eyes look just like Asta's! I should've figured it out ages ago! Jesus, you're the right age and you always remind me of her. How did I miss it?” It had been so obvious, but what wasn't obvious when you looked at it in retrospect? Maybe D'arcy had been so sure she'd never meet Asta's kid that she automatically ignored the possibility. Either that, or D'arcy was a special kind of idiot.

“Everyone missed it. Including me, and I've been working with her, like, every day for months. About that—it's pretty sketchy how she hired me at the clinic. How weird is it that she never said anything? I'm so pissed and confused and I don't know what to do about any of it.” Jay glowered and rested her forehead on the counter.

Nearby, Dan took note with a frown. He knew Jay needed to talk to someone uninvolved, so he simply pushed a chocolate milkshake towards Jay and made himself scarce. It would be okay, eventually. And for now, the shake might help ease the anger. At least a little bit.

For the next half hour, D'arcy listened to Jay working through her feelings, only commenting enough to assure Jay she was paying attention. Eventually, Jay ran out of steam, deflating in her seat. She leaned over and rested her head on D'arcy's shoulder. Immediately, D'arcy wrapped an arm around her good friend. It was all so much, and it wouldn't be made okay right away. All she could do was provide support. She was going to need to talk to Asta soon.

With the initial shock of Jay's revelation settling down, another, more embarrassing thought occurred to D'arcy. Before she could help herself, she blurted:

“Oh, shit. I've been talking to you about your birth mom for the past two years. That's...”

Mortifying. Inappropriate, maybe. Definitively weird. By some measures, even gross.

Jay did a spit-take with her milkshake, eyes wide. “Oh, God. Yeah, that's...”

Awkward. That was the best, most succinct word for it.

A damning silence suffocated them.

Eventually, blessedly, Jay spoke.

Once she heard the words, however, D'arcy wondered if Jay should have just kept to the harsh quiet.

“... Y'know, I still want you two to end up together, Step-Mom.”

Mouth gaping wide, D'arcy could think of no other action but to quickly flee while her brain short-circuited.

I'm adopted, and I'd NEVER call my birth mother “my mother.” But Jay did *sigh*

A/N:

I altered the scene where Jay tells D'arcy about Asta, because being friends for 2 years is going change that conversation to an extent. I kept as much of the original dialogue as I found fitting.

Oh and keep in mind I did not “make” Jay queer. She had boyfriends in s1, but a girlfriend in s3.

Last thing, I went with D'arcy's blonde hair with the blue tips for the whole fic, rather than bouncing around.

Likes/comments/reblogs are love! Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: RA isn't mine

#Resident Alien #RA #D'arcy Bloom #Jay #Jay Resident Alien #Asta Twelvetrees #D'asta #Kyou's fic #my fanfic #a wild Kyouchan appeared

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