#live laugh love old man floyd

[ziggy0-o]

this is genuinely how it feels watching videos of david and rick in the later years

[dearsnow]

12:29 AM

- your normally sober husband comes home drunk out of his mind after a party, and you can’t say that he’s any less sweet. (robert “bob” floyd x wife!reader, fluff, honestly one of the cutest things i’ve ever written, ⚠️ obviously heavy themes of alcohol and being drunk, sexual innuendos but nothing graphic)

word count: 1,502

a/n - i haven’t written a fic with a timestamp as the title in… (checks old blog) over three years?!? in any case, i hope you guys like drunk!bobby as much as i do <3 he’s definitely an emotional/clingy drunk imo.

It’s not often that your husband stays out late, and it’s not often that he doesn’t text you while he’s out, but you trust him. He’s not the type to get blackout drunk or come home stumbling through the doorframe. Robert Floyd is a clearheaded and strong man.

Well, he looks neither right now, as he’s supported by Jake and Javy’s arms, glasses slipping off the bridge of his nose and a dopey smile brightening his face. Jake looks at you apologetically— as apologetic as he can get for a situation that’s likely his fault. “Sorry, hun.” He huffs, shifting around Bob’s weight. “There were a few too many fruity drinks ordered, and I guess he didn’t realize they were full of alcohol.”

“You guess?” You ask, rubbing the space between your eyebrows with your fingers. The two more sober men lead Bob into your bedroom, half-dragging him. They lay him down on your shared bed with a softened thump that has him groaning on top of the sheets. “I can’t believe you guys.”

Bob went out with the rest of the squad for some coworker’s promotion celebration, and he promised to come home perfectly sober, as always. He doesn’t even need to promise, if you’re being honest, because that’s just how he is; the most levelheaded person in the room. He would stay until it was socially acceptable for an acquaintance to leave, then he would head home and help you cook dinner to your favorite old school tunes. You never expected to see him shitfaced at 12:29 AM.

Javy shakes his head as he steps around you, taking Jake for a clean escape. “We tried to warn him. I hope he feels better in the morning, but until then, we’re gonna have to leave him with you.”

You sigh, eyebrows just as pinched as they were before. For the first time ever, you’re scared that Bob is going to die in his sleep, and the thought frustrates you to no end. “Thanks. It’s so great that he’s drunk out of his mind, but I have to give you credit for getting him here in one piece.” Your tone is sarcastic enough to get the two men cringing in shame, but you also know that without them, he might still be at that party.

Jake pats you on the shoulder. “Good luck, soldier. You’ll need it.”

With that, Javy and Jake walk out of your bedroom, past your living room, and out of your house like they couldn’t wait to leave. As you hear them close the door, you look down at your husband.

He’s still conscious, thankfully. His eyes are slightly unfocused, he’s blushing like a madman, and he’s groaning lightly, but he’s not completely gone yet. You brush the damp hair away from his forehead and he whines just a bit.

“Wife.”

You quirk your eyebrow in confusion. “Yes?”

“I… have a wife. Y’ can’t touch me like that.” He mumbles. It feels like he’s looking past you. Despite everything, you feel like laughing.

You adjust his glasses on his face and lean over him a little more, fully in his field of vision. “I am your wife.”

His eyes widen like he’s seeing you for the first time, and he smiles crookedly. He tries to sit up, but only manages to prop himself up on one arm as he takes in the sight of your face. “S’ pretty. You’re really my wife? My girl?” In combination with the slurred words of someone down in the cups, the slight southern accent he took so much time to push away is coming back as he speaks to you.

“Yes.” You confirm, kissing him on the cheek. He somehow smiles even wider and reaches out to touch the apples of your cheeks.

“Love you. I missed you.” He mumbles. “Spent that whole party wonderin’ when I could see you again.” He flops back down onto the springy mattress, throwing his arms up. He moves with the precision of a toddler, his limbs seemingly coated in lead. He almost smacks the glasses off his face as he motions to you with grabby hands.

“I missed you too, honey. Can we get you into your pajamas? I’m sure you don’t want to sleep in jeans and a polo.” As you ask that question, his fingers are already attempting to pull the shirt off of his body. It doesn’t work very well, considering he’s still laying down, but you appreciate the effort. “Sit up, my love.”

He sits up, winking at you heavily. It’s more like a slow blink with how long it takes him to do it. “Can’t wait to get me naked?”

A laugh escapes your mouth, and you smother the rest of your giggles with the heel of your palm as you gaze at his slightly crestfallen face. He’s funny when drunk, apparently, even when he isn’t trying to be. It’s like seeing him completely unhinged with none of his usual, careful filters. “Sure. You need to be in some state of undress to get your pajamas on, anyways.”

His face falls into a slight pout as you help him unbutton the top of his polo and slide it up his chest. He seems to notice how your hands hesitate when meeting the warm, taut skin of his abs, and the pout fades instantly. “Like it?”

“I always do.” You hum. He does have a great body, one that you’ve found to be extraordinarily hot. Strong arms, tight muscles, and yet a gentleness in the way his hands hold yours. Right now, though, it’s a bit of a problem as you’re attempting to get his jeans off. He’s still sitting, and you think you could lift weights for ten years and not be able to pull them out from under him. “Can you stand, Bobby?”

“Gladly.” He sings. You help him stand, supporting a bit of his weight. He seems to find a little bit of his footing as his other arm presses into the wall, allowing the both of you to shimmy his pants down his legs and kick them to some unknown corner of the room.

You gather his neatly folded pajamas, a soft shirt and some plaid flannel pants, and help him put them on. Luckily for you, he’s been revitalized by your touch and is a little more helpful now. He’s still moving awkwardly and shifting around like he’s constantly trying to get his balance straightened out, but it’s better than nothing. It would be hell to get him to do anything other than dress, though, so you settle for just getting him in bed. His dental hygiene routine will have to wait.

You lay him back down after he’s dressed and pull the blankets up to his chin, kissing his forehead gently and tucking his glasses in your dresser drawer. You’re already ready for the night (the perks of thinking he would come home three hours ago), so you slip in bed next to him. He immediately pulls you into his arms, his body comfortingly warm. He’s always run just a little hot, which is amazing on cooler nights like this.

He sighs contentedly before moving to stare directly into your eyes. “Y’know,” he starts, “I can’t sleep without your arms ‘round me, and your legs ‘round me, and you breathing all sweet on my neck. ‘M up all night when I’m deployed, at first anyways. My carrier roommates hate it.”

You shift just enough as to where your body is clutching on to him as tight as possible, and he hums in relief. It’s like the little tension that he was holding dissipated entirely. “I’m sorry, baby. That must be hard.” You soothe.

“Payback gave me his pillow once so I could wrap it in my arms, but it didn’t help. He threatened to ‘come up there n’ cuddle me himself’ if I didn’t stop moving.” He scrunches his eyes closed at the memory. You do your best to suppress another bout of laughter, but he makes it even harder when he shivers like he isn’t covered in three layers of blankets and you.

“Did he ever follow through?” You ask, pressing your lips together to stop from smiling. Bob shakes his head.

“Thank god he didn’t.” He utters. You turn to shove your face into your pillow to muffle your expressions. He just keeps his eyes closed, completely unaware of the fact that you’re losing it next to him.

When you finally come up for air, he is drifting in and out of sleep. “Love ya. G’night.” He whispers. It’s so soft that you almost start laughing again.

“Good night, Bobby. Love you too.” You say, kissing his cheek. You click off the lamp on your bedside table and snuggle deeper into his grasp.

He’s going to have one hell of a hangover in the morning. At least he’ll have his wife, breakfast in bed, and an aspirin to take care of him.

Taglist: @seitmai

[jennaispunk]

A Sunday Kind of Love

Summary: A lazy Sunday afternoon at the Miller House.

Pairing: Married!Joel Miller(Jackson!Joel) x f!reader(wife)

Rating: T

Word Count 1.2k

Tags/Warnings: fluff, domesticity, soft!Joel, reader(wife) can be picked up by Joel but no other physical description is given. Photos in the moodboard are for aesthetic only.

A/N: This was written for @beefrobeefcal Joel Sat on Me ‘24 challenge (Sorry this is so late,bb. I know fluff ain’t your stuff, but I hope you enjoy it anyway). This is what Joel deserves, to grow old and be happy with the love of his life. Special thanks to @sawymredfox for reading this over for me.

Moodboard by me. Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Sundays were meant for rest, a day to relax and recharge. Joel wasn’t on patrol, and you didn’t have to be at the stables. Honestly, it was your favorite day of the week. It was just the two of you, Ellie was at Dina’s. Nothing but peace and quiet surrounded you.

The late afternoon sun streams through the front window, warming your face. There’s not a single cloud marring the cerulean Wyoming sky. You lay on your back, stretched out on the worn sofa in your living room, your feet carefully tucked under your husband’s arm.

Although this couch had definitely seen better days, it was comfortable. In a way, it was a lot like Joel; a little rough around the edges but still a safe, cozy place to lay your head.

The birds chirp out a chorus, accompanying Joel as he strums a lazy tune on his guitar. A smile slowly spreads across your face as you immediately recognize the song, “Wish You Were Here”, by Pink Floyd. That song evokes memories, both happy and sad, for you both.

This is your favorite version of Joel, the one that’s relaxed and content, with a hint of a smile on his plush lips. Not much has changed about Joel since you’ve known him, except his waistline. You can’t help but notice how his jeans are a little snugger around his thighs and the way his flannel stretches across his belly as he leans his guitar against the wall next to the couch. It’s not really his fault, you all but forced him to become your official taste tester now that Mrs. Callahan is teaching you how to bake in exchange for giving her granddaughter horseback riding lessons. His growing belly is all the proof you need to know your baking skills have definitely improved.

You don’t mind the change, in fact, you like it. As far as you're concerned, it’s just more of him to love. His extra cushion keeps you warm now that the nights are getting a little colder, and his belly presses against you in the perfect way when he’s on top of you.

A brisk October breeze flows through the open window making you shiver a little. You reflexively wiggle your toes even further under Joel’s arm. The slight twitch of Joel’s body makes you smirk.

“Joel Miller, you’re ticklish.”

How could you not know this about the man you married? How had you never discovered this lovely little secret?

“M’not.” He grumbles.

He denies it too quickly, and your toes probe the area once again eliciting a soft chuckle and an even bigger jerk of his body.

“Careful, angel.” He warns, his eyes playfully narrowing. “If you keep on, you're going to have to deal with the consequences.”

“Oooh, I’m so scared.” You giggle and hold your hand out and make it tremble. A devious smirk plays on your lips.

You know you’re playing a dangerous game, but you go for the kill, hands descending on that spot. His laughter rumbles through the air and you feel his belly shake. He manages to push your hands away, his eyes narrowing at you and it his turn to smirk.

“You’re really asking for it.”

Your eyebrows jerk to the sky in a silent taunt.

“Gotta catch me first, babe.”

You sprint away from the couch with him hot on your heels. You can’t stop squealing and laughing as he chases you around the kitchen toward the dining room table. You run around the table and immediately realize your mistake when you give yourself a moment to catch your breath.

Joel stares at you, eyes gleaming with mischief from across the table ready to pounce. He’s got you cornered with nowhere to go. You know you’re fucked but you juke right and make a mad dash to the left only to have Joel scoop you up and toss you over his shoulder, like a sack of potatoes. You flail, laughing and gasping for air as he carries you to the bedroom.

“No, no, no.” you squeal as he throws you down on the bed.

He crawls on top of you pinning your hips to the bed between his thighs.

“Get off me, you big ol’ bear.” you giggle as your hands weakly try to push him away and you squirm under him.

“Too late.” he grumbles, smiling as he captures both your wrists in one hand and pins them to the bed above your head.

“You asked for this, angel.” He proceeds to assault your sides with his free hand, hitting your most ticklish area.

His thick thighs have rendered you incapable of moving anything but your lower legs, which are kicking wildly in vain. Your laughter fills the room between your gasps for air.

Tears trickle down your cheeks as your face begins to darken from laughing so hard. You know he’s taking pleasure in watching you writhe under him, struggling against his large body.

“Joel…” you plead. “Joel, please…I can’t…breathe…”

His hand slows to a stop, and he just watches you as you catch your breath. You look so beautiful with your face all flushed, your cheeks damp with tears of laughter. How did I get so goddamn lucky?

He lifts up and pushes your thighs apart, settling between them. His belly presses firmly against your core. He’s the best weighted blanket you ever had.

“Easy, honey.” He purrs, his voice low and gravely. “Just breathe.”

A few stray giggles escape your lips as you slowly begin to calm down. This is what it’s all about, what makes everything the two of you have been through worth it. This perfect moment when the rest of the world just disappears and the two of you are the only thing that exists.

“I love you so much, pretty girl.”

He presses his lips to yours. His tongue gently teases your bottom lip, begging for entrance.

You part your lips for him, getting lost in the feel of his weight pressing you firmly into the mattress. You’re completely at his mercy, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

A rough hand glides down your side to the waistband of your leggings, his other hand still restraining your wrists above your head. He pulls away and rests his forehead against yours, something he likes to do to remind himself that your real and not just a figment of his imagination. You’re here, and you’re his.

“I love you, too.”

You hum softly as his lips brush against your jaw, his scruff lightly dragging across your skin. You never thought you’d find happiness again after being alone for so long, but happiness was right in front of you in the form of a burly former contractor that almost everyone else in Jackson was just a little afraid of.

He lets go of your wrists and pushes your shirt up over your stomach as his lips continue to lovingly assault the soft skin of your neck.

“Aren’t we supposed to be at Tommy and Maria’s for Sunday dinner soon?”

His warm breath tickles your neck as he chuckles softly.

“Yeah...” he breathes against your skin. “but they can wait.”

You can’t help but giggle as he playfully nips your neck, right over the spot that makes you arch your back into him.

Joel’s right. They can definitely wait.

[supremeshrimpy]

please don't leave me again

Request: Hello! can you write reuniting with them after months/years due to work/curses/ or anything! (up to you!) with seperate! lilia, jade, azul, floyd, and leona? (atp im just desperate for content for the aforementioned characters badly) 

-Anon

Summary: stay a bit longer, it’s been so long! Just…don’t leave them again…

Characters: Lillia Vanrouge, Jade Leech, Azul Ashengrotto, Leona Kingscholar 

A/N: damn a 18 month hiatus is crazy huh… Also, I didn’t feel like writing a Floyd one because I’m a tired senior 

Lillia Vanrouge (Curse): 

Sometimes, when he closes his eyes at night, he sees you smiling at him in a field of flowers. Euphoria. Other times, he sees you lying motionless in his arms, he can still smell the toxin on your lips. He remembers everything so vividly, the way your hair shaped your cold face as he laid your body in your glass tomb. Still, hundreds of years later, he remembers his promise to you.

“For as long as my heart beats,” he whispered, “I will be restless in bringing you back to me, my love.”

So when he received a letter that you had awoken, he was overcome with emotions. As he flew back to the Valley of Thorns, he was angry at himself for missing the moment as your eyes reopened but so fucking excited to feel his cold skin against your warm self again. 

They moved you to our old room in the palace, everything was the same but so much time had passed. It had been so long since…everything. You can’t walk, you can barely talk, and all basic movements feel like challenges. Everybody that you once sat around a table and laughed with was now long dead. 

You were left to ponder how you could even exist in this new world. Everything you knew was gone, friends, family, and…oh no. What became of your dearest, Lillia? Did he go out as a war hero or as a criminal? Did he live to…find someone new and start a family? 

This was all too much, you can’t take the thought. Everything is too much, you just wish that you could close your eyes and go back to the ways things were. 

The door to your room slammed open and there stood a panting, young man. Why does he look so familiar? 

“You’re…this…by the Dark- you’re awake…,” even with his stammers he sounded a lot like someone you once knew. A certain someone who you shared a final memory with. 

“...Lillia,” your question comes out like a whisper as if it was taboo. Before you knew it Lillia had dropped to his knees in front of you. 

“YE-yes it’s me, my love,” he corrects his voice just as quickly as it came out. His head dropped on your lap; he wanted to feel your skin on his, “please, let’s allow me to stay like this for a bit….” 

Jade Leech (Moving Away):

His last memory of you was when you were both seven years old, Jade was clinging to your tail. He was sobbing and screeching for you not to move away. He remembers your parents dragging you away as his parents held him back, your figure slowly fading in with the bubbles. He hasn’t seen you since, so imagine his surprise when he receives a letter from his parents saying your family has moved back along with a photo of you. 

He’s never been so excited to go home for spring break, you’re back…you’re home. And here he is stuck at school while you're just a dive away. As he tried to focus on his studies, you were now permanently stuck in the back of his head. The photo of you sits on his desk, a beacon of what waits for him after midterms. 

“You seem unusually happy, Jade,” Azul says as stands in the doorway watching Jade pack his bag, “is it because they’re back?” 

Jade snickers as the thought of seeing you once again fills his brain, but this meeting won’t be the same. You and him aren’t the same people as you were 10 years ago. He’s so excited to see how you’ve blossomed in the time you were away from each other.

Jade couldn’t contain his smile when he saw you waiting on the other side of the mirror. He would have been the first to greet you if it wasn’t for Floyd jumping you into a surprise hug. Once Floyd was finally off of you, Jade was finally able to speak to you once again. 

“It’s good to see you again Jade,” you smile at him oh-so softly, “I’ve missed you.” You’re so fucking gorgeous, you look so different than the last time he saw you. 

“Now, don’t you look breathtaking,” Jade smiles, corking his head to the side. You don’t even know that your small giggles make his heart do flips. 

“Now tell me, Jade,” you say, swimming ever so close to him, “what have you been up to while I was away? “

Azul Ashengrotto (Different Schools) 

Azul loves the school’s open cultural festival for several reasons. One, the Monstro Lounge does wonderfully during the three days that the event is taking place. Nothing screams profit quite like parents wanting a quiet, relaxing place to lecture their kids about their grades. 

And that plays into his second reason too well, kids will do anything to get rid of their parents for a few hours. The contracts just keep rolling in for Azul as these kids sell themselves to him just to keep their parents busy and away from them. 

As the Octavinelle student mans the lounge, Azul is left in his office. His leg bounced anxiously for his third reason to love the school festival to arrive. Parents aren’t the only crowd the cultural festival attracts, students from other schools flock to see the wonders that Night Raven College has to offer. 

Oh, how Azul misses you. He misses the way you smile, the way you shake your hands when you get excited, the way your lips…god. He misses you so bad. With a huff, Azul brushes his hair out of his face and fixes his glasses to check his phone. 

“I’m so lost right now, I can’t believe your school is this big”

“Wait…”

“Nevermind I found the Portal room, see you soon”

Is it normal to be sweating this much, it's only been a few months since he last saw you in person, only a few days since you last talked on the phone, and only a few seconds since you last texted. He can’t honestly be this nervous to see you again. What happened to cool, suave businessman Azul? The Azul that can smoothly talk his way into the best outcomes for himself. Who is this nervous mess?

“YOOOOO! AZULLLLLL,” the door slams open, with no regard for Azul’s privacy

Damn it, Floyd…

“Floyd, what have we discussed about knocking before opening the door,” Azul grits through his teeth while fixing his crooked glasses. Floyd gives nothing more than a shrug before leaving the room. 

“It’s nice to see you again too, Azul,” you pout mischievously, fanning offense that your dearest octo hasn’t greeted you. 

“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you, why don’t you close the door so we may have some privacy while we…chat.”

Leona Kingscholar (Lost Contact)

Leona is a lot of things; smart, cunning, handsome, regal, but if there's one thing he isn't, it's communicative. This man can not keep a relationship running for the life of him. If you aren’t in front of him every day, Leona will just forget you exist. He doesn’t think anyone is deserving of constant contact with him. 

They should be the ones to reach out to him, not the other way around. So when your letters stopped coming in, he was…surprised. You have always carried the conversation in your guy’s relationship so for you to suddenly stop is out of the normal. 

Are you angry with him? Have you found someone else more worth your time?

Impossible there is no one more worth your time than the Leona Kingscholar. You must have forgotten to mail your letter in or the post must have lost it. He’ll have Ruggie go check your letter tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that until you come to your senses and mail that damn thing.

One, Two, Three damn weeks and no letter from you at all. As much as Leona thinks that it doesn’t affect him, the members can tell he’s irritated. If you ask Ruggie, he’ll say he’s seen Leona writing something at his desk and then immediately turning it to dust when he notices Ruggie’s in the room.

Oh, but Ruggie knew everything, he knew that if you stopped writing Leona he’d fall into such disarray. As much as Leon will deny it, Leona adores your letters and keeps them safely stored away in his desk for his eyes only. Ruggie’s been secretly keeping the letter you’ve been sending just to see how long it would take for Leona’s pride to break for you. 

Three and a half weeks is all it took. 

Leona catches Ruggie in the early morning (a time Ruggie thought Leona would never be up at) and hands him a neatly wax-sealed letter and simply instructs him to “make sure this makes it where it needs to go.” He also hands Ruggie a 5,000 Grimm bill and walks away. 

You bet your sorry ass Ruggie hauled him to the post to deliver the letter. 

And just like that, communication between you and Leona continued. And if you squint real hard, you can even see the faintest of smiles when he receives a new letter from you. 

He can’t wait for spring break.

[bradshawsbaby]

I just always think about Bob reading to your class and the kids living him and asking when he can come back

Oh my gosh, yes, the thought of Bob Floyd surrounded by a bunch of tiny faces looking up at him with rapt, awed attention is enough to make my ovaries burst. But, as a middle school teacher, I raise you that there’s no greater compliment than having cranky middle schoolers think you’re cool—especially if Bob was nervous to come visit them in the first place 🤭

“Guess who asked about you today,” you announce with a knowing smirk as you stroll into the kitchen, placing your lunch bag on the counter and dropping your reusable water bottle into the sink before making your way over to where your boyfriend is sitting at the kitchen island eating a sandwich, and placing a big kiss on his cheek. You notice, with a smile, that an identical sandwich is already sitting on a plate beside him, ready for you.

You love the days when Bob’s shift on base ends early and he gets home from work right around the same time you do. Judging by the fact that he’s already changed into a white t-shirt and an old pair of sweatpants, not to mention the late lunch he prepared, he’s been home for a while already.

Bob takes a moment to swallow a sandwich bite, his blue eyes thoughtful behind the large frames of his glasses as he considers. “Um, your mom?” he guesses with a sheepish grin.

You laugh at his response, mentally conceding that it is a fair one as you plop down onto the island stool beside him. He knows you always call your mom on your drive home from work.

“No, but good guess,” you tease, reaching out for a Gold Fish cracker and popping it into your mouth. You love this man for never making fun of your obsession with your favorite childhood snack.

“Hmmm,” Bob murmurs, scratching his chin as he considers. “Mrs. Johnson? I promise I’m going to mow her lawn this weekend,” he says quickly, referring to your elderly, widowed neighbor a couple houses down.

“No, not her either,” you tell him, shaking your head with a grin, your eyes sparkling as you take a bite of your sandwich.

“Okay, I give up,” he sighs dramatically, grinning as he rests one large, calloused hand on your upper thigh. “Who?”

“My kids!” you burst out gleefully, giggling behind your hand at Bob’s stunned expression. “They already want to know when you’re going to be back—not if, when.”

“Really?” Bob gapes. He couldn’t have looked more shocked if you had told him that the president had called to let him know he was being awarded the Navy Cross.

Earlier this week, you had finally managed to convince Bob to come give a talk to your 8th graders about what it’s like being a Navy pilot and working for TOPGUN. You were currently teaching your unit on World War II and the kids had been fascinated by a documentary you’d shown them about fighter pilots from the 40s. The fact that your boyfriend also had a great love of naval history, in addition to being a TOPGUN graduate himself, made him the perfect candidate to come talk to your class.

Bob had been extremely nervous about the whole thing. Middle school had been a terrible experience for him, and you’d quickly learned that though he could keep his composure when flying life-threatening military missions, he was terrified at the prospect of speaking in front of a bunch of prepubescent kids.

You hadn’t told your students Bob was your boyfriend, figuring it was good if they had one less thing to comment on when he came to visit.

“Of course, really,” you beam, running your fingers through his honey-colored hair as you lean in to nuzzle your nose against his. “Your talk was amazing. Trust me, I’ve never seen those kids so quiet and focused before in my life. I’m actually kind of jealous,” you laugh.

Bob stammers slightly in response, his cheeks turning red as he shoves his glasses back up his nose.

“Right at the start of my lesson today, they started asking, ‘When is the Navy dude with the glasses coming back? He was so cool!’” you continue with a wide grin.

“Wow. Definitely never imagined a middle schooler calling me cool,” he chuckles, running a hand through his hair shyly. You know that he hates having so much attention on him.

“Well you are,” you say softly, resting your hand over his. “You’re the coolest guy I know, Bob Floyd.”

Bob smiles widely, his blue eyes twinkling as he ducks his head to press a kiss to your lips. “Maybe I could arrange to have your class come visit us on North Island,” he murmurs softly, pecking the corner of your mouth with tender affection.

Bouncing up and down on your stool excitedly, you throw your arms around him and squeeze him tightly. “That would be amazing! See? Coolest guy around.”

[blues824]

Imagen the menece mc Watching the Disney film with the dorm leaders.

🦐Asking Vil if he can also become a ugly hag and Leona replying he already is the ugly hag.

🦐 Saying to Kalim that he is like the jolly old sultan and jamil jafar and him happyly agreeing(poor jamil having to listen to Kalim sing those songs hundreds of times ) .

🦐Asking Malleus to put her 100 years to sleep so she doesn't have to deal with anything anymore.

🦐Telling Azul to be more confident about his Weight and that ursala looks good and doesn't care about her body that she rocks it.

🦐Telling Leona to nog get any ideas of becoming the king like scar did (he won't he loves his family to much. )

🦐Telling Ida to become a comedy genius like hades and grow his confidence more.

🦐How would they react to the heroes winning in our world story and that nobody almost likes them.

🦐If they have to deal with the bs from the intire school and those overbolts they desided to be a mence to them.

(Mc getting ready to start another day in twisted wonderland)

Female reader.

Riddle Rosehearts

It took a lot of convincing to get him to ditch his studies just to watch a movie with you, but you got him when you mentioned that the Queen of Hearts would be in it. So here you are, cuddling under a blanket in his room as you played the movie.

However, throughout the whole movie, you were commenting on how he acted exactly like the Queen of Hearts. Wasn’t that obvious already? Then you said that you were exactly like Alice because you found yourself in a strange world. And that’s how you got your nickname, my Alice.

Also, he can see why Trey, Ace, Deuce, and Cater could be seen as the card knights, as they are serving under Riddle’s rule. The whole dynamic with you being Alice fits well because you didn’t know any of the rules but Riddle kept accusing you of breaking them unfairly. He does apologize after, because this movie has made him see the error of his ways.

Leona Kingscholar

It did not take a lot of convincing when you said that you would be willing to cuddle him as long as he watched a movie with you. So, you grabbed some snacks and you got situated on Leona’s bed and you started playing the Lion King.

This man let a tear fall when Mufasa died, because it reminded him of his older brother, but he did like Scar’s line of Long Live the King. However, this soft moment with Leona was interrupted by you blowing into a tissue and telling him to never make his nephew leave or else you would leave him. 

But, he will admit that Ruggie did remind him of the hyenas in the movie. He laughed all the freaking time, he was willing to be at his beck and call, Leona legit would not be able to tell the difference. Plus, he was a hyena. However, it left him wondering about Jack. Where would he fit into this complicated equation?

Azul Ashengrotto

He had to be pulled away from work, so you said why not watch the Little Mermaid? So, you both went to his room and watched the movie there. If he was being honest, this was a great way for him to wind down. You were leaning onto his shoulder as you watched, and the moment was peaceful.

That was, until the Poor Unfortunate Souls scene came on. You turned down the volume and faced him, and told him that Ursula was beautiful and confident as she was, and you wanted to follow the wise words of SZA and get a big boy. Poor boy didn’t understand what you were saying, but he was happy to know that you loved him no matter what he looked like.

Flotsam and Jetsam definitely reminded him of Floyd and Jade. However, they were a tad creepier than the tweels, which was saying a lot. Ursula became his new idol, as she was almost powerful enough to overthrow King Triton. Unfortunately, she was defeated before that could happen.

Kalim Al-Asim

He was down to watch a movie right when you asked, however it was Jamil who you really needed to convince. So, you decided to just play it in the Lounge. You and Kalim were laying down in each other’s arms, while Jamil was playing as the third wheel.

When the Sultan and Jafar were introduced, you pointed to the screen and shouted that they were them. Your sudden exclamation surprised both of them, but Kalim could see the resemblance. Somehow, the same could not be said about the Vice Housewarden (he did see the correlation, but he did not want to acknowledge it).

Your boyfriend here absolutely loved the movie, and thought that the love story was quite adorable. A really flustering thought popped into his head when Jasmine and Aladdin got engaged because he would love to marry you one day. But, that day is far ahead.

Vil Schoenheit

Surprisingly, he was for the idea of finally unwinding from his stress as both a student, a Housewarden, and a movie star. So, he took off his makeup and you both were having a spa day as you put on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

But, he regretted saying yes when you pointed at the Evil Queen’s old hag form and asked him if he could transform into that. This man was hit with horrible PTSD, but I will not say anything more so I don’t spoil it too horribly. It keeps him lying awake at night, which is definitely not good for his beauty sleep.

Rook acts like the opposite of the hunter, and Vil refuses to think that Neige is like Snow White. In his story, his rival is the bad guy, and he won’t think about it any other way. However, he knows that he himself is not Snow White, but rather the Evil Queen. You don’t make it seem like that, though.

Idia Shroud

You both went on the Twisted Wonderland equivalent of Discord and agreed to watch a movie that you had somehow procured from your world. He was intrigued, so it was a virtual date. The movie started off great, and you both were sending DM’s that commented about it.

However, when Hades came into the scene, you messaged him and said you should be confident and funny like him. That sent his thoughts spiraling, and he was wondering if he had to change himself so that you would like him more. You caught onto this, though, and stated that you wouldn’t mind being his Persephone.

Hades made him laugh and snicker a few times, but he really did not like how he treated Pain and Panic. Most of all, he didn’t like how he treated Meg. Actually, she reminded him of you because you were often very sarcastic and sassy but also gorgeous. When he looked at you, he got the same feelings that Hercules had.

Malleus Draconia

You inviting him to something was definitely the highlight of his day, but he wasn’t familiar with movies. So, you agreed that you would meet up at night at your dorm so that you both could have some privacy. You propped up a school-supplied laptop onto the foot of the bed as you and Malleus sat against the headboard, and you played Sleeping Beauty.

When the curse that Maleficent placed on Aurora went into effect, you whispered to the dragon fae beside you and asked if he could place a sleeping curse on you because you don’t want to be awake to suffer through everyone’s bullshit. To be honest, he has thought about it because he hates how you’re constantly surrounded by multiple different men. Plus, the thought of being your true love and being the one to kiss you awake was very enticing.

The night ended with you both falling asleep within your bed, and Grim had to sleep on the couch. However, Malleus did wake up early so that he could get back to Diasomnia in time to not cause Sebek or Silver to panic. He had to deal with the painful feeling in his chest as he left you alone in your bed, but he placed a kiss on your forehead before departing.

[1americanconservative]

@GuntherEagleman

A little about me, because it triggers liberals.

- I am a 50 year old White Christian man

- I have 4 kids and 3 1/2 Grandkids

- I have never been fired from a job

- I have never been charged with a crime (2 speeding tickets)

- I lived in commie CA until moving to Texas in 2007

- I left police work to buy back a company I sold in 2014

- I’m a Proud America First MAGA Patriot

- I have NO pronouns and laugh at those who do

- I love talking sht

- I am NOT vaccinated or boosted

- I never wore a mask

- I do NOT support funding wars overseas

- I want our borders closed

- I will never stop advocating for real conservative candidates

- I will always fight against RINO’s and fascist Liberal fcks

- I know Climate Change is a hoax

- I know J6 was not an insurrection

- I know 2020 election was stolen

- I know George Floyd OD’d

- I will never give up my guns

- I stand with President Trump

- I’d call our current government a shitshow

And until proven otherwise, I believe Michelle Obama is a dude.

[acquariusgb]

When Covid was raging in New York, Hillary and I were at home, with Chelsea, Marc, and our three grandkids next door in our guesthouse. Our Clinton Foundation staff all worked from home, keeping our projects going, including helping the faith leaders involved in our opioid alliance encourage their members to follow safe practices through worship and in daily life. [...] In spite of Covid’s terrible toll, it was a blessing for Hillary and me in some ways. I loved having our family so close. It was such a kick to have then six-year-old Charlotte and four-year-old Aidan barge into the house and insist that Hillary and I stop whatever we were doing and play their favorite games, read books, or be characters in the plays they created. Seven-month-old Jasper happily observed the chaos. I spent time exploring the internet—the magnificent music, the comedy routines, the humorous video clips, memes, and photos. (Did you see the guy singing “Don’t Be Cruel” to two white cockatoos perched on a couch and rocking along to the music? Or the man out west who gives a ride in the backseat of his old convertible to a buffalo?) Hillary and I finally got into the streaming craze,spending Valentine’s Day 2021 binge-watching Bridgerton all night long. We later binged Ted Lasso in smaller bites. [...] In ways I still don’t fully understand, the coronavirus and its stay-at-home imperative and the uprising changed me, and I suspect, you, too, especially in where and how we work and how much time we spend with family and friends. I laughed at the internet, then cried as I called friends who lost a spouse, a brother, parents. I worried with the people I work with and other friends, praying their infected family members would recover. Yet I became more hopeful that—in our shared grief and worry, in our shared cheering for the bravery and devotion of those on the front lines who often don’t ook like us, in our shared laughter that makes the awful bearable, in our collective efforts to survive in a crippled economy, and in the outpouring of support for Floyd’s family and for others whose loved ones were killed while being stopped, chased, or arrested, and for the idea that Black lives do matter—we might be recovering a sense of our common humanity, humility, and gratitude. The jury’s still out on that. It could have the reverse effect, making too many of us even more determined to withdraw from each other and the rest of the world.

Citizen- My Life after the White House - Bill Clinton

[callsign-dexter]

Night Ride Rescue

Request: hey

I was wondering if you could please write a Maverick x daughter reader where she is out riding her bike a little later at night and she notices this car following her. She starts to get freaked out and petaled faster to see if it would leave but it didn’t. Maybe it turns into they get out of the car and try to chase her (your choice) so she runs into the first place she can find and it happens to be the hard deck. Possibly penny sees her and with penny being friends (not in a relationship but just good friends, maybe penny is still married to Amelia’s dad?) with Mav she goes over to see what is wrong, after she calls and demands maverick come down and fast. He does and he sees his daughter upset so he comforts her she tells him what happened and he is just so protective and loving and he just makes her feel so safe.

maybe the reader is like 8

maybe the second movie

thank you so much and it is completely your choice

Pairings: Maverick x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, mentions of cheating (not on reader)

Maverick trusted his daughter whole heartedly, he knew she would do the right thing even though she was only 8-years-old. Of course he cared about her safety but knew she knew how to defend herself thanks to him and everyone else teaching her self-defense. Everyone lived in close proximity to each other so she knew she could run to anyone when she needed help or call anyone when she was home alone and her dad was out for few.

When Y/N asked if she could go see her friend, Emma Floyd who was Bob's little sister who he got custody of, he said yes and let her ride her bike over.

"Hey, Dad?" She asked walking downstairs to where her dad sat at the kitchen table working on some stuff for work.

"Yes, Darling?" He asked looking up to see his look alike coming towards him.

"I was wondering if I could go over to Emma's. I have some homework I need help with." She said and he thought about it and nodded his head.

"That is fine with me, Darling." He said "Be safe and be sure to call if you don't feel safe or need to come pick you up." He finished off and she nodded her head.

"You got it, Dad. Thank you so much." She said bounding over and hugging him tightly around the neck. She truly did love her dad with all of her heart and would never disobey him.

She arrived and set her bike down and walked to the front door and knocked. Bob was the one to open the door and greet the girl.

"Hey, Y/N/N. You here to see Emma?" He asked her and she nodded her head.

"Yes sir." She said being polite even though she knew this man and loved him like an uncle. Also her daddy taught her to be polite to anyone she met even if she already knew them.

"Y/N we talked about this you don't have to call me sir." Bob said as he let her into his house.

"I'm sorry Bob. Force of habit." She said taking her backpack of and smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Oh I know kid." Bob said and hugged her and then called Emma down and the two girls embraced each other and then they scurried off upstairs. Bob texted Maverick.

Bob: Y/N is here.

Maverick: Thank you for letting me know.

Bob: Anytime sir.

She stayed over there for a few hours and they laughed, gossiped. and helped each other with some homework. "Did you see what Nathan posted on Instagram?" Y/N asked Emma.

"Oh yea. I saw. Do you think Eva knows that he is cheating on her?" Emma asked her friend.

"If she does then she's not acknowledging it. Did you expect anything less from him? After all he is the most popular kid and the star football player." Y/N asked

"Absolutely not. He's just a player. You know he tried to hit on me the other day." Emma said while looking up from her homework.

"What?! No! Why didn't you tell me?" You asked her gasping in shock.

"I meant to but we were at practice and then it just slipped my mind." Emma said looking up.

"He tried to hit on me too and kiss me." Y/N said and Emma gasped.

"No way! When was this?!" Emma asked

"The same day you got hit on." She said

"Damn. He really is a player." Emma said and Y/N nodded her head.

It was getting late and she wanted to be home, even though it was Friday night she loved being with her dad. As she was getting ready to leave Bob had stopped her.

"I can drive you home." Bob told her and she shook her head.

"Thank you but I'm ok. I like riding my bike. It helps me clear my head and I like the fresh air." You told him and chuckled.

"You are so like your dad." He said with a chuckle as she stood her bike up. "If you have any trouble call any of us or ride to The Hard Deck." Bob said and she nodded.

"You got it Bob." She said and hugged him. "Have a good night and I'll see you later." She said as she got on her bike.

"You have a good night as well." He said and watched her ride off until she was out of sight and then walked back into the house. Bob texted Maverick

Bob: Your daughter has just left my house and is on her way home. She refused to let him drive her, claimed that she liked riding her bike. Said it helps her clear her head and that she likes the fresh air.

Maverick: Damn she really is my daughter.

Bob: That she is.

As Y/N was riding back to her home she noticed that a car was following her and was making every turn she was making. At first she thought it was just a coincidence but when they started to speed up is when she got scared so she started to pedal faster. She was 30 minutes away from her house but was only 2 minutes away. So she set her course for the well known bar and her a person she considered her aunt, her Aunt Penny.

She heard them stop and thought she was in the clear when she heard the door shut. She looked back and saw a fairly large built man get out and started chasing her. She was 30 seconds out from The Hard Deck. She started yelling at her. Once she got in the proximity of the well known bar she ditched her bike on the front deck and ran in she looked panicked and then Penny saw her and the look on her face. Penny told the bartender she would be right back and walked to the youngest Mitchell. "Honey, what's wrong?" She asked but Y/N was looking behind her and tears started to form "Y/N. What happened?" She asked again and led her to the back office, she dropped her backpack onto the couch and sat down.

"Someone was following me when I was leaving Emma's. Then then when I was 30 seconds out from here they got out of the car and started to chase me. This was the closest place." Y/N started to cry and hung her head and she hugged the little girl. "I want dad." She said and Penny nodded.

"You stay here and I'll go call him." Penny said and Y/N nodded her head. Penny walked outside and dialed Maverick's number he answered on the first ring.

"Penny?" Maverick answered confused

"Pete you need to get down to The Hard Deck now." Penny said in a stern voice.

"What? Why?" Maverick asked really confused

"Y/N is here. She said that someone was following her on her way home and this was the closest place. She wants you. We're in the office when you get here. I'm sure the cameras picked up the men, car, and license plate." Penny told him and Maverick could've sworn his heart dropped.

"I'll be there in a minute." Maverick said and they hung up.

Penny walked back in and into the office. "Y/N/N?" She asked and she looked up.

"Is dad on his way?" She asked and Penny nodded. Fresh tears rolled down her face. True to his word Maverick strolled into the office to find his daughter crying and Penny trying to comfort her.

"Y/N?" Maverick asked and she looked up and saw him she got up and practically tackled him to ground but he stood still. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. She buried her head into his chest and cried. He looked up at Penny. "Thank you so much." He said and she nodded her head.

"Anything for a friend. You know I love her. I'm gonna leave you both alone. Take as much time as you need." She said and Maverick thanked her as she walked out and shut the door. Maverick's attention turned back to his daughter.

"Darling tell me what happened." He said and pulling away from her and they sat down on the couch and she looked him in the eye and told him everything.

"I should've taken Bob's offer and let him drive me home. I was riding home and then I noticed a car following me, I thought nothing of it then they started to speed up. They were making every turn I made. They stopped and I thought I was in the clear but then one dude got out and started to yell at me and chase me. This was the closest place so I came here. I left my bike on the front deck. I was so scared dad." She finished and hung her head. Maverick was mad but not at her. He gently lifted her chin.

"You did the right thing. You're not in trouble, I promise. I'll always rescue you no matter what." Maverick said and brought her into a hug which she returned gladly. "Are you ready to go home?" He asked and she nodded her head into his chest and he smiled and placed a kiss on her head.

Father and daughter got up from the couch and Maverick grabbed her backpack and they were off too his truck. They walked out of the front door and they grabbed her bike. When they got to the truck they put it in the bed, Maverick put her backpack in the backseat while she got in. Maverick got in and started the truck and they were headed home. When they got home they got ready for bed and Maverick let her sleep in his bed. He cuddled his daughter like he would lose her if she was out of his sight and she almost was and that scared him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days later Penny called Maverick back and said that police caught the men. This wasn't the first time they tried to kidnap a little girl and they had been successful twice. Thanks to The Hard Deck's camera being so good and Penny's husband being persistent on getting the good quality ones. Maverick was relived and now his daughter to could ride safely again. When he told his daughter she let out a sob and hugged her father, and he returned that hug and kissed her head. He is going to protect his daughter at all costs.

Tag list:

@kmc1989

@els-marvelvsp

@atarmychick007

@nyx2021

@callsign-revenge

[creatchie8]

Matching Set

Summary: It was easy to hide away from telling people your truth, until you met a certain man on a Sunday night at the bar you worked at.

Pairing: Bob Floyd/Fem!Reader

Warnings: Minors DNI! (18+), explicit smut, oral sex, p in v sex

Word Count: 21,000

10:38 PM, Sunday

“You know…” You said as you squeezed the dish sponge under the hot water at the double stainless steel sink, “You really treated your guy friend like total shit back there.” 

You half jokingly laughed to Penny as you two finished up tonight's dishes. Baked mac and cheese. Incredibly tasty buy oh so cemented to the glassware you were slaving away at. 

Penny chuckled at your comment as she expertly dried some deep blue drinking glasses with a lemon yellow rag, “He should have paid attention to my rules. It's not my fault he can't read.” She grinned devilishly and you just rolled your eyes. 

You had heard your aunt talk a few times about Maverick, how he was sweet but at the same time an ignorant fuck. But truthfully, that is all you could get out of her. She chalked it up every time to an old flame, but you suspected that it was always still dimly lit within her by the faint fondness that lingered in her eyes. 

Even when she would say the ‘ignorant fuck’ part she often smiled as if she was enjoying a sweet moment. 

The final bit of cheesy crust dissolved within the now seemingly boiling water and you were free. Humming as you handed the glassware off to Penny to dry and then tossing your sponge next to the soap dispenser. The dish cloth was rough as you dried your hands with it, then handing it to Penny to dry hers off next. 

Nights like this were nice. 

Not that you didn't like it when sweet Amelia hung around you two instead of scurrying off to get out of chores, but being alone to talk about ‘grown up stuff’ was refreshing. The creamy yellow kitchen light flickered slightly as the two of you settled back down at the table again. 

You were really blessed to live in a nice house like this, especially with people who loved you.

Penny propped her head up on her palm as she looked at you, “You seemed to get along really well with that girl back there.” she smiled. 

Your fingers were busy picking at a knob in the wood grain, “Phoenix? Oh yeah. I don't even know what got into me.” You reminisced about the night, “She just ordered a beer and then we started talking. She's really funny.” You leaned back in the wooden chair and laughed, “She’s here on some top secret mission. Even when she got tipsy she still wouldn't tell me what it was about.” 

Every so often a woman in uniform will come and hang at The Hard Deck. It is always refreshing when they do, especially when they are as sweet as Phoenix is. She came in with a few people trailing behind her, all of them comfortably chatting. You noticed that Phoenix seemed to lead them, not in a commanding way, but in a trustworthy way that really intrigued you. 

Maybe her trustworthy aura and warm smile is what got you talking to her so quickly, because soon after she ordered a beer you two exchanged a greeting and some more conversation that led to her asking if you worked tomorrow night, then inviting you to hang out with her and her friends when you could get a chance.  

“You know what I say about slacking on the job, hun.” Penny tsked and shook her head. 

You knew she didn't mean it. Deep down she was happy that you were socializing. 

Especially when you haven't found a friend to hang around since you got here, and you have been here since when? A freshman in university, and now you are twenty-two with your aunt and a fourteen year old girl as your two best friends. You cringed at the thought. 

Both of your heads perked up at the sound of laughs coming from said teenager’s room.

Still cringing, you heaved yourself up and out of the chair, the legs squeaking against the floor as you pushed it back into the table. “I better head off to bed. Don't let Amelia bully you into letting her stay up later.” you smirked and left the kitchen, but not before you heard Penny snort, “What? But I wanna be a fun mom!” she whined sarcastically and got up herself. 

The door to your bedroom was cracked slightly open like how you left it this afternoon before you went to work at The Hard Deck. It was smaller compared to the other two rooms, but that is because before you came here it used to be an office. 

Penny had insisted multiple times that Amelia did not need her huge room, that it would go to much better use if you had it. But honestly, you loved the reclusiveness of your room. It was tucked away at the end of the hall next to the downstairs bathroom.

An optimal spot to claim the bathroom first on busy school mornings. 

Thank god you didn’t live with your little brother anymore. It was like he had a sixth sense when you would attempt to go to the bathroom, always running out of wherever he was hiding at breakneck speed to push you out of the way (he grew about a foot and a half at eleven and has had a mischievous personality since four) and locked the door. 

You flipped on the light switch and flopped into bed, still smelling like stale beer and cheap military man cologne. You should take a shower, like, now. Groaning as you kicked off your shoes, you sat up and looked with heavy lids around the decorated room. Much more homey than all your other usually shared rooms growing up. 

The bedtime checklist formed in your head as you sat there in heavy silence. With the window cracked a bit you could hear the waves crashing outside, deep blue and full of memories from your time in California. 

Tonight was fun. You weren't going to doubt the laughs you had with Phoenix and her other teammates she introduced you to, even if you did only stay behind the bar and serve them alcohol and bar food. 

The Hard Deck catered to all things military, and with that comes two main reactions to a young woman like you serving alcohol. Being completely ignored or basically being immediately proposed to by the single (and sometimes taken) men. You had gotten used to it at this point. 

How to act (sweet), how to dress (revealing, but leaving much up to the imagination), just to get a little something extra added to the tip jar (Navy men are bad tippers so it wasn't much more). 

Sighing as you got up and strode over to your closet and picked out the first comfortable thing you found. Along you brought a shower cap and body lotion to the bathroom. You saw somewhere online that your hair would get healthier if you didnt wash it super often, and that you should be refreshing it with dry shampoo. 

It worked for thousands of other people, so why not you? 

In the bathroom you undressed and cranked the shower handle until you were sure it was set at a hot temperature. It was always a gamble with the downstairs bathroom. 

While you waited you leaned against the white wood vanity and looked at your reflection. Sometimes, you hate looking in the mirror. Maybe it wasn't the mirror, but instead your appearance you hated. Scars littered your body, nothing major but nicks that reminded you of a past life. Feeling angry and miserable, desperately searching for something to satisfy your craving. 

Shaking your head, you rubbed your eyes and stopped touching the larger scar on your left hip, jerking your hand away like it burned you. 

God, you looked ridiculous with that shower cap on. No matter how far you slid it down or up your forehead it still looked laughable. Finally, you accepted defeat and shrugged, stepping into the now hot water. 

Like most people, the shower is a safe space. No one was going to barge in on you asking if you could help them write their book report or ask if you could pick up a shift because one of the servers caught mono. 

At least, it hasn't happened yet. 

As you washed your body you mentally went over the names of people Phoenix briefly introduced to you at a distance from where she sat at the bar. 

Fanboy had a really nice smile, almost boyish and cheeky. Payback is friends with him, and has a great booming laugh. 

When Phoenix tried to introduce Hangman and his buddy Coyote, your nose wrinkled in disgust, causing her to laugh at you, taking they had already introduced themselves to you.  

Unfortunately, Hangman especially had. Flirting with you shamelessly to a point where you dropped your sweet customer service voice and instead replaced it with a stern snap of, “Get off of my counter and out of my face.” Hangman scoffed and pushed himself off where he was leaning over the bar and sauntered over to the pool table to join Coyote. 

Phoenix rolled her eyes in disgust as you told the story and shook her head in disbelief, “He’s a fucking shit head for sure. I won't doubt he’ll get us all killed ” she grumbled before she took a long swig of her drink. 

She introduced her WSO last, whose callsign was Bob. Even now in the steamy shower you still think it is an odd callsign. It is simple and easy to say for sure, which is better than a complicated one you guess. 

Bob’s glasses were the first thing that caught your attention, as not many who flew the aircraft needed glasses. 

You already knew Goose’s kid, Rooster, who had always been nice to you. Well, more than nice to you. You had known him since you had been born, his family close to yours especially after his dad’s passing. He was always like a big brother to you, one who teased you but also made an effort to check in on you when you were struggling.

At this point you were just wasting water and decided to get out. The mirrors were steamy before you wiped them down with a light blue fluffy towel that came from the shelf beside the shower. After you dried yourself thoroughly, you ripped the shower cap off and tossed it onto the counter along with your things. 

Even though you hated going to bed sticky, you vowed to always put lotion on after showers because of how dried out your skin got due to the hot temperature of the water. 

It's a win lose situation.

Bob had gotten to the bar a little after Hangman and Coyote, but before it had gotten terribly busy. Never did you see him come in, and now that you think about it, you never saw him leave either. But he sure caught your attention. 

You were thinking no one was at the bar so you crouched down next to the ice maker with the metal scoop in your hand, ready to do some major damage to the giant chunks that didn't separate. 

The metal against the ice had this incredibly satisfying crunching noise, like little shards of glass. 

You tossed the scoop with a clang into the ice maker after you had thoroughly finished the massacre and turned around, wiping your wet hands on your jean capris. Looking up from your hands you jolted in surprise as there was a man standing directly on the other side of the bar looking at you intently. 

“Oh my god! I'm so sorry,” you breathed, “I didn't even see you come in. What can I get you?” Your hand goes to your chest in an attempt to calm your beating heart.

The man looks startled too, then immediately apologetic, “I’m sorry ma’am, I haven't been here for long.” He visibly gulped, then proceeded to open and close his mouth a few times before saying, “Peanuts?” You blinked at him and his cheeks immediately flush a bright red, “Oh uh.. Nevermind.” He says quickly and goes to turn around.

“Wait! Like, peanuts to eat?” You ask and he nods, the corners of his mouth quirking up the slightest bit. “I have peanuts with the shells still on, it's messy though.” You explain as you raise one eyebrow slightly and he nods again.

 “That is alright with me, ma’am. Thank you.” He says as he pushes his silver glasses up the bridge of his nose. 

He was slimmer than most of the meat heads who usually frequented the bar. In fact, you had never seen him here before. His Naval uniform was pressed neatly, especially around the collar where you could see his white undershirt peeking above the top buttons. You look at his name plate and see the last name ‘Floyd’. 

Okay, nothing to write home about, you thought as you turned to the back of the bar and opened one of the bottom wood cabinets that kept the commercial cardboard box with the peanuts. Grabbing one of the matching cups, you note the other things within the space that are unbelievably messy. 

You'll have to clean it up later.

He’s kept his gaze on you this entire time. Normally they don't have the patience to wait a minute or two so you have to chase them down to hand them what they ordered. This pulls a huff and a smile from you. His dirty blond hair is neatly combed over to the side, and not in a greasy way. In a freshly showered way. 

He is clean shaven and smells good. 

Handing over the full cup, you ask him if he needs anything else. He shakes his head no, smiling at you. “Have a good night, ma’am.” His crooked smile was handsome, and his southern accent was intriguing.

When Bradley showed up after everyone, it brought a huge smile to your face. He was searching the crowds till he saw you and made a beeline to where you stood behind the counter. Of course out of his pressed khakis and in a Hawaiian button up.  

“So, are you willing to tell me more about this top secret mission?” You tease, playfully pushing at his broad shoulder. Bradley swatted away your hand, shaking his head. You never knew his dad but gosh, from all the old photos you had seen, Bradley was shaping up to be his exact replica. 

“Nope.” He popped the ‘p’, “I take it you already tried to pry it out of some poor unsuspecting soldier?” He asked and you solemnly nodded, putting on a show. It made your heart ache that he had eventually grown away from your family, especially after his mother had passed. When you heard the news it was like your heart had sunk through your chest and to the floor. 

“Yeah… Phoenix over there is much too smart for my mind tricks.” Your comment made Bradley laugh, glancing over to his new teammates by the pool table. Then, you exchanged a few pleasantries before you served him his alcohol of choice and sent him on his merry way. 

Though, the certain man you were looking for had his body hidden behind one of the larger support beams. You knew he was there by the way he shifted his body and eventually took Phoenix's pool stick. Fanboy and him seemed to click instantly, when the game wasn't grabbing his attention, Bob leaned towards the shorter man and conversed intently with him. 

At the piano, you admired him more. The goofy way he swung his head to the music, how easily his body interacted with Phoenix's when she tried to get him to dance more, you were captivated by the truly human movement of him.  

Shaking your head brought you back to reality. Bob was a strange one. Once your skin is freshly moisturized and ready to get into clean sheets, you proceed to gather your things. A sudden knock at the bathroom door startled you, halting your movements so you could stare at the closed door. 

“Hun? Can I ask a favor of you?”

A trapped sigh left your lips at the sound of your aunt’s voice. 

“Of course, what is it?” You ask through the door, chewing on the inside of your cheek.

“Tomorrow, when you go running, could you please take the trash can out to the street? I have to take Amelia to school early and knowing how difficult it will be to get her out of bed I will probably forget.” She laughed, and you snorted, knowing that Penny is not exaggerating how grouchy her daughter is in the morning.

“Totally, good luck with her.” You respond, earning another laugh from Penny. The floor creaks a few seconds later and that is your signal to continue like normal. 

After cleaning up the bathroom before heading to bed, you think about what the next night will bring in the darkness of your room. 

Penny would let you play a game of pool or two with Phoenix, especially because she seemed to be your first real friend in years. 

If it's not too busy of course. 

__________________

6:03 AM, Monday

Waking up after a very late night was rough. Even more rough when you’re waking up at six o'clock in the morning. 

Why do you do this to yourself? 

You're not proving anything to anyone when you wake up at ungodly hours of the morning just to go on a run. But you just do. Running on Mondays and Wednesdays had become a routine ever since you took that Anatomy and Physiology class your sophomore year. You noticed after a while that it hurt less and made you eventually feel better. 

So if you stopped now you would lose your streak and have the possibility of making you feel like shit the rest of your life. 

Maybe you were just overthinking it now.

Morning runs were just better in a way. You tried running at night when it got cooler, but even with two pepper sprays, you were still paranoid of all the things that would possibly happen to you. The sunrise was also too beautiful to miss, you looked forward to seeing it every time. You had to remind yourself that although it is gorgeous, you do not need to take up all your photo space on your phone with millions of pictures of the ombre sunrise. 

Once all of your running gear was on, you snugly put in your earbuds and locked the door behind you. The trash can was a little difficult to drag to the side of the road, same with the recycling. The driveway was slanted upwards going towards the main road, as the house was on a little bit of a slant. Moving to California was the best idea you've ever had in your entire life. The soft sand, the crisp sea, everything just looked perfect when you ran alone. 

It was like the downstairs bathroom. No one to ask you what outfit looks good for a school dance, no one to ask to help fill out the accounting books for The Hard Deck.

Amelia was still asleep and Penny had absolutely no desire to run, so it was just you. 

Soon, your nose started to drip due to the cool air around you and you wiped it on your light sport jacket sleeve as you jogged.

Teenage you would be in shock how you turned out. 

You were the textbook definition of a wild child. Sneaking out to meet boys older than you, skipping school for weeks at a time. You basically became an addict in tenth grade, and all you wanted to do was leave home. The people you surrounded yourself with did not help in the slightest. You all fed off each other and encouraged one another to continue down a self destructive lifestyle. 

If your folks hadn’t checked you into rehab, you would be dead by now, and that is ultimately what younger you wanted, was to be dead.

For the longest time you resented your parents for it. Resented them for helping you get better, and for a while you refused to even look at them when they came and saw you, even ignoring your brother who at the time was probably too young to understand why his big sister had gone away. 

The hate in your heart was too great at the time to realize that they only wanted to help you. 

You checked your watch, which was a pre-graduation gift from Penny. To be honest, you're not much of a watch wearer, but you'd wear it for her. Slowing down to a stop, you looked at the rising sun from the gritty sidewalk as you put your hands on your hips. 

It was the barrier between the start of the sand and the residential neighborhood road. 

Your lungs burned, which was a side effect from the vigorous exercise and the constant state of burning California always seemed to be in, especially at this time of year. Turning on the news was a bore now. Nothing new except for fires, fires, fires. 

But, the ocean was absolutely stunning, as it always is. Stunning in the way it shimmered like a billion little fireflies, the way it smelled (salty, like iodine), and felt (cool humidity kissing your skin). Without realizing it, you found yourself walking across the sand and down to the shore. 

Stopping before the wet earth, you took off your running shoes and socks to hold them in your left hand. 

It was freezing on your feet, but that is exactly what you needed. It shocked you back to reality, back to the ache in your heart you always have had. The water was up to your knees now and you stopped, staring into the horizon. 

Bright, glimmering, water constantly warping the reflection. 

How did you go from the life of the party to this sad, depressing woman? Sure, you weren't getting blackout drunk every night and being reckless, but now all your days consist of the same three things.

School. Work. Sleep. Repeat.

Senior year will do that to you, but it won't last forever, Penny always tells you in her motherly voice. You just have to get through this semester then next, then you'll be free to get a job other than The Hard Deck, and maybe, just maybe find a place. 

But you never know in a state like California, where the prices are always rising. 

You were always tense too. Like a rubber band constantly at its max. Did masturbation count as sex? If not, you were totally a born again virgin. University did not have a good dating pool, because all but two of your classes were online so you were never there. 

The Hard Deck was an extremely shallow dating pool, despite all of the flirtatious men throwing themselves at you. But, they would fuck anything with a pulse. 

Bob flicks into your mind, and the sudden thought of him startles you. He has really nice hands, you noticed how neat his nails were when you handed him his cup of peanuts. 

A few times he lingered near the bar, patiently waiting for you to get to him, never irritated by the long line of people in front of him. When he smiled at you, it was infectious. Never in your life had you been so eager to serve people to get to a specific customer. He had asked for Dr. Pepper with a few pumps of nonalcoholic raspberry syrup, so you pulled out your soda gun and a glass, making light conversation about the projected weather for the rest of the week. 

A lull happened in the conversation while you were measuring out the syrup, the both of you completely focused on the drink. 

“Your bracelets are very nice.” Bob said suddenly, catching you off guard.

“Oh, thanks!” You smiled and grabbed a clean bar spoon, “All Walmart I’m afraid, nothing designer here.” You laughed and gestured to your wrist where the metal chains hung. He laughed too, causing a warm feeling to bloom in your chest. 

The veins in his forearms snaked up to his biceps and under his sleeves. Bob was handsome in a classical way. Like he would be a lord in some period drama tv show. 

You definitely were not staring intently at the muscles in his arms when he was playing pool. Totally not fixed on the way his shoulders pulled at the fabric and made it stretch over them when he leaned down to take a shot. 

When he blushed, it didn’t just stop at his cheeks. It trails down his neck and probably down his chest. 

Your hands fly to your face in embarrassment, you have to stop thinking about this right now. Bob and you didn't even know each other! What makes it even worse is you are definitely going to see him tonight at the bar. 

This is so fucked up, and you are for sure a sad lonely born again virgin. 

The running shoes squelched just slightly as you put your feet in them after you got out of the water. Your legs were numb. The socks didn't do a very good job of soaking up the water on your feet but you didn't care. All you cared about was getting back home fast, even if you puke from the effort. 

You had to get him out of your head. 

Unfortunately, the puking did not happen when you got back to the house. You had hoped slightly that you would have, because then you could feign sickness and get out of going to work tonight. But it was easier pulling the two waste bins down the cement slope and to the side of the house. 

“Penny! Penny, I'm home!” You shouted as you sorted through the mail on the kitchen table. Just bills, nothing special. Except for a neon orange sticky note on the fridge that caught your eye as you looked up. 

Going to the grocery store,

text me if you need anything. 

XOXO Penny

“You know, she could have just texted me that.” You chuckle to yourself as you walk down the hall and to your room. Amelia had already gone to school so you were completely alone in the house, which was usual for this time of day. 

Classes and homework dragged by slowly for the next few hours. Not all of your classes had set online meeting times but some did, like the class you were in now. Thankfully, the teacher allows students to keep their mic and video off so no one has to see your disgruntled self doing anything but paying attention. 

You then had a quick zoom meeting with your advisor, who assured you that you are on the right path to graduate this upcoming semester, spring. She helped you pick out the final classes needed to graduate and she sent you on your merry way. 

It was finally happening. All the hard work you spent on each and every class was finally paying off, even if you did take an extra year to graduate. From your office chair you could see your tiny little closet that had no door, and you were already mentally picking out what you wanted to wear with your cap and gown. It would have to match navy and yellow, as those were school colors of U of C San Diego. 

You should take Amelia into the city and go dress shopping with her when you get the time. 

Did Bob ever go to college? It seemed unlikely by how young he looked. Maybe he was taking some online classes through like Purdue, weren't they known for being able to do that kind of thing? You had seen so many commercials for it and even considered applying there yourself before getting a good scholarship to U of C San Diego. 

The next few hours drag by and your eyes are tired from reading some guy’s thesis on… something. You weren't sure at this point. The front door opens and slams shut before you hear feet running to your bedroom door. Two-thirty, Amelia’s home. You whip around to your bed and scan the room for inappropriate objects Amelia might see and you sigh in relief as you find none. 

The bedroom door swings open and you smile at the fourteen year old in your doorway. 

She grins back and goes to jump on your bed, which she swears is the comfiest place in the whole house. 

“Hey girly, no shoes on the bed.” You warn as she starts climbing up onto it. She complies and kicks off her sneakers before completely messing up your blankets in an attempt to get comfy. 

“How was school? Wasn't it one of your teachers' last days?” You ask as you turn to your desk and shut off your laptop.

“Mrs. Panchak? Yeah she's having her baby. I dont think I'm going to miss her though.” she says, her eyes on her phone, “School was fine. Nothing special, but Julia got her braces on over the weekend. She said they hurt even today.” Amelia mumbles off handedly, clearly distracted by something on her phone. 

Penny liked to tease her for how glued she is to it, but you're just glad she has fun chatting with her friends even after the school day ends. 

You slap your thighs and get up to stretch, your shoulders popping from being hunched over for the past however long. “Hey, where’s your mom?” You ask, scrunching your eyebrows. Penny hadn't come in yet, and you didn't notice because of school.

“Out with the boat, she texted me a while ago.” Amelia says and moves over so you can sit next to her. 

“So how come she texts you can not me?” You ask, feigning hurt and Amelia shrugs, laughing, “Maybe she likes me more than you?” Groaning in fake pain you lean heavily on Amelia who laughs harder and then proceeds to push you off of her. 

After bugging Amelia with more questions about school, you get up and convince her to come into the kitchen with you. Amelia requests a snack without chicken in it, as she had school lunch and today it was a ‘soggy gross chicken thing’ in her words. So you decide to make cheese quesadillas. 

Colby jack for her and pepper jack for you. Amelia shows you funny videos on her phone while the two of you eat. After she runs out of videos to show you, Amelia then goes on to show you her wishlist on some clothing websites, asking if her mom would buy it for her or if she had to do more chores to get money. 

She rolled her eyes so hard you thought they would get stuck in the back of her head when you unfortunately broke the news to her that Penny definitely would not be buying her the clothes without chores. 

Finally, it is time to head over to the bar. It opens at five and you like to be there at least half an hour early to set up. Penny is not too fond of the idea of Amelia staying home alone for too long, despite her daughter’s pleadings. So she regularly comes with you to do her homework at the bar. 

Thankfully, your hair wasn't a huge mess so you just spritzed that dry shampoo into your roots and mussed it around a bit before changing into some comfy jeans (that hugged your ass nicely) and a pretty knitted blouse that wouldn't make you too hot or cold while working. Then of course your trusty work sneakers. 

They were actually marketed as nurses shoes online but that drew you in even more at the prospect of not wanting to chop your feet off at the end of every shift because they hurt so bad. So far, they worked pretty dang well. 

The two of you hopped into your car and drove to The Hard Deck after you made sure Amelia took her backpack with so she could get some work done while she was there. It was always so weird to see the bar completely deserted. Your car was the only one there in the tiny parking lot as the two of you walked up to the double doors. 

You let Amelia unlock them as she does every time she comes with you and the two of you walk in, breathing the scent of stale beer and wood. 

Thankfully, Amelia gets straight to work at the bar so you have time to prepare for the upcoming night. There was always so much to be done. 

A while later, the doors open and a man comes in, who you then recognize to be Maverick. You smile and finish wiping down the table you were working on.

“You know, the bar doesn't open until five, Mav.” You chuckle as he walks over to you. 

“I know, I was just here to give your aunt something, is she here?” he asks as he pulls out a wad of cash from his jacket pocket. Your eyes widen at the sight and you take the tiniest step back, “Woah, you really didn't need to bring that here, I’m serious.”

“No, I insist.” Mav says firmly and hands over the cash to you. 

You look up at him apologetically, “Thank you, I will let her know you came. She's going to be here a bit after five, and you're welcome to stay.” You offer as you walk over to the till and start placing the bills in their rightful place, then make sure Penny closed his tab last night. 

“I think I might come back a bit later, nice seeing you again.” He smiles and leaves the two of you in the empty bar after talking to Amelia for a little bit, obviously amazed at how big she had gotten since the last time he had seen her. 

__________________

6:24 PM, Monday

Oldies music and the conversations of people rang in your ears as you and Penny whirled around one another, serving people from all sides of the bar, opening tabs, and cleaning up spilled drinks. It was unusually busy for a Monday night, there must be a lot of people in town. 

When you looked outside, the sun was setting, and it was just barely a sliver floating on the ocean. 

A bit ago you saw Phoenix through the crowd, her sharp elbows jabbing at people who pushed against her. She was followed by Payback and Fanboy. And Bob. Unfortunately. 

Your heart dropped straight through you as soon as you saw him, it was like a bucket of ice had been dropped on you. 

Why were you even acting this way? He had literally never done anything to you. Just asked for a couple of fucking peanuts and complimented your bracelets. Which you had made sure to wear tonight, for some reason. 

When your eyes meet Phoenix’s, she smiles a soft smile and dips her head in greeting before heading over to her spot at the pool tables. Her eyebrows had a crease in between them, as if something was deeply worrying her. Even though you too had smiled at her, it was quickly dropped as you had another customer snapping his fingers for your attention. 

What a fucking asshole. 

Half listening to his order, you watched the four of them settle at the pool table. They were all wearing civilian clothes tonight. It was interesting to see them all in outfits that expressed their own personalities. Like Bob. His long sleeve plaid button up sleeves were pushed over his elbows. 

The veins in his forearms were raised and the muscles there flexed as he played pool. 

You wondered how calloused his hands were from working. 

This was a mess. 

The night continued and Phoenix checked in on you a few times, always coming back to request more alcohol too. 

“Probably can't play pool tonight, huh?” Sipping on her drink as she sat in front of you, cleaning some shot glasses with a rag.

“Maybe later. You never know with Mondays. Sometimes they are completely dead, and others busy,” you look around, “like this.” Your lips pressed together in a thin smile as you place the dry glasses upside down on a clean dish towel. Phoenix tsked and downed her glass of pretty amber whiskey. 

She was drinking far more than last night, and so had the other people in her squad. 

Her cheeks were ruddy and a few strands of her beautiful dark hair brushed her shoulders where they escaped the knot of the back of her head. You dared not ask about today. Everyone was looking in pretty rough shape, and they all seemed to have one permanent crease between their brows that Phoenix sported. 

“So, is Bob a good partner?” you ask cautiously as you start placing the glasses under the bar, looking down so you can’t see her face. She shifts in her seat and leans her elbows on the counter.

“Yeah! He’s great. Real nice guy, super smart too. But he gets stepped on too easily, Hangman was giving him shit while we were flying today.” She scoffs, sounding annoyed. You look back up at her, a bit of relief washing through you that Bob is a confirmed nice man. 

“Jeez, like what was he saying to him?” You ask, still taken aback that a grown man would belittle and pick on another like a child. 

“Oh the normal dumb things. Snarky remarks about his glasses, his callsign too. Called him baby on board. God, what a freak. Like yes, Bob is a weird callsign, Robert is his real name so I feel kinda bad he didn't get a creative name.” Phoenix griped, clearly pissed off from today. It was actually almost funny how she was acting, the alcohol making her more animated and loose-lipped. 

“Someone needs to knock him down a peg.” You mutter and she nods in agreement. 

Phoenix asks for two more cups of the amber whiskey, eliciting a raised eyebrow from you. “Not for me.” She groans in an almost animated way, “I promised some others I would bring them back something too.” 

She was most definitely tipsy, not surprising after all the drinks she had tonight. Were the others getting drunk too? Looking over you saw that the lot of them were more relaxed than they were when they arrived, laughing freely with one another, and for once Hangman was not making snide remarks, but instead swinging his arm around Phoenix’s shoulders in a friendly manner when she arrived with his drink. 

Bob was relaxed too. A plastic water bottle in one hand and the other resting above his head and on one of the wooden support beams. He no longer stood straight and formal, but slouched slightly and leaned his weight on one foot. But god, his ass looked really nice in those bootcut jeans. 

The night went on and the crowd thinned out a bit. Penny was casually chatting with a regular when you came up beside her to put some liquor away. She stopped you with a hand on your elbow.

“Hey, I can hold down the ship if you wanna go over there and hang.” She nods in the direction of the pool table, where currently Phoenix is whipping the guys asses in the game. Smiling meekly as you finish putting away the bottles, you shrug, leaning on the counter next to her.

“I’d rather not. Feels awkward to barge in on their game.” Looking in their general direction, “Plus, they are all very much not sober, and I would have to become a sober driver-friend.” Penny looks at you in a confused way, like she had no clue why you wouldn't jump at the opportunity to finish work early and play a game of pool. A customer raps his knuckles on the bar top at the other end, so you smile sheepishly at her to go serve him. 

It’s not until a while later when you look up from organizing that damn peanut cupboard when you see the crew huddled around the jukebox, loudly arguing about music. It is not aggressive arguing, you breathe a sigh of relief at that. 

Turning your attention back to the many other shelves that needed the same deep organizing treatment. 

A whistle snaps you out of your cleaning trance and you stand up, knees creaking as you straighten them in your capris. You tilt your head to one side in an attempt to stretch it, as the concentration on the cupboards caused a crick in your neck. 

Quickly pasting on a cheery smile, you turn over your left shoulder to greet the customer standing at the bar. Your smile falters a bit as you realize it is Hangman who called you over, his white teeth gleaming against his tanned skin.

“What can I get for you?” You ask, your friendly demeanor slipping the tiniest bit.

“Not happy to see me?” Hangman asks, his signature smirk growing bigger.

“Well although you are charming, you aren't really my type.” You leaned on the countertop, inhaling the spicy scent of his cologne. 

“Not your type?” Challenge rose in his eyes, “You haven't even met me darlin’.” 

“I’ve met enough of you to know that I am not coming home with you.” You say matter of factly, shifting your weight to one side. You could tell that despite your words of protest, Hangman took it as a game to play now.

“Not coming home with me?” He dropped his voice lower, a large warm hand catching your wrist, “Who said I wouldn't mind going to my truck?”

Rolling your eyes, you pulled your wrist back, his fingertips dragging along the skin of your hand. “Listen Hangman-”

“It’s Jake. Call me Jake.” He interrupted, drumming his fingers on the bar top. The yellow lights behind him made it look like a halo was surrounding him. You scoffed. 

“Jake,” You start, annoyed that he had cut you off, “It’s going to take a lot more than you batting your eyelashes to get in my pants.” You wrinkle your nose and hope the interaction between the two of you wasn't going to cause a scene. 

A hopeful glimmer shone in his eyes. “So, what will get me into-” Jake starts, interrupted by a heavy hand on his shoulder. The two of you look over his shoulder, both equally in shock as you see two familiar faces behind him.

“Dude, leave the lady alone. She has more to worry about than getting with your sorry ass.” Fanboy quipped, his dark eyes watching the two of you as he stood by Bob. As Hangman stood up to his full height and turned around, Bob’s hand fell from his shoulder. 

You could see his jaw muscles flexing as Hangman came nose to nose with him. You had expected Bob to shrink back, to let Hangman overpower him. But he stood his ground, fists clenching by his sides. It was like how cats act before a fight. Bristled and taught, their ears back as they stare each other down. 

“Hangman was just leaving!” You say quickly, exchanging a worried glance to Fanboy, who took the hint and pressed his palm to Hangman’s chest, which snapped both him and Bob out from their staring contest. 

“I’m cool, I’m cool.” Hangman assures Fanboy with a grimace, holding his hands up in defense as he backs away from the two of them, walking stiffly back to the pool table. 

Fanboy laughs and slaps Bob’s back, urging him to sit next to him at the bar as he sat in a seat in front of you.

“Jesus! I had no idea you had it in you.” Fanboy says, a huge smile on his face as Bob joined him, his confidence dissolved almost completely now. You smile at the two of them, trying to shake the nervousness from your body. “A beer for me and-” He looks at Bob who shakes his head with a tight smile, “Nothing for my friend here.” Fanboy says as his attention is turned back to you.

Nodding, you walk over to the cooler and pull it out, your legs slightly wobbly from the adrenaline rush you just experienced. The brown bottle was icy and wet in your hands before you dried it with a rag that was hanging halfway off the bartop. 

“You know, I was handling the situation just fine.” You said as you strode back over to the two of them, handing the uncapped beer to Fanboy who took a drink immediately upon placing it into his outstretched hand. Bob pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, placing his elbows and forearms on the bar. 

There is that blush again, kissing the tops of his ears and cheeks. You remembered what you thought about at the beach, how you wondered if the redness crept below his plaid top. 

“Just fine? Dude, he looked like he was going to eat you alive!” Fanboy laughs, nudging Bob with his elbow, “Plus, it was Romeo over here's idea. He saw you two and just about had an aneurysm!” Fanboy was rambling now and you laughed, turning your attention to Bob who looked utterly humiliated, eyes trained on his hands. 

“Well, thank you for looking out for me. But really, I had it under control.” You say and place a hand softly on Bob’s, his eyes quickly looking up into yours. Impossibly, his blush deepened and he gave you a soft unsure smile. Fanboy noticed the tension between the two of you and excused himself with a snicker. 

You watch him leave, brushing off what he might think about you and Bob.

“You sure I can't get anything for you?” You ask as you turn your attention back to Bob. The silver of his glasses glinted against the dim bar light, reflecting the tiniest bit onto his skin.

Once you had spent part of your summer in the middle of nowhere, Nevada with some extended family. The days were hot and long, baking the dry desert earth and plants. Sage was abundant there, the light green leaves clustering in thick patches along hiking trails. 

That is exactly what Bob smelled like, sun baked sage. 

His calloused hands shifted under yours, making you realize that yours was still resting on his. You remove them and shoot him an apologetic look. “No thank you ma’am. I hope you have a good rest of your night.” He says simply, tipping his head towards yours as a goodbye, that unsure smile still on his lips. 

“Wait!” You call out, maybe a little too loud as a few nearby heads turn to look at you momentarily before returning back to their own lives. 

Bob turns back around slowly, clearly confused as he makes his way back to you, wringing his hands together. That same yellow light that shone behind Jake was behind Bob, reflecting off the corners of his glasses. The halo was much more fitting for him. 

“I just have to ask, if you don't mind me asking.” Pausing, you watched him sit, “What does your callsign mean? It is just so different and I-” You cut yourself off as you stare into his eyes, “I am just curious.” You finish, observing his fidgety behavior. 

“It’s a long story.” He starts, “I am sure you are much too busy.” Rubbing the back of his neck with his hand, “I don't want to bother you.” 

Turning over your shoulder to Penny, you catch her eye and smile, “I’m gonna take a break, is that okay?” You ask and she nods, grinning at you before heading over to the computer situated in one of the corners of the bar top. 

“There. Not too busy now.” You felt confident when you looked at him, wiping your hands off on your jeans before heading to the little cut out exit and towards him. Bob was frozen where he was, seemingly shocked you were leaving your responsibilities to hear his story. Leaning on your elbow next to him, you asked, “Wanna stay in here or go outside? It’s cooled off now.” 

Bob ponders your question for a moment, looking around at all the people still left in the bar, “Outside I think, it's too hot in here.” You watch his Adam's apple jump before getting up. You lead the way to the doors outside, all your focus on what lies ahead and not the other people around you. 

It is as cool as you imagined, the humidity unmistakable and clinging to you. But the soft breeze felt nice on the deck. The door shut behind Bob, blocking out some of the noise inside. Pulling out a shabby plastic chair from an equally shabby table, you sit down and urge him to do the same. 

Dark water engulfs most of your sight when looking out towards the moon. Just a silver half and resting on a bed of clouds, like it is going to bed as well. Your gaze pulls from the sight and back to him, surprised he had been staring at you the whole time. 

“Do you like being a WSO? You must be pretty good at it since you are here.” You start, shifting under his gaze. The sharp surge of confidence was fading quickly. 

“Oh, uh, yeah I do. I have always been more into the technical side of things so it is really nice to be able to do that and be in the plane.” Bob answers, itching the side of his nose as he talks. The soft light made pretty reflections off his glasses. 

Nodding, you smiled at his answer. He was probably really smart in highschool… and college if he was in it. In general too, he looked smart. 

“So, Bob. How does one get that name?” Phoenix’s voice echos in your head, Snarky remarks about his glasses, his callsign too. Called him baby on board. God, what a freak… Quickly, you shoot him a genuine smile to let him know you were interested in his story, not here to humiliate him. 

“I uh- well-” He stutters, eyes downcast as he struggles to start, “Well I’ll just start like this, you know that one song?” He pauses and you raise an eyebrow, signaling him to go on. 

“You know, that one song by OutKast? B.O.B., Bombs Over Baghdad?” He asks, his voice wavering the tiniest bit. You nod, familiar with the song. It was released in two thousand, but made itself present to the American public on nine-eleven, becoming an anthem for war against the middle east. That’s all you really knew, it was referenced frequently in The Hard Deck when tensions were high between the two countries. Hell, even your dad had referenced it when you were growing up. 

“Yeah I do, I’ve heard it a few times, it is quite popular with the military, right?” You ask, your voice becoming quiet. It is and will always be a touchy subject for people here. 

“People made the correlation that Bob is a nickname for Robert, my real name, and it just stuck.” He says further, “But-” He adds quickly, as if he was trying to explain himself, “But, I want you to know that although it is what my callsign is, that song wasn’t originally made out to be pro-war. OutKast is a very anti-war band.” 

The crashing waves were soft behind his voice, it was accompanying him like an instrument. 

Bob shifts in his chair, his eyes wide and unmoving from your face like an owl, “I prefer to think of myself as the interpretation that came out before uhm, nine-eleven.” His voice had gotten quiet too. 

Nodding, a light smile returned to your face, “No, I totally get it. I could see how confusing it is having that callsign when it is so iconic in the military but not for the reason you personally want it to be.” Bob visibly relaxed at your words, his tense shoulders slumping to their normal position. He nods and hums in agreement. It was clear he put in a lot of thought over his callsign. Probably mulled it over in his mind for a while. 

Neither of you said anything for a while, just letting your eyes roam over one another. 

You broke the silence first, “I wonder what kind of weather we will be having tomorrow?” 

“Hot.” Bob answers simply. You hum in agreement back. 

After work, Penny tried to get you to eat dinner, but you declined, making a beeline to your bedroom and shutting the door for the rest of the night, mumbling something about homework and class. Which was true, you did have to commute forty-five minutes to your eight AM class. 

Sleep was horrible, you just laid in bed and stared with wide eyes at the ceiling, replaying the moment over and over again. Was Bob doing the same? He seems like the type of guy to have a strict bedtime at nine PM, and to have a lengthy bedtime ritual. 

What does he wear to bed? He seems like a matching set kind of guy (he presents himself too nicely to not care about his outward appearance). But what if he slept just in his underwear (boxer briefs or boxer shorts)?

The thought makes you groan, flipping your body so you are laying on your stomach. 

Your head presses into your pillow, tempted to scream. This was so ridiculous. It was literally like you were in middle school having a crush. You are twenty-two for god sake.

__________________

7:05 AM, Tuesday

Sleep comes slow, and too soon you hear your alarm clock buzzing at you. Eyes puffy, mouth dry, you felt like shit. The light from the rising sun filtered through your curtains and made a light stain on your sheets. Rolling to a sitting position, you try to will yourself to get up.

Academic success is important to me. Academic success is important to me.

The mantra barely worked, but you found yourself able to shove your legs into some leggings and a light, flowy top. A jacket would probably be nice too, you think as you go back to your closet and sift around the hangers, till you find a black U of C branded quarter zip and throw it over your head. 

This will have to do. 

Penny is sitting on the couch, drinking what appears to be coffee and watching the morning news on mute. It was unusual to see her awake at this hour of the morning. 

Leaning on the back of the couch with your water bottle in hand, she looks up at you with a weary smile.

“Couldn't sleep?” you ask, opening your bottle and taking a drink. Penny nods, “You too?” She asks and sips at her own mug.

“What? Could you tell by my unbelievably dark circles and bags under my eyes?” You say sarcastically before you screw the cap back on and put it in your backpack. Penny chuckles and pats the hand you have resting on the backrest of the couch.

“Hey, I know today is your day off-” She paused and your jaw clenched, lips tightening to form a thin line. 

“Who called in sick?” You ask before she can finish, shifting your weight off the couch so you were fully standing up behind her. 

“Olivia did. I would really appreciate it if you filled in for her.” She set her coffee down on the small side table, “Free food, remember?” Penny said as she turned to face you, her normally penciled eyebrows scrunching together in a pleading look.

 A moment goes by before you let out a huff, a tiny smile gracing your features. 

“Course I will. What time?”

__________________

2:31 PM, Tuesday

It smelled like fresh citrus when you got home, the sea blue wax warmer still on while it sat on the kitchen counter. 

Lazily, you let your backpack slip off your shoulders and onto the floor, nudging it with your foot to the side of the entryway, promising yourself to pick it up before you leave. 

Even though no one was in the house to witness you coming home, you still made a show of dragging your feet to the bathroom, comically groaning and muttering all the way there. 

The shower scalded your skin, and you were pretty sure there were third degree burns developing on your back. Today was supposed to be your day off. Hadn’t you received enough bad luck already? You opened your eyes and stared at the water emptying down the drain. You wish you could melt under the water and get washed down there too.   

If you were unlucky enough, you would see Bob today as well, and considering how today has gone, you could easily predict your future. Flashes of the night before enter your memory. 

His eyes burning a hole into your soul, how he barely knew you yet injected himself between you and Hangman- which you had under control- but still. The thought of him feeling protective over you was enough to make your knees wobble. Maybe you were getting soft on account of not having anyone be interested in you besides your body. 

Sage filled your nose when you got close to him, the smell smooth as it filled your lungs.

Closing your eyes again, imagining the previous night in full color.

Your hands went up your body and to your breasts, squeezing them hard.

It was easy to imagine him before you, sinking to his knees while his large hands explored your body, his lips kissing every square inch of you. It was as easy as breathing. You had no idea what he looked like under his naval khakis or jeans, but you assumed he was lean and strong. More lithe and limber rather than severely muscled up and bulging. 

Your quick fingers trailed down your body and to your clit, legs automatically spreading eagerly. Starting out in smooth, languid circles, tipping your head back and out of the spray of water.

Already you ached with want as you imagined quiet, unassuming Bob taking the place of your fingers, looking up at you with those blue doe eyes. Your fingers hastened and your other hand met your core, pruney fingers slipping with ease in between your folds.

If you want to be at The Hard Deck on time, you should hurry up.

The voice in the back of your head warned, but it was quickly taken over by a vision of Bob laying you down gently against your plain cotton sheets, the smell of summer in the air. 

Two of your fingers slip in with ease, starting at a medium pace, crooked and already coaxing pleasure from you.

He was above you, inside you, the feeling of being full almost too much. You lean against the cold of the tile shower wall, all thoughts of getting clean completely out of your head now. Imagining the look on his face, twisted is pure pleasure sends you into a frenzy, massaging your clit faster as you finger fucked yourself. Your hands were cramping, which realistically would hurt, but you were too consumed by your fantasy to stop. 

Breaths gasping and stuttering, you thought of him in every compromising position with you, the balloon within you getting filled with more and more air, waiting to burst.

What eventually sends you over the edge is him right in your ear, moaning and whining your name, the way it rolls off his tongue purely immaculate, and you're convinced his voice was made just for you. 

Your head flies back, the air punched out of your lungs and your core fluttering. Thank god you were leaning against the wall, because you surely would have collapsed on account of your thighs actively shaking and quivering. 

__________________

9:45 PM, Tuesday

The yellow tinted light in the single toilet bathroom paints you in an unattractive bright beige. Under your nails stung from trying to scrub underneath them with the opposite hand’s nails. You were absolutely exhausted, mentally drained, physically beat if you will. 

Thank god it was closing time though, the crowd nearly gone at the time of you excusing yourself to hide in the bathroom. You just needed to get away for just one second before you had to face the closing chores with Penny.

A buzz in your back pocket alerted you, causing you to turn off the silver knobs and flicking your hands before tearing off a sheet of brown paper towel. It was so thin it almost disintegrated in your hands. 

After throwing it away in the dingey trash can, you leaned against the sink counter away from the mirror so you didn't have to see the sallowness of your completion, pulling out your phone. 

Penny: 

Leaving with Pete right now, can you finish up? Doesn’t have to be spotless. See you at home :) 

Reading the text elicited a groan from you, shoving the phone back into your pocket without responding. No, it wouldn’t be a problem to close up by yourself, you had done it millions of times in the past. 

It was just lonely having to finish, the only thing to keep you company was the jukebox in the corner, but even that too had to get unplugged sometime. 

Taking a deep sigh, you push yourself off the counter and to the dark wood door. You stared at the gold knob for a second, wondering if you could hide away in here for a few more minutes. The thick smell of Hawaiian Aloha Febreze suddenly made itself known to you, and you evacuated the bathroom. Gosh, why did Penny like that smell so much? 

If they made it into perfume you were sure she would have a never ending supply of it. 

The supply closet was at the very end of the hall, the door rickety with a very flimsy lock on it. Right at your forehead hung a black plastic sign with white block letters, ‘Employees Only’. You grabbed the off brand bleach sitting on the shelf level with your knees, and a fading red bucket that had some dry rags hanging over the side. 

Slowly, you uncapped the bleach bottle and poured a splash or two into the bucket, trying to avoid inhaling the strong odor. 

The jukebox was now playing quieter, the rush of the crowd completely gone. You hummed along with the song that was playing as you walked to the doorframe at the end of the hall, making sure to step up on the three inch ledge at the opening. Too many times you had forgotten about the tiny step, and ate shit. 

Not to mention it would be a complete disaster if you spilled the bleach on the wood floor.

You scanned the bar, relieved when you saw that no one was here. Not even a severely inebriated straggler left by their friends. 

This had to be some sort of record! 

You smiled to yourself, imagining a little plaque with tonight’s date on it, saying something like, ‘Hard Deck Record - No Stragglers To Call An Uber For’ or something stupid to monument today. 

A chair creaked and you snapped your head to its general direction, all hopefulness leaving your body. It scraped against the wood floor and you walked over, preparing a stern voice to tell the remaining patron to leave. To your surprise, it wasn't just any old customer, but Bob. 

Why did you choose this day to masturbate to his pretty face?

There he was, standing awkwardly next to one of the support beams, his chair hidden behind it. Both of you stood there for a moment before you broke the connection, heading over to the bar to fill up the rest of the bucket with warm water.

“Did you lose something?” You ask over the sound of the faucet, eyes trained on the slowly filling bucket. You could see out of the corner of your eye that he was walking towards you, but never going behind the bar. The last thing you wanted was to look at him, to show some sort of hint that you were interested in him. 

“No I uh-” He rubbed the back of his neck, watching your every move, “Penny was leaving with Maverick and I felt bad that you were going to be here by yourself. So I asked if I could stay.”

You looked at him, eyebrows furrowed as you stopped the faucet, using your fingers to swirl the water around. The rags plop in after being hit by your wrist. You were surprised he had offered to stay, even more surprised that Penny had let him. Mav must’ve assured her that he wasn't trouble and could be trusted. 

Bob notices your confused expression, “I’ll help clean of course!” He says hurriedly, trying to assure you he wasn't going to just dick around while you worked. That brought the tiniest smile to your face. Sure, lots of guys tried to hang around after your shift. 

But as soon as you shoved a broom in their hands, they were out of here quicker than a chicken on a junebug. 

“Well, that is awfully sweet of you.” You smile, genuinely thankful he stuck around. Still, heat pooled lower in your stomach. Was it nervousness or arousal? You couldn't tell. 

Bob was wearing another button up today. In his signature style of course, with the sleeves rolled up just above his elbows.

“Do you want anything to drink? It’s on me.” You say as you fish out a rag, wringing it out before setting it on the bartop in front of Bob, making small circles and watching the mixture bead up on the acrylic. You still refused to look at him, which was childish in a way. 

But you were almost positive that if you did, he would be able to tell what you did in the shower. 

Maybe you were just too superstitious. 

“No thank you. I don’t drink actually.” Bob states, his voice quieter now that he was in such close proximity to you. There was that damn sage smell again. 

“Religious?” You ask, finally looking at his impossibly blue eyes, “Not that it’s a bad thing.” You add on quickly, not wanting to offend him.

Bob chuckles softly, the noise almost startling you. Have you ever heard that noise from him before? It seemed so unlike his nervous and observant composure. “Not exactly. At first, yes I was religious. But now I don’t drink because it messes with my head.” He explains, now watching your hand, which had slowed its scrubbing to a snail’s pace. 

“What do you mean, ‘at first’?” 

“Well, I grew up in Oklahoma, which is in the bible belt of the United States. Southern Baptist to be exact. My whole family is, but soon after I left for the Navy, I stopped practicing.” Bob was now sitting in the stool in front of you, hands clasped between the two of you.

“Just grew apart.” You concluded for him, “So, tell me then. Why do you have a southern accent?” Your question was serious, but Bob just looked at you, bewilderment on his face. 

“People in Oklahoma have southern accents. Just not strong ones.” 

Oh. My. God.

“No way, really?” You now felt stupid, laughing in embarrassment. Your face heated up and you wanted nothing more than to crawl up in a ball and die. But you felt a little less embarrassed as Bob laughed along with you, his pretty eyes squinting under his glasses.

“So what about you, do you drink?” Bob asked after the two of you got done laughing.

“Nope. Four years sober this year actually.” You say cautiously as you start wiping down the bar with more intent to clean. 

“Four years… If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” He wonders, confusion audibly in his voice.

“I don't mind, I'm twenty-two.” You started, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth. “Didn’t hang around the best people growing up and in school, but I’m clean now. Have been since moving here with my aunt, Penny.”

Curiosity taking the best of you, you glanced up at Bob, trying to gauge his reaction.

“Wow, I’m sorry. Is it hard to be a bartender then?”

“Oh don’t be. Honestly, yes it was at first. But I didn’t start working here until I was about twenty.” You stop scrubbing and smile at him. He smiled back, warm and accepting. 

It was weird to see such an open and honest reaction. Even the most seemingly accepting people shut down at the thought of being friends with a once-druggie. 

“So, If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” You ask, parroting what he said earlier with a chuckle. You were becoming much more at ease with his presence, but that didn’t stop you from noticing the slight change in his facial expressions or how he picked at the skin around his fingernails. 

“Twenty-six. Now could you hand me a rag so I can help too?” Bob was practically gleaming at you, sliding off the barstool. His palm was outstretched slightly, patiently waiting for you to hand him one. 

Was he really twenty-six? It was only four years older than you, which wasn’t a huge age gap but the words twenty-six and twenty-two still felt so different. Especially considering you were still in school and he was already involved in a serious career. 

After wringing out the rag and handing it to him, you both started working on tables, conversation fueling your motivation. 

Bob talked highly about his family, how back in Oklahoma he had a plethora of sisters, all married with babies. He stopped what he was doing a few times and came over to you, showing pictures taken at family gatherings on his mom’s Facebook page. With every photo he showed you, you would be lying if it didn't cause a pang of want in your chest. 

Even the photo which he swears is the most unattractive one of all time, was somehow making your face heat in jealousy. In the photo his hair was a mess, sticking up at all angles like a porcupine. He sported a sleepy smile with an even sleepier baby with its head resting on his shoulder, spit up covering a bit of his sleeve. 

It was cute, adorable even. 

Bob flips to a new photo, “Is that your dad?” You ask and point to an older man standing next to a young Bob. He nods and zooms in a bit. He couldn't have been more than ten years old in that picture.

“Well, now I see where you get your good looks.” The comment comes out offhandedly and you don’t really realize what you are saying until you look up at him. He bites his bottom lip slightly, a blush dusting the apples of his cheeks.

“Thanks.” 

As you got back to work, he continued talking about the farm he grew up on. It was pretty secluded from the rest of the town, taking about thirty minutes to drive into civilization. Bob spoke fondly about the animals there, how cute it was to bottle feed calves and lambs. His dad had a strict policy on what animals could go inside, dogs not being one of them. 

So, being the (in your words) sweet boy he was would secretly feed them extra scraps on cold mornings before he had to leave for school. 

Bob asked you about university, wondering if you went to a community college nearby. You explained that you went to University of California San Diego, and yes, you did in fact drive forty-five minutes just for a few classes.

He seemed impressed by your major when you told him, and your heart skipped a beat at the small compliment. That snowballed into you rambling as you swept, gushing about all you wanted to do with it, that you were in your last year, and thankfully, you didn’t need to go to grad school unless you really wanted to. 

Nervously, you explained that you took an extra year to graduate, but you were relieved when he spoke up.

“You know, people put too much pressure on others to finish a degree in four years. What matters is that you like what you do.” Bob explained simply, eyes trained on the task in front of him. 

Bob was impressed by your passion for your studies, smiling secretly to himself as he dried drinking glasses. 

Then you talked about the military, asking if it ran in his family. Turns out, his dad was the rebellious one in his family, the only one out of Bob’s uncles not to serve. Even his grandpa had served, and was awfully proud of Bob for enlisting right out of highschool. 

He asked you the same, watching you carefully as you made your way over to him behind the bar to help him dry the clear pint glasses.

Your elbows brushed against one another as you worked, the clinking of glasses and friction of fabric accompanying the soft music in the background.

“Yeah I would say it runs in my family. My grandpa was an Admiral, who actually knew Mav when he was still at Top Gun. Long, long time ago” You laugh, “Mav and Penny have known eachother much longer than what they let on. I think he used to be one of her old sweethearts.” 

“Really? Well now I see it, but before you just told me, I would have never guessed. What about your parents?” 

You stiffen unintentionally, hands stilling on the glass you were working on. “My dad is Penny’s brother, he was in the Navy too. We moved around a lot, as most people do. But I wish we hadn’t. I think that if I had that one thing constant in my life, it would have saved my parents a lot in medical bills.” You laugh solemnly.

“But, I think my brother is graduating high school in the spring, and I would be in complete shock if he didn’t enlist right out like you did.” You add, trying to lighten the moment. Bob nodded silently, finishing the last glass of the night.

Finally, the two of you were done. Checking your watch, you noted the time, pleasantly surprised when you realized it was just a little past eleven. The outside world was completely dark, like an inky sheet of paper wrapped all the way around the building. 

“One second.” Momentarily, you left him at the bar, heading quickly into the back to grab your bag. Once you came back, his anxious expression dissipated.

“Hey, thanks for staying with me. It would’ve been a real drag if I had to close up shop by myself.” Walking over to a table, you pull out a chair before sitting in it, your drawstring bag hanging over the backrest. You motioned him to do the same.

“It’s no problem, really. My pleasure, actually.” He smiles and heads over, taking a seat right next to yours. You could swear he actually moved it closer. The sudden lack of distance made you feel that dizziness again, a large knot in your throat, preventing you from swallowing. 

“What do you think you would be doing? If you hadn’t joined the Navy I mean.” You ask, studying his features. His eyebrows raise the tiniest bit and you notice a beauty mark above his left one. Gosh, were you two really that close that you could see almost every detail of his face?

Bob ponders the question for a bit, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand. He was still looking at you, and you could swear he was doing the same thing. Studying your looks, his blue eyes mapping you from forehead to chin. Eyes lingering a bit longer than normal at your lips, which you licked nervously.

“I’d probably be on a farm somewhere. Maybe not Oklahoma, but somewhere with lots of mountains and trees. I love to hike.” His eyes looked past you, as if he was in a dreamlike state imagining where he would be, “But, the beach is really nice too. Maybe the weather is a bit too hot for my liking, but beautiful nonetheless.” He added on quietly, eyes flitting to yours.

Nodding, you took a deep, almost shuddering breath. “Yeah, the beach is pretty gorgeous, isn't it?” The words came out almost as a whisper. 

It was suddenly much too hot in the bar. 

“I love to run.” You offered, trying to get rid of the silence that was settling around you two. 

“Really? That’s cool, I like to run too.” Bob simply stated, like it was the most casual of conversations, like you two were not seconds away from jumping each other. 

“Maybe when this is all over we could run together.” You gulped, realizing the underlying intentions of the offer. A possible date maybe? What would this simple run turn into? Maybe a picnic on the sand? The two of you laughing, sweaty in the ocean water? 

“Yeah, I think we should.” He breathed, like it took all his effort to come up with that simple sentence. 

The tension between the two of you was bubbling over like a pot left on the stove for too long. His foot nudged yours under the table, which you tapped back with a weak smile. 

Before you could think, you found yourself leaning forward in your chair. So forward towards him in fact, your butt was lifting from the chair, leaving you in this odd ninety degree angle at the hips while your face was directly in front of his. Your hands came out to steady you, one on the table and one on the arm of his chair.

Bob looked startled, peering up at you through his glasses with wide owl-like eyes. His tongue poked out between his lips and passed over them quickly, looking rapidly between your eyes and lips. 

A large hand grabbed at the base of your skull, and pulled you down to his face, the other hand cupping your cheek. His palm was rough with thick calluses, scratching the soft skin of your face. Big blue eyes were the last thing you saw before yours fluttered closed, the next sensation being the soft cushion of his lips melding with yours. 

An earthy sage scent plugged up your nose, letting it envelope you like the salty water outside. They were soft kisses, gentle and tentative. Bob drew back to catch his breath, his cheeks reddened and freckled. 

Were you always this lonely? The loss of his lips dug a pit in your stomach, making it known how long you have stayed away from intimacy. This feeling of need made you scared. You wanted to be independent, you had built up confidence to not rely on another person for so long. Yet you could feel it slipping away like sand just from a few kisses. 

Your crisis was distracted by his lips on yours again, letting out a soft sound of happiness that had Bob smiling against your lips. Slowly, he pushed himself out of the chair, the tension in your muscles dissolving as you straightened out to your full height. 

The tentative kisses did not stay for long as they were replaced by a desperate sense of urgency. Bob backed you more into the table, your ass hitting the ledge. Hands now free to explore, you planted your palms on his chest, digging your fingers into the soft fabric of his button up. 

You hadn’t even noticed that his hands had moved from your face till you felt them slip down to your waist, his fingertips softly brushing the belt you had worn today. It was modest, the way he was touching you. Letting you take the lead of pushing and pulling with your two bodies. 

Standing on your toes, you backed up more into the table and sat upon it, breaking the kiss only to get comfortable before you were tugging him closer. Bob settled himself between your legs. The sudden shifting against the inside of your thighs brought your attention down to your throbbing core. 

It was almost embarrassing how turned on you were, the dampness and heat pulsing with every accidental touch to the insides of your thighs. Pulling him closer so he was almost flush with you must have awoken something within him as well because you could feel the kisses morphing into almost bruising. His mouth tasted like sweet peppermint candy, the white and red ones your grandma always had in her purse. 

Dizzy, you raised your hand to tangle in the short hairs on his neck, pulling him back from your mouth. Looking at him through bleary eyes, a sharp gasp left your throat as he chose to continue the kisses down your jaw and to your exposed neck. 

This couldn't be happening, right? You must have done something amazing in a past life to deserve this. It was almost too much. The coldness of the frames of his glasses, the hot, wet kisses he was pressing into your skin like his life depended on it, you could pass out from all of the attention. 

Your mind wandered as your body went to putty in his hands. 

It was a quick realization of what you had felt earlier. Lonely. So, so unbearably lonely. 

But you were used to loneliness. It was scary to feel this sharp sense of want in your chest, this man you barely knew was breaking down your walls faster than even Penny, who basically knew all your deepest, darkest secrets. 

“Stop, please-” 

But before you could even finish, Bob was off of you in an instant. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand while he looked at you with worry.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” He opened and closed his mouth a few times after, wanting to say something more as he put a few spaces of distance between the two of you. 

“No, no. It’s me.” You gulped, “Please just- I need to finish and go home.” You let out a rush of a breath, still sitting on the table as you were not sure you could stand. 

Nodding, he scrubbed his hand over his face and straightened out his shirt some, the wrinkles you caused on his chest still there. Then, he was gone. Just like that he left without a word. 

The door closed softly though, you were bracing yourself to hear it slam but it never did. It was like he was making a point to close it softly, like he didn’t want to scare you. 

Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you stared up into the warm yellow glow of the lights above you. 

__________________

3:26 PM, Friday

Even through the kitchen window above the sink, the sun was hot. Not exactly a record breaking temperature, but nonetheless sweltering for what was supposed to be fall.

The stainless steel basin sink was smooth under your fingertips, sun peeking through the window and reflecting off the silver metal. Your nail beds were burning under the heat, but also because of how hard they were gripping the basin. The sight outside on the sand was unbelievable. 

Phoenix had mentioned to you several times how all their asses were getting beat day after day with little to no reward. How they were all scared shitless for the upcoming mission- which she told you nothing about- just what could be shared with people outside her circle. 

Of handedly, she mentioned something about Mav having something planned to let them blow off some steam, but you had just figured Mav sweet talked Penny into renting out the bar for one night just for the crew so they could play and drink.

Never in your wildest dreams would you have ever expected to look out and see them playing football right in your backyard.

Penny hadn't warned you either. But she had known about this because Mav must have asked her. The two of them had become extremely close in the past few days, his motorcycle frequenting the house after he got off work. 

You were shopping online in the coolness of your bedroom when you heard the door open and a bunch of loud voices travel down the hall to your room. Amelia’s birthday was in a few weeks and you couldn't wait to get a head start on the birthday presents, she was going to be fifteen. You swear you remember her being born like it was yesterday. 

Not thinking much of it, you continued adding more stuff to your favorites to look at later. 

But soon you realized that it was not Amelia and her friends, but a bunch of mature adults whooping and hollering in the house. Quickly, you got up after shutting your computer. Penny hasn't texted you at all today so you had no idea who it could be.

Hands shaking, you reached out and tried to grab the doorknob, sweaty palms making it almost impossible to turn. It had to be someone that knew your family. There were too many cheery voices for it to be intruders. 

Slowly you opened the door and peeked your head out and looked towards the kitchen, and with no such luck, you saw no one. Damn that staircase blocking your view. So quietly, you step out into the hardwood hallway and shut the door, taking some cautious steps forward. God, even your feet were sweaty and sticking to the floor.

It was so much hotter in the rest of the house, even with the AC running. Penny loved natural light so unfortunately she always tried to keep the blinds open. Unlike your room with the single window, you only opened the blinds when you were sure it wouldn't cook everything you owned. 

Twisting your hands together nervously, you finally made it within view of the kitchen, and the butterflies in your stomach turned into feral bats trying to escape a cave. 

Everyone, and you mean everyone was in the kitchen. The whole crew. The Daggers, or whatever dumb name they decided to call themselves. 

Frantically turning to leave, you heard Penny call out your name. You had been spotted. 

Twisting your body back to face the group, most of whom were still chatting, thank god. 

Penny was grinning ear to ear, sitting in a chair but turned around to face you, beckoning you forward with her left hand while her right held a glass with what you could only assume to be lemon water or a cocktail.

Plastering on the most genuine smile you could muster (you were sure you just looked like you were in pain though), your sticky feet led you to the familiar faces scattered about the room. 

Phoenix was the first one to greet you, leaving her spot leaning against the chair Halo was sitting in to go and hug you. She smelled like outside and sweet perfume, her loose ponytail tickling your nose as she held you in a great bear hug. Pulling back, you noticed the clothes she was wearing. Not her usual khakis but black shorts and a loose fitting plain white tank top.

You tuned in as she was talking to you, your eyes trained on her face but your mind was busy with the noise around you.

“... good for our team work if we let loose and played some football.” She grinned as she moved out of the way for Payback as he made his way to the hall, probably to the bathroom.

Your hands came up and scrubbed your face, looking at her apologetically, “What did you say? It's rowdy in here.” Phoenix laughs, her drink tipping with her as she explains again, that Mav wanted them to work as a team, and what better way than an American pastime. 

Agreeing with her, you turn to the fridge and grab a soda, frosty in your hands. It was like a swarm of bees had taken over the room. Even halfway behind the fridge door, people were brushing against you, their hands reaching for the crisp drinks they desperately needed in this heat. 

“So, why my house?” You ask, making your way back to Phoenix and Halo at the table, smiling to let them know you are not upset, just curious. Phoenix’s eyes flit between Penny and Maverick, who were obviously flirting. You catch her eye and she tips her head towards them, indicating their obvious likeness for one another.  

Nodding in response you look around the cramped kitchen. Rooster came up beside you, his left arm swinging casually around your shoulders. The shift of his arm caused your own clothing to suddenly move, making you hyper aware of what you were wearing. 

Casual lounging shorts cut at mid thigh, and a ribbed t-shirt. What made this ensemble quite unfortunate was the low support sports bra you were wearing underneath. Perfect for the comfort of your bedroom, but never in front of company. You might as well be wearing no bra at all.

Crossing your arms protectively in front of you, you turned your head to look at Rooster, a small smile on your face.

“Been a while, huh?” Rooster says playfully, squeezing your shoulders just slightly.

Rolling your eyes, your elbow nudged him in the ribs, “You literally saw me yesterday, at the bar… and you never tipped me.” You add on, scoffing sarcastically.

“I mean,” He says with emphasis, “We haven't hung out in a while. With my work, and your school- You know the phone works both ways.” Rooster says in fake disapproval, mocking the least favored divorced parent.

Letting out a laugh, you look down at your feet. The smell of his deodorant and sweat enveloping you. 

“I know, I’m just the worst aren't I? You know-” You start but get cut off by Maverick trying to get everyone’s attention as he stands up from the chair beside Penny’s. 

Rooster’s arm drops from atop your shoulders and down to his side, his lips pressed into a thin line as Mav started talking. You knew all about his papers being pulled, how upset he was when it happened. 

Mav started out by thanking Penny for letting them use her house as a meeting place, which elicited a few claps and ‘thank yous’ by some members. A soft blush creeped up her cheeks as she lowered her head a bit and smiled. God, she has it bad. Never in your life had you expected your aunt, who was full of quick answers and witty remarks to be in love. 

The kitchen quieted down as Mav continued, explaining what they were going to do, the teams, and more. You stopped listening, and looked around the room. Your mouth went completely dry as you locked eyes with him. 

Wearing a yellow shirt with a white design in the middle and basketball shorts, he looks wildly out of place. Not in a way that segregates him from others as they are all wearing casual workout wear, but in the way it was just so casual from all the times you had seen him.

He's standing almost at the polar opposite end of the kitchen from you, jaw flexing and eyes now at the ground, making a point not to stare at you. You wiped your clammy hands on your shorts, thinking back to your last interaction with him.

That night you had gotten so comfortable with him, opening up to him in that short amount of time more than you had with Penny your first year here. What pained you even more is how much he had opened up to you. You knew the real Bob. The one who eagerly shows you pictures of his nieces and nephews upon talking about them, the one who is passionate about agriculture and wishes to settle down to have a farm. 

The one under his quiet, reserved outer shell that he projects to his colleagues. 

Then, out of your own selfishness, you had to ruin it. The tension after you two had kissed could have been cut with a knife. You had felt betrayed by your body as you touched him, but relieved when he did the same. But, with all relationships, you pushed him away and out of your life, and the bar. 

You were sure you could die of shame and embarrassment right there in the kitchen.

Finally, Maverick finished his spiel and instructed everyone to leave the house and head down to the beach. Phoenix patted your arm before she followed the crowd out, leaving her drink on the dining room table. You pressed yourself to the kitchen counter in an attempt to get out of anyone's way as they passed. 

Penny got up and disappeared to the living room. You must talk to her about letting you know when people are coming over, especially when she knows you aren't decent.  

As the kitchen emptied out, you let go of a breath you didn't know you were holding, but sucked another one right up after you realize the room was still not empty.

“Hey.” You grimaced, tipping your head at him. You meant to move closer but your feet were cemented to the ground.

“I have this,” Bob says as he leans down and picks up a smaller dark blue duffle bag, “Could I leave it here?” He asks shakily. You knew he was as nervous as you were, whether it was because he did not want to play football, or he was remembering that night as well. 

Blinking at him, trying to formulate an answer as the silence became painful.

“Yes! Yeah, go right ahead. Sorry.” You finally get out, the words gushing out on a quick exhaled breath. “Just put it on a chair or under the table, so it doesn't get stepped on.” You continue and mentally shake yourself out, trying to put on a facade of cool, calm, and collected. 

Bob nodded and slid out a chair to drop the duffle bag onto, before sliding it back into its original place. Looking back at you, his lips quirked up the tiniest bit (if your eyes hadn't been glued to his face you surely would have missed it) before tipping his head as a goodbye, and leaving. 

The screen door closing brought you back to reality, thank god he was only going to be stationed here for a little more. You couldn't handle having to see him anymore. Penny finally emerged with two brown leather books in her arms, and you immediately recognized them as The Hard Deck’s financing books. 

“Come out and join me,” She smiled as she shifted the two books to one side of her hips, holding them like someone would hold a toddler, “it'll be fun, and I need help with these.” She says, gesturing to the books.

“I'll be out in a minute.” You promise, the weak smile you had earlier coming back to your face. Before closing the door behind her, she quipped something at you, but the blood rushing in your ears was too loud. 

So that's where you were. Fingers gripping the sink as your neck craned to watch the game from the window. Your focus solely trained on Bob, who had kept that yellow shirt on instead of shedding it like the others. Admittedly you were a little disappointed he kept it on. 

If you were going outside, you had to change, you decided before heading back to your room. 

As the door shut behind you, you sagged on it. Was it even worth changing? Everyone had already seen you in these clothes, and besides your obvious lack of chest support, it wasn't like you were wearing something egregious. 

Even though you never open your blinds when it is hot out, you have to admit the rest of the house looked absolutely beautiful in the afternoon light. Making your way to the window, you grab an old baseball cap and put it snuggly atop your head, in an attempt to shade the sun you will surely get outside with Penny. 

After opening the blinds up, you leave the room, the door cracked just slightly. 

Slipping on a pair of sandals by the door, you take a deep breath. You had nothing to worry about. All you were going to do was manage the books with Penny and steal some looks at the team. No big deal. 

Penny was sitting a ways away from the game in a beach chair, a book open in her lap and the end of the pen between her teeth, clearly not concentrating on the page in front of her. Plopping down beside her in the warm sand, you took the other book and flipped it to the most current page, studying the numbers. 

You had to do this many times before, so managing it had become quite easy to you.

The two of you sat in silence, like an unspoken pact not to make a peep while you both concentrated on the pages, and the men in front of you. 

You couldn't help but smile as you watched the game, especially when Bob was involved. He hung back from the game, but as it went on he became more confident. He was definitely the type to sit back and watch things unfold before inserting himself. 

There is a reason why he is here over the millions of other WSOs in the Navy. 

As the game progressed, it became less serious and more playful. You were sure none of them were keeping track of points at this time. You closed the book and leaned back on your elbows, as the numbers were becoming confusing in your brain. The game was coming to a close.

You laughed out loud when Rooster picked up Bob on his shoulders, Bob gleaming triumphantly with the ball in his hands. The group excitedly cheered around him, causing your heart to soar. It was an unfamiliar sight to see him at the center of attention, especially after observing him at the bar. 

Soon, the heat became too much and you headed in, promising Penny that you had full intentions of returning, just that you needed to cool off. 

Back inside the house, you filled up a blue drinking glass with the cold water from the pitcher in the fridge. The baseball cap suddenly felt too tight on your head, so you took it off and set it next to the sink, praying you didn't have too bad of hat hair. Your back was turned from the door, eyes looking over the many papers littering the fridge door, all held up by colorful magnets. 

Not too long after you finished your first cup, you heard the door open behind you. Assuming it was Penny, you turned around ready to start firing off witty comments about her and Mav. 

To your surprise Bob is standing in the doorway, breathing heavy, his cheeks flushed from exertion. Licking his lips, he walks over to the chair he placed his bag on, almost stumbling a bit. 

“Do- do you need some water?” You ask, gesturing to the cup in your hand. He looked absolutely beat, his hair in disarray and a bit of wet sand smeared on his right cheek. Bob nods, his chest stuttering as if he couldn't get enough breath in his lungs.

Whipping around, you open the fridge door and fill up the cup in your hand, not even realizing how impolite it is not to get a clean cup for him. The whole world was completely silent, as if everyone was holding their breath as you let the door close and you made your way over to him, wasting no time to give him his drink.

Holding the glass up to him, you noted the condensation that had gathered around your fingers, how the cool water made your fingers slip right off as he took it from you. Standing so close to him you smelled a mixture of wet sand and the saltiness of the sea. You stared intently as Bob rose the glass to his lips, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. A small bead of water escaped his lips and rolled slowly down his chin. Knees weak, you grasped the back of a dining chair right beside you. 

You could swear you were drooling at the sight. 

Bob set the glass down on the table, making a dull clinking sound against the wood. 

The sudden noise snapped you back to reality, forcing you to realize the distance between you two was small, and that you were most definitely in his personal space. 

Taking a step back, you noticed his hand was still grasping the duffle.

“Do you mind if I uh-” He cleared his throat, “go and change? In your bathroom?” 

“Sure!” Your voice came out tight and squeaky, “Down the hall, last door on the left.” You gestured over your shoulder with your thumb in the direction of the bathroom, watching him smile softly and thank you. 

As he started walking away from you, you noticed the deep red sunburn glaring on the back of his neck. 

“Oh my god.” You say and he immediately turns on his heels, spinning abruptly to look at you with wide eyes, “What? What?” He repeats, concern washing over his features.

Feet unwillingly carrying you over to Bob, gesturing to the back of your own neck, “Your neck- it’s really burnt.” You stop in front of him, almost toe to toe. “Did you not use any sunscreen?” You ask, praying your tone doesn't make you sound like a disappointed parent. 

You were trying to portray ‘chill, concerned, friend’.

Bob raises his hand to rub the back of his neck, wincing slightly at the hot skin, “No, I did. But it must've rubbed off.” He explains, a southern accent dripping through his words, making you melt. 

Before you could even process what was going on, you had pushed past him, walking down the hallway down to the bathroom. 

“I- I have some of that aloe vera stuff we can put on it.” You call over your shoulder, hoping he’s not too far along behind you, “It’s that green gel, feels really good on sunburns.”

Now you were just babbling, frantically twisting your hands. Jesus Christ, you should have asked him before totally assuming he would be fine with you putting your hands all over his body- well only his neck, but still!

When you realized this, you were already in the doorway of the bathroom. Your hand caught the door frame and turned around. Bob must've been following you closely because he stopped a couple inches short of barreling you over, his duffle bag hitting your leg. You can see the reflection of your face in his glasses.

“Gosh, I’m so sorry. I should've asked you first-” You start to say and he cuts you off. 

“No, it’s a great idea. Thank you.” He breathed and you could feel it on your face. Nodding slowly as you bit your bottom lip, searching his eyes. You notice that freckle above his left eyebrow, the same as you did when you kissed him at the bar. 

It was taking everything in your being to not crush your lips against him desperately, the sexual tension of that night drifting over to this moment. 

Your fingers fumble with the light switch, grasping at anything to keep yourself grounded. As the light hums on, Bob’s eyes close tightly for a moment. You didn’t realize how dark the end of the hallway was till both of your eyes were assaulted by the fluorescents. 

Crouching down to open the cupboards, you feel Bob’s shins rub against your lower back as he side shuffles his way into the room. God, there was so much junk in here. A lot of it was hardly ever used and dust was collecting on the bottles. Bob lowered his duffle onto the closed toilet seat, and you could hear him fiddling with the zipper to the bag. 

Finally, you locate the bottle and stand up to your full height, closing the cupboard door with your knee. You fiddle with the cap before looking up at him, noticing how his eyes flit from your face to something behind you.

Looking over your shoulder you see nothing, so you bring your attention back to him, tilting your head in question, your fingers now picking at the hard plastic top of the aloe vera gel.

“Can we… close the door?” Bob asks, carefully choosing his words, hoping you will get the hint as he toys with the hem of his yellow shirt. Humming in agreement, you turn and close the door softly, gently turning the lock. Thankfully it didn't make too much noise, as you were not wanting to startle Bob and make him feel trapped in the room with you. 

You were merely doing it for privacy.

Turning back to Bob, you notice yourself in the mirror. Lips chapped from the heat and licking them, your shirt bunched up a bit around your armpits (which you immediately adjusted by tugging at the hem), and your cheeks flushed from the sun.

You both knew what had to come next, and stalling wasn’t the answer to getting this done and over with. In order for you to accurately help him, he must take off his shirt. 

This all felt so juvenile, christ it wasn’t like you had never seen a man without his shirt on, and he had been shirtless plenty of times. But right now, in the bathroom with the door locked, purposefully hiding away from the others, it felt like it was the gateway to possible disaster. 

After standing there staring at one another for what seemed like ages, Bob grabbed the bottom of his shirt and lifted it over his head, ducking carefully in order for his glasses not to get knocked off his head. You held your breath as he dropped it to the tile floor, the yellow contrasting against the light tan squares. He was as handsome as you had imagined. 

Broad shoulders, sprinkled with millions of freckles. His collarbone defined, tapering to his chest, the muscles rising with every breath. Abs softly there, but visible nonetheless. 

Lower and lower, your vision got. Shamefully you peaked at his hips and you noticed a light v-line, practically begging for you to explore what was below.

Your eyes snapped back up to him, “Turn around, please.” You direct quietly as your hand reaches for his elbow, gently touching it as another signal to turn. He did as he was told, facing away from you and slightly lowering his head. The freckles trailed from his shoulders to his back. 

Squeezing a small amount of the green gel in your palm, you set the bottle on the countertop. It was a thin consistency as you attempted to warm it up in your hands, trying to minimize the cold shock. 

With no second thoughts, you swiped a flat palm across his neck, which was indeed burning. Bob’s shoulders moved the tiniest bit, probably because you gave him no warning. Slowly, his shoulders relaxed as you massaged the aloe into his neck, grabbing the bottle and squeezing more after you realized the first amount was not enough.

You couldn't tell if it was hot in here or if it was you. But the feeling of want pooled in your lower stomach, causing your thighs to clench closer together. Once you felt your hands had overstayed their welcome, you removed them, letting your fingertips ghost down his back, yearning to touch him more.

Bob paused for a beat before turning back to face you. His bottom lip was swollen and wet, as if he had been worrying it with his teeth the entire time. The sight was making you go absolutely feral. 

“I want you.” You croaked out, mouth dry as a desert. Your eyes then widened in shock as you realized what you had just said, hand clamping over your mouth. The world was literally burning to the ground in front of you.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. 

He looked like his brain had short circuited at what you said, trying to process three tiny words that had a life altering meaning. Faintly, you heard the front door open, then shut. 

Voices distantly talking in the kitchen. But Bob seemed to not notice. Steely blue eyes burning into yours. 

“You want…” He paused, his tongue wetting his bottom lip, “You want me.” He said it less like a question and more like a matter of fact statement. You almost expected him to blow up in your face, to angrily tell you how unfair it was for you to say that you wanted him. After you had rejected him at the bar. But to your surprise he was calm- well as calm as someone can be due to the vulnerability of this interaction. 

Dropping your hand from your mouth, inhaling a sharp breath through your nose. “Yes.” You say dumbly, struggling to even think due to the environment. It was dreadfully humid, the aloe smell the only thing you could comprehend right now. You felt drunk on sight alone, and you swear Bob is now officially the most handsome man in the world. 

So handsome it makes you want to sob and rip your heart out. 

Suddenly, your whole world was flipped upside down. You stiffened as he took a quick step towards you, closing the already nonexistent distance. You felt his hands fly to your biceps, his strong fingers holding your whole body at his mercy. Not even giving you a second to think, his lips crushed into yours, a much different feeling than the tender first kiss you shared at the bar. 

A much different Bob too. Never in your wildest dreams did you ever expect such a sudden force from him.

Realizing your eyes are still open in shock, you shut them and kiss back after a beat, feeling his bare chest pressed flush to yours. He is so sturdy and unmoving, like a boulder near the shore. His hands loosen their grip on your upper arms and you take the opportunity to raise your hands to either side of his face, pulling him in for deeper kisses, both of your mouths opening to let eachother explore.

In fractions of seconds, the kisses turned from wants to needs. Your back was now against the locked door, Bob’s thigh wedged between your own. It was pressed into the soft cotton juncture between your legs, the slight friction doing nothing to ease your now aching core. Bob had one hand curved around your hip, and the other on your upper back, pushing you into him even more.

Lungs screaming, you pushed his face back the smallest bit. Foreheads touching, and the silver metal of his glasses cooling the spot between your eyebrows. Strings of saliva connecting your mouths were disrupted by panting, the two of you trying to catch your breath. 

Barely opening your eyes, you noticed his were still shut, a deep crease ran between his brows. 

You gave him a quick kiss on his open mouth before gently pushing him back more, observing his whole face now. Bob looked absolutely wrecked, eyes dark, glasses threatening to slip off his nose, and his whole chest was blotchy and red (confirming your suspicion that his blush did in fact creep down below his shirt collar). 

He looked disappointed that you had stopped kissing, searching your eyes for answers.

“W-We should go to my room.” You whisper, but not for privacy. You physically felt like your voice couldn't get any louder. “Just across the hall.” More voices could be heard from in the kitchen and your heart picked up even more, scared to get caught in such a compromising position with Bob. You considered the thought of stopping what was going on, to just compose yourselves and act normal until you could get more promising alone time. 

But as Bob nodded, letting out a raspy noise of agreement, he got off of you. 

This movement not only left your body strikingly cold without his, but as he removed his thigh it rubbed just right, leaving you on an upstroke of a very short high. 

The thought of stopping seemed utterly ridiculous now, your body humming with need as Bob picked up his shirt and duffle, waiting for you to initiate the escape. Turning around, your shaky fingers silently turned the lock and then the knob. 

You shot a quick glance over your shoulder at Bob, who was still in the exact same spot. With the doorknob still in one hand, you messily turned the light switch off with the other, leaving the two of you in complete darkness besides one sliver of faint light seeping through the cracked door.

Holding your breath, you peaked your head out. The voices were louder, and they were laughing. Bob’s hand grasped your hip in an attempt to not lose you in the dark. You couldn't tell who was here based on voices alone, but if you had to guess, there were probably half as many people here now than when you first emerged from your room. 

Blindly, you reached back and grabbed his hand on your hip, holding it tightly as you pushed through the door and all but sprinted into your room. You were thankful for leaving it cracked earlier, saving you the time of loudly having to open it. 

You stayed at the door while Bob went in, quietly closing and locking it. Hands shaking, you looked down at them, still facing the door. Only the quiet breaths from the both of you could be heard. The collar of your shirt was bugging your neck. 

Bob seemed to read your mind because he reached out, brushing the hairs on your neck softly before tucking in the tag of your shirt. 

It was a harmless gesture, something that anyone could do. But the way he did it, lingering fingertips, felt oddly domestic and sensual. 

“I am sorry for the other night.” 

Bob was the first to break the silence, even if it was a quiet muttering of words. His fingertips were still lightly brushing your upper back, as if he was trying to coax you to turn around to face him. You were still too scared to. 

It made you gulp. The comment makes your lungs hitch as if you had been punched. 

Your eyes searched the plain door in front of you. You probably looked utterly ridiculous, your whole body turned rigidly to the door without moving. Hands still clasped tightly on the knob. 

But that didn’t phase him. Gently, his fingers smoothed out the wrinkles of your shirt, coming close enough to feel his breath on the back of your neck. Lightly, you felt him trace the backing of your sports bra. A simple cross-back, nothing special. But in this moment, it felt special. The way he was tracing it like it was the most delicate of lace, patterned with beautiful designs. 

It wasn't until he dipped down and pressed his lips to your shoulder that you relaxed, cautiously laying your head back to touch his shoulder. He was beautiful, the same man as before, but amplified by his loving actions towards you. 

The knob clacked as you let it go, hands going to his cheeks and jaw while your body followed to be facing him. 

All the tension remaining in your body was gone when you started to kiss him. Bodies warmed up and humming with pleasure. Easily opening up to one another as you made your way to the bed, still attached at the lips. 

You were the first to lay down, shimming up the bed so you rested on it until just your feet hang off the end. Bob stood between your spread legs, one hand reaching down to jostle your ankle in a friendly way before kneeling on the bed. Impatient by his slow crawl up to you, you sat up on an elbow while the other hand grasped at his shirtsleeve to try and urge him upwards. 

He smiled bashfully, dipping his head before he found your lips again. Your hand wandered to the hem of his shirt, pushing upwards to grope at his stomach and chest. 

His skin is smooth, despite the rounded bumps scattered sparsely about him, dark beauty marks that looked like stars on his skin. You were eager to see them again. 

Bob took the hint and sat up to pull his shirt off, letting it fall off the bed with a light thump. You admired his body before tugging off your own shirt and bra. He looked at you hungrily and let his fingers dip into the waistband of your shorts, silently asking for approval. You nod, biting your lip as you watch him slip off your panties and shorts, moving off the bed to help you take them off your ankles. 

Your heartbeat quickened, feeling very exposed in front of him so you promptly shut your legs, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth. Remembering all your little scars and insecurities that you did not want him to see. They were human, something that made you- you, but you felt more than naked now. 

Suddenly, you remembered all the people in the kitchen, their voices drifting back to you. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, you spread your legs, this time with the soles of your feet firmly planted on the comforter. 

The man at the end of your bed seemed perplexed at your movements, watching you in real time how the wheels turned in your head. But he wasted no time dropping to his knees, making a thunking noise on the floor. 

Large hands grabbed at your thighs, urging you closer to the end of the bed. You obeyed them and shuffled downwards till your naked pussy was inches away from the most handsome man you have ever seen. 

The hungry look in his eyes made you visibly shiver, noting how his nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply, seemingly intoxicated by your musky scent. He took both of your legs and put them over his shoulders, the crook of your knees on each of his respective shoulders. Spread even more for him, he kissed and nibbled at your inner thighs. 

Drawing out whimpers of desperation from you, making you impatient and driving you wild. You raised your head up from the bed and tugged on his hair, directing him to where you would rather have his mouth. His hot breath fanned over your glistening folds, and you could practically see him drooling. Right before he dove in you gave a sharp tug to his hair, forcing him to look at you. 

“Glasses?” You choked out hoarsely, your fingers slipping from his hair to touch the frames of his glasses. 

“Hmm? Oh, yeah.” He mutters, eyes glazed over as he focuses on you before pulling off his glasses and folding them. Reaching behind himself, he places them on the floor and goes right back where he was. Giving you a quick kiss to your thigh, he dives in without warning. 

It makes you jump, the flat of his tongue dragging a thick line from opening to clit. Your head drops back on the bed as you clamp a hand over your mouth, stifling a string of curse words threatening to get you in trouble by the volume of them. 

In no time he has you quivering and panting, biting your lip almost hard enough to draw blood to block out the loud moans and whines. Never in your life had anyone you slept with got you to the edge this quickly with just their fingers and mouth. You were thankful for the locked door as his obscene slurping got increasingly louder. It was like he didn’t care, too lost in pleasuring you to contain his noises. 

Your surroundings had gone blurry long ago, like your body was shutting down all unnecessary functions to just focus on this one delicious sensation between your legs. 

Every time you glance down your heart stops at the scene before you. 

Bob’s face red and glistening from sweat, eyes scrunched tight in concentration. When the lower half of his face isn't completely hidden by your mound, his nose peaks up and rests upon your pubic bone, extra wet with your juices. One hand rests between your legs, two long fingers stuffed inside your weeping hole, curling and massaging a spot even you have never found. While the other hand is wrapped around your thigh, the beds of his fingernails white with pressure as he grips the soft flesh of your leg, hard enough to leave a bruise. 

“Fuuuuck-” You whine quietly, one hand tangled in your hair while the other scrabbling at the sheets beneath you. The feeling in your belly was unmistakable, it had your chest heaving in quick breaths. It felt like he had been between your legs for hours, but when you glanced up at the clock by your bedside (it took you longer than you liked to figure out the time) it had only been about ten or so minutes since he had started. 

“Bobby-” The nickname slips out against your will, making him falter against your core. 

You can see that his long eyelashes are fluttering against his cheeks before he returns to the pace he set earlier, maybe even a little more restored with vigor as he groans against you. The vibrations send a zing straight to your belly button. 

“I’m close- fucking christ- I’m gonna cum-” You warn him almost seconds too late as your back snaps into an arch, the walls of your cunt pulsing around his still-moving fingers. Your mouth hangs open in a silent scream, only the faintest of guttural noises making themselves known as the waves of your orgasm crash over you. 

You know real life isn't like the porno films. It is never glamorous or pretty with flattering angles. Because of that knowledge you always were hyper-aware of how you looked and sounded, wanting to be the prettiest version of yourself always. But in this moment, you forgot everything and just allowed yourself to feel. 

It was earth-shattering, this amazing, otherworldly feeling all over your body. Bob was doing his best to draw it out, watching you with fascination. It did not even occur to him that your heels were digging into his back. 

Nor did you realize until the ringing in your ears stopped that he was talking to you, only catching the tail end of his words. 

“- at’s it, that's it. Good girl… fuck, so gorgeous.” Bob groaned into your thigh, watching you start to relax, slowing down the two fingers inside you to a light massage before slowly pulling out as if to not disturb you. Somehow, he had found that prominent scar on your left hip, stroking it lightly with his wet fingertips. 

Even through your haze, you whined at the loss and tried to lift your head up but you were completely boneless. You feel your legs being lifted off his shoulders and the bed dips next to you before Bob nuzzles his nose into your sweaty hairline, the smell of you all over his face.  

It makes you smile the tiniest bit, opening up your eyes to see him staring down at you, that glazed drunk look still on his face. 

You reach out in search for his dick, your hand coming in contact with his lower belly first. You know you have found your final destination when your hand brushes over something rock hard and Bob hisses, his hips bucking into your hand. 

“Want you to fuck me. Please?” You murmur up at him, palming his dick with more intention as he grinds his hips into your hand. He nods, looking down at you with searching eyes.

“Anything you want, baby.” 

The pet name makes your smile grow, directing him to the condoms stored away on the top drawer of your dresser, under your camisoles. It takes no time at all before he is stripped naked in front of you and rolling the condom onto his aching cock. It is so fast in fact that you don’t even process it till he is crowding over you. 

“Don’t think I’m gonna last long.” He admits sheepishly as you shift on the bed, trying to ignore how damp it feels with sweat. 

His words make you huff out a laugh, moving closer to the headboard so you can lay back on a pillow, “Bobby, I could care less how long you last.” It was more than the truth, he just gave you the most mind blowing orgasm of your life and that alone would probably satisfy you for the rest of the year. 

He crawls up after you, bracing himself on a hand beside your head, the other now swiping the head of his cock through your puffy folds. 

The sting of the stretch was basically nonexistent by how relaxed you were, enjoying the slow slide of his dick in you. As his strokes got quicker, Bob chose to lean down, now bracing himself on his forearms bracketing either side of your head. The friction only got better as you lifted your legs up and hooked your ankles around his back, the head of his dick now rubbing deliciously against the spot he stimulated earlier. 

To be honest, he lasted longer than you thought he would by the way he was acting. But soon his face crumpled and dropped into the crook of your neck, gasping against your sweaty skin while his hips snapped a few times but ultimately stilled while flush against you. 

Your nails traced designs into his back as he caught his breath, light tremors shaking his body as he returned from his high. 

The two of you said nothing but stayed how you were, inhaling the other’s scent peacefully. You could still hear people outside and in the kitchen of the house, but you were too far gone to really care. 

“Bobby?” You ask quietly, stilling your fingers on his back. 

“Hmm?” He mumbles from your shoulder, shifting to pepper a few kisses upon your neck. 

“What do you wear to bed? Are you a matching set kinda guy or do you just sleep in your underwear?” You smile, looking up at the ceiling, waiting for his answer. 

Bob answers after a short pause, “Matching set, why?”

Hope you enjoyed this! Check out my AO3 under Creatchie8 too!

[the-weirdos-mind]

Twisted Wonderland: Azul Ashengrotto x Reader: Do We Have A Deal?

A mafia AU. Slight mentions of violence and blood

Getting yourself tied into the underground world is something no sane person would wish upon their worst enemy. For the insane it’s a life that you could thrive in. If you knew how to survive with the underworld and have the skills, you will be alright. You never wanted anything to do with any of the seven mafias that plagued the city you called home. You just wanted to run your cafe known as Ramshackle and live a life as normal as you can.

You should’ve known that the universe would decide otherwise. It had started as a normal day, business was steady and you were doing what you can to help the three other employees, Yuuken, Yuuka, and Yuuta. The first two worked as servers while the other one worked as the cook. Yuuta would also make the rest treats as a show of gratitude. At the end of the day you were in your office, going through paperwork that you had put off in order to help in the cafe. Your leg bouncing on the ground as you went through paper after paper. Notice after notice. Business has been really slow lately and the bank is threatening to shut you down. A knock came on the door. “Come in.” You said, not even looking up.

Yuuka came into the room, her dark eyes showing concern and worry. “(Y/N), there’s someone here to see you.” She said.

“I can’t see anyone right now I ha—”

“You really need to come out, it’s someone important.”

The tone she used made you finally look up from the pile of papers. One look at her and you can tell that it’s something that can’t wait. You stood from your seat. “Who’s here?”

“It’s best to see for yourself.”

You followed her out to the dining area and froze in your place when you saw the unexpected guests. There were three men, two looked identical with their teal hair, dark grey streaks, heterochromia brown and yellow eyes and an earring on one ear with teal gems dangling. Where one had one unique feature in the place, the other had the opposite. The other had silver-gray hair, thin glasses that framed the same colored eyes.

One of the identical men had Yuuken pinned against the wall by his throat. “You’re looking like you really need a squeeze.” He said, a sadistic smile that revealed sharp teeth on his face. He let out a laugh, having fun in making the poor man’s life flash before his eyes. Yuuta was being held by the shoulder by the other twin by his shoulder. He wanted to help but the grip on his shoulder would tighten

“Unless your friend gets the boss, then you won’t be let down soon.” The other one said.

“Now, now Jade and Floyd.” The smaller man said. “There’s no need for violence but this is a special case. He did rudely tell us to go as they’re closed but I really must speak with the owner. It’s important.”

‘Of course they’re here.’ You thought. The don of the Octavinelle mafia Azul Ashengrotto, and his most loyal men, Jade and Floyd Leech. “Let them go.” You said. The three heads turned towards you and the don smiled. They were clearly pleased to see you.

“Ah, (Y/N), you’re finally here. It’s so nice to see you.” Azul said, greeting you like you were old friends. You didn’t buy into the persona he put on. He signaled Floyd to let the man and he did so, albeit begrudgingly. His fun was interrupted. Jade had already let Yuuta go the moment you spoke.

“What do you want? I don’t appreciate my employees being threatened in that manner or any manner in fact.” You said. You crossed your arms over your chest, feeling aggravation rise.

“Please take a seat. You’ll want to sit down for this.”

You rolled your eyes and grabbed the nearest chair at the closet table and plopping into it. “Just spill, I’m not in the mood for any games.”

“Of course.” He sat down across from you. “I want a partnership with this lovely cafe.”

Alarms started ringing in your head. Whenever Azul made a partnership with a small business, he ends up putting the original owner into debt and him taking control of the business. He’s taken so much businesses from other hard working entrepreneurs and now owns a good amount of the city. It’s his rise for total control.

“No.”

“I’m sorry what?”

“You heard me. The answer is no and it will always be. You can come back here a hundred times and still get the same answer.”

“But I assure—“

“Leave. I won’t say it again.”

You stood up and pointed to the door. There’s no way that you’re partnering up with that slimy octopus. You’re not interested in getting into debt and losing the only home you’ve ever known. The silvered hair male had a dark look in his eyes as he stood up from his seat.

“Alright. I’ll go but know you’ve made a grave mistake in turning me down. I’ll get what I want from you one day.” Azul said.

“Can’t I just give the shrimp a squeeze?” Floyd asked. A manic smile grew on his face. “The little shrimp is in need of one.” He let out a chuckle thinking about crushing your bones to bits.

“No Floyd. We best take our leave.” The three left with Floyd grumbling about not getting to squeeze anyone. You watched them walk down the sidewalk until you couldn’t see them anymore. Once you were sure they were gone, you turned to the three employees who were staring at you shell shocked. While you talked to Azul, Yuuka had gotten Yuuken into a chair so he could catch his breath. Yuuta had gone and got him a glass of water to calm the other’s nerves.

“Do you know what you just did?!” Yuuka yelled. “You’ve just painted a target on your back! Those that turned Azul down are never seen or heard of again.”

“I know the risks of getting into a contract with him. I don’t want everything that I built from the ground up in his hands. If something happens you three won’t be affected by the chaos. I’ll be sure of it.”

~~~~~~~~

Things had been getting out of control after that night. Whenever you come into work to open up shop, you find many surprises. It ranges from a chair being out of place to threatening messages written on your wall and questionable splatters on the floor or wall. At times those splatters are on both. You couldn’t tell what liquid it could be but a gut feeling was saying blood. You were quick to get things back to normal and cleaned up before the others arrived. You didn’t want them to worry about this. A part of your mind was telling you that you can’t hide it forever but the part that believes you can drowns it out.

It’s not until you came into work that you realized how grave the situation is becoming. The first thing you noticed when you walked up to the shop was the broken windows. You thought it was from some kids who got out of hand but when you unlocked the door and went inside, you felt the blood drain from your face. The furniture was turned over and broken. Wood splinters mixed with the broken glass and ceramics on the ground. On the wall was something that you would never forget, dried bloodied hand prints with a message in dried up blood.

We’re Coming For You

You pulled out your phone and took pictures of it. Then you called the three to tell them not to come into work. You called the police and had them come over to investigate. After the police did what they needed to do, you thanked them and sighed. Fear now flooded through your veins as you thought about who would be after you. You thought it was the Octavinelle mafia but then dismissed it. This wasn’t Azul’s style for getting revenge as you heard. From what you heard is that he makes his demands higher and higher until it’s impossible for pay him back, for those with contracts. For those without contracts he keeps showing up and offers bribes.

“My, my this is unfortunate.” A voice said. You turned around and saw Azul standing outside, peering in from a broken window.

“Go away Azul.” You said. “I’m not in the mood to deal with you.”

“I’m not here for any business reasons. I’m here simply because I saw the damage. Would you like any help?”

You rolled your eyes. “No. Just go.”

The man didn’t listen to you and simply walked in the building. He closed the door behind him and walked behind the counter. “(Y/N), it’s clear that someone has a grudge against you. Why I know not, but what I do know is that you’re in serious danger.” He spoke with a serious tone and serious glint in his eyes. He looked at the writing on the wall. “A poor unfortunate soul like you shouldn’t have to deal with this while dealing with debt. Of course, I can help you with that.”

“By forcing me into a contract? I won’t let you take everything away from me!”

He looked back at you. “I promise that I won’t do that. What I will offer you in return is protection and customers. I’ll tell people to come here and it’ll raise your business. You wouldn’t want the bank to close this place down right?” He had you there. You need money to keep business afloat. You watch as he pulled out a golden scroll, a feathered pen, and a vial of ink. “If you make a partnership with me, I’ll generously help you out.”

You watch as he set everything down on the counter. You knew you shouldn’t but bills are getting really expensive and you could use the help. “I have one condition. If I sign Yuuken, Yuuka, and Yuuta won’t be involved and know nothing about this. I promised them that I’ll keep them out of this and I intend to keep it.”

“You have my word. I’ll go ahead and add it in the contract.”

He dipped the pen in the vial and scribbled down the terms you added. He held the pen out to you. You sighed as you walked over to the counter and took the pen from his hands. You looked down at the contract and signed with a heavy heart. What you didn’t know was Azul was watching with a victorious smirk on his face.

He always gets what he wants.

Tags: @adrianasunderworld @mangacupcake @writing-heiress @marrondrawsalot @anxious-twisted-vampire @achy-boo @abyssthing198

[blade-that-was-broken]

Clay was the one who went with John Dory up north to the funeral. 

All those years ago, Clay didn’t just lose his big brother, he lost his dad too. His father died and Clay never knew. If John had died in service, Clay and the rest of his brothers might have never have known. He never got to go to his father’s funeral. Was there a service? Who came? Did he have any friends? Or was John the only attendant? Did John go at all? 

The few times JD even mentioned their father, he was strangely detached and flat. He wondered if John resented their father as much as Clay - and probably the rest of them - resented their mother. He wanted to know more but John never seemed very forthcoming and generous with any information. 

He didn’t talk a whole lot in general. 

Clay didn’t know a lot, just that someone from John’s old church at their father’s home had died, but it was all John gave him for information. He didn’t even know John went to church. John didn’t ask Clay to accompany him and Clay knew Floyd would probably be better suited for this, or even Bruce. However, he also knew that they would both have a lot of questions, and comments and John wasn’t one to answer these days. They would be returning to the cabin that John had spent his teenage years in, the one their father took him to live in. Just them.

Clay had no idea what to expect. John didn’t talk about the years between leaving home and joining the military, which Clay suspected was at a young age. He told John that he would come with and continued without pause to explain that people should not go to funerals alone. He tried not to insinuate he was going because of John’s missing leg and disability. 

He wasn’t. 

John didn’t announce the short trip to anyone so Clay didn’t say anything either. If one of them had, the others might have joined but Clay wasn’t sure if John wanted that. Clay himself only knew because he had so happened to be there when John got the call. 

On the plane ride, John was quiet, mostly listening to Clay read softly to him. John’s presence in Clay’s life was still relatively new but they were quick to pull up on the slack of lost time. John tried to show interest in his hobbies and work - at least as much as John was capable of showing interest. Clay had quickly found John liked to be read to. He already listened to audiobooks and podcasts, as well as the radio fairly frequently. Clay had gotten him a phone with plenty of apps for those things to keep up. John wasn’t very good at that type of technology, although not incompetent by any means, and Clay was sure he didn’t love to need the help, he eventually accepted it. 

In a moment of vulnerability, John confessed he didn’t read real quickly and for some reason, Clay thought it was a good idea to start reading to him. He didn’t even recall how the conversation came up but he wouldn’t complain. Clay would take breaks from his work or studies and Facetime his oldest brother to read to him. They were almost finished with The Hobbit. Clay already bought the Lord of the Rings Trilogy to read next. 

By the time the plane landed, they were almost to the end of the book. They’d probably finish on the ride back. 

Clay tried finding a taxi when they got off the plane but John just stared, almost a laugh bubbling up. It had taken Clay by surprise but John told him that it was unlikely to find a taxi around these parts. He called someone and within a few minutes, a car came around to pick them up. It was an older gentleman. Clay had no idea who he was but he gave John a brief hug and put their bags into his truck. And then they were off. The older man did most of the talking, a bit about some of the local news, some stuff about the church, how they were praying for John and the others in the military. He asked if John was doing okay. John’s answer was brief but the man accepted it. He asks who Clay was. 

“That’s Clay. He’s my brother.” 

The man absolutely beamed in that second, lighting up like a giant Christmas tree. For whatever reason, he was ecstatic and joyful of the news, congratulating John and mentioning something about God. 

Clay barely followed. 

The man didn’t have much of a chance to continue, as they pulled up to a worn yet overgrown dirt and gravel driveway, a small rundown cabin at the end of it. They parked, the man explained a bit and John told him he will see them at the funeral. Clay carried both their bags, John on his brace crutches. He barely packed anything. 

The yard - if one could call it that - was overgrown with old things twisted in dirt and vines. The door creaked when John opened it. “They turned the water back on,” he said, quietly. “But let it run for a bit before you use any of it. I’ll try to get the generator up and running for electricity. There should be some lanterns and flashlights in the meantime.” 

It was a tiny little place but someone definitely opened it once in a while. “This is where you and dad lived?” Clay asked. It was probably obvious and probably a poor way to try and start a conversation. 

John just hummed, undeterred. “You can take the bed. I’ve got the couch.” 

Only one bed. Clay wondered who had claimed it before. John disappeared for a couple of hours. Before he goes, he tells Clay not to go out into the woods. It is easy to get lost. Clay wondered how many times John got lost in these woods. Despite the urge to wander, Clay barely goes outside. John came back with a couple of fish, newly descaled and cleaned. He turned on a little grill outside with some coal and prepared the fish to eat. It is strangely and unfairly delicious. 

“You’re good at this.” 

“Lots of practice.” 

They eat for a while and Clay eats the entire fish that is given to him. There is a silence which isn’t entirely uncomfortable. John pulled up a couple of chairs and started a fire. There is a firepit on the side of the cabin, mostly just a hole with some rocks but Clay watched in rapt attention how easily John makes the fire from practically nothing. 

“You have questions,” John noted. It had been an hour or two and the fish was entirely gone. They had been staring at the crackling fire in silence for a while. He’s not wrong but Clay doesn’t want to push his brother away. Things are so different and John isn’t the person he used to be as a child. 

“Who wouldn’t?” 

“What do you want to know?” John asked, pushing one of the logs in the pit closer to the flames with another stick. 

“Did you sleep on the couch?” he blurted out. 

John still stared at the fire but Clay could see him blink in surprise. He wasn’t expecting something like that, it appeared. “No. He let me have the bedroom.” 

“Do you… like this place?” 

John shrugged. “It’s a roof.” 

Clay wasn’t sure where he was going with this. 

“I’m an angry person.” 

“At what?” 

“Everything, everyone. I don’t know how to stop it.” 

“Maybe you’re holding on?” 

“Are you angry?” 

“Yes.” 

“It’s hard to tell.” 

“The appearance of anger can sometimes be worse than the anger itself,” John replied quietly, turning over some logs again. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you get some sleep.” 

It was clear the conversation was over. 

Clay did and laid on the bed, the window next to him slightly open with a cool breeze coming through. He could hear the crackle of the fire still and birds chirping lightly. All he can think about is wondering what kind of life John must have lived here, in this old dinky cabin. 

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Love and War

Previous Chapter Masterlist Next Chapter

Synopsis: Bob Floyd never expected to fall in love during the war, especially not with a pretty, young nurse during basic training. But love works in funny ways and can their love stand the rest of time, the war and the distance that separates them. Warnings: mentions of graphic themes, war, injury, weapons, sexual images, language, 18+.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Austria May to August 1945

Hitler was dead. The Germans had surrendered. The war was over in Europe.

Bob’s blue eyes gazed lazily over the tranquil landscape, the birds were singing, a light breeze brushing gently through the trees, the aquamarine lake was still. Bob couldn’t believe that in all the destruction they had witnessed a beautiful scene like this lay between all of it. After all this bloodshed somehow Easy Company had ended up in this paradise. The ruckus behind Bob pulled him reluctantly from his thoughts as Albert and several of the other paratroopers came running down the path, dressed in their PT kits and barefoot.

“Come on, Bob,” Albert called, racing down to the stone jetty. The paratroopers all pulled their white T-shirts over their heads before diving into the calm water below. A chorus of hollers and whoops followed as they began to slash around in the shallows, throwing water at each other.

A joyful smile spread across Bob’s lips, his eyes shining slightly with unshed tears. This is how their lives should be, young and joyful, living full and happy lives. They all deserved this after the years of their youth that had been stolen by this god forsaken war.

“Bob, come on!” George, one of the other paratroopers hollered, his boyish grin infectious. He reminded Bob a lot of Jackson, his youthful enthusiasm making them all feel younger than their years.

“Alright, i'm coming down,” Bob called, beginning to undo his uniform jacket as he made his way down the slope and towards the jetty. He pulled his clothes off quickly, leaving himself in just his underwear before diving into the cool water below. It was colder than he expected, taking a sharp intake of air as he resurfaced, coming face to face with the smiling men around him. Bob laughed loudly, throwing water at Albert, shouting gleefully. They spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and splashing around in the waters edge. By the time Bob and Albert were sitting back on the jetty their skin was pale and wrinkled from their time in the water.

“What will you do after this?” Albert asked, eyeing Bob curiously, squinting in the late afternoon sun.

“Probably get some food, I guess,” Bob sighed, toying with the wedding band hanging from his dog tags.

Albert groaned, letting out a light laugh, “no I mean after the war, when you go home.”

“I don’t know. We don’t even know if we are going home yet. Captain Nelson said that it’s highly likely we’ll be redeployed to the Pacific.” Bob sighed, he’d love more than anything to go home, back to the States with his wife. It had been five months since he’d last seen (y/n), since he’d last held her in his arms, kissed her. Bob dreamed of the day they would be reunited, finally able to be together as man and wife should be.

“But after that, well I’m gonna go home, back to Louisiana with (y/n). We’re gonna have a big house with lots of room for all our little Floyd’s.” Bob smiled at the image, thinking of (y/n) sitting on the swinging bench on the porch, a baby in her arms while she watched their other children playing in the garden, Bob by her side.

“Me too,” Albert replied, his eyes overcast and tearful. “You know I haven’t even seen my baby girl grow up. She’s gonna be four years old before I get home to her, I missed so much.” He let out a strangled sob, burying his head in his hands. Bob was a little stunned, in all that they had been through Albert had rarely cried, never showing his true emotions. Gripping hold of the man beside him, Bob pulled him into a desperate hug, ignoring the feeling of their damp skin against each other. He pressed a small kiss to the medic hair, cradling him, rocking him slowly. Before the war Bob could never imagine having this kind of connection with another man, he’d had male friends and they’d hugged each other before but with Albert it was different. He loved him. Not in the way he loved (y/n) but he loved him and he would die for him. Albert’s tears eventually slowed, his sobs becoming quiet mumbles into Bob’s chest. “It’s ok Albert, I’m gonna get you home to them. I promised you back at Toccoa I would. I’m not about to break that promise.”

Albert looked up at him, tear stained cheeks, his bottom lip wobbling slightly.

“Thank you, Bob. Thank you for everything.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bob’s knuckles wrapped on the large oak door, waiting for a reply to enter. The voice from the other side was gruff but Bob knew that was just the way Nelson spoke to everyone.

“You wanted to see me, Sir,” Bob stepped into the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He removed his cap, tucking it into the belt of his uniform before saluting the Captain.

“Floyd, take a seat.” He motioned for Bob to take a seat on the otherside of the desk, perching on the edge of the chair in anticipation. Nelson took a log sip of his coffee, savouring the taste and almost killing Bob with the suspense. “Do you know why I called you here?”

“No Sir,” Bob replied hurriedly.

“I called you here because the army has a proposition for you, a battlefield commission to make you a Lieutenant if you’d like to pursue a career in the army after the war.” Nelson spoke firmly but his eyes shone with the unspoken adoration that he had for all his men. “You have proven yourself to be an exceptional soldier and an even more exceptional man. It has been an honour to serve beside you.”

“Sir, the honour has been mine…” Bob began but Captain Nelson raised his hand, cutting off his speech.

“Now don’t be so modest now, Sergeant. Now I understand that you have a wife, correct.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“And I’m sure you are desperate to return to her.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“But this is a great opportunity and one that I would not wish for you to pass over lightly but I do understand your situation. I haven’t seen my wife and daughters for God knows how long. I have missed much of their childhood and I would not wish that on any man.”

Bob nodded in agreement, he already knew his answer. “Truthfully Sir, I am honoured but I have fought long and hard for my country, I have bled and lost friends for my country and I would really like to go home to my wife.”

Captain Nelson nodded, “I suspected as much and honestly I cannot blame you. I wish you and your wife a long and happy life full of peace. Happy VJ Day Sergeant Floyd, you're going home.”

“Sir, is it… really?” Bob stared back in disbelief.

“Yes Bob, the war is over.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Taglist: @bradshawseresinbabe @wkndwlff @a-reader-and-a-writer @callsign-phoenix @imjess-themess @averyhotchner @mayhem24-7forever @callsignmaverick5 @ssprayberrythings @smoothdogsgirl @xoxabs88xox @luckyladycreator2 @abaker74 @elenavampire21 @classyunknownlover @okiegirl24 @flashyourgreeneyesatme @airedale17 @shadowolf993 @flyboyjake @topguncultleader @callmemana @t-nd-rfoot @desert-fern @cherrycola27 @green-socks @jstarr86 @starkleila @alexxavicry @roostette @floralfloyd @soulmates8 @depressed-friend-blog @mayhemmanaged @shanimallina87 @shadowsintheknight @bcon24 @cassiemitchell @genius2050

[shadowserenity28]

Alexander Liddell

━━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━

“Have you seen the white rabbit? He’s late again...”

━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━━

~General information~

Full name

Alexander Liddell

Pronunciation

A-lex-an-der

Lid-dell

Meanings

First name:

Alexander

Greek origin, means “warrior” or “man’s defender”

Last name:

Liddell

from the Old English river name Hl̄de, meaning 'loud', + Old English dæl 'valley’

Nicknames:

Alex

Monsieur Wonderland (Rook)

Barracuda (Floyd)

Sex:

Male

Gender:

Male

Age:

17

Date of birth

26th July

Zodiac sign

Leo

Sexuality

Asexual

Nationality

British

Homeland

Queendom of Roses

Place of residence

Heartslabyul Dorm at Night Raven College

Job/Occupation

Student

♡Relationships♡

Family

Unnamed parents (deceased)

Unnamed sister (deceased)

Divus Crewel (adoptive father)

Friends

Felix (OC)

Floyd

Jade

Significant Other

None

━━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━

“Why don’t you see the giant mushrooms all over the school?"

━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━━

◇Appearance◇

Skin tone

Sickly pale

Eyes

big eyes, green

Hair

shoulder-long, black hair, straight

Height

1,67 m

Weight

74 kg

Body type

Thin and scrawny

Birthmarks

None

Clothes and accessories

Alex wears the NRC school uniform without the blazer and a special bow with a skull in the middle. He also wears asymmetrical, black and white striped arm sleeves and high, black boots with silver buckles. He wears an upside down horse shoe as a belt buckle.

Special features

He has burn scars along his torso, legs and arms. He also has screws sticking out of his head.

━━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━

“You ever get so lost in your thoughts that you forget where you are? Happens to me all the time.”

━━━━━━━━~•~━━━━━━━━━

.°. Personality .°.

Description

Alex is clinically insane. He suffers from survivor's guilt and PTSD and hallucinates constantly, living in a fantasy world with little relation to reality. Despite that, he does not take medicine for it as he doesn't trust medicine at all anymore.

He regularly has panic attacks, which sometimes grow violent. However, he usually doesn't attack people, rather fighting the air or inanimate objects that he hallucinates to be monsters. 

Even though he isn't lucid most of the time, Alex generally cares for others and tries to help where he can, even if his idea of helping is keeping the “monsters” away. He still laughs a lot, trying to find joy in even the smallest things to soothe his shattered mind.

Likes and loves

His bunny

Tea parties

Unbirthday parties

Dislikes and hates

The “monsters”

Screws and nails

Crowley

Good traits

Helpful

Kind

Creative

Bad traits

Insane

Paranoid

Delusional 

Habits

Talking to himself

Collecting odd objects

Staring into space

Hopes and Ambitions

He hopes to one day be sane again.

Motivations

Alex wants to understand reality and fully distinguish it from his hallucinations.

Fears

Doctors

Needles

Fire

Insecurities

He is very much aware that he's insane and is very self-conscious about it, but he's unable to properly express it.

Biggest Dream

 Right now, he doesn’t have the mental capacity to wish for anything bigger than to fit in with his peers.

Pet Peeves

Being late

Overly complicated instructions

Unhelpful advice

Favorites

Favorite color

Red

Least favorite color

White

Favorite food

Sweets

Least favorite food

Mashed potatoes

Favorite drink

Soda

Least favorite drink

Tea

Trivia

-Alex is based on Alice from the McGee Alice series

-Jade and Floyd took a liking to him because of his violent tendencies. They try to encourage him, even

-Felix is the only one who actually gets his freak

-Alex sensed Riddle’s upcoming overblot as he began seeing him as a monster when he first began accumulating blot. However, it was only after the overblot, when he saw him normally again, that he understood why he saw Riddle as a monster

-The monsters he sees usually look like the ruins from Alice: Madness Returns

-He has little nooks all over campus where he retreats when he’s overwhelmed. These are similar to the flowers in Alice: Madness Returns Alice uses to heal herself

-His birthday is the same day Disney’s Alice in Wonderland came out in 1951

-The screws on his head are a result of his time in the asylum. Removing them risks more harm to his already damaged mental state, so Crewel decided to leave them so long as they don’t bother Alex

-Alex calls Crewel by his first name, Divus, even in class

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“I can't right now, I gotta save Wonderland.”

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~•~ School Life ~•~

School

Night Raven College 

Dormitory

Heartslabyul Dorm

Year

Second

Class

2-B

Student Number

Nr. 18

Best school subject

P.E.

Worst school subject

Potionology

Club

Mountain lovers association 

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“They tell me it's all in my head, but it feels more real than anything else. Reality has become a fluid concept.”

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Backstory

Alex came from a rather wealthy family, but all of that changed when his home burned down and his family died in the fire when he was only 7. He survived by a hair and now has some permanent burn scars. Since that day, he spiraled in survivor’s guilt and PTSD, and was therefore admitted to an asylum.

In that asylum, he was horribly mistreated and subjected to all kinds of outdated “treatments”. He mentally retreated into his fantasy world he called “Wonderland”. However, as his mental health decayed, so did the beauty of Wonderland, which now reflected more and more of his shattered mind.

When he was 15, the asylum was exposed for its inhumane treatments and was shut down. Most patients were relocated, but Alex was too traumatized to accept help from nurses or doctors anymore. To him, everyone was an enemy and he would get aggressive from just approaching him. 

He ran away from the new asylum he was supposed to be put in, expecting more torture. While running away, he ran into a random garden and hid in the shed. That's where Divus Crewel found him. It didn't take long for Crewel to understand that Alex ran away from an asylum and was too traumatized to even think about returning. Instead of forcing him back to the asylum, Crewel took him in, slowly building trust.

A few months later, Alex was found by the authorities, but by then he was showing signs of recovery and the doctors decided that pulling him from his new environment would do more harm than good and Crewel officially adopted him. He took him along to Night Raven College to keep an eye on him while also slowly trying to get him to integrate with the other students. 

Alex spent most of his time following Crewel’s lectures, though he himself didn't really follow them. He just quietly stayed by Crewel's side so Crewel could intervene if he was having a panic attack. Over the next year Alex grew more independent, slowly learning that he suffered from hallucinations, but rarely able to distinguish them. To him, his two worlds had merged into one, and both worlds were equally real. However, he can differentiate between humans and hallucinations, since none of the characters in his fantasy were human.

Alex would often panic as he was “attacked” by monsters, which were really just creations of his own mind. Crewel, not exactly having a psychology degree, decided to give Alex a toy knife to “defend himself”. It worked, to Crewel’s surprise, and Crewel figured so long as he only used it on his imaginary monsters he would be fine. A year later, Alex became an official NRC student.

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“I’m learning to accept that I’ll never be ‘normal,’ but maybe that’s okay. My chaos is part of who I am.”

[gay-noodle-clan]

Hey do you wanna shift anywhere? If so, then where do you wanna go first? Personally, i want to shift to "All of us are dead" which is a Kdrama about a zombie apocalypse lol. I also wanna go to Ancient places and see how they lived :)

Oh my gosh, I think this is something I might never shut up on. Yes, I actually was trying to shift, not get into the void originally; my going into the void happened to be a one-off attempt! I loved “All of Us Are Dead”! It was great!

I’ve got a list of all my DRs, from my current biggest interest to least:

— Fame DR (I’ve written my whole fantasy series there and am a famous author)

— The Dragon Prince DR (y’all I love Soren so much <333)

— My Book DR (it’s about baby werewolves and weretigers, guys. They’re so fluffy. Little babies; this is my fluffiest DR because it’s basically a cuddle DR)

— Warrior Cats (PLEASE don’t laugh I’ve loved these since I was 8 years old 😭 I wanna be a big Maine coon kitty in a silly little kitty world and I wanna adopt Firepaw and Ravenpaw so bad)

— Lovestruck: Love and Legends (this was my favourite game ever before it shut down and I know I’m gonna get judged here for those that know, but. Guys. Jinhai Jubal. Sociopathic animal man. I want him. I wanna make him deal with an extrovert)

— Twisted Wonderland (Floyd and Jade, guys. I wanna be taller than them >:) my DR self is taller. I’m gonna be making them feel short and they’re going to live with it whether they like it or not. Kinda a giggly DR because I hate water, and I’m going to Octavinelle)

— BNHA (my two OCs go to U.A. and I’m their mom in that DR)

— New York apartment waiting room (this sounds so silly but I want to just have that aesthetic apartment since I live in the country. Cows are cute but do NOT smell delicious)

— Skyrim DR (this is literally just me being a traveller in Skyrim before the dragons; just vibing and chilling and having a good time)

— Food Wars DR (yes. I like Food Wars, I admit it. I wanna try the food so bad)

— Reincarnation DR (this is a spin-off of my Book DR, where my babies get reincarnated after they die like hundreds of years later; no, I do not plan to stay in that DR long enough for them to die. I just want cuddles, man. Anyways, yeah; this is cuddles but they’re all adults. They’re warlords. Ever play Ikémen Sengoku? ‘Cause yeah, I’m adopting all of Nobunaga’s guys as well as him and Yukimura >:) also total sidetrack but I’ve decided Nobunaga is scared of snakes)

— Earth’s Children DR (I wanna be a prehistoric person too! I wanna live with the Mamutoi and just be a silly little catboy)

(Side note, I’m always the same person in these DRs except for the fame DR, which is me in this reality but like. Cool and extroverted. I might post a reference for my normal DR self if anyone’s interested!)

[callmemana]

Arms Wide Open, Catch Me If I Fall:

Chapter 2: Before The Storm

Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd x Amanda ‘Birdie’ Hallett (OC)

Mickey ‘Fanboy’ Garcia x Baylie ‘Lucky’ Steele ( @bayisdying ) (OC)

Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky x Rachael ‘Dragon’ Kazansky ( @dragon-kazansky ) (OC)

Ron ‘Slider’ Kerner x Jade ‘Whiskey’ Kerner ( @mrsjaderogers ) (OC)

Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Grace ‘Spicy’ Bradshaw ( @gracespicybradshaw ) (OC)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Alana ‘Cinco’ Metcalf ( @mrsjaderogers ) (OC)

Word Count: 5k+

Summary: After a night at the Hard Deck where the girls keep getting hit on, they decide the next day to do something together without the guys. The girls all have a ‘Girl’s Night In’ , a very pregnant Spicy & an excited Cinco meets Birdie and the girls watch romantic comedy movies, eat junk food, and talk about exes. The group overhears a weird conversation with Fanboy, Lucky, & Birdie. Movie quotes and as always sassy Lucky.

🚨 Warnings: nothing just angst & fluff

A/N📋: dividers by @sligheach-sidhe , cover by me ( @callmemana ).

Thank you @mrsjaderogers and @bayisdying for helping and proof reading!

Robert Floyd knew that the others had started to catch on to his pulling back.

He hadn’t exactly been subtle about it, as soon as the carrier brought them back to land was when he stopped hanging out with the squad.

Bob was like smoke in the wind, hard to find.

He was sitting in his apartment’s living room, looking at the old photographs that he kept of Bird, silently kicking himself when the doorbell rang.

Bob didn’t get up until the third time the visitor pressed the button, then he groaned and quickly stashed the photos in one of the books on his coffee table.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Mickey. It was a work night, and it was already 11:45.

With furrowed brows, he gestured for the other male to come in and into the living room as he closed the front door and followed.

Bob went to the kitchen as Mickey made himself at home, grabbing two beers and twisting the cap off before making his way back to the couch.

He stood frozen in his step as he saw what Mickey had in his hand, an old photo of himself and his Birdie.

He could remember the exact day that the photograph was taken.

A week after their first date, they were on the tarmac walking to their respective jets, when Bird jumped onto his back, ruffled his hair, and kissed his cheek obnoxiously.

The photo had captured the aftermath and the kiss.

Athena had printed two out the next day, saying that ‘it was just so cute not to save forever.’

Well jokes on her, the memory might be kept forever, but we ended up breaking each other’s hearts.

Mickey sat on the loved couch, flabbergasted and mouth opening and closing like a fish. “Bob, who’s this woman?”

The man in question sighed, sat down, and handed over the extra beer to his nerdy best friend, “That’s nobody special.”

“Seems pretty special to me companero,” muttered Mickey as he comforted his friend.

“Doesn’t matter anymore, We’re broken up.” he shrugged as he took a pull from his beer.  

Mickey’s eyebrows shoot up towards his hairline, “I’m not gonna lie, we all thought that you hadn’t ever had a girlfriend, you’re very shy and reserved.”

Bob laughed, “Mick, I might be shy and reserved, but that doesn’t mean I can’t find love.”

“LOVE? Who are you and what have you done with my friend.”

“She brought out a different side of me. She was like a tornado, chaotic. But she was never afraid to take the next step even if she was scared and would take me with her on every adventure she went on.”

“She sounds amazing, I’m kinda mad I didn’t get to meet the other you or her.”

“You’d love her, she’s a nerd about The Avengers and Star Wars. We’d say the Han and Leia thing from Empire Strikes Back.”

“That’s awesome. I try to get Lucky to, but she just says ‘No,’ and walks away. She needs to realize that she married a nerd and this said nerd likes to quote movies to his loved one.”

“Mick, I hate to tell you this, but Lucky’s never gonna say that to you. She loves you, and absolutely knows your a nerd, I mean look at your helmet, it's in Star Trek font.”

He laughed and took a pull of his room temperature beer, “Yeah, I should’ve guessed that. It would be nice if once or twice to hear her quote a sci-fi movie to me its like dirty talk to me.”

“I didn’t need to know that.” Bob with furrowed brows and finishing off his bottle.

Mickey just shrugged and then finished his own beer.

Bob tipped his head at the empty and he got a nod from his friend and then walked to the kitchen for another round.

As soon as he left, Mickey took the photo out of the book and captured a picture of it to send to his unofficial FBI agent of a wife.

The two men talked for a while longer before Mickey had to leave to get home to Lucky.

They exchanged manly pats on the back as Mickey left.

Bob sat in his place on the couch again and took out the photos. He just couldn’t stop thinking about her as of late.

It might be because of his friends’ recent marriage, but he couldn’t know for sure.

He knew when he left that he had no right to think about her afterwards. Their relationship was ancient history.

Bob wasn’t proud in the way he ended it, the most awful way, making sure that she wouldn’t try to get back together if he survived the mission.

This seemed like this was his one hundredth mistake when it came to his relationship with Bird.

It not only hurt her, but him in the process.

Bob was in love and going to marry her someday, knew that as soon as their first date ended.

It was kind of funny to think that if he didn’t do what he did, they could both be in Miramar right now in his off-base housing, snuggling close with Ozzy inbetween them and watching a movie and eating junk food.

Bob missed the good morning kisses, breakfast eaten together, driving to base together, and so many other things that he and Bird did every day.

His days had gone boring since the relocation, sure he had made new friends, but its different without her here with him.

Bob tried to be more social, but it seemed impossible to come out of his shell with these new people he's come to know.

Most of the aviators for the uranium mission had an oversized ego that crashed with each other on a day to day basis.

Mostly Hangman and Rooster in the beginning, but now they have put aside their rivalry and became some what friendly towards one another.

Mickey and Natasha could possibly be the only actual friends that knows the most about him.

He doesn’t blame the others though, Bob’s a hard nut to break on personal information.

The next day, he came to base with his face neutral and a cup holder full of to-go coffee for the squad.

Bob handed them out to each recipient and sat down in his normal spot, right by Phoenix but across from Mickey and Rueben.

The other nerdy Wizzo leaned into Bob’s space, whispering,“Hey man, I just wanna say that I’m sorry for showing up unannounced yesterday.”

He waved him off, “It’s fine Mick, no trouble. I was digging up bones that shouldn’t stayed buried.”

Fanboy gave him a look, “Are you sure? It was rude of me to do that.”

“I’m sure, no harm done. I needed to get outta my head anyway.”

He didn’t miss the way that Phoenix and Mickey shared a worried look at their friend’s mood.

Bob knew that the other’s were suspicious about his overnight shift in personality too.

As he scanned the room, In the front of the class, Lucky could be seen on her phone typing away rapidly.

Bob noted this and just thought that she was in the girls’ group chat ranting about something exciting that had happened the day prior.

Little did he know, she was on the internet and researching about the mystery lady that Mickey had found the picture of in Bob’s apartment yesterday.

Getting very little information about the female aviator.

Bob glanced at his phone, checking the time. Maverick’s late.

He takes a sip of his steaming coffee, only to wince and open the lid to cool it down faster.

“Hey Bob, you okay?”

“Yeah Nix, just burnt my tongue, I’ll be alright.” he spares her a small smile, which she returns.

Small sentences was all that he gave them anymore, and he could tell that they were getting tired of them quickly.

“You going to the Hard Deck tonight?” questioned Rooster.

“I don’t think so, I got chores to do around the house. Maybe next time.”

“You’ve blown us off the last five times, come on.” “Yeah, come on Bob. We miss you.”

He just shakes his head, “I’ve put it off for weeks now, It needs to be done tonight before I forget.”

“Then maybe we can help?” offered Payback. “Many hands make light work.” commented Mickey.

“Nah, its okay. It’s better if I just do it anyway. Thank you though,” finished Bob as he tried his coffee again, this time the perfect temperature.

Behind Bob, all around the other members of the squad looked at eachother and nodded, a plan already set in motion.

It wasn’t long afterwards that Maverick entered the hanger and walked to the front where the podium was. The flight lesson begins.

Bob was exhausted after the day they had, another stupid bet made with the Captain had all of the failing aviators doing another set of two hundred pushups thanks to Payback and Fanboy.

He drove home, took a shower, and ate dinner before he went to the spare room where the boxes that had his last bit of possessions from his shared house in Lemoore sat untouched.

Bob didn’t want to go through them, too many happy memories were woven into the objects that they held.

Too much hurt and tears also could be found in those stupid boxes.

He went to his kitchen and found his stash of Jack Daniels in the cupboard, took three large gulps and waited for the buzz to kick in before going back to the room.

A pair of scissors used as an opener, he cut the first box and pulled out the bear that he had won her at the county fair that they later named Chewy because of the resimbilence to the character.

Pictures of their relationship from the past four years, goofy and serious, had tears threatening his waterline.

The tie she bought him for the first Naval Award Dinner they went to and a shoebox full of old ticket stubs from all of their movie or concert dates.

Those alone could break his heart further than it already was, but he needed the fresh wound to sting.

The last thing he took out had him reaching for the bottle again, taking a drink equally as immense as the first two gulps, and brought the item out.

It was a vintage style Star Wars shirt he had owned since he was in High School.

Bob could remember every time she’d steal that shirt to sleep in when she missed him while he was over seas on a mission.

He shifted the shirt towards his nose and inhaled, her body soap still intertwined in the fabric.

This was the final crack in the dam, unshead tears falling quietly and onto the shirt.

Bob’s emotions changed quickly into anger as he reached for the bottle again, drinking a third in one sitting.

He hated himself for what he did, how could he not.

And like every old country song, he relied on alcohol to fix his mistakes. As if that would really help the situation and not bring him closer to self-destruction.

The next box didn’t help his mood.

He grabbed the letters that the couple had sent back and forth while they were deployed in different bases out of the box and started to open the envelopes one by one, reading every word.

Bob missed her little notes she’d leave all round the house, his locker, manual, helmet, and many other places.

The third box actually had him laughing, it carried some pillows and blankets, and something else.

On the bottom, there was the nerf gun and about half of the ammo that Bird had bought so they could have nerf gun wars to see who would cook dinner that night or did certain chores that neither of them liked to do.

It was a fun way to decide who did the tasks and a great way for them to take it easy after a hard day on base or in the air.

Bob stood with the toy in hand and put in on a shelf in the living room, this would be showcased and could be used on Mickey or anyone else that pissed him off.

With three of the five boxes emptied, Bob took the time to start and put some of the other things away.

He took the smaller items and put them into one box, found a sharpie and labeled it “memories,” and then put it in his closet.

The Star War shirt was put in the dirty clothes basket for him to wash the scent of her out of it once and for all. He couldn’t wear it again without the smell gone.

Bob went back and had another long swig before sitting back down and opening the second to last box.

Before he could, the doorbell rang. Distractly, he ran a hand through his already dishevled hair.

He chose to ignore the visitor, they’d leave if they thought he was asleep. The front room was dark and held no evidence that anyone was awake.

Looking at his watch, he read 10:57, about the time he usually went to sleep on a work day.

The knocking was persistent and getting louder as the seconds passed it seemed.

Groaning, Bob took one last pull of the Whiskey before making his way to the door. He didn’t look through the peephole, just swung the door open.

“Yes?” he grumbled, unaware of the worried faces his friends wore. He turned just a little and put the Daniel’s bottle on the counter closest to him.

“You said earlier that you had some chores to do, so we thought we’d stop by and see if you needed help anyway.”

“Like I said before, I’m fine. Almost done anyhow. Thanks for stopping by.” He said as he attempted to shut the door, only for Hangman to put his shoe in the way.

“Seriously Baby On Board, you were gonna slam the door on us?” smirked Hangman as the others make their way into the apartment, uninvited.

“I see you were visited by a good friend named Jack.” commented Lucky as she shook the bottle to show the others.

“I didn’t see this here yesterday, redecorating Bob?” questioned Mickey.

“I recently got some boxes filled with old things from a  friend back in Lemoore. If I’m stationed here permanently, I should probably make it look like I live here, don’t you think?”

“No need to get so defensive Robert,” “We’re just curious.”

“Anyway, where’s the boxes?” “None of your business, please just go home.”

“No can do, Robert. We’re not leaving until we at least help for a little while.”

“I can do it by myself, I am fully capable of opening boxes and putting shit away.”

“Not if you smell like a brewery, which you do, by the way. It’s not safe to be around sharp objects in your condition.”

“Then I’ll turn in for the night and finish it tomorrow, there is no more danger,” Bob rolled his eyes at his friends, “goodbye now.”

He started to walk back down the hall towards his bedroom and stopped after he closed the door, waiting to hear the front door do the same.

But it never did, no, the others acted as if this was their own house and roamed as they pleased.

It took a total of sixity seconds for Bob to panic that they’d find the boxes and go through them.

Their curiosity getting the best of them, or maybe the need to snoop around the shy Wizzo’s house to get to know him better was just too much to handle.

Bob walked out of the room silently and slowly made his way to the spare room, key in hand. As soon as he got to the door, it was too late.

They had stumbled across the boxes, more specifically the opened box with memorabilia from Bird and his relationship.

The one he’d yet seen for himself.

The breath that he had held is let go as he sees just clothes peaking out of the box. But of course, Phoenix is observant as ever.

“Why is the boxed labelled with female handwriting Bob?” this causes all of the other aviators to glance at the front and smile or smirk.

“That’s none of your business Natasha, and I believe that I asked y’all to leave.” declared Bob, anger running thin.

“Dude, we just wanna get to know you better what’s the matter with that?” questioned Coyote.

“I have some things that I’d like to keep quiet and knowing you lot, it won’t be. You need to respect my want for privacy.”

Lucky, who’s had her phone attached to her face all night, looks up and smirks.

“So, is this Bird a private matter or are we allowed to know about her?”

Bob’s eyebrows furrow jaw tightens, “Like I’ve repeated several times tonight, none of your business. Leave.”

This time, he followed them to the door, slammed it in their faces, to show just how mad he is, and locked the door by deadbolt.

He went to the opened box and saw the note that was left on top, “Even though you said you didn’t, just know that I meant it every time.”

Birdie’s day started how it always did, her arm reaching out to the other side of the bed to touch Bob, only to find nothing.

With that, she got up and did her morning routine, having breakfast, getting dressed, doing her hair, and brushing her teeth all before getting into her old Chevy and driving to base.

Athena, her best friend, waited at the front doors for her when she parked, holding a coffee and doughnut for herself.

“How you doing? Lucas and I have been worried about you lately.”

A fake smile shines through the exhaustion, “I’m fine. Just shipped the last of the boxes last week, he should be getting them soon. It just feels so real now. He’s really gone, Thena.”

The other woman turns and wraps her arms around her miserable friend, “I know Bird, I know. I’m sorry that he did that to you. I couldn’t believe it at first either, he was a good man.”

“I’m just flabbergasted about it, I thought we were happy together. What happened Thena, I thought we were each other’s soulmate.”

“Maybe you just wanted to believe that you were it for him, but he didn’t see it.” Thena rubbed Bird’s arms.

The women went to the locker room and changed into their flight suits, putting their electronics and other valuables in their individual lockers.

Before Bird could, her phone lit up with a notification from Facebook with a friend request.

She ignored it and turned her phone off, placing it in the locker and leaving the room, going to the hanger with Athena.

When the day was over, she showered, got the rest of her possessions from her locker, and left.

She made it home safely and ate dinner by herself in the living room, watching a Disney movie.

Bird was getting ready for bed as she looked at her phone screen again, remembering about the friend request.

She opened the app and checked out the woman’s who she didn’t recognized page.

‘Baylie ‘Lucky’ Garcia,’ it read and the newest photos showed her recent wedding with the love of her life, Mickey ‘Fanboy’ Garcia.

She scrolled through the posts and after a while, she saw a picture with Bob in the background, photobombing the couple with another dark haired women.

Bird felt the tears stream down her face, of course he’d move on so quick.

He already told her that he never loved her the same way she did. She had no right to feel this way towards him anymore.

Even if she had no contact with Bo anymore, doesn’t mean that she can’t see how he’s doing through his new friends.

So, with her mind made up, she pressed ‘accept’ and went to sleep.

The house felt odd without all of the things Bam left behind when he moved to San Diego.

But that wasn’t the right word, no. That would be empty.

The next morning she decided that it would be good for Ozzy to go on a walk, he’s missing Bo just as much as she was.

When the walk was over, Bird got ready for base and left shortly afterwards.

She stopped at a close-by bakery and ordered a large coffee and a chocolate muffin to go.

Once she had made it on base, Bird went to do her usual routine and ended up in the hanger with the other aviators.

She was happier than she had been in a while after her moring run with her pooch.

Athena noticed the difference in her appearance, and smiled. She was happy for her friend after the long dark period she had been through the last six months.

During lunch, Athena had finally asked about the mood change.

“So, Manny, why the good mood today?” she smirked as she chewed her bite of sandwich.

Bird just shrugged, “I don’t really know. I woke up and the smile was just there. The only thing that I did differently was take Oz on a morning walk instead of our evening walk.”

“It’s said to be better to workout during the morning than at night,” she nodded.

“Yeah, Oz loved it! He even found a cute little mushroom and I picked it.”

“That’s adorable, any pictures?”

Within seconds, Bird had her phone out of her pocket and swiped through her pictures to find the one from this morning.

What she didn’t anticipate, was being brought down memory lane as soon as she saw it again.

“What’s wrong? Did you accidently delete it again?” she asked as she leaned in to see the phone screen.

“No, it just reminded me of Bo. Remember when we went on the walk in basic and found a cute mushroom and I picked it for him, later that day he gave me a pretty rock.”

Athena’s hands settled on her shoulder, comforting her, “Hey, its okay to remember the good parts of the relationship sometimes. He hasn't been gone for very long, its okay to still think about him.”

“But that's the problem Thena! I don’t want to think about him anymore, I wanna be able to move on. I got a friend request from an aviator in San Diego and she’s in Bo’s new squadron. I even saw him photobombing her picture with another woman. What if he’s moved on already?” she ranted.

“Hey look, that San Diego aviator messaged you.” pointed out Thena.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you. My name is …” She quickly checked the time and realized that it was sent over an hour ago, and opened the app.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you. My name is Baylie, but my callsign is Lucky. I’m currently stationed at Top Gun as an instructor with someone I think you know. He’s not in a good shape, I don’t know what happened between you two but ever since my wedding he’s been… not Bob.”

The next text bubble read, “I love Bobby as a friend, but um he snapped at me the other day and it wasn’t joke. I don’t wike it.”

Bird couldn’t help but be curious as to why she was contacting her about Bo.

Lucky had told Bird that she didn’t know what happened between them. So how did she know about her?

Bird typed, “Hi Lucky, it’s nice to meet you! You’re not bothering me at all, I am a little curious about how you know about me though. Bo is a very private person about his personal life.”

Then she started a new message, “Bo has a temper but he usually keeps it handled unless someone pokes at him constantly. I’m sorry that he snapped at you, I hope that he calms down soon.”

The bubble with dots showed up quickly after the second message, “Well you see, none of us know how to behave, its why we work so well together and we broke into his house and found him drunk and crying over some pictures of you guys…”

Bird frowned, “Oh, I didn’t realize he was taking the breakup so hard. Was it Coors or Whiskey?”

“My best friend, Jack Daniels.” Bird winced, he was taking it very hard by the choice of drink.

“Please watch out for him, I don’t want him to go back to old ways.” pleaded Bird as she reread the message, concern heavy in her heart.

“I’m trying my best here.”

“I appreciate that you reached out to me concerning Bo. I would feel awful if he did something self-distructive.” Bird showed the messages to Thena.

“Oh shit, maybe you should reach out to him?”

“You know I can’t, I don’t wanna overwhelm him or for him to think that i’m coddling him.”

Athena just rolled her eyes, “Babe, Bob has loved you since the first day at bootcamp, six months apart won’t change that.”

“Thena, he said that he didn’t love me, never did. I should just leave him alone to live his life.”

“Look, she texted again!” both faces whipped to face the screen as the message popped up.

“How does a trip to San Diego sound? I can pull some strings and get you here. I think…I think it might be best if he sees you.”

Bird started to type an apology when Athena grabbed her phone, deleting the words and pressing send when she was finished.  

“I’d like to see him too, we didn’t end it on the best of terms and i’d like to hear the reason on why he did what he did.”

Then she started a new message, “Thank you so much for reaching out to me Lucky, I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”

“Why would you do that! I don’t wanna see him yet!!” screamed Birdie, making the others around their table to look their way.

“Because Bird, you need to see him to know why he actually did it, he just said terrible things to you and left the next day. You need this, to move on.”

She rolled her eyes but ultimately, Thena was right. She did need this to move on from Bo.

Bird was still hung up on him and probably would be for longer than healthy if she didn’t get the closure she desperately needed.

After lunch it was back to the hanger and tarmac for training and then they’d go home.

Bird drove over to Athena and Lucas for dinner.

“Oh Lukey, Oh Lukey, I’m home.” bellowed Athena as she entered the house, Birdie close behind.

Lucas was in the kitchen, an apron on, and dinner on the stove cooling. As soon as Heather saw him, she pulled him into a kiss.

“Don’t mind me, I’ll just stand here awkwardly as my best friend kisses her fiance.” muttered Bird.

They ended the kiss, chuckling to each other. “Oh don’t be like that, Manny! Come on, gimme a hug. I haven't seen ya in a while.”

Bird rolled her eyes, but did as told anyways, “Two days isn’t a while, Luke.” “For you maybe, but for me it is.” he whined.

“Someone from San Diego contacted Bird about Bobby-Boy.”

“Oh yeah, what about ‘em?” questioned Lucas. “He ain’t doin’ so well at that new base.” shrugged Heather.

“Oh, what’s he drinking?” “Jack D’s.” commented Bird, absentmindly.

Lucas’ eyes went wide, “Oh shit! Yeah, I’d say he ain’t doing good if he’s gone straight to the whiskey.”

“That’s what Bird said to her. And guess what?” exclaimed Thena. “What babe.”

“No you have to guess.” whined Heather, giving him puppy-dog eyes.

Lucas rolled his eyes but humored her anyway, “He wants to speak with Manny?”

Heather’s face lit up, “How are you so good at guessing! That San Diego aviator, Lucky, said that she’d try and pull some strings and get Manny over to see him!”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea? You guys ended it pretty badly.” questioned Lucas, pointing his fork at her accusingly.  

“I honestly don’t know, but Lucky said that she thought he would be better if he saw me.” shrugged Bird, taking a bite from her plate.

After she left Lucas and Heather’s house, Bird started thinking about her trip.

Like, what if she actually went and Bob wanted nothing to do with her. Would he be happy to see her after all these months apart?

How would he act? Would he be awkward or hateful towards her now that they broke up?

What if Lucky was wrong? And Bo doesn’t want to see her at all?

Questions like these swam in her mind as she tossed and turned in her bed as she tried to go to sleep.

Tomorrow Bird would start to get things ready for her trip, she didn’t really know how long she’d be in San Diego either.

She’d have to contact Lucky again and see if she’d actually be going to the base.

Bird was beyond nervous being around Bo again, especially when around new people that didn’t know what had happened in their relationship, not that it was any of the other’s business either.

She promised herself that she’d keep quiet about the messy ending as long as he did the same, which shouldn’t be difficult because Bo hated people digging into his personal life.  

They didn’t know anything about her, they might not end up liking her at all.

She was a tornado, chaotic and wild, and most people couldn’t or wouldn’t deal with her energy.

What people don’t understand is that’s just her personality.

She just hoped that everything would be ok at San Diego.

Her biggest fear is that Robert will see her and afterwards, ignore her the rest of the trip.

Dragon’s Angels📻: @bayisdying @mrsjaderogers @dragon-kazansky @gracespicybradshaw

🏷️ list: @luckyladycreator2 @interstellarloneliness