#no worries about the reply time as I mentioned I LIVE AT THE AIRPORT

[faces-in-unexpected-places]

Oh please don’t be sorry, that was such a sweet response to receive, even if we weren’t the CLOSEST ever back in the day, it means so much. To put it briefly and simply, I’ve made a lot of IRL enemies in recent years for standing up for myself/others, so I am pretty accustomed to more than a few people being NOT super excited to see me lmao. So your response was honestly such a breath of fresh air and a reminder that maybe I’m NOT the awful person some people would like to believe I am. But enough about that - it’s mostly in the past now and I’m ready to leave it behind!

Because yeah, things are generally looking up! I’m in that transitionary phase in life where a lot of difficult times are wrapping up and (hopefully) easier/better times are ahead, but like you said, things take time and don’t happen overnight. Knowing that difficult times aren’t permanent definitely helps when trying to live happy in the moment, too.

WOW, what an awesome way to get a job, holy shit, that’s so great, Sara! And also kinda punk rock with the total honesty, and how she just went with it like “yeah yeah ur still hired tho”. I love it. Yeah I’d be down to hear more about it through DMs. Kinda silly, but sounds cool to be like “I can’t talk about it here, let’s fine a more secure line” lmao. THE WALLS HAVE EARS. (Picture yourself dressed like one of the men in black in full black suit, sunglasses and earpiece, please. Thanks).

Yeah, the work is interesting, and definitely important! I just wish that the pay vs necessary skills + amount of student debt ratio was a bit more balanced, is all. No offense taken, that is DEFINITELY a corncob with a little hat on lmao. He’s a silly looking guy.

As for what to do instead… god I don’t know. I’ve considered so many things from staying in my field and just trying to make some more strategic moves into biotech/pharma companies for salary increases all the way to leaving the field entirely in pursuit of a new one, going back to school AGAIN (ugh god) for even higher positions (optometry???) or even saying “fuck it” to spending more money on education and instead becoming my own boss with side hustles and the like. Still haven’t decided yet, obviously. But I’m keeping an open mind to hopefully give a better chance of a good outcome?

This is definitely not a pity bait just an observation but - I was a first gen college student from a broken home with a dad who wasn’t around much (and when he was, our time wasn’t very productive together) and a mom who worked two jobs to keep us from falling below the poverty line so we could afford to live in a city with nice public schools (ie she wasn’t around a lot either, but she did her absolute best to give me everything she could), so… I didn’t have a WHOLE lot of guidance about what to do once I got INTO college. Just that if I DID get in, then I was set for life (not true lmao but live and learn right?) and since my parents had never attended college at the time (mom went back and became a nurse WHILE I was in college) they couldn’t offer a lot of suggestions about how to get into a well-paying career, so the rest was kinda up to me. I could have made worse decisions for sure, but I could have made better ones too, if I had guidance from someone more experienced with navigating higher education and setting up careers.

Anyway I guess there’s my life story lmao. Just trying to figure out how to make enough money to buy a house, get married, and have a kid one day maybe, which is harder than I thought!!

Oh hell yeah, definitely going to do those ask games when I’m not LIVING AT THE AIRPORT ANYMORE. I wanna go home and take a shower 😭 oh also please enjoy this image I took

Why is he cut in half?? He looks like his torso is gonna just flop right over into the garbage can.

Some times, although they are few and far between, I feel like I'm actually making a difference with my work. Like something I do has an appreciable, positive effect on people's lives. It doesn't have to be big, just something that has an effect in practice; not just paper pushing, but an actual impact on how things are done in the industry. It always gets me when that happens, and I'm so glad I'm in a place where that is possible for me. I'm so glad I can do good in my own way.

[rafesbabygirlx]

A Lot of Time has Passed |Part 1

Series Masterlist | Masterlist

Season 4 Rafe x Maybank reader

Summary: Beginning at the time jump, the Pogues seemingly succeeded at something, Rafe is struggling with making amends and being a better person. JJs sister left the island after returning from South America. Returning after 18 months with a secret.

A/N: Writing this with inspiration from season 4 part 1. Rewriting plot lines. No mention of Y/N but is written in her perspective. Was inspired of Rafe’s new character arc which I love but thought I’d make it a bit more interesting and messy.

Also- you have to imagine that Maybank reader is intertwined in the previous seasons. And was involved with Rafe. She understands him more than Sofia. She is JJs half sister, takes after her mom, brunette brown eyes tanned skin.

Not really proofread

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: smut (fingering) tough discussions, loss of life (Ward, Big John) Rafe can get a little mean, sorry Sofia lovers.

It’s been 18 months since you returned to the island. While you’ve stayed in touch with your half-brother JJ and the rest of the Pogues, you only saw them once in a while since you had made them travel to the mainland. You relished the escape from the chaos of the Outer Banks. Although you maintained a connection with your mother, it wasn’t until you decided to move in with her that you saw her again. You never imagined you’d come back, but hearing about the Pogues’ long-overdue success and newfound wealth drew you back to celebrate.

Once you arrived, you made an effort to keep a low profile. You headed straight to the old house you and JJ used to share. You couldn’t help but feel annoyed at how much he paid for it, but the joy of being back with your little brother overshadowed that irritation. Everything felt just as it had in the past, and you slipped seamlessly into your role as their ‘older sister.’

You found yourself speaking with Sarah down by the docks, where she asked how you were doing and how things were going—just the usual small talk. Then came the question you dreaded: “Have you seen him?” You stared out at the water, trying to push thoughts of him aside while enjoying your time with the Pogues. Subconsciously, you gripped your gold necklace by its 2 charms, one a ‘V’ initial and the other a baby rattle as you replied, “No, I haven’t, and I’m hoping to keep it that way.”

You hadn’t planned to stay long, just a week or two at most, with hopes of hanging out in the Cut, grabbing some groceries, and indulging in shopping at boutiques you never go to do before. You wanted to avoid anything that might draw attention to you. Living with your mom—who was now clean and remarried—had been a breath of fresh air. She shielded you from worry, allowing you to focus on taking care of what you needed to and building a decent savings while working a stable job, free from the burdens your father had imposed.

After chatting a bit more, you hugged Sarah and rejoined the group. They were deep in conversation about a bike race happening the next day. Glancing at JJ's bike in the yard, you felt a mix of confusion and admiration for his confidence. Although you hadn’t planned to join them for obvious reasons, he managed to convince you to come along. With such a big crowd, you thought you could easily blend in and suppress the anxious flutter in your chest at the thought of running into Rafe. Confident, yet now he’s all you can think about.

————————————

The last time you saw him was when you returned home from South America. While you were glad to see him, you dreaded the conversation about his father. After leaving the group at the airport, you headed to Tannyhill. As you entered, he greeted you with a warm hug, lifting you off your feet and showering you with kisses. He set you down, his face bright with a smile, contrasting sharply with the sadness that clouded your own.

Before you set out for South America to help John B with his dad, Rafe had stopped you just before boarding the plane. He promised he’d be a better person for you and wanted you to return from the trip to him. With that, he slipped one of his silver rings onto your finger and kissed you, giving a nod that it was okay to go.

There was always a powerful connection between you two, despite the class divide and his intense disdain for Pogues. You were the exception. Everyone adored you—both Pogues and Kooks alike—especially when you worked as the favorite bartender at the Country Club. You and Rafe bonded over the absence of your mothers and the shortcomings of your fathers. It was a match made in an unlikely paradise.

Though you were never officially together, largely due to his ego, you often went out publicly. Despite JJ and the group’s disdain, you convinced them—and yourself—that it meant nothing, even though deep down, you knew it did. The same could be said for Rafe with Topper and Kelce. No matter what happened, you both struggled to fully pull away from each other. Until that night.

You led Rate to the living room of Tannyhill and gently broke the news of his father's death. The color drained from his face, and his breathing grew rapid and heavy. In an attempt to console him, you placed your hand, adorned with his ring, on his arm, but he abruptly yanked it away and stood up, clearly overwhelmed. Before you could fully explain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, Rafe erupted in anger. "This is what happens when people get close to someone like John B! Pogues are nothing but worthless pieces of shit, I trusted you all with him!" He lashed out, placing the blame on them as if Ward's insatiable greed hadn't played a role in his decisions. It was bewildering that he believed any of us wanted his father there in the first place. This wasn't any of ours fault.

"Rafe..." you pleaded, desperation lacing your voice. "I don't want to hear it! I can't even look at you right now. All those things I said to you, and you let this happen?! You got my father killed?!" His voice thundered with rage, his eyes dark and wild, veins bulging in his neck.

"You really think we wanted this? John B lost his dad too, you know that?! This was NEVER supposed to happen. I'm so sorry." But Rafe didn't want to hear your apology. "Get away from me! Don't come back! I never want to see you again," he shouted, the finality of his words slicing through you. You felt the tears streaming down your face, sorrow intertwined with disbelief. How could he say this after all the loving promises he had made before leaving? You sat in stunned silence for a moment, then carefully slid the ring off your finger and placed it on the coffee table. With a heavy heart, you turned and walked out of Tannyhill. Rafe didn't even glance back; he couldn't. Deep down, he knew he didn't mean any of it, but his anger always got the best of him.

————————————

As you emerged from your thoughts, everyone decided to head inside for the night, giving JJ some much-needed rest before the race the next day. You settled into your old bed, replacing the dust-covered sheets, and despite the whirlwind of emotions flooding your mind about being back, sleep quickly overtook you. Before long, JJ was shaking you awake, urging you to hurry and get ready.

When you arrived at the racecourse, you kept your distance from the group, sticking close to Cleo to avoid any potential confrontations.

JJ understood what was going on without needing to ask, and he respected your space; having you there, after all this time, was what mattered most to him. It was a relief, allowing you to watch from afar as Rafe interacted with Topper, their tension palpable from a distance.

As the race began, excitement surged through you. Ju took the lead, but then Rafe unexpectedly tapped him, sending both of them flipping over their bikes, igniting a chorus of cheers from the crowd.

Once the race concluded, you made your way towards the group. Topper walked by, not being able to help gloat saying something to Sarah. He then caught your eye, a smug smile on his face, but he chose not to say anything, merely walking away while shaking his head. You refused to let it bother you; Topper's opinions meant nothing, yet you knew that this would undoubtedly reach Rafe, and you hoped to slip away before that happened-at least, that was what you hoped.

As the crowd began to thin out, you felt exposed among the remaining Pogues and Kooks. Seeking a bit of refuge, you decided to head towards the shack that stored drinks and equipment for the track, needing a breather from the charged atmosphere. Just as you turned to leave, your eyes locked with Rafe's.

Your heart raced as a heavy silence enveloped you, and for a moment, neither of you could look away. In that instant, you noticed Sofia slip her arm through his and plant a kiss on his cheek. Another dark haired, brown eyes Pogue you knew from the cut and worked with the country club. He clearly had a type. She playfully pulled his attention back to her. Seizing the chance, you quickly resumed your path to the shack, desperate to put distance between yourself and the turmoil of emotions that Rafe always seemed to ignite within you.

You stepped into the shack, the sunlight streaming through the windows casting long shadows across the floor. Your heart raced with nervousness, and you weren't sure if you wanted to stay or leave. With your back to the door, you pressed one hand to your chest and the other to your forehead, trying to steady your breathing, when a low voice broke the silence.

"Hi."

You spun around to find Rafe's imposing silhouette framed in the doorway, his tall figure looming over you. "Rafe, please, just go. I don't need this. I'm here for my brother," you insisted, your voice unsteady. He chuckled, stepping further into the room, the warmth of his presence engulfing you.

"I've missed you, Maybank."

"Don't say that to me," you retorted, backing away as he moved closer. Soon, you found yourself pinned between him and the table, his blue eyes piercing through the dim light, sparkling with an intensity that made your pulse quicken. He studied you with an expression that was both longing and mischief, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear before gently cupping your face.

It left you bewildered, and you instinctively tried to push him away. "A year and a half ago, you couldn't stand me, and now you're all over me. You can never make up your mind."

A smile crept across Rafe's face. "I could never hate you. I never hated you. I was angry, sure, but I took it out on you-and you never gave me a chance to apologize. You vanished, changed your number, and everyone who knew where you were would never tell me."

"Rafe, please just go," you pleaded, feeling trapped. But before you could protest further, he lifted you effortlessly and set you down on the table.

"I can't stay away from you. Please, let us have this moment," he murmured, his voice low and earnest. He leaned in, inhaling your familiar scent-the coconut and mango shampoo mixed with a hint of jasmine perfume. Then, without warning, he pressed soft kisses against your cheek. You let out a slight moan, unable to suppress the spark of electricity that coursed through you at his touch.

He smiled against your skin, his face inching closer to yours. Then, before you could register the moment, he pulled back slightly to gaze into your eyes once more before crashing his lips against yours. The shock of the kiss momentarily stunned you, but as the reality of what was happening sank in, you found yourself responding, moving your lips against his as if you had been waiting for this moment all along.

His hands began to explore your soft skin, gliding down your arms to intertwine his fingers with yours. You felt the familiar weight of the ring that once adorned your finger. He released your hand, gripping the nape of your neck and pulling you closer as his right hand traced down your torso. You wore a thin, cropped strapless top and a mini skirt. His fingertips teased the upper hem, grazing the tops of your breasts while he moved lower, grasping your waist as if afraid to let you go.

Both of you fought for breath, pulling away to look at each other, laughter escaping your lips. “I’ve been waiting to do this again for so long,” he admitted.

“Do you think your girlfriend would appreciate you saying that to me, Rafe?”

“What?”

“Sofia, the girl outside who kissed you on the cheek?” You sarcastically remind him. “Do you think she’d appreciate this? I may be many things, but I won’t be an accomplice to cheating.”

He sighed, “That means nothing to me. If anything, she’s just a distraction while you were gone. It’s always been you I’m meant to be with. I ruined it and forced myself to move on. And now you’re back.”

You bit your finger, feeling conflicted. “But—” Before you could interrogate him more, he captured your lips in another kiss, drowning out your thoughts. His hands ventured lower, teasing the hem of your skirt. Looking into your eyes for confirmation, you nodded, giving him permission to explore further. He slipped his fingers beneath your clothing, pressing against your core, and groaned as he felt your wetness.

He swirled his fingers before moving to your clit, rubbing in deep, rhythmic motions. You broke the kiss to moan, your head thrown back, exposing your neck and chest. He kissed a trail from behind your ear to the tops of your breasts, and then, with a practiced ease, slid a finger inside you.

You gasped, leaning into the crook of his neck. “That’s a good girl. You can take a little more, right?”

You whimper a soft yes, and he added a second finger, igniting a fevered kiss filled with passion and frustration. Despite your anger, desire overwhelmed you. He pumped in and out quickly, his thumb working your clit, sending you into a frenzy. Your breaths quickened, and you were amazed that no one could hear your moans.

“That’s right, baby. Let me make you feel good. Let me make it up to you. Come for me.”

As waves of pleasure washed over you, your head spun, heart racing. With a gasp, you reached your peak, surrendering completely as he rode out your orgasm, his unoccupied hand brushing your cheek. After a few lingering pumps, he withdrew, licking his fingers clean before adjusting your panties and gazing into your eyes.

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he said softly. You struggled to find your voice, lost in the moment until the door slammed open, revealing JJ. Rage simmered within you at the thought of a confrontation between him and your brother, but Rafe turned to you. “We’ll talk more another time, baby.”

You smiled and nodded, but as he walked out, JJ turned to you with a look of disgust. “What the hell did he want?”

“Nothing. We were trying to talk before you interrupted,” you replied. “I didn’t know he saw me come in.”

“Are you going to talk to him about her?”

“I don’t know, J.”

---

I hope you like it. My first of many stories. I decided to break it into parts. Stretch it out over the month before part 2 of the season drops.

[anon-sect]

Picture source: @spencer-kicks

PART TWO......

Tyson hadn't heard back from his friend Alex in three weeks since he went on his all paid expense trip. It was supposed to be for a few days, and he would return back. He had yat to come home. He tried texting his number, but there weren't any replies back. He tried calling his number, but they all went straight to voicemail. He was starting to get worried about his best friend. Luckily, the last text he had recieved from him had instruction on how to find him if he didn't return as planned.

Tyson read the last received text from Alex. He was to contact a populer youtuber about his whereabouts. The text also mentioned that the youtuber had invited him to his place as the contested winner. He sent the guy a quck message. Several hour later, he got a reply back. The popular youtuber told him that his buddy Alex had been left his place. And that he didn't know where he was. Tyson at first was about to believe him, yet this youtuber was the last person to see him. Three weeks of no reply told him something was suspicious.

Tyson replied back that he would go to the police about his friend's disappearance and tell them that he was the last to see him. He turneed off his computer. Ten minute later he got an email alert. The popular youtuber told him he might suspect where he went and that he would come help him look. Tyson was pleased with that answer. He gave him the home address.

Two days later, Kevin pulled up at his house as he said he would. Tyson invited him in to talk. "I think I know where your friend might be." Kevin told him.

Tyson was curious since at first he didn't have a clue where his friend was, but now knows. "You sure? At first, you didn't have a clue." He questioned Kevin.

Kevin smiled as he knew exactly where Alex was. Alex was sitting on a shoe rack back at his house. "He is at my house right now. I wore him the three days ago, actually." He informed Tyson, to see a confused look on the guy's face.

"You aren't making any sense." Tyson quickly spoke to his strange words. He saw Kevin pull out a strange cell phone looking device from his pocket. He could hear him typing something in.

"You will join him in my collection. I found that living matter makes for some good shoes." Kevin spoke and flashed at Tyson. Tyson vanished, and in his place were a new pair of sneakers. He grabbed the sneakers and placed them in his traveling bag. He put on the lock for the door and shut it. He got into his car and drove back to his hotel for his filght back in the morning.

The next day, Kevin drove back to his house. He was wearing his new shoes. They felt just as good and comfortable as his other living pair of shoes. He treated the guy like normal shoes. He didn't speak to them, just wore them.

Tyson soon understood what Kevin meant when he was put on his feet prior to leaving for the airport. His face was crushed under his feet the entire time. He mentally pleaded for help, literally for anyone to rescue him. He could hear voices of those around, but being stuck as sneakers, he had no way to reach out for help. He was alone with his own thoughts. Each step was wave after wave after wave of pain. It felt unending. He was at least grateful that the pair of socks didn't smell too bad, even though there was a slight odor to them. Yet still having that odor directly on his face was bad enough. His only motion was decided by the feet of who wore him. This new existence was a nightmare. He now realized what happened to his best friend. The guy had done this to him.

Kevin took off his shoes once he got to his bedroom. He placed them next to his other pair of living shoes. He thought about talking to his new pair, but the guy needed to learn his place just like his best friend. They both were just shoes now. He would have to do video review of his new shoes, but for now he wanted to relax.

Before heading back to the den to watch TV, Kevin turned back to his new shoes. "You can join your best friend as part of my shoe collection. Alex and Tyson. But don't worry, I take good care of all my shoes. You two will be worn on my feet for a long time." He laughed as he left the room.

Alex could not reach out to Tyson, nor could Tyson reach out to Alex even though they were side by side. They were both voiceless shoes whose only purpose now was to be worn on Kevin's feet. Both mentally contemplated their permanent fate, mentally crying for some kind of release or even death. That was a better fate than being Kevin's shoes for the rest of their lives, they thought.

[cherish--these--times]

Important information. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE. UPDATING AS I WATCH THE MOVIE ALONG BEAR WITH ME. The film they watched at the hotel is You've Got Mail, this is Sam and Rebecca's story. When they messaged each other not knowing who the other person was. Ted said Sleepless in Seattle was far superior. This is the one where airports play a significant part and it's about a man who lost his wife and has a son finding love again with the woman he never knew until the last second would be the one. He first sees her in an airport and is knocked sideways. By all accounts the last of Ted we will see will be in an airport based on previous seasons with first and last shot being a character’s face in the same location.

Also Rebecca mentioning she has a private jet and the thing with airports; SUSP AS HELL.

Keeley assumed the moment Rebecca spent with Dutch Guy was "Magic" This is also a quote from Sleepless in Seattle. Turns out it was Gezellig instead. But this is definitely where we're going. And that'll either be Dutch Guy or Ted. Both fit the man who lost their partner and have a kid formula. Definitely not Sam. But Ted tripped over the Red String of Fate, has the matchbook, loves Kenny Rogers, bakes the biscuits who are home to her, she carries his army man everywhere she goes. She hasn't been struck by lightning yet which to me means it's not Dutch Guy; Ted is leaving which means her world is about to be turned upside down. I keep the faith. i don't care.

AND there's a tear in Meg Ryan's wedding dress and she says oh no it's a sign to which her mum says "You don't believe in signs!" And Rebecca doesn't really believe in signs either! All the signs have been pointing to different people except the obvious one! They're there so she can see something about herself she completely missed.

FUCK MY LIFE. It's about making wishes!! Tom Hanks' son in the film wishes for his father to find a new wife!! His son is worried about his dad!!!

The psychiatrist on the radio is called Dr. Fieldstone FUUUUUUCK MEEEEE. IT WAS RIGHT THERE ALL ALONG.

Sam and Annie speak the same words at the same time in two different places, soulmatism right there!

Annie thought Sam sounded "Nice" on the radio and Ted is one of the "nicest" humans Rebecca has ever met!!

Quote from a guy : "This is fate, she's divorced and you need a new wife." (not talking about Annie here, it's another woman) "What is that thing when everything intersects?" To which Sam replies: "The Bermuda TRIANGLE."

One woman who writes to Sam after he was on the radio lives in OKLAHOMA!

Dr. Fieldstone tells Sam she can tell he is a good dad just like Beard told Ted!!

One woman says on the radio: "Why do you want to be with someone who doesn't love you?" (Michelle, anyone?)

"Sam, tell me what was so special about your wife?" "It was a million tiny little things then when you added them all up it just meant we were supposed to be together. I knew it the very first time I touched her it was like coming home, only to no home I had ever known!"

Annie asking a friend: "But when you met her (his wife), did you believe she was the only person for you? That in some mystical, cosmic way, it was fated?"

Sam's friend about relationships:

"Things are different, now. First, you have to be friends. You have to like each other."

Annie talks to her best friend about the concept of DESTINY.

Annie hires a private detective to run a background check on Sam!! Ted wanted Rebecca to do it with Dr. Jacob!

Wonderful addition by @doctorbeverlycrusher : Rebecca’s mom said a couple times that when she loves something, she loves it forever. The main song from Sleepless in Seattle, When I Fall in Love, starts with the lyric “When I fall in love, it will be forever”.

ANNIE MUNCHES ON SUNFLOWER SEEDS ON THE PLANE.

Sam's son to his dad: "Jessica says you and Annie never got together in that life, and your hearts are like puzzles with parts out of them and when you get together the puzzle's complete. The reason I know this and you don't is that I'm younger and purer so I'm more in touch with cosmic forces."

There's even a mention of Horticulture!

We spotted the word Rainbow in the pub game, the romcommunism episode was called Rainbow. Let me leave you with the quote from Ted again.

"Now, it may not work out how you think it will or how you hope it does, but believe me, it will all work out. Exactly as it's supposed to."

I might be setting myself up for disappointment but the writers are building every step up to the cliff egde, baby!

Thank you for coming to my Ted Lasso Talk

[collecting-stories]

Baba - Brian 'Otis' Zvonecek

Request: She meets her boyfriend’s family for the first time after dating for six months. Brian Zvonecek x fem pretty pls nobody writes for him anymore 😔

Summary: reader prepares to meet Otis' baba for the first time.

A/N: Thought about making this like...reader meeting 51 for the first time cause...family...but I feel like that's been done. And this isn't actually like meeting baba it's just, the frantic feelings of inadequacy beforehand.

One Chicago Masterlist

✰✰✰✰

Despite all efforts on your behalf to 'play it cool', you'd been internally freaking out about today since Otis mentioned it, casually, over breakfast before a shift, as if meeting the matriarch of his family was no big deal at all. 

"Baba doesn't even speak English," Otis said, reminding you for what was possibly the seventeenth time in an hour that his grandmother wouldn't even know what you were saying when she eventually met you, "you could drop the f-bomb and she'd have no idea."

"Did you just say f-bomb Brian?" You laughed, turning away from your closet to actually look at your boyfriend. "You know you're like, a grown adult who can curse, who I've heard curse, right?"

He stuck his tongue out at you once your back was to him again. He knew you had been nervous about today, and not just because you had made a point of telling him how nervous you were. He'd been filled to the brim with anxiety the first time he met your parents, separately because they were divorced. Despite your dad being the more awkward and uncomfortable of the two dinners, something you had prepared him for, as much as someone could possibly be prepared for, he'd been more nervous about your mom. So, he understood why you were so worried, you wanted to make a good impression on someone who was important to him. It'd been that way the first time you met 51. 

"Hey," Otis mentioned, having just thought about it and figuring it was worth mentioning, "you've met all of 51 and they love you. Even Herrmann's kids like you." 

"Yeah but that's different," you sighed, finally settling on a shirt and pulling it over your head. You were going with Otis to pick his baba up at the airport and then go to dinner. There was a Russian rrestaurant down the street from your work and she'd mentioned wanting to try it out when she came to town. Apparently she wanted to test 'how these Americans do with home cooking' or however she said it to Otis in Russian. He'd suggested stopping at the apartment to drop off her belongings before dinner but she insisted they could go right out. "51 didn't move into our apartment afterward."

"I know it'll be an adjustment-"

"Yeah, and if she hates me the adjustment will be me, finding a new apartment," you replied. 

"She's not gonna hate you!" Otis insisted, "besides, she loves everyone...pretty much."

"Promising Bri," you huffed. 

Otis grabbed your phone off the nightstand and held it out to you, "look, it's not like I haven't talked about you before...I mean it's been six months."

"Doesn't mean she'll like me!" You grabbed your phone and stuffed it in your pocket before heading out of the bedroom, Otis following after you. 

Joe was watching tv in the living room and he looked up when the two of you entered the room. "Ooo, is this the official 'baba meeting outfit'?" He teased. 

You nodded, gesturing to your clothing, "what do you think?" You had tried to dress conservatively, neutral colors and nothing she might find inappropriate. 

"You look great, baba will love you." Otis stressed, grabbing your hips from behind and pushing you toward the door.

"And when she doesn't?" 

"She will!" Joe called from the couch, giving you a double thumbs up. 

You didn't get an opportunity to answer because Otis had pushed you out the door and pulled it shut behind you after grabbing your sneakers. He pushed them into your hands and pointed to your feet, "put on your shoes, let's go."

"These are totally reasonable concerns Brian," you complained, pulling your shoes on and following him to the stairs. 

"I know, I know. I was totally freaked out when I met your parents and, hey, it went great...with your mom. Baba will love you, I know she will. I get that its a big ask, having her move in-"

"I don't care about that. I mean obviously, I want her to have the best care possible and if that means moving in, I'm on board. I just mean...that's not the issue. I don't want her to move in and think I'm annoying or pushy or whatever and tell you I'm a bad fit and then you think maybe she's right and then we break up-"

"Whoa, hey...none of that is going to happen," Otis promised, grabbing your upper arms to stop you from walking toward the front door of the apartment building. He gave a gentle squeeze to reassure you, "Baba has practically already met you, I talk about you all the time. She's not going to hate you, I wouldn't have proposed this if I thought she would hate you or that you wouldn't be onboard. It'll be okay, okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Okay." You nodded. 

Otis let go of you, giving your arms one more squeeze before he did, "ready to go?"

"Ready as I'll ever be." You agreed, though if you were being honest you were feeling remarkably better than you had been only moments earlier. You knew Otis was right, he'd never make you uncomfortable and, knowing him, he'd probably talked you up to his baba so much that she recite back your coffee order.  When you'd met 51 for the first time, Sylvie had even given you some contraband Starbucks pumpkin spice sauce that she found on eBay as a 'welcome to the family' gift. Though, you knew you bragged about Otis to your family just as heavily, if not more. While there was probably nothing that could truly prepare you for meeting his baba, Otis had done a good job of getting you out of your head. 

[smolwritingchick]

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 62- Protection Squad

Chapter Summary: Bam Bam gets bold on Instagram about Jennie. When an anti calls Jen a thot at the airport, the members, especially Jungkook, are quick to lose their cool. Jennie saves Jungkook from fangirls bombarding him at the airport

Words: 10,000+

Author's Note: I hope I'm not spammy with updates. This was done so I was like why not?

--------

September 1st came by quickly as today was Jungkook’s birthday. He was 19 in Korean age and the members were proud to see the Golden Maknae grow right before their eyes. The members had created a birthday V-Live for Jungkook once the clock turned 12 in honor of his birthday and presented him with a cake as he blew out the candles.

With Jennie, she, unfortunately, missed it due to traffic after a small accident occurred a few blocks down. While in the car with Seijin, she already had an Iron Man themed birthday box made specifically for him.

Starting a tradition, Jennie had decided that from now on she’ll post funny derp photos of the members on their birthdays and chose to start with Jungkook.

Posting a funny photo, she tweets, ‘Our Golden Maknae everyone! What a handsome photo ahahaha. Happy birthday, Kook! Can’t wait for those birthday punches #Jen’

She wasn’t expecting him to reply so quickly, assuming that he wouldn’t be on his phone while celebrating with the guys. She read his reply and started to laugh, ‘I am going to kill you one of these days, #JK’

With Jungkook, he had been on his phone the entire time, texting Jennie, hoping that she was safe after she told him what was going on and why she wasn’t there at the moment.

“You look like you’re waiting for someone.” Jimin teased.

“I’m not...” Jungkook lied, continuing to patiently wait for her reply.

“Don’t lie. I know you want to see Jennie. She’ll be here soon, don’t worry.”

“I-I know that!”

As time went by, the members were cooking their meat on the grill and Jimin was filming Jungkook to resume teasing him. “Jungkookie is still on his phone. Still waiting for Jennie to text back, hehehehehe!”

“Ahahahahaha.” he laughed sarcastically, eyes still on his phone.

“Yes, Tae?” they heard Jennie’s calm voice on Taehyung’s phone while they noticed him facetiming with her. 

Jungkook’s attention went away from his phone, hearing her voice, prompting a smile to come across his face.

“You sure smiled quickly,” Hobi called out with a chuckle.

“You’re missed! Where are you?” Taehyung whined on the phone.

“There was an accident and traffic backed up ‘cause people don’t know how to DRIVE!” Jen yelled on purpose out the window, making sure the drivers ahead heard her. 

The members heard Seijin laugh in the background, telling her to relax and that they were almost there.

“As long as you are safe, that is what matters. We’ll have food waiting for you.” Namjoon mentioned.

“No, we won’t. I might just eat her plate, this meat looks tastier than ever.” Jin interrupted.

“Ennie, I think Jungkookie wants to talk to you,” Jimin added with a sly smile. “He keeps staring at Tae Tae impatiently and-“

“Ahahahaha, that’s enough. Jimin.” Jungkook cut him off.

It wasn’t too long later when Jennie finally came back and ate with everyone. Afterward, Jungkook had gone into his room to see an Iron Man themed box on his bed. His interest peaked once he saw the designs of his favorite superhero. He sat on the bed and examined it.

Happy Birthday to the most golden NERRRRRRD I know! From your Golden, Captain America is better than Iron Man, Best Friend

A soft chuckle escaped him as he read the front of the card. Opening the card that was sitting on top of the box, he realized it was a written note.

Okay...I have written this note so many darn times. This might be even a little corny but I shouldn’t kill any more trees like I already have. First and foremost, happy birthday Kookie! You really grew up right before my eyes. Ugh, they grow up so fast...I am so proud of you and how much you’ve grown as a person. When we met, I already knew there was going to be something special between us. You are a big inspiration to many, especially to me. I have to thank you for guiding me because when I feel like I can’t do anything here, I look up to you because you remind me of myself.

Leaving our parents at a young age, it’s a scary thing. But we went on and did it, and here we are. You turned out quite well and if you can still keep going, then I know I can too. Your hard work for this group is always appreciated. And can we talk about your voice? How sweet it is and how many people melt because of your vocals? Actually, I kinda highkey want you to sing me to sleep tonight, please, lol. 

I’ll continue to cherish you like you cherish me. And I hope for many more blessed birthdays to come. I should stop using so many ands in these sentences, haha. One year older, but still the same bunny. I wish you nothing but happiness.

Before he had a chance to open the box, he heard a knock on his door and turned to see Jennie with a small cupcake in her hands. The cupcake had a candle lit on top as she made her way over and sat with him on the bed.

“Happy birthday.” she smiled and presented it to him.

Jungkook looked at the cupcake in awe before looking into her eyes. “The box...the cupcake...all of this is for me?”

“No, it’s for Rapmon.” she teased. “Of course, this is all for you, silly.”

The Golden Maknae felt himself tear up as he quickly wiped his tears with his sleeve which caused her to look in alarm. 

“A-are you okay? Was this too much?” she asked

“N-no, no, I love this,” he responded softly with a sniff. “This is really special. I’m overwhelmed with joy.”

“I’m glad.” she watched him stare at the cupcake. “This is where you make a wish, Kook.” 

“I’m thinking.”

He looked at the candle and then back up at her.

'I wish...for us to be together soon.' he thought with a smile.

Once he blew out the candle, Jen let out a cheer. “So, what did you wish for?”

“If I tell you, it won’t come true.”

“Touche. I didn’t have time to bake so I bought this for you. But I promise to bake for you once we have more free time.” she took out the candle from the cupcake.

“Can’t wait.”

“Sorry if the note wasn’t as great. I guess writing isn’t enough to tell my golden best friend how lucky I am to know him and that I appreciate him. All the members.”

“I loved it. Don’t apologize,” 

“Good.” 

She aimed to push the cupcake in his face but his reflexes were better than she expected as he grabbed her wrists. She started laughing nervously when he took the cupcake out of her hands and set it down on the nightstand.

“Okay, I didn’t think that one through!” she yelled as she tried to escape his strong grip.

“I had a hunch you were going to try to do that.” he tried to pin her down and tickle her. 

She managed to grab a pillow and cleanly strike him with it, but his grip wouldn’t let up. After a while of struggling, she succeeded in getting him to release her and ran out of the room, with him chasing after her.

After keeping a safe distance, she announced, “Now!” as Taehyung and Jimin attacked Jungkook by spraying cans of silly string at him, halting him. 

A chorus of laughter was heard from the three of them while Jungkook stood there, chuckling as he started taking off the strings. After laughing with them, Jungkook dropped his smile. 

“You have ten seconds.” he bluntly called out.

Hearing the threat, Jen scurried away while Tae and Jimin widened their eyes. Once the 95 Liners comprehended his words after watching Jen run, they dropped their cans and dashed away to avoid their fate.

-------

School had recently started again as Jennie and Jungkook were in the car, in their uniforms on the way to SOPA. She was lowkey happy the school year was here again because she was one step closer to graduating and her brain needed some education.

Once the van pulled up to the school, she let out a sigh as she noticed the K-Pop news sites and paparazzi taking photos of the idols that were headed to school.

“Really?” she frowned.

“Yeah, we have to go through this again,” Jungkook responded. “Don’t worry, stay close to me and we’ll try to get inside quickly.”

It was a bit tiring to hear loud cameras and flashes so early in the morning but there were bound to be various photographers to capture idols. Students ask for photos and autographs. Some even film and photograph without them knowing. It was like she had to watch her every step in school and she felt a bit smothered by it.

The week was mainly an introduction to the school year and giving students a heads up of what was to come and what they would be learning for the school year. JenKook managed to snag a few classes together. One was a dance class that focused on synchronization and partner dancing. The teacher implicated that sometimes you can pick who you want to dance with and then other times you will be paired up with the teacher’s choice.

Gym was also a class they had together, and the two couldn’t stop chuckling to themselves at how much chaos they were going to deal with since they were stubborn when it came to competition. Hayoon and CLC’s Yeeun were also a part of the class. The last class they had together was a Korean literature class, which had given Jen a little bit of a culture shock.

“Finish the book by Monday and there will be a 7 page assignment due next week on Thursday after we have a discussion.” the teacher informed.

‘Well damn, already?? We just got here! I can’t quite read Korean that well. I should talk to Namjoon about this.’ Jen thought.

One teacher was so evil that he gave the class a pop quiz on what they remembered where they left off in history which drove Jen up the wall. She still was trying to remember and learn more about the history of Korea. Jen wanted to smack herself when she went to her Algebra class because she had forgotten a lot about what happened in the previous algebra class she took. It freaked her out to see her peers get started on the work but she sat there, trying to get her memory back.

‘I changed my mind, I’m not excited to be back.’ she thought to herself as she mentally prepared for the math.

She had another dance class for more up to date dances. For the first few weeks, she would learn how to dance with various props. Her mood was boosted when she found out that they would learn how to dance with a cane first, making her think about J-Lo’s Get Right choreography. As always, there were vocal classes to help improve her singing as well as singing live. She was also gifted with working with some other peers for help on rapping. Getting aid in a class for rapping and then from Yoongi, she appreciated the double help despite it being a tiring process. As she received constructive criticism on her work and guidance on what to improve, she would let Yoongi know and would work on it whenever they had their studio rap lessons. 

If J-Hope could get help from Yoongi and Rapmon on rapping and be as good as he is now, then she can do it too. 

At least she still had her guitar class at the end of the day to boost her mood if she had a rough time in the other classes.

-----

Since BTS was traveling around for various fan meetings, Jen felt a little claustrophobic from all the bodies swarming around the group as they tried to make their way through the airport safely and together. 

She heard a male voice. She didn’t think it was directed at her, so she kept her head forward, with her sunglasses on her face.

“Oh, there she is! Finally, I caught up with you. Jennie! Can you sign this?”

She heard the English speaking voice again as she turned to see a male fan, with one of many BTS posters in his hands. She would have liked to sign, but the members needed to get to their destination quickly and had no time to waste.

“No, sorry.” She responded politely.

“Are you friggin kidding me? I waited here for hours and you can’t even give a loyal fan an autograph?” the guy snapped angrily, catching the attention of the screaming fans and members around them. “This is one of many reasons why I prefer light skins. You dark skins are so undesirable. Maybe you’d act nicer and look prettier if you were a few shades lighter. And these fans were right about you, you are an entitled thot.”

That made her stop walking.

The hell just happened? 

He switched on her real quick, and what she thought was hurtful the most was that the guy was black as well.

Just because she said no to an autograph, you want to call her that?

Meanwhile, the Golden Maknae, who understood a majority of what was said, had heard the insult loud and clear as he stopped walking as well. The guy who had said the insult had taken a step back, startled by Jungkook's lethal state.

“You wanna run that by me again?” Jungkook asked with a growl. 

Yoongi and Jimin were near Jungkook when they heard the guy call Jen the disgusting comment. They both gave him dirty looks. They were offended and irritated by the guy’s poor choice of words. Yoongi even started cursing in Korean about the guy, losing his cool.

ARMY, catching on with what was going on, was surprised at the facial expressions of the members, but was angry as well at the insults thrown at their female member.

Taking off her sunglasses, Jen looked at the guy in the eyes, feeling her body shake. “You’re a black man and you really going to put down a black woman like this? Try to put women against women due to your preference for skin color? Who raised you? Cause your mother is the same color as I, and I wonder how she would react if you told that to her face. We can be so much better than this. We should support our black queens, not bring them down, like this.” her voice was unsteady as her throat tightened. 

Before she could get a chance to speak more, Seijin and security had escorted her to the car. Once the members got in the car, Yoongi informed Namjoon and everyone else about what just happened. Jennie, on the other hand, kept bouncing her leg, with her eyes closed as tears went down her cheeks. Jimin grabbed her hand for comfort while Taehyung pulled her in for a hug, sitting next to her.

Once Jennie got settled in, in the hotel room she shared with Yoongi, she invited Namjoon into her room to talk.

“I just came from speaking to Jungkook,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

She was so fixated on the guy, that she hadn’t even noticed Jungkook coming to her aid as she deeply appreciated that, as well as the rest of the members.

“Better,” she responded.

“I’m not going to sit here and say that I understand how you feel because I don’t. I am not you. I am not your ethnicity. But what I can say is that I understand the frustration when spoken negatively about. I’ve dealt with it for years and I still will. I know it’s frustrating, but we must try our best to control our emotions in public. I thought you handled it quite well. I’m glad you didn’t curse at him. There are people just waiting for one of us to screw up. To act up and have all the media on us, giving us a bad name. I don’t want that to happen to you. I don’t want that to happen to Jungkook or anyone in this group.”

“Yes. I know.”

“Keep your head up. Continue to prove those that doubt you wrong.” he lifted up her chin and smiled. “Miss Bangtan is bulletproof, remember?”

“Hahah, yeah. Always.”

After the pep talk, she went to go see Jungkook in his hotel room. Taehyung had opened the door, and when she walked in, she saw Jin and Jimin eating together. They had asked if she was feeling better and expressed their frustration over the guy. After reassuring them that she was much better, she asked where Jungkook was.

Walking out of the room, and into the balcony, she found him. His broad back to her as the late summer breeze blew past them. The members had decided to give him some space and left him alone ever since they checked in.

“Heh...like Malcolm X said...the most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” she quoted.

She watched him tense up more. He seemed angrier than her about what had happened. 

“It can be hard because no matter what we do, there’s always something or someone to bring us down.” she went on. “It’s a damn shame. We really do be going through the most. It's sad to say but I’m starting to get used to this.”

"Well, you shouldn't be!” Jungkook exclaimed, slamming his hands down on the railing. “It should never be like that! What he called you, you aren’t like that. You never will be. I hate how you’re being disrespected. There is nothing wrong with your color. There is nothing wrong with you at all. Maybe I should’ve punched him...” his grip tightened.

“Hey. No, you shouldn’t have.” she walked up and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. 

Turning her head to the side, she rested her cheek on his back. Once he felt her arms around him, he calmed down and relaxed from her hug. 

“We are idols. Annoyingly, the smallest things can ruin an idol’s career. No matter how much we want to lash out, the media may do anything to twist it," she said. "After talking to Namjoon, we can’t let someone have that power over us. Punching him would’ve been a worse case scenario despite me feeling the same way, wanting to punch him and all. It’s hard but we have to pick and choose our battles and this battle is not worth the consequences, no matter what hurtful things he said to me.”

“Yeah. Hyung told me about that...”

Releasing him, she stood next to him, wrapping her arms around one of his arms, and leaning against his bicep. Jungkook’s eyes had softened when he looked down at her, listening to her talk as she looked on ahead at the view.

“As much crap as they give us dark skinned women, I won't be one to hate my natural self or change myself just because someone doesn’t like the way I look. Despite all this crap that happened today, thanks for having my back.” she looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

"Always..." he whispered.

Jungkook’s body started moving on its own as he slowly started leaning down as their faces inched closer.

“AHAHAHAHAH! HYUNG BUMPED INTO THE LAMP! AHAHAHA!” they heard Taehyung yell as a loud crash was heard.

“What the heck are they doing in there?” Jen pulled away, turning around. Headed back inside, she asked the guys, “What are y’all doin’!?”

Licking his lips, Jungkook exhaled sharply through his nose, gripping the railing. He pressed his lips together in annoyance because their moment was interrupted at the worst time possible. Letting out a deep sigh, he shook his head, looking up at the stars.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy...” he murmured, thinking of ways to murder his hyungs.

But after thinking deeply, he didn’t want to kiss her while they were upset. He wanted to kiss her when they were both in a better mood than what they were feeling right now.

-----

Once Rapmon’s birthday came around, Jennie posted a goofy photo of him with the caption, ‘Happy birthday Nap Monster. We need to think of some remedies to make you stop snoring so loudly my friend. #Jen’

Yoongi had started a V-Live, talking to ARMY about preparing a cake for Rapmon, while Jimin and Jen sat on the floor, preparing the candles. With the cake in Jimin’s hands, Jennie lit a match to light the candles before blowing the match out. Getting up from the floor, they showed the cake on camera, next to Yoongi.

Once Rapmon had walked into the room with the other members, they started cheering as they sang happy birthday to him.

“What is this?” Rapmon happily asked with a bright smile on his face, showing off his dimples.

Yoongi had placed the camera to show off the rest of the members while they continued to sing, “Happy birthday dear Rapmon! Happy birthday to you!”

“I didn’t know about this at all,” Rapmon mentioned while Jin gestured for him to blow out the candles as they crowded around the cake.

“Yeah~!” the members cheered after he blew out the candles of the Doosan, a Korean baseball team bear mascot themed cake.

“It melted.” Jimin laughed, showing off one of the candles to the camera.

“Where’d you get the cake from?” Rapmon asked.

“I didn’t want anyone to buy a cake this time, so I decided to bake one for you,” Jen responded. “Jungkook and Tae helped decorate it.”

“Awe, really? This is great, thanks, everyone.”

“Come on, cut the cake!” she gestured excitedly.

“Cutting a bear...isn’t that a bit violent?” J-Hope giggled.

“It’s a cake. Cakes are meant to be cut,” Jen replied.

“Okay, stick it in his head.” Hobi placed a knife on top of the bear cake, prompting the members to laugh.

“Two years ago, I celebrated my birthday with fans because it was the first broadcast of N.O. But this year, since I’m not spending it with ARMYs, I feel really sad.” Rapmon spoke.

“It’s Rapmon’s birthday, what are all of you going to do for him?” J-hope asked.

“Birthday beating!” Jungkook yelled.

“You want to have a birthday beating?” J-hope laughed

“Just cut this first.” Suga pointed to the cake.

“Ahhhhhhhh~!” J-Hope made loud sound effects while Rapmon quickly cut the bear cake in half. “So cruel!”

“It looks like a cicada now that we’ve cut it. It looks like a ladybug.” Jimin pointed out.

“It reminds me of a milk dud,” Jen added.

“Thanks, guys. For this year’s birthday, let’s all be happier.” Rapmon mentioned.

“Jin, what are you going to do for Rapmon?” J-Hope asked.

“Fighting!” Jin punched the birthday boy on the chest

“What about V Hyung?” Jungkook asked

“I’ll buy him clothes,” V responded. “What about you Jennie-ah?”

“I have a Ryan themed box for you that I made.” she presented it to Rapmon with a sweet smile. 

“How come his looks bigger than mine?” Jungkook called out in jealousy, while the members laughed.

“Some of the Ryan themed items I bought were bigger than expected so I had to put it in a bigger box,” she responded while the members teased the Golden Maknae about his small birthday box.

“Ah...I was really looking forward to this.” Rapmon admitted with a soft laugh. “After seeing Jungkook’s and Suga’s, I was hoping you’d make one for me too.” 

After the V-Live video, Rapmon sat with Jennie to check out the box. Opening up the card first, was a written note.

You wanna know something? I hated those sunglasses you wore during our debut. I wanted to just see your face. I remember you talking about your insecurities and it always made me sad because what you described to me is nothing that I see. I could care less what these so-called fans say about you and your appearance. You’re not ugly. If anything, you are handsome. And I was so happy you finally took those sunglasses off so I could see you for who you are. 

Your passion for music is infectious and it’s rubbing off on me. Keep smiling, those dimples are adorable as usual. Oh, thanks for giving me all those photo creds on those KimDaily photos I have taken of you. I am a great photographer and everyone should know that, ahahaha. I developed a lot with your guidance. Those bike rides and walks around helped me appreciate the world around me like you said. Our deep conversations are always the best, too. 

I’ve become calmer thanks to you. Seriously, thank you for existing. You made my life so easy with your leadership here. Thank you for being a great leader and helping us members grow as a cohesive unit. I know how much you love Ryan so I brought you a bunch of things. Just...please...try not to break this Ryan box.

“I’ll be careful.” he chuckled.

“Let’s hope so,” she responded as she watched him open the box. 

Once they heard a loud tear, she regarded him halting his actions.

“Annnnnnd I broke it.” he chuckled nervously.

“You know what? I ain’t even mad.”

For the birthday dinner, the members sat around, eating. Deciding to film an Eat Jin special after he lost a rock, paper, scissors game to Jungkook, Jin had to eat all of the wasabi while some of the members started recording.

“Now, Eat Jin’s punishment is starting.” J-Hope happily announced.

“So glad that’s not me right now,” Jen responded, sitting next to Jin as she took a good look at the wasabi. 

It was a small portion but the smallest taste was deadly.

“Please start!” V said eagerly

“Dag, let the man prepare for his fate, first.” Miss Bangtan laughed. “You really like seeing him suffer huh?”

While Jimin, Taehyung and J-Hope MC for Jin preparing to eat the wasabi, Jin mentioned that they were MC-ing really well.

“Whoa, no way, are you really eating it?” Jimin asked while Jen cringed at Jin placing the wasabi on a big piece of meat. “It’s bigger than the meat.”

“It’s going, it’s going!” V anticipated once Jin picked up the meat with chopsticks.

“Oh!” They yelled once he placed it in his mouth.

“Oh my gosh, I know he suffering.” Jen pointed out.

“Oh man, holy shit!” Jungkook yelled out of nowhere.

Jin immediately started coughing and flopping his hands around due to the taste of the wasabi while the members started laughing. Once Jen had heard Jungkook speak, she busted out in laughter before coughing since she was eating. Jimin had to pat her back a couple of times as she finished coughing and continued laughing at what Jungkook had just said.

“What is he doing?” Rapmon called out, watching Jin fan himself with his mouth open.

Jin’s high laugh was heard while Jen pulled herself together and tried to help him calm down. 

“Spit it out and get hit by me twice!” Jungkook announced

“Have mercy on him, Kook!” Jen called out.

“He has to eat it, he has to,” Suga mentioned.

“A man has to eat it,” J-Hope added while Jin continued whining.

-----

After a fan meeting in Jakarta, the members were at the airport, planning to leave, and were swarmed with screaming fans. It was a scary sight to Jennie, watching all the cameras and various bodies surrounding her, yelling and screaming. All she wanted to do was get on the plane and relax. It didn’t help that she was constantly bumped around with security trying to keep the fans away.

An angry look was evident on her face as she tried to make her way through the crowd. Tonight was not the night for this. She didn’t feel like being surrounded by so many people, she just wanted peace and quiet. 

With Jungkook behind her, she turned around to notice fans grabbing him as security tried to stop them. 

“Don’t touch them!” she heard fans shout.

“UH! UH! No.” she quickly walked forward and grabbed a strong hold of him, pulling him away from the fans’ grasp, thanks to her strength. “Get in front of me.” she pushed the Golden Maknae forward and turned around.

“AYE YO!” her voice boomed loudly in the airport, gaining the attention of the fans. 

From the irritated look on her face, their excitement for BTS went down a bit. 

Every part of her wanted to cuss them out but she refrained and sternly replied, “Are you serious? Are you serious, right now? Why are you all up on him like that? Why? Would you want somebody to be grabbing and touching all up on you, all of a sudden? No. So don’t do it to him or anybody else. Respect our personal space. I know you’re excited to see us but you don’t need to be wildlin’ out like this. Just chill. Got damn.”

Getting grabbed by security, she was escorted out of the airport while the rest of the security managed to tame the crowd and keep them away from the members so they could get to their destination. 

Catching up with Jungkook, Jen grabbed onto him and made him walk faster. The Golden Maknae felt a pang of joy at how quickly she pulled him away from all those fans. He appreciated her getting him out of that situation. It frightened him a bit.

“Having their hands all over you like that, get the hell outta here with that. Who do they think you are? You’re a human being, not a doll.” he heard her grumble as she kept a strong grip on him.

He fought the urge to smile under his mask at how protective she was of him. If she was like this now, he pondered how she’d be when women get a little too close for comfort when they start dating. And vice versa.

When they start dating...

Always a thought on his mind.

Once ARMY posted tweets and videos on the incident, some criticized the way Jen spoke to the fans, thinking that she was mean in person, but the majority expressed their anger at the fans behaving towards Bangtan and appreciated Jen for protecting Jungkook, calling out the fans.

‘I know Jennie wanted to drag those girls like a bunch of rag dolls.’

‘JENKOOK is real!’

‘She a real one. We need a Jennie in our lives.’

‘I’m really happy that she calls out people on their BS.’

‘This all happened in a span of a week! First Jungkook protecting her, now Jennie protecting him? Please just date! This is too cute.’

‘People don’t know their boundaries...smh...”

‘Shout out to Jen protecting Kookie’

‘I love protective Jennie. 97 Liners for life’

‘Golden Best Friends protecting each other is a MOOD’

’97 Liners’ friendship is the best’

‘I’m so upset at these fans. Don’t mob him!’

‘Get the fuck off of him!’

‘How could they do that to Kookie!?’

‘I know Jennie wanted to lash out. Kudos to her for keeping her cool. She’s so protective of Jungkook’

‘Some Armys need to chill tf out;

‘Bless the fans that said don’t touch him’

‘Bless Jennie for grabbing him away from them’

‘Respect for Jennie! I would’ve cussed them out, but I like how she handled it maturely.’

‘They’re insane!’

‘So rude!’

‘Poor Jungkook’

‘If you’re a real army you should respect their privacy and personal space’

‘At least some of these girls in this world got some sense’

Once they made it onto the plane, Jungkook took off his mask and sat with Jennie. She grabbed his chin and turned his head to make him look at her. 

“Are you all right?” 

Still a little shocked at being grabbed, he nodded in response.

“You sure?” she asked

He nodded frequently.

“Speak, Kookie.”

“Yeah, I’m all right. Thank you for that.”

-------

When September 30th came, and Ailee’s album was released, Jen was quick to express her excitement on Twitter, fangirling over all the songs and music video.

Posting a screenshot of the album, she tweets, ‘SCREAMING! #Jen’

She then proceeded to post another series of tweets, expressing her fangirling.

‘YELLING #Jen’

‘IM HOLLERING #Jen’

‘STILL HOLLERING #Jen’

‘MY THROAT HURTS BUT STILL SCREAMING #Jen’

‘LOSING MY VOICE BUT STILL SCREAMING #Jen’

‘LOST MY VOICE. #Jen’

‘DEAD #Jen’

When GOT7’s If You Do comeback show came about on October 1st, she surprised them by visiting them backstage on M Countdown with a box of cupcakes she made.

“Hey, hey!” she walked into their dressing room, catching the members by surprise as big smiles appeared on their faces.

“Jennie!” they yelled, rushing up to hug her as she laughed over their yells of excitement.

“I can’t breathe!” she exclaimed and they released her.

“What are you doing here?” BamBam beamed.

“I wanted to congratulate you on a successful comeback. And I decided to bake a little something for you guys.”

“I am so happy right now.” JB happily took the box out of her hands. 

Eating cupcakes with them, Jen had brought up that she had been baking a lot lately and was starting to enjoy it as a new hobby.

“She baked for us, you do not understand how happy I am. I have heard so much about her baking from BTS and now here she is.” Youngjae said.

“Were my cupcakes good?” Jen asked.

“Of course they were! Was that even a question?” Yugyeom laughed.

“We missed you. We should plan to do something.” Mark suggested.

“We really need to. Maybe once we’re done promoting comebacks. We should all go out to eat or something instead of hanging around backstage all the time.” she responded.

“I tried to call you!” Jackson called out

“Boy, you call me early in the morning at like 2 am! I’m asleep!”

“Was it during a day off?”

“Yeah!”

“Go to bed later then so you can hang with me.”

“Wow,”

“I’m really happy that you came along to see us.” Junior smiled.

“Me too, I truly missed you guys.” 

“Guys, just know that Jennie likes me the most. Ain’t that right?” Jackson grinned.

“Who said that?” she raised a brow, causing everyone to burst out in laughter while Jackson held his heart.

After catching up, Jen took some photos with the members. Yugyeom put up a finger heart in the photo while Jen was in the background sticking her tongue out and winking with a peace sign. He posted the photo on his Instagram with the caption, ‘Thanks for everything hamster girl.’

BamBam had posted a happy photo of himself hugging her behind as they had derp expressions on their faces. ‘I missed her!’

Jackson had picked Jennie up over his shoulder, turning sideways so they could take a photo of themselves smiling goofily at the camera. ‘My great friend, Miss Bangtan is here. You were missed! Thanks for coming to support us. Next time answer my calls you munchkin!’

And with Mark, he posted a selfie of the two of them sitting down on the couch, putting a thumbs up. ‘I haven’t seen this special lady friend in a while. Surprising us today with a visit, made the day better.’

After they posted their photos, fans from both IGOT7 and ARMY commented on how people need a Jennie in their lives since she was so supportive of friends.

------

On an episode of 2 O’Clock Date with Park Kyung Lim Radio Show, BamBam mentioned her, which caused shippers to have a field day. When her name was mentioned during the show his eyes lit up and he tried not to smile when he heard, “You have a very close friendship with BTS’ Jennie. Which member is the closest to her?”

“BamBam,” JB called out.

“He always talks about her.” Jackson put him on blast.

“Really guys?” BamBam chuckled nervously.

“He always likes her Instagram posts.” Mark teased. “Isn’t she your ideal type since you always rave about her smile?”

BamBam planned to kill his friends after this because he could feel a blush beginning to appear on his face as they talked about her. 

“Y-yeah...she’s amazing,” BamBam responded. “Days before the comeback she facetimed me and encouraged me when I was feeling worried about the comeback.”

And then, when GOT7 received their first win on October 9th, BamBam mentioned her again backstage after the show when the members were filmed with their reactions over their first win. He thanked her for being there for GOT7 and encouraging them to never give up.

For Jimin’s birthday, Jen tweeted a goofy photo of him and said, ‘Happy birthday my beloved Jimin!! Stay sweet like you always do. Don’t take my smarties for posting this please #Jen’

In the practice room, the members recorded a V-Live just for Jimin’s birthday, discussing that they all weren’t wearing makeup and embraced their natural looks while pointing out growing beards and acne. 

The members sang happy birthday for Jimin, presenting him with a cake as a bright smile came across his face.

“It looks just like you, Jimin, exactly the same.” J-Hope pointed out at the cartoon looking cake that looked like Jimin from the dope era.

“Tell us how you feel,” Rapmon said

“Another year has passed. Thank you for your birthday wishes. Could you guys say something for me?” Jimin asked. “How do you feel on my birthday?”

“You got tons of birthday gifts, so I don't need to give you one,”

“Tell us your birthday wish. Do you want something from anyone?” J-Hope asked

“There’s one thing. I want to drop the honorifics with J-Hope.” he requested

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“Hoseok.”

“Yeah, it’s your birthday, so you can say it.”

“Hoseok.”

“You won’t get away with this.” he giggled with him.

“I want to drop honorifics with Yoongi, too,” Jimin added. “Cute Yoongi.”

“Time really has flown,” Yoongi replied.

The members teased him that he may be crying and that he was too overwhelmed with joy.

“Thank you so much,” Jimin said to the camera for ARMY and the members said goodbye. 

In the dorm, Jimin had noticed the Hulk-themed box from Jennie on his bed and opened up the note, holding back the tears as he felt loved and appreciated with the amount of attention he received from the birthday box.

Happy birthday Jimin! You are improving so much. Your growth here has truly shown. You are the most caring in Bangtan. Whenever I was sad or mad, you always were there to comfort me with your famous hugs. You are one of the most talented dancers I know and your vocals are on a whole ‘nother level. I get chills when I hear those high notes. No joke. Your high notes are totally higher than my grade in History class at the moment. I really need to get on that, lol. 

I can list a bunch of things that I love about you. Your eye smile, your tiny hands (Still baffled that my hands are bigger, ahaha), that habit of you flipping your hair, you just never fail to make me smile no matter how upset I may be. I hope you remain happy and continue being the cute koala bear that you are. And yes, JenMin is still going strong.

Jimin had gone straight to her room and jumped on top of her, on her bed as she let out a groan.

“Ow...Jimin...get off!” she complained, trying to play her game on her phone.

Ignoring her complaints, he wrapped his arms and legs around her, hugging her tightly as he repeatedly thanked her for the gift, making her smile.

----

When GOT7 was on Weekly Idol, BamBam brought up Jennie yet again because Doni had said, “What is it about a certain member’s fascination with Miss Bangtan? What’s the scoop on this?”

The members glanced at each other knowingly, with amused smirks as they turnedto BamBam once they heard her name.

“Your ideal type, right?” Coni asked.

“Yes, she’s very pretty when she smiles and I love watching her perform,” BamBam replied with a smile.

“What do you think of her dancing? I remember when BTS was here, she had a random dance of various boy group songs. GOT7’s A came on.”

“Oh yeah, I remember. She looked cute dancing to our song.”

“Yeah, I agree. I think she looked cute, too.” Jinyoung spoke up, which caused BamBam to turn and stare at him, narrowing his eyes.

The members started laughing as Jinyoung put his hands up in defense. 

“The death glare! Ahahahaha!” Jackson laughed.

Checking out her notifications, Jennie found out that BamBam wore a Captain America costume and geeked out, commenting about it on a fan page that tagged her.

‘OMG my superhero! Love!’

A fan comments, ‘Who do you think is cuter? Captain America or Captain BamBam?'

Jen replied, making the shippers happy, ‘Captain BamBam of course.’

---------

The next day, while in his Golden Closet, Jungkook was in his own little world, with his headphones in, listening to various songs that he had been getting into. A while ago he had tweeted about a hotline bling cover by Kehlani and Charlie Puth. He loved it so much that he wanted to create a cover for it. The instrumental was recreated but now he wanted someone to sing with him.

His mind had wandered to Jennie.

He really wanted to sing with her. Especially with a song like this but would she want to sing with him?

Putting the thoughts aside, he decided to take a screenshot of the Youtube video of the cover and post it on Twitter, tweeting, ‘Hey Jennie, sing with me. You up for this? #JK’

His tweet instantly got replies from ARMY all over the world.

'DUET!'

'DO IT'

‘OMG Jennie say yes!’

'YES JENKOOK'

‘Omg do it!’

‘SAY YES JENNIE!’

‘Golden Duo duet?! DO IT!’

‘We are in for a treat if she says yes’

Jungkook noticed a new tweet from their Twitter account and a smile came across his face once he read her reply, ‘Hell yeah, I’m down! I love me some Charlie and Kehlani #Jen’

Once ARMY saw the tweet they went haywire.

‘AGAHFHFHSGSHDGSHSH’

‘AHHHHHHH’

‘QUEEN AND KING!’

‘FUCK THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD’

‘IM DEAD FINALLY THEYRE COVERING A SKNG TKGETHER ‘

‘THABK YOU THABK YOU’

‘SHE SAID YES’

‘GOALS!’

‘When will your ship ever!?’

Before he knew it, Jennie had entered the Golden Closet and expressed her excitement since she is a big Kehlani fan. The two quickly went to work, sorting out who would sing what after warming up their voices. She began to admire Jungkook as she watched him sing. The way he looked so passionate, made her feel a little giddy inside.

“Late night when you need my love. I know when that hotline bling.” Jungkook sang but stopped, shaking his head. “Ah...I know I pronounced that wrong.”

His pronunciation of the words in English still needed some work and he felt discouraged. He wanted to get this right but even though they just started working on the song, he felt like he was slowing them down.

“It’s okay, just sing, I’ll help you with the pronunciation later.” he heard her respond softly, which made him feel a little better.

Jungkook remained dedicated, singing out the first verse as she listened to him and his sound.

“Reputation.” she kindly corrected him. 

He repeated the word wrong and she repeated it for him. 

“Reputation,” he said correctly.

“There you go. You got it.” 

“You sure this isn’t too much for you? Helping me with the English?”

“Trust me, as many times as I asked Namjoon how to pronounce some Korean words, I know firsthand how it feels to mispronounce words in another language. Don’t sweat it. What other word did you have trouble with pronouncing?”

As she continued to listen carefully to his singing, she helped him with any words he had problems with.

“...started wearing less and goin' out more. Glasses of champagne out on the dance floor.” He sang softly. He sighed and shook his head again, feeling his frustration build. He didn’t think he was singing the song like he wanted to. “Sorry, Jennie.”

“Relax, Kook.” she patted his arm. “Come on, let’s take a break and eat. I’m hungry.” she gestured for him to follow her into the kitchen. 

After fixing both plates of sandwiches, they sat and ate.

“I thought this would be easy but I can’t seem to sing like I want to.”

“Jungkook, it’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to not get things right the first time. We will get this right. Let’s take our time, have fun and enjoy this cover. We got this.”

He smiled, feeling reassured. “Thanks, Jennie.”

After their break, they got back to work, singing the chorus together,

You used to call me on my cell phone. 

Late night when you need my love. 

Call me on my cell phone. 

Late night when you need my love. 

I know when that hotline bling

“Hm...sing that again, this time by yourself,” Jen called out. She listened to him sing and then sang with him again before nodding. “Yep, I know what’s wrong. All right, you’re doing great, continue that pitch, I’m going to sing lower this time.”

They sang the verse again and this time, their voices harmonized. Jungkook turned to her with a big smile appearing on his face. 

“Wow, that sounded great,” he responded, amazed.

“That’s the sound we’re looking for. Harmony on clutch.” she high fived him.

Although Jungkook hadn’t told her yet since they were so engrossed with their singing, he appreciated how patient she was with him. Finally getting things together, they sang the song in one take while recording with Jungkook pronouncing the English words with ease thanks to her help.

“Ever since I left the city, you~! You got exactly what you asked for.” she sang. “Running out of pages in your passport. Hanging with some girls I've never seen before.”

He joined in as they sang softly,

You used to call me on my cell phone

Late night when you need~ my love

Call me on my cell phone

Late night when you need my love

I know when that hotline bling

That can only mean one thing

I know when that hotline bling

That can only mean one thing

Call me on my~

They finished in harmony.

“Outstanding! Ahhhhh, we did it! You did amazing!” she lightly shook him and placed various kisses on his cheek as he laughed.

“You really think so?”

“Yeah! You are improving a lot. I am so proud of you! Where’d you get those English skills?”

He grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “I learned from the best.”

Jennie placed a hand over her heart. “Aw, thank you.”

“I meant Namjoon Hyung.” he teased

“Wow! Really? Goodbye!” she playfully shoved him and left his room as he laughed out loud.

---------

The next day, Jennie had chilled in the living room after another early rap session with Yoongi. In just a couple of hours, she planned to prepare to visit Hyuna at CUBE Entertainment.

“Jennie, did you notice something weird in all of our toothpaste this morning?” Jin asked, walking into the room.

On her phone, she suppressed her amusement because she had pranked the entire dorm by numbing their toothpaste with tooth and gum pain relief gel.

“Yeah! My entire mouth was numb! What happened?” she played along.

“I dunno but someone pranked us. Whoever it is, they got us good. I couldn’t even taste anything because my mouth was so numb. It was horrible! But the numbing is going away slowly but surely.”

“I hope we find out who it is soon. Someone better confess because I couldn’t even eat my smarties! And you know how I feel about my smarties!”

“Yes, dear, I know.” he chuckled.

Once she walked into her room, she stood there, stunned when she found photos of Jin all over her entire room. “What the hell is this!?”

“For numbing my mouth with whatever you put in the toothpaste!” Jin responded victoriously

“It wasn’t even me!”

“Sweetie, I know when you lie to me. Enjoy my photos.” he laughed.

“Aye! Clean this up! I’m not cleaning this!” she yelled, kicking some of the scattered photos from her feet.

At CUBE Entertainment, Hyuna had offered to teach Jen methods to enhance her sex appeal on stage, as well as her charisma. They decided to spend the day dancing around in one of the practice rooms.

Wearing a red cropped hoodie and skinny white pants with her hair down, Jen rested with Hyuna, discussing her Roll Deep comeback.

“Girl, who do you think you are with that comeback? You slayed my life! I loved it.”

Hyuna giggled and felt shy, covering her face. “Thank you. You know I’ve been thinking, when I have my next solo comeback, I want you a part of it. We can be sexy together.”

“I’d love to but sexy is not me, though.”

“Come on, you have a great, healthy body, great hips, and so much more.”

“Ah, I dunno...I don’t feel sexy though.” Jen shrugged, laying her back on the dance floor to look up at the ceiling. “I just don’t think I can pull it off. I try but I never felt sexy.”

“Seriously? With the way you look?” Hyuna playfully kicked her.

“I always faked it. I never in my life felt sexy.”

“I know plenty of men and women that think you are. Even if you don’t portray yourself as it. Relax and loosen up. You’re sexy, now show that you’re the girl that people like. Go Jennie!” she cheered while watching Miss Bangtan stand to her feet.

Migrating to the sound system, Hyuna connected Jen’s phone to the speaker and scrolled through her songs.

“All right, what are we doing, now?”

“I want you to dance sexy to partition.”

“What!?” Jen exclaimed, widening her eyes.

Hyuna turned on a V-Live and when ARMY started getting on, they were surprised to see her. She waved and spoke to the fans before pointing out that she was helping Jennie with her charisma and facial expressions when performing. She panned the camera to her. “Say hello Jennie!”

“Wait you’re on V-Live!?” she stumbled back and turned away.

“Mm hm~”

After getting herself together, Jen turned back around to meet her reflection in the mirror.

‘Get it together, girl. You got this.’ she encouraged herself.

Soon as the beat dropped, she began to move her body.

Boy, this all for you, just walk my way

She strutted forward, motioning her finger to come here.

High like treble, puffin' on them mids

The man ain't ever seen a booty like this

Facing her back to the camera, she moved her hips and shook her ass, as it bounced up and down, while Hyuna cheered in the background. She was so proud to see her looking more comfortable. It looked like Jen needed that extra push because as Hyuna watched her, she noticed that the stiffness went away and Miss Bangtan believed that she truly felt sexy. Hyuna knew she was hiding that sexy side deep down. It was a force to be reckoned with and she was doing quite well.

She looked at the comments rolling in,

‘Mmpf I think she’s about to be my ultimate bias. Sorry Jimin’

‘Jennie! Sthapppp that outfit, those hips’

‘Oh my gawd Jennie’

‘I can see why Bam Bam loves her so much! The way she moves her body when she dances is unreal’

‘Okay Jennie!’

‘I’m here for her dancing like this!’

‘She can dance bruh’

‘Damn girl’

‘Bro, this is fire!’

‘This is too much to take in, why did you do this!? Ahhhhh’

‘Jennie, jennie, jennie stop, I can’t take this!’

‘Wow....wow...WOW!’

‘I love this woman’

‘Got damnnnnnn’

The beat switched and her gaze turned into an enticing expression. Hyuna nodded in approval when she noticed that Jen didn’t break eye contact as she would nervously do a few practices ago.

Drop!

She snapped her fingers to the beat and started to move again.

Now my mascara runnin', red lipstick smudged

Strutting to the front, she began to dance hard as her hair bounced.

Take all of me

I just wanna be the girl you like (girl you like)

Caressing her body, she slowly moved her hips, swaying to the beat. 

She felt so comfortable that she was having so much fun dancing to this song. The way her body rolls were, caused Hyuna to stare at her in awe.

Meanwhile, ARMY proceeded to comment relentlessly on V-Live.

‘She killin’ it!’

‘I need to drink a gallon of water after this’

‘Looking like a snack today!’

‘She’s sexy as hell’

Get it girl! Okay!’

I want her so badly, she’s too fine’

‘When she started shaking dem hips, I died’

‘Yassssss’

Over there I swear I saw them cameras flash

Handprints and footprints on my glass

Handprints and good grips all on my ass

Turning around, she placed her hands on her ass before swinging her hair to the side, dancing harder.

Take all of me

I just wanna be the girl you like (girl you like)

The kinda girl you like is right here with me

Seductively running her thumb over her bottom lip, she turned her back to the camera and walked away.

“Ahhhh that was amazing!” Hyuna shouted, pausing the song. She stood up and walked over to her while Jen laughed and covered her face.

“ARMY, how’d I do?” Jen asked, checking out the frequent comments that were coming in, and started laughing at their reactions.

‘Who said Jennie couldn’t dance?!’

‘Currently pregnant by that dance’

‘QUEEN DID THAT!’

‘All right, it’s official. I want her.’

‘WHO IS THIS GIRLLLLLL!? IM DEAD’

‘Talk to me nice!’

‘I need some holy water, I should not be watching this goddess dance like this’

‘Watch all these guys slide in her DMs after this lmfaoooo’

‘I love you’

‘DECEASED’

‘Put Jennie on timeout! This was too much to handle!’

‘Yes hunny! Represent! Snatched tf outta my edges!’

‘SHOOKED’

On Instagram, Hyuna had filmed a small portion of her dancing on Jen’s Instagram, with the caption, ‘HACKED by Hyuna! Look at you go, I knew you were hiding your sexy side. You did an amazing job! Hard work is paying off. I’ll treat you to lunch the next time we hang out.’

BamBam, who had watched the entire V-Live was freaking out as he told Jackson, and once he saw the post, he had to comment. Meanwhile, Jackson had given him a pep talk about him starting to prepare to pursue the girl he was interested in.

BamBam posted a few comments on the video. First were a series of fire and heart eyed emojis and then he said, ‘DEAD!’

Once Jen got her phone back, she posted a throwback selfie that was saved in her photos, 'Part of the Smartie Archive. I miss summer and home...I’ll be back soon America.’

BamBam was quick to comment when saying, ‘DEAD again! So beautiful. Absolutely stunning.’

With fans noticing him in her comment section again, one fan had asked, ‘BamBam are you dating Jennie?? Are you hers?’

Boldly, he decided to reply, ‘I wish...only if she wants me to be.’

After a while, he deleted the comment but fans immediately began freaking out when he posted the sudden comment,

‘OMG BAMBAM’

‘HUH!?’

‘WAIT WHAT!?’

‘Ayoooooo wait a minute! What’s going on here!?’

‘Cuffing season starting early???’

‘AWWWWW’

‘GUYS! I WAS NOT PREPARED!’

‘Lol he didn’t say kill me this time like he did with Taeyeon in the comment section’

‘NOOOO he’s supposed to be mine!’

‘GOT7 better get him!’

‘I’m mad. Everyone gotta ruin my JenKook ship these days’

‘Nooooo Jennie is supposed to be with Jimin! Where are my JenMin shippers at?’

‘Noooooooo’

‘Chill!!’

‘My heart, I’m sad now, but if she makes him happy’

‘Stop, don’t do it! Leave her be, please!’

‘Jennie, BamBam really likes you! Date him!’

‘I hate this ship! I don’t want it to be real!’

‘Date him Jennie!’

‘Ahahah you really like her’

‘Shoot your shot my boi!!’

‘I’m lowkey pissed. I want her to be with Jungkook or Taehyung. I don’t want no other idols pursuing her.’

‘We ALL knew this was coming. This is no surprise’

‘What is it about Jennie and Tinashe that idols love so much? I need one of them to tell me their secret and help a sista out cause I gots to know!’

‘Personality is key. She’s a kind spirit. BamBam has excellent taste. Black girls are winning’

‘I don’t ship it but it’s kinda cute. Not as cute as JenKook tho! Any JenKook shippers?’

‘AHHHH’

‘He wants Miss Bangtan, I told you! He ain’t slick!’

‘BamBam is about to risk it all for Miss Bangtan and I am here for it!!’

‘BamBam about to score a W.’

‘But what about the dating ban??’

‘Finally an idol speaks up publicly about liking Jennie. I bet there are other idols that lowkey feel the same.’

‘The dating ban tho!? I’m sad!’

‘Now I have another ship. BamJen!’

‘I screamed!’

‘She belongs with the golden maknae!!!’

‘BTS are going to have a field day if they find out about BamBam gunning for Jennie’

‘I love when my fav is wanted by other guys. Especially idols, considering her position as a foreigner in South Korea’

‘Who said my boi can’t shoot his shot on Miss Bangtan?’

‘I ship it’

‘Go get her Bam Bam!’

-------

The next day, in the dance studio at Big Hit, Jennie worked on a dance to perform at SOPA while Taehyung, Hobi, Jin, and Jimin tagged along. She decided to participate in an extra credit assignment which was to teach one of the freshmen classes choreography on her own with a song of her choice. She had a few weeks to prepare and prepared something short and sweet. The dance was down packed and just needed some touch-ups.

Throughout her practice, the boys would dance goofily in the background, trying to distract her. After taking a break from the assignment, she asked, “Anyone want to freestyle with me?”

“Hey, actually, for a while now I’ve been curious about some dances that you do in America. Could you show me one since you’re taking a break?” Jin asked, standing up after stretching.

“Yeah! Sure! Hold on, I have just the song.” she went on her phone and scrolled through her music.

Putting on the edited version of Lean Back by Terror Squad, Fat Joe and Remy Ma, she walked back to Jin. “You know how to do the lean back?”

“Uh...no?”

“Hahaha, I’ll show you. Come on. First, let’s loosen up.” she started moving to the beat and he followed her, hesitant at first but soon got into it.

“Go Hyung!” Taehyung giggled, filming in the background. 

Jin decided to do his traffic dance to the song, which caused Jen to giggle and she encouraged him to keep dancing.

“It’s simple. Cross your arms like this and lean back side to side but do it with a rock.” she demonstrated. “Add your flavor to it. It’s coming up, follow me.”

Said, my don't dance

We just pull up our pants and do the Roc-away

Now, lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back

Jin and Jennie start leaning back while Jen looks on impressed. 

“Look at you, Jin! I see you! Let them know!” she cheered.

I said, my don't dance

We just pull up our pants and do the Roc-away

Now lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back

Jin proudly celebrated the fact that he danced correctly.

“Ennie! What about that dance called the milly rock?” Jimin asked.

“Yeah, I heard of that dance,” Hobi spoke.

“I don’t know how to do it.”

“Wait you guys don’t know how to do the milly rock? Let me show you!” Jen beamed. “The key is all about putting your own flavor into the dance. Make it your own style.” she demonstrated slowly as they followed her.

“How do you do the dance, Ennie?” Taehyung asked

“With me, I tend to go hard and be extra with it cause I get hype to this song.”

“Hard and extra, huh? Show me. I challenge you to a Milly Rock dance-off.” Hobi declared.

She turned to him with a serious expression. “...you sure?”

“Whoa, her eyes.” he held his heart and giggled. “But yes, let’s dance together.”

“All right, you asked for it,”

Once the song began she pushed her cap down to block her face as she got ready. When it came to songs like this, she turned into a whole different person.

Milly Rock

Haa

Let's get it!

As soon as that beat drops, she went hard.

I Milly Rock on any block

I Milly Rock on any block

The guys were mesmerized by both Hobi and Jen going in.

Once the verse came on, she rapped in front of him, continuing to dance. 

I Milly Rock on any block

In my Polo T and my Polo socks

On top of cars my face hot

I Milly Rock on that Gates block

They got me on their explore page

I've been Milly Rocking for four days

She put up four fingers before milly rocking again with more attitude and speed while Hobi looked on impressed and milly rocked with her.

Let’s get it!

She started milly rocking in slow motion as Hobi followed her, mirroring her movements.

“Jen milly rocks on any block! Hope milly rocks on any block! Jen Milly rocks on any block! Hope milly rocks on any block!” the guys said over the chorus, making the dancers laugh and high five each other.

“Remind me not to challenge you in that particular dance.” Hobi teased. “You did well, munchkin.”

“I want a dance battle with you!” Taehyung got in front of her.

“I got the music!” Jin went to pick a random song.

“You sure, Tae?” Jen warned.

“Yeah, let’s do this.” He responded.

The opening beats of Hello, Good Morning by Dirty Money filled the dance room.

“Okay...but fair warning...you don’t want this work,” she mentioned, walking up to him as they faced off competitively. 

Taehyung had his hands on his hips, struggling not to smile.

Hello...

Good morning...

She watched as Taehyung danced first while his charisma came into place. Tae’s dance skills were no joke and were extremely underrated. He could move. After he was done, he booped her nose, making her chuckle

Once it was her turn, she danced while rapping to the song

'Cause I been leanin on the bar

lookin cleaner than a star

All these broads won't give me my props

Twenty-five on the bag

I be stuntin on they ass and they mad cause the bitch won't stop

She adjusted her shirt and began dancing around him in a circle as he giggled. 

"You know, you know, you know we on that!" she booped his nose to get back at him.

Back at the dorm, Jennie was in her room, gathering her things to wash her hair.

“Jennie, I need to ask you something.” Namjoon suddenly walked in.

“Yo! Oh my God, knock first! What if I was undressed?” she scolded.

“Sorry! Sorry!” he apologized. “I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s cool, what you need?”

“I was wondering if I could use your shower. Everything else is occupied.”

“I was going to wash my hair but you know what? It’s fine. Go use it. I’ll use the sink.”

“The sink...?”

“Yeah,” she responded like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

She grabbed her things and headed to the kitchen. Namjoon’s curiosity got the better of him and he followed her, watching her take out the few dishes from the sink and place her items on the counter.

Turning around, she noticed his confused behavior and called him out, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re about to wash your hair in a sink. Why?”

“I do this back at home.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” she smiled.

“That’s...normal for you?”

“All the time. You look like you’re dealing with culture shock right now.” she teased.

“I’m intrigued. Could I watch?”

“How about I wash your hair in the sink first.”

“You serious?”

“Yeah, grab your stuff.”

Once he grabbed his shampoo and conditioner, she made him lean his head down in the sink. Running warm water on his head, she started washing his hair.

“My mom would do this to me and my sisters when we were kids,” she mentioned. “I’m so used to washing my hair in the sink, that I would sometimes prefer to do that instead of washing my hair in the shower. It just makes things go by quicker too,"

“Wow, and this is common in your culture?”

“Majority of the time, yes.”

“Fascinating.”

After she gave him a nice scalp scrub and conditioned his hair while combing it out, she rinsed his hair and dried it with a towel.

“You good, Namjoon?” she laughed at his amazed expression

“That...was exhilarating. C-can we do this again? I like this method.”

“Yes, now go shower.” she playfully pushed him away and prepared to wash her hair in the sink.

[skzhua]

another typical story | part 23 - night in, day out.

MASTERLIST

pairing: idol!hwang hyunjin x influencer!reader, idol!lee felix x best friend!reader.

genre: social media!AU, strangers-ish-to-lovers, fluff, slow burn, female reader.

warnings: some swearing, mention of drinking, HEAVILY SUGGESTIVE for this part (like almost borderline smut)

summary: unexpectedly, felix brings his childhood best friend into his members' life. hyunjin is quick to take a liking for this new person.

Hyunjin was finally coming back. After a month or so of concerts, the tour was sadly over. However, that meant one thing: he was coming back to you. You had grown extremely busy after your interview with Ateez. From what he saw online, you had became close friends with them. He couldn't be happier for you, but he still remained uneasy at the idea of having the so good Choi San in your social circle.

The last conversation he had with you over texting was left on read and since you had so much going on in both of your lives, you had not talked about it yet.

"You coming?" Minho nudged his shoulder.

Hyunjin had been too deep into his thoughts that he forgot he was in the airport with tons of cameras flashing in front of him. The group had already started to walk away from the scene in order to get to the van.

"Yeah." he said, unsure.

"Are you good?"

Minho was worried. Throughout the flight, he was sitting with him and he had not said a single word. The usual cheerful Hyunjin was simply gone.

"Yes."

It was a simple answer that should have reassured Minho on the spot, but it didn't. He wanted to ask again, but Hyunjin gave him a weak smile and left to join the others.

The ride home was awkward. There was only Chan, Changbin and Han in the van with Hyunjin, but they had seemingly took notice of their friend's sad mood.

They waited until they were home to ask him about him, all three of them. Hyunjin couldn't be more annoyed. With a heavy sigh, he walked to his room and closed the door shut behind him. The guys stared at where he had just left, dumbfounded.

"Did he just..." Changbin started.

"He did." Chan confirmed. "This is bad, guys."

Jisung shrugged. "What do you want us to do? We can't do much about it."

Changbin frowned. "We can't just stand here and do nothing either."

Hyunjin was listening to all of it from the comfort of his bed. He had tucked himself in the sheets of his bed to relax, but he couldn't help but feel bad that he made the guys worry so much. It took all of his energy, but he finally pulled out his phone and dared to text you. He wanted to wait until you reached out first but you were seemingly too busy to do so. Plus, he didn't want to come off as clingy or needy.

To his surprise, not only did you reply almost immediately, but it seemed as if nothing happened. You were acting perfectly normal. Well, through texts at least. But the oddest of all, you were at a studio? He couldn't remember a moment where you told him about something of that sort. He was confused.

He sent a quick message to his groupchat with the dorm to tell them you would be stopping by later. Sincerely, they were relieved by the news. After one hell of a weird trip with him, it was about time he saw you.

So it was to no one's surprise that Hyunjin ran to the door as soon as he heard it ring. The moment you saw him, you felt bad for laughing but he was just too adorable. Messy hair with a loose shirt all wrinkled and his face just washed up from his makeup, he was simply cute.

"Hi, baby." you grinned and didn't lose another second to hug him tightly.

"Hi." he responded with a soft tone as he was visibly tired. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." you said before looking up and placing a kiss on his lips.

You were about to separate yourself from him but he didn't let you as he wanted to get to taste your lips a little more. He missed this. He missed you.

"Damm." you said once he finally pulled away.

"Hi, Y/N." Chan nodded his head at you awkwardly from behind.

"Hello!" you waved. "How was the tour?"

"Great." he smiled.

With that, Hyunjin grabbed your hand and led you to his room. Upon seeing the small mess he had made with his opened luggage, he hurried to toss it in the corner.

"It's okay, I don't mind it." you chuckled.

"It just feels unwelcoming." he shrugged before offering you to sit on his bed with him. "So, how did your month go?"

You shook your head. "No, tell me about your tour."

"You saw clips online, you know how it was."

"Still, I want to hear it from you."

So he went on with telling you about the places he went, the fans from each concert and how he had almost cried a few times becaude of the overwhelming amount of love. He told you some funny moments he had with the other members and that he was actually sad it ended. But most importantly, he repeated a lot of time how he wished you were there with him.

"I would have loved to be there, but I got so busy. I'm sorry I couldn't respond to you when you'd call."

He placed his hands on both sides of your face. "It doesn't matter, baby. I'm just glad to see you now." He pecked your lips with a wide smile. "Now, tell me about the studio thing."

"Ah, the studio." you chuckled. "Don't ask me how, but I got an offer to have a podcast in Dive Studios."

His eyes widened. "No way."

"Yes! They told me they saw both of my interviews with you and Ateez and they thought I was entertaining. I started a few weeks ago."

"Why didn't you tell me?" he pouted.

"I wanted to tell you in person. Don't worry, though. San and Hongjoong helped me out a lot with how to interact with idols and such. It might come handy for us." you laughed but he wasn't doing the same.

"You talk to them often?" he asked in a small voice and this simple sentence made you sigh.

"I told you I only have eyes for you."

"I know but I... well, I assume you read my message."

"I did." you affirmed and paused for a moment as you tried to formulate the right words to say to him. "Where do these insecurities come from?"

It was his turn to think. "Because you're pretty?"

You blushed and you were grateful that he had only the lamp on his desk to illuminate the room. "I'm sure it's not that."

"Then I don't know. I'm naturally insecure and having you as my girlfriend is scary. I'm not saying I'm scared of commitment. I'm just afraid you'd get tired of me and go for better people. Like San..."

You just could not understand how he didn't see how amazing he was. If anything, you were the lowlife one between the two of you. Not finding the words to comfort him properly, you kissed him. Slowly and deeply. He matched your movements perfectly as he brought his hand up to your jaw. You ponder for a moment before deciding to take the lead. You placed yourself on his lap as his hands moved down you hips to make their way to your butt cheeks. You wrapped your arms around his neck to bring him closer to you, allowing yourself to feel every part of his body. As you bit down on his lips, he let out a soft groan.

"I hope you know where this is going." he growled and then started to attack the skin on your collarbone.

You gasped at the contact. You were starting to wonder where he had learned to use his mouth like this and if it would have the same effect somewhere else...

"If it helps you know how beautiful you are, I'm all okay with it." you ended up saying which made him look up at you on the spot.

"I don't want you to do this for me."

And then he wondered why you thought he was so precious...

"Partially yes. But I want you."

The blush appearing on your cheeks was barely noticeable but he did see it and smirked at you. "Have you missed me that much?"

"So much."

Not letting him speak more, you attacked his lips again and, this time, you were more aggressive. You moved one of your hands to his neck and tightened your grip but not enough to choke him.

"Fuck." he choked out.

It was all it took for him to flip you around and lay you on the bed. Topping you, he now had full control of you. As he went back to kiss you passionately, he slipped his hand under your shirt and you shivered at the contact of his fingers with your stomach.

"Hyunjin, please." you said in-between the kisses.

"What do you want, baby?"

You couldn't answer. Instead, you took it upon yourself to grab the hem of his shirt and pulled it upwards. He backed away to help you remove it and he tossed it somewhere on the floor. He does the same with you, leaving you in your bra. The simple sight of you was killing him. Reconnecting your lips again, he placed his hips on your leg and started thrusting. You could already feel his hardened bulge.

"Teasing?" you gasped.

He responded with a groan. "Feels good."

The morning after, you woke up to an empty bed. Hearing Hyunjin's high pitched laugh, you smiled to yourself. You spotted his shirt on the floor and hurried to put it on, not forgetting to put some underwear as well.

The sight you got when coming to the kitchen was just perfect. Hyunjin was chatting with Jisung who kept on making really bad jokes while Changbin and Minho were in the kitchen. Chan and the two youngest members were playing a game on the TV. As for Felix, he was nowhere to be found.

"You invited the others?" you said as you sat at the counter in front of Changbin.

"We're just doing a small brunch to celebrate our tour." he shrugged before going back to cutting his vegetables.

Meanwhile, Minho who was working at the stove to cook whatever that was cooking sent you a knowing smirk. "Had fun last night?"

Your face turned red. "We talked, yeah."

"If talking means moaning for you, then yes. You were talking a lot." Changbin raised his eyebrow at you.

It then snapped in your head that his room was next to Hyunjin's. "So sorry..." you smile apologetically.

"It's fine, we kind of expected for it to happened soon or later." he shrugged.

"What are you talking about?" Hyunjin beamed at you three and then kissed your cheek.

"Your hot session from last night." Minho almost yelled.

Flustered, your boyfriend looked at you but you shook your head as to shrug it off. Just then, Felix walked in the kitchen and exhaled contently as the smell of food reached his nostrils.

"Good morning bun!" he exclaimed and went to hug you.

You welcomed him in your arms happily. "Heya, Lix! I missed you."

"So did I." he snickered. "You've got red marks on your neck by the way."

Your hand automatically went up to hide but Hyunjin stopped your motion. "They saw it already." he shrugged. "Plus, it kind of looks hot."

"Alright, enough lovebirds." Changbin almost yelled. "How about y'all help me out with setting up the table?"

Breakfast consisted mostly of you asking around about their tour. Jeongin excitedly showed you the pictures he took and asked your opinion on which ones he should post.

"I like this fit." you said while stopping him from swiping more. "Damn, you look good."

"Thank you!" he chuckled. "Your boyfriend took this photo."

Your gaze went on Hyunjin and you smiled. "Talented."

"Jeongin is photogenic to start with, it's no talent." he huffed.

"Okay, humble king."

He rolled his eyes which made you laugh. The guys were starting to talk about what they'd do in the next few days. The company had given them days off for their return and Minho mentioned going back to his parents' place to see the cats.

"Can I come?" you asked, your full attention on him just by the mention of the felines.

"No." he gave you a weird look. "Plus, Hyunjin is going to be free. Go on a date or something."

"That's a good idea actually." Hyunjin mumbled. "Would you like to?"

"Go on a date?" He nodded. "Depends what we're doing."

"I'll figure something out."

"It's settled then." you blushed. "But I can't until after tomorrow. I have a recording to do and then I'm free."

"We'll do it then."

"Hello~" you said in a singing voice as you turned on the camera. "I haven't filmed in a while and I thought I'd bring you with me for a day out with Hyunjin. I am supposed to be there in an hour and as you can see..." you stopped to show your attire. "Yeah, I am totally not ready.

"I have some outfit options but I think I'm going to go with a simple shirt with a skirt. Spring is not here yet, I know, but I'm manifesting for it to happen."

You turned off the device, got changed quickly and headed out of your place. Hyunjin told you to meet at a park nearby so he could bring you wherever the date was from there. You had asked him if he minded you filming the day prior and he said he was okay with it. While you hadn't discuss whether to make your relationship public or not, you assumed it was already known how close the two of you were that you didn't need to neither confirm or deny.

Your turned back on the vlogging camera as you walked on the sidewalk. "This is the fit." you said and pointed the lens to show how you got dressed. "I have no idea what Hyunjin planned for us today but I can't wait to see him. Some of y'all actually assumed we were having beef but, come on, he was on tour. We are still on very good terms, don't panic."

You crossed the road and easily spotted Hyunjin who was sitting on a bench as he stared at a bird in the tree.

"And here we have our sentimental man." you sighed as your pointed the focus of the camera on him.

Seemingly, he heard you and smiled widely as he stared back at you. He found you adorable but he wasn't going to show it, especially not in front of the camera. He did greet you with a big hug however.

"Hi!" he waved to your camera.

"What are the plans for today, Mr. Hwang?" you asked, acting like you were interviewing him.

"Well, Y/N, I heard about this bakery that opened not so long ago. After, if you'd like, we could go for an indoor mini-golf."

"Awe." you said in high pitched voice. "That's a cute date."

"Uh, Y/N..." he coughed before nodding towards your camera.

"I'll cut it off." you reassured him. "But I'm genuinely pleasantly surprised."

"I knew you'd like it." he grinned.

Looking around for a brief moment, he made sure no one was watching. He leaned in and pulled his mask down before kissing your lips. A bit taken aback by his action, you forgot for a second that you were still filming.

"Alright, guys. Looks like it's going to be a fun day."

taglist: @lenilla15 | @muddy-waters | @nanaspalette | @nattisbored | @ellenikav | @popcatx0 | @a-l-i-y-a | @amnmich | @vanblack95 | @aestheticsluut | @thanxxskz | @minhoino | @uno7 | @taetertotsv | @luvscrazy | @lethallyprotected | @foxinnie8

[assortedseaglass]

Come Back To Me - Chapter Eight

Billy Washington x OFC

[Masterlist]

Warnings: Language, Mentions of Racism, SMUT, Trigger Point (TV) Spoilers

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for all the support you have given me on this; I was so scared to share any writing before and you have all made me fall back in love with it! I was initially only going to do one more chapter, but I think it’ll be two, just to tie it all up! More notes at the end.

Word Count: 6.8K

“Are you sure you’re going to be ok on your own?” Sofia said, worrying her bottom lip as she leant against the kitchen door.

“Stop!” Ida laughed from the living room sofa. “I’ll be fine, and if I need anything, I’ve got gran and these guys.” She held up a battered copy of Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

Sofia wolf whistled. “Spicy. We really do need to get you a fella,” she joked. At that moment, Faisal popped his head around the corner.

“Taxi’s here, babe.”

“Promise me you’re ok with us going-”

“Leave her alone, Sofia!” Faisal cut in. “She’s a grown woman!”

“Thank you, Faisal,” Ida replied. “Now hurry up and get to the airport. And send me a postcard!” Sofia pecked Ida on the cheek as Faisal saluted, and in a moment, they were gone. Through the open balcony window, Ida heard Sofia and Faisal chatting to who she assumed was the taxi driver before the slamming of doors and the cab driving away.

The July heatwave had at last been broken by the first of the summer storms. Water thundered across the flat’s roof, fat drops dripping off the balcony awning onto the street below. The neon signs of shop fronts were reflected in by the rain-soaked roads, and from the window, Ida could see forks of lightning hit the skyline of the city ahead. This downpour had lasted for days, and Ida welcomed it. It was a week since the incident at Cranstead Fields, and she and Billy hadn’t spoken.  

In the days after Billy’s rescue, Ida retreated to the flat to be cared for by Sofia and Faisal. Those first few nights, Sofia slept in Ida’s bed, cradling her when she woke with fresh nightmares. Nightmares where she hadn’t reached Billy in time. These were only intensified by the writing of a report for EXPO, with the help of Lana, about that day’s events.

After that, Ida spent her time walking, miles and miles through London’s parks and backstreets. One day, she caught the tube to Chalk Farm and walked to the top of Primrose Hill. The notepad and book in her bag sat untouched as she watched couples entwined on the grass, children riding bikes and running around, singular old men and women walking their dogs against the backdrop of the city. When the rains eventually came, she nestled on the sofa of the lounge with a stack of books and blankets. Ida slept more often than not, and her waking hours were filled with the distraction of books. Romances, mostly. She asked Sofia and Faisal if they could leave the balcony door open; Ida had always loved the sound of heavy rain, and she needed the fresh, open air just to remind her she was alive. Gwen would occasionally stop by with food, soups and cakes usually, and news of the Washingtons.

According to her grandma, the only time Lana’s car left the driveway was to come and help Ida with her report. The Washington’s door was never closed such was the constant stream of visitors for Billy, “even that Becky girl came over.” Ida had tried to not let this affect her, but that evening she, Sofia and Faisal sank a whole bottle of vodka. Billy left the house rarely, though when he did it was always with his dad, and when Gwen had gone round for a cup of tea, he had barely uttered a word. “I think he’s been sleeping mostly, poor lad.”

Gwen said this aside to her granddaughter almost as a way to soften the fact that Billy had not spoken to her, as though she expected her to be angry. But how could she be? Ida herself barely wanted to speak to anyone after Cranstead Fields, and she hadn’t been the one nearly blown up. And after all, had she tried to speak to Billy? What could she say?

Hey Billy, we still haven’t chatted about your arrest for racially aggravated assault!

Hey Billy, remember that time you said I was perfect, then that you didn’t want me anymore while you pinned me to a wall?

Hey Billy, did your folks tell you that I called them a shit family?

Hey Billy, didn’t think the next time we’d see each other after our raging argument would be me dragging you out of a car filled with explosives!

Ida laughed a little at that thought and returned to her book. She’d picked it up in a second-hand bookshop not long ago, drawn to it by the annotations that adorned its pages. Ida was continually drawn to one such highlight near the beginning of the book;

‘The cataclysm has happened, we are among the ruins, we start to build up new little habitats, to have new little hopes. It is rather hard work: there is now no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles. We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.’

She took a sip of her wine and, out loud to the rain, said “We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.”

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Ida jolted and laughed properly this time. How typical of Sofia to forget something. She could see Faisal now, frantically checking the airport departure times and recalculating their trip. Springing from the sofa, she hurried to the door and swung it open, calling out as she did so. “What have you forg-”. The words died in her mouth. Stood in the dark doorway, head bowed, was Billy.

Droplets of rain clung to his sandy hair, which was shorter than the last time she’d seen him. His stubble was gone too, highlighting his sunken cheeks. He looked exhausted. The dark circles around his eyes only made them more fantastically blue, and God Ida wished he’d look at her. He took a few deep breaths and, speaking quietly to his feet, said “Saw Sofia and Faisal downstairs, and they, er, they let me in.” Then he did it. He looked right at her and something in Ida snapped. She flung herself at him, burying her face in his neck and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Billy stumbled, letting out a little hmph as her body knocked into his. There was no hesitation in his hands as he brought them to her back and nestled is nose into her hair.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, breathing in her scent. She pulled back to look at him, a brilliant smile on her freckled face, and took his hand to lead him into the flat. Ida dropped it as she hurried into the kitchenette, and Billy shuffled awkwardly a little as he looked around the flat.

It had been a while since he was last here. Faisal’s birthday, maybe? He could see evidence of Sofia and Faisal. Sofia’s trinkets from her travels, all brightly coloured. Faisal’s stack of games and house plants. Still, Ida was unmistakably sewn into the fabric of their little home. Fairy lights were strung above the windows and old sofa, which was covered with blankets. Her childhood teddy, patchworked and worn, sat atop them next to a small selection of books and her grandad’s Cork County Football Team mug. Frameless photographs of her friends were stuck to the walls. Looking closer, Billy saw many of them together. Mucking about in a field, painted faces at a church fair, drinks in hand at a bar in Spain, chatting conspiratorially at a table in Gwen’s garden. There were three of Sofia and Faisal that Ida herself had taken. They were lined up together, and in each one Faisal was gazing lovingly at Sofia, who’s blonde hair was illuminated by the setting sun behind her. Billy’s stomach did a little flip, and he turned to the open door of the balcony. The rain was coming down harder now, and he watched from the shelter of the awning as people scurried into shops to avoid the summer downpour. The air was thick with humidity, and he wiped his newly cut hair from his brow, certain that his nerves were doing little to dissuade the heat. When Ida joined him on the balcony with a glass of wine and a beer for him, Billy chugged a few mouthfuls then held the bottle to his neck.

Ida sat on the small balcony bench, feet outstretched. Billy joined her, sitting awkwardly, formally, at the other end. Neither said a word. The relief each had felt at finally seeing one another had faded, their recent history worming its way to the forefront on their minds.

“Warren’s-”

“Gran said-”

They spoke at the same time. Ida gestured for Billy to continue, picking her glass of wine up from the table to take a sip.

“Warren’s going on trial. I had to go down to the station for an interview, hours it took, and they managed to catch him. Fucking bastard,” Billy muttered that last part bitterly, and Ida grew hot with anger. This Warren bloke was lucky that the police got to him before she did. “I’ve got to go and testify. Will you be coming?” He looked at her hopefully.

“To the trial? No, they have my statement from the day, no need for me to be there really.”

“Right.” Billy took another sip of his beer and began peeling off its paper wrapper. “They’ve dropped my charges, dunno if Lana told you?” Ida shook her head. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear this, she was still so angry at him. Her Billy would never have done what the one before her had. “Just had to pay a fine for the cost of the window. Dad and I went to help them put it in, thought it was the least I could-”

Ida cut in sharply. “But Billy, that doesn’t-”

“I know it doesn’t excuse what I did.” Billy replied tersely. He huffed a sigh as if to calm himself and wiped his face. “It doesn’t excuse what I did, or what I thought. I know that. Everything with John, with Nut dying,” he trailed off before continuing. “I was just so sick of not fitting in anywhere. All my friends have outgrown me, my family were sick of me hanging around and never achieving anything. But then everything-” Billy was gesturing with his hands but his voice died away. Ida knew he was thinking about Cranstead. How his new friends had used him as a means to a terrifying, bitter end. Billy sighed and relaxed into the seat. His hand found the hem of Ida’s skirt and fiddle with it, running his finger up and down the seam absentmindedly. Occasionally, his thumb grazed the skin of her calves and she shivered, despite the heat that the action caused to prickle at her cheeks. Billy noticed her stir and, realising what he was doing, retracted his hands and took another swig of beer. He changed the subject hastily.

“Been spending more time with Dad.”

“Oh, that’s lovely. Really, Bill!” Ida’s voiced sounded falsely cheerful and she mentally scolded herself.

“Think he’s scared you might come after him again.” Billy laughed and Ida hung her head in her hands.

“Oh God,” her voice was muffled by her palms. “Oh my God.”

“Don’t be embarrassed!” Billy was still laughing. “Lana told me all about it. I’m sad I missed it!”

“You would have been there if you’d turned up to your own birthday!” They laughed together, and Ida watched as the skin around his eyes crinkled. She suddenly realised how long it had been since she had seen him laugh properly, and she smiled softly at him. He caught her gaze, lips quirking in the corners, then turned back to face the rainy city.

“Becky came by too,” he said matter-of-factly, as though it was just a passing comment.

“Oh right?” Ida didn’t need to tell Billy that she already knew, or that this news caused an almighty night of drinking.

Billy caught her aloofness and laughed again. “Don’t worry,” he nudged her legs. “She won’t be around again. Talked some bollocks about how she hadn’t been able to sleep since she’d heard. As if she was the one who…who was stuck-” He recovered himself quickly. “She wasn’t happy you were there, either.”

“I bet she wasn’t,” Ida said under her breath.

“I’m glad it was you.” Billy said suddenly, looking directly at her. Despite the darkness of the evening, his eyes were bright and Ida felt that if she looked at them too long, he’d be able to hear her hurried and confused thoughts. She looked away. “Thank you, Ida.” Nodding awkwardly, she took a large gulp of wine and winced at the bitter taste.

“You didn’t know, did you?” Billy shifted on the bench so that his body was facing Ida’s.

“Know what?”

“That the timer was a decoy,”

“Lana and Has said it was-”

“But you didn’t know, did you?” Billy cut across her. “Not for certain.” Ida stilled, and Billy watched as her usually rosy cheeks drained of colour and her eyes widen. He continued when she didn’t respond. “Seeing you there. I-I can’t stop thinking about it. Every time I close my eyes, it’s your face at the window. You looked so wild, like an animal caught in a cage. Knowing now that you didn’t know for certain-” His hands were shaking as he put down the beer bottle. “Christ, Ida! You could have died!”

“And you would have died.” Ida had found her voice. What was I meant to do, Billy? Sit there and watch you die? All scared and alone in that car!?”

Billy turned away from her. “I think, sometimes, it would have been better if I had.” Ida felt like she had been slapped. She stared at him, open-mouthed as he let his last sentence hang dreadfully in the air. “I brought this whole mess upon myself. And Lana. And you. Mum’s been inconsolable since, and seeing dad try to be better...He’s trying to be a better dad, but I feel such a burden to be a better son.” Fat tears were filling Billy’s eyes, and he pushed the palms of his hands to them roughly, trying to force them back in. He moved to the edge of the balcony and Ida followed. “What’s the point of me, Ida!? I tried to stop fucking everything up and leave you all alone, only to fuck it up even more! I’m just a worthless-”

“How dare you.” Ida whispered and Billy turned like a whip. This time, it was he who looked like they had been slapped. “HOW DARE YOU!” Ida was shouting at him now, her voice tearing from the effort of keeping back sobs. “I risked my life for you! Have you learnt nothing!?”

“Ida-”

“NO!” She thrust a finger aggressively into his chest. “Look at where this pitiful thinking got you last time! For fuck’s sake, Billy! I wish you could see yourself the way I do.” Billy scoffed, but Ida ignored him. “When your heart is high, God, you’re the best person to be around. You’re gentle and kind and light. It’s like staring at the sun. Everything about you is sunshine.” She laughed at how childish that sounded. “You don’t understand, do you? My life isn’t the same without you! These last few weeks have been agony.” Ida pressed a hand to her chest, where the dull ache that had been following her since their argument was reaching its painful peak. Billy watched with wide eyes as she continued to shout at him, tears streaming onto her cheeks as her voice shook. “Whether I had been by your side at Cranstead or not, I’d have died anyway! I can’t go on without you.”

Billy stared at her. She was gulping down air, her chest rising from the effort of shouting at him. When someone on the street below whistled up to them and shouted, “Lover’s quarrel?”, Ida gripped the edge of the balcony and screamed at them.

“FUCK OFF!” Billy took a step closer to her, but she wheeled around, a manic look in her eyes. “All I can see is you in that car. Your eyes…and I wake up in the night having dreamt that the bomb…that you-” She was rubbing her hands in panicked agitation, an unfocused look in her eyes as they darted everywhere but Billy’s face.

“Ida. Ida, I’m here.” Billy moved to block everything but himself from her vision, gripping her arms and holding her still.

“Billy?” Ida whispered, as though waking from a bad dream. Billy supposed, momentarily, that she had. Taken back to the same nightmare that he himself has been reliving these past agonising days. She curled her fists into the chest of his t-shirt, her breath slowing. Billy’s own caught in his throat and he had to fight to keep himself still. Her palms lay flat on his chest, and she looked up at him. There she was. Back with him. Ida’s breath was deep, and with every inhale she could smell what was unmistakably Billy. His cedarwood shower gel, jasmine laundry detergent, the faintest hint of fresh sweat and now, beer on his breath as it fanned across her cheek. She put her head to his chest and gripped him tighter, running her hands to his shoulders and back to his chest. She felt a deep hum rumble through his chest.

“Making sure I’m real?” He said, looking down at her with half-lidded awe. One of his arms wrapped tentatively around Ida’s waist, skirting the flesh beneath her top as he brought her body closer to his. The other brushed her wayward hair from her neck, letting his hand tangle at the back of her head.

Ida shuddered as he pulled her head back a little, the action causing her lips to part. She closed her eyes and whispered, “Please don’t joke, Billy.” His mouth was a feather’s width away from her lips.

“I’m real, Ida.” His eyes flashed momentarily to her parted mouth, and when Ida whispered his name against his lips all sound around him ceased but for the roaring of his heartbeat in his ears. Billy tightened his grip in her hair and Ida, finally, any fight or thought of resisting gone from her, gave herself over to him. Billy’s warm lips brushed against her own so delicately that she whimpered. Clutching at his t-shirt, she dragged him closer and wrapping her arms around his neck to hold his face to hers. Billy towered over her, his hand reaching her neck, one thumb ghosting over her cheek as he continued to kiss her. He pulled back, every so fleetingly, to look at her. Ida’s eyes were still closed, the smallest of furrows between her brow. Hers lips were pink and a little swollen, a sheen of moisture covering them from where he had kissed her. Billy ran his thumb over her plump bottom lip and dipped his head to kiss her once more, his tongue brushing gently against her bottom lip. He kissed her languidly, and she moaned when his tongue parted her lips. Fuck, he needed her. Billy walked her back against the wall of the flat, mouth never leaving Ida’s, as rain bounced off the balcony edge and pattered their skin with cold. Keeping his hand in her hair, he pulled her head back and left gentle, open-mouthed kisses against the column of Ida’s neck. He nipped at the skin with his teeth, and when she shuddered, he did it again. Unable to stop himself, he pressed a knee between her legs, the hand that had been holding her waist suddenly at her hip, pushing her into the wall and holding her in place. As Billy pressed his weight against Ida’s, she opened her eyes with a gasp as a memory invaded her thoughts.

“Did you ever stop to think, Ida, that I’m not shutting myself off from everyone? Just you!”

“Billy,” she croaked, placing her hands on his shoulders. He continued to kiss her. “Billy, please.”

She could see Billy towering over her, pinning her body against the wall of his flat. He had licked his lips and braced himself against the wall, leant towards her and pressed his weight against her torso. She could see him closing his eyes as he felt her beneath him. “Did you ever stop to think, Ida, that I’m not shutting myself off from everyone, just you?”

“Billy,” he looked up at her, his eyes wide and questioning. He watched as more tears came. “Don’t Billy. My heart can’t take it again.” Ida dipped beneath his arms and hurried back into the flat. Billy stood there, staring at the spot where Ida had been.

“Fuck!” he hissed, hitting the wall. “FUCK!” A few tears of his own fell this time, and he wiped them away furiously. Here it was again, that painful, humiliating voice at the back of his mind. You’ve fucked up. Again. He leant his head against the rough wall and listened to the rain. Focus on what’s around you. That’s what Lana told him to do when he got flashbacks of Cranstead Fields. Eyes shut, head against the wall, Billy listened to the rain, the laughter of night-time revellers on the street below. He stuck his arm over the balcony and felt the rain against his hand. He heard Ida slam her bedroom door, and his heart contracted painfully. Sometimes, Billy felt like he could read Ida’s mind and sometimes, it scared him. Like now. He knew that she had been taken back to their argument in his flat. As he pressed his body against hers, he had remembered it too. The way she had watched him lick his lips, and how she had cried when he told her he didn’t want her anymore.

You’ve fucked up. Again.

No. Billy remembered why he came here. Remembered how desperately he wanted to see her, so desperate that his body had brought him here before his mind had caught up. Billy needed Ida, and he needed her to know.

*

Ida stood with her back against her bedroom door, one hand at her heart, the other just below her stomach. On the opposite wall was a photo of her and Billy, at the beach on his birthday last year, and she stared at it. Her hand moved to her mouth, and she shut her eyes. She could still feel the ghost of Billy’s lips there. In the mirror, she caught site of a little red mark on her neck, and heat blossomed shamefully between her legs.

Fuck.

She was standing at a precipice, leaning forward ever so deliciously. Behind her was the Collected History of Billy and Ida, volumes and volumes of memory, all compiled to make the woman she was in this very moment; heartbroken, terrified, excited. Ahead, who knew? Ida wanted to lean over, to peak at was waiting. But that’s not how it works. Jump thrillingly into the unknown or turn back to the familiar. Could she and Billy go back to the way they were before? After all that had happened, all that Ida wanted to happen…

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. A message from Sofia.

Just arrived at the airport, all on time. Will message when we land. How are you feeling honey? xxx

Ida hastily texted back, a flush on her cheeks.

Horny and confused

Three little dots appeared immediately to signify that Sofia was writing.

Erm, what? xxx

As Ida’s hands hovered over the screen, she heard the balcony door shut and Billy making his way into the kitchenette. The taps turned on, and there was the clutter of glasses. A fork of lightning illuminated her bedroom, and Ida made her way to the window. Rain cascaded down the panes, London only just visible. A sliver of light from the hall cut the bedroom in two. She looked over her shoulder. Billy stood there, leaning against the doorframe and silhouetted by the light, watching her once again.

“Ida-”

“Everything’s changed.” She said simply. Another fork of lightning split the sky, and Ida was reminded of the book laying open on the sofa. “’We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.’”

“Pardon?” Billy crept into the room to stand at her side.

“It’s from Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” she replied, eyes still focused on the night beyond.

A small laugh escaped Billy; of course Ida had a quote for everything. He looked at her looking at the sky and said lowly, “Say it again.”

She looked at him looking at her. “’We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.’” Another spark of lightning. His eyes were electric. Billy stared at her, unblinking, as though she would disappear if he did. Above the neck of his t-shirt, Ida saw his pulse quicken. God, how she wanted to run her tongue over the freckled skin there. Fuck. This was it. The jump.

“I- I-” She huffed at the disappearance of her confidence. Billy leant forward, his brow questioning, eyes hopeful, plush lips parted. Ida looked at them and in a breathless whisper said, “I wish we could go back to how we were before.”

“I don’t,”

“What?” Ida’s heart froze. “Why?”

Billy’s body relaxed. Everything he’d been through, everything they’d been through together, was leading to this. A great weight lifted from his chest and, looking at her with bright eyes, he said with a simple smile, “Because I love you, Ida.” He watched her lips part, and my God even though he loved it when she talked back, he continued before she could. “I can’t go back to how we were before, looking for some half-hearted attempt at love with someone who isn’t you. Being so near to you yet knowing you aren’t mine is torture. I can’t say when I started loving you, Ida, all I know is it’s easy.” Ida had Billy’s heart in her hands, and he paused, knowing his next sentence would change everything. “If…if…if you don’t want me, say the word and I’ll go, but I had to tell you. Loving you is what I’m best at.”

Ida’s face was unreadable. Just for a moment. Then, quite unexpectedly, she laughed, advancing on him at lightning speed. The last thing Billy Washington remembered of his old life was the sound of Ida’s rasped “Oh, Billy,” before her lips came crashing to his.

Billy’s disbelief didn’t last long. No sooner had her lips met his was he grabbing the plump flesh of her hips and forcing her backwards. She hit the wall with a thump and Billy’s body ground into hers. He grabbed her jaw and pushed her face away so that he might cover her neck with kisses. He saw the mark he had left on her not ten minutes before and licked languidly over the skin, causing Ida to mewl in pleasure. His lips skirted over the flesh of her exposed collarbones, between the clothed valley of her breasts and he sank to his knees. Ida’s hand instantly found his flaxen hair and he looked up at her, a giddy smile on his boyish face. She giggled and caressed his cheeks as, ever so delicately, so tantalising slowly, he lifted the hem of her top to place feather-light kisses on her stomach. Every touch, every moment that Billy spent worshipping her body only added to the heat rising in her chest and pooling at the apex of her thighs. She needed more of him, and reached down to bring her top over her head. Billy groaned as he looked up to see the curve of her breasts, the movement of her soft, pink nipples as her breath shuddered. Ida’s hips rolled involuntarily at the sound of him, and Billy grinned. That damn smile, Ida thought.

He continued to kiss her naked torso as one hand made its firm way up her thigh. Ida whimpered. “Please, Billy.” Nervously, Billy undid the tie of her skirt and let it fall to the floor.

“Fuck.” He could smell her. See her, the wetness of her underwear displaying her wanton need for him. Once more grabbing the soft flesh of her hips, he pressed his face to her arousal and breathed in her scent. Ida sobbed and grabbed his hair.

“Please,”

He wrenched down her underwear and there she was, completely exposed to him. She giggled again, though Billy knew her well enough to hear the nerves they hid. “You’re so beautiful, Ida,” he whispered, looking up at her. How many times had he imagined her like this? Here she was, wild haired and panting, her body illuminated by the city light, shadows of rain from the window caressing every curve of her. Her dark eyes were bright, teeth tucked between her bottom lip, simultaneously smiling while trying not to moan in pleasure. Billy watched her breasts rise with her breathing, and he reached up to run his hand over the sensitive flesh there. The moan was rent from her lips and her hips rose to meet his face. Billy made use of her body’s reaction and hooked his arm under her thigh. Ida gasped when she realised what he was doing. Laying her leg over his shoulder, Billy pushed her further up the wall as he brought his face closer to the thatch of curls above her centre.

He paused just a moment, waiting for her to stop him. When she didn’t, Billy brought his other hand to part her wetness and ran his tongue lazily over her pink centre. Ida cried out, and sank slightly onto him, desperate for more. Billy’s heart swelled with pride and he repeated the action, marvelling in the sounds Ida made above him.

“You taste incredible.” He rasped, continuing to lap at her pussy. Carefully, nervously, she ground herself against him, his nose rubbing against her sensitive bundle of nerves. She laughed, remembering all the sinful times she had thought about his nose.

“What?” Billy laughed too, in between kisses to her core.

“It’s good,” she whispered. “You’re so good.” Billy stood and brought his forehead to hers.

“I love you,”

“Billy,” she kissed him with urgency, tasting herself on his lips. She grabbed his hips and brought him closer to her. Gripping his shoulders, she rolled her hips against his and the hard fabric of his jeans. The bulge beneath them against her clit ignited a desperate need within her. Her mouth broke away from his and her hands frantically made work of his belt. Billy could barely contain himself. He watch as she needily undressed him, and he brought his shirt over his body as she undid the button of his jeans. Distracted by his naked torso, she pressed her bare chest against his and he moaned. Her hands raked over the plains of his chest. The lean muscle, the smattering on hair. Her nails dug into his shoulders and their tongues found each other once again, desperate to taste once another.

“I need you, Billy,” Ida moaned into his mouth. God he’d do anything for her. Taking her hands in his, he spun her around and pushed her lightly on to the bed. He could have sworn he felt his cock twitch as he watched her body bounce on the mattress. He unzipped his jeans and, hooking his fingers in the band of his boxers, slowly removed them, never taking his eyes off Ida.

Her mouth watered. Billy’s cock sprang free from his trousers, and she marvelled at the glisten of precum that adorned its tip. The way it curved upwards, the tautness of his balls, the size of him. She ached to feel him inside her. Billy smirked as she gawped at him. He teasingly ran a hand up and down his length.

“Stop-” she groaned. Billy did so once more before he knelt to kiss her legs.

“You look like that painting, the one we saw in Paris,” he whispered seductively before licking a stripe up her centre.

“God, Billy,” she half laughed, half moaned. They had gone to Paris for her 21st birthday. At the Musee d’Orsay, Billy had blushed furiously when he found Ida gazing at a painting of a woman’s naked torso. He had taken her hand and led her away, but not before looking back over his shoulder.

He crawled up the length of her body. Another pulse of arousal throbbed between Ida’s legs as he did so. The roll of his shoulders and his darkened gaze; she felt like prey. Billy brought a hand to cup her breast, the other reaching harshly between her thighs.

“Fuck!” she cried as Billy ran his long fingers between her wet folds. The sound of her sex was obscene, and Billy fought every urge to sheath himself fully in that heavenly spot between her legs. Slowly, he dipped two fingers inside her, and Ida arched off the bed. Billy caught her nipple between his lips and sucked lightly, ran a tongue over the sensitive flesh, then nipped at it with his teeth. Her pussy clenched around his fingers and he swore. She drove him crazy. Between the pulse of her walls, the soft flesh of her breast and the nipple he tugged between his lips, he could barely focus. He pulled his fingers out of her suddenly and she whimpered. Licking his fingers, he closed his eyes at the taste of her. Ida’s hands wound their way into his hair and tugged him closer. She kissed him. Slowly, deeply, and tasted herself on his tongue. He was intoxicating. Warmth burst in Ida’s chest. No matter how many times she had imagined him when only her hand would do, nothing could compare to this.

Using her hip, and the hand that had found his shoulder, she pushed him lightly so that he fell back onto the mattress. She leant down as though to kiss him, but as he raised his head she moved away. Billy’s frustrated huff died away when Ida bit the pulse point of his neck, when she kissed her way down his chest, hair tickling his abdomen as her fingers brushed over his nipples.

“Oh my God, Ida.” She edged closer and closer to his cock, and when she ran her wet lips over him, he saw stars. Nothing could have prepared Billy for the warmth of Ida’s mouth on him. The swirl of her tongue around the tip of his swollen length, or the way she wrapped her hand around its base as she took him in her mouth. Torturously she worked her mouth around him, sucking as she took him fully. He tasted delicious, but the sounds he made were greater. Wetness gathered on Ida’s thighs as she listened to him beg and moan her name incoherently. When Billy looked down, he saw Ida’s lust-filled eyes staring back at him, and she didn’t miss the way the muscles of his abdomen flexed. Releasing his cock and licking away the precum coating her mouth, Ida straddled his small waist and looked at him with awe. The tight scrunch of his brows, the sheen of sweat that decorated them. The curve of his beautiful lips and the way his Adam’s apple bobbed when she rolled her sex over his achingly hard length. She braced herself with hands splayed across his chest and he gripped her waist with bruising intensity.

“Ida,” he whined as she rubbed her slick across him. Her head fell back when she repeated the action. “Ida!” He was louder that time. Needier. Leaning down to place a tender kiss on his plump lips, idea took him in her hand. With foreheads together, Billy’s hand guiding her hips, Ida sank slowly onto Billy’s length. They moaned in unison, and a few tears of pleasure pricked at Ida’s eyes.  

Finally.

She looked down at Billy, her Billy, who smiled, love-drunk, up at her. He raised himself onto his elbows, one arm wrapping around her waist tightly to hold her secure. Ida whimpered as he shifted them to the edge of the bed, the movement causing him to thrust into her.

“Fuck,” Billy whispered against her chest. Feet planted firmly on the floor, his head was just below hers now. His other hand carded through her hair and she hummed with pleasure. Breath ghosting her neck, Billy placed more sloppy kisses to the skin there. Ida shivered and began rolling her hips. “Fuck.”

The rain continued to hammer on the windows of Ida’s bedroom, now joined by the sounds of their lovemaking. Breathless moans, whimpers of pleasure and the sound of skin on skin as Billy thrust into Ida’s tight heat, every sinew and fibre of him alive and alert to her body. Steadily, the pace at which he drove into her increased, his cock hitting the sweet spot inside her perfectly. He watched as she continued to ride him, transfixed by the bounce of her breasts and the way her mouth fell open.

“God, Billy,” Ida was crying now, the pleasure she felt as he fucked her overwhelming. “Don’t stop.” With a growl that almost sent her over the edge, Billy flipped her back onto the mattress and wrapped her legs around his waist. Harshly he rutted into her, one hand holding her hip in place as the other gripped her throat lightly. Her eyes fluttered shut.

“Look at me,” he pleaded, and with great effort she did so. Hair was sticking to his forehead and his jaw clenched as he pounded into her. His pleasure was so beautiful. Ida kissed his neck as he continued grinding his hips into hers. A hand suddenly flew between their entwined bodies as Billy sought to tease her clit. The pressure to her bundle as he continued his frantic thrusting was blinding, and Ida felt her orgasm build in her stomach.

“Billy, don’t stop!” She cried out, hand flying to his thigh and encouraging his thrusts. Billy’s hips snapped faster into her and the coil snapped. A guttural cry ripped from Ida’s throat as the world turned to white noise, feeling nothing but the shockwaves of her orgasm pulsing through her body. Billy watched as her body tightened beneath him, a flush covering her chest as her pussy fluttered around his cock. It was mere moments before he too came undone, crying her name as he came within her.

Neither of them knew how long they stayed there, bodies bound together as they rode out the high of their orgasms. Billy’s arms gave out on him, and he collapsed on top of Ida. She held him there awhile, feeling the shudder of his body as her legs did the same. When he began gently kissing the glistening skin of her chest, she lifted his head to look at her. Behind the fucked-out, peaceful glimmer in his eyes, she could still see his nervousness. The fear of rejection ever present.

“I love you, Billy. So much.”

Tears formed in his eyes. “Fuck.” Billy buried his face in her chest.

“I love you,” she kissed him. “I love you,” she kissed him again. Between kisses and whispered dedications, she held her Billy, willing him to feel how much her life depended on him. “Stay with me tonight. Please?” He rose to place a kiss to her lips, and nuzzled into her neck, breathing deeply.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

*

Billy woke to a faint stream of sun. Rain clouds still blanketed the sky, but the cacophonous downpour had faded. All that could be heard were the faint breaths of the woman beside him. Hair spread across the pillow in every which way, body relaxed in sleepy bliss. Ida. He reached out to stroke the curve of her exposed tummy, and she hummed.

Everything had changed.

Note: The painting referenced is L’Origine du Monde by Courbet. First ever smut so be kind! As I said at the beginning, I’ve decided to do two more chapters rather than one. See you for the next, thank you for all the kind words and support 😊

Tags: @jessssica1234 @anditsmywholeheart @bookwyrmsblog @phantomontheinternet @aemonds-wifey @slytherincursebreaker @valerie977 @i-killed-ramsey @greenowlfactif @yentroucnagol @schniiipsel @multiple-fandoms-girl @just-emmaaaa @tosiaf

[tallulahneale]

Title: Who really lives their dream?

Summary: Vince as a pharma tech, alternate reality!

A/n: This is a fluffy wuffy story.

Part Eight

It has been 5 weeks since Lula last saw Vince at the operations apartment and it was her best decision ever. Mind made up and her completion of one year plus at Neales Pharmacy, she informs Baptiste that she will be going to Haiti to visit family.

“Are you resigning?” Baptistse asks in shock.

“Not at all. But I overheard the others mention that Susan is looking to get back to work.”

“Don’t worry about Susan, we prefer you.”

Lula giggles.

“I am sure you don’t mean that Baptiste” She smiles “But home is calling and I need to answer before it stops.”

“Okay, okay I hear you. Stay safe out there. You’re welcome back whenever Lula”.

She smiles, waving at Baptiste. The team throw her a mini party and gift her trinkets, a bottle of champagne and a ‘best pharmacist mug’. She hugs them all, including the nosy stout man.

“I think I will miss you the most Gavin” He blushes bright red and smiles back longingly. Wait…No damn way, she thinks to herself, All this time he had a crush?!

——

Lula prepares for her trip to Haiti, making sure everything is in order; rent paid, bills paid for the next two years and perishable foods donated. She books a business class ticket before heading to see Aunty Anita. Even though Vince and her hadn’t spoken in a while, Anita still keeps in touch. She calls Lula to collect some items to drop off with relatives once she reaches Port-au-prince.

As Lula drives up Anita’s driveway, she sees Vince’s car across the street. “Really universe?” She mutters to herself. Or maybe Aunty is tryna play, she thinks, Either way we can’t avoid each other.

She steps out her car, brushes down her sundress, walking to the front door and knocks.

Vince opens the door.

“…”

“…”

“Who is it Vince?” Anita shouts from the living room. I know she’s acting right now, Lula says to herself. Vince doesn’t respond back.

“Lula… come in” He said, stepping aside.

“Thank you, Vince. Hey Aunty” Lula calls excitedly as she walks towards the living room.

“You really know your way around here huh?” Vince mutters loud enough for them all to hear. Lula laughs and rolls her eyes, focusing on the instruction from Anita.

“So the blue goes to Jerome. Don’t give it to his wife or she will give it to her brother. The light blue goes to Gregory and his wife. The purples goes to-”

“Ma why are you giving Lula a bunch of things for people in Haiti?”

“Boy don’t interrupt my process” Anita continues, telling Lula who should get what and where to drop it off. “FYI Son, she is visiting Haiti this weekend.”

Vince looks at Lula and she looks back at him.

“Well this is awkward” Anita mutters leaving the room.

“I would have told yo-”

“Do you need a ride to the airport?” Vince asks.

“Yes, please” She replies.

“Alright. Call me the morning of your flight.”

“Okay, I will. I would have told you sooner but I thought you were upset that I left.”

“I was. Obviously. But that was for 2 days. We’re cool boubout.”

Lula smiles, “I need to finish packing. I’ll call you over the weekend.”

——

As agreed, Vince picks Lula from her house and drops her off at the airport.

“Are you coming back to Cali?” He asks, almost predicting her answer.

“Maybe” she says. Giving him a gentle smile “For real bro, don’t be a stranger.” They laugh, she goes to check-in, waves goodbye to Vince and waits at her gate.

“Going to Haiti too?” Lula looks to her left, to find a tall dark man with a fade smiling at her. She nods smiling back but doesn’t respond.

As she boards the flight and settles in her seat, she sees the same man from earlier.

“I guess we are buddies for the next 10 hours” he says settling across the aisle from her.

“I guess we are” She giggles back.

“Is that man you were with at check-in your partner?”

“Nope, a work colleague.” She laughs “Nosy.”

“Hey, I’m Pierre” he chuckles charmingly.

“I’m Tallulah. Lula for short”

“Nice to meet you, Lula” Pierre grins before settling back to his seat.

——

Halfway through the flight, Pierre makes small talk with Lula. She entertains him, impressed with his craft. He’s also a native of Haiti, just visiting Cali for business and vacation.

“I’d love to show you around and get you settled in, if that’s okay with you?” Pierre insists.

Lula beams at him “Really?!”

“Yes Lula, your love for Haiti has me feeling all sorts and I want to be here to support you.” Damn, this man is laying it on thickkk, she says to herself. “If you say so… but don’t be making empty promises!”

“To you Lula, never.” She smiles looking away.

“Once we land, I’ll get you a SIM card, a second phone and you can use my chauffeur while you’re out and about. How’s that?” Lula stares blankly at him.

“Earth to Lula?”

“Lula is experiencing some technical difficulties, please try again after Lula naps” she replies nerd-like. Pierre belly laughs and nods.

Pierre keeps his promise and Lula is settled within 10 days of arrival. She calls Anita and Vince to check in, drop off the gifts to their relatives and tours Haiti with Pierre.

“It feels amazing to be home” Lula says gently.

“Your presence makes me feel amazing Lula.” Pierre replies passionately. She giggles as they head to the next store to buy furniture for her new apartment.

Part Nine link

~~

Translations: (n/b not fluent in Creole)

Boubout = Sweetheart

~~

[ryqoshay]

Melody Air - Fly High: Roses

Primary Pairing Trio: YuuAyuSetsu Rating: G Words: 1k Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki AU: Airline Time Frame: Sometime after the main story Event: Femslash February 2023 Event Source: @femslashfeb Prompt: Rose

---------

Author’s Note: It’s still the 9th somewhere in the world...

Summary: Ayumu has Valentine’s gifts for Yuu and Setsuna

Reminder: Melody Air is a regional airline headquartered at Haneda (closest airport to Odaiba.) Setsuna is a pilot. Ayumu is a flight attendant. Yuu works in the control tower.

---------

“Happy Valentine’s, Yuu-chan, Setsuna-chan.” Ayumu said holding out two small vases with contents hidden by sleeves of red paper.

“Thank you, Ayumu-san.” Setsuna said, accepting her gift. “Did you get us flowers?”

“Not just any flowers…” Yuu grinned.

“Yuu-chan…” Ayumu scolded gently.

“Sorry. Sorry.” Yuu replied, looking nowhere near apologetic, rather she seemed far more excited to see Setsuna’s reaction.

Honestly, Ayumu couldn’t blame Yuu for anticipating their girlfriend’s reaction, as she was anxious for it as well. It came as no surprise that Yuu had managed to stumble across Ayumu’s gift giving plans. She had a knack for figuring out Ayumu’s secrets, and it didn’t help that Ayumu always let her guard down around her childhood friend. So now they both wanted to see Setsuna’s surprise.

“Can we open them?” Setsuna asked, her hand already ready to pull off the sleeve.

“Of course.” Ayumu smiled.

With great care, likely more than was necessary, Setsuna slowly slid the paper off her bouquet.

“A… Ayumu-san…” The sense of wonder was clear in Setsuna’s tone. “Did you make these?” Her eyes practically sparkled.

“Yes.” Ayumu confirmed.

“They’re beau… wait…”

Ah, she noticed. Ayumu thought to herself as she glanced over quickly to see Yuu’s anticipation mounting alongside her own.

Setsuna pulled the flowers in for closer inspection. Sticking out from the red paper petals of each flower was an array of multicolor petals of differing shapes and sizes. Setsuna touched one gently with the end of her finger. Ayumu could see the gears spinning in her head as she inspected another flower before comparing it to the first.

“Are these… wind roses?” Setsuna finally asked.

Yuu giggled. “I told ya she’d figure it out.” She nudged Ayumu’s arm.

“This one is Haneda’s, right?” Setsuna indicated the first flower she had inspected. “And this one is Hakodate.” She indicated the one she had used for comparison.

“You’re right on both.” Ayumu nodded.

“So that means…” Setsuna scanned the bouquet. “These are all off the airports serviced by Melody Air.”

“We have a winner!” Yuu cheered.

“Ayumu-san this…” Tears brimmed Setsuna’s eyes. “These are amazing…”

“Woah there, I got them…” Yuu snatched the vase out of Setsuna’s hand.

Setsuna surged forward and threw her arms around Ayumu.

“Thank you, Ayumu-san!” Setsuna cried happily, bouncing a little with excitement. “I love them! It’s such a creative gift! How did you come up with such a wonderful idea?”

“I was just trying to think about how to combine your love of airplanes and flying with Valentine’s Day.” Ayumu explained as she returned her girlfriend’s hug. “And somehow the idea of wind roses stuck, so I made wind rose roses.”

“Well I really love them.” Setsuna repeated, pulling away just enough that she could regain eye contact, but not out of the embrace. “Ooo… I wish I had a desk or something at work where I could display them. I don’t think it would be a good idea to have something like this in Hashiri.” She mentioned the plane she usually flew for the airline.

“You might be able to find a place for one.” Yuu suggested. “Their stems are pipe cleaners, so you wrap it around something. Or…” she giggled at her idea, “maybe you can secure it to your cap.”

Ayumu could tell immediately that the pilot was seriously considering the idea. “She’s joking, Setsuna-chan.” She pointed out, suddenly worried she might be responsible for her girlfriend being reprimanded for unprofessional attire. “I’m sure you can find somewhere to display one in the cockpit, so long as it doesn’t violate any safety regulations.”

“Or maybe in Chaser?” Yuu named the Cessna Setsuna owned.

“I didn’t think about that airport.” Ayumu voiced her realization.

“It’s more of an airstrip, honestly.” Yuu pointed out. “But there’s a more official word for it…”

“Aerodrome?” Setsuna asked.

“Yeah, that.”

“It still has a wind rose though. That’s what they use to align the runways in a more optimal design, instead of the old triangle system. It was a really clever tactic and is what helped make larger airports possible.”

Ayumu decided not to point out the fact that she had just read about the history of wind roses in relation to the history of aviation when she was side tracked in trying to find the designs of the various airports served by Melody Air. She loved watching Setsuna while she excitedly shared information about things that interested her. She would never let a little thing like already knowing what Setsuna was talking about spoil her enjoyment of her girlfriend’s passion.

“Perhaps I can make one for Chaser?” Ayumu offered. “One based on the aerodrome where she’s stored?”

“You’d be willing to do that?” Setsuna’s eyes widened.

“Very much so.”

“Thank you, Ayumu-san, but… then that would mean I have one more than Yuu-san.”

At that, Yuu burst out laughing. “Don’t worry about that, Setsuna-chan.” She dismissed with a wave. “We can call it even because I will be able to display mine at my station at work.”

“Are you sure?” Setsuna remained unconvinced.

Yuu chuckled again and set both vases down on the table near her. She then approached the other two women and joined in the hug. “If you’re really still worried, just take Ayumu and I flying again soon.”

“Alright.”

“And maybe tonight, we can watch something about wind roses? I would love to learn more about my gift.”

“There’s a great documentary about the history of runway design.”

“Sounds like a plan. And before that, dinner.”

At that, it was Ayumu’s turn to laugh. As much as she knew Yuu had been looking forward to Setsuna’s reaction to the wind roses, she was also anticipating a good meal for the holiday.

“I’ll get started on that.” Ayumu said, starting to detach herself.

“I’ll help.” Yuu and Setsuna said, nearly in unison.

“Alright. Thank you, Setsuna-chan, Yuu-chan.”

Finally, after the trio exchanged affirmations of their love for one another, they headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: I wanted to take a bit of a different approach to the prompt than what may have been expected or is stereotypical or whatever; I mean the wind roses were still part of actual paper roses, bust still...

And I must thank YouTube for recommending I rewatch CGP Grey’s pair of recent airline videos that ended up being the inspiration for this chapter.

And now I want to rewatch them again...

[winterscaptain]

come home.

Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Reader a top gun: maverick fic

a/n: i am so excited to share this fic with you all! i started writing it as soon as i came home from my first watch and the final edits came in last night as i reviewed my notes from my third visit to the theater. as always, let me know what you think! 

words: 16k content advisories:  language, alcohol use, alcohol mention, food consumption, general shenanigans and goofy group chats acknowledgements: thank you to my beta-readers and collaborators, aimz (@ssaic-jareau) and katie (@extrakatie). shout out to red (@hurricanejjareau), my concept co-creator who helped me at every step. couldn’t do this without you!

summary: if home is where the heart is, you hate it when your home has to crash-land on an aircraft carrier. or, what happens when dagger squad comes home.

masterlist | ask 

You hear your name over your cube and stand, surprised to see one of the few admirals in the building standing by your desk. They aren’t a rarity in the Pentagon by any stretch, but they don’t usually need to see you. 

Your phone sits open, waiting for a text from Bradley. The exchange from last night stands lonely on your screen. 

4:56am On the deck! I love you.

4:57am I love you! Fly safe and come home to me in one piece.

4:59am ❤️

“Sir?”

He hands you a piece of paper. It appears to be a boarding pass for a plane headed to San Diego in a couple of hours. Your stomach drops and you have no idea what your face looks like when you meet the admiral’s gaze again. 

“Transport is due in tonight.”

You swallow. There’s part of you that always worried about Bradley dying out there in one of his fucking planes…

“Sir, is…” You clear your throat. “Is he…”

The admiral spares you. “He’s alive. And mostly fine.” There’s a funny little smile on his face. “Be sure to thank Lt. Seresin when you arrive.”

“Hangman?” You ask, your brow furrowed. “Respectfully, sir, what the hell happened out there?”

+++

You check in to the naval hospital and practically jog to Bradley’s room. You don’t find him right away, but you do see part of his team - Hangman, Phoenix, Bob, and Payback - sitting in the little plastic chairs in the waiting area. 

Without thinking about it too much, you hardly wait for Jake to get to his feet before you’re throwing your arms around his neck, burying your face in his chest or shoulder, or whatever you can reach. 

“Thank you.”

You can feel him nod and tighten his grip on you. One arm secures you around the waist, his other hand holding your head to him. 

The few details you know are enough to owe him for a lifetime, so you thank him again. You’re not sure what you say in total, but you certainly repeat yourself a few times. 

“Of course,” he replies. “It’s my job and I’d do it again.”

You hear a scoff and pull back, wiping your eyes. 

You’re met with Phoenix’s grin. “He’s being dramatic,” she says. “It wasn’t that exciting.” 

“Excuse me,” Hangman retorts. “Did you dead-eye fire at a fifth-gen fighter yesterday while it was nose to nose with Maverick and Rooster, destroying the incoming missile and the aircraft, surely and heroically saving their lives?”

Phoenix rolls her eyes. You just know this incident will give him enough ego ammunition for the rest of time. 

“That’s enough,” you tell him with a smile. “Plus, I’m pretty sure you just breached your clearance.”

Bob pulls a face. “He definitely did.”

You grin, feeling truly relaxed for the first time in seven hours. “Where’s Fanboy?”

Payback looks up. “Cafeteria. He’ll be back soon. Want anything?” 

“No, I’m good. I ate at the airport in DC.” You peer down the hallway. “Just eager to see my boy.”

“That was…” Bob says under his breath, checking his watch and looking at Phoenix, “like seven hours ago.” 

“Is that who I think it is?” A voice down the hallway has you turning over your shoulder. “Chim!” 

“Coyote!”

He grins and scoops you up, turning you around in a circle before setting you back on your feet.

“With the Rooster in the coop, the Chicken couldn’t have been too far behind, right?” Hangman quips, that shit-eating grin back on his face. 

“That’s a stupid-ass nickname and you know it,” you tell him. 

He shrugs. “It’s your call sign, now. Better get used to it.”

“Wait,” Phoenix says. “Chicken, I get, but Chims? I’m lost.” 

“It’s just a stupid thing that evolved,” Coyote says, shrugging. “Stupid way to say chicken turned into chimken, then Chicken became Chim…” He waves her off. “I mean, how do you get Bag Man from Hangman?”

Hangman rolls his eyes, ready to come back at her but something stops him. He looks past you and smiles. “Hey, Mav! How’s he doin’?” 

“Good,” a voice replies. “He’ll be ready for visitors in about fifteen minutes. They’re running a couple of cognitive tests and then they want to keep him overnight, just in case. He smacked his head pretty good on ejection and again on landing, so even with the helmet…” The voice trails off and you turn. “Who’s this?” 

Maverick Mitchell’s face is a familiar one from photos and the old home videos Carole showed you before she died, not to mention the brief glimpses you got at the funeral. 

He’s got a place of honor on Rooster’s desk at home, but you’ve always known the focal point of that picture to be Goose in the RIO seat. Maverick is, of course, a recognizable figure, but not one that inspires any degree of fondness. 

He offers a hand to you and you take it somewhat coldly, keeping a neutral expression on your face. Before you can remind him who you are, Jake gives your name and adds, “We call her Chicken though.” 

“Chicken, huh? When did that start?” Mav asks with a smile. 

You shrug, your mouth pinched. “When Bradley was in OCS, I guess.”

“I’m sure I’ll hear the story later,” he says. His smile softens. “It’s good to see you again.”

Sure.

You give him a tight pull of your mouth that could be a smile if you tried a little harder. “Yeah.”

You feel a little bad - you know Maverick had a good hand in saving Bradley’s life as well, but the hours you’ve spent drying tears over this motherfucker in the last thirteen years makes that easy to overlook. 

Turning, you check in with Bob and Phoenix, “I’m gonna head down to mess and pick something up. Need anything?” 

“I thought you -” 

Phoenix elbows Bob and answers for both of them. “We’re good. We’ll be here.” 

+++

Maverick isn’t fazed by your chilly reception. He knows who you are. 

“What was that about?” Coyote asks, finding a seat. 

Maverick shrugs. “As you might recall, Rooster and I weren’t on the best terms when we all arrived. Recent developments aside, I get it. I’m sure it’ll be alright.” He offers a firm pat on Coyote’s shoulder before sitting down himself. 

“Why’d they let you loose?” Phoenix asks. “Didn’t you also go down in enemy territory?” 

“Ah, they don’t care much about me. Rooster still has many distinguished years to offer the Navy.” 

Phoenix snorts. “C’mon.” 

“Alright,” Mav relents. “I had them check me out on the carrier and I was fine. I insisted they send Rooster for a full work-up, just in case.”

Phoenix hums, leaving it alone for now. 

“How long’s it been since they’ve seen each other?” Hangman asks. 

“The poultry?”

Hangman snorts and nods. 

Phoenix shrugs. “Unless he stopped off in Virginia on his way here, it’s been five or six months. He’d been overseas for a minute and he wasn’t due back for shore duty until the middle of spring.” She sighs. “Maybe he’ll actually pull his head out of his ass and marry her this time.” 

+++

You check in with the front desk again to confirm Bradley can take visitors again before you go upstairs. You don’t want to spend any more time than is necessary with Maverick. 

It is strange though, you figure. The only reason you know Bradley at all is because Mav pulled his papers. It makes you smile, remembering back to undergrad at UVA, more than a decade ago. 

“Excuse me!” 

You turn and smile, finding a tall and sort-of cute (mostly tall) guy jogging up to you. 

“Do you know where I can find…um…” He checks his phone. “Professor Taylor? I have office hours and I’m late.” 

You nod. “I just came from her office.” You turn and point at the building a little ways down the path. “Head over there and she’s on the third floor. The elevator’s broken, though, so you’ll have to go up the stairs on the outside of the building.” 

He heaves a breath. “Thank you. You don’t happen to be in 312 with her, do you?” 

“Yeah,” you tell him. “I sit behind you.” 

He (you suppose unconsciously) brings his hand to the back of his head. “Really?” 

“Yeah, really.” You put an earbud back in. “I’ll be there Thursday. Don’t be later than you already are!” 

“Oh, shit.” He takes off at a run and hops backward for a moment, facing you. “Thanks!” 

You step out of the elevator and make your way down the hall, bypassing the team in a hurry. A couple of them stand to greet you, but you can see Bradley through the window and that’s your sole focus. 

He’s in pajamas - well, a UVA shirt and pair of joggers - rather than a gown. That alone is enough to keep your blood pressure down. He looks fine from here…

“Christ, baby! What are you doing he-”

Your lips on his are enough to shut him up. He lets out a little breath, melting into you. His arms slide around you, stealing your breath as your hands knead into the hair at the base of his neck. He flinches a little and you pull back immediately, letting go. 

“Sorry.” 

He shakes his head, his mega-watt grin blinding you. “You’re fine. You’re perfect. Hi.” His hand pulls from your waist, coming up to rest against your cheek. “When did you get in?” 

“About an hour ago.” You slide a hand down the outside of his arm, holding his hand to your cheek. You kiss his palm. “I missed you.” 

“Missed you, too,” he says, nearly at a whisper. 

You shuffle so you can wrap your arms around him and burrow deep, holding him as tight as you can. “You’re not allowed to crash planes anymore, okay?”

He chuckles. “No promises, sweetheart.” 

You stand there for a moment, swaying a little. The nurses are kind enough to leave you alone for a second. He smells the same - something warm and sunshiny, with a touch of jet fuel, canvas, and something clean and cozy.

“You scared the fuck outta me.” 

“I’m sorry,” he says. He means it. “I’ve got some stuff I want to talk to you about, too.” 

Your stomach drops and you lean back to look at him. 

“Ah, shit. Sorry. That’s - that’s not how I wanted to phrase that.” He smiles at you and your heart unclenches. “I just wanted to fill you in on a couple of things. But I want to hear about what you’re working on, first.”

He lets you guide him to the bed, where he settles in among the pillows and pulls you with him. 

You curl into his side and start telling him about the project you’re working on at the Pentagon - at least the basic details he’s allowed to know - for a few seconds before he interrupts you. 

“Wait, how did you get here?” 

You twist around to look at him. “Do I need to send you back for more concussion screening?” 

He rolls his eyes. “No, I mean -”

“I got here in a commercial airliner. They’re significantly bigger than the planes you fly, but I think you’ve seen them before? Maybe a Boeing 777?” 

“Shut up. You know what I mean.” 

You smile and relent. “Yeah, alright. My boss said, verbatim, ‘given your highly-decorated boyfriend got blown up in enemy airspace and crash-landed an F-14 on a carrier less than twelve hours ago, you can take a couple of days off.’” 

“He sounds cool.” 

“He’s reasonable.” 

There’s quiet for a moment. You breathe deeply, letting out a long, relieved sigh. Bradley’s fingers trace patterns on your shoulder somewhat absently. 

“Hey,” he says. 

You look up. 

“Does it bug you that we’ve been together so long and I’ve never asked you to marry me?”

You swallow to cover the bolt of adrenaline shot into your system. “You’ve asked me to marry you plenty of times.”

A cup of coffee lands in his hands after a bad night of sleep. You sit beside him, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. 

“Marry me,” he says, smiling.

You laugh. “No.”

He mimes stabbing himself in the gut, twisting and pulling the invisible blade. “You wound me, my lady.”

“Call me when you’ve got a ring, honey.”

And it’s true. Except on paper and in the eyes of the Navy, for all intents and purposes, you’re married. 

“Yeah, but seriously,” he says. He almost sounds concerned. 

You sit up a little, bracing yourself on your arm so you can look at him. “What’s on your mind?”

“Well…” He looks anywhere but you, surprisingly bashful. “I just…I don’t want you to feel that I take you for granted.”

“I don’t feel that way,” you tell him, quickly. “Not at all.”

“I know. But you deserve better than just a long-time boyfriend who’s too busy to get his shit together and lock you down already.”

You huff a laugh. “Last I checked, I’m not dating Jake.”

Bradley rolls his eyes. “You know what I mean. It’s been a long time.”

“Yeah, I do, and it has.” Your free hand shakes as you run it over his collar and down his chest. “But I’m fine, baby. You know that. I’m in no rush.”

“You’ve thought about it, right? Making it official?” He asks. 

The genuine insecurity in his voice makes you smile. “Don’t be stupid. Of course I’ve thought about it. I’ve thought about it since our fourth date.”

“Fourth?” Now he just sounds offended. 

You push at his shoulder. “Fourth. You know what you did on the third.”

He tips his head. You’re right. 

There’s quiet for another moment. 

“Bradley Bradshaw,” you start. He really does have a goofy, delightful name, doesn’t he? “When we’ve got time, we’ll make it happen. I don’t need time or a ring or a wedding when I’ve got you coming home with me after the Navy’s had her way with you.”

“You make us sound like swingers.”

You laugh. “Well, the Navy isn’t your mistress and neither am I, so I’ll leave you to do the math on that one.”

“Fair enough,” he says. He pulls you down beside him and kisses your forehead, tipping your chin up for something a little more proper. It’s easy to melt into him.

“But seriously,” he continues. “I want to marry the hell out of you and I love you. Is that okay?”

“Yeah,” you tell him. “That’s definitely okay.” You pause for a second. “But when you’re actually ready to ask, you better do it for real so I know you’re not joking this time.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

+++

You run into a three-star admiral at the coffee bar later in the evening. He taps your shoulder and says your name. You throw your headphones off your ears and around your neck, looking over at him. 

“Sir?” 

“They call you Chicken, don’t they?” 

You can’t help but smile a little. “Should my ears be burning, sir?” 

“Only a little,” he says. He offers a hand. “Admiral Simpson.” 

You take it. “I’ve heard lots about you, Admiral. My supervisor at the Pentagon was class of ‘93 at Top Gun.” 

“Ah. Thunder is a friend. I’m glad to hear he’s still working his magic over there.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Shall we?” He gestures down the hall and you nod, walking a little ahead of him through the door. 

You walk with him in silence for a little while. At this point, you’ve grown immune to the intimidation factor of high-ranking Navy officers (especially pilots). You know they’re all, at least on the inside, little kids who love planes. Plus, anyone who willingly gets into a two-billion-dollar bomb for a day job has to be a little crazy.

“I was talking to Thunder this morning, actually.” 

Your step only falters a little bit, but you wait for him to say more. 

“I hear the work you’re doing at the Pentagon is important.” 

“Yes, sir. I think so.” You offer him a small smile and he returns it. 

He stops a little ways outside Bradley’s door. You join him, keeping your eyes affixed to the nurse schedule on the whiteboard across the way. “I also hear that you request a transfer every time Rooster is stationed somewhere new.” 

You shrug. “I make an effort. Since he’s been overseas so much the last year or so, I’ve settled in at the Pentagon a little bit more.” 

“We spoke a bit this morning about transferring your contract to NIWC Pacific. There are a couple of projects relevant to your current work that we’d like to have you lead down here, if you’re interested.” 

You blink a couple of times. “When would that transfer go into effect?” 

“Not this Monday, but the Monday after. You’d theoretically have the rest of this week off and next week would be spent facilitating the first part of the responsibility transfer among your Pentagon team. Of course, the Navy would be happy to assist with relocation, as your permanent address is also Rooster’s.” He sighs, almost sounding regretful. 

“Sir?” 

“Of course, this would be easier if you were married, but that’s neither here nor there.” He smiles at you and starts to walk away. “Just think about the transfer. Thunder will reach out soon for your official word.”

+++

“So,” Bradley says without preamble, “about Maverick.” 

You look over at him, a question in your eyes.

Bradley seems to struggle with his words for a second. “We both saved each others’ asses out there. I’d be dead without him.” 

There’s silence for a second. You know he’ll get there eventually. 

“He’s the closest thing to a father I remember and it was… weird being around him again.” 

He reaches out and you take his hand. His thumb passes back and forth over your knuckles, treating them almost like a worry stone. 

Bradley flies down the hill on his bike, going way too fast, but he can’t feel fear over the rush of the wind on his face. He pedals faster… faster… faster. 

Before he can blink, he’s upside down, tumbling over the handlebars and onto the asphalt. He lands on his arm and something doesn’t feel right. He licks his lips and wipes his nose of what he’s sure is sweat. It comes off his chin red, dripping onto the pavement. 

He’s stunned, frankly. There’s something in his nine-year-old brain that can’t grasp the concept of his own lack of invincibility. 

All at once, the pain starts and he begins to wail in earnest, yelling for his mom, or Mav, or whoever might be around. 

Maverick hears him first. He’s sitting at the Bradshaws’ kitchen table, nursing a beer in the sunshine from the window. Faster than the jet he flies daily, he rockets out of his seat, throwing the door open and hopping the porch fencing, bracing his fall with his hands before finding his feet again. He can see Bradley down the hill on the street, small and blond and covered in dirt and blood. 

“Mav!”

“I’m coming, buddy! Hold on.”

Pete isn’t even breathless when he gets to Bradley, scooping him onto his hip with one arm and rescuing his bike with the other. 

He can’t bring himself to care that his white v-neck is soaking up the blood from Bradley’s bloody forehead. He holds him tightly, tighter when Bradley burrows further into him. 

“It’s okay, bud. We’ll sort you out.”

Mav opens the door and calls out for Carole, his voice loud but calm. He kisses Bradley’s head and sets him down on the counter next to the sink. “Alright, buddy. Let’s see what we’re working with.”

Bradley’s sobs have calmed to hiccups and he refuses to let go of his arm, hugging it to his body. Mav figures ten minutes won’t matter much for that. 

Carole is admirably calm as she joins them, washing the garden off her hands before retrieving the first aid kit in the bathroom. 

With gentle hands, Mav cleans the dirt out of the cut on Bradley’s forehead and the scrapes on his chin and nose. Carole gives them space after a moment, watching Maverick talk quietly to Bradley, narrating his movement and giving him a hard time about “using the afterburner on the descent.”

It makes her smile. 

“I’m ready for him to be back in my life again, I think. Losing Ice has been…” He pauses. “It’s been hard and weird and I need what’s left of my family, I think.” He looks at you. “What do you think?”

“I think if you’re ready to move on, that’s a good thing.” You think for a moment and add, “I’m glad you and Mav had some time together. It’s been a long time.” 

You sit with Ice in the waiting room. He has a hand on your shoulder, warm and solid. The two of you get to your feet when Bradley returns, looking like he’s aged a decade in the past twenty-four hours. 

“How is she?” You ask. 

He shakes his head. “Fading fast.”

Ice’s hand slides off your shoulder as you leave him, crossing the room to take Bradley in your arms. He holds you tightly, burrowing into you, his eyes squeezing shut. 

His breath catches and you adjust your grip, holding even tighter. Tears land on your shoulder. 

“I’m so sorry, baby.”

He takes a shuddering breath. “She wants to see you if you’re up to it.” He looks over your shoulder. “You too, Uncle Ice.”

You lead the way down the hall, Ice following behind you. He’s like a looming shadow: lean, strong, and intimidating. 

Carole looks awfully small, but they’ve removed all the tubes and wires. She smiles at you, soft, before her gaze shifts to Ice. 

“Come here, you two.”

You take a seat to her left, by her head. Ice takes the one next to you. Carole holds his hand.

“I’ve asked Bradley to consider forgiving Pete, but I know he won’t for a long time.” She pauses. “You two are the only family he has left, in his mind. I know you’ll take care of him, but you need to take care of each other, too.”

“You got it, Carole,” Ice says, the side of his mouth lifting in a handsome, crooked smile. “Mav’s at our wing, too. Flying low-vis.”

She smiles at you, sharing a moment only the Navy-adjacent can truly appreciate. Her gaze grows serious and she looks at Ice. “Get Bradley back home and call Maverick, please. He’s the only one allowed to be here when I die.”

You’ll never forget the look of hollow grief on Maverick’s face when you saw him for the first time the next morning. You were left alone as Bradley brushed past him without a word and stepped into the room to see his mother’s body, to say goodbye. 

Maverick doesn’t speak and neither do you. When Bradley returns, Maverick reaches out. 

Bradley pulls away with a roll of his shoulder, taking your hand. “C’mon,” he says to you. “There’s a lot of stuff to do.” 

You don’t see Maverick, watching you go, feeling more alone than he has in his entire life. 

“Yeah. It’s nice to understand him a little bit better as an adult.” He shrugs. “I really hated him for pulling my papers but I know he was just…” He heaves a sigh. “He’s just trying to do right by me, I think. I didn’t get that before.” 

“That’s understandable.” You trace little patterns on his shirt. “He hurt you, held you back. You’d be insane not to be at least a little mad.” 

He hums again. “I guess. I did meet you, though, so it’s not all bad.” 

“No?” You ask, smiling. “Not all bad?” 

“No,” he replies. He presses a kiss to your forehead. “And I was thinking about how shitty I’ve been about that - I can’t imagine how me griping about my wasted time at UVA made you feel. I’m really sorry.” 

You shake your head. “I understood the implicit exception.” 

“It was still insensitive. Mav said something about that today and it kind of clicked. So…” He sighs. “I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like it was a mistake or a fluke that I met you.” 

“You’re the dumbest man alive, you know that?” You pat his chest. “And don’t you think I would have told you if that hurt my feelings?” 

He snorts. “Now, yeah. Ten years ago? No.” 

“Fair enough,” you reply, squeezing his hand. 

He smiles. “I guess what I’m really saying is, be nice to him. I’m sure he’ll want to get to know you.” 

“Alright. I’ll do my best.” You return his smile and kiss the back of his hand. “I love you, you know.” 

“I do know that, yes,” he replies with a smile. “And I love you.” 

+++

Bradley reaches for his phone and you hand it to him without looking up from your tablet. 

“I can get it, you know. I’m not actually injured.” 

You smile sweetly at him and he rolls his eyes. He fires off a text to Hangman. 

9:03pm I need a favor. 

Jake replies immediately. 9:03pm I just saved your life and you need another favor?

9:03pm It’s easy I promise.

Jake doesn’t reply, so Bradley sends his request anyway. 

9:04pm Can you or Mav grab Chims and take her to the hotel? She needs to sleep and I need to make a phone call before it gets too late.

The response is instant. 9:04pm Wait are you finally pulling the trigger??? 

Bradley stuffs his grin. 9:05pm If you say anything, I’ll ironically kill you. 

9:05pm I always wanted an unironic and heroic death. Just for that, you get Mav. 

9:05pm Thanks. Seriously dont say anything i swear 

He sends another text to a friend, Lt. Gavin “Stub” Alonso in Virginia - one who has keys to your shared apartment. 

9:05pm Are you still up/can you help me with something?

Stub replies promptly, thankfully. 9:05pm I’m up. All good in SD? 

9:06pm All good. Need a favor. Can you drive to the apt and call me? 9:06pm I need something shipped ASAP. 

9:07pm Easy. I’ll be there in 20 mins. 

He gets a final text from Hangman. 9:07pm I wont!! Who do you think I am? 9:07pm Don’t answer that.

Bradley puts his phone down and leans back against the pillows. “Hey, when’s the last time you slept?” 

“What?” You look over at him again looking admittedly a little dazed.

“I asked when’s the last time you slept.”

“I slept last night. Why?”

“I just know you’re still on East Coast time, so I wanted to make sure that you’re able to get back to the hotel tonight.”

You clamber out of the chair, setting your tablet aside, and sit next to him on the bed. “I’m fine.” You offer a pinkie to him. “I promise.”

He smiles and links his pinkie with yours, twisting your linked fingers to kiss the back of your hand. “I believe you, but you need to get some sleep.”

“Alright, fine. I’ll walk off base and call an Uber or something.” You hop off the side of the bed and start gathering your things. 

Bradley chases after you, grabbing you around the waist and kissing your neck. “I called in a favor. Stay put.” 

“Bradley,” you ask, “who are you inconveniencing this evening?” 

He shrugs, playfully pulling you closer. “Nobody important.” 

The two of you mess around, quipping back and forth a little longer than you realized. 

“I can come back,” comes a playful chirp from the door.

The two of you freeze and look toward the door - Bradley’s holding your phone in the air with one hand while you attempt to climb him like a tree. You’ve got an elbow digging into his shoulder while your legs wrap around his waist. 

Maverick’s in the doorway, leaning with his arms crossed and a smile on his face. 

You slide down and get your feet under you while Bradley wordlessly hands your phone over. 

“Hey, Mav,” Bradley says with a rueful grin, his hand rising to needlessly run over the back of his neck. “Thanks for the ride.” 

Maverick snorts. “Ride’s not for you, kiddo. You’re stuck here until morning.” 

“What?” Bradley says, a smile on his face. “I can’t be polite?” 

You look between them, feeling more than a little out of the loop. Strangely, you’re also looking forward to getting to know Maverick a little better now. 

Grabbing your bag, you give Bradley a quick kiss before shuttling him back into bed with a few gentle shoves. He pulls you back before you can get too far, running the back of his fingers over your cheek and pulling you in for another kiss. 

“Goodnight. I love you.” 

You smile, winking at him. “I love you too. Get some sleep.” 

+++

Tonight won’t be the night you get to know Maverick, apparently. He takes your bag as soon as you’re outside, strapping it to the back of his bike and replacing the helmet that used to sit there. He hands the helmet to you and helps you get it on, tightening the strap under your chin. 

You raise the visor. “Where’s yours?” 

He smiles. “Don’t have one. This,” he says, tapping the side of your head, “is for my protection as much as yours. I just got Bradley back and I’m not about to screw it up now.” 

You smile, letting him help you onto the back of the bike. 

He mounts up and starts the engine, zipping up his bomber jacket. You study the patches for a second before tentatively placing your hands around Maverick’s waist, leaning into him as he settles the bike, kicking up the kickstand. 

“Ready?” He asks. 

You nod, but quickly realize he can’t see you. “Yep! All good.” 

He covers one of your hands with his, pulling it into his shearling-lined pocket. There’s a lump of bunched fabric where you guess 30 years of passengers have held on for dear life. You take the lining in a tight fist, matching the hold with your other hand. Maverick pats your hand, satisfied. “Hang on tight.” 

+++

Stubs calls Bradley about two minutes after you leave. 

“Hey man, perfect timing,” Bradley says with a smile. “Thanks for helping me out.”

“Hey, look. As long as you’re getting what I think you’re getting, we’re all good. I still owe you from Oahu.” Stubs doesn’t even sound tired, which isn’t a surprise. He’s always been a night owl. 

Bradley tips his head. “I think we’re on the same page. So, head up to our room and into the closet. I have a chest of drawers on the left side.” 

There’s quiet while Stubs climbs the stairs. He can hear the closet slide open and the light turn on. “Damn, is she always this tidy?” 

Bradley snorts. “No.” 

“Just checking.” There’s a brief pause. “Okay, I’m here.” 

“Alright check the bottom drawer first.” Bradley sits up, resting his elbow on his knee and his forehead settled on his hand.  

“Are you telling me you don’t know where it is?” 

Bradley rolls his eyes. “I literally put it there over a year ago and I ran two three-month assignments overseas and a special detachment recall since then. Gimme a break.” 

“Fine. Okay. Bottom drawer.” There’s silence while he looks. “Do you guys seriously have two vibrat- never mind.” 

“Sorry.” 

“Nothing in here that looks like…a velvet box? Right? That’s what I’m looking for?” 

“Yeah. Try the next drawer. Shouldn’t be anything questionable in there.” 

Another pause. “Holy shit. Is this all your dad and Maverick’s stuff?” 

Bradley nods, closing his eyes and trying to picture the box, where he’d last seen it to hide it from you. “Yeah. It should be with the patches back there, I think” 

 “Sweet. Let me put you down a second.” 

There’s a bit of shuffling and then a little triumphant sound. Another shuffle. “I got it.” 

“Please make sure the ring is in there.” 

Stubs laughs. “It’s here. Damn, man. This looks great. She’s gonna love it.” 

“Thanks.” Bradley smiles to himself. “Can you get it same-day or overnight? I’ll give you the address. It’ll be out in the Mohave so I can avoid base mixups.” 

“Consider it done.”

+++

Maverick pulls the bike up in front of the hotel and you remove your helmet, shaking your head. You take Mav’s offered hand and dismount, unclipping your bag from the storage in back. 

“Thanks, Mav.” 

He steps off the bike and relieves you of your helmet. “Of course. Can I come get you tomorrow? I’ll have one of the boys bring Rooster’s car to the hospital before he’s due to get out.” 

“Sure. Thanks.” You hike the strap of your bag a little higher on your shoulder. “Hey, um.” 

He looks at you, his eyebrows high. 

“I’m sorry I was rude earlier. Bradley told me that you guys have kind of… figured your stuff out.” 

Maverick smiles, crooked and handsome. “I’d like to think so.” He takes a breath. “I’m glad he met you at UVA. Makes me feel better.” 

“Me too.” You offer him a smile and to your own surprise, reach out for a hug. He returns it, warm and kind. “Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight. Shoot me a text in the morning.” 

“I’m not sure I -”

“Bradley put it in while you were in the bathroom.” 

You smile again, wide and bright. “Of course he did.” 

+++

You wake up earlier than expected, no doubt still stuck on Eastern time, and fire off a text to the “Dagger Squad + Chim - Mav” group chat. The name, obviously, wasn’t your idea. 

On a whim, you change it when you send your message.

6:34am Breakfast? You changed the name of the group to “Dagger Squad Jr.”

Jake Seresin changed the name of the group to “Dagger Squad but on Land”

Bob Floyd changed the name of the group to “Why are we changing it???”

You sit and watch the small notifications come in. 

Tasha Trace changed the name of the group to “Dagger Squadron OSS”

You ask a question. 6:37am OSS?

Jake Seresin 6:37am Operational Support Staff

Coyote Machado 6:38am ^^^^

Reuben Fitch 6:38am When’s breakfast? 

Fanboy Garcia 6:39am Where’s breakfast? 

You reply. 6:40am Who’s breakfast?

Jake Seresin 6:40am Why’s breakfast?

Your heart leaps a little bit when Bradley replies. 

Bradley Love ❤️ 6:41am Some of us are trying to sleep in. Bradley Love ❤️ changed the name of the group to “Dagger Fuckheads”

Jake Seresin 6:41am Too fuckin bad. 6:41am I like that one. Keep it. 

Tasha Trace sent a gif. 

Bob Floyd 6:42am Who’s that?

Coyote Machado 6:42am Kim Kardashian hitting her sister with her purse. 

Jake Seresin 6:42am You’re lucky I’m feeling nice this morning and will choose to forget that you know that. 

You fire off another reply. 6:43am Jake……….You also know who that is. 

Jake Seresin 6:43am No comment. 

Bradley Love ❤️ 6:44am I’m muting you guys. Text me if you actually need something.

You smile. 6:44am Look what you guys did omg

Tasha Trace 6:45am I’m game for breakfast. 

Reuben Fitch 6:45am Chims - have you been to the Henry? 

You shake your head, alone in your room. 6:45am Nope. A favorite? 

Tasha Trace 6:46am Oooooooh good call. 6:46am Definitely a favorite. And it’s right next to base. 

Fanboy Garcia 6:47am Are we inviting Mav? 

You reply. 6:47am He’s supposed to give me a lift to the hospital later. Who’s dropping Rooster’s car? 

Tasha Trace 6:48am Me. @Jake Seresin can you come get me from the hospital at 0750?

Jake Seresin 6:48am Yeah I can get you. Probably still beat everyone to the Henry too lmao

Bob Floyd 6:49am Better you than me, Phoenix. Hangman’s driving scares the fuck out of me. 

Jake Seresin 6:49am Everything scares the fuck out of you.

Tasha Trace 6:50am Fuck you be nice

Jake Seresin 6:50am No ❤️

You roll your eyes and reply again. 6:51am So who’s coming to get me

Reuben Fitch 6:52am I’ll come get you. Are you at the lodge? 

You reply promptly. 6:52am Yeah. 6:53am Okay y’all. Meet @ 0800 at The Henry.

Finally rolling out of bed, you give Maverick a call. 

“Good morning!” he says, answering on the third ring. “You’re up early.” 

“So are you,” you point out. “Any interest in breakfast at 0800 at The Henry?”

He makes a noise. “I’m out already. I’ll be back on land around ten. Want to head to the hospital then?”

“Sounds good to me. Thanks, Mav.” 

“Of course.” 

+++

Maverick is still out on the boat with Penny and Amelia when he gets a call from Bradley. 

“Hey, you okay?” He has to shout over the noise of the water. 

“All good. Are you going out to the desert in the next couple of days?”

Mav checks in with Penny, who smiles at him and takes the wheel. Ducking into the cabin, he closes the little door behind him and falls onto the couch. “I’m headed out there this weekend. Why?”

“I’m getting something sent over there and I was wondering if you’d be okay going to pick it up or…?” 

“Bradley Bradshaw…” Maverick starts, a smile on his face. “Now, what on earth could you be shipping to my place in the desert?”

Bradley laughs. “It could be something that looks like jewelry…but I already threatened to kill Jake if he said anything.” 

“I won’t say anything. I was planning on inviting Dagger over to the hangar this weekend for some fun, anyway. I can give it to you then and get some of your dad’s stuff to camouflage it.” 

Mav still has a bunch of Goose’s stuff from Annapolis. Carole never wanted any of it back in the interest of keeping some storage space free in the house and Bradley inherited everything she had. 

“Sounds perfect. Thanks again, Mav.” 

“Anytime, kiddo. I’ll see you later when I bring your lady over.” 

+++

“That is absolutely not what happened,” Coyote says, setting down his coffee. “I’m the only one who got the climb-out on the first try!”

Jake snorts. “Yeah…and you went into G-lock and almost burned in doing it.” 

“That was so fuckin’ scary, dude,” Fanboy says. “We really thought you were a goner.” 

You lean forward, feeling strangely settled amongst the Dagger team (a moniker they’ve taken beyond the special detachment and will probably keep for the rest of their careers - you’ve even heard mutterings about making patches for their jackets) even without Bradley by your side. “So, what did happen?” 

“I finished the course and made it into exfil but I just couldn’t swing the Gs the first time, you know?” Coyote replies. “The thing is though, my little victory was totally overshadowed by the bird strike that put Phoenix and Bob in the hospital.” 

You blink a couple of times. You must have missed that in Bradley’s daily updates. “You’re kidding.” 

“Nah,” Phoenix says. “We got ambushed by some birds, both engines went out, and we had to bail. Mav saved our ass, I swear. He was babysitting everyone in the air that day.” 

Coyote shakes his head. “It was so smart, though. He told you guys to bail at just the right time and he pulled tone on me to try and get me unlocked. I dunno how he thinks of this stuff.” 

“At least you guys will know what to do next time, though, yeah?” You ask. 

“Definitely,” Payback says. “Throwing tone on someone in G-lock went straight into my toolbox, I dunno about you guys.” 

“Same,” Jake says, his mouth full of french toast. 

Bob nods. “I’ll always recommend that if I’m in that situation again, yeah.” 

More talk about training floats around the table for a while before Jake sits back, throwing his napkin on his plate. “So Miss Not-Bradshaw, what have you been up to in the last few weeks?” 

Phoenix snorts into her glass of orange juice.

“First of all,” you reply, “take that up with Bradley, not me.” 

That gets a laugh out of the table. 

“Secondly, I’ve been working on some highly-classified white pages for SecDef and SecNav, so they’ve been keeping me busy.” 

“That sounds interesting,” Bob says, his eyes kind and intrigued behind his glasses. 

You smile. “I actually provided the one-pager for your mission. It was one of my colleagues at the NSA that found the uranium enrichment plant and figured the timeline.” 

“No way!” Payback reaches over Phoenix and gives your shoulder a shake. “That’s amazing! So did you know what Rooster was going to be doing or?” 

You shake your head. “No. That part was outside of the scope of my work, but I knew he was headed back to North Island a couple days after I submitted my analysis. I took a few guesses from there.” 

“It’s cool that you can have at least some perspective,” Payback says. “I know my girl’s been in the dark from the jump.” 

You hum once. “I can’t imagine. I mean…” You think for a second. “I know enough to be very concerned, but not enough to ease it, you know? I’d almost rather not know anything at all.” 

“I can see that,” Fanboy says. “Kind of a no-news-is-good-news-thing, yeah?” 

“Exactly.”

“So what’d they tell you to get you out here?” Jake asks.

You grin at him. “My boss handed me a boarding pass, said Bradley wasn’t dead, and told me to thank you upon arrival.” 

“Oh my god,” Phoenix says with a laugh. “I would have flipped out.” 

“I did! I didn’t even pack - I just grabbed my overnight bag for late nights at the office and hauled my ass to Dulles.”

Jake grins. “Well, we’re sure glad you’re here.” 

You throw a potato wedge at him. 

+++

The boys whoop and holler when Maverick pulls up to The Henry with his bike and tosses you the helmet. You hop on, holding tight to Mav’s jacket. You can see his smile from over his shoulder as he waves to his students, his colleagues, his team. 

You can absolutely see yourself, once again, as a member of Bradley’s extended family. 

It feels good.

+++

“What’s the prognosis?” You ask, sitting on the edge of the bed. Bradley sits beside you, tying his boots. 

The doctor smiles. “Nothing but probably terminal foolishness.” She checks his charts again before confirming. “No serious head trauma, just two small burns under his ear and on his forearm. Keep an eye on those for infection.” She flips some pages again. “If anything doesn’t feel quite right, Lt. Bradshaw, please give us a call.” 

“Thank you, Captain.” Bradley stands. He offers his hand and she shakes it. “I appreciate your work and your thoroughness to keep me in good shape, ma’am.” 

“Of course, Lieutenant.” She hands him a folder. “There are your discharge papers. You are good to go.” She looks at you. “Take some time to review that with Lt. Bradshaw as well, if he’s comfortable with that.” 

“Absolutely, ma’am.” You look at Bradley, briefly, with a smile. “I’ll keep an eye on him” 

+++

“Do you mind if we stop somewhere before going back to the hotel? It’s kind of a pain in the ass because it’s off the island, but…” You trail off.  

Bradley shakes his head, his eyes on the road behind his sunglasses. “Not at all. Where to, m’lady?” 

You almost feel back for bringing down the room. “Can we visit Ice? I haven’t gotten a chance to pay my respects yet.” 

As expected, Bradley’s expression sobers. He kisses the back of your hand, bringing it up from where he holds it over the console. “Of course.” 

He makes a couple of turns, hopping onto the bridge, then the highway before getting off to wind through the curving roads of Point Loma. 

“Want to visit the lighthouse while we’re here? It’s a nice day. We could walk it.” 

You nod. “That sounds nice.” 

Bradley checks into base and parks, walking around the car to open your door and hold your hand as you get out. You don’t let go as you step onto the grass, letting him lead you to the gravesite of a man who was effectively another father and uncle to him. 

From what he’s told you, both Iceman and Maverick stepped up after his father died, tag-teaming where they could. Maverick was around a little more, but Ice was there, unfailing, for every baseball game, piano recital, and ceremony. From what you saw, Bradley deeply admired and respected his father’s classmate, called him and his wife “Uncle Ice” and “Aunt Sarah,” and never went a week without a phone call. 

Unlike Maverick, Ice was also there through college, OCS, and flight training. While you’re privately certain that Mav, Ice, and Carole collaborated on his Naval Academy sabotage back in 2004, Bradley’s always been firmly of the mind that it was all Maverick’s doing. It wasn’t your job to manage his anger or resentment, but it might be time for another conversation about that. 

You reach the stone, easily recognizable by the new, bright, white finish. Bradley releases your hand, standing at attention when he reaches the stone, offering a crisp salute. He takes one deep breath before his hand drops from his forehead, slow and controlled. 

THOMAS KAZANSKY “ICEMAN” ADMIRAL UNITED STATES NAVY

COMMANDER OF U.S. PACIFIC FLEET FLYING CROSS BRONZE STAR NOVEMBER 13TH, 1959 - DECEMBER 9TH, 2018

The two of you stand in silence for a little while. You’d known Ice well, spending holidays with his formidably-sized family once you and Bradley were established and attending various keynote speakers in your career contracted with the Navy. Before just now, you didn’t think you knew him well enough to deeply miss him, but your chest hurts. 

“One thing about Ice,” Bradley told you, walking up the path to the big house on the hill, “is that he’s loyal. He’ll rain hell on anyone that threatens his family and always goes back for his wingman.” 

“Did the cancer come back?” 

Bradley shakes his head. “I didn’t ask. I figured though. Mav went to see him a couple of days before he died.” 

“I’m so sorry for your loss, baby.” 

“Me too.” He takes you under his arm. “He loved you, you know. He always gave me shit for keeping you on the hook without a ring.” 

“I cannot believe you have not asked that young lady to marry you, yet,” Ice says, sitting down behind his desk and steepling his fingers. 

Bradley sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I just haven’t found the right moment.” 

“I know.” Ice smiles at him. “If you keep with that attitude, you’ll never find the right one. What’s it been, now? Six, seven years?” He tips his head. “You better hope she doesn’t wise up to your bullshit.” 

“I know.” Bradley sits down on the couch under the bay window. “I just want to do it right.” 

Ice stands, crossing the room to join Bradley with a pat on the knee. “I tried to make it perfect for Sarah, but at the end of the day, it’s just for you two. It doesn’t have to be right, it doesn't have to be exactly as you or she pictured it.” 

Bradley watches him remember, the softness of his face, the fondness in his eyes. It makes him smile. 

“All that ring does,” Ice continues, “is show her you love her and want to be stuck with her until you die.” 

“It sounds so romantic when you say it like that,” Bradley laughs. 

Ice shrugs good-naturedly. “Word on the street is your dad hopped out of a plane on his first training mission, dropped to his knee, and proposed to your mother on the spot.” 

He’s right. Carole told Bradley about it. 

“Thanks, Ice.” 

“Of course, son. I’ll always be here for you. You know that.” 

You laugh, smiling at the stone. “And here you are, flaunting him even in death.” 

Bradley kisses your temple. 

+++

On your way to the lighthouse, the wind picks up, buffeting into you. Bradley releases your hand, pulling you close with an arm around your shoulders. 

There aren’t many people out, so the walk is relatively quiet. 

“Y’know, honey, I was thinking,” you start, staring at the path under your feet as you continue along. You hesitate. “I’m not sure how to say this diplomatically.” 

You can almost hear Bradley raise his eyebrows. “I thought we were past diplomacy.” 

“I know, it’s just…It’s about your mom.” 

Bradley steers you off the path and to a bench conveniently placed on the grass, facing the ocean. He sits down, angling his body toward you and his arm extended, fingers brushing against your shoulder. “What’s on your mind?” 

“I was thinking about what you said - about Maverick pulling your papers. And I know I don’t know him like you do, but -” You cut yourself off. “He doesn’t strike me as the kind of person to…take initiative like that.” 

Bradley’s eyes wander to the grass, then out to sea. He’s obviously considering what you said, but you’re not sure if he’s going where you’re leading him. 

“I just -” You take another breath. “I don’t think I would want my kid in an F-35 if I lost my husband in an F-14, you know?” 

Bradley’s brow furrows. 

“I think you should at least ask him about it. He doesn’t strike me as the type to overstep in that direction on his own, he does seem like the type who would protect your relationship with your remaining parent, especially if he still feels responsible for your dad.” 

You reach for him and he comes back to you, holding you close as you scoot over and rest your head on his chest, listening to his heart. 

“Yeah,” he says, finally. “I’ll ask him about it.” 

+++

Dagger Fuckheads Jake Seresin 2:41pm Dinner tonight? Mav’s buying.

You and Bradley look at each other, reaching for your phones. 

“Want to go?” He asks. 

You nod. “I could go. I don’t have anything better to do.” 

Bradley replies. 2:43pm Chims and I are in! Where and when?

Jake Seresin 2:43pm Mav says dinner at his place at 1800 and then drinks at Penny’s when we’re done. 

“Sounds good to me. What about you?” Bradley asks. 

You nod and reply to confirm. 2:44pm We’re there! 

+++

“So, Mav,” Phoenix says, putting down her fork. “When do we get to go out to the desert and see your P-51?” 

Maverick smiles. “You’re all welcome anytime. I’m headed out there this weekend.” 

“No way!” Fanboy says. “You have a mustang out there?” 

“Hell yeah,” Maverick says. “You can fly it if you promise to take care of her.” 

All the lieutenants share a glance. Hangman finally confirms, “We’re in.” 

+++

You sense, rather than hear, Maverick come up behind you as you stare at the photos above the sink. There’s one of Penny, tucked behind a photo of Carole and Goose. She couldn’t be more than twenty-five, smiling at you from out of the Polaroid. There’s another Polaroid of her nearby, a much-younger Maverick kissing her cheek outside one of the buildings at Miramar. 

You reach out to another photo, gently brushing over the image of Iceman grinning at the camera in his dress whites and sunglasses. Maverick stands beside him, an equally bright smile on his face. 

“That was Ice’s wedding,” Mav says. 

You hum. “I’ve seen this picture before. It’s on - or…” You pause. “At least, uh, it was on his desk at home.”

Maverick steps up beside you, pointing out photos of Bradley and Ice you’d missed before. Your favorite, by far, is one of Ice hitting a baseball and Bradley ducking on the pitcher’s mound to avoid impact. 

“After Bradley and I were firmly an item, we spent every Christmas with Ice and Sarah,” you tell him, unprompted. 

“I know,” Mav says simply. “He loved having you both there.”

You smile. “He spoke so highly of you, Mav. He would always tell stories that ended with one of you heroically saving the day.”

Maverick has to smile at that. His eyes wander to a photo taken after one of their many missions together, Ice’s hair wild from his helmet. 

“I know that he tried to honor and respect Bradley’s anger, of course, but I know cutting you off hurt him, too.” You smile a little. “I think he knew that hearing his stories about you made it a little harder to dislike you. I think he figured I needed something else to round out what Bradley told me.” 

“There was one time,” Ice recalls, “when Bradley was little, that I thought Maverick had truly gone insane.” 

“Oh?” You ask. It’s not rare to hear stories with and about Maverick, but they’re usually of the heroic-endeavors variety, rather than stories of Bradley’s childhood.

The two of you sit out on the porch, watching the sunset. Bradley, of course, is in assisting Sarah with dinner. You offered your help, as did Ice, but Sarah practically kicked you out, claiming, “While you’re both nice to look at, you’re in the way.” 

“Mav volunteered to be the coach of Bradley’s little league team.” Ice shakes his head. “I’d never seen him throw himself into something like that. Carole had to tell him to tone it down.” Ice pauses. “Bradley was a helluva ballplayer though. He’s always been patient, attentive. Good qualities for everything, but especially baseball and flying.” 

Ice looks over his shoulder, satisfied that you’re alone. “The two of them are more alike than they’d like to admit.” He looks at you. “I was about to say, I wish you could know him. However, knowing me and knowing Bradley tells you more about him than he’d ever like anyone to know, for better or worse.” 

Maverick looks at you for a second. “Can I show you something?”

You nod, dragging your eyes from the photo. Mav takes you to the corner, where a cup full of challenge coins sits on the counter. He pulls a frame from the shelf, bringing a photo down from its place. 

To your shock, it’s a photo of you and Bradley graduating from UVA. Your matching orange stoles stand out brightly against your black gowns and the green grass behind you. 

Bradley holds you close to his side, kissing your temple as you look at the camera with a smile. 

“Sarah took this one, didn’t she?” You ask, looking over at Maverick. You remember the moment well, but it’s only now you realize you’ve never seen the picture before. Your eyes fall on pictures of Bradley through the years - his high school baseball photos, his NROTC and college graduation portraits, Bradley and Ice standing together at Bradley’s OCS commencement…

He always looked out for him. All these years. 

Maverick replies, pulling you from your thoughts. “She sent me a copy. I have a couple more from Christmases, too. You landed in the New Years’ newsletter more than once.”

“Wait a second.”

You turn around, finding Jake squinting at another photo on the shelf.

He points to one “Is this you?”

You walk over, brow furrowed. Lo and behold, it’s a Kazansky Christmas card, dated 2010. You sit on the arm of the sofa next to Bradley, mirrored by Ice’s daughter on the other side. The two Kazansky boys take the other two seats on the couch, their now-wives seated on the ground in front of them, forming a cozy picture with Ice and Sarah behind you all. 

“Yep, that’s me,” you tell him. “That was when I was in my masters and Bradley was in OCS.”

It’s like you aren’t even there as Hangman calls over his shoulder. “Rooster!” 

“Yeah?” Bradley trots over, meeting your eyes with a questioning glance. You shrug. Maverick joins you, standing at your side with his arms crossed and a funny little look on his face. 

“How long have you guys been together, exactly?” Hangman asks, a grin blossoming on his face. 

Bradley knows he’s already in trouble. “Well,” he answers diplomatically. “If you ask me, we started dating in February of 2005. If you ask her,” he points at you, “we started dating in August of 2005.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong-“

He’s not going to be wrong, is he?

“- but that’s thirteen years.”

Bradley’s hand rises to his neck. “Yeah.”

Hangman turns to you. “Jesus Christ you’re either a saint or an idiot and I can’t decide which.”

“We’ve been busy!” Your voice sounds shrill and defense even to your ears. 

“For thirteen years straight?” Hangman doesn’t wait for an answer before moving on. “Hey, Siri!” There’s a series of beeps from his phone, connected to Mav’s speaker. “Play Slow Ride by Foghat.”

You bite back your laugh as Jake turns around again with a wicked grin. 

“God, I love this song.”

+++

“Ready, baby?” Rooster’s voice rumbles in your ears through the headphones. 

You turn on your mic. “Let’s go!” 

“Alright. Hang on tight.” 

The P-51 accelerates down the runway and Bradley hauls it into the air, the Gs pressing you into the seat. 

“How many Gs can this thing pull?”

You can almost see his smile from behind as he answers you with a laugh, adjusting one of the countless switches and knobs in front of him. “Not enough.”

“That doesn't answer my question!” It takes a little more effort to get the words out with the pressure on your chest, but you know it’s nothing compared to the F-18. 

As expected, Bradley’s voice is still even and cool through the mic. “It tops out around six or seven. We’re only pulling three and a half right now, but it’ll ease up in a second. Take a deep breath.”

You follow instructions, letting your head and body press into the seat as you close your eyes. You remember how he taught you to breathe years ago when you felt like you were suffocating in broad daylight in a Cessna.

The plane levels out and you already feel better, taking one more deep breath before opening your eyes. 

“Oh my god.”

You’re thousands of feet in the air, looking down on Death Valley and the surrounding desert. 

“Beautiful, right?” Bradley asks. “Ready?” 

“For what?” 

You don’t get a response, but let out a yelp as you go inverted, flying upside down a mile over the brown hills and bright orange California poppies. 

“Relax,” he says with a laugh. “Enjoy the view.” 

It’s a strange feeling, to be looking up and down at the same time. It is, however, easy to see how this feeling can be addictive. Even at relatively low speeds, you feel alive with the plane’s frame around, Bradley’s gentle hands holding you all aloft. 

Bradley glides into a loop, correcting the inversion with ease. You let yourself relax again, looking out the canopy to find where the mountains meet the sky. The plane arcs in a wide circle, headed back to the hangar. 

“I can see why you love this so much,” you tell him. 

He reaches back with one hand and you take it. He squeezes once before letting you go. “Happy you’re here with me, baby.”

When you get back to Maverick’s place, you notice Bradley looking down at the runway. You follow suit, finding Dagger Squad standing just outside the hangar. You can’t quite see details from up here, but it looks like they’re watching you. 

“Hey, babe?” You ask. 

Bradley’s head tilts a bit. “Yeah?”

“I think you should remind them why you’re Dagger Two.”

You can see him, but you’re sure he’s grinning. You can hear it. “Alright. Hang tight, honey.”

Bradley’s hand flies forward on the throttle and you’re pressed back into your seat with a laugh. He swoops down over the hills, taking a hard bank before climbing high and barrel-rolling twice. 

You can’t stop laughing, only losing your breath once or maybe three times. He pulls a few more maneuvers that have your stomach twisting and dropping. The sound of his trained, measured breath in your ears keeps you glued to time and space. 

He gets back to wings-level and checks in with you. “You still with me back there?”

You swallow, laughing a little again. “I’m good.”

“I owe Mav some fuel, but that was fun.” He banks again, gentler this time, and starts the descent down to the runway. The landing is smooth, hardly jostling you as you settle back on the ground. When the canopy opens, Bradley stands and gets out, holding his hand out to lend you an assist. 

You feel a little wobbly when you get your feet on the asphalt again, but Bradley grabs you around the waist, pulling you close. He’s somehow already removed his helmet and lends a hand with yours. 

Dagger Squad rushes the two of you and Jake claps you on the shoulder. “I thought for sure you were gonna puke.”

“Thanks for your overwhelming vote of confidence.”

Bradley’s still grinning from ear to ear. Mav saunters out of the hangar with a smile on his face and hands in his pockets. “Not too bad for a rookie,” he says. 

“Pretty sure they’ll revoke that thing once you get your AARP card. Flying’s dangerous, you know.” 

Maverick frowns and checks over his shoulder, looking left, then right. 

“What’re you lookin’ at, Mav?” Bob asks. 

Mav looks at Bradley. “I’m trying to find who the hell Rooster thinks he’s talking to.” 

Bradley grins and throws his helmet at Mav, who catches it easily. “It is a sweet ride, though.” 

+++

“Hey Bradley, let me get your help with this,” Maverick calls from across the hangar. 

Bradley stands, setting his beer down on the little coffee table. “‘Scuse me, folks. I’ve been summoned.”

“Hey, excuse me, sir, there’s a tax for that,” you remind him, looking up from your seat in the armchair. 

With a smile, he gives you a quick kiss and jets off to find Mav in the back. 

Jake scoffs. 

You look at him. “Can I help you?” 

“Y’all are gross.”

With a sigh, you shift in your seat, leaning forward to condescendingly place a hand on his knee. “One day, Jake, you will love someone who misses you when you’re gone and you, too, will be gross.” 

Bradley looks over his shoulder before he reaches the archway to Mav’s back “office.” The image of you sitting with his team, chatting like you’ve known each other all your lives, warms his heart. 

“Bradley?” Mav calls quieter than before. 

Bradley finally rounds the corner, grabbing the arch and swinging wide through the turn. “Yessir.” 

Mav holds up a first-class box and grins. “I think it’s here.” 

The two of them open the box, trying to keep the noise of the bubble wrap to a dull roar. Inside, the small, navy-blue velvet box smiles up at them, nestled deep in the packaging. 

“Can I see?” Mav asks. 

Bradley nods. 

With similar care to a father holding his newborn for the first time, Maverick takes the box into his hand and opens it with the smallest of worn pops. 

There’s silence for a moment, followed by a swell of laughter from the hangar. 

“It’s beautiful, Brad. She’s going to love it.” 

Bradley tips his head. “I hope so.” He pauses. “Can I ask you something?” 

“Of course.” Maverick meets his eyes, open and receptive. 

“Was it your idea to pull my papers?” 

Maverick sighs, looking down for a second before returning Bradley’s steady gaze. That’s pretty much all the answer Bradley needs, but still Maverick says, “Yes. It was my idea.” 

He’s always been a shit liar. 

“My mom asked you to do it, didn’t she?” 

Mav’s jaw flexes. 

“Pete,” Carole says, looking at him from the couch. She leans forward and Maverick mirrors her, the use of his first name somewhat unsettling. He glances at the clock. Bradley’s at baseball practice for another hour or so, at least. 

“Yeah?” 

“I got some bad news today.” 

Maverick’s heart drops to his stomach and he immediately stands to cross the room, sitting next to her on the couch. 

She continues, taking his hand. “I’m sick. They’re sure it’s some kind of cancer but they’re doing some more tests. I have to go back tomorrow for a PET scan. They do know it’s serious.” 

Tears, unbidden, jump into Maverick’s eyes. He can’t speak. 

“Oh, Mav.” Carole cups his face with her ever-gentle hands. “Mav, it’ll be okay.” 

He clears his throat. “Do they have any ideas about… treatments, or…?” 

She shrugs, looking off somewhere across the room. “They’ll know more after this week. The doctor told me it could be months, maybe years, but he determined that it is terminal.” 

A set of tears fall down Maverick’s cheeks, dripping gracelessly off his chin. 

With a sigh, she adds, “I would really like to see Bradley graduate from college, but... Speaking of…” She trails off. 

The muscle in Mav’s jaw jumps several times before he speaks again. “What can I do?” 

“Bradley applied to the Naval Academy,” she replies, shaking her head. “I can’t - I can’t have him in a jet, Maverick. I won’t do it.” 

“Carole, he’s an -” 

“Don’t tell me he’s an adult, Pete. Look at him.” She throws a hand to the most recent school portrait on the mantle. “He’s not ready and I’ll never be ready.” 

Again, Mav asks, “What can I do.” 

She’s quiet for a moment. “Can you talk to admissions?” 

“Carole, I -” 

“Promise me, Mav. I know Ice can do it if you can’t, and I’ll ask him next.” 

Something cold settles into Maverick’s veins. He’s fairly certain it’s fear. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do.” 

Carole surprises him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. “I might be dying, but he - I won’t let him kill himself.” 

“Do you think I’m killing myself?” Mav asks, only half-joking. He holds her tight as if she’ll break apart if he lets go. Maybe it’s him who needs to be held together. 

She takes him seriously. “Every goddamn day. And I hate you for it.” She leans back. “But as much as I love you, he’s my son. I need you to take care of him when I’m gone.” 

Maverick realizes he’s been quiet for too long. He thinks of Penny, what she would do if Amelia asked him a question like this. 

She’d tell the truth. 

“Carole, she…” Mav sighs, looking over his shoulder at a photo of the three of them at some function or another. “She made me promise. The same time she told me she was sick.” 

Bradley takes a deep breath before asking, “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“I didn’t - I couldn’t have you hate her, too.” 

Strangely, that pulls a smile from him. You were right.

“What?” Mav asks. 

Bradley shakes his head. He looks over his shoulder for a second, finding only a wall but knowing you’re beyond it. “Someone who’s only known you a sum total of ten hours knows you better than I do, apparently.” 

Maverick smiles, clapping Bradley on the shoulder. “They’re all smarter than us, you know. Sooner you figure that out, the easier it’ll be.” 

+++

Penny sits at the bar, working through the inventory and accounting for the week by hand. It’s easier this way, she tends to rationalize, but really it’s just a good excuse to get her away from her laptop. 

Checking over her shoulder, she finds the ocean rough, white caps popping on the top of the waves. The sky is thick with clouds, giving the entire world a greyish-blue cast. As much as she loves the sunshine, a winter Southern California storm feels good to the bones. 

Before she can get up to either close the back door or find a jacket, there’s a hand on her waist. 

“Chilly?” 

She turns, finding Maverick behind her. He drapes his soft, warm bomber jacket around her shoulders, kissing the side of her head. 

“I’ll be in the back. Just wanted to check on you.” 

She hums, leaning into him. “I’ll be here.” 

He gives her one final kiss before he disappears again, probably fixing a leak or patching a hole she failed to notice. 

He sees everything . 

It’s alarming, sometimes. 

She checks her watch but it’s pointless. She’s not sure when you and Bradley are due in from your afternoon out in La Jolla, but she’s sure she’ll get an ETA when you’re good and ready to share. 

The front door opens and closes. Penny doesn’t bother to look up - there are only five people who walk in casually like that and two of them work here. 

“Penny?” 

That’s not one of the four . 

She looks up, finding the eyes of her ex-husband. “What are you doing here?” She pulls the jacket closer to her, almost like armor. 

“Can’t I just stop by and say hello?” He asks.

“...It’s a five-hour flight from Hawaii,” she says. “And dropping in unexpectedly kind of defeats the purpose of a divorce, if I’m remembering correctly. Where’s your wife?” 

“I like what you’ve done with the place,” he says as if she didn’t say a word. That was half of the problem when they were married. Penny’s not sure why she thought it would change now. 

“Penny, sweetheart?” 

Mav’s voice almost startles her, but a wave of relief follows close behind the bolt of adrenaline. 

“Bradley’s due in anytime now. They just called from the -” Mav finally steps out of the back room and spots the visitor in the bar. “Hi.” 

Penny hastily stands and introduces them to each other. 

“Wait,” the unwelcome guest says, “you’re Pete Mitchell? Maverick Mitchell?” 

Mav smiles, but only friends would know it's not a real one. This is the one he wears for show. “That’s me.” 

“Huh. I’ve heard a lot about you.” The way he says it doesn’t sound like a compliment. “I thought you’d be taller.” He shakes off another thought and asks, “Where’s Amelia?”

Your daughter, the afterthought , Penny thinks sourly. “She’s -” 

“Anybody home?” Bradley crows, interrupting from the doorway, a grin on his face. You’re right behind him, trying to get in as he purposefully blocks the door. 

Through your laughter, you cry, “Penny, help! I’ve been taken hostage.” 

Despite the stress of the moment, that gets a smile out of her. “Let her in Rooster.” 

The two of you shove your way through the door, landing with your arm around Bradley’s neck as he half-carries, half-drags you across the plank flooring. The smile falls from Bradley’s face when he sees the unfamiliar person in the room, putting you down behind him. “Who’s this?”

“Sam Longbourn,” comes the introduction. Sam extends a hand 

“Rooster,” Bradley replies. You shoot him a look. He hardly ever introduces himself with his callsign alone. 

Men. 

You shake Sam’s hand as well, but he doesn’t ask your name. You don’t offer it. 

Bradley’s chin lifts a touch. “Longbourn? Isn’t that -”

“Amelia’s last name?” Penny finishes. “Yes.” 

Bradley hums once, staccato. “Imagine that.” He slips past Maverick, placing a hand over the big patch between Penny’s shoulder, pressing a quick, chaste kiss to her cheek by way of greeting. “Want me to take a look at those books?” 

“Sure,” she says, trying to be casual. 

You just think it’s funny that all three men in the room have immediately started preening upon recognition. Only two are succeeding. 

There’s an awkward pause. You offer a tight, polite smile and join Bradley at the bar, leaning on him. 

“And Bradley is…?” Sam asks. 

Mav answers promptly. “My son. He’s a naval aviator as well. One of the best we’ve got.” 

The pencil in Bradley’s hand stops moving for the briefest of seconds. You glance at his profile without moving your head too much to see him blinking a few times in quick succession.  

You lean into him a little more purposefully and he leans back. Taking a quick look over at the uncomfortable little triad, you catch Penny’s eyes. 

Was that okay? She seems to ask. 

You take a deep breath. I dunno. 

Amelia’s father ends up taking a seat at the bar, absolutely overstaying his welcome. You stand, grabbing a rag from behind the bar and attempting to make yourself useful. 

“Can I get you anything?” You ask.

He raises his eyebrows. “You work here?” 

“Nope. Just like to help Penny when I can. And she’s busy, so…” You shrug. 

He takes a second. “I’ll do a Miller Lite, if she’s got it.” 

Bradley covers his snort with a cough into his elbow. You can’t help but agree. 

Fly five hours from Hawaii only to come to a bar and order a Miller Lite. Shameful. 

You find one under the bar and open it, setting the bottle down in front of him. Penny comes back, squeezing your upper arms fondly as she slides in behind you. She approaches her ex, leaning against the bar on the heels of her hands.

“Look, we’re about to open up and it’s gonna get crowded. You better say what you want to say.” 

You sneak back around to Bradley, helping him organize the binder the way Penny likes it, packing up and getting ready for opening. You’re all gonna have backup here in a moment - Dagger’s due in anytime now. In the weeks they’ve been here, they’ve all grown particularly fond of Penny and Amelia. Jake, especially with his two-year shore duty at North Island after Annapolis, is more at home here than anywhere else. You can’t imagine them taking too kindly to an interloper. 

You and Bradley head to the back while Penny and Sam talk. Mav’s there, already straightening up from his project along the south wall. 

“I’m so sorry, Bradley. I didn’t mean to overst-” 

Bradley waves him off and pulls him in for a hug. “All good. I get it.” He says something else, but you can’t quite catch it. 

Doesn’t matter, anyway. You heard enough to know that Carole was right. 

“They’ll figure it out,” she used to say. “Bradshaws and Mitchells always find a way, especially together.” 

“Ladies and gentlemen,” comes a booming voice from the great room, “the party has arrived.” 

With a roll of your eyes, you jump out of the back room with a grin. “Damn, they let just about anyone in here, huh?” 

“Well, yeah,” Jake says. “You’re here, aren’t you?” 

“Uh uh. No,” Penny scolds, pointing at Jake. “Behave.” 

Jake grins at her, wide and toothy. With a roll of her eyes, she throws a bottle opener on the bar, followed by a bottle of his usual brew. “Thank you, Miss Penny m’dear.” 

“Yeah,” she says. “Keep that up and I’ll ring the bell on you.” 

He chuffs. “You love me.” 

“I don’t,” she insists, laughter in her eyes. 

Bradley and Maverick join you, headed to the pool table to rack up. You find a seat at one of the tables, ready to watch whatever masculine posturing bullshit the boys have up their sleeve. 

Jake, as if noticing the unfamiliar face for the first time, looks over and raises his eyebrows. It’s all for show - you know he clocked Sam the second he saw him. He doesn’t break eye contact when he asks, “Who’s this?” 

Penny gestures between them. “Sam Longbourn, Hangman. Hangman, Sam.” 

Jake squints. “Hm. I’d say it's nice to meet you, Sam, but I’m not sure it is.” He grins, softening the blow, before turning to Penny. “Wait, lemme see that patch.” 

Penny turns, pulling the jacket so Jake can see the patch that’s always been there. 

“Mav,” Jake asks, raising his voice. “Is this a new patch?” 

Smooth . 

“Nope. It’s been there for a minute. I’m having a patch made for Dagger, though. Should be in before they scatter us again.”

“Sweet. Guess I never noticed it before.” Jake’s smile grows sly. “I guess it just looks better on Penny than it does on you.”

Maverick snorts and says something that has Bradley laughing out loud. 

Sam, for the first time, looks a little self-conscious. Jake doesn’t seem to notice, pointing out the rest of the team, hovering around the pool table. “That’s Phoenix, Bob, and Payback. Mav’s a legend of course, and Rooster’s just been named Wingman of the Year.” 

“Yeah, and you’re what, our Lord and Savior?” Bradley says. 

“You said it, not me,” Jake says, that grin back on his face.

Poor Sam has turned into a ghost at this point, looking between everyone present with increasing confusion and awe. 

Rooster rolls his eyes, leaning over the pool table, his break shot sinking two. He beckons you over. “C’mon baby, we’ve got stripes.” 

Mav straightens and looks across the bar, watching Penny idly organize glasses. She turns, meets Maverick’s eyes, and leaves the bar with a shake of her head. “Shall we show them how it’s done, Mav?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

+++

“Hey, Mav!” Bradley calls, later that night. “C’mere.” 

Mav obliges, making his way around to Bradley’s side and leaning against the piano. Penny’s ex seems to have disappeared as quickly as he arrived. You didn’t even see him leave, but between Jake and Mav, you’re sure he had enough.  

Good riddance.

“Take a look over there.” Bradley points with the neck of his bottle to you and Penny, sitting on a pair of barstools, chatting amongst the evening rush. “What do you see?” 

Mav thinks for a second. “...People we care about?” 

“Yeah. See anything wrong with them?” 

There’s a creeping sense of deja-vu, but Maverick can’t quite place it. He looks again. You have Bradley’s sunglasses stuck into the front of your shirt and you’re babysitting a small pile of coats in your lap - Payback, Fanboy, and Hangman’s, to be specific - but nothing looks out of the ordinary. Penny looks great, of course, Maverick’s leather jacket still slung casually over her shoulders. 

Bradley’s definitely up to something. Mav, after his assessment, says, “...I’m not seeing anything.” 

“I think…I think they’ve lost that loving feeling, Mav.” 

Mav laughs, his chin falling to his chest. “I’m too old for this shit, Rooster.” 

“What are you too old for?” Jake asks, arriving seemingly out of nowhere. 

“Hangman, I think the girls have lost that lovin’ feeling.” 

Jake shakes his head, a confused little smile on his face. “What?” 

“C’mon, Mav. Back me up here. They definitely have lost that loving feeling.” 

Mav sighs. “I hate it when they do that.” He pushes off the piano and throws two quarters in the jukebox. “You’re gonna have to help them find it after this song, you know. Patience is a virtue.” 

As promised, as soon as the song comes on over the bar, Penny’s head shoots up, her eyes wide. If you had to name it, you would call the look repeat trauma . 

“What?” You ask, but you already hear it. 

“You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips…” 

Her only reply? An exhausted, “Oh, God.” 

“And there’s no tenderness like before in your fingertips.” 

The crowd parts and your jaw drops. Bradley is serenading you at the top of his lungs, his hand extended dramatically toward you.  

“ You’re trying hard not to show it, but baby, baby I know it,” He sings. “ You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling. Whoa, that lovin’ feeling.”

You cover your face with your hands as he continues, the rest of the crowd joining in. Penny’s laughing in earnest, happy for once she’s not the victim of this stupid charade.

The chorus ends and you look at Bradley, gesturing to the empty seat beside you. “Sit down, you idiot.” 

The entire bar cheers. 

Penny looks up, finding Mav still at his place near the piano. He meets her eyes and smiles. 

+++

“Is that mine?” 

You’ve just stepped out of the bathroom when Bradley looks over at you skeptically, his eyes running across your shoulders and down to your waist. 

You are, in fact, wearing one of his Hawaiian shirts. However, in your defense, he has way too many (you’d approximate three dozen) and he’s never bothered to ask about any that have gone mysteriously missing (of which there are about eight). 

You hesitate just a second too long. “…No.” It sounds an awful lot like a question. 

“I think it is,” he says, leaving his bag and sauntering over to you from across the room.

You shake your head. “Nope. I got this one in Hawaii while I was visiting you a few years back, remember?” You double down, knowing your efforts are futile.

“I think,” he says, finally reaching you and dipping down to kiss your neck, “this is my shirt. I also think,” he adds, his lips trailing to your collarbone and his hands wandering over your back pockets, “that you stole it from me in Hawaii while you were visiting a few years back.” 

“That’s ridiculous.” Your assertion is breathless at best. 

He shakes his head. “You’re a thief.” 

“Am not.” 

“Are too,” he whispers, kissing you under your ear. “And before you can continue to argue with me, I have a question for you.” 

“Oh?” you ask with a laugh. “Is it shirt-related?”

“No.” 

He kisses your cheek and gracefully slides to a knee at your feet. He pulls the small box out of his back pocket and you’re pretty sure you can’t breathe. 

“It’s past time, beautiful, and there’s a lot I could say but…” He opens it and the image of the ring nestled in navy blue velvet steals your breath. “Will you marry me?” 

You definitely can’t breathe, so you settle for a nod, finally able to pull a breath after a second. “Yes. Absolutely, yes.” 

He stands and wraps you in his arms, the box still in his hands.

+++

The wood plank flooring feels cool under your feet, despite the San Diego summer waiting for you just outside the door. Penny picks up the hem of your dress, letting it flutter loosely to the floor so you don’t trip. 

“You’re still good barefoot? I’ve got your sandals here if you need them.” 

You nod. “It shouldn’t be too hot.” 

“Okay,” she says. “I’ll have Mav take them out when he goes back.”

There’s an awful lot of movement for the final moments before a wedding. The boys are goofing around outside in their summer whites while Penny and Maverick fuss between you, Bradley, and the bar. 

Penny picks up the sandals in question, snagging Mav by the sleeve as he passes her. “Take these out and put them under your seat.” 

He looks confused and almost makes the mistake of asking a question but shakes his head, taking the sandals and kissing Penny’s cheek without another word. He hops out the back door and down the steps, hastily making his way to his seat to drop off the shoes. 

The little lattice arch sits on the sand about thirty feet from the back patio of The Hard Deck. You peer out the window from where you stand by the piano, seeing Bradley approach Mav with a concerned little pinch in his eyebrows. You know you’re running late, but after all this time he knows better than to really worry. 

Mav clasps his shoulder briefly with a wide smile before dusting imaginary debris from his uniform. Bradley returns the favor, straightening the ribbons on his chest. You step back as Mav looks through the back door, staying out of sight. 

With a deep breath, you nod at Penny. She hands you the bouquet and heads outside, calling in your wedding party from their shenanigans and giving the rest of the assembled company the cue to take their seats. 

Phoenix reaches you first, giving you a hug. “You excited?”

You nod. “Very.” 

“It’s gonna be so fun.” 

Jake winks at you as he offers Phoenix his arm, taking his cover under his other elbow. “He’s freaking out.” 

“No, he isn’t. He’s ecstatic,” Payback says, smiling at Amelia in her blue bridesmaid dress. “May I, miss?” 

You’re sure she’s blushing when she nods and tucks her hand into his elbow. Penny smiles, kissing your cheek before giving the same treatment to Amelia’s head. She gives Payback a quick pat on the shoulder for good measure and then she’s gone - jogging barefoot to her seat. 

Everyone else gets settled and you’re ready. 

+++

You look up from the sand, finally, to see Rooster standing before the water in his summer dress whites. His uniform and his smile are equally blinding. You almost have to squint to look at him directly. The smile on your face, though, could give him a run for his money. 

The wind off the water whips around your face and pulls at the skirt of your dress. You let your eyes wander down the short line of crisply-dressed aviators that just left you in the bar. Hangman, Bob, Coyote, and Payback grin back at you behind their sunglasses when you smile at all of them in turn. 

Maverick and Penny, of course, stand in the front row beside the empty seats reserved for Bradley’s parents and Iceman. Sarah and Ice’s oldest son stand on the far side. Your closest friends and family fill the remaining seats. There’s not a person out of place and everything is just as you pictured it when you sketched out the quick plans in Maverick’s desert hanger five months ago. 

After what feels like an hour, you finally reach Bradley at the end of the aisle. He take your hand and you walk the final few steps to the officiant together, passing your bouquet to Phoenix. 

“You look beautiful,” he says.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Lieutenant.” 

He squeezes your hand. 

+++

You practically wilt into the bar when the jukebox falls silent. With a laugh, you look up and see Penny’s rueful smile. The inside of the place has gone wild, most of the respectable family out on the patio enjoying some degree of peace and quiet while the “kids” have fun inside. 

“They’re predictable, aren’t they?” Penny asks. 

You nod. “Terminally, I’m afraid.” 

She grins at you. “Go play. I’ve got your drink.” 

A path opens for you as you make your way to the piano. Bradley’s warming up with a few riffs, but you know what he’s going to play before he even starts. 

“ You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain…” 

The entire bar eggs him on, some starting to sing along already. You let out a loud laugh, almost warning him you’re there before he can look. 

“… You broke my will, oh what a thrill. Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire!” 

He opens an arm so you can settle into his lap without a break in the music. You lean into him, giving him more room to play. You catch Mav’s eye as he settles next to Penny at the bar, a pint in his hand. 

“ Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!” 

You know exactly what he sees - how strange and difficult it must be. You smile at him before turning, sliding an arm around Bradley’s shoulder. 

“ Kiss me baby -” 

On cue, you wrap your other arm around Bradley's neck and plant a downright filthy kiss that has the entire crowd whooping and hollering. 

“ Woo, that feels good, baby. Hold me, baby… ” 

You stay tucked up against him, singing along, crowing the lyrics to the ceiling, and losing your breath to laughter. 

At the bar, Maverick is indeed seeing double. He sees what’s in front of him - his nephew playing an old song on the piano with the love of his life in his lap - and what’s behind him - Carole and Goose, laughing through their own wedding reception over 35 years ago. 

“You okay there, Captain?” 

Mav looks over at Penny with raised eyebrows as she leaves her place behind the bar. “Hm?”

She reaches him, raking her fingers through the graying hair at his temples. “Just asking if you’re alright.” 

Pete catches her hand and kisses the back of it. “Fine. Just, ah…” 

“Remembering?” She offers. 

He hums. “That, and I’m… getting old, I guess.” His eyes wander back to you and Rooster at the piano. 

Penny nods, checking on Amelia over her shoulder. She and Phoenix are at the pool table, actively hustling Coyote out of a hundred bucks. “We all are, Pete. You’re not special.” There’s no heat in her teasing - only affection. 

“You know I love it when you tell me I’m just like everyone else,” Mav replies playfully. 

Penny hums facetiously. “You are in fact, the most average man I’ve ever met.”

“Hmm…” Maverick wets his lips and studies her from top to toe. “That’s definitely not what you said last ni-”

“Mom?”

Penny smacks her hand over Maverick’s mouth and leans over his shoulder. “Yes?” 

“Coyote says there’s house rules to pool.” 

With an affectionate brush of her thumb over his lips, Penny releases Maverick. “Oh, no. Absolutely not. Not in this house.” She raises her voice over the crowd noise. “We play by the book here, Machado.” 

“Yes ma’am!” Comes the reply. 

“Is that really true, though?” Mav asks. 

Penny scoffs. “If it were, would you listen?” 

He just grins at her. It’s all the answer she needs. 

+++

Something slow and sweet plays on the speakers. Your head rests heavily on Bradley, whose hand covers yours on his chest. Your eyes are closed, swaying to the barest suggestion of the actual beat. 

“When will you be back?” 

Bradley sighs into the phone. “I don’t know. Sweetheart, this…This might be one of those missions where someone isn’t coming home.” 

You sink to the floor, legs crossed. “Bradley, I -” You swallow heavily. “You better come home.” 

“I’ll do my best.”

“You always do,” you tell him. “I need you to do better.” 

There’s silence. 

Eventually, Bradley says, “I love you.” 

“I love you, too. So much.” It doesn’t, surprisingly, sound like goodbye. 

“I’ll text you when I’m on deck and I’ll see you when I get home, okay?”

Your voice is a whisper when it leaves you. “Okay. Fly safe.”  

Having him back never loses its novelty. 

Mav and Penny look much the same on the other side of the floor, speaking quietly and giggling like a pair of teenagers. 

Amelia is fast asleep on one of the chairs, Maverick’s leather jacket serving dutifully as her blanket. She crashed against Reuben about an hour ago and he found a place for her to rest somewhat peacefully after a little while. She is, after all, no stranger to falling asleep at The Hard Deck; it’s become her second home. 

The remaining members of Dagger Squad - Jake, Natasha, Reuben, and Bob - sit sprawled out in chairs, watching the two couples left standing on the dance floor. 

“Figure we should tell ‘em the party’s over?” Payback says. 

Tasha shakes her head. “Leave them alone. Look at them.” 

Their eyes bounce from you and Bradley to Penny and Maverick, varying degrees of small smiles on their faces. 

“Hey, Phoenix, you think -” Jake doesn’t get to finish.

“I’m gonna stop you there,” Tasha says. 

He scoffs. “You didn’t even know what I was going to say.” 

“I do, in fact.” 

“Alright, enlighten me.” 

Reuben and Bob roll their eyes, both suddenly and violently reminded that this bullshit will make up at least a quarter of their careers, at this rate. 

“You were either going to make a joke about dancing with me or reference someone’s sex life. Neither one of those options are ones I’m interested in.” 

“You flatter yourself.” 

“Am I wrong?” She raises her eyebrows. 

Jake rolls his eyes and takes a sip of his beer, muttering into it, “No.” 

+++

“Can you see him?” Amelia asks, standing on her toes to see around the people in front of her. 

Penny snorts. “They’re all in their whites. You won’t be able to tell who’s who until they’re off the carrier, love.” 

She humphs. Mav places a hand on Amelia’s shoulder. 

“It won’t be long now,” he says. “

You take a deep breath, enjoying the sunshine on your face and the breeze of the water. Thousands of families surround you, including the Fitches, Traces, and Seresins. Jake’s mom, you’ve recently learned, is a total sweetheart. 

“Your son,” you told her upon meeting, “is a huge pain in my ass and I love him so much.” 

She’d only laughed. “Tell me about it.”

Now, you’re all standing together waiting for the carrier to finally dock. It’s been six months, all of them long. You can’t wait to have Bradley back. 

Turning, you ask Mav, “When are Fanboy and Bob due back?”

“They’re due into Ft. Lauderdale in a couple of months. I think they got stuck in the Med again.”

You pull a face. “That sucks.”

He shrugs. “It is what it is.”

That should be the tagline for all US Armed Forces. 

The final minutes seem to last forever before a bunch of sailors seems to tumble out of the carrier, walking briskly to the assembled families. Like a dam breaking, they start to run as people rush forward into the arms of their loved ones. 

You use Mav’s shoulder for leverage, trying to see. Your eyes land on a small group and four smiles greet you. 

“I’ve got them!” You call. “They’re on their way.” 

It takes everything you have to stay still, knowing you’ll likely lose them if you try to seek them out. After a minute or so, you can’t help it. You break from the line, artfully dodging families and sailors and everyone in between. 

You crash into Bradley at full speed, wrapping around him like a koala. He hikes you higher, finding a place for your legs around his waist and holding you tight. 

“Damn, Rooster!” Comes a familiar voice. “Save some for the rest of us!” 

You get your feet under you again, pressing a hard kiss to Bradley’s mouth. Immediately upon letting him go, you turn and hug the life out of Jake. 

“Aw,” he says. “I knew you missed me.” 

“Don’t ruin it,” you tell him. The laughter in your voice and the tears in your eyes cut the harshness of your tone. You pull back just far enough to grin at him, moving on to Reuben, then Natasha in turn. You point out their families to them, but Reuben’s wife has her own ideas and they’re embracing before you can blink. 

Bradley pulls you back, his arms around your waist, to press kiss upon kiss upon kiss to your temple. You turn, taking his face in your hands. 

“I missed you,” you tell him, both belated and redundant. 

He grins. “I missed you too.” He kisses you once, twice. “I love you. I think I love you more than when I left.” 

You grin at him. 

The two of you separate enough to walk, Bradley’s arm around your shoulders and yours around his waist. Your family greets you with kisses, and smiles, and hugs. Mav looks between you. 

“Let’s go home.” 

[mandoalorian]

come back, be here

word count: 1,400

warnings: death of a family member, brief mention of alcohol & smoking

authors note: based of that one “you came?” / “you called” tiktok sound that @evanthefunky just informed me is actually from the sandman ! i haven’t posted a fic in a long time— like, over 6 months for sure. this is a bit daunting for me to come back like this but writing has always provided me with a route of escapism and it’s a hobby i hope i can find more time for. hope you enjoy this one shot!

masterlist || javier peña masterlist

The only thing holding Javier back from leaving Texas and joining the DEA was you. Quite frankly, he was happy to get away from the ranch and his father and his shitty boss at the hardware store. But the thought of leaving you… leaving the warmest bed he’d ever known… well, it made Javier sick.

How could one leave their childhood best friend? Their one true love?

“You’re doing the right thing Javi,” you remember smiling through the affliction as you held onto him at the busy airport gate. “You have to chase your dreams. So do it. And don’t look back.”

“I just wish you could come with me.” Javier frowned, giving your hand a tight squeeze.

“Me too,” you replied with a small sniff. “But you know I have to take care of my grandma, she needs me. Just like the DEA needs you. This is your calling.”

Javier sighed and tapped his feet impatiently. “What if it’s not—“ he was worrying out loud now, torn between the direction of his heart and the logic of his brain. “—what if my calling is to just be a rancher like dad and make you my wife. We can have a bunch of kids and a dog and white picket fence. Maybe some chickens too. I can stay. I want to stay, really. I…”

You sigh and shake your head, pressing your index finger to his lips to silence him. “You’re being crazy, Javi. Please don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

Before Javi can respond, the lady on the intercom makes an announcement.

“Flight 187 to Bogotá, Colombia now boarding from Terminal 3A.”

“You have to go now.” You nudge him.

“I don’t—“

“Javi. Go.” You demand.

“But—“

“This is an amazing opportunity and I will not be the person who stops you from pursuing your dream. Now go.”

Javier grabs his bags and suitcase and pulls away from you. “I’ll write to you all the time. And if you need anything just call. I’ll be there. I promise.”

You and Javi write back and forth for about two weeks before he shares with you just how busy work is and how he got a job on a very high profile case that’s been consuming his every waking hour. You raise concern when he admits that he spends his evenings in bars and has started picking up a daily pack of Marlboro. He always smoked but he was smart about it, and you were aware of his tendency to spiral when things got rough. But Javi made all the effort to reassure you that he was okay.

His writing gets sparse in the Summer but he still makes an effort. It’s hard on him and it’s hard on you.

You hold no bad blood or resentment towards Javier when he stops writing to you. It was inevitable. He’s living a new life now. He’s living his dream.

But deep down, he was just waiting for his invitation to come back home. To come back to you.

It‘s almost ten years later when you call Javier.

You notify him through uncontrollable sobs that your grandmother has passed away. He knew her well enough. She’d practically brought you up. He felt your pain through the line of the telephone and his heart ached to be with you.

“I’m sorry Javi, it’s late. And I’m sorry for disturbing you when you’re so busy. I just didn’t know who else to call. I didn’t know— I don’t know what to do—“

“I’m here.” he soothes, yearning to hold you and comfort you through this period of mourning. The words hold very little value and if anything, they just hurt you more.

“But you’re not.” you whisper, your voice just shy of a desperate croak.

You had never felt more alone.

Approximately thirty hours after the phone call to Javier, you find yourself trimming the weeds by your front porch in the home you had lived in your whole life. You scratch your finger on a rose thorn and wince, immediately rising to your feet and heading inside to rinse the blood away and apply a bandaid on the injury.

But before you can even take a step in the direction of your front door, you hear a voice that is all too familiar.

Your name is spoken and your entire body freezes up. A moment passes— you’re not quite sure how long exactly— before the next two words are uttered. “I’m here.”

It’s serves as both reassurance and a reminder. And it doesn’t hurt anymore. But your feet are glued to the concrete ground and you can’t even turn to face the man who’d been gone for so long. The man who you believed may never return.

When you don’t move or acknowledge him, he calls your name again and this time his tone is breathy— almost exasperated. Your eyes are wide and brimmed with glossy tears and a small hiccup escapes your lips.

Finally you gain the courage of your convictions spin on your heel.

It’s him.

It’s really him.

Your Javier.

He looks the same. Still ever so handsome, with the hair above his lip groomed so perfectly and his eyes shining like pools of mocha. He even dresses the same, you notice, making sure to spot the pink collar of his shirt and the tight blue jeans that tug around his thighs.

You feel your heart begin to race and you precariously try to regulate your breathing. This was it. This was all you ever wanted. His face softens and his expression speaks a thousand words. A crinkle of concern burrows between his brow and his pink lips tug into a frown as he risks a step closer to you, breaking the very little distance you once shared.

Javier takes notice of the rapid movements of your chest and briefly, he worries about your heart.

Your beautiful, sweet heart.

A single tear slips from your eye and rolls down your cheek. Javier can’t take it anymore. He wraps his strong arms around you and pulls you into him, nursing you as you sob quietly into his chest. In no time at all, you bury your head into the cloth of his shirt and let it all out.

“Lo siento mucho.” (“I’m so sorry.”) Javier whispers into your ear, cradling you in his arms.

He wants to cry too. He’s angry at himself for leaving you in the first place. He knows deep down that you hold no resentment, but he does. If he had the power to go back in time and change things; he would do it in a heartbeat. But when he places a chaste, apologetic just atop your head and smells your shampoo, his anger quickly subsides.

He’s filled with the intensity of being back with you and it’s such an overwhelming feeling of happiness.

After you regain your composure, you pull yourself away from him to take a closer look at his face. You notice a slight new scar just over the bridge of his nose and a few small wrinkles by the corners of his eyes. Somehow he looks even better than when he left. He’s still holding onto you, his fingers tracing lazy circles into the skin of your arms.

You feel practically speechless— after all these years. You’d dreamt of the moment that you reunite with Javier, and planned all the things that you wanted to tell him. Maybe you should have written it all down in a point-by-point format because right now, you couldn’t recall a damn thing.

You just couldn’t believe that he was here and standing before him. So you mustered up the only two words that could come to your mind.

“You came?”

The question held so much weight — because you were beginning to feel a certainty that you’d lost him for good. Despite Javier promising that he’d be back, all those years ago… time was wearing thin and you were both growing older.

But Javier tilted his head and gave you a knowing look.

“You called.”

Like it was the simplest thing in the world.

“I love you so much, amor,” Javier smiled and placed another kiss atop your head, and then one on your forehead too, and then a final peck on the curve of your nose. If he could stay here forever and kiss you everywhere; he would. And this time, he does. “I won’t ever leave you again. I promise.”

You barely mumble an “Okay,” before you cup your hands around his face and pull his face down to your level, pressing your mouth against his and getting lost in the touch.

Everything is so familiar— the way his lips move against yours like soft velvet, and the rich taste of honeyed whiskey intoxicating your soul, almost as much as the lingering scent of tobacco on that one leather jacket he donned back in ‘79.

He is back.

Javier is home.

————————

permanent taglist: @paintballkid711 @supernaturalgirl20 @phoenixhalliwell @stardust-galaxies @wickedfrsgrl @goth-topic @nerdypinupcrystal @kiwi-the-first @castiel-barnes @rocketqueen @honeymandos @girl-obsessed-with-things @moth-guillotine @pedro-pascal-love @hayley-the-comet @pinkninja200 @maxiarapamaya @autumnleaves1991-blog @cripplingmoon @kaqua @artsymaddie @kennedywxlsh @cheekygeek05 @mrschiltoncat @rye-flower @theamuz @persie33 @sleepylunarwolf @martellthemandalor @pedro-pastel @steeevienicks @rrtxcmt @readsalot73 @softmedics @spideysimpossiblegirl @mswarriorbabe80 @thewayofthemandalorian @greeneyedblondie44

[jake-g-lockley]

Getting Lost in Translation (Santiago ‘Pope’ Garcia x desi!reader)

Masterlist | Playlist

Warnings: Violence, mentions of torture, mentions of PTSD, mentions of trafficking (drug and human), non-sexual nudity, swearing

Word Count: 5.4 k

Summary: You go undercover with Santiago Garcia to get information about a drug/human trafficking cartel. 

A/N: Take a shot every time I say “dupatta” and you’ll end up in the hospital (sorry). Also is it really a Santiago fan fic if you don't mention his gammy knees AHAHAHA <333

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Your POV

You’ve always enjoyed the quiet village life, with people who lived real lives, rather than the calculated and time managed life that you had to endure when growing up. You were grateful for your upbringing in a well-to-do household which allowed you to study and grow up in comfort. 

After five years of medical school and two years working as a doctor in a city hospital, you decided that it was time to give back to the community that needed help the most. One day, you quit your job and never turned back, cutting off all contact with your family, working as an English and Science teacher at a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. You used your knowledge of languages to help the folks of the village by acting as a translator with those who offer foreign aid. 

You woke up at the crack of dawn and went to bed when the moon was up high in the sky. It was tough but you loved every second of it. You were finally happy. 

That was until something horrible started happening in your village. Children were going missing and you started spending your time comforting distraught parents. These were children that you taught in the small school and your heart ached with every second that they were gone. 

The police had done some investigation of their own and found out that the kids’ disappearance was linked to a trafficking ring, which made you feel helpless and you almost lost yourself with the worry that you were experiencing. 

Nevertheless, you had to get it together and find some type of solution to help these families, and after weeks of requesting for aid, you were finally due to meet the group of individuals who would help find these kids. 

So here you were standing with the police at the airport, waiting. They had told you that they would be there at 1 pm but apparently their flight from Miami had been delayed. You nervously fiddle with your big jimmikis as your eyes scan the people coming out of arrivals. Suddenly, you spot a team of big burly western men walking towards you and the officers. 

“That’s them, isn’t it, officer.” You say in Tamil to the police officer beside you. 

“Yes, ma.” he replies, waving them towards where they were standing. 

“Hi! I’m Y/N and I’ll be your translator while you are here.” you say, stepping up, offering your hand to the nearest of the men. 

A tall man with a baseball cap that said ‘Standard Heating Oil’ took your hand and shook it, quickly introducing his team as they loaded their luggage into the trucks. “I’m Frankie, this is my team. The brothers, Benny and Will on the far left, Tom in the middle and Santiago on my right.”

“Nice to meet all of you.” you say, giving them a toothy grin, which they all returned except for the man with salt and pepper curls, Santiago. His face was arranged into a calculated and poised manner that showed little to no emotion. 

You quickly translated a few conversations between the group of men and the police before getting into the van and a few minutes later, the van was speeding towards the outskirts of the city towards the village that was about two hours away. You stayed silent throughout the ride, choosing to admire the scenery outside, occasionally eavesdropping on the conversations that the men were having behind you.

They seemed like a chummy bunch and you were briefed about the field experience that they had, which made you feel slightly better about letting them take hold of the ropes and find these children. The van abruptly stops and you peak to the front to see what was going on. A cow was crossing the road, a regular occurrence here in India.

“I heard people here worship cows, Will.” one of the men says, making you turn to look at them with a disdainful look on your face. 

“We do not worship cows, we respect them. Many people here consider the cow to be a sacred symbol of life that should be protected and revered.” You say, pointedly, trying not to roll your eyes at the men.

Santiago and Frankie chuckled.

“Oopsie, sorry, missy.” said Benny with a smile, leaning his weight forward onto the seat in front of him. 

“See Benny, they don’t worship your girlfriend.” Will says, earning a punch from Benny. 

“She said, respect boys.” Frankie said, sending an unyielding glare at the both of them. He was clearly the mother goose of the team and the other two men actually listened to him. 

“You sound incredibly eloquent for someone who is living in a small rural village. What’s your story?” Tom asked.

“Studied in the UK and worked as a doctor for a few years and decided that there are a lot of people who need help in outskirt villages.” you shrug. “I also speak multiple languages to help with foreign aid.” 

“Impressive.” Tom nods, approvingly.

“So you guys are used to working together?” you asked, awkwardly trying to keep the conversation a float, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“Oh yea,” Frankie says “We’ve always been a team and we were tracking the same cartel that we think is operating throughout South India and other parts of the world for quite a while now, that's why we answered to your distress signal. We believe that it is a human trafficking organization as well as a drug trafficking organization.” 

“Those poor children, I know them personally. I can’t imagine what they are going through right now.” you say biting your bottom lip, swallowing the tears that are threatening to bubble out of your eyes.  

“You personally know them?” Will asks.

“Yea, they are my students,” you say. “Very bright kids, quick learners.”

Just as Frankie opened his mouth to ask another question, the van stopped again, signifying that you had arrived at your destination. You adjusted your dupatta, draping it ever so lightly over your hair, smoothed your kurta top and stepped out of the van, waiting for the men to follow you out. 

You led them to the house of the village head and instructed them to remove their boots and socks before entering. Santiago groaned as he bent down to pull his socks off and you heard a light fluster of pain. You waited for him to finish and you followed him into the house.

Tom started to explain their plan, and where they are planning to infiltrate this group. You rapidly translate the information to the village head, taking down some notes yourself. You were impressed by the amount of detail put together in this plan. The intel that they had already collected showed that the children are being kept alive in a village not far from here. If everything went smoothly, the kids would be back with them. But then came the tricky situation.

“We will need someone to come with one of us to stay in the opposite village so that we can make sure that the information we got isn’t bogus without drawing attention to ourselves.” Santiago finally spoke. 

You were slightly taken aback by his voice. It was soft but had an edge to it that tickled you. His slight accent sounded pleasantly melodious to your ears but still maintained an air of authority that could quiet a room in an instant. You blinked, focusing on the information that he had just said, translating it to the village head.

You wait for him to respond and you sigh when he does.

“He wants me to go.” you say to Santiago, looking him in his eyes for the first time, holding his gaze. Santiago stares back, his eyes unwavering.

“And rightfully so, you have medical skills and can pass off as a villager.” Tom says, nodding. 

“Then I’ll go with you.” Santiago says. 

“Do you have a plan on how you are going to disguise yourself?” you ask.

“Yea, I was thinking of going in as a deaf and mute man,” he says.

“Great, I can sign, this will go perfectly.” you say finalizing it.

“Good job, team, now we can start the preparation.” Tom said, finalizing the meeting.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

The police had gotten you and Santiago a small hut to live in at the outskirts of the opposite village for him to do his reconnaissance. You both were to pose as husband and wife and they had given you a fake thaali to be worn on a yellow string around your neck to signify your marriage. You slyly noticed that Santiago didn’t wear a ring, unlike Frankie and Tom but you assumed that he had a girlfriend somewhere in America. 

“Hold still,” you tell him, wrapping your old dupatta around his face to conceal his identity. He wanted to go into the markets where most of the town gossip would buzz about. He was dressed in some clothes that were given to him by the village head and had his bulletproof vest under it. 

“I am holding still, your hands are shaking.” he said, smugly. 

Your hands were shaking. You were a trained medical professional and your hands were shaking. Santiago made you feel nervous. He is a very intimidating man. This whole operation made you feel nervous. You just wanted it to be over as soon as it started. 

“Pin,” you held out your hand and Santiago dropped the pin into it. 

You quickly pin the edge and step back to admire your handy work, and catch his eyes. He had the most beautiful baby doe eyes, framed with long eyelashes that could make any girl jealous. You stared a little too long until Santiago clears his throat.

“Done staring, chica?” He says, amusement lacing his voice. 

“Wasn’t staring.” You mumbled, grabbing your saree’s pallu and draping it over your head, tucking the ends into your blouse. Turning you look at the mirror behind you and mark the parting of your hair with a little bit of red kumkum, adjusting your pottu. 

“Do I look like I can pass as someone’s wife?” You say, turning back to Santiago. 

“Yea, you look great.” He answered.

“That's not what I asked, but thanks.” You both walk to the market center, you gripping Santiago’s firm bicep and stirring him around. You strike up a conversation with one of the vegetable sellers.

“I’ve never seen you here before, ma.” The man says in Tamil.

“Yea, uncle, my husband and I moved here a few weeks ago, didn’t have the energy to come out. He’s deaf and mute and our child went missing a few months ago.” you answer, staring into space as your eyes teared up. 

“Oh no, I’m so sorry, ma. Things like that have been happening here too, you know?” He says as you pick a few vegetables. 

“What do you mean?” You sniff.

“We think it's the gang of people at the south end of the village,” he leans closer and whispers. “Children have been going missing and no one is here to defend them.” 

You allowed a tear to drip down your face and you turned to Santiago and signed to him, that you have information. Paying for your vegetables, you thanked the old man and walked along the path. 

“Vegetable soup again?” Santiago whispered. 

“Seriously, we are undercover and that's what you’re worried about?” You hiss back. 

“I’m a hungry man, chica.” he whispers back after a while. You could hear an exaggerated pout in his voice.

“Make do with what you have,” you say, as you stir him to the meat store.

“See, I knew you were nice.” He whispered, his eyes sparkling.

You rolled your eyes and bought some mutton to cook something for the man. After all, he was the one helping you and so far, everything has been going pretty good. 

“Do you find me intimidating, cariño?” Santiago suddenly asks as he chopped the vegetables using his knife while you cooked the rice and mutton into something edible. You look up, not expecting his question, the both of you usually cook and eat silently. He had an eyebrow cocked up and a ghost of a smirk on his face. 

“Obviously.” You say, looking back at the mutton dish. 

“How so?” he persisted.

“Because you’re so, well, you? You just have that infuriatingly calm look etched on your face that doesn’t give me any information to work with. You’re obviously a military man who’s very particular about following the rules and I’ve been known to bend the rules sometimes and I’m scared that I would slip up and upset you.” You blurt out. 

Silence.

“I’ll try to be less intimidating. You’re right, I am very particular about protocol but you’ve followed everything down to a T so far and all the information that you have gotten has been matching perfectly with the intel that we already have.” He says, smiling.

You smile back, absorbing Santiago’s smile. It was genuine and it was a beautiful smile. It contorted his face in a different, more healing way and it was making him seem younger than he is. 

Over dinner, he told you about his boys and how they served together. He also told you all the weird things they would do, which elicited a laugh from you that echoed around the small hut. 

You tell him about your life before this and how different everything was, until the both of you had sleep lulling in your eyes. You don’t remember the last thing you said before closing your eyes, but you did know that you felt significantly more comfortable with Santiago around. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You woke up abruptly to Santiago thrashing violently in his sleep. You’re familiar with the effects of PTSD on a person, you’ve seen it many times before, but this just hurts to watch. 

You grabbed his shoulders and lightly held him until he stopped shaking. His breathing softens and he opens his eyes, looking up at you and then jumping away from your grasp. 

“It's ok, it was just a dream. You’re here.” you say, grabbing a hold of his hand. He reciprocated the touch by squeezing your hand. 

“Sorry I woke you, cariño.” He says softly. 

“It's alright, you wanna talk about it?” you say, just out of courtesy, not really expecting him to say much about it. 

“My team and I came out of a very tough mission recently and I feel like I am the one to be blamed for all the mistakes that we made.” he whispers. “There were a lot of people’s lives on the line and we lost all of them because of one small error.”

You look up, shocked, not expecting a full revelation from Santiago. You mask your shock and scooch closer to him and put a hand on his back, rubbing circles.

“Hey, what happened, happened, alright? Past tense. Stay here, with me in the present.” you say soothingly. You knew nothing could change what had happened and Santiago would always have to carry that pain with him, but you tried anyway. 

He nodded without a word and you both just sat in the dark for a while just listening to each other's breathing and the crickets outside.

“Go back to sleep, we have a long day tomorrow.” You whisper into Santiago’s ear. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

You let the cool water of the river envelope you with its freshness. You were used to bathing in cold water so early in the morning after living a year in the village. It helps with waking you up and you feel refreshed throughout the day. 

Despite telling Santiago to sleep, you stayed awake all night staring at his sleeping face. Even though you find it hard to admit it, you were definitely harboring a small crush on Santiago Garcia. A part of you wanted to wake up every morning with him by your side. He is a very handsome man and has pretty good intentions as far as you could tell. You spent all night memorizing every single detail that was etched into his face, wondering whether each one of those lines has its own story. 

Your thoughts were cut off by a sound close to your right and you grabbed the knife that you had strapped to your thigh and held it in front of you. 

“Who’s there?” You say in Tamil and then repeating the line again in English while cautiously step forward from the river. 

“Yo, it's just me- HOLY FUCK!!!” Santiago screamed, eyes wide, frozen to the spot. 

“DUDE WHAT ARE YOU SCREAMING AT??!” You yell back at him. 

Then you look down and realize that Santiago caught a full view of your very topless body. You facepalm, grabbing your towel and wrapping it around you.  

“Sorry, sorry, gods Santiago, you of all people should know not to sneak up on me.” You chastise him, folding your arms across your chest. 

“Pretty amazing way to start my morning though.” He says, after regaining what's left of his brain cells.

Your mouth twisted into a scowl. 

“I guess we have to get even now.” You say, smugly, trying to hide your ulterior motive of wanting to see Santiago Garcia shirtless. 

“Easy, your wish is my command, princesa.” He says, whipping his shirt off with one swift motion. 

God damn.

Yep, exactly what you expected, sculpted by Michelangelo for the gods, even by the gods or greater than the gods. You've had your fair share of men in medical school, but nothing comes close to this archangel. 

“Like what you see?” He tilts his head to catch your expression but you keep your emotions steady, not allowing them to leak onto your face. 

You shrug and avoid his eyes, swooping down to grab your clothes that you wanted to wash. He pulls off his trousers and walks into the lake. 

Tightening the hold of your towel, you begin to wash your saree and underclothes, hanging them to dry on a rock nearby as you watch Santiago do laps around the river, his muscles flexing. You snap yourself out of it and walk back to the small hut to change. 

When you got out, Santiago had a towel wrapped around his waist, a little too low slung for your sanity. He was adjusting a mirror on the tree to shave his face. 

Suddenly, you hear something to your far left and you feel like you were being watched. Your peripheral vision caught sight of the trees moving and you moved closer to Santiago. 

“Santi, give me the razor, and don’t talk.” you whisper. You give him a smile and sign that there are people watching. He nodded, handing you the razor as you closed the gap. 

“There is someone in the trees to our left.” You whisper as you lather the soap onto his face, caressing his jaw. He places a hand on your exposed midriff and turns the both of you around so that he is facing the trees while you start calmly shaving his face, fingers moving to taut the skin, cleaning the razor every so often trying hard not to focus on Santiago’s fingers on your skin. 

You start to sing softly in Tamil, to act nonchalant, and watch as Santiago’s eyes scan the trees rapidly over your head. 

“I count two to the right.” He whispers back, tilting his head up to allow you better access. You place a finger to his lips to shush him and after a while you turn his head, starting on the other side.

Are they still watching? You sign. 

Santiago nods, barely. 

You finish shaving his face and wipe the access soap off with your fingers, leaving a small kiss on his nose which took him by surprise but he didn’t react, knowing that they were undercover. He pulled you in for a hug and murmured in your hair “Whatever happens, just trust me”. He kisses your forehead and pulls away, giving you a small smile, grabbing onto your hand, leading you into the hut.

Once inside, Santiago rushed around to get dressed and you frantically packed all the stuff you had into the one bag that you brought, along with Santiago’s stuff and stuffed it under a pile of hay. Santiago grabbed the satellite phone and called Frankie. You watch as he paces around speaking in frantic Spanish giving orders to his team mate.

 For days now he’s been in contact with Frankie, giving him the information that they have been collecting. Just before he could put the phone down, a knock sounded at the door. You tossed Santiago a dupatta and he quickly covered his face as you crossed the floor towards the door. 

“Who’s there?” You say in Tamil as you open the door, revealing three men. 

“Hello, kanna, we would like to ask you and your husband a few questions.” One of the men answered, smiling. 

They all looked like village folk but you’ve never seen their faces before. You turned and signed to Santiago and he nodded his head. Stepping back, you grab onto Santiago’s arm and the both of you sit cross legged in front of the men. 

You answered their questions with an unwavering face after telling them that your husband was deaf and dumb. You also tell them the same sob story that you had been telling the village people. 

One of the men leaned forward and grabbed your thali, harshly pulling you with it as they observed it. You feel Santiago flinch beside you as you beg them to not hurt you. They push you down by your shoulders making you gasp. 

“We’re going to ask you again. Who are you and who is he?” One of the men snarled into your face as you tried to recoil away. 

“Please, please don’t hurt me and my husband. Don’t hurt him, he doesn’t know what's going on.” You pleaded and wailed, trying to get away from the question. 

“Hey guys, look here, he's not Indian, is he?”At the corner of your eye, another one of the men had ripped your dupatta off Santiago’s face and your heart stops. 

“I think we need to take these two to our boss.” You noticed that Santiago wasn’t doing anything to defend himself as they pushed him towards you. 

“Don’t say anything, let them capture us.” Santiago whispers into your ear. 

He was offering you and him up as bait. You looked into his eyes and went with it. Went with the trust that you had built up with him over the two and a half weeks. 

You nod as the men bound your hands and blindfold you. You let yourself be dragged up by them and then they lead you out of the hut into the forest. Your bare feet hurt against the harsh forest floor but you didn’t say a single word. 

After what felt like hours you hear yourself approaching different voices, not of the men who kidnapped you and Santiago. You were pushed into your knees and you heard Santiago groan beside you, slight relief spreading through you when you heard his voice. 

Your blindfold was ripped off and you blinked, adjusting to the light. You first turned to Santiago who was kneeling uncomfortably beside you, his beautiful face caked with sweat, curls scruffy. Then you turned to the person who was standing in front of you, trying to decipher his features. 

“What do we have here? An American and a village woman. What an unlikely pairing.” He says in English. “Let me get straight to the point. Tell us who you are and we will decide our next course of action.” 

Santiago stayed silent, staring up at the man, gaze unflattering. 

“Military? CIA? Police? RAW?” The man stepped closer to you, lifting your chin up to face him. He was a big bald man with a giant mustache.

You and Santiago stay silent. 

“Looks like we have to bring out the big guns.” The man says, gesturing to his henchmen.

“You don’t have to worry, chellam, I don’t hit women.” He says to you, squeezing your cheek, your eyes widening with fear. 

Then the torture started. They started to hit Santiago with such brutality that you couldn’t help but scream. It went on for so long and you screamed at them to stop until your throat was sore. 

Santiago was bloody and battered and yet, he still didn’t say a single word. After a while the henchmen gave up, throwing the both of you into a closed cell. 

Santiago’s POV

The room around him spun uncontrollably and pain soared through him in horrible waves. He felt like he was reaching a light, trying to grasp it. No. It wasn’t a light, it was a sound. He tried grasping onto it, but it kept slipping away. Then he felt it, a soft nudge beside him and he grasped onto the sound, letting it envelop him.

It was her voice. She was pleading with him to stay with her, stay in the present, like she did yesterday when he awoke from the horrible nightmare. She was saying his name, and he clung onto that, the way it rolled off her tongue melodiously and reached his ears, canceling out all the ringing that he had been listening to for the past few minutes, or hours. 

He slowly opened his eyes, and focused on her form. She looked relatively unhurt but he could vaguely see tears streaming down her beautiful face. He tried to tell her that he was ok, but all he could do was taste iron in his mouth. He spat out the blood and shook his head, breathing in and out to steady the spinning. 

“Santiago, I need you to listen to me,” Y/N says, kicking her legs over his own outstretched ones. “I need you to pull my saree over my thigh and grab the knife that’s strapped to it.”

He nodded, still trying to process.

“Santi, come on, look at me, pull.” She whispers frantically, shaking her legs. 

His head snapped up at her again and he fumbled with her saree, trying to pull it up to gain access to the knife. Finally after several tries, he pushed the fabric over where the knife was and pulled it, holding it in front of him, unsure of what to do next. 

“Come on, free yourself.” She instructed and he turned the knife towards his bounded hands, autopilot taking over as he sawed himself loose. 

He leaned back, trying to blink away the pain as he focused on freeing her, so as to not cut her. 

The second he frees her, he hears gunshots and yelling. He laughs, completely delirious to the pain. 

“My boys are here.” He says as he slips into unconsciousness.

Your POV

Santiago falls back as you feel your hands slip out of the restraints. You hear him mumble something incoherent as you swung our legs off his own and start slapping him to keep him awake. 

“No, no, no, stay with me, you idiot.” You hiss, feeling his pulse. It was there, but faint. 

You pull his shirt up and run your fingers over his body in the dark, checking for any cuts. You feel something warm and wet, pulling back to smell the familiar twang of iron. You pull the pallu of your saree off your shoulder and use it to stem the bleeding, pressing hard with one hand, the other still slapping Santiago’s face. 

“Pope! Y/N! Where are you guys?” A familiar voice called out. 

“Frankie! Frankie, in here, in the cells, Santi’s bleeding out, please, I need a med pack, stat!” You yell as loud as your sore throat could handle. 

Frankie appears in front of you with full tactical gear and shoots the lock of the cell. In seconds, he got a flashlight and the med pack out. You examined the wound under the dim stream of light and it was still beading with blood. 

You instruct Frankie to douse the wound with disinfectant and your hands as you thread a needle. As fast as you possibly could, you sewed the wound shut.

You sigh and turn to Frankie, shaking your head. 

“I know, he’s a little stupid, but you’ll get use to it.” He smiles down at his unconscious friend. “We got the kids and the others are currently doing a headcount.”

“How did you guys find us?” You say, holding onto Santiago’s hand.

“He has a tracker on him and after that frantic phone call, we traced you guys here. Let me guess, he refused to speak?” He says, squinting at where your hand was.

“Yep, didn’t say a single word, the stubborn man. Your timing is impeccable. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if you didn’t turn up in time.” You say, your eyes welling up with fresh tears again.

“Hey, it's alright, let's get this man to the hospital, okay?” 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“Hey.” You hear a voice and you sit up immediately, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

“Hey, yourself. Do you know how stupid that was?” You glare at the man on the bed in front of you. 

“Mmm, kinda, but we’re alive right?” He says, giving you a smile.

You roll your eyes, biting your cheek to prevent yourself from smiling back at him. His eyes went slightly glassy as if he was thinking about something.

“What are you thinking about?” You couldn’t stop yourself from asking him, snapping him out of his daze.

“Your tits.” He replied without hesitation.

“¿Qué? You know what, nevermind, I don’t even want to know.” Frankie says, making Santiago snap his head to his left where Frankie was lounging on a chair.

You massage your temples, embarrassment creeping up your face. 

“Oh, hi Catfish, didn’t see you there.” Santi grins.

“Well, good morning to you too, cabrón.” he says getting up and giving Santiago a kiss on his forehead, making him cringe into the pillows and you giggle at the sight.

Frankie left the room, closing the door behind him, not before uttering “No monkey business, you two.”

“Asshole,” Santiago chuckles, before turning back to you.

“You’ve got a lot of admirers who visited you.” you say, scanning his face.

You were so glad to be present during the reunion of the children and their parents. All of the children were relatively unharmed but the bruises on their wrist signified the burden of the trauma that they had to carry for the rest of their lives.

Santiago shifts and pats the bed. You hesitate, but eventually climb in, snuggling lightly into his side.

“I have to admit, you are growing on me, Pope.” You mutter as his good arm pulls you closer. 

“Mmm, I know.” He whispers, kissing your forehead.

“If you pull a stunt like that again, I swear, I will kill you myself.” You say in Tamil.

“I think we’re getting lost in translation, cariño.” He mumbles into your hair, slipping back into sleep. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Translation:

Jimmikis: A style of earring worn by women of the Indian subcontinent.

Ma: Indians usually call all women “ma”, can be a term of endearment but also is used casually.

Thaali: A mangala sutra, or thaali, is a necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck in the Indian subcontinent. The necklace serves as a visual marker of status as a married Hindu woman. Mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 6th Century AD as a single yellow thread was tied around the bride for protection from other men and evil spirits. The term mangala sutra in Sanskrit means holy thread.

Dupatta: The dupattā is a shawl traditionally worn by women in Indian subcontinent to cover the head and shoulders 

Chica: Girl

Saree: A sari or saree is a women's garment from the Indian subcontinent,that consists of an un-stitched stretch of woven fabric arranged over the body as a robe, with one end tied to the waist, while the other end rests over one shoulder as a stole, baring a part of the midriff.

Pallu: The loose end of a sari, worn over one shoulder or the head

Kumkum: AKA sindoor. Kumkum is a powder used for social and religious markings in India. It is either made from turmeric or saffron. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into a red color. Kumkum is most often applied by Indians to the forehead

Pottu: A bindi or pottu is a coloured dot or, in modern times, a sticker worn on the center of the forehead, originally by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains from the Indian subcontinent.

Cariño: Sweetie

Princesa: Princess

Kanna: Sweetie

Chellam: Darling

¿Qué?: What?

Cabrón: Dumbass

[ssprayberrythings]

Christmas Through The Years - Part Three

I'll Love You Forever

' Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female!reader '

Another part of the series! <3

Approx. 1.5k words

Warnings: as per usual, just sweet sweet fluff!

----

If you were to ask Jake Seresin when he knew he had found the one, he would say the minute you locked eyes with each other. Before meeting you, he didn’t bother glancing in the direction of committed relationships, not because he was avoiding commitment but rather because he just simply hadn’t found the person he could see himself spending the rest of his life with.

When he saw you at the Hard Deck, it was as if a switch had been flipped and suddenly he could see himself buying a house, getting married, having kids, and when the time came, retiring with you by his side for all of it. That's why Jake found himself admiring the ring he had tucked away in his sock drawer every time he went in there, waiting for the perfect opportunity to ask you the one question that would take your relationship to another level.

You and Jake had been dating for 4 years now. You were both madly in love with each other and couldn't imagine going through life without one another, which paired perfectly with the proposal Jake had been thinking of since he first met you.

Christmas was becoming a special occasion in your relationship which is why Jake wanted to ask you to marry him on Christmas morning. You had mentioned to Jake one day while you were scrolling on TikTok that the idea of being proposed to on Christmas seemed so sweet and once he heard that, that was the final push that he needed to move forward with this proposal.

This Christmas you and Jake were planning to visit his hometown to see his family for the holiday and ring in the New Year with them. Jake knew the only opportunity he would have to ask would be in the morning during your gift exchange because the rest of the day would be spent packing and tidying up the house before leaving for the airport.

Currently, it was nearing midnight and Jake was waiting to make sure you were sleeping before quietly retreating downstairs to get everything ready for the morning. He grabbed the ring from the drawer and set out on his mission of making sure everything was perfect.

He started by wrapping the ring box then tying a white ribbon around it, then he carefully placed it at the back of the tree that was set up with all the other presents underneath. He made sure it was close enough for him to grab from his spot on the floor without being too apparent while also making sure you couldn't see it from where you'd be seated.

Once he felt it was in the perfectly calculated spot, he went to the garage to grab the champagne he had put in the back seat of his truck. Walking back into the house, he put the champagne on the kitchen counter along with two champagne glasses. He wasn't worried about you seeing them as he’s always the first awake and will usually bring you your coffee.

Once all of that was finished, he double-checked everything, sent a quick ring and thumbs-up emoji to the dagger squad to indicate he was ready to go seeing as they all knew what he was planning, and then headed off to bed.

--

As you slowly woke up, you went to cuddle into your boyfriend only to find his side of the bed empty before you could question where he might be, you heard Christmas music gently playing from down the hall and your nostrils were met with the sweet smell of coffee which was enough for you to slide out of bed and make your way to where you could assume Jake was.

When you reached the living room, you stopped and smiled at your tree admiring it. Before you could turn and head toward the kitchen, Jake was already walking out holding two mugs

“Good morning my beautiful girlfriend,” he said as he walked over to you passing you your Christmas mug and kissing your cheek in the process causing your smile to grow in size. “Merry Christmas,” I told him as we smiled at each other “Merry Christmas babe,” he replied.

Together you and Jake made your way to where you liked to sit on the floor to exchange gifts. Once you had drank more of your coffee and felt more awake, you started exchanging gifts. You took turns opening gifts from each other and opening the presents your parents had mailed over seeing as you wouldn’t be going home this year.

Once it got down to the last gift for each of you, Jake started to feel the nerves peek through. He hoped you couldn’t see the slight shake in his hands as he opened his last gift and as you opened yours.

I smiled at the new leather-bound journal Jake had gifted me, knowing how important journaling was to me “Jake, I love it. Thank you” I tell him after putting it off to the side. I leaned in to kiss him on the lips before pulling away and started to get up

“Wait, there's one more” Jake said which confused me but regardless I stopped myself from getting up anymore and sat back down. Jake reached around the couch and when he felt the box, he picked it up and passed it to you “Merry Christmas” he said smiling.

I felt my heart start to race as I saw the small box. There was no way it was what I thought it was. I carefully took the box from Jake and slowly started taking the wrapping off. Once all the wrapping was off, your breath got uneven as a dark red velvet box sat in your hands, you were afraid to open it in case it wasn't what you thought it was.

Slowly I opened the box and to my surprise, a beautiful diamond ring sat there. My hand went to my mouth, feeling the tears already threatening to fall. As I looked up I was met with Jake on one knee.

He gently took the ring from my hands ``Babe, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I know it's cliche to say that but it's the truth. Before I met you, never once did all of this ever cross my mind” He said as he referred to what the two of you had “When I saw you at the Hard Deck that night we met, I knew you were the one for me and every day I spend next to you I am even more assured of that. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, I want to be the one coming home to you, I want to be the one holding you when you’re sad and the one making you laugh, I want to do everything from marriage to having kids to retiring with you” He continued.

At this point, I couldn't hold back the tears and just listen to everything Jake was saying,

“You're it for me which is why I want to ask if you’ll do me the honors of becoming my wife and the person I get to call my forever” he finished, his own eyes glossing over. The second he was finished talking, I nodded my head not trusting my voice.

He smiled and carefully took the ring, sliding it on my finger. I sat up and grabbed his cheeks, kissing him and letting the kiss tell him everything I was feeling at this moment. “Jake I love you and you are already my forever,” I told him slightly pulling away as we both had tears on our cheeks.

Jake just smiled and leaned in again. The holidays hold a lot of memories for us and this is just a new one added to the list.

New Year's Eve The Following Year

“If everyone could please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Seresin,” our MC told our friends and family, everyone clapping as Jake and I excitedly walked into our wedding reception.

Jake twirled me around when we reached the dance floor, causing a laugh to fall from my mouth. The music changed from the upbeat song for our entrance to our first dance song.

Jake pulled me into his chest, his one hand joining mine and the other found a place on my lower back while my free hand went to his shoulder as we slowly swayed. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I lifted my head off his shoulder and looked into his eyes, smiling as he looked back at me

“I love you. Forever and always” I told him softly making sure he was the only one that heard. “I love you just as much. Forever and always” he told me in return while leaning down to kiss me as we continued to share our first dance as a married couple.

----

This is probably my favorite part of this series, writing the proposal was honestly just a projection of how I want to be proposed to but also Jake's dialogue, my hopeless romantic heart had a field day with it!!

I hope everyone who reads this enjoys this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

ALSO, THERE'S ONLY ONE PART LEFT! can't wait to share that one with this page!

Taglist: @teacupsandtopgun @hotch-meeeeeuppppp

[shadowuponstorm]

First Love

A/N: Reader has lived in Beacon Hills for as long as she could remember and made many friends, ask them if they still consider her one after she and her family moved away. Time may have passed since she's been there, but you never forget your first love. Pairing: Stiles Stilinski x Reader Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV Series)

"Yes, I've arrived safely and am already on my way to you," I say into the receiver of my cellphone as I pack up my bags into the car my nana and pops left for me to drive from the airport, "Can't wait to finally be back home."

"And see your friends? As well as a certain Stilinski?" My nana ask teasingly over the phone, making me roll my eyes.

"Yes, I'm excited to see Sheriff Stilinski again," I rebut back jokingly as Nana replies, "You know that was not the one I was referring to."

"Yes, I know, I gotta go," I say as I put the last of my bags in the trunk and shut it, "Key in the same place?"

"You know us so well, love you, can't wait to see you," Nana responds as I tell her I loved her too and hung up the phone.

I entered the car, but before I started it, I leaned my head back and sighed. I wonder how things went on since I've been gone, especially all my friends and yes, even the guy my nana had to remind me that I've had a crush on since I was younger. After a few minutes, I reached over to the glove compartment to take out the key and was on my way back to Beacon Hills, where I'll be staying for a while.

-Beacon Hills-

I arrived at my grandparents' house to see Pops already waiting for me on the front porch, with a huge smile on his face seeing me.

"Hey sweet girl," Pops says as I rush over to him and enter his embrace, to which he turned into a bear hug, "How was the flight?"

"Bumpy at times, but that's what happens when you are that high in the air," I reply as I exit his hug to look over at the neighbor's house, which is missing a police cruiser and a blue Jeep in the driveway.

"He's at school right now, but don't you worry, you'll see him when you go. It's all been sorted out," Pops says with a smirk on his face, making me mentally slap my forehead.

This is what I get for telling my grandparents about my little crush.

"Not why I was looking, but anyways, I'm guessing Sheriff Stilinski sold Roscoe?" I ask as Pops and I walk over to my car to unload the trunk.

"No, actually, Stiles is driving it, so she's getting some use in," Pops respond as I turn my head quickly to express my shock.

"Stiles, we're still talking about Mieczyslaw Stilinski here?" I asked as Pops laughs and says, "Yes, we're still talking about him. He's grown up quite a bit since you last saw him."

After Pops and I finished unloading, we then went into the house to put the luggage into my room, which hasn't changed a bit. As I'm unpacking and putting things away, I look up to the top of the dresser to see a framed picture of me, Stiles, and Scott when we were kids.

"They still hang out together you know? Except they get themselves into things they shouldn't now," Pops mentions from behind me, making me laugh and respond, "Wouldn't surprise me."

I can't wait to see those crazy boys at school soon.

"Y/N? Wallen?" I hear Nana call out from the entrance, "I'm home!"

-High School-

I pull into an empty parking space and looked all around the school. So many unfamiliar and familiar faces, which reminds me that I qualify in the unfamiliar category. I exit the car and pull my bag out from the back seat to prepare to walk to the front office to grab my locker number as well as my class schedule.

"Wait who is she?" "Do you see what she's wearing?" "Is she new or has she always been going here?" I hear people whisper as I make my way through the crowds, trying to block them out as best I can if the whispers aren't out of curiosity.

After I arrived at the front office, I tell the receptionist my name and watch as she ruffles through the paperwork to find what I need. She hands them to me after what felt like five minutes and then asked, "Would you like help finding your classes? I can call up someone to do so."

"No I think I got it from here, but thank you," I respond as I give the receptionist a smile and wished her a good day before leaving to enter back into the hallways.

I looked at my class schedule to see I have Economics & Intro to Business with Mr. Finstock, aka the coach of the Lacrosse team. At least that's easy to find, the man never likes to be far away from his office. I walked in the direction of the locker rooms and as I got closer, I could see two familiar faces through the window of the door.

They look..really grown up. He looks so different. Wow

I could see Coach talking so I knocked on the door to grab his attention, hoping he won't be too mad about the interruption. Coach turns to look and walks over to open the door to ask, "Hi, yes, what do you want?"

"New student, sorry," I respond as Coach slaps a hand on his forehead before saying, "Right, of course, they told me that. Come in and don't worry, you don't have to introduce yourself to the whole class." as he steps aside to let me in. I looked around the room for an empty seat, which of course was in the middle of a row two spaces from the row Scott and Stiles were in, and took it.

As the class went on, I could hear whispering but couldn't place who was doing it since I'd rather pay attention to my studies than what rumors were about to sprout about me throughout the school. The bell rang and I was almost out the door when I felt a hand go on my shoulder, prompting me to turn around to see the two guys I'd been longing to see since my return to town.

"Sorry, but you look really familiar," Scott says as he and Stiles are looking like they're still trying to figure out who I am.

Wanting to mess with them a little, I reply, "Oh interesting, sorry, I really need to get to my next class" and left, leaving them baffled with confusion.

I grabbed my lunch and was looking for somewhere to sit when I spotted another familiar face, one I wasn't excited to see, Jackson Whittemore. He was such a jackass to me when we were younger and probably still is, but Stiles and Scott are sitting with him alongside two girls, with an empty seat next to Stiles. I walk over to hear Stiles say to Scott, "Dude I'm telling you, she looks so familiar, I just can't put my finger on it."

"Hello," I respond from behind him, scaring him in the process, "Is the seat beside you taken?"

"U-uh no, it isn't," Stiles stutters out as I sit beside him and start eating, while Jackson looks at him perplexed.

"Wow Stilinski, the new girl already got you stuttering. You haven't done that in a long time," Jackson says with a smirk on his face as the strawberry blonde girl seated beside him tells him to stop.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I'm curious as to what he was talking about and Scott immediately says, "Nothing of concern, he just hasn't done it since the girl he liked moved away."

"If you don't mind telling me, what was she like?" I respond as Stiles shook his head and reply, "I don't feel comfortable airing it out."

"That's okay, was just wondering," I respond as I went back to eating lunch, but not before seeing the strawberry blonde staring at me intensely.

After the lunch bell rang, I was standing at my locker switching notebooks and textbooks when I see someone lean across the opposite locker with their arms crossed.

"You know who he was talking about," I hear Lydia say as I looked at her in confusion and mention, "Many come and go in Beacon Hills, I'm not the only one."

"Oh come on, even I was aware at that time he was in love with you," Lydia responds as I shook my head and shut my locker, "Y/N, he was heartbroken when you moved away. He wouldn't stop looking sad."

I sighed before I looked at Lydia and said, "I was just another one of his best friends, he wasn't in love with me. Not in the way I was with him" whispering the last part before walking away to my next class.

After the final bell rang, I headed out to the parking lot, rushing since it was pouring, and slammed my door shut behind me after I jumped in the car. I rested my head on the headrest to catch my breath and looked forward to spotting Lydia talking to Stiles, protected from the pouring rain.

He looks happy to be talking to her..good for him, he's liked her for a long time. Too bad he's never and will never look at me like that.

I sighed before putting the key in the ignition and reversing out of the spot when I could feel my eyes brimming with tears, damn it.

I was quick to get back home and rush inside before anyone, including Nana and Pops, could see me cry about the impossible. I put my bag into the desk chair before I lay on the bed and grabbed a pillow to hold close to me. It felt like hours went by watching the raindrops fall down my window when I heard a knock on the front door.

"Nana and Pops were good about remembering their keys so it couldn't be them," I silently remembered as I headed down the stairs to look through the peephole, seeing someone I didn't expect to see and opened the door to a dripping wet from head to toe Stiles Stilinski.

"Hey," Stiles says, breaking the silent tension between us as we're just standing there staring at each other, I reply, "Hi."

"Do you want to," I started to ask when Stiles interrupts me with, "Why didn't you tell me and Scott who you were when we asked?"

"I-I don't have an exact answer besides I was scared," I answered as Stiles looked at me confused and asked, "Scared of what?"

"Stiles, I can't do this right now. I've got homework and chores to help out with, so I'll talk to you later," I say as I turn to enter back into the house before I feel a hand reach out to me, holding me in place.

"Y/N," Stiles whisper as he pulls me toward him and asks again, "What are you scared of? You know you can tell me."

I sighed and closed my eyes before answering, "Scared that you hated me for something I couldn't control, scared you wouldn't like who I've become, and scared of finding out that you don't harbor the same feelings I do."

After a few moments of silence, I feared my worst fear was coming true until I hear him start to laugh, the most beautiful laugh I've ever heard, causing me to open my eyes to see him doubled over.

"What's so funny?" I asked, confused before he placed his cold hands on my face so I could stare into his dark brown eyes as he spoke.

"Do you realize how much you mean to me? Yes, you were my best friend and it may have seemed like that was all that was going to happen between us, but you were also my first crush and I wanted you to be more than that. After you left, I didn't look at any other girls the way I looked at you, not even Lydia, because you were the only one who could make me feel the way I felt being around you," Stiles whispers as I softly smile and blush before he continued with, "You are my first love, Y/N M/N L/N, and if you'll have me, I would like to be the only guy you've ever loved besides your dad and grandpa."

Before I could give my answer to Stiles, I laughed while shivering out, "Your hands are very cold, Stilinski."

"Oh really? And what are you going to do about it?" Stiles asks before I started to shove him back out into the pouring rain, which in turn made him grab my hand and pull me out with him, making us laugh.

"Maybe I'll do this," I whispered as I got up on my tiptoes and kissed him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he moves one hand behind my head and the other resting on my waist.

[liptonsbabe]

My dear [S.U]

Sam Uley x Fem! reader!

Summary: “Did you have a hard day? You can complain to me. Did something make you almost cry? It’s alright, look at me. Starting from now, think of three really good things: the warm air, the dazzling weather, and me outside your window.  I told you, you can see brightness only when it gets dark”

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: Mentions of abuse, death, heart dissease and such. English not my mother language so pls let me know if something’s wrong

gif’s not mine

"Sorry to bother you, Chief," you said following the man's moves through your house. Charlie Swan was carrying a reclining chair with ease leaving it in the middle of the living room while you stood at the bottom of the stairs with your little four year old daughter in your arms. Cassie was exhausted. It had been a long plane ride and a bit more road travel, which knocked your little girl out as soon as you set foot in your new home in Forks. It was a long time since you had seen that place but of course you remembered Charlie Swan as kind as he had always been. Even when you were just starting to think about moving back to Forks he was the first to help you get a safe home for you and your daughter. You remembered looking up for Charlie's old phone number hoping it was still the same and when you dialed and heard the man's voice behind the phone you sighed in relief. At last life seemed to be smiling on you after a long time and Charlie was quick to offer to help you if you decided to return to town.

He told you about a house for sale next to his. The owner was elderly and preferred to live with one of her children and earn income from the house near the forest that could be bought by curious tourists so Charlie convinced her to sell you the house and at a lower price than she was originally asking because the house needed some repairs that he could do. So you thought no more about it and packed your things to return to Forks after the horrible years you had lived in Brownsville.

Charlie picked you up at the airport in his police cruiser and avoided turning on the siren cause Cassie was already half asleep in your arms when you got off the plane and he didn't want to disturb her, but Cassie had the strength to stay awake long enough to make him promise that next time he would turn on the siren as they drove around town.

The truth was that Charlie Swan was an angel. He arranged everything so you would have a quick return and even now he was bothering to get all your stuff out of the moving truck so you wouldn't have the worry of doing it later.

"Nonsense, I'm happy to do it. Besides, it's my day off."

"And that's why you shouldn't be doing all this. I know vacations for police officers are non-recurring."

"I'm the chief, I have certain privileges."

"Still."

"Well, I wasn't going to let you do this on your own" he replied, carrying the boxes with your and Cassie's clothes. He set them down on the kitchen island and leaned back against them to rest. You walked over and settling Cassie better in your arms you sat down in one of the chairs Charlie had given you "Billy and Jacob will be here in a little while to get all this settled so you can have your first night here without any problems."

"I still think it's too much. Stop spoiling me like this, Charlie, you even gave me part of your dining room!"

"Ah, it was nothing. Bella and I recently bought a new one and we didn't want to take it to the dump cause it still has some use. The table is made out of good wood and the chairs are freshly upholstered. Look at it, it suits perfectly!"

"That's not the point" you said, glancing sideways at the newly arranged dining room near the kitchen "The point is that you're doing a lot for me and it's not fair."

"Your father would have done the same for Bella if it had been about me" he replied reaching for a bottle of water from the installed cooler. A sudden tension appeared in the room as you both remembered what your father's life was like in Forks "Jackson was my best friend for a long time and when he died...I promised him that I would seek you out and support you as if you were my own and that is precisely what I am doing."

"You wouldn't have if I hadn't left and hadn't abandoned him. He died because of me"

"That's not true."

"He was left alone when I left. He died of grief"

"He died from the heart valve disease he had. Your father suffered it from a young age and even so, you had a right to look for your mother"

"I wish I hadn't" you murmured, cooing to Cassie who was beginning to get annoyed by the noise of your voices "I abandoned my father and didn't find anything worthwhile"

"Well, that doesn't matter anymore, stop tormenting yourself and thinking you killed your father. I was with him. He loved you and he died peacefully, remember him as the good man he was, child."

You sighed. Cassie went back to sleep peacefully

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I know it's not the same, but you have me now and I'd rather die than let you leave again, do you hear me?"

"Easy, I have no intention of doing that" you half smiled "I'm running away from the tracks I left in Brownsville, I have no desire to go back under any circumstances. What I'm worried about is that the tracks won't rub off and show the way to the one I'm hiding from"

Charlie clicked his tongue.

"That should be the least of your problems. I have a gun and I know how to use it. He'll have to deal with that first before he gets to you."

"Thanks, Charlie."

"Although, if Chief Swan is as good at shooting as he is at fishing then you'll have to learn how to handle a gun yourself, honey" a voice appeared from the doorway followed by a young man's laughter.  You looked up meeting the unmistakable face of Billy Black next to his son Jacob. Billy entered your house being pushed by Jacob leaving him next to Charlie as he rolled his eyes "Be a little more modest, buddy."

"There's nothing wrong with bragging once in a while."

"Yeah, but you do it all the time."

"Shut up."

"Make me"

Charlie got up from his spot lunging towards Billy who ina swift movement spun the wheels of his chair avoiding Charlie's attack thus beginning a chase through the house dodging the obstacles of boxes on the floor. Jacob laughed taking Charlie's place in front of you.

"I thought we were coming to help with the move, not to watch them play like preschoolers?"

"Me too. I think Cassie will get along with them."

"Your little girl will beat them up right away"

"Probably."

You giggled quietly avoiding waking Cassie as Charlie and Billy finished their game to go back to the truck and get the last boxes, then you could finally get everything settled at home. Jacob smiled, looking at you

"I'm Jacob. You may not remember me but..."

"Are you kidding? I used to give you the bottle."

"No you didn't."

"Of course i did! My dad used to visit your parents a lot and he used to take me with him. You were a newborn baby and I used to volunteer to help Sarah feed you. You were the worst baby ever. You cried too loudly and squeezed the bottle with your swollen gums. Then you'd throw the milk back and you used to get really messy. Your poop was the smelliest I could remember."

"Don't say that!" he replied, embarrassed "I see you do remember me."

"And Quill and Embry. Tell me, are they still the same old fools?"

"They haven't changed at all."

You laughed.

"Perfect."

"Ok, these are the last boxes" announced Charlie walking into the house carrying with him a small box with Cassie's toys. Billy came in behind with some boxes on his lap "I think now we can get everything organized and finishing in time for you to get some rest."

"I'll clean up the little girl's room" offered Jacob standing up "then I'll fill the closet and set up the bed so you can lay her down, you must be tired from carrying her around for so long. is that okay with you?" he asked you. You nodded

"Yes, thank you Jacob."

"You're welcome. Give me that" The boy took the boxes off his father's legs and picked up Charlie's, all with one arm and with the other he carried the folding base of the bed. You opened your eyes wide 

"Easy, big guy, when did you get so strong?"

"I don't know. It just... showed up" he replied disappearing up the stairs

"It showed up" said Charlie "Ah, I hope shows up something like that to me"

"Don’t hold your breath as that happens" Billy joked.

"I should do something for lunch" you said trying to stand up. You were going to put Cassie down on one of the couches and put some cushions around her, but Charlie won't let you. Billy agreed 

"None of that. We'll order something."

"But..."

"Nothing" interrupted Billy "We'll buy pizza"

"You guys really need to stop doing this" you reproached. Billy picked up his phone

"Ah, sorry, you had to say that earlier, I'm already on the call."

"You guys are unbelievable"

Charlie smiled

"We know. oh I'll get Bella, she hasn't said hello yet" Charlie walked out before you could say anything else and closed the door dismissing the moving truck. Billy smiled complicitly, placed the order, gave the address and left the cell phone on the kitchen bar

"Dinner is served."

"Thank you."

"They had children's menu, so I ordered it for Cassie. I hear their brownies are delicious. Maybe I'll steal it for myself."

"I'll keep it as a secret"

Billy nodded with a smile and as the food arrived you chatted animatedly about what had happened in your absence, he also told you things about your father and all the times they went fishing together before his death. You were enjoying Billy's stories when time began to pass and Charlie didn’t return with Bella as he promised. Jacob was finishing Cassie's room and when the pizza arrived he came downstairs immediately, asking about Charlie's whereabouts.

"He went to get Bella, but he hasn't come back yet."

"That's strange, his house is right next door."

"Maybe something came up for him at the station" Billy shrugged.

You  decided to wait for the Swans to eat, but seeing that they didn't show up Jacob offered to investigate what was going on when suddenly the door opened and a very worried Charlie Swan walked in wiping the sweat from his brow

"Bella’s missing."

"What?"

Jacob suddenly became alert and Billy remained static in his place. You felt a knot in your stomach. While riding in the police cruiser that morning, you had heard something about tourist disappearances and wild creatures killing people in the woods and you feared Bella might be in that kind of danger. You were never close, but you knew her and occasionally went out together to talk or share a movie night. You still hadn't seen her after the years you were away and the least you wanted was for something bad to happen to her.

"Did you talk to any of her friends?"

"She was with them during classes, but they lost track of her on her way here. I'll call the Cullens, maybe..."

"You didn't know?" asked Billy "The Cullens left Forks, Charlie."

"Where did they go?"

"We'll find her" encouraged Jacob "But we have to go out and look for her before dark."

"I'll go with you" you said "I'll take Cassie to her room and..."

"No, no, stay" Charlie asked you "I left a note for Bella at home in case she comes back she’ll know that she has to come here and wait for me. If she does, call me right away, please" you nodded

"I'll call Harry and ask him to join along with the boys" Billy said and wheeled away down the hallway holding the phone to his ear. Charlie and Jacob left and you decided to take Cassie to the room, go down to the kitchen and make some coffee for the Brigadiers and Bella. If she was alone in the woods and the night was catching up with her then she was going to need something hot to get her strength back. 

You hoped with all your heart that she was all right. For her, for Charlie.

.

.

.

Hours passed one after another with no sign of Bella. Your driveway was carpeted with people and police cruisers specially brought by Charlie to search for Bella. The entire town was scoured by officers from the early hours of the night, yet there was no trace of the chief's daughter. You decided to join the search taking the opportunity that Sue Clearwater was playing with Cassie - who was awakened by the ruckus of the patrol cars - asking if it was a good idea to search for her in the woods, but Harry refused.

"It's too dangerous, we don't know what might be among the trees. We can't risk losing any more people."

You were about to object his words when Jacob came up to you putting a hand on your shoulder telling you that he was right and that the forest was something not to be taken lightly. So you gave up, deciding to go back inside and refill the coffee pot when Jacob alerted Charlie that someone had found Bella.

A tall man walked in a straight line toward the Brigadiers where Billy and Harry watched him with restrained relief. He had a stocky frame and Bella unconscious in his arms seemed to weigh no more than a feather. His cropped black hair was messy and his lack of a shirt told you that the icy cold of the city didn't affect him at all

You knew him. His face was very familiar yet strange at the same time. You were back in Forks after a few years, but you knew that no one could change that much in that period of time.

Sam Uley was holding Bella and Charlie took her in his arms as he came out of the stupor and relief of having found his daughter. The Brigadiers sighed in unison and Billy thanked them all. You wanted to do something, to approach Charlie, to ask him if he needed help with Bella, but your eyes were caught in Sam’s. 

They were dark, wild, like the forest behind him. You remembered him perfectly. 

Before you left Forks you two were close friends and came to like each other as something more, but your leaving ended that and what you might have been up to that point.

You tried to look away, but then Sam's huge body began to shake, his knees buckled and he fell to the ground resting his hands on the dirt. Harry Clearwater reacted and approached him asking if he was okay.

"Tired" you heard him whisper causing you to shudder. Harry helped him up, whispered something in his ear and after taking one last look at you he disappeared into the woods. Harry walked back towards you.

"I thought the forest was dangerous"

"For us."

"What do you mean?"

Harry looked at you. Then he looked at his wife with Cassie in her arms standing at the doorway . He smiled.

"You'll find out soon, child"