#that feeling when you just wanted to do something nice for your dad after peepaw's death and now you're

[psstwantsomecheese]

*voice of son who had no idea where feanor was going with the oath* uh hey dad what was that last bit about the everlasting darkness

[nani-nonny]

Between You and Me and Him (BYMH) - Peepaw Showdown edition

Let’s sit DMD down and see how he feels about this Peepaw showdown, shall we? Let’s give him the same metal chair but give him a nice, square room with some windows! All the windows, let some light in!

So, what are your thoughts on going against Full Lair Nardo in the Peepaw showdown?

DMD:

DMD takes his seat and adjusts the clip-on microphone on his plastron. He shrugs as he crosses his arms and says, “I’m flattered to be among several other versions of me. Although, it’s a bit disorienting that there are so many. I’m only used to two others so it’s new. I hear he is a Battle Nexus warrior too, so it should be interesting.”

Okay, do you have high hopes in winning this first round?

DMD:

He leans back for a few seconds before answering, “Maybe. I can’t say I won’t be disappointed to have lost, but it won’t disappoint me as much as the kids. They’re really into this poll.”

The kids, tell us how do they feel about the showdown?

DMD:

A small smile creeps onto his face as he answers, “Do you want to hear it straight from them?”

The kids are here?

The slider turns in his seat to face the back wall and two teenage turtles quickly duck out of view, while a soft shell turns to take a quick photo and a box turtle raises his light sticks. Mikey doesn’t stop waving his light sticks as the elder slider waves at the kids, and Donnie takes one more photo—for his archives, of course. Raph rises to sheepishly wave at the elder until Mikey grabs his hand to wave more vigorously. The younger slider is pulled to his feet by Donnie, and slightly waves a fan of the elder’s face.

Would the kids care to say something?

Mikey:

The box turtle is quick to run up to the elder’s seat and snatch the microphone from the slider’s plastron. “I’m rooting for Leo, he’s the best!”

Lil Leon:

The young slider is quick to catch up to Mikey’s side and take the mic. He settles his elbow on Leo’s shoulder as he says, “Yeah, why does that old man have a boyfriend and you don’t?”

DMD:

He snatches the microphone from Leon and shoved the younger slider away by the face. He clips the microphone back on his plastron as he asks, “Do I look like I have time to look for a partner with you around? Any other questions?”

Anything you want to say to get DMD some votes?

Mikey:

Mikey shoves Leon away and retrieves the mic from Leo’s plastron. He waves his light sticks as he says, “Give him a win! He deserves a win after all he’s done for us!”

Raph:

Raph calls out to say, “Vote for Leo! He needs a confidence boost!”

Lil Leon:

Leon recovers from the attack from his elder counterpart and jumps to his feet with a flick of his bandana tails. He says, “If he wins, Dad said he’d take us out to eat with everyone at Hueso’s!”

Donnie:

The soft shell calls out from Raph’s side to say, “He promised me uranium if he won!”

DMD:

“Now when did I say that,” Leo quickly retorts as he sends a glare in Donnie’s way.

Casey Jr:

The future boy runs into the room and grabs the mic from Mikey’s hand and says, “Vote for my dad!”

Like an echo, everyone in the room repeats the word “Dad???” as if they had simultaneously turned into parrots. The future boy in question smiles widely from ear to ear as Leo sits frozen in his seat, registering what he just heard.

DMD:

He covers his face as he bends over in his seat, a shaking to his shoulders as the mic manages to catch him repeat the word, “Dad…?”

Don’t upset the kiddos! They want DMD to win, so go and vote!

[ofstoriesandstardust]

dog days (lt. bradley “rooster” bradshaw)

a/n: @starcrosslove​ sent something (okay quite a few things) to my inbox and now i can’t get it out of my head. my Dad takes me to local shelters all the time for adoption events so my experience is based on that. this takes place pretty late on the timeline, just after chasing stars 

summary: The story of Buddy the puppy and the joy he brought the Dagger family. 

part of same mistakes-verse

main masterlist | top gun: maverick masterlist

warnings: swearing, domestic bliss, fluff is not my forte, blame Lia for the usage of “peepaw”

word count: 4,346

The bell jingles and you feel the door open wider behind you as Coyote follows you in. You blink as your eyes adjust from the bright light of the day to the dimmer interior of the old home that’s been renovated to be a shelter. It’s busy, the adoption event well underway, and Coyote pauses next to you as he looks around for whoever it is he’s looking for. 

As he waits, you shift on your feet nervously. “Why are we here again?” 

“Because you need to get out of your house.”

“I do get out of my house.” 

“Going to the Hard Deck where you just sit in a corner miserably because Rooster’s gone does not count.” You let out an indignant scoff, opening your mouth to protest that you do not do that thank you very much but don’t get a chance as someone calls out for your best friend. 

“Coyote!” You turn to see April turning a corner, smiling brightly. “Good to see you both.” 

“Since when are the two of you friends?” You ask, head swinging between them. A familiar figure follows after April and you recognize it as April’s older brother Alex. Alex had been in Rooster’s class in high school and while the two were friendly, you’d always known him as April’s annoying older brother. Coyote laughs. 

“April’s doing another tattoo for me. Told me about this event and figured it’d be good for you.” April laughs as well, nodding her head. 

Alex pauses at his sister’s shoulder and she glances at him. “(Y/N), you remember my brother Alex. Coyote, this is Alex. Alex, this is her best friend.” 

Alex leans over his sister, reaching out to shake Coyote’s hand as you offer a wave. “I work here at the shelter. April told me you were wanting to stop by, look at some dogs?” 

You shrug. “I don’t know, I got dragged out here.” Coyote nods, crossing his arms. 

“Her boyfriend’s gone on a mission and she’s taking it pretty hard.”

“Are you moping?” Alex says, chuckling and you glare at him. “Over Bradshaw?” 

“Shut up Alex.” You respond, flipping him off. He laughs harder. “And I’m not moping.”

“Alright, tell you what. Why don’t you come with me?” You nod, following Alex and April as the four of you weave through the crowd and off into a small room. “The dog we’re going to look at first is a golden retriever named Buddy. He’s just under a year old. He’s very easily excited, loves attention, and loves to play fetch. He was surrendered because the family had to move unexpectedly due to a job offer overseas. You know how it is with military families.” You nod as Alex pauses, unlocking the door to a kennel, letting out an easily excited golden retriever. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Coyote and April exchange a look as you crouch down, heart melting as the puppy bounds into your arms. 

“Hi Buddy.” You coo, scratching behind his ears. You look up at Alex. “Can I hold him?” He nods. Your heart melts even more as the puppy lets you pick him up into your arms. He’s wriggling, very clearly excited at the attention and it makes you want to cry. 

You won’t but it does. 

Coyote crouches down next to you, scratching the puppy as you hold him. Alex smiles. “Alright, I have to go take care of a few other things but holler if you need anything? Another puppy... adoption paperwork...” April chuckles, leaning up against the way. 

“No way in hell would her Dad let her bring a puppy home.” He raises an eyebrow. 

“Listen, I’ve met Pete Mitchell. He could be swayed if she begs just enough.”

“’Scuse you, it’s not begging. It’s asking nicely with a look that he can’t say no to. But April’s right, there’s no way my Dad would let me bring a dog home.” He shakes his head. 

“Whatever. Have fun with Buddy.” 

-

You aren’t sure how long the three of you sat there playing with Buddy, but by the time Alex returns, it’s safe to say your heart has been stolen. You’re sitting on the floor now, throwing a ball across the room as Buddy chases it when Alex knocks on the door. April and Coyote look up from where they’re discussing tattoo designs as he walks in, chuckling at the sight of you. 

“Whatcha got there Alex?” April asks, leaning forward in her chair. He looks down at the clipboard. 

“Adoption paperwork for our favorite Mitchell here.” 

“You know I’m not legally a Mitchell right?” 

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever. Paperwork.” He holds the clipboard out to you and you sigh, dropping the ball as you look up at him. Buddy nudges you at the sudden lack of attention. 

“I can’t.” Alex crosses his arms. 

“C’mon, you’ve fallen in love with this dog. He was practically meant to be yours.” You sigh as the dog climbs into your lap. You scratch behind his ears as you look at Coyote, who’s leaned back in his chair. 

“Just call Mav and ask.” He says, shrugging and you sigh, looking to Alex once again. You swallow, reaching for your phone from your back pocket. 

“Okay, I’ll ask but I wouldn’t expect much.” You say, swallowing back the lump in your throat at the idea of having to leave this dog here. You click on your Dad’s name, letting the phone ring as you pet the puppy in your lap, who’s curled up into you now. 

“Hello?”

“Hey Dad, I have a question.”

“Shoot. What’s up?”

“Can we get a dog?” 

“Wha- Can we- No!” 

“Dad, please!” 

You hear your Dad sigh over the phone. “Give me more context.”

“Coyote dragged me to an adoption event at the local shelter April’s brother works at.”

“Yeah, I know that one.” 

“And there’s a golden retriever here, almost a year old, named Buddy and I’ve fallen in love with him. He was surrendered by another military family and- please.” Your Dad sighs. 

“How much time do I have to think about this?” You glance up at Alex, who shrugs. 

“I don’t know, till we leave? Alex is waving the adoption papers in front of my face.” You, say, smacking the clipboard away as Alex chuckles. There’s a moment of silence. 

“This dog would your responsibility, yes?” 

“Mhmm.”

“Everything this dog would need you would take care of, right? Toys, vet visits, someone to watch him while you’re gone?”

“Yes, I’d take care of it all.” You say, turning to face Coyote with a hopeful grin. Coyote looks up from his phone, giving you a thumbs up. Your Dad sighs again. 

(Unbeknownst to you, Coyote had sent a picture of you playing with Buddy to your Dad while he had talked with you and his heart melted at the sight of his daughter so happy. He saved the photo to his phone immediately and made his decision right then and there.)

“Okay, if you swear to me that this will be your responsibility, I guess you can adopt him.” A wide smile crosses your face as you look down at the dog. 

“You hear that Buddy?” The dog raises his head, looking at you. “You’re coming home with me.” Your Dad chuckles. 

“Okay, go fill out all the paper work, I’ll see you soon.”

“Thank you, by the way.”

“I know, kiddo. Love you, have fun with your dog.” 

“I will. Love you.” 

“K, bye.” The calls ends and you smile at Alex, grabbing the clipboard away from him. 

“I’ll go get you guys all sorted with the stuff to take home for him. Holler when you finish that.” You nod as Coyote moves to the floor to play with Buddy as you fill out the paperwork. 

“Hey April?” She hums, looking up from her phone.

“Would you be my bestest friend ever-” Coyote squawks, glaring at you. “-and text me a list of things I’ll need? Carole had a dog growing up but it’s been so long- what?” She’s laughing at you and you look up from the paperwork. 

“Tell you what, I’m gonna take off and get you everything you need? I can meet you back at your house.” 

“April, no, that’s gonna be expensive.” She shakes her head. 

“Nah, let me do this for you.” You sigh. 

“I’m not getting a choice, am I?” She shakes her head, already standing up from her chair. 

“Nope. Text me your address again? Can’t remember which house is yours.” You nod as she slips out of the room. 

“I hope you know that this isn’t just your dog, but our dog.” Coyote says, offering you a grin. “We’re sharing.” You glance at him, shaking your head. 

“I expected nothing less from you.” 

“How do you think Bradshaw’s gonna take it?” 

“Good. He loves dogs, Carole had a german shepherd growing up. He was Bradley’s best friend.” There’s a knock at the door and you look up, seeing Alex holding a leash. 

“We’ve got everything ready for when you’re finished.” You nod, signing off the last few portions of paperwork and offer the clipboard to him in exchange for the leash. You clip it to Buddy’s makeshift collar, making a mental note to get him a real one. 

“Alright Buddy, you ready to go home?”

-

Your keys jingle in the doorway as you unlock the front door, glancing at Rooster behind you. The dusk was settling into the sky behind him and the laugh track of an old sitcom echoed through your home as you shut the door behind him. 

“I have a surprise.” You whispered and he smirked, raising an eyebrow. 

“Oh yeah?” You nod, grabbing his hand. You squeeze it, walking to the living room where your Dad was laying on the couch, Buddy curled up by his feet, head resting on his legs. 

Despite your Dad’s initial insistence that he was not helping with Buddy, he had quickly folded, leaving to go buy toys as soon as you and Coyote had come home yesterday. You’d woken up to Buddy laid on your Dad’s bed this morning, fast asleep as your Dad petted him. 

Bradley dropped his bag next to his feet, causing the dog to lift his head. he glanced at you, eyes wide. “You got a dog?” He whispers. 

You nod. “Meet Buddy.” He moves to the couch and crouches down. Buddy lets him scratch behind his ears as your Dad shifts, giving him room to pick Buddy up. “Coyote and I went to the shelter where Alex works at yesterday. Ended up coming home with a dog.”

“Alex, April’s brother?” You nod as Bradley holds the dog in his arms, clearly enamored by the puppy. 

“I like April.” Your Dad commented, shifting to sit up. 

“April’s good people.” Bradley agreed, scratching the top of Buddy’s head. You hummed, sitting down on the couch as Bradley set Buddy down. He hopped back up on to the couch, settling into your lap, and Bradley chuckled, smile growing ever wider. 

“So you and Coyote a dog?”

“No, I got a dog. Coyote’s just decided we’re sharing.” Bradley huffed out a laugh. 

“Yeah, I hope you know you will be sharing with the whole team.” 

“I know. But Alex said Buddy loves attention. I guess he was surrendered by another military family, so it almost seems like it was meant to be.” You reach your hands up to flop Buddy's ears, leaning your head to rest against his own. 

“Buddy, that’s your Dad, Bradley.” A warm smile grows on both your Dad and Rooster’s face and you glance up. “What?” 

Rooster shakes his head, sticking his hands in his pockets. “Nothing. You’re just cute.” You blush, ducking your head into the dogs fur, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. 

“Thanks.” You mumble and he chuckles. 

“I’m gonna shower and then head to bed, if it’s okay if I stay?” Bradley asks, question directed at your Dad. 

“Course it is. Always has been kiddo.” 

Bradley nods, moving to kiss the top of your head. “Alright, I love you. I’ll see you in a little bit.” You nod as he disappears into the hallway. Once the two of you can hear the shower start, you sigh. 

“How was picking him up?”

“You know, the usual.” Your Dad nods, moving to turn the volume up on the TV. 

“You know, have you and Bradley ever talked about life after the Iron Daggers?” You look at him, your scratching of Buddy slowing. He nudges your hand and you laugh to yourself, resuming the movement. 

“Um, we have, a little. Why?” 

Your Dad shrugs. “You two have been together for a long time now. Three years yeah?”

You nod. “Yeah, almost.” Your Dad sighs, glancing to the hallway. 

“Have you and Bradley talked about marriage at all?” You startle, looking back at your Dad. 

“Yeah, course we have. Where are you going with this Dad?” Your Dad swallows, rubbing his hands together. 

“I just... I don’t want you to end up like me, running for the skies every time a commitment to the Navy comes up, leaving behind the people we care about. You and Bradley are good for each other, always have been, and this... a dog-”

“Buddy’s my dog, first of all.” 

He waves a hand. “Yeah, I know, but... do you ever think about life like that with him?” You shrug. 

“Course I’ve thought about it. But we’re happy with where our careers are and... I don’t know, I’m not exactly marriage prone, you know this.” Your Dad shifts closer to you. 

“I don’t think you have to be scared.” He whispers. You swallow, a lump rising in your throat. 

“Dad-”

The sound of the shower stopped and you both looked to the hallway. “Just think about it.” He whispered and then kissed the top of your head, standing up and disappearing too. You swallow again, willing the tears back as you sat back, sighing. 

Truth was, you had thought about it. Life with Rooster. Domestic life with Rooster, more specifically. A life where the two of you lived in a shared home, with, well now with a dog, but that had always been a maybe. Moved on to the more stable parts of your career. Waking up to him in the morning, to the smell of coffee and eggs. Going to bed with him at night, stupid mustache and all. Going on weekly grocery trips with him, him behind you, arms wrapped around you as the two of you pushed the cart, buying everything that was not on the list. Doing laundry with him, getting distracted as the two of you cleaned, just basking in the fact that you had each other. Staying up late to watch movies with him and hosting all the group events at your home, and living a life that was shared with him. 

You sighed, realizing how much you chest ached at the thought. You stood up and Buddy followed as you moved to your bedroom, catching sight of your boyfriend already laying in bed. The dog quickly hopped up on the bed and you huffed as he smiled, leaning down to scratch the dogs head. 

“Dog’s been here for all of one day and I’ve already been replaced.” You can hear your Dad burst into laughter from down the hall and you peer over to his room, where his door is open. He shakes his head at you as he slips into the hallway to move to the bathroom. You huff, moving into your room, and shutting the door behind you to get changed. 

“How was everything, really?” You asked as you slipped one of Bradley’s spare t-shirts over your head. You move over to the bed, sitting next to him and the dog. He looks up at you from his phone, shrugging. 

“The usual, you know. Missed you.” 

“Yeah, I missed you too.” He hums, his hand coming out to grab your wrist as your Dad shouts goodnight from his room. “What’re you thinking abut?” He rubs soft circles over your pulse point with his thumb and you take comfort in the familiar feeling. 

It’s your turn to shrug now as you take a deep breath. “Dunno, just thinking. Glad to have you home.” He smiles and you lean over, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He whines when you pull away but you smirk. “Sorry, gotta go brush my teeth and then we can cuddle.” He groans, flopping over. “Drama queen.” You mutter, shaking your head as you stand up. 

“You love me.” 

“That I do Bradshaw, that I do.” You slip out of your room, moving into the bathroom to brush your teeth. Once done, you move back to the bedroom, the door clicking shut behind you quietly. You roll your eyes as Rooster reaches his arms out at you, making grabby hands. You lean on the bed gently, allowing your weight to fall against him as his arms come up to wrap around you. You sigh, running your thumb over one of the scars on his cheekbone. 

“I was thinking about us.” He raises an eyebrow, swallowing. “You know, life like this. With a dog, and maybe a house, and I don’t know... a life that’s ours.” 

“I think about life like that too.” 

“Yeah, I know. I just... I don’t know, I guess I’m realizing how much I crave it. How much I just want to do the mundane shit with you. Chores, errands, paying the bills, I just want all of it, so long as it’s with you and it’s a life we have together.” He hums, shifting you so you’re no longer laying on top of him, but tucked into his side. 

“I want nothing more than to share the rest of my life with you.” He whispers after a moment. “I think about all that stuff too. About getting to wake up next to you every morning, admire the way the the sun dances over your skin, and to fall sleep next to you every night, wondering how I got so lucky as to end up with my childhood best friend. And we’ll have it, I promise. ‘M not going anywhere.” 

-

“Shut up. You did not.” You look up from your phone, seeing Fanboy’s open jaw as he looked down at Buddy, who walked up to him with a ball in his mouth. Payback and Phoenix follow him out, jaws also dropping at the sight of the happy dog wagging his tail. Bob squeezes past, kneeling to pet him, causing Buddy to drop the ball out of his mouth. 

“I got a dog. His name’s Buddy.” 

“Can I pet him?” Fanboy asks, voice soft. You nod and he drops down next to Bob. The sliding door to the patio opens again, revealing Hangman and Coyote, Rooster right behind them. Hangman slips past the group now fawning over the golden retriever, who’s wagging his tail happily, dutifully letting them all pet him. 

“That the dog?” You nod as Hangman slides into the chair at the table next to you. Phoenix looks up at you as Coyote moves to stand behind his boyfriend. 

“Whose idea was it to get a dog?” 

“Mine.” You respond as the door open again, revealing your Dad, with Penny and Amelia on either side of him. “Coyote dragged me to the shelter my friend April’s brother works at. He was surrendered by a military family and I fell in love with him. He loves attention and playing fetch, so feel free.” You say, gesturing to the yard that sat behind your house. 

“Pete, you did not...” Penny sighs as Amelia coos, already kneeling down next to the other pilots. Buddy’s basking in the attention, you can tell, and Rooster says as much as he leans up against the back of your chair. 

“What was I supposed to do? Tell her no?” Penny gives him that look and he laughs nervously, shaking his head. “Okay, maybe I should've. But she’s happy and she’s agreed that the dog is her responsibility.” You scoff.

“Don’t be fooled, he took off to buy toys no less than an hour after Buddy came home with us.” Your Dad concedes as the group continues to pet Buddy. Penny and Mav move to the grill to begin making food for yet another team cook-out as the door open agains revealing the rest of your team. 

Omaha’s the most forward, already recognizing it as your dog as he walks over, pushing past the other pilots. “Rebel, I’m stealing your dog.” Omaha comments as he leans down, bring Buddy fully into a hug at the protest of Fanboy. You laugh, shaking your head. 

“You can’t do that, Mav’ll be sad he lost his grand-dog.” You say.

“Grand-dog?” You turn, looking at your Dad. 

“Well, yeah, because you’re like the Grandpa of the group? Rooster and I are the Mom and Dad.” Your Dad shakes his head, a smile gracing his features. 

“Yeah Peepaw, how did you not know that?” Hangman calls and your Dad raises an eyebrow. 

“Come again?” 

You sigh. “Don’t yell at him, it’s April’s nickname for you and I might’ve told them that...” You say, looking up at the patio roof as your Dad shoots a disbelieving look at you. 

“Hangman, you haven’t come and said hi to Buddy yet.” Fritz says, lifting Buddy’s face to his own. Buddy nudges it and Fritz breaks away, chuckling. 

“Yeah, I don’t do... dogs.” Hangman says, gesturing vaguely around him. 

“C’mon Seresin, how can you not do dogs?” Rooster asks him, a disbelieving look on his face. Hangman shrugs. 

“I don’t do the pets thing.” 

“How can you not?” 

“Bradley, babe, to be fair, you had a pet growing up.” 

A faraway look passes over his face. “Aw Batman, I miss him.” 

“Batman? You had a pet named Batman?” Yale asks, eyes going wide. “Dude.” Your boyfriend straightens up, shrugging. 

“In my defense, Mom brought home a dog and let me name him. I was six.” Your Dad chuckles. 

“Batman was a good dog. I don’t know if bringing home a three year old german shepherd with a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old was a good idea, but the two of you loved him.” 

“Before there was Rebel, there was a Batman.” Coyote comments and you stick your tongue out at him. 

“I loved that dog too, thank you very much. Pretty sure I tried to ride him at one point.” 

“Ride him?” Halo exclaims, popping up from the floor. You laugh, nodding. 

“Yeah, maybe Mav has a picture somewhere. Climbed up on him and everything. Bradley over here encouraged me.” 

“Helped her get on and everything.” Your boyfriend announces proudly. 

“You two were always agents of chaos then?” Coyote asks, laughing. 

“Oh, but of course.” You respond. 

“Oh, now we’re talking. Can’t find the picture of Rebel on the dog, but- here we go.” Your Dad passes the phone to Halo and Harvard, who immediately coo. 

“How old were they here?”

“Still pretty young, we’d only had Batman for a few months at that point.” 

“What picture is it?” You call as the phone gets passed around. 

“You and Brad curled up with Batman. The two of you loved that dog.” The phone gets passed to you and your boyfriend leans over your shoulder to get a closer look. 

There you are, clutching Batman to your chest at the ripe age of... 5 maybe? Just barely. On the other side of Batman is your boyfriend, already gangly at 7, head rested on the dog. The two of you are fast asleep, surrounded by a pillow fort the two of you had insisted on building. 

“Oh my God, I remember this.” You whisper. “Dad had just left for a really long deployment and I was devastated. Bradley insisted on making pillow fort in the living room to cheer me up and Carole let us sleep in there. And eat, and basically live in there for a whole weekend. Batman never left the fort.” 

“Carole sent that picture to me the very first letter of the deployment. Ice had a copy in his office for the longest time too.” You sigh, passing the phone to Coyote. 

“We were so little, that’s so weird.” You comment, resting back in your chair. Amelia sighs, standing up to sit in the chair next to you.  

“Speaking of, Rooster and Rebel as Mom and Dad of the group. Let’s discuss further.” You laugh at the sudden change of conversation but it doesn’t stop Phoenix, who indulges Amelia in her question. 

“Well, Rooster’s obviously the Mother Hen of the group.” Phoenix says as she settles on the porch swing, Bob following her. 

“And Rebel’s the Dad of the group, because she wears the pants in their relationship.” Coyote agrees, nodding his head. 

Rooster scoffs. “No, she does not-” You twist, looking at him and he pauses, running his fingers over his mustache. “Okay, no actually, I can’t even argue.” Coyote and Phoenix laugh as you send your boyfriend a coy smile.

“Can we play fetch?” Halo asks, ball in hand as Buddy barks. 

“Go for it.” You laugh, gesturing to the yard, as most of the team follows. Penny and Mav turn back to the grill. Bradley nudges Amelia further down the table as he sits next to you. You look at your backyard, watching your dog, who’s currently chasing your team (your family) all over the yard in search of the ball, taking in Penny and Mav at the grill and a few others laughing amongst themselves. You turn, knocking your knees with Bradley’s. 

“What?” He whispers. “What’re you thinking about?” You shrug. 

“Nothing, just that... well, this is a life I could get used to.” He smiles at you and leans over, pressing a kid to your cheek. 

“One day, we’ll have a life that’s ours, I promise.”

[thisismypersonalsanctuary]

12/24/16

A: I actually got your mom something before we broke up lol

G: Oh wow. Really

A: Yeah I just thought it'd be nice but I didn't know if it'd be appropriate or not so if it wasn't I was just gonna have you give it to her from you lol

G: Aw. You're very sweet.

A: I guess so

G: No you are.

A: I just thought it was nice to do

G: It was.

A: It's just a little 'spa' kit thing. It has lotion and body wash I think with a loofa.

G: So I know this is out of nowhere but tmrw I gotta be at my moms most the day but I was thinking maybe we could meet st my apartment in the morning if you wanted

A: I have breakfast and Christmas with my mom in the morning

G: Ahh okay. No worries. I didn't know when would work. Like if there's anytime you could get away tmrw

A: I'm not sure. I have 4 christmases tomorrow so it's kinda packed

G: Well if you figure out anytime in between them that'd be good. I have to be at my moms most the day but thought I'd see. I could slip away for an hour or so.

A: I'll have to see. I'll be in Frankfort most of the day. Lunchtime is my second Christmas in Frankfort, then my dads after & then I go to Meemaw's for dinner

G: But you're at your moms tonight aren't you?

A: Tonight I am yeah. We're having dinner at the hospital and everyone is coming to our house afterwards for games and presents

G: Well maybe after you leave there tmrw morning but before you leave for Frankfort

G: Idk

A: Maybe. I'm not sure when it'll be

G: Alright

A: If we get everything done in time I probably could

G: Okay :)

A: You just wanna have sex with me

G: I thought you wanted to have sex.

A: I know

G: Okay I understand. I'm sorry. It's okay

A: I'm not saying it's bad.

G: I can't tell how you meant that. We don't have to. Maybe we should just wait or something. I didn't mean to upset you

A: You didn't upset me

G: Hm

A: I just didn't think the next time I saw you would be just for sex

G: Then let's not. You're right.

A: No it's okay. I get it

G: No you're right. You're very special to me and I won't bring this up again. If we see each other again I should be taking you to dinner or something

A: It really is fine. Frankly I'd rather you be getting it from me than someone else.

A: It's not like doing it wouldn't mean anything if we did it. I know it's special with us. At least for me.

A: Right by your apartment now

G: Why we're you by my place? I'm not getting it from anyone else. We really don't have to. I'm being inconsiderate.

A: I want to do it. We drove by there from fowler on the way to the hospital

G: Idk. You seem leery. Oh okay.

A: No it's okay

G: Either way Alex. If not I can still see you. We can do dinner or get a drink. It doesn't have to be that.

A: We can do both

A: I just miss seeing you. It's been so hard.

G: It has and I know it's fragile. I don't wanna hurt you

A: I don't really even care at this point. It's not easy either way.

G: Well maybe think on it. I don't want you to do anything you aren't comfortable with. Also I just can't make things harder and maybe that will.

A: I don't need to think on it

G: Are you sure Alex? I feel so shitty as it is. Everyday.

A: I'm 100% sure. You have no idea what it's been like not talking to or seeing you.

G: I kinda do Alex.

A: I think I've made it clear that I wanna see you.

G: Okay..

A: Just believe me.

G: Hm

A: The last time I saw you couldn't have been the last time I saw you. You know? I just kept thinking that. Not seeing you is hard

G: Yeah I agree but maybe sleeping together might not help. I want that but only if you're ready. We can see each other and have dinner or grab drink if you'd rather that. It's up to you. Either way

A: I don't want you to feel that's the only way

G: I want to

A: Okay

A: I'm hoping I can see you soon.

G: Well let me know what works out tmrw. If not we can do something soon.

A: Yeah. I'm not sure what's going on tonight, we're still at the hospital. Tomorrow we usually eat at 9 I think.

G: Well I'd be few after that if you want. It's your call. I hope it goes well at the hospital though.

G: I'm sure he's very happy to see you all.

A: You'd be a few after that? What's that mean lol. He cried when he came in and cried on and off though the night

G: No I could do whenever you're ready. I'm sure he's so happy to see you

A: He was. I cried. Mom kept crying throughout the night too because it made her think of Peepaw.

G: I can only imagine.

A: Yeah. It's been an awful few weeks to say the least. It was just like when one bad thing happens then everything does

G: I'm so sorry babe. I wish I could do anything.

A: It's okay. Talking to you the past few days has really helped. You truly did make my birthday better

G: You deserve the world.

A: So do you

G: I guess

A: It's true. I wish I could give you the world. I know you'll never see what I see in you but you are such an amazing man.

G: I'm okay. You're the treasure

A: No. You really are amazing. I was so, so lucky to have you.

G: You're so wrong. I'm the lucky one.

A: No you just don't see what I see in you. I've been reading through old messages of us these past few days and it just reminds me of all our history.

G: Our history is too good can't wait till tmrw.

G: I'd be happy to see you in any form

A; You should see the messages. I know I'm hoping to make it.

G: I am too

A: I'm still going to give you the thing I got you. It's nothing big but I wanna give it to you

G: No please don't.

A: I already have it and I can't take it back

G: You're too good.

A: You'll love it

G: I'm so excited

A: I'll wrap them lol. I didn't because we weren't on speaking terms

G: I miss you too much

A: I know I miss you too

G: I miss you

A: I miss you too

G: Can't wait to see you.

A: I know me too

G: :)

A: I'm just excited to give you the gifts. It's amazing

G: I don't want anything.

G: I just want you. Please don't give me anything

A: I already have it

G: Maybe we shouldn't then. I thought we were just seeing each other

A: Don't be like that 🙄 I bought it before we broke up

G: Nooo. Stop. I want our gifts to just be sex love

A: Sucks

G: Please

A: No. I can't return it and I don't want it. I'm just going to give it to you.

G: Can I repay you by giving you something

A: I don't need to be repaid. It's a gift. I bought everyone special to me a gift.

G: But you're all I have

A: I'm just saying that you don't have to repay me. It's a gift for you.

G: I want you to keep it. Till then I'll see you in the morning

A: I'm not keeping it. It's not as big of a gift as your birthday

G: Find but I hope to see you on our next project

A: Our next project?